Dual mode lesion formation apparatus, systems and methods

Abstract

A dual mode lesion formation apparatus including a probe component and clamp component.

1 - 23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . A lesion formation method, comprising:
 positioning a clamp-based tissue coagulation device adjacent to a tissue structure such that at least one energy transmission element is located on a first side of the tissue structure and at least one temperature sensor is located on a second side of the tissue structure;   supplying tissue coagulation energy to the first side of the tissue structure with the at least one energy transmission element; and   discontinuing the supply of tissue coagulation energy to the first side of the tissue structure when a predetermined temperature is measured on the second side of the tissue structure by the at least one temperature sensor.   
     
     
         25 . A lesion formation method as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein discontinuing the supply of tissue coagulation energy comprises discontinuing the supply of tissue coagulation energy to the first side of the tissue structure when a temperature between about 50.degree. C. and 60.degree. C. is measured on the second side of the tissue structure by the at least one temperature sensor. 
     
     
         26 . A lesion formation method as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein discontinuing the supply of tissue coagulation energy comprises discontinuing the supply of tissue coagulation energy to the first side of the tissue structure when a predetermined temperature is measured on the second side of the tissue structure by the at least one temperature sensor for at least three seconds. 
     
     
         27 . A lesion formation method as claimed in  claim 24 , further comprising:
 providing at least one of an audible indication and a visible indication in response to the predetermined temperature being measured on the second side of the tissue structure by the at least one temperature sensor.   
     
     
         28 . A lesion formation method as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein positioning the clamp-based tissue coagulation device comprises positioning the clamp-based tissue coagulation device adjacent to at least one pulmonary vein such that at least one energy transmission element is located on a first side of the at least one pulmonary vein and at least one temperature sensor is located on a second side of the at least one pulmonary vein. 
     
     
         29 . A lesion formation method as claimed in  claim 24 , further comprising:
 sensing tissue temperature at the at least one energy transmission element; and   controlling the tissue coagulation energy supplied by the at least one energy transmission element based on the temperature sensed at the least one energy transmission element.   
     
     
         30 . A method of forming a lesion in a tissue structure with a dual mode lesion formation apparatus including probe component, a clamp component, a clamp mode electrical connector and a probe mode electrical connector, the method comprising:
 connecting one of the probe mode electrical connector and the clamp mode electrical connector of the dual mode lesion formation apparatus to a source of tissue coagulation energy; and   transmitting the tissue coagulation energy to the tissue with the probe component.   
     
     
         31 . A lesion formation method as claimed in  claim 30 , wherein connecting comprises connecting the probe mode electrical connector to a source of tissue coagulation energy. 
     
     
         32 . A lesion formation method as claimed in  claim 31 , wherein connecting comprises connecting the clamp mode electrical connector to a source of tissue coagulation energy. 
     
     
         33 . A lesion formation method as claimed in  claim 32 , further comprising:
 positioning the probe component on one side of the tissue structure with one clamp member and positioning the clamp component on another side of the tissue structure with another clamp member.   
     
     
         34 . A lesion formation method as claimed in  claim 33 , further comprising:
 measuring tissue temperature with the clamp component.   
     
     
         35 . A lesion formation method as claimed in  claim 33 , wherein positioning the probe component comprises positioning the probe component on one side of at least one pulmonary vein with one clamp member and positioning the clamp component on another side of the at least one pulmonary vein with another clamp member. 
     
     
         36 . A lesion formation method as claimed in  claim 30 , further comprising:
 disconnecting the one of the probe mode electrical connector and the clamp mode electrical connector from the source of tissue coagulation energy;   connecting the other of the probe mode electrical connector and the clamp mode electrical connector to the source of tissue coagulation energy; and   transmitting the tissue coagulation energy to the tissue with the probe component.