SYSTEM FOR TREATING OR DIAGNOSING HEART TISSUE

摘要

A system for delivering the distal operative end of a therapeutic or diagnostic device which includes a first delivery catheter, preferably configured to be slidably and rotatably disposed within an inner lumen of a guiding catheter. A second delivery catheter may be slidably disposed within an inner lumen of the first delivery catheter and have an inner lumen configured to slidably receive an elongated therapeutic or diagnostic device such as a channel forming device, e.g. an optical fiber connected to a laser source. The distal extremity of the first delivery catheter is shaped or is shapable within the patient's heart chamber so that longitudinal movement of the first delivery catheter into and out of the inner lumen of the guiding catheter and rotation of the first delivery catheter facilitates the accurate placement of the distal extremity of the therapeutic or diagnostic device at one or more desirable locations within the patient's heart chamber. The second delivery catheter is moved out of the inner lumen of the first or first delivery catheter until the distal end extends out of the distal end of the first delivery catheter and provides a passageway for the therapeutic or diagnostic device to engage the endocardium surface at a perpendicular or near perpendicular orientation. In one embodiment, the distal section of the first delivery catheter is provided with a double bend to facilitate a perpendicular approach to the surface of the endocardium in certain situations.