Abstract:
Method and apparatus for ablating target tissue adjacent pulmonary veins of a patient. A clamping ablation tool can include an upper arm (12) having an upper neck (24), a link assembly (25), and an upper actuator (18). The link assembly can include a distal electrode and a proximal electrode. The clamping ablation tool includes a lower arm (14) that mates with the upper arm (12). The lower arm (21) can include a lower neck (42), a distal jaw (44), and a lower actuator (46). The distal jaw can include a jaw electrode (48), and the lower actuator (46) can control movement of the distal jaw (44).
Abstract:
Some embodiments of the invention provide a system for occluding a left atrial appendage of a patient. Some embodiments of the system can include a ring occluder that can be positioned around the left atrial appendage and a ring applicator to position the ring occluder with respect to the left atrial appendage. Other embodiments of the invention provide a clip occluder that can be positioned around the left atrial appendage. A clip applicator can position the clip occluder with respect to the left atrial appendage.
Abstract:
A hemostat-type device for ablative treatment of tissue, particularly for treatment of atrial fibrillation, is constructed with features that provide easy and effective treatment. A swiveling head assembly can allow the jaws to be adjusted in pitch and roll. Malleable jaws can permit curved lesion shapes. A locking detent can secure the jaws in a closed position during the procedure. An illuminated indicator provides confirmation that the device is operating. A fluid delivery system simplifies irrigated ablation procedures.
Abstract:
Sub-xiphoid ablation clamp (30) for ablating tissue of a patient. The clamp has an elongate shaft (40) having a major axis, first and second opposing jaws (32) configured to open and close along a first plane, a first and second ablation element (33) positioned along the first and second jaws configured to ablate the tissue positioned therebetween, an actuable joint (38) operatively coupled between the shaft and the opposing jaws and configured to move the opposing jaws to a selectable angle relative to the major axis of the elongate shaft along a second plane orthogonal to the first plane. The ablation clamp has a handle (42) operatively coupled to the shaft having an actuator (46) configured to actuate the actuable joint and a trigger mechanism (44) to open and close the opposing jaws.
Abstract:
Method and apparatus for ablating target tissue adjacent pulmonary veins of a patient. The ablation device (30) can include a lower jaw assembly (32) including a proximal jaw (42) having a proximal electrode (50) and a distal jaw (62) having a distal electrode (70), and an upper jaw assembly (90) including an upper jaw (94) having an upper electrode (98). A proximal actuator (54) can be movable between a first position in which the proximal jaw is open and a second position in which the proximal jaw is clamped with respect to the upper jaw. A distal actuator (76) can be movable between a third position in which the distal jaw is open and a fourth position in which the distal jaw is clamped with respect to the upper jaw.
Abstract:
A system and method of making a lesion on living tissue including providing an electrosurgical system, determining a desired lesion depth, selecting a power setting, and applying electrical energy to the living tissue. The system includes an instrument having an electrode at a distal portion thereof, and a power source having multiple available power settings. The power source is electrically connected to the electrode. The step of applying electrical energy includes energizing the electrode at the selected power setting for a recommended energization time period that is determined by reference to predetermined length of time information and based upon the desired lesion depth and the selected power setting. The system preferably further includes a fluid source for irrigating the electrode at an irrigation rate. In this regard, the predetermined length of time information is generated as a function of irrigation rate.