Catheter and Method for Ablation of Atrial Tissue

The current invention is a novel catheter design that allows a wide ring of abalative lesion to be placed on the left atrial endocardial surface surrounding the pulmonary vein. The novel catheter differs from existing devices in that it maintains contact with the endocardial surface over a constant radius outside of the pulmonary vein. The exact curvature can be adjusted to accommodate the dimensions of the individual patients. Background Atrial fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm which involves the two small upper heart chambers. In AF, the regular electrical impulses of the sinoatrial node are replaced by disorganized and rapid electrical impulses which result in irregular heart beats. AF is associated with a high incidence of symptoms and can lead to multiple medical problems including strokes. A variety of approaches have been used to treat the fibrillations including medication, electrical cardioversion, pacemakers, and surgery. In addition a variety of catheter based ablation strategies have been pursued to effect electrical isolation of the abnormal signals. However current ablation strategies do not provide a convenient method for placing a ring of lesion around the abnormal tissue. Description (Set) Proposed Use (Set) Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. The risk of developing atrial fibrillation increases with age, affecting up to four percent of individuals in their 80s. In total atrial fibrillation is found in 2.2 million patients. The current technology can be manufactured as a family of catheters differing in radii of curvature to enable the operator to choose the appropriate radii for the patient. The catheter design is simpler than current inflatable balloon systems so the cost of the device can be minimized. Furthermore, additional elements such as thermistor or thermocouple for temperature monitoring can be added to the catheter design. Patent (Set) WO 2005/041753

Inventor(s): Berger, Ronald D.

Type of Offer: Licensing



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