Importance

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Abstract

Catheter-based systems are disclosed for geometrically and temporally controlled deliveries of fluid agents to the heart. Each system includes an elongate catheter shaft, a tissue penetration element at the shaft distal end, and a handle at the shaft proximal end for manipulating the penetrating element. The penetrating element and a proximate conductive coil provide bipolar sensing electrodes. One version of the system includes a fluid lumen through the penetrating element and a contrast fluid lumen open at the catheter shaft distal end. In other versions, the penetrating element contains two fluid lumens. These systems facilitate tissue mapping and therapeutic agent delivery protocols in which several agents can be simultaneously delivered at a depth within heart tissue, prevented from intermingling until they reach the tissue. Treatment and contrast agents can be delivered simultaneously or temporally spaced, directed to the same region or to different regions separated by intervening tissue.

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First Claim