DISTRIBUTED LOCATION SENSOR

摘要

A catheter configured for use with a magnetic field-based localization system includes a distributed location sensor that includes a plurality of individual location sensing coils electrically connected in series. The distributed location sensor has an effective magnetic center based on the individual characteristics of each location sensing coil. The effective magnetic center can be located in a space occupied by another structure such as an irrigation fluid delivery tube. The plurality of individual location sensing coils are generally smaller, thereby easing placement, and collectively, when connected in series, output a relatively strong and noise-free signal.

主权项

1. A medical device configured for use with a magnetic field-based localization system, comprising:
a shaft having a proximal end portion and distal end portion; a tip electrode at the distal end portion of said shaft, said electrode having an irrigation passageway with a fluid inlet and at least one outlet on an outer surface of said electrode; a fluid delivery lumen coupled at one end thereof to the fluid inlet, said lumen being configured to be coupled to an irrigation fluid delivery system; and a distributed location sensor including a plurality of location sensing coils electrically connected in series, each of said sensing coils being disposed in said distal end portion, said plurality of location sensing coils having an effective magnetic center located in a space occupied by said fluid lumen delivery lumen, said distributed location sensor being configured to produce a signal responsive to an applied magnetic field produced by the localization system indicative of a location of the effective magnetic center.