Systems and methods for internal ecg acquisition

Abstract

A system for obtaining signals related to electrical activity of the heart of a subject includes a sensing device including an elongate member having a distal end configured for placement within a body lumen of a subject, and a proximal end configured to extend from the subject, an actuation portion carried by the elongate member and configured for placement within the body lumen, the actuation portion having a low-profile state for delivery within the body lumen and an expanded state, and one or more sensors disposed on the actuation portion, each including a contact surface configured to contact an interior wall of the body lumen, wherein the actuation portion is configured to cause the contact surface of each of the one or more sensors to contact a location on the interior wall of the body lumen to provide a signal component for producing one or more electrocardiogram signals.

1 - 99 . (canceled) 
     
     
         100 . An apparatus for applying a tracing to an inflatable device, comprising:
 a body having a cavity extending longitudinally within and a wall;   one or more longitudinally extending openings in the wall and opening into the cavity, such that an inflatable device placed within the cavity it partially covered by the wall and partially uncovered by the one or more openings; and   wherein the one or more openings are configured to allow the application of a conductive material to a portion of the inflatable device that is uncovered while blocking the application of the conductive material to a portion of the inflatable device that is covered by the wall.   
     
     
         101 . The apparatus of  claim 100 , wherein the body comprises a first portion and a second portion, configured to engage with each other to form the cavity. 
     
     
         102 . The apparatus of  claim 100 , wherein the one or more openings each comprise an electrode portion and a conductor portion. 
     
     
         103 . The apparatus of  claim 102 , wherein the electrode portion is configured to be placed adjacent an inflatable portion of the inflatable device and wherein the conductor portion is configured to be placed adjacent a shaft of the inflatable device. 
     
     
         104 . A method for applying a conductive tracing to an inflatable device, the method comprising:
 placing an inflatable device within a body having a cavity extending longitudinally within and a wall, the body including one or more longitudinally extending openings in the wall and opening into the cavity such that the inflatable device placed within the cavity is partially covered by the wall and partially uncovered by the one or more openings;   applying a conductive material to a portion of the inflatable device; and   when the conductive material is in a condition that will not significantly change upon removal of the inflatable device from the body, removing the inflatable device from the body.   
     
     
         105 . The method of  claim 104 , wherein the body comprises a first portion and a second portion, configured to engage with each other to form the cavity. 
     
     
         106 . The method of  claim 104 , wherein the one or more openings each comprise an electrode portion and a conductor portion. 
     
     
         107 . The method of  claim 106 , wherein the electrode portion is configured to be placed adjacent an inflatable portion of the inflatable device and wherein the conductor portion is configured to be placed adjacent a shaft of the inflatable device. 
     
     
         108 . The method of  claim 104 , further comprising applying a dielectric material to at least a portion of the inflatable device, after the applying a conductive material step. 
     
     
         109 . An apparatus for applying a tracing to an inflatable device, comprising:
 a body having a cavity extending longitudinally within and a wall;   one or more longitudinally extending openings in the wall and opening into the cavity, such that an inflatable device placed within the cavity it partially covered by the wall and partially uncovered by the one or more openings; and   wherein the one or more openings are configured to allow the application of a material to a portion of the inflatable device that is uncovered while blocking the application of the conductive material to a portion of the inflatable device that is covered by the wall, wherein the material is configured to be applied in a flowable state and changeable to a non-flowable or substantially non-flowable state.   
     
     
         110 . The apparatus of  claim 109 , wherein the material is a conductive material. 
     
     
         111 . The apparatus of  claim 109 , wherein the material is a non-conductive material. 
     
     
         112 . The apparatus of  claim 109 , wherein the material is a resistive material. 
     
     
         113 . The apparatus of  claim 109 , wherein the material is configured to be applied by at least one of the following: spraying, atomizing, sputtering, or vapor deposition. 
     
     
         114 . The apparatus of  claim 109 , wherein the material is a radiopaque material. 
     
     
         115 - 120 . (canceled)