Jan B Pietzsch

US Patent:

20030225443, Dec 4, 2003

Filed:

Mar 13, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/388606

Inventors:

Kanthi Kiran - Modesto CA, US
James Lovette - Palo Alto CA, US
Jan Pietzsch - Stanford CA, US
Nicholas Mourlas - Mountain View CA, US

International Classification:

A61N001/00

US Classification:

607/119000

Abstract:

Methods and devices are provided for modulating atrial configuration, e.g., changing the configuration of an atrium, for example by reducing the volume of a left or right atrium. In practicing the subject methods, the configuration of an atrium is modified or changed at least partially without the use of an implant, e.g., through chemical modification and/or application of energy to atrial tissue, where representative energy sources include RF, microwave, laser, ultrasound, cryoablative energy sources, etc. In certain embodiments, the desired atrial configuration modification is achieved by reduction of the atrial volume, e.g., through reduction of the volume of, or constricting/closing the entrance to, the atrial appendage thereof, in a manner sufficient to reduce the volume of the atrium. In certain embodiments, a catheter device comprising an RF source is employed to modulate atrial configuration according to the subject methods. Also provided are devices, systems and kits for use in practicing the subject methods. The subject methods, devices, systems and kits find use in a variety of applications, including reducing the risk of stroke in a subject suffering from atrial fibrillation.