Patent ID: 6628976
Filing Date: 2003-09-30
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
A method for mapping electrical activity within a tubular region of or near the heart having a inner circumference, the method comprising:inserting into the heart the distal end of a catheter comprising: an elongated tubular catheter body having an outer wall, proximal and distal ends, and at least one lumen extending therethrough; and a mapping assembly comprising: a tubular structure having a generally straight proximal region attached to the catheter body, a generally circular main region generally transverse and distal to the proximal region having an outer circumference, a transition region connecting the proximal region and the main region, and a generally straight distal region distal the main region, wherein the tubular structure comprises a non-conductive cover over at least the main region of the mapping assembly, and a plurality of spaced-apart electrodes carried by the generally circular main region of the mapping assembly; contacting the outer circumference of the generally circular main region with the inner circumference of the tubular region; and mapping the electrical activity within the tubular region with the electrodes along the generally circular main region.