Ep Technologies, Inc.

Other

University of Pennsylvania

The Catholic University of America

Philadelphia Heart Institute

Kenneth R Foster

Mark S Mirotznik

David S Schwartzman

David K Swanson

Dorin Panescu

Isaac Chang

Francis E Marchlinski

Charles D Gottlieb

Michael D Shoemaker

Charles D Gottleb

Systems and methods examine heart tissue morphology using three or more spaced apart electrodes, at least two of which are located within the heart in contact with endocardial tissue. The systems and methods transmit electrical current through a region of heart tissue lying between selected pairs of the electrodes, at least one of the electrodes in each pair being located within the heart. The systems and methods derive the electrical characteristic of tissue lying between the electrode pairs based, at least in part, upon sensing tissue impedances. The systems and methods make possible the use of multiple endocardial electrodes for taking multiple measurements of the electrical characteristics of heart tissue. Multiplexing can be used to facilitate data processing. The systems and methods also make possible the identification of regions of low relative electrical characteristics, indicative of infarcted tissue, without invasive surgical techniques.

Systems and methods for examining the electrical characteristic of cardiac tissue

A method of locating infarcted myocardial tissue in a beating heart includes the step of inserting an impedance measuring tip of a catheter into the chamber of the beating heart, particularly the left or right ventricle, and measuring the impedance of the endocardium at various locations within the chamber of the beating heart. The values measured are compared to impedance values with a predetermined range of values to identify an infarcted area of myocardium and distinguish such area from normal myocardium. The measurements are also compared to a range of values for an infarction border zone. In accordance with the invention, the infarction border zone may be located. The infarction border zone is a significant source of arrhythmia, and particularly of ventricular tachycardia. Further, in accordance with the methods of the present invention, the risk of arrhythmia in a beating heart may be substantially reduced or eliminated by ablating endocardium within the infarction border zone utilizing the same catheter tip. Impedance measurements may also be utilized to assess the adequacy of the electrode-tissue contact, particularly in a fluid filled body organ or cavity. Further, the effectiveness of the ablation of the tissue may be determined by determining the degree of heating of the tissue by measuring the change in impedance in the area of ablation.

Method of using endocardial impedance for determining electrode-tissue

Method of using endocardial impedance for assessing tissue heating

A harness and backboard are provided for immobilizing an injured patient. The harness includes a medial strap which is adjustable in length so that laterally extending straps which are connected to the medial strap may be placed at the desired longitudinal positions on the patient. The lowermost lateral straps are of a length to permit them to be wrapped around the ankles and feet of the patient in a manner to support the patient when the backboard is tilted toward the feet. The straps include hook and loop type fastening means that allow the harness to be readily adapted to immobilize small children or large adults.

Patient immobilization harness and apparatus

Growing community of inventors

Haverford, PA, United States of America

Kenneth R Foster