SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR TREATING ATRIAL FIBRILLATION USING ELECTROPORATION

摘要

The present invention provides an improved system and method for treating atrial fibrillation using electroporation. The system creates transmural lesions in tissue. At least first and second tissue penetrating, mono-polar electrodes are provided that are configured to be introduced at or near an epicardial tissue site of the heart of the patient. A voltage pulse generator is coupled to the first and second mono-polar electrodes. The voltage pulse generator applies sufficient electrical pulses between the first and second mono-polar electrodes to induce electroporation of cells in the epicardial tissue site to create a trausmural lesion, but insufficient to create a thermal damaging effect to a majority of the epicardial tissue site.