Patent ID: 6270496
Filing Date: 2001-08-07
Classification: A61B,A61M,A61N,B82Y

Abstract:
A method for applying energy to heart tissue of a patient, said method comprising the steps of:inserting into the patient a catheter having;a sheath having a distal end carrying at least one electrode;a stylet disposed within the sheath and attached to the distal end of the sheath, the stylet having a distal end region having a preformed shape with a radius of curvature, the stylet formed of a shape-retentive and resilient material such that the stylet distal end region changes shape upon the application of force and upon the removal of force, returns to the preformed shape, the stylet disposed in the sheath such that the stylet distal end region is located in the distal end region of the sheath and causes the sheath to assume the preformed shape; anda tendon housed within the sheath and attached to the distal end of the sheath such that axial displacement of the tendon changes the radius of curvature of the stylet distal end region and the sheath distal end region;wherein the stylet is altered from its preformed shape while being inserted;advancing the distal end region of the catheter into the heart chamber in which the selected heart tissue is located thereby permitting the stylet distal end region to resume its preformed curved distal shape;advancing the curved distal end of the catheter sheath into contact with the selected heart tissue; andaxially displacing the tendon to change the radius of curvature of the stylet distal end region to a radius of curvature different from the preformed radius of curvature such that the at least one electrode contacts the selected heart tissue.