Patent ID: 6325797
Filing Date: 2001-12-04
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A method for forming an ablation pattern to electrically isolate a vessel having an ostium from a chamber formed within a patient for treatment of cardiac arrhythmia, the method including:selecting a catheter assembly comprising a catheter body defining a longitudinal axis and having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion forming a substantially closed loop transverse to the longitudinal axis, the loop defining a loop axis that is aligned with the longitudinal axis, and at least one electrode displayed along the distal portion;guiding the distal portion into the chamber;directing the distal portion to a position spaced from the vessel ostium, whereby the loop axis is substantially aligned with a center of the vessel ostium;advancing the distal portion in a direction parallel with the loop axis such that the loop contacts the chamber wall about the vessel ostium; andenergizing the electrode to ablate a continuous, closed lesion pattern about the vessel ostium to electrically isolate the vessel from the chamber.