Loop structures for supporting diagnostic and therapeutic elements in contact with body tissue

Abstract

A probe that facilitates the creation of circumferential lesions in body tissue. The probe includes a elongate body and a loop structure, in the form of a helical structure or other loop structure, that supports electrodes or other operative elements against the body tissue.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A probe, comprising: 
 an elongate body defining a distal region, a proximal region and a longitudinal axis;    a helical structure associated with the distal region of the elongate body; and    at least one operative element supported on the helical structure.    
     
     
         2 . A probe as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the elongate body comprises a catheter body.  
     
     
         3 . A probe as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the helical structure defines a longitudinal axis coincident with the longitudinal axis,of the elongate body.  
     
     
         4 . A probe as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the helical structure defines a longitudinal axis and completes at least one revolution about the longitudinal axis.  
     
     
         5 . A probe as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the helical structure defines a longitudinal axis and completes at least two revolutions about the longitudinal axis.  
     
     
         6 . A probe as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the helical structure defines a longitudinal axis, a distal end, and a proximal end and the distal and proximal ends are located along the longitudinal axis.  
     
     
         7 . A probe as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one operative element comprises a plurality of electrodes.  
     
     
         8 . A probe as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the helical structure defines a distal end and a proximal end, the probe further comprising: 
 an anchor member associated with the distal end of the helical structure and extending distally therefrom.    
     
     
         9 . A probe as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a control element associated with the helical structure and extending to the proximal region of the elongate body.    
     
     
         10 . A probe as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the helical structure defines a distal end, a proximal end and a diameter and the control element is associated with the distal end of the helical structure such that rotational movement of the control member results in a change in the diameter of the helical structure.  
     
     
         11 . A probe as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the helical structure defines a distal end, a proximal end, a length and a diameter and the control element is associated with the distal end of the helical structure such that distal movement of the control member results in a reduction in diameter and an increase in length of the helical structure.  
     
     
         12 . A probe as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the helical structure includes a shape memory element.  
     
     
         13 . A probe as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein the shape memory of the shape memory element is activated at temperatures above body temperature.  
     
     
         14 . A probe, comprising: 
 an elongate body defining a distal region, a proximal region and a longitudinal axis;    a loop structure associated with the distal region of the elongate body;    at least one operative element supported on the loop structure; and    an anchor member associated with the distal region of the elongate body and located distally of the loop structure.    
     
     
         15 . A probe as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein the loop structure comprises a helical structure.  
     
     
         16 . A probe as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein the loop structure comprises a continuous structure that completes at least approximately one revolution about the longitudinal axis.  
     
     
         17 . A probe as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein the at least one operative element comprises a plurality of electrodes.  
     
     
         18 . A probe, comprising: 
 an elongate body defining a distal region and a proximal region;    a control element extending through the elongate body; and    a handle associated with the proximal region of the elongate body, the handle including 
 a longitudinal movement device operably connected to the control element, and  
 a rotational movement device operably connected to the control element.  
   
     
     
         19 . A probe as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein the elongate body comprises a catheter body.  
     
     
         20 . A probe as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein the control element comprises a stylet.  
     
     
         21 . A probe as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein the longitudinal movement device comprises a rotatable knob.  
     
     
         22 . A probe as claimed in  claim 21 , further comprising: 
 a threaded spool associated with the rotatable knob.    
     
     
         23 . A probe as claimed in  claim 22 , further comprising: 
 a guide slot located distally of the threaded spool.    
     
     
         24 . A probe as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein the handle includes a first handle portion fixedly secured to the elongate body and the rotational movement device comprises a second handle portion rotationally secured to the first handle portion and fixedly secured to the control element.  
     
     
         25 . A probe as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein the longitudinal movement device is located on the second handle portion.  
     
     
         26 . A probe as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein the second handle portion is located proximally of the first hand portion.  
     
     
         27 . A probe as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein the second handle portion comprises a rotatable post that extends outwardly from the first handle portion.