Patent ID: 6267781
Filing Date: 2001-07-31
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
A method for operating a catheter system for treating a valvular annulus, the method comprising the steps of:(a) percutaneously introducing the catheter system through a blood vessel to a valvular annulus, the catheter system comprising a flexible tubular shaft having a distal section, a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one lumen extending therebetween, wherein the at least one lumen has at least one opening at the distal end of the tubular shaft; a handle attached to the proximal end of the tubular shaft, wherein the handle has a cavity; a hollow tubing having a passageway and a locking valve attached to the handle, wherein the passageway is connected to the at least one lumen of the tubular shaft; an elongate tubular element located inside the at least one lumen of the tubular shaft, wherein the elongate tubular element comprises a distal end and a proximal end, and wherein the distal end comprises a preshaped wire electrode having a plurality of spirals, wherein the diameter of at least one of a next spiral is larger than that of a prior spiral; an electrode deployment mechanism mounted at the handle, wherein the electrode deployment mechanism is attached to the proximal end of the elongate tubular element; and(b) deploying the elongate tubular element to radially extend the spiral wire electrode, adapted to contact a tissue of the valvular annulus for treatment.