An intravascular device for the formation of linear lesions which has
particular utility in the treatment of atrial fibrillation and flutter.
The intravascular device has an outer delivery member with a distal
section which has an elongated opening and a support element coextending
with the opening. An EP device having a plurality of electrodes on its
distal section is slidably disposed within the inner lumen of the
delivery member but it is secured by its distal end within the distal
extremity of the delivery member at least while in operation. In this
manner an axial force in the proximal direction on the proximal extremity
of the EP device, which extends out of the patient during the procedure,
will cause the distal shaft section of the EP device to arch outwardly
out of and away from the distal section of the delivery shaft along an
inner side of the curved distal section and engage the surface of the
patient's heart chamber. RF electrical energy delivered to the electrodes
on the distal shaft section of the EP device will form a linear lesion
which terminates the fibrillation or flutter.