Patent ID: 6923805
Filing Date: 2005-08-02
Classification: A61B,A61N

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for ablating body tissue using radio frequency (RF) energy, comprising: a catheter having a proximal portion attachable to a source of electrolyte fluid, a distal portion sized for insertion into a patient's body, and a lumen for delivering fluid from the proximal portion to the distal portion; an expandable member disposed on the distal portion of the catheter and comprising a substantially planar distal end, the expandable member defining an interior region in communication with the lumen; and an RF electrode on the distal portion and communicating with the lumen, the electrode configured for coupling to a source of RF energy, whereby RF energy may be transferred from the electrode to selected tissue areas in a patient's body via electrolyte fluid delivered through the lumen and into the interior region of the expandable member, the electrode extends from the distal portion of the catheter, the electrode comprising an interior communicating with the lumen.