Patent ID: 6016809
Filing Date: 2000-01-25
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
A method of catheter ablation comprising:advancing a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, an internal longitudinal lumen, an electrical conductor, a hollow needle mounted to said catheter body, an exterior surface of said hollow needle comprising an electrode surface, said hollow needle coupled to the internal lumen of said catheter and to said electrical conductor, to a desired site within a patient's body;inserting said needle into tissue at said desired site;delivering a saline solution through the internal lumen of said catheter and said needle into said tissue;coupling said electrical conductor to a source of electrical energy; andonly after initiation of delivery of said saline solution into said tissue, initiating delivery of electrical energy to said electrode surface to ablate said tissue, while said saline solution remains present in said tissue.