Enhanced ablation and mapping catheter and method for treating atrial ...

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US007163537B2

(12) United States Patent

Lee et al.

(io) Patent No.: (45) Date of Patent:

US 7,163,537 B2 Jan. 16, 2007

(54) ENHANCED ABLATION AND MAPPING

CATHETER AND METHOD FOR TREATING
ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

(75) Inventors: James K. Lee, Pasadena, CA (US);

Martin O'Sullivan, Long Beach, CA
(US); Irma Hill, LaVeme, CA (US)

(73) Assignee: Biosense Webster, Inc., Diamond Bar, CA (US)

( * ) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this patent is extended or adjusted under 35 U.S.C. 154(b) by 81 days.

(21) Appl. No.: 10/452,103

(22) Filed: Jun. 2, 2003

(65) Prior Publication Data

US 2004/0243121 Al Dec. 2, 2004

(51) Int. CI.

A61B 18/18 (2006.01)
A61F 7/00 (2006.01)

(52) U.S. CI 606/41; 607/102; 607/122

(58) Field of Classification Search 606/41,

606/48-50; 607/101-105, 122 See application file for complete search history.

(56) References Cited

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

5,462,521 A * 10/1995 Bracker et al 604/20

5,643,197 A * 7/1997 Bracker et al 604/20

5,800,428 A * 9/1998 Nelson et al 606/41

5,891,027 A * 4/1999 Tu et al 600/374

6,171,277 Bl 1/2001 Ponzi

6,198,974 Bl * 3/2001 Webster, Jr 607/122

6,371,955 Bl 4/2002 Fuimaono et al.

A catheter for measuring electrical activity and ablating tissue is provided. The catheter comprises an elongated generally-tubular catheter body. A non-retractable electrode assembly is mounted at the distal end of the catheter body. The electrode assembly comprises a generally tubular ablation electrode formed of a material having shape-memory having a generally straight exposed region and at least one irrigation port in the exposed region through which fluid can pass from the inside to the outside of the ablation electrode. The exposed region is generally transverse to the catheter body. The electrode assembly further comprises a tip at the distal end of the electrode assembly comprising a generally ball-shaped exposed region. First and second distal mapping electrodes are mounted distal to the exposed region of the ablation electrode. At least the first distal mapping electrode, and optionally the second distal mapping electrode, is incorporated into the generally ball-shaped exposed region of the tip. The catheter further comprises an infusion tube extending through the catheter body and having a distal end in fluid communication with the proximal end of the ablation electrode.

27 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets