40 results about "Epicardial ablation" patented technology

A suction assisted ablation device having a support surface, suction elements disposed adjacent the support surface, at least one electrode and at least one suction conduit is provided. The device may further include fluid openings, which allow fluid to irrigate target tissue and aid in ablation. A method for ablating tissue using suction is also provided.

Apparatus and methods for performing endoscopic surgical procedures where only a minimal number of (or even one) openings are required to perform the procedures. Ablation procedures, including epicardial ablation procedures and apparatus for performing such procedures. Epicardial atrial ablation may be performed epicardially with access through only one side of a patient's chest required to perform all procedures.

An elongate, malleable ablation probe including an elongate malleable body (38) and a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart electrodes (40) disposed at a distal end thereof. The electrodes (40) are separated one from another by insulative material. In one embodiment, a malleable insert is provided for insertion into a flexible longitudinal sleeve, the flexible longitudinal sleeve conforming to the shape of the malleable insert upon such insertion. In other embodiments, a malleable core is surrounded by a flexible body, the electrodes (40) being mounted to the body.

The invention provides apparatus and methods for mapping conduction pathways and creating lesions in the heart wall for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. The apparatus may include at least one epicardial ablation probe having a plurality of electrodes for creating a lesion. The apparatus and method facilitate the formation of a lesion which electrically isolates the pulmonary veins from the surrounding myocardium.

Systems and methods for navigating a catheter along the epieardial surface of the heart are disclosed. At least some of the embodiments disclosed herein are useful for epieardial ablation, Various embodiments permit ablation of the epieardial surface of the heart using an external ablation catheter in the pericardial space and an internal guide catheter within the heart. Such a configuration allows the clinician to precisely target for ablation specific locations on the cardiac tissue.

An aspect of various embodiments of the present invention system and method provide, but not limited thereto, a novel means for epicardial ablation using a double-curve steerable sheath and a double-curve deflectable open irrigated-tip/suction catheter that can be guided around the apex of the heart and adjusted so as to position the distal tip optimally. The catheter can also both deliver fluid to and withdraw fluid from the pericardial space. Access to the epicardial surface of the heart is via a subxiphoid entry. The method and means presented include, but are not limited to, steering, energy delivery, bipolar mapping, placement and use of electrodes, irrigation, suction of irrigation fluid, and other details of the subject invention.

Catheters and methods for epicardial ablation are provided. A suitable catheter comprises an elongated catheter body and an ultrasound transducer mounted at or near the distal end of the catheter body. The transducer has a front surface and an opposing back surface, wherein the transducer is positioned to transmit ultrasound energy toward tissue facing the front surface but not toward tissue facing the back surface. A sensor is mounted within the catheter near the ultrasound transducer for sensing a location and an orientation of the ultrasound transducer within a patient. A suitable method involves introducing the distal end of the catheter introducing into the pericardium of a patient. The transducer's front surface is positioned so that it generally faces tissue to be ablated, and the tissue is ablated with ultrasound energy generated by the transducer.

An aspect of various embodiments of the present invention system and method provide, but not limited thereto, a novel means for epicardial ablation using a double-curve steerable sheath and a double-curve deflectable open irrigated-tip/suction catheter that can be guided around the apex of the heart and adjusted so as to position the distal tip optimally. The catheter can also both deliver fluid to and withdraw fluid from the pericardial space. Access to the epicardial surface of the heart is via a subxiphoid entry. The method and means presented include, but are not limited to, steering, energy delivery, bipolar mapping, placement and use of electrodes, irrigation, suction of irrigation fluid, and other details of the subject invention.

A transmural ablation device is provided to achieve endocardial and epicardial ablation at the same site but directed from the inner and outer surfaces of the heart to create a transmural lesion. By ablating from both sides of the heart tissue, it is possible to increase the depth of the lesion created and to increase the likelihood of a transmural lesion. Embodiments pertain to techniques to align the endocardial and epicardial ablation elements and techniques to position and move the endocardial and epicardial ablation elements along a predefined linear, curvilinear, or circular path. The ability to bring the epicardial and endocardial elements more closely or firmly with the underlying tissue is important in creating optimal lesions. Magnetic force attracts the epicardial and endocardial elements.

A robotic system employing a plurality of surgical robots (20) and a surgical procedure controller (22)for executing a surgical procedure on an anatomical structure (e.g., a heart) within an anatomical region (e.g., a thoracic region). In operation, controller (22) autonomously controls a navigation of each surgical robot (20) within the anatomical region relative to the anatomical structure by directing a navigation of each surgical robot (20) within the anatomical region relative to the anatomical structure based on a surgical plan for executing the surgical procedure on the anatomical structure (e.g., a convergent ablation plan consisting of an epicardial ablation plan for abating an exterior of a heart and an endocardial ablation plan for ablating an interior of the heart) and further by revising the surgical plan responsive to a partial or complete inability of one or more of the surgical robots (20) to be navigated within the anatomical region relative to the anatomical structure based on the surgical plan.

The epicardium ablation system comprises an ablation catheter and an ablation electrode catheter, the ablation catheter comprises a balloon, an adjustable bending structure, an endoscope, a guide wire channel, an ablation electrode channel and a guide wire, the endoscope is connected with an electrode controller, one end of the ablation catheter is connected with a handle, and a knob and a push button are arranged in the middle of one end of the handle. The knob is connected with the adjustable bending structure through a pull wire, a positioning assembly is arranged on the handle and located between the knob and the push button, one end of the knob is sleeved outside the handle and sleeved with a positioning ring, and the positioning assembly is connected with the positioning ring in a matched mode. The ablation catheter handle structure has the advantages that the front end is kept in the current bending state, the locking state can be relieved in time through the reverse positioning assembly, and a doctor can operate with one hand under the condition that precision and stroke are controlled.