Abstract:
A radio frequency (RF) ablation system and methods for using the radio frequency ablation system are disclosed. The RF ablation system may include an elongated member, an RF generator, and a processor. The elongated member may include a distal portion including one or more electrodes and the RF generator may be operatively coupled to one or more of the electrodes. The processor, which may be coupled to one or more of the electrodes, may obtain an output signal from the electrodes and may monitor changes in a frequency spectra of an electrical signal received with the output signal. The processor may determine a level of one or more characteristics that are proportional to an amplitude of the electrical signal, proportional to the frequency of the electrical signal, or proportional to both of the amplitude and the frequency of the electrical signal.
Abstract:
The disclosure pertains to an intravascular catheter for nerve modulation, comprising an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end, a balloon having a lumen and a balloon wall, the balloon wall comprising RF permeable sections and non-electrically conductive sections, an electrode disposed within the balloon and extending distally to the furthest distal RF permeable section. The RF permeable sections may comprise a plurality of RF permeable windows, each window having a greater circumferential dimension than an axial dimension. The intravascular system is suited for modulation of renal nerves.
Abstract:
Ablation devices and methods for determining a degree of contact between an electrode and a target tissue are disclosed. An example ablation device for treating body tissue may include a catheter having a proximal end region and a distal end region. An electrode may be disposed adjacent to the distal end region of the catheter. The device may also include a processing unit having a memory. The processing unit may be in electrical communication with the electrode. The processing unit may be capable of determining a degree of contact between the electrode and a target tissue.
Abstract:
Devices, systems, and methods for performing a mapping procedure on body tissue are disclosed. An example mapping device for mapping a tissue surface includes an elongate shaft and an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly includes a plurality of splines and a plurality of electrodes disposed on at least some of the splines. The electrode assembly is capable of moving between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. In the expanded configuration, the electrode assembly may have a generally planar structure.
Abstract:
The disclosure pertains to an intravascular catheter for nerve modulation, comprising an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end, a balloon having a lumen and a balloon wall, the balloon wall comprising RF permeable sections and non-electrically conductive sections, an electrode disposed within the balloon and extending distally to the furthest distal RF permeable section. The RF permeable sections may comprise a plurality of RF permeable windows, each window having a greater circumferential dimension than an axial dimension. The intravascular system is suited for modulation of renal nerves.
Abstract:
Devices, systems, and methods for performing ablation therapy on body tissue are disclosed. An example ablation device for treating body tissue includes an ionically conductive balloon and a radio-frequency electrode that delivers RF energy into a distal section of the balloon. The balloon can have a composite structure with a non-conductive section and a conductive section. The ablation device can have a steering mechanism configured to deflect the balloon.
Abstract:
An intravascular catheter for nerve modulation through the wall of a blood vessel, comprising an shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and a central axis, a balloon disposed on the shaft and having a proximal end, a distal end, an interior surface, and exterior surface, a lumen defined by the interior surface, a plurality of electrodes disposed on the balloon, and a plurality of elastomeric members disposed between the plurality of electrodes and the balloon and extending between the proximal end of the balloon and the distal end of the balloon.