BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

5 The present invention relates generally to the

* field of electrophysiology. More particularly, this invention relates to methods and apparatus for treating cardiac arrhythmias.

Symptoms of abnormal heart rhythm are generally

10 referred to as cardiac arrhythmias, with an abnormally slow rhythm being classified as a bradycardia and an abnormally rapid rhythm being referred to a tachycardia. The present invention is concerned with the treatment of tachycardias which are frequently caused by the presence of an

15 "arrhythmogenic site" or "accessory atrioventricular pathway" close to the inner surface of one of the chambers of the heart. The heart includes a number of normal pathways which are responsible for the propagation of signals necessary for the normal electrical function. The

20 presence of arrhythmogenic sites or accessory pathways can bypass or short circuit the normal pathways, potentially resulting in very rapid heart contractions, referred to as tachycardias. Tachycardias may be defined as ventricular tachycardias (VT's) and supraventricular tachycardias

25 (SVT's). VT's originate in the left or right ventricle and are typically caused by arrhythmogenic sites associated with a prior myocardial infarction. SVT's originate in the atria and are typically caused by an accessory pathway.

Treatment of both ventricular and supraventricula

30 tachycardias may be accomplished by a variety of approaches, including drugs, surgery, implantable pacema ers/defibrillators, and catheter ablation. While drugs may be the treatment of choice for many patients, the only mask the symptoms and do not cure the underlying cause.

Implantable devices only correct the arrhythmia after it occurs. Surgical and catheter-based treatments, in contrast, will actually cure the problem, usually by ablating the abnormal arrhythmogenic tissue or accessory pathway responsible for the tachycardia. The catheter-based treatments rely on the application of various destructive energy sources to the target tissue, including direct current electrical energy, radiofrequency electrical energy, laser energy, and the like. Of particular interest to the present invention are radiofrequency ablation protocols which have proven to be highly effective in tachycardia treatment while exposing the patient to minimum side effects and risks.

Radiofrequency catheter ablation is generally performed after an initial mapping procedure where the location of the arrhythmogenic sites and accessory pathways are determined. After mapping, a catheter having a suitable electrode is introduced to the appropriate chamber and manipulated so that the electrode lies proximate the accessory pathway. Radiofrequency energy is then applied through the electrode to the cardiac tissue in order to ablate a region of the tissue which forms part of the accessory pathway. By successfully destroying that tissue, the accessory pathway or arrhythmogenic site is destroyed so that the abnormal signalling patterns responsible for the tachycardia will no longer occur.

While very promising, radiofrequency ablation suffers from certain disadvantages. The application of radiofrequency energy to the heart tissue can have complications, particularly if the directed energy has not been properly controlled. Many systems which have been used thus far for radiofrequency ablation have utilized radiofrequency power supplies originally intended for electrosurgery and electrocautery. While such power supplies are workable, they do not provide power control of

a type which is best used with cardiac tissue ablation and can subject the patient to spurious ground potentials. Suc ground potentials can be a problem when the heart is being treated. Such conventional radiofrequency power supplies

* 5 are also usually bulky and relatively heavy because of the need to provide power supply transformers.

* 2. Description of the Background Art

The successful treatment of supraventricular and ventricular tachycardias by radiofrequency catheter ablatio

10 of accessory atrioventricular pathways is described in Kuck et al. (1991) Lancet 337:1557-61; Langberg et al. (1991) Am. J. Cardiol. 67:142-47; and Kuck et al. (1991) Circulation 84:2366-2375. Catheters useful for the intracardiac application of radiofrequency energy are described in U.S.

15 Patent Nos. 4,945,912; 4,940,064; and 4,641,649. A power supply and radiofrequency ablation catheter suitable for intracardiac tissue ablation are available from Dr. Osypka GMBH under the tradenames HAT 200 S and CERABLATE®, respectively. The power supply and catheter together permi

20 ablation to be performed under a digital temperature contro mode. The present state of cardiac radiofrequency ablation treatment is summarized in Fackelmann (1991) Science News 140:42-43.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

25 An improved method for radiofrequency ablation of cardiac tissue relies on the introduction of an electrode t a target site, typically the location of an accessory pathway, within an interior chamber of a patient's heart. Radiofrequency energy is applied to the target location

30 through the electrode from an external power source, where the amount of radiofrequency energy delivered is controlled based on a particular temperature control protocol which ha been found to provide very precise control of the ablation temperature. Such precise temperature control reduces the

35 risk of unintended damage to the cardiac tissue and, in

particular, provides for better localization of the treatment. That is, tissue necrosis is more accurately limited to within the target region than with non- temperature controlled protocols. The temperature control protocol also limits the total amount of energy delivered to achieve the desired tissue ablation by reducing the duty cycle of the power source. The reduced duty cycle is of particular advantage in that a more controlled ablation result is obtained. The use of a battery power source is advantageous since it reduces or eliminates the generation of spurious ground differential currents, which can be a particular problem in equipment used with the heart. The temperature control protocol comprises measuring temperature at the target location, typically using a temperature sensor within the treatment electrode. The resulting actual temperature signal is amplified and then compared with a temperature set point signal, and a power set point signal is produced based on the deviation between the actual temperature and temperature set point. Power output from the power source (typically an output power oscillator connected to a battery) is measured to produce an actual power signal, and the actual power signal is compared with the power set point to produce a power output signal based on the difference between the set point and the actual power. Power from the power source is then controlled based on the power output signal. Usually, both the temperature control and power control loops will be based on proportional control schemes.

In a particular aspect, the present invention provides a method for connecting an intravascular catheter, such as a radiofrequency ablation catheter, to a power source. After connecting a proximal end of the catheter to the power source, the status of a fuse within the catheter is sensed. If the fuse is found to be broken at the time of connection, the power source is disabled, i.e. further use"

of the catheter is prevented. If the fuse is found to be intact at the time of connection, the fuse will then be broken (typically by passing excess current therethrough) and use of the catheter permitted for so long as it remains ^• 5 connected to the power source. Once the catheter is removed from the power source, the connection method will be ^J repeated to prevent reconnection of used catheter, i.e., those catheters which have been previously connected to the power source and which as a result have broken the internal

10 fuse.

The present invention further provides a radiofrequency power generator which comprises a power source for producing radiofrequency power based on a power output signal. The generator comprises circuitry for

15 measuring the amount of radiofrequency power produced by the power source to produce an actual power signal. An analog temperature controller receives both a temperature set point and an actual temperature signal and, based on the different therebetween, produces a power set point signal. A separate

20 analog power controller receives the power set point signal from the temperature controller and the actual power signal from the power measurement circuitry, and, based on the difference therebetween, produces the power output signal which controls the power source. The generator further

25 comprises an interface for connecting a catheter to the radiofrequency power source and for connecting an external temperature sensor in the catheter to the temperature controller in the generator.

In yet another aspect, the present invention

30 provides a system for. radiofrequency ablation of cardiac tissue which comprises both a catheter and a radiofrequency power generator. The catheter includes both an electrode and a temperature sensor near its distal end, and the radiofrequency power generator includes both a power source

35 to deliver radiofrequency power to the electrode and a

battery connected to the power source. A temperature controller is further provided for modulating the power to the catheter from the power source. In this way, the total power delivered and power duty cycle can be limited in order to reduce the demand on the battery for the power source.

In a still further embodiment, the present invention provides a radiofrequency ablation system comprising a catheter and a radiofrequency generator connectable to the catheter. A catheter includes electrode near its distal end and a fuse within its body. Circuitry within the generator is capable of sensing the integrity of the fuse when the catheter is initially connected to the generator. Operation of the generator, including the delivery of power to the electrode, is disabled if it is sensed that the fuse is initially broken. Conversely, if it is sensed that the fuse is initially intact, the fuse will be broken by the generator and subsequent operation of the generator, including power delivery to the electrode, will be permitted. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a system for radiofrequency ablation of cardiac tissue constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, comprising a catheter connected to a radiofrequency generator.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of the catheter of Fig. 1, with a curved tip shown in broken line.

Fig. 3 is a detailed view of the catheter of Figs. 1 and 2, shown in section. Fig. 4 is a block diagram of the circuitry of a radiofrequency generator constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

Fig. 5 illustrates the exterior of a power supply system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

Figs. 6A and B illustrate a flow chart of the operating program of the microprocessor-controlled power system of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS The method and apparatus of the present invention are intended for delivering radiofrequency energy to a target location within an interior chamber within a patient's heart, usually the right or left ventricle. The target location will be associated with cardiac tachycardia, usually being an accessory pathway or an arrhythmogenic site responsible for the tachycardia, but also including regions on the bundle of HIS which can non-specifically block tachycardia. Accessory pathways or arrhythmogenic sites responsible for the tachycardia can be identified by conventional intracardiac mapping, as is now amply described in the medical and patent literature. See, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 4,699,147; 4,628,937; and 4,660,571, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. See also copending application Serial No. 07/866,763, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Radiofrequency ablation involves the application of radiofrequency energy, typically at a frequency in the range from about 250 to 1000 kHz, usually in the range from about 400 to 500 kHz, at a power level sufficient to raise the target tissue to a sufficiently high temperature for a time sufficient to induce tissue necrosis. Typically, the tissue temperature will be above about 45°C, usually being above about 60°C, but usually not exceeding about 105°C, and preferably being maintained below about 95°C. For such temperatures, the radiofrequency energy will typically be applied for time periods in the range from about 30 to 60 seconds, but time periods as short as 10 seconds and as along as 90 seconds also find use.

In order to deliver the radiofrequency energy to the desired target location within the heart, an

intravascular catheter having a suitable electrode near its distal end will be percutaneously introduced, typically through the femoral vein or artery in the patient's groin. The distal tip of the catheter can then be manipulated by conventional means, typically through a previously introduced guiding catheter, until it reaches the interior of the heart. The electrode tip of the catheter will then be further manipulated so that it contacts the desired region within the interior of the heart chamber, typically the location of an accessory pathway, a location on the bundle of HIS, an arrhythmogenic site in the ventricular wall, or the like. Radiofrequency power will then be applied to the target location according to the method of the present invention, as described in more detail hereinafter. Preferably, the radiofrequency power will be applied using a radiofrequency generator and system of the present invention, also as described in more detail hereinafter.

Referring now to Fig. 1, an exemplary radiofrequency ablation system 10 constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention includes a catheter 12 having a distal end 14, a proximal end 16, and a radiofrequency generator 18 connected to the catheter as described below. The proximal end 16 of the catheter 12 includes a proximal housing 20 having a plurality of connecting wires 22 that will normally terminate in a connector 24. The radiofrequency generator 18 is connected to the connector 24 through a cable 26. In this way, all active electrical components (as described hereinafter) of the catheter 12 may be removably connected to the radiofrequency generator 18 simply by plugging the catheter connector 24 into the cable 26.

Referring now to Figs. 1-3, the catheter 12 includes an electrode 28 near its distal end, usually being at the distal tip, which is connected to a wire 22a which

provide a monopolar power connection to the electrode 28 for applying radiofrequency energy from the generator 18, as will be described in greater detail hereinafter. An indifferent electrode 23 is separately connected to the generator 18 and permits attachment to the patient's skin surface to complete the circuit necessary for the application of RF energy as described below. A pair of wires 22b is connected to a temperature sensor 30 located on or in the electrode 28. Typically, the temperature sensor 30 will be a thermocouple consisting of a pair of dissimilar metals, usually copper and constantan which form a T-type thermocouple. The thermocouple wires 22b will also be connected to the radiofrequency generator 18 through the connector 24 and cable 26 so that they will be connected and disconnected as the catheter 12 is plugged and unplugged.

The catheter 12 may optionally include additional electrodes 32 axially spaced apart over the distal end 14. Electrodes 32 will usually be provided to permit ECG monitoring prior to, during, and/or after the radiofrequency ablation treatment. Additional connectors (not illustrated) will be provided so that the electrodes 32 may be connected to external monitoring equipment (not illustrated) through the connector 24 and cable 26. Usually, the radiofrequency generator 18 will include provisions for connecting such monitoring equipment to the catheter 12. Optionally, the electrodes 32 may be used to perform initial mapping to locate the accessory pathways in a generally conventional manner. These aspects of the catheter, however, do not relate directly to the present invention and will therefore not be described in detail.

Catheter 12 preferably includes a deflectable distal tip which permits lateral deflection, as illustrated in broken line in Fig. 2. A variety of control mechanisms (not illustrated) may be provided to effect such lateral tip deflection as described generally in the medical and patent

literature. Preferred tip deflection mechanisms are described in copending application Serial Nos. 07/866,383 and 07/867,241, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. A final pair of wires 22c illustrated in Fig. 1 are connected to a fuse 34 disposed within the proximal housing 20. The fuse 34 is provided to permit verification by the radiofrequency generator 18 that the catheter 12 has not been previously used. Reuse of the catheter 12 is undesirable since a previously used catheter can be a source of infection and will be generally less reliable than a new catheter. The verification procedure will be described in more detail hereinafter.

Referring now to Figs. 4 and 5, the radiofrequency generator 18 of the radiofrequency ablation system 10 will be described in more detail. Radiofrequency generator 18 includes a user interface panel 40 having a plurality of displays and indicators 42, switches 44 and legends (not illustrated) , to permit the operator to monitor and control delivery of power to the catheter 12, as will be described in greater detail hereinafter. In particular, the indicators 42 and switches 44 permit monitoring and control of the amount of radiofrequency power delivered to the catheter 12 by radiofrequency generator 18. The panel 40 includes a first display 42a which provides a continuous digital readout of the actual radiofrequency power being delivered (usually calibrated in Watts) . A second display 42b shows the actual electrode temperature measured by the thermocouple 30 (Fig. 3) . A third display 42c shows the calculated impedance (based on measured current and voltage) between the catheter ablation electrode 28 and an indifferent electrode during the delivery of radiofrequency energy. The indifferent electrode is attached to the patient and provides a return path to complete the circuit to the tip electrode 28. A sudden rise in impedance

indicates that coagulum has formed on the tip, which should be removed. A fourth display 42d provides an indication of the time that radiofrequency power has been delivered during an ablation procedure. The panel 40 further include an alphanumeric display 42e which presents additional information to the user, depending on the operational mode selected as described below. Such information includes the set point for either temperature (in °C) or power (in Watts) , depending on the control mode. The display 42e can further set forth the total number of cycles, i.e. the number of times that power supply to the ablation electrode 28 has been initiated. The display 42e can further indicate total treatment time, i.e. the total elapsed time that the radiofrequency power has been delivered from the time power to the generator 18 was turned on. Finally, the legend 42e will indicate the available set point range for power, temperature, or time, depending on the variable which is being set within the system (when a set point is changed) . The alphanumeric 42e can further provide user warnings, including excessively high temperature, unacceptable catheter (when a catheter having a broken fuse 34 is connected to the radiofrequency generator 18, as described below) , excessively high impedance, low impedance, and excessively high power. Finally, a legend (not illustrated) will indicate when the battery charge has become low, typically when it reaches 25% of capacity. Conveniently, a tone warning signal will be provided whenever any warning is being displayed. A switch 44a is provided in order to select the control mode, i.e., either power or temperature. A particular variable (temperature or power) will be adjusted by raising or lowering the set point using the appropriate up or down switch 44b or 44c. The user presses and holds switch 44d and increases the time set point by pressing

switch 44b or decreases the time set point by pressing switch 44c. After initiation, the power will be delivered for the total time thus set. The value of the particular variable set point (and allowable range) is displayed on alphanumeric display 42e as the set point is being adjusted.

Switch 44e controls the delivery of RF power. When the RF power generator 18 is first turned on, a legend OFF (not illustrated) is lit. Switch 44e must be pressed to put the unit in standby which also activates an optional foot pedal (not illustrated) . Once in standby mode, pressing switch 44e causes RF power to be delivered until either the switch 44e is again pressed or the time set-point is reached, at which time the unit returns to standby. If a warning condition occurs (i.e., high power or high impedance) , the unit goes to OFF mode and the optional foot pedal is deactivated.

A main off and on switch is provided on the top of the radiofrequency generator 18. A catheter connector 50, an indifferent electrode connector 52, and a foot pedal connector 54 are provided on the right side of the radiofrequency generator 18. The catheter connector 50 permits plugging in of the catheter connector 24 to cable 26 to provide the necessary connections between the electrical components of the catheter and the generator 18. The foot pedal connector permits connection of a pneumatic foot pedal which allows the treating physician to control the application of radiofrequency power by depressing and holding the foot pedal.

Additional connections on the radiofrequency generator 18 will usually include an ECG connector, an analog output connector which permits output to a multi¬ channel chart recorder for recording radiofrequency power, impedance between the ablation electrode and indifferent electrode, and ablation electrode temperature. An additional connector will usually be provided to permit

connection of the internal microprocessor to an external computer to monitor and temporarily override programming in the PROMS. The connector will usually be a conventional RS- 232 connector which is compatible with standard IBM-type personal computers. A switch may also be provided to permit the operator to set the volume level of the tone during the RF ablation. Finally, a TUV connector will be provided for connection to an external ground.

Referring now to Fig. 4 in particular, the front panel displays and indicators 42 and switches 44 will be connected to a digital microprocessor 60, such as an INTEL 80C 186, which permits interface between the user and the remainder of the electrical components of the system. In particular, the microprocessor 60 provides for continuous monitoring of power, current, voltage, temperature, impedance, and battery level. As necessary, the microprocessor will provide this information to the appropriate display and/or indicator 42 on the front panel 40. Additionally, the microprocessor 60 permits the user to select the control mode (either constant temperature or constant power) and to input the power set point, temperature set point, and timer set point to the system.

The primary source of power for the radiofrequency generator 18 is a battery 62, typically a 12V battery rated at 7.2 ampere-hours. A back-up battery (usually a lithium cell; not illustrated) will be provided to provide sufficient power to the microprocessor 60 to maintain desired memory functions when the main power from battery 62 is shut off. A crystal-locked radiofrequency oscillator 64 generates the switching pulses which drive both the power transformer 66 and the power controller 68. Power controller 68 is an analog controller which operates by pulse-width modulation by comparing a power set point signal 70 (from microprocessor 60) with an actual power signal

generated by a power measurement circuit, typically a torroidal transformer coupled to the power output 76 from the transformer 66. The power measurement component 74 multiplies the output current and voltage and provides the resulting actual power signal to both the power controller through line 72 and the microprocessor through line 78. Separate analog comparator circuits (not illustrated) are provided for monitoring the output of the power measurement component 74 in order to shut-off current to the output transformer if the power exceeds a limit, typically 55 watts.

Power transformer 66 includes a center tap which receives the output 80 of the analog power controller 68. Secondary winding provides for continuous monitoring of the applied voltage in order to permit the power calculations by power measurement circuit 74.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, an analog temperature controller 82 is provided to permit operation in a temperature control mode. A temperature set point is delivered to the temperature controller 82 from the microprocessor 60 through line 84. Analog controller 82 operates on a proportional control mode, producing a power set point 86 which is fed to the power controller 68. Power set point 86 replaces the set point 70 when the system is in temperature control mode operation. The analog power controller 68 thus acts as a cascade control loop in a two- stage temperature control protocol. It has been found that such two-stage analog control permits precise and very fast control of power to maintain the desired temperature set point at the ablation electrode 28. In particular, the control scheme permits very rapid temperature rise to the desired temperature set point with minimum overshoot and very close temperature maintenance throughout the duration of the radiofrequency ablation cycle. The temperature will usually be maintained within ±5°C of the set point, more

usually being maintained to within ±2°C of the set point. Separate analog comparator circuits (not illustrated) are provided for monitoring the temperature of the thermocouple 30 in order to shut-off current to the output transformer if the temperature exceeds a limit, typically 105°C - 110°C.

All external connections to the radiofrequency generator 18 will be made through an interface board 90. The interface board 90 permits connection of the main battery 62 and back-up battery (not illustrated) , as well as the catheter connector 50, the ECG connector, the data recorder connector, and the like. Connection of the thermocouple will be optically isolated from the internal components of the radiofrequency generator 18. The data recorder outputs on the RF generator 18 may be optically isolated if necessary to reduce signal noise. Such isolation provides both patient safety as well as isolation of the internal components of the generator 18 from the radiofrequency power which is being delivered to the patient. Operation of the microprocessor is schematically illustrated in the flow sheet included in Figs. 6A and B.

The relationship of the microprocessor 60 to other hardware elements of the RF ATAKR system are shown in Fig. 4. The variable inputs to and outputs from the microprocessor 60 are identified as follows:

MICROPROCESSOR

From catheter 12: To catheter 12:

Tip electrode temperature Power to tip Impedance (tip electrode to indifferent electrode)

From power controller 68: To power controller 68:

Power level Start/stop RF power Voltage Current From panel face 40: To panel face 40:

Control mode System status (on, off, standby)

Temperature set point Audible alarm

Power set point Visual alarm

Timer set point Displays (power, temp. , impedance, RF Power delivery etc.)

The microprocessor 60 performs the system control function by reading the user, catheter, and generator input values and providing corresponding power on/off commands to the RF power controller 68 and system status and alarm information to the user. The input values for temperature, current, and voltage originate as analog signals and are converted to digital (via digital/analog converters (DAC's)) for the microprocessor. Impedance and power are calculated from current and voltage. Timing is maintained by onboard clock.

Default values of the system are maintained in two ways. Preset default settings are in effect upon initial use and if the backup battery fails. These present default settings are as follows: Setting Default Condition

Control Mode Temperature

Temperature set-point. . . . 70°C

Power set-point 20 Watts

Time set-point 30 seconds If the user changes these settings, the last settings entered become the default settings on system power-up providing the backup battery does not fail.

Specific safety features incorporated in the programming of the microprocessor 60 include the following. In both temperature and power power control mode,

RF power is applied to the catheter only during the selected cycle time and only when the impedance is within a preset range (typically 25 to 250 ohms) . Additionally, power must be below a preset maximum (typically 55 watts maximum) , and the temperature must be below a preset maximum (typically to 105°C when operating in temperature control mode) . Also, the catheter must not have been previously used as described earlier.

The microprocessor, operating via a 10 MHz clock, constantly monitors all function switches and zeros all DACs (inhibits any RF power command) in the event a malfunction is detected. The RF power generated by the unit cannot exceed 55 W. A comparator shuts down RF power by limiting the duty cycle to final stage output transformer. Audible and visible alarms are provided in the following conditions: low battery; low/low battery prior to shut-down; low catheter impedance; high/low temperature; high power; and previously used catheter. The low impedance and a previously used catheter conditions inhibit any RF power command. In addition to the software controlled limits for temperature, power, and impedance (that turn off power if exceeded) , there are also redundant hardware controls that turn off power if the maximum temperature or power is exceeded.

Use of the radiofrequency frequency ablation system 10 will begin by connecting the catheter 12 to the radiofrequency generator 18. After connection, the radiofrequency generator 18 will determine whether the fuse 34 is intact. This check is performed by delivering a low current signal through lines 22c to the fuse 34. If current flow is detected, the fuse is noted to be intact and a second, higher current is applied to the fuse. The high current signal will blow the fuse so that the catheter is now "marked" as having been used. System operation will continue generally as described above in connection with the system flow chart of Fig. 6.

After introducing the catheter to the desired location within the patient's heart, the user will select the desired power delivery mode, i.e. power control or temperature control mode. Of particular interest to the present invention, the temperature control mode utilizes the cascade temperature control scheme described previously. The user selects the desired temperature set point and power

is applied with the radiofrequency generator 18 precisely controlling the amount of power delivered in order to maintain the electrode temperature at the set point. Verification of the result of the treatment may be made using the ECG components of the catheter 12, or may be made using other conventional diagnostic techniques. Treatment may be repeated one or more times in order to achieve the desired ablation of the accessory pathway or location on the bundle of HIS. Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example, for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be obvious that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.