5.431.649 A 7/1995 Mulier et al.
6,016,809 A * 1/2000 Mulier et al 128/898
6,033,402 A * 3/2000 Tu et al 606/41
6.866.650 B2 * 3/2005 Stevens et al 604/102.01
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
Gaiser, John, "Future Catheter Designs for Interventional Electrophysiology", Interventional Electrophysiology, Chapter 16, p. 469-532.
Hoey, Michael F., et al. "Intramural Ablation Using Radiofrequency Energy Via Screw-Tip Catheter and Saline Electrode", PACE, vol. 18, , Apr. 1995, Part II (Abstract).
* cited by examiner
Primary Examiner—Rosiland Rollins
(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Christie, Parker & Hale,
LLP
A method for ablating tissue in or around the heart to create an enhanced lesion is provided. The distal end of a catheter including a needle electrode at its distal end is introduced into the heart. The distal end of the needle electrode is introduced into the tissue. An electrically-conductive fluid is infused through the needle electrode and into the tissue. The tissue is ablated after and/or during introduction of the fluid into the tissue. The fluid conducts ablation energy within the tissue to create a larger lesion than would be created without the introduction of the fluid.
42 Claims, 15 Drawing Sheets
