Patent ID: 6997924

Claim:
An apparatus for electrically isolating a cardiac chamber, comprising: a laser; an intravascular catheter for introduction into a pulmonary vein proximate an ostium thereof; an anchor disposed at a distal end of said catheter for fixation thereof at said pulmonary vein; and an optical assembly for conducting laser light energy from said laser in a path extending to a circumferential ablation region within or adjacent an inner lining of said pulmonary vein, said optical assembly being substantially in a non-contacting relationship with said anchor, said path for laser light energy avoiding said anchor; wherein said optical assembly comprises: an optical fiber for conducting said laser light energy from said laser; a lens disposed at a distal end of said optical fiber; and a reflector disposed in said path between said lens and said anchor, said reflector being external to an outer surface of said anchor for directing said laser light energy in a circumferential line.