CONNECTOR DEVICE FOR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY PROBE
A flexible connector for securing an ablation probe in a looped configuration around the pulmonary veins of a heart includes a flexible base member having first and second apertures dimensioned to receive the ablation probe and wherein the flexible base member is slidable along a length of the ablation probe when the ablation probe is positioned within the first and second apertures. The flexible base member further includes a third aperture dimensioned to receive a looped portion of the ablation probe. The flexible connector is advanced along the length of the ablation probe to form a crossover point with the returning portion of the ablation probe. A tether is secured to the flexible base member and is used to withdraw or remove the flexible connector.
1 . A flexible connector for securing an ablation probe in a looped configuration comprising:
a flexible base member having first and second apertures dimensioned to receive the ablation probe and wherein the flexible base member is slidable along a length of the ablation probe when the ablation probe is positioned within the first and second apertures, the flexible base member further comprising a third aperture dimensioned to receive a looped portion of the ablation probe; and
a tether secured to the flexible base member.
2 . The flexible connector of claim 1 , wherein the flexible base member comprises a substantially flat base when not disposed on the ablation probe.
3 . The flexible connector of claim 1 , wherein the flexible base member comprises a tubular base when not disposed on the ablation probe.
4 . The flexible connector of claim 1 , wherein the tether is secured to a reinforcing member disposed in the flexible base member.
5 . The flexible connector of claim 1 , wherein the tether is secured to the flexible base member via one or more of the first, second, and third apertures.
6 . The flexible connector of claim 1 , wherein the tether comprises a suture.
7 . The flexible connector of claim 1 , wherein the flexible base member comprises a biocompatible elastomeric material.
8 . The flexible connector of claim 1 , wherein the apertures are circular.
9 . The flexible connector of claim 1 , wherein the apertures are polygonal.
10 . The flexible connector of claim 1 , further comprising a separate tubular member having a lumen therein for receiving the tether, the tubular member comprising an insertion tool for slidably moving the flexible connector along the length of the ablation probe.
11 . An ablation probe comprising:
an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end, the elongate member including an ablation antenna disposed at or near the distal end; and
a connector for securing a portion of the elongate member in a looped configuration, the connector comprising a base portion having an aperture dimensioned such that the base portion is slidable along a length of the elongate member, the connector including a tab projecting from the base portion and including an aperture therein, the aperture of the tab being oriented substantially perpendicular to the aperture of the base portion.
12 . The ablation probe of claim 11 , wherein the aperture in the base portion has a circular cross-sectional shape.
13 . The ablation probe of claim 11 , wherein the aperture in the base portion has a polygonal cross-sectional shape.
14 . The ablation probe of claim 11 , further comprising a tether secured to the connector.
15 . The ablation probe of claim 11 , wherein the tab comprises a biocompatible elastomeric material.
16 . The ablation probe of claim 11 , further comprising an insertion tool comprising an elongate tubular member having a lumen therein dimensioned for passage of a portion of the elongate member of the probe.
17 . A method of positioning an ablation probe around the pulmonary veins of a patient using a flexible connector device having a tether attached thereto, comprising:
providing the flexible connector device on a proximal portion of the ablation probe;
routing the ablation probe around the pulmonary veins;
inserting a distal end of the ablation probe into an aperture contained in the flexible connector device; and
advancing the flexible connector device along a length of the ablation probe to form a looped portion around the pulmonary veins.
18 . The method of claim 17 , further comprising the step of withdrawing the flexible connector in a proximal direction by pulling on the tether.
19 . The method of claim 17 , wherein the flexible connector is advanced along the length of the ablation probe using an elongate pusher member having a lumen therein for receiving the tether.