US 12,167,882 B2
Utilization of synergy EMR and EML to create a COXMAZE3 box lesion with radio frequency
Douglas J. Seith, Mason, OH (US); Richard Hufstetler, Mason, OH (US); and John T. Wesley, Mason, OH (US)
Assigned to AtriCure, Inc., Mason, OH (US)
Filed by AtriCure, Inc., Mason, OH (US)
Filed on Sep. 17, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/478,779.
Prior Publication US 2023/0087254 A1, Mar. 23, 2023
Int. Cl. A61B 18/00 (2006.01); A61B 18/08 (2006.01); A61B 18/14 (2006.01); A61B 17/00 (2006.01)
CPC A61B 18/082 (2013.01) [A61B 18/1442 (2013.01); A61B 18/1492 (2013.01); A61B 2017/00243 (2013.01); A61B 2018/00351 (2013.01); A61B 2018/00363 (2013.01); A61B 2018/00577 (2013.01)] 15 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of treating a heart of a patient having a cardiac arrhythmia, the method comprising:
dissecting tissue at an inferior aspect of a right inferior pulmonary vein of the patient to create an oblique sinus defect;
dissecting tissue to open a space between a superior vena cava and a left atrium;
dissecting tissue to open a space across a transverse sinus between a pulmonary artery and a roof of the left atrium;
passing a catheter through an oblique sinus defect underneath the heart and beyond a left ventricle;
passing a first flexible guiding device across the transverse sinus and under the superior vena cava and the pulmonary artery;
reducing a length of an open end of the catheter;
grasping the open end of the catheter with a first ablation device, wherein the first ablation device comprises a proximal jaw and a distal jaw configured to secure the open end;
advancing the first ablation device in a rotating counter-clockwise motion such that the distal jaw of the first ablation device advances across the transverse sinus and the proximal jaw of the first ablation device is guided across a floor of an oblique sinus;
marking a position on an atrium proximal to a distal tip of the proximal jaw prior to any ablation;
activating the first ablation device to create a first ablation on the heart, wherein the first ablation overlaps the marked position;
connecting a distal end of a second flexible guiding device to a distal end of the first flexible guiding device;
detaching the first flexible guiding device from the second flexible guiding device;
attaching the second flexible guiding device to a second ablation device after detaching the first flexible guiding device from the second flexible guiding device; and
performing a second ablation with the second ablation device, wherein the second ablation overlaps the marked position.