摘要:
An RF ablation system (10) includes a catheter (12) having a lumen therein and a first electrode (18). A second electrode (20) is disposed around the catheter (12) proximate the distal end (14) of the catheter (12) and spaced from the first electrode (18) by an insulating spacer which may be a part (36) of the catheter (12) or a sleeve (42) on the first electrode (18). The first electrode (18) is able to slide in and out of the catheter (12) in order to vary the exposed length of the first electrode (18) and as a result to alter the energy density at the first electrode (18) in order to exhibit different heating effects. A control unit (24) controls current through the electrodes (18, 20) and also the exposed length of the first electrode (18). The second electrode (20) has a surface area at least twice that of the first electrode (18) in order to act as a dispersive of electrode. As a consequence, negligible heat is generated at the second electrode (20) and therefore no blood clotting or other ablation material is formed over the catheter (12).
摘要:
A guide wire (50) includes a plurality of segments (60-80) which can interlock rotatably relative to one another. A locking element (240) extends through a lumen of the segments (60-80). When the locking element (240) is in an unlocked condition the segments (60-80) are able to rotate relative to one another. In this mode, the guide wire (50) is very flexible. The locking element (240) can be tightened to cause the segments to lock in engagement with one another and to fix the guide wire (50) in position. In practice, the guide wire can be fixed in a curved or bent configuration, which enables the guide wire (50) to provide a rigid support for a microcatheter or other element of an introducer assembly. The guide wire (50) therefore can exhibit both extreme flexibility and stiffness.
摘要:
The preferred embodiment provides apparatus (10) for ablating a vessel (80) by generating heat within a vessel to cause blood clotting to occlude the vessel. The apparatus includes an electrically resistive element (30) at the distal end (20) of the apparatus (10), the resistive element (30) being uncoated and therefore in bare form. An alternating current supply (24) feeds electrical current through the resistive element (30) to cause heating of the element (30) and surrounding blood or tissue. The alternating current power supply (24) preferably is balanced about a centre point so as to create a net sum of alternating pulses of zero. It has been found that the supply of alternating current to the resistive element (30) reduces or eliminates corrosion of the resistive element (30) in blood as the resistive element (30) is heated. Use of conductive coatings for a sacrificial anode can be avoided.