Electrophysiological mapping and ablation catheter and method
US6099524A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 28, 1994 |
| Grant date | Aug 8, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 28, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2562/043
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A mapping and ablating catheter having a short distal tip electrode comprising a bio-compatible outer surface and a thermal dissipating mass for dissipating heat received by the electrode. The outer surface may be formed by plating a thin layer of gold or platinum on the dissipating mass, or the entire electrode may be formed of a homogenous material such as a gold alloy that is bio-compatible thereby forming the outer surface with the mass itself. An alloy having a thermal conductivity greater than pure platinum is used so that the ablation procedure can be completed before exceeding the temperature limits. In one case, the entire electrode was formed of a 88% gold 12% nickel alloy. The electrical feed to the electrode is oversized to also dissipate heat received by the electrode. The electrode is no greater than five mm in length yet produces an ablation volume equal to or greater than longer electrodes. One or more band electrodes may also include thermal dissipating masses.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.