Patent ID: 6926714
Filing Date: 2005-08-09
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of catheter ablation and pulmonary vein isolation in the left atrium to treat atrial fibrillation, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining a three-dimensional rendering of the left atrium and pulmonary veins utilizing cardiac image data; providing a catheter apparatus operable to ablate selected cardiac tissue upon contact therewith, the catheter apparatus comprising: tracking the movement of the catheter apparatus on the three-dimensional rendering of the left atrium and pulmonary veins as the catheter is inserted into the heart until the catheter apparatus is in a desired location; extending the electrode section of the ablation catheter from the catheter shaft such that the electrode section is positioned in contact with the pulmonary vein to be ablated; and actuating the electrodes on the electrode section of the ablation catheter to ablate desired locations on the pulmonary vein.