SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TARGETING CATHETER ELECTRODES
A system and method is described for a catheter guidance system which allows an operator to use a mapping catheter to specify tissue target locations for the automatic guidance of a second therapeutic catheter. The operator places a mapping catheter at a desired location, and commands the catheter guidance system by either selecting a point on that catheter or one of the catheter electrode electrocardiograms. The operator may target the selected dynamic location, or tissue contact beyond that location on a specific side of the mapping catheter.
1 . A method for catheter guidance, comprising:
introducing a mapping catheter into a patient;
moving said mapping catheter within the patient to bring an electrode provided to said mapping catheter in contact with tissues at various locations to generate a desired map;
identifying a target location from said map and placing an electrode of said mapping catheter proximate to said target location; and
introducing a therapeutic catheter into the patient and guiding said therapeutic catheter to a location of said electrode.
2 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising guiding said therapeutic catheter past said location of said electrode.
3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said mapping catheter is guided using magnetic fields.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said therapeutic catheter is guided using magnetic fields.
5 . A system for catheter guidance, comprising:
a mapping catheter having at least one electrode proximate to a distal end of said mapping catheter;
therapeutic catheter;
a first catheter guidance and control system that moves said mapping catheter to bring said at least one electrode in contact with tissues at various locations to generate a desired map; and
a second catheter guidance and control system that moves a distal end portion of said therapeutic catheter to a location of said at least one electrode.
6 . The system of claim 5 , wherein said therapeutic catheter comprises an ablation catheter.
7 . The system of claim 5 , wherein said second catheter guidance and control system comprises a magnetic guidance and control system that uses a plurality of electromagnets to control a position of a magnet provided to a distal end of said therapeutic catheter.
8 . The system of claim 5 , wherein said first catheter guidance and control system comprises a magnetic guidance and control system that uses a plurality of electromagnets to control a position of a magnet provided to a distal end of said mapping catheter.
9 . The system of claim 5 , wherein said second catheter guidance and control system automatically moves a distal end portion of said therapeutic catheter to a location of said at least one electrode.