METHODS AND APPARATUS EMPLOYING IONIZING RADIATION FOR TREATMENT OF CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIA

摘要

Method and apparatus (20) employing ionizing radiation for forming lines of ablation or lesions in cardiac tissue to treat atrial fibrillation or other electrophysiological problems with the heart. The apparatus (20) may include a catheter (20) in which a radiation source (42) is advanced hydraulically after the catheter (20) is in place within the heart. Various fixation devices (72) are also disclosed for fixing the location of the catheter (20) within the heart.