US5722401A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Endocardial mapping and/or ablation catheter probe
Assignee: Boston Scientific Corp
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Filing: 1995-11-13
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Granted: 1998-03-03
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Expires: 2015-11-13
Abstract
Abstract A catheter probe comprising a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities. An expandable assembly capable of moving from a contracted position to an expanded position is secured to the distal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member and is formed from at least two elongate members movable between contracted and expanded positions. The elongate members have extremities which are joined so that the elongate members extend at an angle relative to each other to form a vee therebetween. A plurality of longitudinally and radially spaced-apart electrodes are carried by the expandable assembly so that they can be moved into engagement with the wall of the heart when the expandable assembly is expanded into the expanded position. Electrical conductors extend through the elongate tubular member and are connected to the electrodes for performing electrical functions with respect to the electrodes. An elastomeric material is adhered to the joined extremities of the elongate members and is disposed within the vee for inhibiting the formation of thrombus on the elongate members while the expandable assembly is disposed within the blood of the heart.
Inventors
- 👤 Susan M. Pietroski
- 👤 Andrew L. Lerohl
- 👤 Harold A. Heitzmann
- 👤 Mir A. Imran
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 15:17
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/68; A61B5/6846; A61B5/6847; A61B5/6852; A61B5/6858; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/12; A61B18/14; A61B18/1492; A61B5/24; A61B5/25; A61B5/279; A61B5/28; A61B5/283; A61B5/287; A61B17/00; A61B2017/00017; A61B2017/00022; A61B2017/00039; A61B2017/00044; A61B2017/00048; A61B2017/00053; A61B17/00234; A61B2017/00238; A61B2017/00243; A61B2018/00053; A61B2018/00059; A61B2018/00071; A61B2018/00083; A61B2018/00107; A61B2018/0016; A61B2018/00214; A61B2018/00267; A61B2018/00315; A61B2018/00345; A61B2018/00351; A61B2018/00636; A61B2018/00773; A61B2018/00869; A61B18/1206; A61B2018/124; A61B2018/1246; A61B2018/1253; A61B2018/126; A61B2018/1405; A61B2018/1435; A61B2018/1465; A61B2562/00; A61B2562/04; A61B2562/043
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 52
Claim 1
Independent Claim
198 words
A mapping probe for introduction through a lumen into a chamber of a heart having blood therein and formed by a wall comprising a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities, expandable means movable from a contracted position to an expanded position secured to the distal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member and formed from at least two elongate members, each of the elongate members having an extremity, means for joining together the extremities so that the elongate members extend at an angle relative to each other to form a vee therebetween when the expandable means is in the expanded position, a plurality of spaced-apart electrodes carried by the expandable means for engaging the wall of the heart when the expandable means is in the expanded position, electrical means extending through the flexible elongate tubular member and connected to the electrodes for performing electrical functions with respect to the electrodes and web-like means made of an elastomeric material adhered to the extremities of the elongate members and extending between the extremities within the vee for inhibiting the formation of thrombus in the vee when the expandable means is disposed within the blood of the heart.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
198 words
A mapping probe for introduction through a lumen into a chamber of a heart having blood therein and formed by a wall comprising a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities, expandable means movable from a contracted position to an expanded position secured to the distal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member and formed from at least two elongate members, each of the elongate members having an extremity, means for joining together the extremities so that the elongate members extend at an angle relative to each other to form a vee therebetween when the expandable means is in the expanded position, a plurality of spaced-apart electrodes carried by the expandable means for engaging the wall of the heart when the expandable means is in the expanded position, electrical means extending through the flexible elongate tubular member and connected to the electrodes for performing electrical functions with respect to the electrodes and web-like means made of an elastomeric material adhered to the extremities of the elongate members and extending between the extremities within the vee for inhibiting the formation of thrombus in the vee when the expandable means is disposed within the blood of the heart.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
A probe as in claim 1 wherein the web-like means is substantially planar in conformation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
A probe as in claim 1 wherein the elastomeric material is polyurethane.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A probe as in claim 1 wherein the elongate members are arms and wherein the extremities are the distal extremities of the arms.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
A probe as in claim 4 wherein the arms extend at an acute angle relative to each other.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
41 words
A probe as in claim 1 wherein the expandable means is a basket-like assembly having a plurality of longitudinally-extending spaced-apart elongate arms having joined proximal and distal extremities, the joined distal extremities of an adjacent pair of arms forming the vee.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
86 words
A probe as in claim 6 wherein the elongate arms include a group of arms which are spaced relatively closely together and at least one support arm aligned generally opposite the group of arms, the plurality of electrodes being carried in longitudinally spaced-apart positions on the group of arms and the at least one support arm serving to urge the group of arms against the wall of the heart so as to permit high density mapping of the wall from electrical signals sensed by the electrodes.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
A probe as in claim 1 together with an antithrombogenic agent disposed on the expandable means for inhibiting the formation of thrombus on the expandable means when the expandable means is disposed within the blood of the heart.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
213 words
A mapping probe for introduction through a lumen into a chamber of a heart having blood therein and formed by a wall comprising a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and at least one lumen extending therethrough, a basket assembly movable between contracted and expanded positions, the basket assembly having a plurality of longitudinally-extending circumferentially spaced-apart arms with proximal and distal extremities, means for joining the proximal extremities of the arms to the distal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member, means for joining together the distal extremities of the arms so that the distal extremities of adjacent arms extend at an angle relative to each other to form a vee therebetween when the basket assembly is in the expanded position, a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart electrodes carried by each arm for engaging the wall of the heart when the basket assembly is in the expanded position, electrical means extending through the flexible elongate tubular member and connected to the electrodes for performing electrical functions with respect to the electrodes and web-like means made of an elastomeric material extending within the vees between the distal extremities of the arms for inhibiting the formation of thrombus in the vees when the basket assembly is disposed within the blood of the heart.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
213 words
A mapping probe for introduction through a lumen into a chamber of a heart having blood therein and formed by a wall comprising a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and at least one lumen extending therethrough, a basket assembly movable between contracted and expanded positions, the basket assembly having a plurality of longitudinally-extending circumferentially spaced-apart arms with proximal and distal extremities, means for joining the proximal extremities of the arms to the distal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member, means for joining together the distal extremities of the arms so that the distal extremities of adjacent arms extend at an angle relative to each other to form a vee therebetween when the basket assembly is in the expanded position, a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart electrodes carried by each arm for engaging the wall of the heart when the basket assembly is in the expanded position, electrical means extending through the flexible elongate tubular member and connected to the electrodes for performing electrical functions with respect to the electrodes and web-like means made of an elastomeric material extending within the vees between the distal extremities of the arms for inhibiting the formation of thrombus in the vees when the basket assembly is disposed within the blood of the heart.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
108 words
A probe as in claim 9 wherein the means for joining the proximal extremities of the arms to the distal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member includes means for joining together the proximal extremities of the arms so that the proximal extremities of adjacent arms extend at an angle relative to each other to form a vee therebetween when the basket assembly is in the expanded position, additional web-like means made from an elastomeric material extending within the vees between the proximal extremities of adjacent arms for inhibiting the formation of thrombus in said vees when the basket assembly is disposed within the blood of the heart.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
A probe as in claim 10 together with an antithrombogenic agent disposed on the basket assembly.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
33 words
A probe as in claim 9 wherein the web-like means is bendable to permit the distal extremities of the arms to move close together when the basket assembly moves to the contracted position.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
196 words
A mapping probe for introduction through a lumen into a chamber of a heart having blood therein and formed by a wall comprising a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities, a sector-shaped basket movable between contracted and expanded positions, the sector-shaped basket having a plurality in excess of three longitudinally-extending spaced-apart arms lying within an angle of 180° or less about the longitudinal axis, the arms of the sector-shaped basket having proximal and distal extremities and a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart electrodes, at least one additional arm extending along the longitudinal axis and having proximal and distal extremities, means for securing the proximal extremities of the arms to the distal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member, means for joining together the distal extremities of the arms and electrical means extending through the flexible elongate tubular member and connected to the electrodes for performing electrical functions with respect to the electrodes, the at least one additional arm serving to urge the electrodes of the sector-shaped basket against the wall of the heart when the sector-shaped basket assembly is in the expanded position to permit high density mapping of the wall of the heart.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
196 words
A mapping probe for introduction through a lumen into a chamber of a heart having blood therein and formed by a wall comprising a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities, a sector-shaped basket movable between contracted and expanded positions, the sector-shaped basket having a plurality in excess of three longitudinally-extending spaced-apart arms lying within an angle of 180° or less about the longitudinal axis, the arms of the sector-shaped basket having proximal and distal extremities and a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart electrodes, at least one additional arm extending along the longitudinal axis and having proximal and distal extremities, means for securing the proximal extremities of the arms to the distal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member, means for joining together the distal extremities of the arms and electrical means extending through the flexible elongate tubular member and connected to the electrodes for performing electrical functions with respect to the electrodes, the at least one additional arm serving to urge the electrodes of the sector-shaped basket against the wall of the heart when the sector-shaped basket assembly is in the expanded position to permit high density mapping of the wall of the heart.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
A probe as in claim 13 wherein the arms of the sector-shaped basket range between five and six in number.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
24 words
A probe as in claim 13 wherein the arms of the sector-shaped basket lie within an angle of approximately 90° about the longitudinal axis.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
24 words
A probe as in claim 13 wherein the arms of the sector-shaped basket lie with an angle of approximately 120° about the longitudinal axis.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
25 words
A probe as in claim 13 wherein the sector-shaped basket has a longitudinal dimension which approximates the longitudinal dimension of the chamber of the heart.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
26 words
A probe as in claim 13 wherein the electrodes include a pattern of closely-spaced electrodes for permitting high density mapping of a region of the wall.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
40 words
A probe as in claim 18 wherein the sector-shaped basket has a longitudinal dimension significantly less than the longitudinal dimension of the chamber of the heart so as to permit the closely-spaced electrodes to be moved longitudinally within the chamber.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
49 words
A probe as in claim 13 together with web-like means made of an elastomeric material disposed between the joined distal extremities of the arms the sector-shaped basket for inhibiting the formation of thrombus on the sector-shaped basket while the sector-shaped basket is disposed within the blood of the heart.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
19 words
A probe as in claim 13 wherein the electrodes on adjacent arms are longitudinally offset relative to each other.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
174 words
A mapping probe for introduction through a lumen into a chamber of a heart having blood therein and formed by a wall comprising a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities, a sector-shaped basket carried by the distal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member and extending along a longitudinal axis, the sector-shaped basket having a plurality in excess of three longitudinally-extending spaced-apart arms with interconnected proximal extremities and interconnected distal extremities, the arms lying within an angle of approximately 180° or less about the longitudinal axis, a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart electrodes carried by each of the arms and electrical means extending through the flexible elongate tubular member and connected to the electrodes for performing electrical functions with respect to the electrodes, the sector-shaped basket being movable between a contracted position for introduction through the lumen into the chamber and an expanded position for causing the electrodes to engage a portion of the wall of the heart to perform high density mapping of said portion of the wall of the heart.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
174 words
A mapping probe for introduction through a lumen into a chamber of a heart having blood therein and formed by a wall comprising a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities, a sector-shaped basket carried by the distal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member and extending along a longitudinal axis, the sector-shaped basket having a plurality in excess of three longitudinally-extending spaced-apart arms with interconnected proximal extremities and interconnected distal extremities, the arms lying within an angle of approximately 180° or less about the longitudinal axis, a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart electrodes carried by each of the arms and electrical means extending through the flexible elongate tubular member and connected to the electrodes for performing electrical functions with respect to the electrodes, the sector-shaped basket being movable between a contracted position for introduction through the lumen into the chamber and an expanded position for causing the electrodes to engage a portion of the wall of the heart to perform high density mapping of said portion of the wall of the heart.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
22 words
A probe as in claim 22 wherein the arms lie within an angle of approximately 90° or less about the longitudinal axis.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
16 words
A probe as in claim 23 wherein the arms range between five and six in number.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
65 words
A probe as in claim 22 together with an elongate member having a proximal extremity carried by the distal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member and a distal extremity, means for securing the distal extremity of the elongate member to the distal extremities of the arms, the elongate member serving to urge the sector-shaped basket against said portion of the wall of the heart.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
59 words
A probe as in claim 25 wherein the elongate member consists of an additional arm which is disposed generally opposite the arms of the sector-shaped basket and is movable between a contracted position and an expanded position in which the additional arm bows outwardly from the longitudinal axis for engaging the wall of the heart generally opposite said portion.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
33 words
A probe as in claim 22 wherein the arms each include a spring-like member which extends along the arm and has a predetermined shape for urging the sector-shaped basket to the expanded position.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
140 words
A catheter for introduction through a lumen into a chamber of a heart having blood therein and formed by a wall comprising a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and extending along a longitudinal axis, a sector-shaped basket carried by the distal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member, the sector-shaped basket having a plurality of arms extending along the longitudinal axis, each of the arms having a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart outwardly facing electrodes, all of the arms of the sector-shaped basket lying exclusively in a sector extending at right angles to the longitudinal axis within an angle of 180° or less whereby the electrodes carried by the arms can be urged against a portion of the wall of the heart by the sector-shaped basket for performing high density mapping of said portion of the wall.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
140 words
A catheter for introduction through a lumen into a chamber of a heart having blood therein and formed by a wall comprising a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and extending along a longitudinal axis, a sector-shaped basket carried by the distal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member, the sector-shaped basket having a plurality of arms extending along the longitudinal axis, each of the arms having a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart outwardly facing electrodes, all of the arms of the sector-shaped basket lying exclusively in a sector extending at right angles to the longitudinal axis within an angle of 180° or less whereby the electrodes carried by the arms can be urged against a portion of the wall of the heart by the sector-shaped basket for performing high density mapping of said portion of the wall.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
17 words
A catheter as in claim 28 wherein each of the arms includes a shape memory alloy element.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
22 words
A catheter as in claim 28 together with means for moving the sector-shaped basket from a collapsed position to an expanded position.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
22 words
A catheter as in claim 28 together with means for yieldably urging the electrodes into engagement with the wall of the heart.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
29 words
A catheter as in claim 31 wherein the means for yieldably urging includes an additional arm free of electrodes extending along the longitudinal axis generally opposite the sector-shaped basket.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
32 words
A catheter as in claim 28 wherein the arms each have proximal and distal extremities, means interconnecting the proximal extremities of the arms and means interconnecting the distal extremities of the arms.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
139 words
An apparatus for mapping a wall of a chamber of a heart comprising a flexible elongate member having proximal and distal extremities, expandable means carried by the distal extremity of the flexible elongate member, the expandable means movable between contracted and expanded positions and having a plurality of elongate flexible spaced-apart arms with distal extremities and means for joining together the distal extremities of the arms, a plurality of spaced-apart electrodes carried by the expandable means for engaging the wall of the heart when the expandable means is in its expanded position, the means for joining together the distal extremities of the arms including a distal tip formed from elastomeric material with a rounded distal end free of ridges for inhibiting the formation of trauma in the wall of the heart upon engagement of the tip with said wall.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
139 words
An apparatus for mapping a wall of a chamber of a heart comprising a flexible elongate member having proximal and distal extremities, expandable means carried by the distal extremity of the flexible elongate member, the expandable means movable between contracted and expanded positions and having a plurality of elongate flexible spaced-apart arms with distal extremities and means for joining together the distal extremities of the arms, a plurality of spaced-apart electrodes carried by the expandable means for engaging the wall of the heart when the expandable means is in its expanded position, the means for joining together the distal extremities of the arms including a distal tip formed from elastomeric material with a rounded distal end free of ridges for inhibiting the formation of trauma in the wall of the heart upon engagement of the tip with said wall.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus as in claim 34 wherein the an tip has a curved surface for providing a smooth transition between the tip and the arms to inhibit the formation of thrombus.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
12 words
An apparatus as in claim 34 wherein the elastomeric material is silicone.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
39 words
An apparatus as in claim 34 wherein the expandable means is a basket assembly having a plurality of spaced:apart arms, a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart electrodes carried by each of the arms for mapping the wall of the heart.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus as in claim 37 wherein the plurality of arms are circumferentially spaced apart.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
30 words
An apparatus as in claim 37 wherein the plurality of arms are spaced relatively close together for permitting high density mapping of a portion of the wall of the heart.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
171 words
A catheter for introduction into a body comprising a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and extending along a longitudinal axis, first and second pluralities of arms extending along the longitudinal axis, each of the arms having a proximal extremity, means for attaching the proximal extremities of the arms to the distal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member, said means including a first tubular member secured to the distal extremity of tile flexible elongate tubular member, the proximal extremities of the first plurality of arms circumferentially disposed about the first tubular member, a second tubular member concentrically mounted about the first tubular member for clamping the proximal extremities of the first plurality of arms between the first and second tubular members, the proximal extremities of the second plurality of arms circumferentially disposed about the second tubular member and a third tubular member concentrically mounted about the second tubular member for clamping the proximal extremities of the second plurality of arms between the second and third tubular members.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
171 words
A catheter for introduction into a body comprising a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and extending along a longitudinal axis, first and second pluralities of arms extending along the longitudinal axis, each of the arms having a proximal extremity, means for attaching the proximal extremities of the arms to the distal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member, said means including a first tubular member secured to the distal extremity of tile flexible elongate tubular member, the proximal extremities of the first plurality of arms circumferentially disposed about the first tubular member, a second tubular member concentrically mounted about the first tubular member for clamping the proximal extremities of the first plurality of arms between the first and second tubular members, the proximal extremities of the second plurality of arms circumferentially disposed about the second tubular member and a third tubular member concentrically mounted about the second tubular member for clamping the proximal extremities of the second plurality of arms between the second and third tubular members.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
29 words
A catheter as in claim 40 wherein the proximal extremities of the first plurality of arms are circumferentially offset from the proximal extremities of the second plurality of arms.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
16 words
A catheter as in claim 40 wherein the tubular members are each made from stainless steel.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
25 words
A catheter as in claim 40 wherein each of the arms has a distal extremity, means for securing together the distal extremities of the arms.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
19 words
A catheter as in claim 40 wherein the proximal extremities of the arms are circumferentially spaced-apart at equal intervals.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
25 words
A catheter as in claim 40 wherein each of the arms has a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart electrodes for engaging a wall of a heart.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-03-02 | 2001-09-01 | 2002-03-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-03-02 | 2005-09-01 | 2006-03-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-03-02 | 2009-09-01 | 2010-03-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |