Patent ID: 6780183
Filing Date: 2004-08-24
Classification: A61B,A61N

Abstract:
A circumferential ablation catheter comprising:an elongated tubular catheter body having an outer wall, proximal and distal ends, and a lumen extending therethrough; a generally tubular inner support member having proximal and distal ends and a lumen extending therethrough, wherein a proximal portion of the inner support member extends into the lumen of the catheter body and a distal portion of the inner support member extends outside the catheter body; a circumferential ablation element mounted on the distal portion of the inner support member outside the catheter body; a moveable tube extending through the lumen of the inner support member and through the catheter body, the moveable tube being longitudinally moveable relative to the inner support member and catheter body and having a distal end extending beyond the distal end of the inner support member; and an inflatable balloon provided generally in surrounding relation to the circumferential ablation element, the inflatable balloon having a proximal end attached to the distal end of the catheter body and a distal end attached to a portion of the moveable tube that extends beyond the distal end of the inner support member; wherein longitudinal movement of the moveable tube relative to the catheter body and inner support member causes movement of the distal end of the balloon relative to the proximal end of the balloon to thereby change the length of the balloon.