Design of handle set for ablation catheter with indicators of catheter and tissue parameters

Abstract

An electrode coupling output system provides indication to the physician, via electrode guidance instrumentation, concerning the electrical coupling of an electrode, such as an ablative or mapping electrode, with a patient. The output can be provided to the physician via an output device incorporated into the handle set of the electrode catheter. For example, a visual, audio or mechanical output can be provided via the handle set. Additionally or alternatively, the output can be provided to the physician via a navigation system. The indication may be provided by changing the color or other display characteristics of the electrode on the navigation system display or by way of providing a waveform indicating the electrode coupling. In this manner, electrode coupling information is provided to a physician in a manner that minimizes physician distraction.

1 - 23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . An electrode catheter system, comprising:
 an electrical power source configured to provide ablation energy to an electrode of an electrode catheter;   a first electrode coupling assessment system configured to assess a first coupling condition between the electrode and a target tissue and generate a first coupling output;   a second electrode coupling assessment system configured to assess a second coupling condition between the electrode and the target tissue and generate a second coupling output,   a processor configured to process said first and second coupling outputs in relation to at least one set of predetermined tissue specific benchmark values to determine a current level of ablation energy level passing between the ablation electrode and the target tissue and categorize said current level of ablation energy as being in at least a range of insufficient ablation energy for lesion formation and a range elevated ablation energy for lesion formation; and   an output module configured to generate an output signal for receipt by an output device, upon said current level of ablation energy being categorized in one of said range of insufficient ablation energy and said range of elevated ablation energy.   
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 24 , wherein said first electrode coupling assessment system is configured to assess an electrical coupling condition indicative of electrical energy passing between the electrode and the target tissue. 
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 25 , wherein said second electrode coupling assessment system is configured to assess a mechanical coupling condition indicative of physical contact between the electrode and the target tissue. 
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 26 , wherein said first and second electrode coupling assessment systems are configured to measure an impedance related value between the electrode and the target tissue. 
     
     
         28 . The system of  claim 26 , wherein said second electrode coupling assessment system comprises a mechanical force sensor. 
     
     
         29 . The system of  claim 24 , wherein said output module generates an output signal for receipt by a vibratory output device incorporated into a handle set of the electrode catheter.