초록 ▼

The invention provides surgical systems and methods for ablating heart tissue within the interior and/or exterior of the heart. A plurality of probes is provided with each probe configured for introduction into the chest for engaging the heart. Each probe includes an elongated shaft having an elonga

The invention provides surgical systems and methods for ablating heart tissue within the interior and/or exterior of the heart. A plurality of probes is provided with each probe configured for introduction into the chest for engaging the heart. Each probe includes an elongated shaft having an elongated ablating surface of a predetermined shape. The elongated shaft and the elongated ablating surface of each probe are configured to ablate a portion of the heart. A sealing device affixed to the heart tissue forms a hemostatic seal between the probe and the penetration in the heart to inhibit blood loss therethrough.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of ablating epicardial tissue around the pulmonary veins, comprising the steps of:providing at least one ablation device having at least one ablating element;introducing the ablation device into the patient's chest;positioning the ablating element in contact with

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of ablating epicardial tissue around the pulmonary veins, comprising the steps of:providing at least one ablation device having at least one ablating element;introducing the ablation device into the patient's chest;positioning the ablating element in contact with a location on an epicardial surface of the heart; andablating tissue to form a lesion around the pulmonary veins with the at least one ablating element positioned at the location on the epicardial surface to form at least part of the lesion around the pulmonary veins.