Patent ID: 7993334
Filing Date: 2011-08-09
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A probe for ablating tissue, comprising: an inner probe shaft; an outer probe shaft disposed around the inner probe shaft, the outer probe shaft having a distal portion fixably mounted to the inner probe shaft, and a proximal portion rotatably mounted to the inner probe shaft; and a coiled ablation electrode disposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion, the electrode configured for unwinding when the proximal portion rotates about the inner probe shaft in one direction, thereby placing the electrode in a radially expanded geometry, and configured for winding when the proximal portion rotates about the inner probe shaft in another opposite direction, thereby placing the electrode in a radially collapsed geometry, wherein the electrode comprises a plurality of windings, each one of the windings having a sharpened leading edge and a flat width extending between the leading edge and a trailing edge, wherein the flat width is pitched relative to a longitudinal axis of the electrode.