Patent ID: 6241728
Filing Date: 2001-06-05
Classification: A61B,C08L

Abstract:
A method for ablating coronary tissue within the left atrium of a heart comprising the following steps:selecting an ablation catheter assembly having a proximal end, the ablation catheter assembly comprising a sheath having a precurved distal open end and a precurved section spaced apart from the precurved distal open end, and a deflectable electrophysiology catheter housed within the sheath and extendable from the distal open end, said electrophysiology catheter comprising an ablation-capable tip;introducing the distal open end of the sheath into the right atrium through a chosen one of the superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava;positioning the precurved section within the right atrium near said chosen one of the superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava;guiding the distal open end from the right atrium, through the interatrial septum and into the left atrium;manipulating the sheath so the precurved distal open end has a desired orientation;extending the tip from the distal open end and directing the tip so the tip contacts a target site; andablating coronary tissue at said target site.