Catheter for treating atrial fibrillation and method for treating atrial fibrillation using the same

Abstract

To provide an atrial fibrillation treatment catheter for treatment of atrial fibrillation of the heart.SOLUTION: An atrial fibrillation treatment catheter includes: a body part which has one or more ablation electrodes formed on a distal part and which constitutes a soft catheter body made of a soft material; and a tapered tip which is connected to the body part and becomes thinner toward an end thereof, where a guidewire lumen into which a guidewire is inserted is formed to be connected to the tip and the body part. A preferable atrial fibrillation treatment method for treatment of atrial fibrillation of the heart includes the steps of: inserting a guidewire from the superior vena cava or inferior vena cava into the vein of Marshall via the coronary sinus; placing a RF ablation catheter, which has an ablation electrode formed on a distal part, in the vein of Marshall according to guidance of the guidewire; and performing RF ablation around the vein of Marshall after connecting the RF ablation catheter to a RF generator.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a catheter for treating atrial fibrillation and a method for treating atrial fibrillation using the same, and more particularly to a catheter for treating atrial fibrillation and a method for treating atrial fibrillation using the same, which eliminates atrial fibrillation by eliminating abnormal electrical signals generated near the Marshall vein using RFA (Radio Frequency Ablation) in order to treat atrial fibrillation caused in the cardiac conduction system. [Background technology]

[0002] The heart is composed of two atria and two ventricles. Normally, blood moves sequentially from the atria to the ventricles, and from the ventricles to the lungs and the rest of the body, due to the regular contractions and expansions of the atria and ventricles. "Atrial fibrillation" is a type of arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) in which the atria do not beat regularly, and various parts of the atria beat chaotically, forming an extremely fast waveform of 400 to 600 beats per minute, resulting in an irregular heartbeat.

[0003] Atrial fibrillation (A-fib) is caused by a problem with the heart's electrical system. With A-fib, most electrical signals start from places other than the SA node. This makes the right and left atria beat very fast and with an irregular rhythm. This irregular beating is called fibrillation. For some people, fibrillation is constant, while for others, it varies.

[0004] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the human heart for explaining the structure of the heart, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining RFA (Radio Frequency Ablation) used in atrial fibrillation treatment.

[0005] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, RFA (RF ablation) is one way to restore the heart to a normal rhythm. It stops electrical signals coming from places other than the SA node. In RFA (RF ablation), thin wires are connected to the heart through a vein in the arm or leg. One wire is used to find problem areas in the heart's electrical system. Heat is then transmitted through another wire. The heat destroys a small amount of tissue in the problem areas, stopping the abnormal heartbeat. Once all the problem areas are fixed, the wires are removed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] (Patent Document 0001) Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2020-0060188 (Published on May 29, 2020) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an RF ablation catheter for treating atrial fibrillation that has a simple structure yet is effective for treating atrial fibrillation of the heart, and an efficient method for treating atrial fibrillation using the same.

[0008] The objects of the present invention are not limited to the objects mentioned above, and other objects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the above object, the atrial fibrillation treatment catheter according to the present invention for treating atrial fibrillation of the heart includes a body portion having one or more cauterizing electrodes formed at a distal portion and forming a catheter body made of a soft material; and a tapered tip portion connected to the body portion and tapering toward the end; and a guidewire lumen for inserting a guidewire is formed by connecting the tip portion to the body portion.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, the guidewire lumen is formed from the end of the tip to a side hole formed in the middle part of the catheter, or from the end of the tip to the proximal part of the catheter.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the tapered tip has an atraumatic tip structure in which the end edge of the tip has a rounded shape so as not to damage the blood vessel when the catheter is inserted along the blood vessel.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the ablation electrode is a coiled ablation electrode wound around the catheter in a coiled form for improved flexibility.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the electrode wire connected to the cauterizing electrode is a silver wire wound radially around the catheter and coated with a material harmless to the human body.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, two thermocouple wires are wound around each other radially from the proximal to distal end of the catheter to measure the temperature of the electrodes. More preferably, one of the thermocouple wires is a nickel-chromium wire that is harmless to the human body, and the other is a nickel-alumel wire that is harmless to the human body.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, one or more sensing electrodes for sensing electrical signals from the heart are formed on the surface of the body, spaced apart from the cauterizing electrodes.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the sensing electrode wire connected to the sensing electrode is a silver wire wound radially around the catheter and coated with a material harmless to the human body.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the sensing electrodes have a narrower width than the ablation electrodes.

[0018] A preferred method for treating atrial fibrillation of the present invention includes the steps of inserting a guidewire from the superior vena cava or the inferior vena cava through the coronary sinus into the Marshall vein; positioning an RF ablation catheter having an ablation electrode formed at its distal end into the Marshall vein using the guidewire; and connecting the RF ablation catheter to an RF generator and then performing RF ablation around the Marshall vein.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the RF ablation is bipolar ablation in which a grounded catheter is positioned in the left atrium before performing the RF ablation, and ablation is then performed between the RF ablation catheter and the grounded catheter.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the method further includes a step of sensing abnormal electrical signals in the Marshall vein using a sensing electrode formed on the atrial fibrillation catheter, or using a separate EP catheter, or using a ground catheter before or after the RF ablation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] As described above in detail, the RF ablation catheter for treating atrial fibrillation of the present invention has a simple structure, a tapered end, and a round shape, which allows it to be easily inserted along a blood vessel, and a guidewire lumen is formed inside, which allows it to be easily inserted along a guidewire.

[0022] Furthermore, the method for treating atrial fibrillation according to the present invention has the advantage that the ablation area is expanded and atrial fibrillation can be effectively treated because the ablation is performed after insertion through the Marshall vein. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a human heart for explaining the structure of the heart. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a conventional method for treating atrial fibrillation using RFA (Radio Frequency Ablation). [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a catheter for treating atrial fibrillation according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 shows various embodiments of a catheter for treating atrial fibrillation according to the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 shows various embodiments of a catheter for treating atrial fibrillation according to the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 shows various embodiments of a catheter for treating atrial fibrillation according to the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating RFA (Radio Frequency Ablation), which is a method for treating atrial fibrillation using a catheter for treating atrial fibrillation according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating RFA (Radio Frequency Ablation), which is a method for treating atrial fibrillation using a catheter for treating atrial fibrillation according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 9 is a flowchart of the atrial fibrillation treatment method according to FIGS. 7 and 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating RFA (Radio Frequency Ablation), which is a method for treating atrial fibrillation using a catheter for treating atrial fibrillation according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating RFA (Radio Frequency Ablation), which is a method for treating atrial fibrillation using a catheter for treating atrial fibrillation according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 12 is a flowchart of the atrial fibrillation treatment method according to FIGS. 10 and 11. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The advantages and features of the present invention, as well as methods for achieving them, will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and may be embodied in various different forms. However, the present embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of the present invention will be complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims.

[0025] Hereinafter, specific details for implementing the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same components, and the term "and / or" includes each and every combination of one or more of the referenced items.

[0026] The terms used in this specification are for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular includes the plural unless otherwise specified in the context. As used in this specification, "comprises" and / or "comprising" does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other elements in addition to the elements mentioned.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein will be used in the sense that they can be commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries will not be interpreted ideally or excessively unless they are clearly and specifically defined.

[0028] The atrial fibrillation treatment method of the present invention is an indirect method of eliminating atrial fibrillation by inserting an RFA catheter of the present invention into the Vein of Marshall (VOM), which is connected to the coronary sinus CS, and performing ablation, thereby eliminating abnormal electrical signals generated near the Vein of Marshall. Here, the "Vein of Marshall (VOM)" refers to the oblique vein of the left atrium that extends from the coronary sinus (CS) in the posterior wall of the left atrium toward the left atrium LA before passing to the great cardiac vein (see Figures 7 and 8).

[0029] That is, the method for treating atrial fibrillation of the present invention is an indirect method for eliminating atrial fibrillation by inserting an ablation catheter into the coronary sinus via the superior vena cava or inferior vena cava, inserting the catheter into the Marshall's vein connected to the coronary sinus, connecting an electrode wire to an RF ablation generator at the proximal portion of the ablation catheter, and applying RF power to the electrode wire to cause RF ablation at the RF ablation electrode located at the distal portion of the ablation catheter.

[0030] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a catheter for treating atrial fibrillation according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 3, the catheter for treating atrial fibrillation of the present invention is an RF ablation catheter that is inserted into a blood vessel (CS and vein of marshall) along a guidewire (10), and is formed with a tapered tip (22) that narrows toward the end of the distal portion, and an RF ablation electrode (28) for RF ablation is formed on the surface of the body portion (24).

[0033] The diameter (thickness) of the atrial fibrillation treatment catheter of the present invention is preferably about 4 to 6 Fr (about 1.32 to 2 mm), more preferably about 5 Fr in diameter. The part of the catheter where the ablation electrode is located must be inserted into the VOM (Vein of Marshall) of the heart, and since the lumen diameter of a typical human VOM is about 1.3 mm on average, the diameter of the catheter is preferably about 4 to 6 Fr (about 1.32 to 2 mm), more preferably about 5 Fr in diameter.

[0034] The catheter for treating atrial fibrillation of the present invention has a tip 22 that tapers toward the end. The tapered tip 22 is approximately 5 to 20 mm long (preferably about 10 mm), and the tip has a thickness of approximately 1.2 to 1.4 Fr. The side opposite the tip has the same thickness as the body (preferably 4 to 6 Fr).

[0035] The catheter of the present invention has an atraumatic tip structure that does not damage the blood vessels because it is inserted along the coronary sinus CS and Marshall's vein VOM. That is, the terminal edge of the tip has a round shape, as shown in Figure 3, so as not to damage the blood vessels into which it is inserted.

[0036] Since the atrial fibrillation treatment catheter of the present invention is inserted into the Marshall vein along a guidewire, a guidewire lumen 26 into which the guidewire is inserted is formed inside the catheter.

[0037] 3 shows a "monorail type RF ablation catheter" in which the guidewire 10 exits from the middle of the catheter through a side hole at the tip (22), which is the distal end of the catheter, but this is not necessarily limited to this. An "over the wire type RF ablation catheter" in which the guidewire is connected from the tip (distal end) to the proximal end would also be possible.

[0038] Preferably, a "monorail type RF ablation catheter" is more preferable than an "over-the-wire type RF ablation catheter." This is because it allows practitioners to perform procedures more conveniently when using the catheter of the present invention. In the case of a "monorail type RF ablation catheter," the guide wire 10 exits from the side of the catheter at the middle portion, allowing practitioners to easily remove the guide wire from the catheter, and the catheter is easy to handle, allowing for more convenient procedures.

[0039] The RF ablation electrode (28) is supplied with power for RF ablation through an electrode wire (not shown in FIG. 3 but shown in FIGS. 4 and 5) formed inside or on the surface of the catheter.

[0040] 4 to 6 illustrate various embodiments of the catheter for treating atrial fibrillation according to the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 4(a) illustrates the case where one RF ablation electrode (28) is formed, FIG. 4(b) and FIG. 4(c) illustrate the case where one RF ablation electrode (28) and one sensing electrode (29) are formed, and FIG. 4(d) illustrates the case where two sensing electrodes are formed, that is, one RF ablation electrode (28) and one sensing electrode (29) on either side of it.

[0042] FIG. 5(a) illustrates a case where one RF ablation electrode (28) is formed with two sensing electrodes (29) on each side of the electrode, for a total of four sensing electrodes. FIG. 5(b) illustrates a case where two RF ablation electrodes (28) are formed with one sensing electrode (29) between them. FIG. 5(c) illustrates a case where two RF ablation electrodes (28) and three sensing electrodes (29) are formed alternately. FIG. 5(d) illustrates a case where two RF ablation electrodes (28) are formed with two, one, and two sensing electrodes (29) on each side of the electrode, for a total of five sensing electrodes.

[0043] FIG. 6 is the same as FIG. 4, but while FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the case where the cauterizing electrode 28 is a coil-shaped cauterizing electrode formed by being wound in a coil shape, FIG. 6 illustrates the case where the cauterizing electrode is a ring-shaped cauterizing electrode.

[0044] First, referring to FIG. 4, a coil-type ablation electrode (RF ablation electrode 28) is illustrated.

[0045] The RF ablation electrode (28) can be in the form of a coil (FIGS. 4 and 5) or a ring (FIG. 6), but the coil form shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is preferred.

[0046] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the ablation electrode has a coil shape to maximize flexibility, i.e., to allow the catheter to better navigate curved blood vessels along the guidewire. The portion of the catheter where the ablation electrode is ultimately located is located within the VOM of the heart. For this reason, the catheter is inserted along the curved blood vessels CS and VOM, but its flexible nature allows it to be more easily inserted into the Marshall vein.

[0047] The width of the ablation electrode may vary, but is preferably about 5 to 20 mm. As shown in the figure, one or more ablation electrodes may be installed. That is, one or more ablation electrodes of different widths may be used in one catheter. When the number of electrodes is small, wider electrodes may be used, and when the number of electrodes is large, the electrode width may be smaller.

[0048] Even if multiple electrodes are formed, if the electrode spacing is too wide, the ablation range may be cut off, so it is preferable that the spacing between the ablation electrodes is formed within 2 mm.

[0049] Even when multiple ablation electrodes are used, they all have the same polarity. Monopolar electrodes with the same positive and negative polarities, phase, and magnitude can be used at the same time. The same ablation effect can be achieved even if one wide electrode is formed from multiple smaller electrodes of the same polarity.

[0050] RF energy for RF ablation is supplied to the ablation electrode (28) through an electrode wire wound helically on the surface of a soft plastic catheter. In the present invention, forming the electrode wire helically on the surface of the catheter improves the straightness and pushability of the catheter.

[0051] The electrode wire is a wire that supplies RF energy, and is preferably a coated silver wire. The silver wire is insulated (coated) with a plastic material that is harmless to the human body. Because the electrode wire wraps around the surface of the catheter, if the electrode wire coating peels off during insertion into the vena cava, coronary sinus, or Marshall's vein, it will come into contact with tissue. Therefore, materials such as copper, which are harmful to the human body, cannot be used. Therefore, it is preferable to use silver wire, which is harmless to the human body, as the electrode wire.

[0052] The surface of the catheter is spirally wrapped with thermocouple wires at a distance from the electrode wires, in addition to the silver wires that serve as electrodes. The thermocouple wires are also coated with a plastic material that is harmless to the human body. A thermocouple wire is connected to measure the temperature at the distal end of the catheter.

[0053] Thermocouple wire is used to measure the temperature around an electrode. In other words, thermocouple wire is wire used as a thermocouple thermometer. Thermocouple wire is made of two coated wires wound around each other, and is wound radially around the surface of the catheter, spaced apart from the electrode wire (silver wire). The thermocouple wire is coated all over, but the ends are exposed and connected to act as a thermocouple. A thermocouple thermometer can be formed inside the catheter, approximately halfway between the cauterization electrode.

[0054] Currently, various thermocouple wires are used, but in the present invention, since the thermocouple is preferably wound on the surface of a catheter to be inserted into the human body, nickel-chromium / nickel-alumel wires that are harmless to the human body even if the coating is peeled off are used. That is, it is preferable that one of the thermocouple wires is a nickel-chromium wire that is harmless to the human body, and the other is a nickel-alumel wire that is harmless to the human body.

[0055] The thermocouple wire of the present invention is also wound spirally on the surface of the catheter, which has the advantage of improving the straightness of the catheter and improving its pushability.

[0056] Meanwhile, one or more sensing electrodes (29) are formed on the surface of the catheter, spaced apart from the cauterizing electrodes.

[0057] The sensing electrodes are sensors that sense electrical signals around the cardiac VOM so that the effectiveness of RF ablation treatment can be immediately confirmed. The sensing electrodes are connected to the outside via a sensing electrode wire that is separate from the thermocouple wire or electrode wire. The number of sensing electrode wires connected corresponds to the number of sensing electrodes.

[0058] Because the sensing electrode is intended to sense electrical signals from the heart, its width is smaller than that of the ablation electrode used for ablation: the width of the ablation electrode is preferably about 5 to 20 mm, while the width of the sensing electrode is preferably 1 to 5 mm.

[0059] The sensing electrode wire is also wound spirally on the surface of the catheter, which also aims to improve the straightness of the catheter and improve its pushability.

[0060] For the same reason as described above, the sensing electrode wire is preferably a silver wire insulated (coated) with a plastic material that is harmless to the human body.

[0061] In Figures 4 to 6, the cauterizing electrode wire, sensing electrode wire, and thermocouple wire are all illustrated as being visible on the surface of the catheter, but it goes without saying that the entire catheter may be covered with a coating material so that they are not visible from the outer surface.

[0062] FIG. 6 illustrates the use of a ring-shaped cauterizing electrode.

[0063] When using a ring-type cauterization electrode, flexibility may be lower than that of the coil-type cauterization electrodes shown in Figures 4 and 5. When using a ring-type electrode, flexibility is affected inversely proportional to the width of the ring. In other words, the wider the electrode, the lower the flexibility. Therefore, rather than using one wide ring, multiple narrow rings (approximately 2 mm wide) can be used in parallel. Of course, in this case, the multiple electrodes are monopolar with the same polarity.

[0064] Although various embodiments are illustrated in Figures 4 and 6, the present invention is not limited to these, and it goes without saying that the number and positions of the cauterizing electrodes and sensing electrodes can be changed as needed by the user.

[0065] Although Figures 4 to 6 show the case where there is no cooling tube inside the catheter, a cooling tube for inserting coolant from the outside may be formed inside the catheter as needed to solve problems that may occur during cauterization.

[0066] Next, a method for performing atrial fibrillation treatment using the catheter for treating atrial fibrillation of the present invention will be described.

[0067] 7 and 8 are schematic diagrams illustrating RFA (Radio Frequency Ablation), a method for treating atrial fibrillation, using a catheter for treating atrial fibrillation according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the method for treating atrial fibrillation according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] First, a guidewire is inserted into the Marshall vein connected to the coronary sinus (S10).

[0069] In the present invention, the coronary sinus, which has an opening in the right atrium, is used to access the Marshallian vein. The coronary sinus is accessed via the neck or femoral vein and a guiding catheter through the superior or inferior vena cava.

[0070] The guide catheter is a balloon-terminated guide catheter and / or a dual-lumen microcatheter, which is used to guide a guidewire to the desired location.

[0071] Once the coronary sinus is approached, a guiding catheter is placed into the distal part of the coronary sinus, and a pressurized venogram is performed through the guiding catheter. A balloon-tipped guiding catheter is ideal for a pressurized venogram.

[0072] After confirming the location and size of the vein of Marshall (VOM) by imaging the septal vein through pressurized venography, a PTCA guidewire of approximately 0.014 inches is inserted into the VOM, which is the final target connected to the septal vein.

[0073] PTCA guidewires utilize real-time imaging equipment such as ultrasound (echocardiogram) to provide imaging guidance that shows where the wire is heading to the target area, enabling more precise surgery. To more precisely guide the direction of the PTCA guidewire, a dual-lumen microcatheter can be used to precisely guide the wire to the target area.

[0074] In other words, to position a guide wire in the Marshall vein VOM, (1) a pressurized venogram with a balloon-ended guiding catheter and / or (2) a dual lumen microcatheter can be used.

[0075] To better visualize the septal veins, a pressurized venogram is used, and a balloon-tipped guiding catheter may be used as an adjunct.

[0076] Additionally, dual lumen microcatheters can be used as auxiliary devices to position a guidewire in the desired direction within the ventricular septum. A dual lumen microcatheter is a catheter with two lumens for inserting a guidewire. After the first guidewire is positioned in the septal vein through the first lumen of the dual lumen microcatheter, a second guidewire is inserted through the second lumen of the dual lumen microcatheter. The second guidewire can be moved in a different direction from the first guidewire. Thus, dual lumen microcatheters are extremely useful auxiliary catheters when guiding a guidewire to a target location.

[0077] Thus, the balloon catheter and the dual lumen catheter are guiding catheters, and serve to guide the guidewire into Marshall's vein.

[0078] The guidewire is advanced through the superior or inferior vena cava into the right atrium (RA), then from the right atrium into the coronary sinus (CS), and then into the oblique vein of the left atrium (vein of Marshall) that extends toward the left atrium (LA) before passing through the coronary sinus into the great cardiac vein.

[0079] In this way, the guidewire is positioned in the Marshall vein connected to the coronary sinus CS, guided by the guide catheter.

[0080] Next, an RF ablation catheter for treating atrial fibrillation is positioned in the Marshall vein using a guidewire (S20).

[0081] A guidewire is inserted into the guidewire lumen formed in the RF ablation catheter for treating atrial fibrillation of the present invention, and then the catheter is pushed forward so that the ablation electrode of the RF ablation catheter is positioned within the Marshall vein.

[0082] The RF ablation catheter for treating atrial fibrillation of the present invention has been described in detail above, so further description will be omitted here.

[0083] Next, an RF ablation catheter is positioned in the Marshall vein, and RF ablation is performed (S30).

[0084] RF ablation is performed after connecting the RF ablation catheter to an RF generator that generates RF energy at the proximal portion.

[0085] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, when only an RF ablation catheter is used without a grounded catheter (i.e., monopolar ablation), a tower-shaped ablation region is formed around the RF ablaion electrode.

[0086] After the ablation is completed, abnormal electrical signals (abnormal signals) occurring in the Marshall vein VoM are checked (S40).

[0087] After RF ablation is completed, abnormal electrical signals generated in the Marshall vein are detected using the sensing electrode formed on the atrial fibrillation catheter of the present invention, a separate EP catheter, or a ground catheter.

[0088] If the abnormal electrical signals generated in the Marshall vein have not completely disappeared, RF ablation may be performed again.

[0089] Once RF ablation has been performed and the desired therapeutic effect has been achieved, all devices are removed to complete the RF ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation.

[0090] Meanwhile, Figures 10 and 11 are schematic diagrams illustrating RFA (Radio Frequency Ablation), which is a method for treating atrial fibrillation using a catheter for treating atrial fibrillation according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 12 is a flowchart of the associated method for treating atrial fibrillation.

[0091] The treatment methods shown in Figures 7, 8, and 9 are monopolar RF ablation methods using only an RF ablation catheter, whereas the treatment methods shown in Figures 10, 11, and 12 are bipolar RF ablation methods using a ground catheter.

[0092] The step of inserting a guidewire into the Marshall vein connected to the coronary sinus (S10) and the step of positioning an RF ablation catheter for treating atrial fibrillation in the Marshall vein using the guidewire (S20) are as described above with reference to Figures 7, 8, and 9.

[0093] As shown in FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, a ground catheter is positioned on the inner wall of the left atrium for bipolar RF ablation (S25).

[0094] The ground catheter 30 is first advanced into the right atrium via the superior vena cava or inferior vena cava (mainly via the inferior vena cava), then passes through the atrial septum muscle between the right and left atria, and advances into the left atrium (LA). After that, the location where the cardiac electrical signals flow irregularly is identified on the inner wall of the left atrium, and the ground catheter is positioned at that location. The ground catheter is typically positioned at the entrance to the pulmonary veins (PV).

[0095] Next, RF ablation is performed (S30).

[0096] After the RF ablation catheter is connected to an RF generator that generates RF energy, RF ablation is performed.

[0097] 10 to 12, when a grounded catheter 30 is used, ablation occurs between the grounded catheter and the RF ablation catheter. That is, in the case of a bipolar catheter using a grounded catheter, RF energy is exchanged between the grounded catheter and the RF ablation catheter, and ablation occurs in the region between the grounded catheter and the RF ablation catheter.

[0098] Although the RF ablation catheter is located in the Marshall vein and the ground catheter is located in the left atrium, their positions can be reversed. That is, one of the two catheters located inside or outside the left atrium serves as an RF ablation catheter, and the other serves as a ground catheter. The roles of these catheters can be determined according to the convenience of the practitioner.

[0099] The rest is the same as the monopolar case in Figures 7 to 9, so it will be omitted.

[0100] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Therefore, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all respects and are not limiting. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 10: Guide wire 20: Catheter 22: Tip 24: Body 26: Guidewire lumen 28: RF ablation electrode 29: Sensing electrode 30: Ground catheter

Claims

1. An atrial fibrillation treatment catheter for treating atrial fibrillation of the heart, a body portion having one or more ablation electrodes formed at its distal end and forming a catheter body made of a soft, flexible material; and a tapered tip connected to the body portion and tapering toward the end; a guidewire lumen for inserting a guidewire is formed by connecting the tip and the body; One or more sensing electrodes are formed on the surface of the body, spaced apart from the cauterizing electrode, for sensing electrical signals from the heart; The catheter for treating atrial fibrillation is characterized in that the electrode wire connected to the sensing electrode is a silver wire wound radially around the catheter and covered with a material harmless to the human body.

2. 2. The catheter for treating atrial fibrillation according to claim 1, wherein the guide wire lumen is formed from the end of the tip to a side hole formed on the side of the middle portion of the catheter.

3. The catheter for treating atrial fibrillation according to claim 1, wherein the guide wire lumen is connected from the end of the tip to the proximal portion of the catheter.

4. 2. The catheter for treating atrial fibrillation according to claim 1, wherein the tapered tip has an atraumatic tip structure in which the end edge of the tip has a rounded shape so as not to damage the blood vessel when the catheter is inserted along the blood vessel.

5. 2. The catheter for treating atrial fibrillation according to claim 1, wherein the ablation electrode is a coil-type ablation electrode wound around the catheter in a coil shape to improve flexibility.

6. 2. The catheter for treating atrial fibrillation according to claim 1, wherein the electrode wire connected to the cauterizing electrode is a silver wire wound radially around the catheter and coated with a material harmless to the human body.

7. 2. The catheter for treating atrial fibrillation according to claim 1, wherein two thermocouple wires are wound around each other radially from the proximal portion to the distal portion of the catheter in order to measure the temperature of the electrodes.

8. 8. The catheter for treating atrial fibrillation according to claim 7, wherein one of the thermocouple wires is a nickel-chromium wire which is harmless to the human body, and the other is a nickel-alumel wire which is harmless to the human body.

9. 2. The catheter for treating atrial fibrillation according to claim 1, wherein the sensing electrode has a width narrower than that of the ablation electrode.

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