Patent ID: 7387631
Filing Date: 2008-06-17
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A catheter assembly, comprising: a catheter having a catheter lumen extending therethrough from a proximal to a distal end; an electrode assembly connected to an electrical current source via a first electrical current conduit and located at the distal end of said catheter, said electrode assembly having an electrode with proximal and distal ends and a lumen therethrough which is aligned with said catheter lumen; a cutting assembly including a cutting apparatus made of electrically conductive material and connected to an electrical current source via a second electrical current conduit, said cutting apparatus being electrically isolated from said electrode and capable of being axially displaced such that a distal portion of the cutting apparatus can be extended distally beyond and retracted proximal to the distal end of said electrode, said cutting apparatus including a substantially planar tip selectively movable between retracted and extended positions; and a sealing apparatus disposed around said catheter, wherein said cutting apparatus penetrates said sealing apparatus and said catheter into said catheter lumen to be movable within the catheter lumen.