Patent ID: 7976541
Filing Date: 2011-07-12
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A probe, comprising: a probe shaft defining a longitudinal axis, a distal end and a proximal end; an electrode defining a longitudinal axis; a joint, secured to the probe shaft and to the electrode, that mounts the electrode distal of the distal end of the probe shaft such that the electrode is located in a first position when the joint is unstressed and the electrode is movable in the axial direction relative to the distal end of the probe shaft; a handle secured to the proximal end of the probe shaft; an indicator carried by the handle and having an off state and an on state; and means for maintaining the indicator in an off state unless the electrode moves a predetermined non-zero distance in the axial direction from the first position and switching the indicator from the off state to the on state in response to the application of a suitable level of force on the electrode for an endocardial lesion formation procedure electrode moving the predetermined non-zero distance in the axial direction from the first position.