Light Energy For Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

The CardioFocus Catheter positioned at the ostium of a pulmonary vein. Laser energy is delivered in a series of continuous arcs upon the atrial wall surrounding the vein.

The CardioFocus Catheter promises rapid, effective and permanent isolation of the pulmonary veins while overcoming the difficulties inherent in the current RF ablation procedures. Guided via integrated endoscopic visualization, the catheter helps physicians to accomplish ablation by projecting a series of overlapping arcs of both visible and infrared laser light upon the atrial wall surrounding each vein. Complete isolation is generally obtained with several 60-second energy deliveries - promising a great advantage in speed and precision in comparison to the large number of ablations required in current RF ablation procedures.

The difficulty in appreciating the complex and highly variable atrial and PV anatomy is solved by the incorporation within the balloon of a custom made and an extremely small, (0.5 millimeters diameter), endoscope, with an extremely wide, (110 degrees), field of view. The endoscope allows the physician to observe the detailed vein anatomy and evaluate the position of the balloon within the vein via direct visualization. The physician operator can then adjust the position of the balloon, or, manipulate the arc delivery fiber until the desired targeting of the near infrared ablation energy on the tissue is obtained.

Because arcs are positioned using targeting beams of visual light for pre-ablation guidance, gaps between ablation lesions that would cause conduction to reoccur can be avoided - thus increasing long-term treatment success.

All of this makes possible a straightforward anatomic ablation procedure that is fast, effective and does not require an extreme level of skill or a voluminous practice.