System and method for targeting catheter electrodes

Abstract

A system and method is described for a catheter guidance system which allows an operator to use a mapping catheter to specify tissue target locations for the automatic guidance of a second therapeutic catheter. The operator places a mapping catheter at a desired location, and commands the catheter guidance system by either selecting a point on that catheter or one of the catheter electrode electrocardiograms. The operator may target the selected dynamic location, or tissue contact beyond that location on a specific side of the mapping catheter.

1 . A method for catheter guidance, comprising:
 introducing a mapping catheter into a patient;   moving said mapping catheter within the patient to bring an electrode provided to said mapping catheter in contact with tissues at various locations to generate a desired map;   identifying a target location from said map and placing an electrode of said mapping catheter proximate to said target location; and   introducing a therapeutic catheter into the patient and guiding said therapeutic catheter to a location of said electrode.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising guiding said therapeutic catheter past said location of said electrode. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said mapping catheter is guided using magnetic fields. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said therapeutic catheter is guided using magnetic fields. 
     
     
         5 . A system for catheter guidance, comprising:
 a mapping catheter having at least one electrode proximate to a distal end of said mapping catheter;   therapeutic catheter;   a first catheter guidance and control system that moves said mapping catheter to bring said at least one electrode in contact with tissues at various locations to generate a desired map; and   a second catheter guidance and control system that moves a distal end portion of said therapeutic catheter to a location of said at least one electrode.   
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein said therapeutic catheter comprises an ablation catheter. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein said second catheter guidance and control system comprises a magnetic guidance and control system that uses a plurality of electromagnets to control a position of a magnet provided to a distal end of said therapeutic catheter. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein said first catheter guidance and control system comprises a magnetic guidance and control system that uses a plurality of electromagnets to control a position of a magnet provided to a distal end of said mapping catheter. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein said second catheter guidance and control system automatically moves a distal end portion of said therapeutic catheter to a location of said at least one electrode.