Basket catheter with an improved seal

Abstract

The invention relates to a basket catheter with an improved seal. Systems and methods are disclosed for providing and using an irrigated ablation catheter. The catheter includes a distal electrode assembly having a plurality of spines forming a basket shaped electrode assembly in communication with a system controller. The catheter also includes a pull-wire disposed within a lumen of a spine collar. The spine collar further includes a silicone seal for preventing encroachment of irrigation fluid and other bodily fluids into the pull-wire lumen.

Description

technical field [0001] The present disclosure relates generally to methods and devices for percutaneous medical treatment, and in particular to catheters, especially ablation catheters. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to irrigated ablation catheter designs featuring basket-shaped ablation electrode arrays with improved seals. Background technique [0002] Radiofrequency (RF) leads have been commonly used in medical practice for many years. They are used to stimulate and map electrical activity in the heart, as well as to ablate sites of abnormal electrical activity. In particular, targeted ablation can be performed to achieve various indications. For example, ablation of myocardial tissue is a well-known arrhythmia treatment that uses a catheter to apply radiofrequency energy and create an ablation lesion to disrupt arrhythmogenic electrical current paths in cardiac tissue. As another example, a renal ablation procedure may involve inserting a catheter h...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Exposure of the proximal end of the catheter body to fluid can interfere with the wires electrically connecting the electrodes and sensors to the control panel, resulting in interruption of the procedure

Prior art catheters have used O-rings or liquid sealants in an attempt to prevent backflow of fluid into the puller wire lumen, but this has proven unsuccessful

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