Visual electrode ablation systems

Abstract

An apparatus may be used for ablating a target tissue region disposed along a tissue surface. The apparatus may comprise a means for directing ablating energy into the target tissue region through the tissue surface and a means for imaging the tissue surface along the target tissue region while selectively directing the ablating energy. The imaging means may be coupled to the energy directing means.

1 - 68 . (canceled) 
     
     
         69 . An apparatus for ablating a target tissue region, the target tissue region being disposed along a tissue surface, the apparatus comprising:
 means for directing ablating energy into the target tissue region through the tissue surface; and   means for imaging the tissue surface along the target tissue region while selectively directing the ablating energy, the imaging means coupled to the energy directing means.   
     
     
         70 . The apparatus of  claim 69 , further comprising:
 means for articulating the means for imaging.   
     
     
         71 . The apparatus of  claim 70 , wherein the means for articulating is robotically controlled. 
     
     
         72 . The apparatus of  claim 69 , further comprising:
 means for articulating the means for directing ablating energy.   
     
     
         73 . The apparatus of  claim 72 , wherein the means for articulating is robotically controlled. 
     
     
         74 . The apparatus of  claim 69 , further comprising:
 means for isolating the target tissue region from surrounding bodily fluid.   
     
     
         75 . The apparatus of  claim 74 , wherein the means for isolating the target tissue region is expandable from an insertion configuration to an expanded and deployed configuration. 
     
     
         76 . The apparatus of  claim 74 , wherein the means for isolating the target tissue region is configured to retain a fluid through which the target tissue region is visible by the means for imaging the tissue. 
     
     
         77 . The apparatus of  claim 76 , wherein the fluid conducts the ablating energy to the target tissue region. 
     
     
         78 . The apparatus of  claim 74  wherein the means for directing ablating energy is configured as a support strut positioned along the means for isolating the target tissue region. 
     
     
         79 . The apparatus of  claim 74 , wherein the means for isolating the target tissue region has an outer diameter and a central aperture having a diameter which is less than an outer diameter and through which fluid is permeable to an external environment. 
     
     
         80 . The apparatus of  claim 79 , wherein the means for directing ablating energy is configured as a ring electrode extending from a support member positioned proximally of the central aperture. 
     
     
         81 . The apparatus of  claim 79 , wherein the means for directing ablating energy is configured as a ring electrode positioned on the means for isolating the target tissue region, proximal to the central aperture. 
     
     
         82 . The apparatus of  claim 74 , further comprising:
 an electrocardiogram electrode positioned along an outer surface of the means for isolating the target tissue region.   
     
     
         83 . The apparatus of  claim 74 , further comprising:
 one or more ultrasound transducers along an outer surface of the means for isolating the target tissue region.   
     
     
         84 . The apparatus of  claim 74 , further comprising:
 at least one thermochromic indicator along a surface of the means for isolating the target tissue region for visually indicating a temperature change of a fluid retained within the means for isolating the target tissue region.   
     
     
         85 . The apparatus of  claim 69 , further comprising:
 means for delivering a fluid to an area between the means for imaging the tissue surface and the target tissue region.   
     
     
         86 . The apparatus of  claim 85 , further comprising:
 means for controlling delivery of the fluid.   
     
     
         87 . The apparatus of  claim 69 , further comprising:
 means for wireless transmission of image data from means for imaging the tissue surface.   
     
     
         88 . The apparatus of  claim 69 , further comprising:
 means for storing images from the means for imaging the tissue surface.