Patent ID: 6866662

Claim:
A circumferential ablation catheter comprising: an elongated tubular catheter body having an outer wall, proximal and distal ends, and at least one lumen extending therethrough; an ablation assembly mounted at the distal end of the catheter body, the ablation assembly comprising: a circumferential ablation element mounted on the distal end of the catheter body; and an inflatable balloon provided in surrounding relation to the circumferential ablation element that is adjustable between a radially collapsed position and a radially expanded position; and a stabilization assembly mounted on the catheter distal to the ablation assembly, the stabilization assembly being capable of contacting a plurality of points about an inner circumference of a generally tubular region of or near the heart; wherein the stabilization assembly comprises a tubular structure comprising a generally circular main region that is generally transverse to the catheter body; and wherein the stabilization assembly carries a plurality of ring electrodes mounted around the generally circular main region.