System and method for positioning an elongate member with respect to an anatomical structure

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for an ablation device used in the treatment of atrial fibrillation comprise an elongate shaft and a positioning mechanism adjacent the distal end of the shaft. The positioning mechanism is adapted to facilitate location of an anatomic structure and also to anchor the elongate shaft adjacent the anatomic structure. The positioning mechanism comprises an electrode for stimulating the anatomic structure as well as sensing electrical signals. Also, an energy delivery element is adjacent the distal end of the shaft and is adapted to stimulate the anatomic structure and create a zone of ablation that blocks abnormal electrical activity thereby reducing or eliminating atrial fibrillation in the patient.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of ablating a target tissue, said method comprising:
 providing an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end;   positioning the distal end of the elongate shaft adjacent the target tissue;   delivering energy to the target tissue with an energy delivery element housed within an energy delivery structure disposed near the distal end of the shaft, without contacting the target tissue with the energy delivery structure and the energy delivery element disposed therein, thereby creating a zone of ablation in the target tissue; and   moving the energy delivery structure along an ablation path while delivering energy with the energy delivery element, without contacting the zone of ablation with the energy delivery structure and the energy delivery element disposed therein.   
     
     
         2 . A device for ablating a target tissue, said device comprising:
 an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end;   an energy delivery structure disposed near the distal end of the elongate shaft; and   an energy delivery element housed within the energy delivery structure, the energy delivery element configured to deliver energy to the target tissue without contacting the target tissue, thereby creating a zone of ablation in the target tissue, and   wherein the energy delivery structure is configured to move along an ablation path while the energy delivery element delivers energy, without contacting the zone of ablation with the energy delivery structure and the energy delivery element disposed therein.