Magnetically coupling devices for mapping and/or ablating

Abstract

Systems for ablating tissue can include a pair of electrode assemblies. The electrode assemblies can automatically align on opposing sides of operative tissue due to magnetic interaction. One assembly can move automatically in response to the other assembly due to the magnetic interaction. Some systems are capable of cooling the electrode assemblies during ablation procedures.

1 . A system for heat ablation of a tissue wall, the system comprising:
 a first assembly configured to be positioned at a first side of the tissue wall, wherein the first assembly comprises:
 a first magnetic member comprising a magnetic source that provides a first magnetic field; 
 a first electrode surface; and 
 a first electrical lead electrically coupled with the first electrode surface so as to be capable of communicating electrical signals thereto; and 
   a second assembly configured to be positioned at a second side of the tissue wall opposite the first side of the tissue wall, wherein the second assembly comprises:
 a second magnetic member configured to magnetically interact with the first magnetic field so as to be attracted to the first magnetic member; 
 a second electrode surface; and 
 a second electrical lead electrically coupled with the second electrode surface so as to be capable of communicating electrical signals thereto, 
   wherein each of the first and second electrode surfaces are positioned relative to the first and second assemblies so as to contact the first and second sides of the tissue wall, respectively, due at least in part to the magnetic interaction of the second magnetic member with the first magnetic field,   wherein one of the first and second assemblies is configured to dynamically reposition and align with the other of the first and second assemblies when the first and second assemblies are repositioned by a steering assembly while electrical signals are communicated through the tissue wall between the first electrode surface and the second electrode surface; and   a control system capable of mapping the electrical potential between the first electrode surface and the second electrode surface and also the electrical potential between either the first electrode surface or second electrode surface and a reference voltage relative to a physical position on the tissue wall while the electrodes are dynamically repositioned.