Patent ID: 6416490
Filing Date: 2002-07-09
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61M

Abstract:
A catheter assembly, comprising:an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and including a conductor; an electrode disposed at the distal end of the shaft and connected to the conductor, the electrode having a generally annular transverse cross-sectional shape, the annular shape defining an opening within the electrode, the electrode having a distal end; a stop disposed in the opening proximally a distance from the distal end of the electrode; an insulator surrounding the conductor wherein the shaft defines a lumen in fluid communication with the opening and a needle is disposed within the opening in fluid communication with the lumen; and wherein the needle has an outside diameter and the opening has an inside diameter and wherein the outside diameter of the needle is substantially smaller than the inside diameter of the opening so that tissue may be disposed within the opening between the needle and the electrode.