Patent ID: 6286512
Filing Date: 2001-09-11
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A method of operating on a patient's heart tissue within a chest cavity, said method comprising:detecting an ""r"" wave from a patient's heart, and interposing a delay from the detection prior to penetrating the heart tissue, said heart tissue having an outer epicardium with an outer surface and an inner endocardium with an inner surface at least partly defining a heart chamber;penetrating said outer surface with an electrical lead extending from a cannula having a through bore, said lead partially surrounded by an electrical insulation material;advancing said electrical lead a preselected depth into said heart tissue;transmitting electrical energy through said electrical lead once said electrical lead and said insulation material has reached said preselected depth into said heart tissue;forming a channel by emitting said electrical energy from said electrical lead as said lead is continually advanced through said heart tissue until said lead penetrates said inner surface, said channel being in communication with said heart chamber and extending back to said preselected depth; andwithdrawing said electrical lead from said heart tissue to leave said channel between said heart chamber and said preselected depth such that said channel does not communicate with said outer surface.