Importance

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Abstract

An RF ablation apparatus has a delivery catheter with a delivery catheter lumen and a delivery catheter distal end. A first RF electrode is positioned in the delivery catheter lumen. The first RF electrode has a distal end, RF conductive surface, and a lumen. A second RF electrode has a distal end. The second RF electrode is at least partially positioned in the lumen of the first catheter, with its distal end positioned at the exterior of the first RF electrode distal end. Additionally, the second RF electrode distal end has a geometry that permits it to be substantially a groundpad. The distal end of the first RF electrode is moved in a direction away from the second RF electrode distal end to create a painting effect of an ablation band or line between the two distal ends. Alternatively, the distal end of the second RF electrode can be moved in a direction away from the distal end of the first RF electrode. An RF insulative sleeve or coating is placed or positioned along a second RF electrode conductive surface where it is substantially adjacent to the first electrode conductive surface. An RF power source is coupled to the first and second RF electrodes.

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First Claim