ENDOCARDIAL INFUSION CATHETER

摘要

Method and apparatus for ablation of cardiac tissue includes a catheter (2, 60) having an elongated flexible body (6, 64), and a tissue ablation assembly positioned adjacent the tissue to be ablated. The tissue ablation assembly comprises a novel tissue infusion apparatus including a hollow infusion needle (86, 102) configured to secure the needle into the tissue when the needle is at least partially inserted into the tissue to help prevent inadvertent removal of the needle from the tissue. This permits the ablation fluid to be confined to the ablation site. The catheter may also include a visualization assembly including a transducer (34) at the distal end (16) of the body.