Patent ID: 8882763
Filing Date: 2014-11-11
Classification: A61B,A61N,B82Y

Abstract:
1. A catheter to patient RF coupling for magnetic resonance imaging, the coupling comprising: a) a catheter comprising a catheter housing having a non-conductive housing sidewall extending from a proximal housing end to a distal housing end, wherein the proximal housing end is connectable to a control device and the distal housing end supports a catheter body extension; b) a conductive interface sidewall supported by the housing, the interface sidewall comprising a first interface surface spaced from a second interface surface by an interface sidewall thickness; c) at least one catheter conductor extending from a distal conductor portion having a distal conductor end to a proximal conductor portion having a proximal conductor end, wherein the distal conductor portion is electrically connected to at least one distal electrode configured to be contactable with biological tissue and wherein the proximal conductor end is electrically connectable to the control device; d) at least one frequency selective diverter circuit comprising a first diverter circuit end spaced from a second diverter circuit end, wherein the first diverter circuit end is electrically connected to the at least one catheter conductor at a location spaced from the distal and proximal conductor ends and wherein the second diverter circuit end is electrically connected to the first interface surface; and e) a conductive grounding strap comprising a first strap end spaced apart from a second strap end, wherein the first strap end is configured to be permanently connected or removably connectable to the second interface surface spaced from the second diverter circuit end by the conductive interface sidewall thickness, and wherein the second strap end comprises a conductive patient interface configured to be removably connectable to a patient's skin to thereby provide a low impedance path at RF frequencies from the at least one electrode at the distal conductor portion to the diverter circuit and the conductive interface and then to the conductive grounding strap.