APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PROCEDURES RELATED TO THE ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY OF THE HEART

摘要

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for use in procedures related to the electrophysiology of the heart, such as identifying or evaluating the electrical activity of the heart, diagnosing and/or treating conditions associated with the electrophysiology of the heart. An apparatus (200) having thermocouple elements (206, 208) of different electromotive potential conductively connected at a junction (210) is introduced into the interior of the heart and a section of heart tissue is contacted with the junction (210). An electrical current is passed through the thermocouple elements (206, 208) to reduce the temperature of the junction in accordance with the Peltier effect and thereby cool contacted heart tissue. The effect of the cooling may be monitored and, if desired, the section of heart tissue may be treated.