CATHETERS, CATHETER SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR PUNCTURING THROUGH A TISSUE STRUCTURE

摘要

A percutaneous catheter system for use within the human body and an ablation catheter for ablating a selected tissue region within the body of a subject. The percutaneous catheter system can include two catheters thai are operatively coupled to one another by magnetic coupling through a tissue structure. The ablation catheter can include electrodes positioned within a central portion. The ablation catheter is positioned such that the central portion of a flexible shaft at least partially surrounds the selected tissue region. Each electrode of the ablation catheter can be activated independently to apply ablative energy to the selected tissue region. The ablation catheter can employ high impedance structures to change the current density at specific points. Methods of puncturing through a tissue structure using the percutaneous catheter system are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for ablating a selected tissue region using the ablation catheter.

主权项

1. A percutaneous catheter system for use within the body of a subject, comprising
a first catheter having a longitudinal axis, a longitudinal length, a proximal portion, and a distal portion, the distal portion of the first catheter defining a distal end of the first catheter, the distal end of the first catheter defining an opening, the first catheter defining at least one lumen extending from the opening of the distal end toward the proximal portion of the first catheter along at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the first catheter, the first catheter comprising a first magnet assembly positioned proximate the distal end of the first catheter and operatively coupled to the distal portion of the first catheter; and a second catheter having a longitudinal axis, a longitudinal length, a proximal portion, and a distal portion, the distal portion of the second catheter defining a distal end of the second catheter, the distal end of the second catheter defining an opening, the second catheter defining at least one lumen extending from the opening of the distal end toward the proximal portion of the second catheter along at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the second catheter, the second catheter comprising a second magnet assembly positioned proximate the distal end of the second catheter and operatively coupled to the distal portion of the second catheter, wherein the first magnet assembly is configured for magnetic coupling to the second magnet assembly such that the longitudinal axis of the first catheter is substantially axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the second catheter.