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Multiple electrode support structures having optimal bio-mechanical characteristics
| Details |
Inventors: Kordis, Thomas F.; Panescu, Dorin; Whayne, James G.;
Assignee: EP Technologies, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA)
Primary Examiner: Peffley; Michael
Assistant Examiner:
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Lyon & Lyon LLP
An electrode support structure comprises a distal hub and a proximal base aligned along a major axis with the distal hub. An array of generally flexible spline elements extend between the hub and the base. The spline elements each have an elongated axis that, at the base, extends generally parallel to the major axis and, at the hub, extends at an angle, measured relative to the major axis, of between 45.degree. and 110.degree.. The spline elements collectively define a distal surface lying within an envelope that approximates the curvature of endocardial tissue and within which envelope the distal hub lies. According to this aspect of the invention, the distal surface, when contacting endocardial tissue, increases in surface area in response to force applied generally along the major axis to mediate tissue pressure. |
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION We claim: 1.
An electrode support structure comprising a hub, the hub having a side wall with an outer surface, a base aligned along a major axis with the hub, a generally flexible spline element extending between the hub and the base, the spline element extending from the base generally parallel to the major axis and, constrained by the hub to extend from the outer surface of the side wall at an angle, measured relative to the major axis, equal to or greater than 45.
degree.
, and an electrode carried by the spline element.
2.
A support structure according to claim 1 wherein the hub includes a side wall located about the major axis, and wherein the spline element radiates outward from the side wall at the angle.
3.
A support structure according to claim 1 wherein the angle is between about 80.
degree.
and about 100.
degree.
.
4.
A support structure according to claim 1 wherein the angle is about 90.
degree.
.
5.
A support structure according to claim 1 wherein the spline defines a distal surface which lies within an envelope at the hub, and wherein the hub lies generally within the envelope of the distal surface.
6.
A support structure according to claim 1 wherein the hub includes a slot that extends across the major axis, and wherein, at the hub, the spline element is constrained within the slot.
7.
A support structure according to claim 1 wherein the hub includes a slot that extends across the major axis, and wherein, at the hub, the spline element is constrained within the slot against movement out of the slot, the slot having clearance to accommodate twisting of the spline element about its axis within the slot in response to external force.
8.
An electrode support structure comprising a hub having an axis and a side wall located about the axis, the hub including a slot that extends across the axis through the hub, and at least two diametrically opposed, generally flexible spline elements connected to the hub, the spline elements having a terminal ends spaced from the hub, the spline elements being integrally joined by an intermediate body that passes through the slot while the opposed spline elements radiate free of the slot, the intermediate body being flexibly constrained within the slot against movement out of the opening, the opening having clearance to accommodate twisting of the intermediate body within the slot in response to external force
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Heart Surgery 
