Patent ID: 8255035
Filing Date: 2012-08-28
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A hollow needle assembly comprising: a one-piece shaft body comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein said shaft body is electrically conductive and wherein a distal-most section of said shaft body is exposed, thereby forming a circumferentially and axially extending annular portion having a first axial length and a tip configured to be a first electrode for voltage measurement, wherein a proximal-most section of said shaft body is configured for connection to an anatomical mapping and localization system; a second electrode fixed in a position along said shaft body, said second electrode having a distal axial end surface and a proximal axial end surface, and said second electrode having a second axial length extending between the distal axial end surface and the proximal axial end surface of the second electrode; an outer layer of electrically-insulative material that extends over said outer surface of said shaft body between said distal-most section and said proximal-most section of said shaft body, wherein said outer layer of electrically-insulative material does not extend over said exposed distal-most section of said shaft body, and wherein said tip is configured for insertion into tissue such that the entire first axial length of the circumferentially and axially extending annular portion and the entire second axial length of the second electrode are configured for insertion into the tissue; and a wire extending from the second electrode to at least the proximal-most section of the shaft body.