Tissue ablation device and method of use

Abstract

A tissue ablation device creates long linear lesions along a body space wall of an animal, and primarily between adjacent pulmonary vein ostia in a left atrial wall. An ablation element includes first and second ends that are bordered by first and second anchors. The anchors are adapted to secure the ablation element ends at predetermined first and second locations along the body space wall such that the ablation element is adapted to ablate an elongate region of tissue between those locations. The anchors may be guidewire tracking members, each including a bore adapted to receive and track over a guidewire, and may anchor within adjacent pulmonary vein ostia when the engaged guidewires are positioned within the respective veins. Stop members may be provided on the guidewires and may be adapted for positioning the relative anchors or for forcing the anchors to fit snugly within the vein ostia. A conduit passageway through the catheter houses a stiffening stylet which may be advanced into the region of the ablation element in order to impart a shape to that element to conform it to a predetermined region of anatomy, or to stiffen the underlying catheter in order to advance the assembly into remote anatomy.

1 . A tissue ablation device for creating long linear lesions in the tissue of a body space wall which defines at least in part a body space in an animal, comprising: 
 an elongate body having proximal and distal end portions; 
 an ablation element on the distal end portion and having first and second ends, said ablation element being adapted to ablate tissue when coupled to an ablation actuator;  
 a first anchor adjacent the first end which is adapted to secure the first end at a predetermined first location along the body space wall; and  
 a second anchor adjacent the second end which is adapted to secure the second end at a predetermined second location along the body space wall,  
 whereby securing the first and second ends to the predetermined locations with the anchors, said ablation element is adapted to substantially contact a length of said tissue adjacent to the ablation element and between the first and second locations without substantially repositioning the distal end portion of the elongate body.  
   
   
   
       2 - 80 . (canceled)