US5820568A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and method for aiding in the positioning of a catheter
Assignee: Cardiac Pathways Corp
•
Filing: 1996-10-15
•
Granted: 1998-10-13
•
Expires: 2016-10-15
Abstract
Abstract A system for aiding in the positioning of a catheter. The system includes a basket shaped catheter having a plurality of bipoles arranged thereon for sensing voltage potentials generated by tissue. An analog to digital converter is coupled to the catheter and configured to convert the sensed voltage potentials to digital signals. A computer is coupled to the analog to digital converter and to a video display and is programmed to calculate an absolute value of a slope of each of the digital signals. The computer is also programmed to generate and display on the video display a graphical representation of the absolute values of the slopes on a first image corresponding to the catheter. A method of aiding in the positioning of a catheter against a tissue surface is also disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 Nathaniel Parker Willis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 10:43
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/68; A61B5/6846; A61B5/6847; A61B5/6852; A61B5/6858; A61B5/24; A61B5/25; A61B5/279; A61B5/28; A61B5/283; A61B5/287; A61B5/74; A61B5/742; A61B5/743; A61B2560/00; A61B2560/04; A61B2560/0443; A61B2560/045; A61B2562/00; A61B2562/04; A61B2562/043
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 87
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
A system for aiding in the positioning of a catheter against a surface of a tissue, the catheter having at least one electrode thereon, the system comprising: monitoring means for monitoring a voltage potential generated by the tissue and sensed by the electrode; processing means for processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the surface of the tissue and for generating a contact signal representative of the degree of contact; a video display; and graphics generation means, responsive to the contact signal, for generating and displaying on the video display a graphical representation of the degree of contact.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
105 words
A system for aiding in the positioning of a catheter against a surface of a tissue, the catheter having at least one electrode thereon, the system comprising: monitoring means for monitoring a voltage potential generated by the tissue and sensed by the electrode; processing means for processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the surface of the tissue and for generating a contact signal representative of the degree of contact; a video display; and graphics generation means, responsive to the contact signal, for generating and displaying on the video display a graphical representation of the degree of contact.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the graphics generation means displays the graphical representation of the degree of contact on an image corresponding to the catheter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the graphical representation of the degree of contact comprises: an image which corresponds to the electrode, the image having a visual appearance which is altered by the graphics generation means to indicate the degree of contact.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system in accordance with claim 3, wherein the graphics generation means alters the visual appearance of the image by adjusting a brightness of the image.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system in accordance with claim 3, wherein the graphics generation means alters the visual appearance of the image by changing a color of the image.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
A system in accordance with claim 1, further comprising: analog to digital conversion means for converting the sensed voltage potential to a digital signal.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
120 words
A system for aiding in the positioning of a catheter against a tissue surface, the catheter having at least one electrode thereon, the system comprising: monitoring means for monitoring a voltage potential sensed by the electrode on the tissue surface; processing means for processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface and for generating a contact signal representative of the degree of contact; a video display; and graphics generation means, responsive to the contact signal, for generating and displaying on the video display a graphical representation of the degree of contact; wherein the processing means evaluates the degree of contact by calculating a rate of change of the sensed voltage potential.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
120 words
A system for aiding in the positioning of a catheter against a tissue surface, the catheter having at least one electrode thereon, the system comprising: monitoring means for monitoring a voltage potential sensed by the electrode on the tissue surface; processing means for processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface and for generating a contact signal representative of the degree of contact; a video display; and graphics generation means, responsive to the contact signal, for generating and displaying on the video display a graphical representation of the degree of contact; wherein the processing means evaluates the degree of contact by calculating a rate of change of the sensed voltage potential.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
114 words
A system for aiding in the positioning of a catheter against a tissue surface, the catheter having at least one electrode thereon, the system comprising: monitoring means for monitoring a voltage potential sensed by the electrode on the tissue surface; processing means for processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface and for generating a contact signal representative of the degree of contact; a video display; graphics generation means, responsive to the contact signal, for generating and displaying on the video display a graphical representation of the degree of contact; and filtering means for filtering the contact signal according to a hold and decay function.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
114 words
A system for aiding in the positioning of a catheter against a tissue surface, the catheter having at least one electrode thereon, the system comprising: monitoring means for monitoring a voltage potential sensed by the electrode on the tissue surface; processing means for processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface and for generating a contact signal representative of the degree of contact; a video display; graphics generation means, responsive to the contact signal, for generating and displaying on the video display a graphical representation of the degree of contact; and filtering means for filtering the contact signal according to a hold and decay function.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
92 words
A system for aiding in the positioning of a catheter, the system comprising: a catheter having at least one electrode thereon for sensing a voltage potential generated by a tissue; processing means for processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the surface of the tissue and for generating a contact signal representative of the degree of contact; a video display; and graphics generation means, responsive to the contact signal, for generating and displaying on the video display a graphical representation of the degree of contact.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
92 words
A system for aiding in the positioning of a catheter, the system comprising: a catheter having at least one electrode thereon for sensing a voltage potential generated by a tissue; processing means for processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the surface of the tissue and for generating a contact signal representative of the degree of contact; a video display; and graphics generation means, responsive to the contact signal, for generating and displaying on the video display a graphical representation of the degree of contact.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
15 words
A system in accordance with claim 9, wherein the catheter comprises: a plurality of bipoles.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system in accordance with claim 9, wherein the catheter comprises: a basket shaped catheter which includes a plurality of electrodes.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system in accordance with claim 9, wherein the graphics generation means displays the graphical representation of the degree of contact on an image corresponding to the catheter.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
44 words
A system in accordance with claim 9, wherein the graphical representation of the degree of contact comprises: an image which corresponds to the electrode, the image having a visual appearance which is altered by the graphics generation means to indicate the degree of contact.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system in accordance with claim 13, wherein the graphics generation means alters the visual appearance of the image by adjusting a brightness of the image.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system in accordance with claim 13, wherein the graphics generation means alters the visual appearance of the image by changing a color of the image.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
110 words
A system for aiding in the positioning of a catheter, the system comprising: a catheter having at least one electrode thereon for sensing a voltage potential on a tissue surface; processing means for processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface and for generating a contact signal representative of the degree of contact; a video display; and graphics generation means, responsive to the contact signal, for generating and displaying on the video display a graphical representation of the degree of contact; wherein the processing means evaluates the degree of contact by calculating a rate of change of the sensed voltage potential.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
110 words
A system for aiding in the positioning of a catheter, the system comprising: a catheter having at least one electrode thereon for sensing a voltage potential on a tissue surface; processing means for processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface and for generating a contact signal representative of the degree of contact; a video display; and graphics generation means, responsive to the contact signal, for generating and displaying on the video display a graphical representation of the degree of contact; wherein the processing means evaluates the degree of contact by calculating a rate of change of the sensed voltage potential.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
104 words
A system for aiding in the positioning of a catheter, the system comprising: a catheter having at least one electrode thereon for sensing a voltage potential on a tissue surface; processing means for processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface and for generating a contact signal representative of the degree of contact; a video display; graphics generation means, responsive to the contact signal, for generating and displaying on the video display a graphical representation of the degree of contact; and filtering means for filtering the contact signal according to a hold and decay function.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
104 words
A system for aiding in the positioning of a catheter, the system comprising: a catheter having at least one electrode thereon for sensing a voltage potential on a tissue surface; processing means for processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface and for generating a contact signal representative of the degree of contact; a video display; graphics generation means, responsive to the contact signal, for generating and displaying on the video display a graphical representation of the degree of contact; and filtering means for filtering the contact signal according to a hold and decay function.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
96 words
A system for aiding in the positioning of a catheter, the system comprising: a catheter having at least one electrode thereon for sensing a voltage potential generated by a tissue; a video display; and a computer, coupled to the catheter and to the video display, which is programmed to process the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and a surface of the tissue and which is programmed to generate and display on the video display a graphical representation of the degree of contact on a first image corresponding to the catheter.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
96 words
A system for aiding in the positioning of a catheter, the system comprising: a catheter having at least one electrode thereon for sensing a voltage potential generated by a tissue; a video display; and a computer, coupled to the catheter and to the video display, which is programmed to process the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and a surface of the tissue and which is programmed to generate and display on the video display a graphical representation of the degree of contact on a first image corresponding to the catheter.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
15 words
A system in accordance with claim 18, wherein the catheter comprises: a plurality of bipoles.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system in accordance with claim 18, wherein the catheter comprises: a basket shaped catheter which includes a plurality of electrodes.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
49 words
A system in accordance with claim 18, wherein the graphical representation of the degree of contact comprises: a second image positioned on the first image to correspond to the electrode, the second image having a visual appearance which is altered by the computer to indicate the degree of contact.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system in accordance with claim 21, wherein the computer alters the visual appearance of the second image by adjusting a brightness of the second image.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system in accordance with claim 21, wherein the computer alters the visual appearance of the second image by changing a color of the second image.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
120 words
A system for aiding in the positioning of a catheter, the system comprising: a catheter having at least one electrode thereon for sensing a voltage potential on a tissue surface; a video display; and a computer, coupled to the catheter and to the video display, which is programmed to process the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface and which is programmed to generate and display on the video display a graphical representation of the degree of contact on a first image corresponding to the catheter; wherein the computer is programmed to calculate a slope of the voltage potential in evaluating the degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
120 words
A system for aiding in the positioning of a catheter, the system comprising: a catheter having at least one electrode thereon for sensing a voltage potential on a tissue surface; a video display; and a computer, coupled to the catheter and to the video display, which is programmed to process the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface and which is programmed to generate and display on the video display a graphical representation of the degree of contact on a first image corresponding to the catheter; wherein the computer is programmed to calculate a slope of the voltage potential in evaluating the degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
113 words
A system for aiding in the positioning of a catheter, the system comprising: a catheter having at least one electrode thereon for sensing a voltage potential on a tissue surface; a video display; and a computer, coupled to the catheter and to the video display, which is programmed to process the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface and which is programmed to generate and display on the video display a graphical representation of the degree of contact on a first image corresponding to the catheter; wherein the computer is programmed to perform a hold and decay filtering function on the evaluated degree of contact.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
113 words
A system for aiding in the positioning of a catheter, the system comprising: a catheter having at least one electrode thereon for sensing a voltage potential on a tissue surface; a video display; and a computer, coupled to the catheter and to the video display, which is programmed to process the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface and which is programmed to generate and display on the video display a graphical representation of the degree of contact on a first image corresponding to the catheter; wherein the computer is programmed to perform a hold and decay filtering function on the evaluated degree of contact.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
117 words
A system for aiding in the positioning of a catheter, the system comprising: a basket shaped catheter having a plurality of bipoles arranged thereon for sensing voltage potentials on a tissue surface; an analog to digital converter coupled to the catheter and configured to convert the sensed voltage potentials to digital signals; a video display; and a computer, coupled to the analog to digital converter and to the video display, which is programmed to calculate an absolute value of a slope of each of the digital signals and which is programmed to generate and display on the video display a graphical representation of the absolute values of the slopes on a first image corresponding to the catheter.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
117 words
A system for aiding in the positioning of a catheter, the system comprising: a basket shaped catheter having a plurality of bipoles arranged thereon for sensing voltage potentials on a tissue surface; an analog to digital converter coupled to the catheter and configured to convert the sensed voltage potentials to digital signals; a video display; and a computer, coupled to the analog to digital converter and to the video display, which is programmed to calculate an absolute value of a slope of each of the digital signals and which is programmed to generate and display on the video display a graphical representation of the absolute values of the slopes on a first image corresponding to the catheter.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system in accordance with claim 26, wherein the computer is programmed to perform a hold and decay filtering function on each of the calculated slopes.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
62 words
A system in accordance with claim 26, wherein the graphical representation of the calculated slopes comprises: a plurality of second images positioned on the first image so that each of the second images corresponds to a different one of the bipoles, the second images having a visual appearance which is altered by the computer to indicate a magnitude of the calculated slope.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system in accordance with claim 28, wherein the computer alters the visual appearance of the second images by adjusting a brightness of each of the second images.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system in accordance with claim 28, wherein the computer alters the visual appearance of the second images by changing a color of each of the second images.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
92 words
A method for aiding in the positioning of a catheter against a surface of a tissue, the catheter having at least one electrode thereon, the method comprising the steps of: monitoring a voltage potential generated by the tissue and sensed by the electrode; processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the surface of the tissue; generating a graphical representation of the degree of contact on a first image corresponding to the catheter; and displaying the graphical representation and the first image on a video display.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
92 words
A method for aiding in the positioning of a catheter against a surface of a tissue, the catheter having at least one electrode thereon, the method comprising the steps of: monitoring a voltage potential generated by the tissue and sensed by the electrode; processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the surface of the tissue; generating a graphical representation of the degree of contact on a first image corresponding to the catheter; and displaying the graphical representation and the first image on a video display.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
43 words
A method in accordance with claim 31, wherein the generating step comprises the steps of: positioning a second image on the first image to correspond to the electrode; and altering a visual appearance of the second image to indicate the degree of contact.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method in accordance with claim 32, wherein the altering step comprises the step of: adjusting a brightness of the second image.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method in accordance with claim 32, wherein the altering step comprises the step of: changing a color of the second image.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method in accordance with claim 31, further comprising the step of: converting the sensed voltage potential to a digital signal.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
96 words
A method for aiding in the positioning of a catheter against a tissue surface, the catheter having at least one electrode thereon, the method comprising the steps of: monitoring a voltage potential sensed on the tissue surface by the electrode; processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface by calculating a slop of the sensed voltage potential; generating a graphical representation of the degree of contact on a first image corresponding to the catheter; and displaying the graphical representation and the first image on a video display.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
96 words
A method for aiding in the positioning of a catheter against a tissue surface, the catheter having at least one electrode thereon, the method comprising the steps of: monitoring a voltage potential sensed on the tissue surface by the electrode; processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface by calculating a slop of the sensed voltage potential; generating a graphical representation of the degree of contact on a first image corresponding to the catheter; and displaying the graphical representation and the first image on a video display.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
100 words
A method for aiding in the positioning of a catheter against a tissue surface, the catheter having at least one electrode thereon, the method comprising the steps of: monitoring a voltage potential sensed on the tissue surface by the electrode; processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface; filtering the evaluated degree of contact according to a hold and decay function; generating a graphical representation of the degree of contact on a first image corresponding to the catheter; and displaying the graphical representation and the first image on a video display.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
100 words
A method for aiding in the positioning of a catheter against a tissue surface, the catheter having at least one electrode thereon, the method comprising the steps of: monitoring a voltage potential sensed on the tissue surface by the electrode; processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface; filtering the evaluated degree of contact according to a hold and decay function; generating a graphical representation of the degree of contact on a first image corresponding to the catheter; and displaying the graphical representation and the first image on a video display.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
88 words
A method for aiding in the positioning of a catheter against a surface of a tissue, the method comprising the steps of: sensing a voltage potential generated by the tissue with a catheter having at least one electrode thereon; processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the surface of the tissue; generating a graphical representation of the degree of contact on a first image corresponding to the catheter; and displaying the graphical representation and the first image on a video display.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
88 words
A method for aiding in the positioning of a catheter against a surface of a tissue, the method comprising the steps of: sensing a voltage potential generated by the tissue with a catheter having at least one electrode thereon; processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the surface of the tissue; generating a graphical representation of the degree of contact on a first image corresponding to the catheter; and displaying the graphical representation and the first image on a video display.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method in accordance with claim 38, wherein the sensing step comprises the step of: sensing the voltage potential with a catheter having a plurality of bipoles thereon.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method in accordance with claim 38, wherein the sensing step comprises the step of: sensing the voltage potential with a basket shaped catheter which includes a plurality of electrodes.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
44 words
A method in accordance with claim 38, wherein the generating step comprises the steps of: positioning a second image on the first image to correspond to the electrode; and altering a visual appearance of the second image to indicate the calculated degree of contact.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method in accordance with claim 41, wherein the altering step comprises the step of: adjusting a brightness of the second image.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method in accordance with claim 41, wherein the altering step comprises the step of: changing a color of the second image.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
93 words
A method for aiding in the positioning of a catheter against a tissue surface, the method comprising the steps of: sensing a voltage potential on a tissue surface with a catheter having at least one electrode thereon; processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface by calculating a slope of the sensed voltage potential; generating a graphical representation of the degree of contact on a first image corresponding to the catheter; and displaying the graphical representation and the first image on a video display.
Claim 59
Independent Claim
93 words
A method for aiding in the positioning of a catheter against a tissue surface, the method comprising the steps of: sensing a voltage potential on a tissue surface with a catheter having at least one electrode thereon; processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface by calculating a slope of the sensed voltage potential; generating a graphical representation of the degree of contact on a first image corresponding to the catheter; and displaying the graphical representation and the first image on a video display.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
97 words
A method for aiding in the positioning of a catheter against a tissue surface, the method comprising the steps of: sensing a voltage potential on a tissue surface with a catheter having at least one electrode thereon; processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface; filtering the evaluated degree of contact according to a hold and decay function; generating a graphical representation of the degree of contact on a first image corresponding to the catheter; and displaying the graphical representation and the first image on a video display.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
97 words
A method for aiding in the positioning of a catheter against a tissue surface, the method comprising the steps of: sensing a voltage potential on a tissue surface with a catheter having at least one electrode thereon; processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface; filtering the evaluated degree of contact according to a hold and decay function; generating a graphical representation of the degree of contact on a first image corresponding to the catheter; and displaying the graphical representation and the first image on a video display.
Claim 62
Independent Claim
116 words
A system for aiding in the positioning of a catheter against a tissue surface, the catheter having at least one electrode thereon, the system comprising: monitoring means for monitoring a voltage potential sensed by the electrode; processing means for processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface and for generating a contact signal representative of the degree of contact; a video display; and graphics generation means, responsive to the contact signal, for generating and displaying on the video display a graphical representation of the degree of contact; wherein the processing means evaluates the degree of contact by calculating a rate of change of the sensed voltage potential.
Claim 63
Independent Claim
116 words
A system for aiding in the positioning of a catheter against a tissue surface, the catheter having at least one electrode thereon, the system comprising: monitoring means for monitoring a voltage potential sensed by the electrode; processing means for processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface and for generating a contact signal representative of the degree of contact; a video display; and graphics generation means, responsive to the contact signal, for generating and displaying on the video display a graphical representation of the degree of contact; wherein the processing means evaluates the degree of contact by calculating a rate of change of the sensed voltage potential.
Claim 64
Independent Claim
110 words
A system for aiding in the positioning of a catheter against a tissue surface, the catheter having at least one electrode thereon, the system comprising: monitoring means for monitoring a voltage potential sensed by the electrode; processing means for processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface and for generating a contact signal representative of the degree of contact; a video display; graphics generation means, responsive to the contact signal, for generating and displaying on the video display a graphical representation of the degree of contact; and filtering means for filtering the contact signal according to a hold and decay function.
Claim 65
Independent Claim
110 words
A system for aiding in the positioning of a catheter against a tissue surface, the catheter having at least one electrode thereon, the system comprising: monitoring means for monitoring a voltage potential sensed by the electrode; processing means for processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface and for generating a contact signal representative of the degree of contact; a video display; graphics generation means, responsive to the contact signal, for generating and displaying on the video display a graphical representation of the degree of contact; and filtering means for filtering the contact signal according to a hold and decay function.
Claim 66
Independent Claim
106 words
A system for aiding in the positioning of a catheter, the system comprising: a catheter having at least one electrode thereon for sensing a voltage potential; processing means for processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface and for generating a contact signal representative of the degree of contact; a video display; and graphics generation means, responsive to the contact signal, for generating and displaying on the video display a graphical representation of the degree of contact; wherein the processing means evaluates the degree of contact by calculating a rate of change of the sensed voltage potential.
Claim 67
Independent Claim
106 words
A system for aiding in the positioning of a catheter, the system comprising: a catheter having at least one electrode thereon for sensing a voltage potential; processing means for processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface and for generating a contact signal representative of the degree of contact; a video display; and graphics generation means, responsive to the contact signal, for generating and displaying on the video display a graphical representation of the degree of contact; wherein the processing means evaluates the degree of contact by calculating a rate of change of the sensed voltage potential.
Claim 68
Independent Claim
100 words
A system for aiding in the positioning of a catheter, the system comprising: a catheter having at least one electrode thereon for sensing a voltage potential; processing means for processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface and for generating a contact signal representative of the degree of contact; a video display; graphics generation means, responsive to the contact signal, for generating and displaying on the video display a graphical representation of the degree of contact; and filtering means for filtering the contact signal according to a hold and decay function.
Claim 69
Independent Claim
100 words
A system for aiding in the positioning of a catheter, the system comprising: a catheter having at least one electrode thereon for sensing a voltage potential; processing means for processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface and for generating a contact signal representative of the degree of contact; a video display; graphics generation means, responsive to the contact signal, for generating and displaying on the video display a graphical representation of the degree of contact; and filtering means for filtering the contact signal according to a hold and decay function.
Claim 70
Independent Claim
116 words
A system for aiding in the positioning of a catheter, the system comprising: a catheter having at least one electrode thereon for sensing a voltage potential; a video display; and a computer, coupled to the catheter and to the video display, which is programmed to process the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and a tissue surface and which is programmed to generate and display on the video display a graphical representation of the degree of contact on a first image corresponding to the catheter; wherein the computer is programmed to calculate a slope of the voltage potential in evaluating the degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface.
Claim 71
Independent Claim
116 words
A system for aiding in the positioning of a catheter, the system comprising: a catheter having at least one electrode thereon for sensing a voltage potential; a video display; and a computer, coupled to the catheter and to the video display, which is programmed to process the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and a tissue surface and which is programmed to generate and display on the video display a graphical representation of the degree of contact on a first image corresponding to the catheter; wherein the computer is programmed to calculate a slope of the voltage potential in evaluating the degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface.
Claim 72
Independent Claim
109 words
A system for aiding in the positioning of a catheter, the system comprising: a catheter having at least one electrode thereon for sensing a voltage potential; a video display; and a computer, coupled to the catheter and to the video display, which is programmed to process the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and a tissue surface and which is programmed to generate and display on the video display a graphical representation of the degree of contact on a first image corresponding to the catheter; wherein the computer is programmed to perform a hold and decay filtering function on the evaluated degree of contact.
Claim 73
Independent Claim
109 words
A system for aiding in the positioning of a catheter, the system comprising: a catheter having at least one electrode thereon for sensing a voltage potential; a video display; and a computer, coupled to the catheter and to the video display, which is programmed to process the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and a tissue surface and which is programmed to generate and display on the video display a graphical representation of the degree of contact on a first image corresponding to the catheter; wherein the computer is programmed to perform a hold and decay filtering function on the evaluated degree of contact.
Claim 74
Independent Claim
113 words
A system for aiding in the positioning of a catheter, the system comprising: a basket shaped catheter having a plurality of bipoles arranged thereon for sensing voltage potentials; an analog to digital converter coupled to the catheter and configured to convert the sensed voltage potentials to digital signals; a video display; and a computer, coupled to the analog to digital converter and to the video display, which is programmed to calculate an absolute value of a slope of each of the digital signals and which is programmed to generate and display on the video display a graphical representation of the absolute values of the slopes on a first image corresponding to the catheter.
Claim 75
Independent Claim
113 words
A system for aiding in the positioning of a catheter, the system comprising: a basket shaped catheter having a plurality of bipoles arranged thereon for sensing voltage potentials; an analog to digital converter coupled to the catheter and configured to convert the sensed voltage potentials to digital signals; a video display; and a computer, coupled to the analog to digital converter and to the video display, which is programmed to calculate an absolute value of a slope of each of the digital signals and which is programmed to generate and display on the video display a graphical representation of the absolute values of the slopes on a first image corresponding to the catheter.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system in accordance with claim 52, wherein the computer is programmed to perform a hold and decay filtering function on each of the calculated slopes.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
62 words
A system in accordance with claim 52, wherein the graphical representation of the calculated slopes comprises: a plurality of second images positioned on the first image so that each of the second images corresponds to a different one of the bipoles, the second images having a visual appearance which is altered by the computer to indicate a magnitude of the calculated slope.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system in accordance with claim 54, wherein the computer alters the visual appearance of the second images by adjusting a brightness of each of the second images.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system in accordance with claim 54, wherein the computer alters the visual appearance of the second images by changing a color of each of the second images.
Claim 80
Independent Claim
92 words
A method of aiding in the positioning of a catheter against a tissue surface, the catheter having at least one electrode thereon, the method comprising the steps of: monitoring a voltage potential sensed by the electrode; processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface by calculating a slope of the sensed voltage potential; generating a graphical representation of the degree of contact on a first image corresponding to the catheter; and displaying the graphical representation and the first image on a video display.
Claim 81
Independent Claim
92 words
A method of aiding in the positioning of a catheter against a tissue surface, the catheter having at least one electrode thereon, the method comprising the steps of: monitoring a voltage potential sensed by the electrode; processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface by calculating a slope of the sensed voltage potential; generating a graphical representation of the degree of contact on a first image corresponding to the catheter; and displaying the graphical representation and the first image on a video display.
Claim 82
Independent Claim
96 words
A method of aiding in the positioning of a catheter against a tissue surface, the catheter having at least one electrode thereon, the method comprising the steps of: monitoring a voltage potential sensed by the electrode; processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface; filtering the evaluated degree of contact according to a hold and decay function; generating a graphical representation of the degree of contact on a first image corresponding to the catheter; and displaying the graphical representation and the first image on a video display.
Claim 83
Independent Claim
96 words
A method of aiding in the positioning of a catheter against a tissue surface, the catheter having at least one electrode thereon, the method comprising the steps of: monitoring a voltage potential sensed by the electrode; processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface; filtering the evaluated degree of contact according to a hold and decay function; generating a graphical representation of the degree of contact on a first image corresponding to the catheter; and displaying the graphical representation and the first image on a video display.
Claim 84
Independent Claim
89 words
A method of aiding in the positioning of a catheter against a tissue surface, the method comprising the steps of: sensing a voltage potential with a catheter having at least one electrode thereon; processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface by calculating a slope of the sensed voltage potential; generating a graphical representation of the degree of contact on a first image corresponding to the catheter; and displaying the graphical representation and the first image on a video display.
Claim 85
Independent Claim
89 words
A method of aiding in the positioning of a catheter against a tissue surface, the method comprising the steps of: sensing a voltage potential with a catheter having at least one electrode thereon; processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface by calculating a slope of the sensed voltage potential; generating a graphical representation of the degree of contact on a first image corresponding to the catheter; and displaying the graphical representation and the first image on a video display.
Claim 86
Independent Claim
93 words
A method of aiding in the positioning of a catheter against a tissue surface, the method comprising the steps of: sensing a voltage potential with a catheter having at least one electrode thereon; processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface; filtering the evaluated degree of contact according to a hold and decay function; generating a graphical representation of the degree of contact on a first image corresponding to the catheter; and displaying the graphical representation and the first image on a video display.
Claim 87
Independent Claim
93 words
A method of aiding in the positioning of a catheter against a tissue surface, the method comprising the steps of: sensing a voltage potential with a catheter having at least one electrode thereon; processing the voltage potential to evaluate a degree of contact between the electrode and the tissue surface; filtering the evaluated degree of contact according to a hold and decay function; generating a graphical representation of the degree of contact on a first image corresponding to the catheter; and displaying the graphical representation and the first image on a video display.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4522212A
Cited
US4699147A
Cited
US5397339A
Cited
US5156151A
Cited
US5228442A
Cited
US5279299A
Cited
US5465717A
Cited
US5237996A
Cited
US5324284A
Cited
US5341807A
Cited
US5411025A
Cited
US5357979A
Cited
US5391147A
Cited
US5469857A
Cited
US5476495A
Cited
US5342295A
Cited
US5400783A
Cited
US5598848A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-10-12 | 2002-04-13 | 2002-10-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-10-12 | 2006-04-13 | 2006-10-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-10-12 | 2010-04-13 | 2010-10-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |