Mapping electrode balloon

Abstract

An electrode balloon for use in anatomical cavities, such as cardiac chambers, to pick up bioelectrical signals from the walls thereof simultaneously in a multitude of sites for the mapping of the activation potentials thereof comprises an inflated tight rubber balloon having an opening at a proximal end thereof communicating with a filling tube which defines apertures for dispensing fluid in the rubber balloon. An extensible knitting which covers the rubber balloon is provided with a plurality of electrode heads distributed thereon to contact the walls of the cavity when the rubber balloon is inflated by a fluid conveyed therein through the tube. Insulated electrical conductors connect the electrodes to a signal recording and processing device. A tutor extending longitudinally through the rubber balloon and further extending therefrom to form a handle includes two separate longitudinal compartments which constitute the filling tube and a compartment for receiving an intubation guide which serves to guide the knitting covered rubber balloon into the cavity. The electrodes are hollow balls sewn to the knitting and joined to the conducting wires with weldless joints. The knitting is patterned in order to confer to the inflated rubber balloon the shape of the cavity being studied. The electrode balloon is adapted, for instance, to study the left and right ventricles by way of its the insertion through an incision in their respective auricles and through the mitral and tricuspid valves thereof, respectively.