Medical probe and method of using same

摘要

The present invention resides in one aspect in a device for monitoring luminal esophageal temperatures in a patient. The device includes a probe adapted to be inserted into an esophagus of the patient. The probe extends between a proximal end and a distal end. A first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor are coupled to the probe. An electrode is also coupled to the probe. The second temperature sensor is displaced from the first temperature sensor along a longitudinal axis of the probe. A controller processes information received by the electrodes and the temperature sensors. The controller generates a live and continuously updating three dimensional anatomic map and three dimensional thermal map of the esophagus based at least in part on the information received from the temperature sensors and the electrodes. The thermal map and the anatomic map are displayed on a video monitor.

主权项

1. A device for monitoring luminal esophageal temperatures in a patient, comprising:
a probe adapted to be inserted into an esophagus of the patient, the probe extending between a proximal end and a distal end; a plurality of electrodes and a plurality of temperature sensors extending along a length of a longitudinal axis of the probe, the length along which the plurality of electrodes and the plurality of temperature sensors extend being selected to enable continuous monitoring of temperatures in the area of an esophagus subject to formation of atrial-esophageal fistulas during a cardiac ablation; a temperature sensor interface coupled to the probe remote from the distal end of the probe, wherein the temperature sensor interface is in communication with the plurality of temperature sensors; an electrode interface coupled to the probe remote from the distal end of the probe, wherein the electrode interface is in communication with the plurality of electrodes; a controller having software executing; wherein the electrode interface is connected to the controller and the controller is adapted to receive signals from the electrode interface; wherein the temperature sensor interface is connected to the controller and the controller is adapted to receive signals from the temperature sensor interface; a video monitor in communication with the controller; wherein the controller is configured to display on the monitor a three-dimensional anatomic map of the esophagus based at least in part on the signals received from the electrode interface; wherein the controller is configured to display on the monitor a three-dimensional thermal map of the esophagus based at least in part on the signals received from the temperature sensor interface; and wherein the three-dimensional thermal map is overlaid on the three-dimensional anatomic map.