Multiple sensor, temperature controlled r-f ablation system

Abstract

A catheter ablation system including a catheter having a distal segment carrying at least one electrode extending along the segment and having a number of temperature sensors arranged along the distal segment adjacent the electrode, each providing an output indicative of temperature. The catheter is coupled to a power source which provides R-F energy to the electrode and with temperature processing circuitry coupled to the temperature sensors and the power source which controls power output from the power source as a function of the outputs of the temperature sensors. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature processing circuitry includes circuitry for comparing the temperature indicated by the temperature sensors to a known reference sensor and circuitry for disabling subsequent use of an output of one of the sensors if the output from the sensor differs from the referenced temperature by more than a defined value. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the temperature processing circuitry includes circuitry responsive to the rate of change of the output of the temperature sensors and circuitry for disabling a sensor if the output of the sensor changes at a rate greater than a defined referenced rate of change.