US 20060089637 A1
Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the ablation of tissue. Embodiments include an ablation catheter which has an array of ablation elements attached to a deployable carrier assembly. The carrier assembly can be constrained within the lumen of a catheter, and deployed to take on an expanded condition.
1. An ablation catheter, comprising:
(a) an elongated, flexible, tubular body member having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending therebetween;
(b) a control shaft coaxially disposed and slidingly received within the lumen of the Tubular Body Member;
(c) a flexible carrier assembly which includes at least one ablation element used to deliver energy to tissue; and
(d) a coupler which connects the control shaft to the carrier assembly;
wherein retraction of the control shaft causes the carrier assembly to be constrained within the lumen of the tubular body member; and
wherein advancement of the control shaft causes the carrier assembly to extend beyond the distal end of the tubular body member.
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174. An ablation catheter, comprising:
an elongated, flexible, tubular body member having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending therebetween;
a control shaft coaxially disposed and slidingly received within the lumen of the tubular body member;
a flexible carrier assembly mechanically attached to the control shaft, said carrier assembly including at least one ablation element used to deliver energy to tissue, said carrier assembly further comprising one or more flexible arms, each arm with a proximal portion, a distal portion and a hinged portion therebetween; wherein said proximal portion is attached to the distal end of the tubular body member and said distal portion is attached to the control shaft;
wherein retraction of the control shaft causes the carrier assembly to collapse inwardly such that the distal portion of the carrier assembly is constrained within the lumen of the tubular body member prior to the mid portion being constrained; and
wherein advancement of the control shaft causes the carrier assembly to extend beyond the distal end of the tubular body member.
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177. An ablation catheter, comprising:
an elongated, flexible, tubular body member having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending therebetween;
a control shaft coaxially disposed and slidingly received within a lumen of the tubular body member;
a flexible carrier assembly, mechanically attached to the control shaft, said carrier assembly including multiple ablation elements used to deliver energy to tissue;
said ablation elements connected in series such that power is delivered to each ablation element sequentially.
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180. An ablation catheter, comprising:
an elongated, flexible, tubular body member having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending therebetween;
two or more control shafts coaxially disposed and slidingly received within the lumen of the tubular body member;
two or more flexible carrier assemblies each mechanically attached to a corresponding control shaft, each of said carrier assemblies including at least one ablation element used to deliver energy to tissue;
wherein retraction of each control shaft causes the connected carrier assembly to be constrained within the lumen of the tubular body member; and
wherein advancement of the each control shaft causes the corresponding carrier assembly to extend beyond the distal end of the tubular body member.
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183. An ablation catheter, comprising:
a flexible control shaft coaxially disposed and slidingly received within the lumen of the Tubular Body Member, said control shaft including a proximal end, a distal end, and a mid-portion;
at least one ablation element mounted in the mid-portion of said control shaft
wherein the proximal end of the control shaft resides outside the proximal end of the tubular body member, the control shaft extending distally through the lumen of the control shaft such that the control shaft mid-portion resides outside the distal end of the tubular body member; the control shaft then extending proximally such that the distal end of the control shaft resides outside the proximal end of the tubular body member.
wherein retraction of either the proximal and distal ends of the control shaft causes the mid-portion of the control shaft to be constrained within the lumen of the distal end of the tubular body member.
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This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/618,753, filed Oct. 14, 2004, entitled “Ablation Catheter,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
The present invention relates generally to catheters and methods for performing targeted tissue ablation in a subject. In particular, the present invention provides devices comprising catheters having distal ends configured to treat two dimensional regions of target tissue, including deployable distal ends, and methods for treating conditions (e.g., cardiac arrhythmias) with these and similar devices.
Tissue ablation is used in numerous medical procedures to treat a patient. Ablation can be performed to remove undesired tissue such as cancer cells. Ablation procedures may also involve the modification of the tissue without removal, such as to stop electrical propagation through the tissue in patients with an arrhythmia. Often the ablation is performed by passing energy, such as electrical energy, through one or more electrodes causing the tissue in contact with the electrodes to heats up to an ablative temperature. Ablation procedures can be performed on patients with atrial fibrillation by ablating tissue in the heart.
Mammalian organ function typically occurs through the transmission of electrical impulses from one tissue to another. A disturbance of such electrical transmission may lead to organ malfunction. One particular area where electrical impulse transmission is critical for proper organ function is in the heart. Normal sinus rhythm of the heart begins with the sinus node generating an electrical impulse that is propagated uniformly across the right and left atria to the atrioventricular node. Atrial contraction leads to the pumping of blood into the ventricles in a manner synchronous with the pulse.
Atrial fibrillation refers to a type of cardiac arrhythmia where there is disorganized electrical conduction in the atria causing rapid uncoordinated contractions that result in ineffective pumping of blood into the ventricle and a lack of synchrony. During atrial fibrillation, the atrioventricular node receives electrical impulses from numerous locations throughout the atria instead of only from the sinus node. This overwhelms the atrioventricular node into producing an irregular and rapid heartbeat. As a result, blood pools in the atria that increases a risk for blood clot formation. The major risk factors for atrial fibrillation include age, coronary artery disease, rheumatic heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and thyrotoxicosis. Atrial fibrillation affects 7% of the population over age 65.
Atrial fibrillation treatment options are limited. Lifestyle change only assists individuals with lifestyle related atrial fibrillation. Medication therapy assists only in the management of atrial fibrillation symptoms, may present side effects more dangerous than atrial fibrillation, and fail to cure atrial fibrillation. Electrical cardioversion attempts to restore sinus rhythm but has a high recurrence rate. In addition, if there is a blood clot in the atria, cardioversion may cause the clot to leave the heart and travel to the brain or to some other part of the body, which may lead to stroke. What are needed are new methods for treating atrial fibrillation and other conditions involving disorganized electrical conduction.
Various ablation techniques have been proposed to treat atrial fibrillation, including the Cox-Maze procedure, linear ablation of various regions of the atrium, and circumferential ablation of pulmonary vein ostia. The Cox-Maze procedure and linear ablation procedures are tedious and time-consuming, taking several hours to accomplish. Pulmonary vein ostial ablation is proving to be difficult to do, and has lead to rapid stenosis and potential occlusion of the pulmonary veins. There is therefore a need for improved atrial ablation products and techniques.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various embodiments of the present invention, and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:
Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
The present invention provides catheters for performing targeted tissue ablation in a subject. In preferred embodiments, the catheters comprise a tubular body member having a proximal end and distal end and preferably a lumen extending therebetween. The catheter is preferably of the type used for performing intracardiac procedures, typically being introduced from the femoral vein in a patient's leg. The catheter is preferably introducable through a sheath and also preferably has a steerable tip that allows positioning of the distal portion such as when the distal end of the catheter is within a heart chamber. The catheters include ablation elements mounted on a carrier assembly. The carrier assembly is attached to a coupler, which in turn is connected to a control shaft that is coaxially disposed and slidingly received within the lumen of the tubular body member. The carrier assembly is deployable from the distal end of the tubular body member by advancing the control shaft, such as to engage one or more ablation elements against cardiac tissue, typically atrial wall tissue or other endocardial tissue. Retraction of the control shaft causes the carrier assembly to be constrained within the lumen of the tubular body member.
Arrays of ablation elements, preferably electrode arrays, may be configured in a wide variety of ways and patterns. In particular, the present invention provides devices with electrode arrays that provide electrical energy, such as radiofrequency (RF) energy, in monopolar (unipolar), bipolar or combined monopolar-bipolar fashion, as well as methods for treating conditions (e.g., atrial fibrillation, supra ventricular tachycardia, atrial tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and the like) with these devices. Alternative to or in combination with ablation elements that deliver electrical energy to tissue, other forms and types of energy can be delivered including but not limited to: sound energy such as acoustic energy and ultrasound energy; electromagnetic energy such as electrical, magnetic, microwave and radiofrequency energies; thermal energy such as heat and cryogenic energies; chemical energy such as energy generated by delivery of a drug; light energy such as infrared and visible light energies; mechanical and physical energy; radiation; and combinations thereof.
As described above, the normal functioning of the heart relies on proper electrical impulse generation and transmission. In certain heart diseases (e.g., atrial fibrillation) proper electrical generation and transmission are disrupted or are otherwise abnormal. In order to prevent improper impulse generation and transmission from causing an undesired condition, the ablation catheters of the present invention may be employed.
One current method of treating cardiac arrhythmias is with catheter ablation therapy. Physicians make use of catheters to gain access into interior regions of the body. Catheters with attached electrode arrays or other ablating devices are used to create lesions that disrupt electrical pathways in cardiac tissue. In the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, a specific area of cardiac tissue having aberrant conductive pathways, such as atrial rotors, emitting or conducting erratic electrical impulses, is initially localized. A user (e.g., a physician) directs a catheter through a main vein or artery into the interior region of the heart that is to be treated. The ablating element is next placed near the targeted cardiac tissue that is to be ablated. The physician directs energy, provided by a source external to the patient, from one ore more ablation elements to ablate the neighboring tissue and form a lesion. In general, the goal of catheter ablation therapy is to disrupt the electrical pathways in cardiac tissue to stop the emission of and/or prevent the propagation of erratic electric impulses, thereby curing the heart of the disorder. For treatment of atrial fibrillation, currently available methods and devices have shown only limited success and/or employ devices that are extremely difficult to use or otherwise impractical.
The ablation catheters of the present invention allow the generation of lesions of appropriate size and shape to treat conditions involving disorganized electrical conduction (e.g., atrial fibrillation). The ablation catheters of the present invention are also practical in terms of ease-of-use and limiting risk to the patient, as well as significantly reducing procedure times. The present invention addresses this need with, for example, spiral shaped and radial arm shaped (also called umbrella shaped) carrier assemblies whose ablation elements create spiral, radial, or other simple or complex shaped patterns of lesions in the endocardial surface of the atria by delivery of energy to tissue or other means. The lesions created by the ablation catheters are suitable for inhibiting the propagation of inappropriate electrical impulses in the heart for prevention of reentrant arrhythmias.
Definitions. To facilitate an understanding of the invention, a number of terms are defined below.
As used herein, the terms “subject” and “patient” refer to any animal, such as a mammal like livestock, pets, and preferably a human. Specific examples of “subjects” and “patients” include, but are not limited, to individuals requiring medical assistance, and in particular, requiring atrial fibrillation catheter ablation treatment.
As used herein, the terms “catheter ablation” or “ablation procedures” or “ablation therapy,” and like terms, refer to what is generally known as tissue destruction procedures. Ablation is often used in treating several medical conditions, including abnormal heart rhythms. It can be performed both surgically and non-surgically. Non-surgical ablation is typically performed in a special lab called the electrophysiology (EP) laboratory. During this non-surgical procedure a catheter is inserted into the heart using fluoroscopy for visualization, and then an energy delivery apparatus is used to direct energy to the heart muscle. This energy either “disconnects” or “isolates” the pathway of the abnormal rhythm (depending on the type of ablation). It can also be used to disconnect the conductive pathway between the upper chambers (atria) and the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart. For individuals requiring heart surgery, ablation can be performed during coronary artery bypass or valve surgery.
As used herein, the term “ablation element” refers to an energy delivery element, such as an electrode for delivering electrical energy. Ablation elements can be configured to deliver multiple types of energy, such as ultrasound energy and cryogenic energy, either simultaneously or serially. Electrodes can be constructed of a conductive plate, wire coil, or other means of conducting electrical energy through contacting tissue. In monopolar energy delivery, the energy is conducted from the electrode, through the tissue to a ground pad, such as a conductive pad attached to the back of the patient. The high concentration of energy at the electrode site causes localized tissue ablation. In bipolar energy delivery, the energy is conducted from a first electrode to one or more separate electrodes, relatively local to the first electrode, through the tissue between the associated electrodes. Bipolar energy delivery results in more precise, shallow lesions while monopolar delivery results in deeper lesions. Both monopolar and bipolar delivery provide advantages, and the combination of their use is a preferred embodiment of this application. Energy can also be delivered using pulse width modulated drive signals, well known to those of skill in the art. Energy can also be delivered in a closed loop fashion, such as a system with temperature feedback wherein the temperature modifies the type, frequency and or magnitude of the energy delivered.
As used herein, the term “carrier assembly” refers to a flexible carrier, on which one or more ablation elements are disposed. Carrier assemblies are not limited to any particular size, or shape, and can be configured to be constrained within an appropriately sized lumen.
As used herein, the term “spiral tip” refers to a carrier assembly configured in its fully expanded state into the shape of a spiral. The spiral tip is not limited in the number of spirals it may contain. Examples include, but are not limited to, a wire tip body with one spiral, two spirals, ten spirals, and a half of a spiral. The spirals can lie in a relatively single plane, or in multiple planes. A spiral tip may be configured for energy delivery during an ablation procedure.
As used herein the term “umbrella tip” refers to a carrier assembly with a geometric center which lies at a point along the axis of the distal portion of the tubular body member, with one or more bendable or hinged carrier arms extending from the geometric center, in an umbrella configuration. Each carrier arm may include one or more ablation elements. Each carrier arm of an umbrella tip includes a proximal arm segment and a distal arm segment, the distal arm segment more distal than the proximal arm segment when the carrier assembly is in a fully expanded condition. One or more additional carrier arms can be included which include no ablation elements, such as carrier arms used to provide support or cause a particular deflection. An umbrella tip body is not limited to any particular size. An umbrella tip may be configured for energy delivery during an ablation procedure.
As used herein, the term “lesion,” or “ablation lesion,” and like terms, refers to tissue that has received ablation therapy. Examples include, but are not limited to, scars, scabs, dead tissue, burned tissue and tissue with conductive pathways that have been made highly resistive or disconnected.
As used herein, the term “spiral lesion” refers to an ablation lesion delivered through a spiral tip ablation catheter. Examples include, but are not limited to, lesions in the shape of a wide spiral, and a narrow spiral, a continuous spiral and a discontinuous spiral.
As used herein, the term “umbrella lesion” or “radial lesion,” and like terms, refers to an ablation lesion delivered through an umbrella tip ablation catheter. Examples include, but are not limited to, lesions with five equilateral prongs extending from center point, lesions with four equilateral prongs extending from center point, lesions with three equilateral prongs extending from center point, and lesions with three to five non-equilateral prongs extending from center point.
As used herein, the term “coupler” refers to an element that connects the carrier assembly to the control shaft. Multiple shafts, or ends of the carrier assembly may connect to the coupler. Multiple carrier arms can have one or more of their ends attached to the coupler. The coupler may include anti-rotation means that work in combination with mating means in the tubular body member. Couplers may be constructed of one or more materials such as polyurethane, steel, titanium, and polyethylene.
As used herein, the term “carrier arm” refers to a wire-like shaft capable of interfacing with electrodes and the coupler. A carrier arm is not limited to any size or measurement. Examples include, but are not limited to: stainless steel shafts; Nitinol shafts; titanium shafts; polyurethane shafts; nylon shafts; and steel shafts. Carrier arms can be entirely flexible, or may include flexible and rigid segments.
As used herein, the term “carrier arm bend point” refers to a joint (e.g., junction, flexion point) located on a carrier arm. The degree of flexion for a carrier arm bend point may range from 0 to 360 degrees. The bend portion can be manufactured such what when the carrier assembly is fully expanded the bend point is positioned in a relatively straight portion, a curved portion, or in a discrete transition from a first direction to a second transition, such as a 45 degree bend transition. The bend portion can include one or more flexing means such as a spring, a reduced diameter segment, or a segment of increased flexibility.
The present invention provides structures that embody aspects of the ablation catheter. The present invention also provides tissue ablation systems and methods for using such ablation systems. The illustrated and preferred embodiments discuss these structures and techniques in the context of catheter-based cardiac ablation. These structures, systems, and techniques are well suited for use in the field of cardiac ablation.
However, it should be appreciated that the invention is applicable for use in other tissue ablation applications such as tumor ablation procedures. For example, the various aspects of the invention have application in procedures for ablating tissue in the prostrate, brain, gall bladder, uterus, and other regions of the body, preferably regions with an accessible wall or flat tissue surface, using systems that are not necessarily catheter-based.
The multifunctional catheters of the present invention have advantages over previous prior art devices.
To accomplish this, catheter 100 is inserted into the right atrium 2, preferably through the inferior vena cava 20, as shown in the illustration, or through the superior vena cava 21. Catheter 100 may include an integral sheath, such as a tip deflecting sheath, or may work in combination with a separate sheath. When passing into the left atrium, the catheter passes through or penetrates the fossa ovalis 7, such as over a guide wire placed by a trans-septal puncture device. The catheter 100 carries a structure carrying multiple ablation elements such as RF electrodes, carrier assembly 120, into the left atrium. Carrier assembly 120 is adapted to be deformable such that pressing carrier assembly into left atrial wall 9 will cause one or more, and preferably all of electrodes 130 to make contact with tissue to be analyzed and/or ablated. Each of the electrodes 130 is attached via connecting wires to an energy delivery apparatus, RF delivery unit 200 which is also attached to patch electrode 25, preferably a conductive pad attached to the back of the patient.
RF delivery unit 200 is configured to delivery RF energy in monopolar, bipolar or combination monopolar-bipolar energy delivery modes. In a preferred embodiment, monopolar energy delivery is followed by bipolar energy delivery, which is then followed a period without energy delivery, such as a sequence in which the three steps are have equal durations. In another preferred embodiment, RF delivery unit 200 is configured to also provide electrical mapping of the tissue that is contacted by one or more electrodes integral to carrier assembly 120. Electrodes 130 can also be configured to be mapping electrodes and/or additional electrodes can be integral to carrier assembly 120 to provide a mapping function. Carrier assembly 120 is configured to be engaged over an endocardial surface to map and/or ablate tissue on the surface. RF energy is delivered after a proper location of the electrodes 130 is confirmed with a mapping procedure. If the position is determined to be inadequate, carrier assembly 120 is repositioned through various manipulations at the proximal end of the ablation catheter 100. In another preferred embodiment, RF delivery unit 200 is configured to delivery both RF energy and ultrasound energy the identical or different electrodes 130. In another preferred embodiment, RF delivery unit 200 is configured to accept a signal from one or more sensors integral to ablation catheter 100, not shown, such that the energy delivered can be modified via an algorithm which processes the information received from the one or more sensors.
Referring now to
Control shaft 150 extends from the proximal end to distal end 102 of catheter shaft 101 and resides in a lumen therebetween. Control shaft 150 is also constructed of material to provide suitable flexibility and column strength to be percutaneously introduced into the patient as well as perform other functions such as the advancement and contraction of carrier assembly 120. Applicable materials for control shaft 150 are Nitinol™; stainless steel; titanium; gold; platinum; copper; a polymer; a polymer embedded with conductive material; an elastomer; a plastic; and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, control shaft 150 is constructed of both stainless steel and Nitinol. In another preferred embodiment, control shaft 150 is selected from the group consisting of: a monofilament fiber; a spring coil; a wire; and combinations thereof. In another preferred embodiment, control shaft 150 has a guidewire construction such as a core with a tightly coiled wire sheath, the sheath surrounding a substantial length of the core. In another preferred embodiment, the control shaft 150 includes a lumen from its proximal end and its distal end 102 such as to permit over-the-wire introduction via that lumen.
Coupler 140, located at the distal end 102 of control shaft 150 connects control shaft 150 to carrier assembly 120. Carrier assembly 120 is a flexible filamentous assembly that includes at least one ablation element, such as electrode 130, to deliver energy to tissue. Carrier assembly 120 includes one or more carrier arms 123, each of which has a proximal arm segment 125 and a distal arm segment 127, which are connected by a resiliently flexible segment, carrier arm bend portion 121. Bend portion 121 may include various elements to assist in bending such as a spring; a hinge; a reduced diameter segment; a bend created during a heat treatment of a wire such as the “training” of a Nitinol wire; and combinations thereof. Bend point 121 provides means for rotatably joining the distal arm segment 127 to the proximal arm segment 125. Carrier arms 123 are preferably constructed of a wire, such as a ribbon wire, and may have segments with different levels of flexibility. Bend point 121 may comprises two or more wires bonded together with a joint. Carrier arms 123 may include no ablation elements, such as a carrier arm 123 to provide support only. Carrier arms 123 may also include mapping electrodes, thermal sensors or other sensors, with or without the inclusion of ablation elements. In a preferred embodiment, each carrier arm 123 includes at least one ablation element.
Carrier assembly 120 can be configured to assume various geometries when in its expanded condition, such as the umbrella configuration of
Each electrode 130 of carrier assembly 120 of ablation catheter 100 is connected to one or more wires, not shown but preferably extending from each electrode 130 of the distal arm segment 127, running parallel with the segment toward the axis of distal end 102 of the catheter shaft 101, then traveling proximally toward coupler 140 and then through catheter shaft 101 to handle 110. The wires may pass through coupler 140, along side coupler 140, or may be electrically connected to coupler 140 such that these wires connect to wires on the proximal end of coupler 140. The wires may be within a lumen internal to control shaft 150, a space between control shaft 150 and catheter shaft 101, and a separate lumen of catheter shaft 101. The wires are looped within handle 110 to provide the distension necessary for the resilient deployment of carrier assembly 120 as illustrated in
The electrode 130 wires provide a drive signal and a ground signal, or two or more alternating drive signals to each electrode 130. Electrodes 130 can be wired independently, such that each electrode 130 can deliver energy independent of any other electrode, or two or more electrodes can be connected in parallel or serial fashion. In a preferred embodiment, ablation catheter 100 and an energy delivery apparatus can be configured to drive two ablation elements, such as electrodes 130, independently or simultaneously. Handle 110 includes RF attachment port 181 which can be connected to a separate energy delivery apparatus such as an RF delivery apparatus. Mapping port 182 is also included, which can be used to connect to a mapping device to assist in determining and/or confirming the proper ablation location. Handle 110 further includes button 116, which is connected to switch means, not shown, for starting and/or stopping the delivery of energy to one or more of electrodes 130. In an alternative embodiment, an energy delivery apparatus is integrated into handle 110 such that a separate apparatus and port 181 are not needed. In this configuration, handle 110 may include a plug, not shown, for attachment to a power supply or wall outlet. In another alternative embodiment, handle 110 includes an audible transducer, such as an audible transducer that is activated when energy is being delivered to tissue, or an alarm condition has been entered. In another alternative embodiment, handle 110 includes a power supply, such as a battery or rechargeable battery, both not shown. In another alternative embodiment, ablation catheter 100 includes one or more elements requiring power such as from an integrated battery, these elements selected from the group consisting of: an integral a light such as an LED; a display such as a liquid crystal display or touch screen display; an audible transducer; a tactile transducer such as a vibration transducer which readily alerts anyone holding the device; a relay such as a relay which disconnects power to one or more ablation elements; mapping circuitry embedded in one or more components of ablation catheter 100, or electrode 130; and combinations thereof.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Electrodes 130 are mounted to distal arm segment 127 of carrier arms 123. These electrodes can consist of wire coils; conductive plates; semiconductor plates; and combinations thereof. Each electrode is connected to one or more wires, each wire traveling from the electrode inward toward the axis of catheter shaft axis, and then proximal toward the end of control shaft 150. The wires are joined in a bundle, wire bundle 151 which travels along side control shaft 150. Wire bundle 151 may be glued or banded to control shaft 150 to avoid binding. In an alternative embodiment, wire bundle 151 travels internal to control shaft 150.
Carrier arm 123 includes proximal arm segment 125 and distal arm segment 127, carrier arm bend point 121. In the configuration of
Referring now to
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Referring again to
Control shaft 150 is mechanically attached to coupler 140. Control shaft 150 extends proximally to handle 110 and is operably connected to knob 115 such that rotation of knob 115 from a deployed position to a withdrawn position causes carrier assembly 120 to be constrained within a lumen of catheter shaft 101, and rotation of knob 115 from a withdrawn position to a deployed position causes carrier assembly 120 to extend beyond the distal end of catheter shaft 101 to be in an expanded condition. In a preferred embodiment, knob 115 is operably connected to control shaft 150 via a cam, or set of gears, not shown, to provide a mechanical advantage in the distance traveled by control shaft 150.
Catheter shaft 101 is preferably part of a steerable sheath, steering mechanism not shown, and includes flush port 170, which is configured to be attachable to a flushing syringe, used to flush blood and other debris or contaminants from the lumen of an empty catheter shaft 101 (wherein control shaft 150, coupler 140 and carrier assembly 120 have been removed) or for flushing the space between control shaft 150 and the inner wall of catheter shaft 101. Catheter shaft 101 is not connected to handle 110, such that handle 110 can be withdrawn, removing control shaft 150, coupler 140 and carrier assembly 120 from catheter shaft 101. This configuration is useful when these components are provided in a kit form, including combinations of different versions of these components, the different combinations made available to treat multiple patients, or a single patient requiring multiple electrode patterns. A preferred example of a kit would include the catheter shaft 101 and flush port 170 of
Also depicted in
In a preferred embodiment, ablation catheter 100 includes an embedded identifier (ID), an uploadable electronic or other code, which can be used by RF delivery unit 200 to confirm compatibility and other acceptability of the specific catheter 100 with the specific RF delivery unit 200. The electronic code can be a bar code, not shown, on handle 110 which is read by RF delivery unit 200, an electronic code which is transferred to RF delivery unit 200 via a wired or wireless connection, not shown, or other identifying means, such as an RF tag embedded in handle 110. In another preferred embodiment, RF delivery unit 200 also includes an embedded ID, such as an ID which can be downloaded to catheter 100 for a second or alternative acceptability check. The embedded ID can also be used to automatically set certain parameters or certain parameter ranges, and can be used to increase safety by preventing inadvertent settings outside of an acceptable range for the specific catheter 100.
Handle 110 includes two push buttons, first button 116 and second button 117. These buttons can be used to perform one or more functions, and can work in cooperation with user input components of user interface 201 such that commands entered into user interface 201 set the action taken when either or both button 116 and button 117 are pressed. In a preferred embodiment, both button 116 and button 117 must be pressed simultaneously to deliver energy to one or more ablation elements of catheter 100. At the distal end of catheter shaft 101 is a circumferential band, band 104. Band 104 is preferably a visualization marker, such as a radiographic marker, ultrasound marker, electromagnetic marker, magnetic marker and combinations thereof. In an alternative embodiment, band 104 transmits or receives energy, such as when the marker is used as a ground or other electrode during an ablation. In another alternative embodiment, band 104 is an antenna used to determine the position of the distal end of catheter shaft 101 or the location of another component in relation to band 104. In another preferred embodiment, band 104 is used to store energy, such as capacitively stored energy that can be used to generate a magnetic field or to deliver ablation energy.
Referring now to
Referring back to
Coupler 140 is mechanically attached to control shaft 150 which is mechanically attached to coupler 140. Control shaft 150 extends proximally to handle 110 and is operably connected to sliding knob 111, wherein sliding knob 111 can be distally advanced or proximally retracted in slot 112. Retraction of knob 111 from a distal position to a proximal position causes carrier assembly 120 to be constrained within a lumen at distal end 102 of catheter shaft 101, and advancement of knob 111 from a proximal position to a distal position causes carrier assembly 120 to extend beyond distal end 102 of catheter shaft 101, carrier assembly 120 resiliently expanding to its spiral shaped tip. In a preferred embodiment, knob 111 is operably connected to control shaft 150 via a cam, or set of gears, not shown, to provide a mechanical advantage in the distance traveled by control shaft 150, or the force exerted on control shaft 150.
Catheter shaft 101 is part of a steerable sheath, including pull wire 105 which is secured at one end to the distal end of control shaft 150 and at the other end is operably attached to knob 113, wherein sliding knob 113 can be distally advanced or proximally retracted in slot 114. The pull wire is operably connected to the control knob 113 so that sliding of the control knob pulls pull wire 105 to effectuate steering of the distal end 102 of control shaft 150. Retraction of knob 113 proximally causes distal end of control shaft 150 to deflect and advancement of knob 113 distally causes the distal end of control shaft 150 to straighten. Using knob 113, the operator can steer the carrier assembly 120 as needed to contact different areas of the atrium wall or other tissue surface. The pull wire 105 may be unsecured to the control shaft 150 along much of its length, or it may be embedded in the control shaft 150 wall or otherwise restrained to the control shaft 150. The entire distal end of the ablation catheter 100 may also be steered with pull wire 105, as the catheter shaft 101 is sufficiently flexible that it will deform along with the control shaft 150. In an additional or alternative embodiment, a second pull wire, not shown, is attached to the distal end of catheter shaft 101, this pull wire similarly attached to control means included in handle 101. In a preferred embodiment, knob 112 is operably connected to pull wire 105 via a cam, or set of gears, not shown, to provide a mechanical advantage in the distance traveled by pull wire 105, or the force exerted on pull wire 105. In an alternative or additional embodiment, a pull wire and handle control means can be connected to either catheter shaft 101 and/or control shaft 150 and/or coupler 140 and/or carrier assembly 120 at any location along their length, to cause a specific deflection pattern. In another preferred embodiment, the shaft to which the pull wire is attached includes multiple discrete levels of stiffness and/or variable levels of stiffness, near the attachment point, such that non-continuous bending occurs, i.e. bending with multiple radii or continuously variable radii.
Catheter shaft 101 includes flush port 170, which is configured to be attachable to a flushing syringe, used to flush blood and other contaminants from the lumen of an empty catheter shaft 101 (wherein control shaft 150, coupler 140 and carrier assembly 120 have been removed) or for flushing the space between control shaft 150 and the inner wall of catheter shaft 101. In a preferred embodiment, catheter shaft 101 is not connected to handle 110, such that handle 110 can be withdrawn, removing control shaft 150, coupler 140 and carrier assembly 120 from catheter shaft 101. This configuration is useful when these components are provided in a kit form, including combinations of different versions of these components, these different combinations made available to treat multiple patients, or a single patient.
Also depicted in
In a preferred embodiment, ablation catheter 100 and/or RF delivery unit 200 include an embedded identifier (ID), an uploadable or downloadable electronic or other code, which can be used by the system to confirm component compatibility and/or other acceptability of the specific catheter 100 with the specific RF delivery unit 200. The electronic code and some of its uses have been described in detail in reference to
Referring now to
Included in the carrier assembly 120 are four electrodes 130, noting that one or more electrodes should be considered within the scope of this application. Carrier assembly 120 includes a carrier wire 128, to which the electrodes 130 are mounted. Carrier wire 128 is preferably a non-conductive wire, such as a Teflon™ coated Nitinol wire, or a braided nylon line such that the electrodes can be electrically isolated from carrier wire 128. Alternatively, each electrode 130 can include an insulator. At each end of carrier assembly 120, carrier wire 128 transitions to wire 129′ and wire 129″ through transition point 122′ and transition point 122″ respectively. Depicted in
Carrier assembly 120 can be constrained within lumen 107 catheter shaft 101 by retracting wire 129′, wire 129″ or both. Utilizing control means incorporated into a handle, both not shown but described in detail in reference to previous figures, these advancements can be accomplished by an operator. Referring specifically to
Referring now to
Referring now to
Electrode assembly 230 further includes sensor 233, which can be an individual sensor or bank of multiple sensors such as a sensor to sense one or more of: chemical activity, light characteristic such as intensity or wavelength, electrical activity, pH, temperature, pressure, fluid flow or other physiologic parameter. Electrode assembly 230 further includes sensor interface 234 which includes various electronic components and circuitry such as circuitry created in various doping and other integrated circuit building processes used in a semiconductor substrate such as silicon. The information provided by sensor 233 can be processed by sensor interface 234 and/or by circuitry included in a proximal handle or energy delivery apparatus. This information can be used to start, stop, increase, decrease or otherwise modify energy delivery or control another function of electrode assembly 230 or another function of the ablation catheter of the present invention.
Electrode assembly 230 further includes mapping electrode 232 which provides recording of electrical signals of the heart, such as signals used to identify rotors to be ablated during the procedure. In an alternative embodiment, ablation electrode 231 is used to record the electrical signals of the heat. Electrode assembly 230 further includes functional element 237, which may include integrated circuit components described above, as well as MEMS or nano-machine components that are well known to being integrated into semiconductor substrates using the appropriate machinery. A preferred embodiment of
Multiple semiconductor portions can be integrated into electrode assembly 230, such as portions which are connected with an insulating material and/or a flexible material providing a flexible joint between rigid portions of electrode assembly 230. Utilizing semiconductor technology and/or MEMS or other semiconductor fabrication means, numerous functions can be incorporated into electrode assembly 230 to improve therapeutic benefit of the procedure, provide enhanced safety to the procedure, or provide other therapeutic or non-therapeutic benefit to the patient or the operator of the system. In an alternative embodiment, the electrode assembly further comprises a cooling element, such as a heat sink, not shown.
Referring now to
Another alternative embodiment of the ablation catheter of the present invention is also depicted in
Referring now to
It should be understood that numerous other configurations of the systems, devices and methods described herein can be employed without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. It should be understood that the system includes multiple functional components, such as the ablation catheter and the energy delivery apparatus. The ablation catheter consists of a catheter shaft, a carrier assembly for providing electrodes in a resiliently biased configuration, a control shaft for deploying and withdrawing the carrier assembly, and a coupler for attaching the control shaft to the carrier assembly. The carrier assembly is a support structure which is shiftable from a storage or confined configuration, such as a radially constrained configuration, to a deployed or expanded configuration. The carrier assembly can includes wires, ribbons, cables and struts, made of either metals, non-metals or combinations of both. The carrier assembly can be constructed of one or more materials, including both metals and non-metals. Typical metals chosen for carrier assembly construction include but are not limited to: stainless steel, Nitinol, Elgiloy™, other alloys and combinations thereof.
The ablation catheter of the present invention may include a steerable outer sheath, or may work in conjunction as a system with a separate steerable outer sheath. One or more tubular components of the ablation catheter may be steerable such as with the inclusion of a controllable pull wire at or near the distal end. The ablation catheter of the present invention may be inserted over the wire, such as via a lumen within one of the tubular conduits such as within a lumen of the tubular body member or control shaft, or alternatively the catheter may include a rapid exchange sidecar at or near its distal end, consisting of a small projection with a guidewire lumen therethrough. A guidewire lumen may be included solely for the guidewire, or may provide other functions such as a vacuum lumen for an integral suction port integrated at the distal portion of the carrier assembly.
The ablation catheter of the present invention further includes ablation elements. In preferred embodiments, one or more ablation elements are electrodes configured to deliver RF energy. Other forms of energy, alternative or in addition to RF, may be delivered, including but not limited to: acoustic energy and ultrasound energy; electromagnetic energy such as electrical, magnetic, microwave and radiofrequency energies; thermal energy such as heat and cryogenic energies; chemical energy; light energy such as infrared and visible light energies; mechanical energy; radiation; and combinations thereof. One or more ablation elements may comprise a drug delivery pump or a device to cause mechanical tissue damage such as a forwardly advanceable spike or needle. The ablation elements can deliver energy individually, in combination with or in serial fashion with other ablation elements. The ablation elements can be electrically connected in parallel, in series, individually, or combinations thereof. The ablation catheter may include cooling means to prevent undesired tissue damage and/or blood clotting. The ablation elements may be constructed of various materials, such as plates of metal and coils of wire for RF energy delivery. The electrodes can take on various shapes including shapes used to focus energy such as a horn shape to focus sound energy, and shapes to assist in cooling such as a geometry providing large surface area. Electrodes can vary within a single carrier assembly, such as a spiral array of electrodes or a umbrella tip configuration wherein electrodes farthest from the central axis of the catheter have the largest major axis. Wires and other flexible conduits are attached to the ablation elements, such as electrical energy carrying wires for RF electrodes or ultrasound crystals, and tubes for cryogenic delivery.
The ablation elements requiring electrical energy to ablate require wired connections to an electrical energy power source such as an RF power source. In configurations with large numbers of electrodes, individual pairs of wires for each electrode may be bulky and compromise the cross-sectional profile of the ablation catheter. In an alternative embodiment, one or more electrodes, connected in serial fashion such that a reduced number of wires, such as two wires, can be attached to two or more electrodes, include switching means such that while a first electrode is powered, the remaining electrodes do not transmit ablative energy. Switching means may be a thermal switch, such that as a first electrodes heats up, a single pole double throw switch change state disconnecting power from that electrode and attaching power to the next electrode in the serial connection. This integral temperature switch may have a first temperature to disconnect the electrode, and a second temperature to reconnect the electrode wherein the second temperature is lower than the first temperature, such as a second temperature below body temperature. In an alternative embodiment, each electrode is constructed of materials in their conductive path such that as when the temperature increased and reached a predetermined threshold, the resistance abruptly decreased to near zero, such that power dissipation, or heat, generated by the electrode was also near zero, and more power could be delivered to the next electrode incorporating the above switching means.
The ablation catheter of the present invention preferably includes a handle activating or otherwise controlling one or more functions of the ablation catheter. The handle may include various knobs, such as rotating or sliding knobs which are operably connected to advanceable conduits, or are operably connected to gear trains or cams which are connected to advanceable conduits. These knobs, such as knobs use to deflect a distal portion of a conduit, or to advance or retract the carrier assembly, preferably include a reversible locking mechanism such that a particular tip deflection or deployment amount can be maintained through various manipulations of the system.
The ablation catheter may include one or more sensors, such as sensors used to detect chemical activity; light; electrical activity; pH; temperature; pressure; fluid flow or another physiologic parameter. These sensors can be used to map electrical activity, measure temperature, or gather other information that may be used to modify the ablation procedure. In a preferred embodiment, one or more sensors, such as a mapping electrode, can also be used to ablate tissue.
Numerous components internal to the patient, such as the carrier assembly or electrodes, may include one or more visual markers such as radiopaque markers visible under fluoroscopy, or ultrasound markers.
Selection of the tissue to be ablated may be based on a diagnosis of aberrant conduit or conduits, or based on anatomical location. RF energy may be delivered first, followed by another energy type in the same location, such as when a single electrode can deliver more than one type of energy, such as RF and ultrasound energy. Alternatively or additionally, a first procedure may be performed utilizing one type of energy, followed by a second procedure utilizing a different form of energy. The second procedure may be performed shortly after the first procedure, such as within four hours, or at a later date such as greater than twenty-four hours after the first procedure. Numerous types of tissue can be ablated utilizing the devices, systems and methods of the present invention. For example, the various aspects of the invention have application in procedures for ablating tissue in the prostrate, brain, gall bladder, uterus, other organs and regions of the body, and a tumor, preferably regions with an accessible wall or flat tissue surface. In the preferred embodiment, heart tissue is ablated, such as left atrial tissue.
In another preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention, an ablation catheter and a heat sensing technology are included. The heat sensing technology, includes sensor means that may be placed on the chest of the patient, the esophagus or another area in close enough proximity to the tissue being ablated to directly measure temperature effects of the ablation, such as via a temperature sensor, or indirectly such as through the use of an infrared camera. In the described system, when a temperature or a surrogate temperature reaches a threshold, such as an adjustable threshold, the ablation energy is reduced or stopped, to one or more ablation elements. The threshold will depend on the location of the sensor means, as well as where the ablation energy is being delivered. The threshold may be adjustable, and may be automatically configured.
Numerous kit configurations are also to be considered within the scope of this application. An ablation catheter is provided with multiple carrier assemblies. These carrier assemblies can be removed for the tubular body member of the catheter, or may include multiple tubular body members in the kit. The multiple carrier assemblies can have different patterns, different types or amounts of electrodes, and have numerous other configurations including compatibility with different forms of energy.
Though the ablation device has been described in terms of its preferred endocardial and transcutaneous method of use, the array may be used on the heart during open heart surgery, open chest surgery, or minimally invasive thoracic surgery. Thus, during open chest surgery, a short catheter or cannula carrying the carrier assembly and its electrodes may be inserted into the heart, such as through the left atrial appendage or an incision in the atrium wall, to apply the electrodes to the tissue to be ablated. Also, the carrier assembly and its electrodes may be applied to the epicardial surface of the atrium or other areas of the heart to detect and/or ablate arrhythmogenic foci from outside the heart.
Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims. In addition, where this application has listed the steps of a method or procedure in a specific order, it may be possible, or even expedient in certain circumstances, to change the order in which some steps are performed, and it is intended that the particular steps of the method or procedure claim set forth herebelow not be construed as being order-specific unless such order specificity is expressly stated in the claim.