Patent ID: 6932811
Filing Date: 2005-08-23
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A device for clamping and ablating cardiac tissue comprising: a first handle member; a second handle member pivotally connected to the first handle member; first and second jaw members associated with the first and second handle members, respectively, the jaw members each having a distal tip and being movable by the handle members between a first open position and a second clamped position, the jaw members having insulated outer surfaces with convex, opposed clamping surfaces, each clamping surface having a central peak, the central peak of the first jaw being aligned with the central peak of the second jaw; a first elongated ablation electrode extending along the central peak of the first jaw member; a second elongated ablation electrode extending along the central peak of the second jaw member; the first and second ablation electrodes being adapted to be connected to an RF energy source; and one of said first and second jaw members including a pair of EKG monitoring sensors on the tip spaced distally from its associated ablation electrode for contacting cardiac tissue and being adapted to be connected to an EKG monitor, so that when cardiac tissue is grasped between the first and second jaws, the EKG sensors contact the cardiac tissue and transmit the signals generated by the tissue to the EKG monitor.