Patent ID: 7270662
Filing Date: 2007-09-18
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for creating a channel through a cardiac septal material located in a body of a patient, said body having a body vasculature, said method using a surgical device comprising a substantially elongated member, said elongated member defining a proximal region and a longitudinally opposed distal region, said surgical device also comprising an active electrode for delivering a radio-frequency electrical current into said cardiac septal material, said active electrode being operatively coupled to said elongated member substantially adjacent said distal region, said method further using a grounding pad attachable to said patient for providing a return path for said radio-frequency electrical current, said method comprising: introducing said surgical device into said body of said patient; attaching said grounding pad to said patient; positioning said active electrode at a first desired location in said body of said patient, said first desired location being substantially adjacent said cardiac septal material; obtaining data about an electrical parameter of said cardiac septal material using said active electrode so as to substantially assess the position of said surgical device; and creating said channel through said cardiac septal material by delivering said radio-frequency electrical current from said active electrode to said grounding pad, said radio-frequency electrical current being delivered through said cardiac septal material; wherein said active electrode has a diameter of 0.04 cm or less.