ABLATION CATHETER

摘要

With reference to the figure, an ablation catheter (1) for use in heart surgery comprises a probe (2), a tubular electrode (3) mounted on the probe, so as to axially be slidable relative thereto, and remote-operated actuator means (4) for so sliding the electrode (3). The probe (2) is of electrically-insulating material, and comprises a tip (6), an axially-extending shaft (7), and a rear end portion (8). A surface groove (9) is formed in the probe which extends longitudinally up to the tip (6). The groove (9) locates a conductor (10) which interconnects the electrode (3) with a controllable source (15) of electrical energy and is enclosed in an insulating sheath (16) of flexible construction. The flexible sheath (16), and conductor (10) therein are axially slidable within the groove (9) of the catheter (1). The sheath (16) provides for electrical insulation of the conductor (10) as the electrode (3) is moved along the probe shaft (7). In use, the catheter (1) is employed to create long endocardial lesions in cardiac chambers by application of radio frequency current provided by the source (15). Contiguous lesions are created, in a series of steps, by careful, remote-operated movement of the electrode (3), and energisation of the same.