Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus are provided for assessing the degree of electrical signal blockage, or transmurality, of a line of ablation in which at least a first electrode adapted to deliver an electrical impulse is located on the first or one side of a line of ablation; and at least a second and a third electrode adapted to detect an electrical impulse are located on the second side of the line of ablation generally opposite to the first electrode. Each electrode may also be made up of more than one electrode, such as an electrode pair, to better assure reliability and tissue contact. Once the electrodes are located in contact with the tissue in question, an electrical impulse is delivered to the target tissue by the first electrode and detected by the second and third electrodes. Depending upon whether the line of ablation allows passage of electrical pulses, the second and third electrodes will detect the electrical impulse sequentially, with the order and/or timing of detection depending upon whether the electrical signal is able to directly cross the line of ablation or has to travel around the line of ablation to reach the second and third electrodes.

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First Claim