Suction Stabilized Epicardial Ablation Devices

Abstract

A suction assisted ablation device having a support surface, suction elements disposed adjacent the support surface, at least one electrode and at least one suction conduit is provided. The device may further include fluid openings, which allow fluid to irrigate target tissue and aid in ablation. A method for ablating tissue using suction is also provided.

1 - 78 . (canceled) 
     
     
         79 . A tissue ablation system comprising:
 a suction assisted ablation device comprising a suction conduit, a plurality of suction ports disposed in a substantially linear arrangement and a conductive element;   a suction source; and   a power source.   
     
     
         80 . The system of  claim 79 , wherein the power source is an electrical energy source. 
     
     
         81 . The system of  claim 80 , wherein the electrical energy is radiofrequency (RF) energy. 
     
     
         82 . The system of  claim 79 , wherein the suction assisted ablation device further comprises a fluid conduit and a fluid opening, and wherein the system further comprises a fluid delivery source. 
     
     
         83 . The system of  claim 82 , wherein conductive element comprises the fluid opening. 
     
     
         84 . The system of  claim 79 , wherein the suction assisted ablation device further comprises a temperature-sensitive element. 
     
     
         85 . The system of  claim 84 , wherein the temperature-sensitive element comprises a thermocouple element. 
     
     
         86 . A tissue ablation system comprising:
 a suction assisted ablation apparatus comprising a suction conduit, a plurality of suction ports disposed in a substantially linear arrangement, and a conductive element;   a maneuvering apparatus;   a suction source; and   a power source.   
     
     
         87 . The system of  claim 86 , wherein the maneuvering apparatus comprises a pull wire. 
     
     
         88 . The system of  claim 79 , wherein the power source is an electrical energy source. 
     
     
         89 . The system of  claim 88 , wherein the electrical energy is radiofrequency (RF) energy. 
     
     
         90 . The system of  claim 86 , wherein the suction assisted ablation apparatus further comprises a fluid conduit and a fluid opening, and wherein the system further comprises a fluid delivery source. 
     
     
         91 . The system of  claim 90 , wherein conductive element comprises the fluid opening. 
     
     
         92 . The system of  claim 86 , wherein the suction assisted ablation apparatus further comprises a temperature-sensitive element. 
     
     
         93 . The system of  claim 92 , wherein the temperature-sensitive element comprises a thermocouple element.