PMR catheter

Abstract

Devices and methods for performing percutaneous myocardial revascularization (PMR). A catheter in accordance with the invention includes an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The elongate shaft defines a lumen, and a conductor is disposed inside the lumen. An electrode portion is formed by the bent portion of the conductor which extends from the distal end of the elongate shaft. A method in accordance with the present invention may be used to form a wound through the endocardium and into the myocardium of a patient's heart. Collateral damage to the myocardium may be created by infusing pressurized fluid into the wound. A number of fluids may be delivered to a location proximate the wound via the catheter.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A catheter assembly, comprising: 
 an elongate shaft having a proximal end, and a distal end;    a lumen defined by the elongate shaft and extending through at least a portion thereof;    a conductor including a bent portion, a first leg portion, and a second leg portion;    wherein the first and second leg portions are disposed in the lumen of the catheter; and    the bent portion of the conductor protruding from the distal end of the elongate shaft;    
     
     
         2 . The catheter assembly of    claim 1   , further including a conductor lumen defined by the conductor.  
     
     
         3 . The catheter assembly of    claim 2   , further including a hole defined by the conductor and in fluid communication with the conductor lumen.  
     
     
         4 . The catheter assembly of    claim 1   , further including at least one retaining element disposed on the conductor proximate the distal end of the elongate shaft.  
     
     
         5 . The catheter assembly of    claim 4   , wherein at least one retaining element is a crimp.  
     
     
         6 . The catheter assembly of    claim 4   , wherein at least one retaining element is a weld bead.  
     
     
         7 . The catheter assembly of    claim 4   , wherein at least one retaining element is a sleeve.  
     
     
         8 . The catheter assembly of    claim 4   , wherein at least one retaining element is a kink.  
     
     
         9 . The catheter assembly of    claim 4   , wherein at least one retaining element is a step.  
     
     
         10 . The catheter assembly of    claim 4   , wherein at least one retaining element is a filler.  
     
     
         11 . The catheter assembly of    claim 4   , wherein at least one retaining element is a localized area of greater width.  
     
     
         12 . The catheter assembly of    claim 1   , wherein the conductor includes at least one tapered section.  
     
     
         13 . The catheter assembly of    claim 1   , wherein the conductor is comprised of stainless steel.  
     
     
         14 . The catheter assembly of    claim 1   , wherein the conductor is comprised of Nitinol.  
     
     
         15 . The catheter assembly of    claim 1   , wherein the bent portion of the conductor is generally U shaped.  
     
     
         16 . The catheter assembly of    claim 1   , further comprising a radio frequency generator connected to the conductor.  
     
     
         17 . A catheter assembly, comprising: 
 an elongate shaft having a proximal end, and a distal end;    a lumen defined by the elongate shaft and extending through at least a portion thereof;    an insulator fixedly attached to the elongate shaft proximate it's distal end;    the insulator defining at least one hole;    a conductor including a bent portion and at least one leg portion;    the leg portion of the conductor passing through the hole of the insulator and being disposed in the lumen of the catheter; and    the bent portion of the conductor protruding from the distal end of the elongate shaft;    
     
     
         18 . The catheter assembly of    claim 17   , further including a conductor lumen defined by the conductor.  
     
     
         19 . The catheter assembly of    claim 18   , further including a hole defined by the conductor and in fluid communication with the conductor lumen.  
     
     
         20 . The catheter assembly of    claim 17   , further including at least one retaining element disposed on the conductor proximate the insulator.  
     
     
         21 . The catheter assembly of    claim 20   , wherein at least one retaining element is a crimp.  
     
     
         22 . The catheter assembly of    claim 20   , wherein at least one retaining element is a weld bead.  
     
     
         23 . The catheter assembly of    claim 20   , wherein at least one retaining element is a sleeve.  
     
     
         24 . The catheter assembly of    claim 20   , wherein at least one retaining element is a kink.  
     
     
         25 . The catheter assembly of    claim 14   , wherein at least one retaining element is a step.  
     
     
         26 . The catheter assembly of    claim 14   , wherein at least one retaining element is a filler.  
     
     
         27 . The catheter assembly of    claim 14   , wherein at least one retaining element is a localized area of greater width.  
     
     
         28 . The catheter assembly of    claim 17   , wherein the conductor includes at least one tapered portion.  
     
     
         29 . The catheter assembly of    claim 17   , wherein the conductor is comprised of stainless steel.  
     
     
         30 . The catheter assembly of    claim 17   , wherein the conductor is comprised of Nitinol.  
     
     
         31 . The catheter assembly of    claim 17   , further comprising a radio frequency generator connected to the conductor.  
     
     
         32 . The catheter assembly of    claim 17   , wherein the bent portion of the conductor is generally U shaped.  
     
     
         33 . A method of performing PMR, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a catheter including an elongate shaft having a proximal end, a distal end;    a conductor including a bent portion, a first leg portion, and a second leg portion;    the conductor defining a conductor lumen and the bent portion of the conductor protruding from the distal end of the elongate shaft;    positioning the distal end of the catheter proximate the endocardium of a patient's heart; and    energizing the conductor with radio frequency energy.    
     
     
         34 . The method of    claim 33   , wherein the elongate shaft includes landing zones proximate its distal end.  
     
     
         35 . The method of    claim 34   , wherein the landing zones are adapted to halt the travel of the conductor into heart tissue.  
     
     
         36 . The method of    claim 33   , further including the step of delivering a pressurized fluid through the distal end of the catheter.  
     
     
         37 . The method of    claim 36   , wherein the fluid includes a therapeutic agent.  
     
     
         38 . The method of    claim 36   , wherein the fluid includes a contrast media.  
     
     
         39 . The method of    claim 36   , wherein the fluid includes saline.  
     
     
         40 . The method of    claim 37   , wherein the therapeutic agent is a growth factor.