Patent ID: 6245067
Filing Date: 2001-06-12
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A catheter system comprising:a delivery catheter having a distal section, a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end;a semi-flexible insert located inside the at least one lumen of the delivery catheter, wherein the insert has a distal end, a proximal end, and an elongate shaft extending therebetween, and wherein the insert has a retractable tip section;a two-piece electrode means mounted at the distal end of the insert, wherein the two-piece electrode means has a first piece connected to the distal end of the insert and a second piece coupled to the first piece, each piece of the two-piece electrode means having its own distal and proximal ends, wherein the second piece forms an essentially circular shape, wherein a portion of the second piece of the two-piece electrode means made of a conductive material is enclosed within an inflatable balloon means;a handle attached to the proximal end of the delivery catheter, wherein the handle has a cavity;an electrode deployment means located at the handle, wherein the electrode deployment means is connected to the proximal end of the insert; anda preformed shape for the two-piece electrode means of the retractable tip section, wherein the first piece extends outwardly to one side of the delivery catheter when the electrode means is deployed, and wherein the second piece bends inwardly to the opposite side of the delivery catheter to expose the second piece essentially perpendicular to the delivery catheter.