Cardiac Ablation Devices and Methods

摘要

Devices and methods provide for ablation of cardiac tissue for treating cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. The devices and methods are used to ablate epicardial tissue in the vicinity of the pulmonary veins, and other locations on a heart. Devices generally include at least one tissue contacting member for contacting epicardial tissue and securing the ablation device to the epicardial tissue, and at least one ablation member for ablating the tissue. Various embodiments include features, such as suction apertures, which enable the device to attach to the epicardial surface with sufficient strength to allow the tissue to be stabilized via the device. For example, some embodiments may be used to stabilize a beating heart to enable a beating heart ablation procedure. Many of the devices may be introduced into a patient utilizing minimally invasive introducer devices and the like. A preferred embodiment of the introducer device includes an integrated light source that can be activated at the time of use.

主权项

1. A method for ablating heart tissue on a heart of a patient to treat a cardiac arrhythmia, the method comprising:
contacting heart tissue with an ablation device having at least one tissue contacting member and at least one ablation member; positioning the tissue contacting member and the at least one ablation member on the heart tissue in a position proximate at least one location selected for ablation; applying sufficient suction force through the tissue contacting member to secure the contacting member to the tissue; and applying ablation energy to at least a portion of the heart tissue with the at least one ablation member.