C04301: Easy Catheter Ablation of Atrial TissueNovelty:
This technology is a new device that allows an adjustable ring of contiguous ablative lesions to be placed quickly and easily on the endocardial surface.
Value Proposition:
Atrial fibrillation is the most commonly sustained heart arrhythmia, associated with a high incidence of strokes. Often, atrial fibrillation is initiated by electrical triggers located in the pulmonary veins, and can be cured or greatly suppressed by electrically isolating the pulmonary veins from the left atrium. No current ablation strategy provides a convenient method for placing a ring of lesions to isolate the pulmonary vein due to irregularities in the endocardial surface. Advantages of the present invention include:
• Larger and more consistent lesions than unguided distal ablation electrodes
• Easier to operate and manufacture than inflatable balloon or dual-guidewire systems
• Can be used with a variety of ablation energies such as ultrasound or thermal
• Reduction in procedure time due to ease of use and contiguity of lesions
Technical Details:
Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a new ablation catheter to consistently place a ring of lesions around pulmonary vein ostia. The device includes at least one additional electrode placed proximal to the ablative electrode to allow for recording of bipolar electrograms, and a deflection mechanism so that the distal portion of the catheter can be curved after it has entered the left atrial cavity. A single guidewire anchors the device to the vein and ensures the ablation electrode maintains endocardial contact over a nearly circular radius as it rotates about the vein. The curvature of this radius is adjustable to account for irregularities in the endocardial surface.
Looking for Partners:
To develop and commercialize the technology as a novel device for convenient endocardial ablation.
Stage of Development:
Prototype
Data Availability:
Under CDA/NDA
Publications/Associated Cases:
Not availalbe at this time
