System for assessing effects of ablation therapy on cardiac tissue using photoacoustics

A catheter, system and method for assessing effects of ablation therapy on tissue are provided. Various embodiments includes an emitter such as an optic fiber disposed within a sheath, echographic probe or catheter shaft that emits electromagnetic radiation through an opening in the shaft towards the tissue to cause generation of a photoacoustic wave from the tissue. An ultrasound transducer disposed on an echographic probe or catheter shaft generates a signal indicative of a characteristic of the tissue responsive to the photoacoustic wave. In certain embodiments, the emitter and transducer are carried by a separate sheath and echographic probe, respectively. In other embodiments, the emitter is disposed within the shaft of the echographic probe. In still other embodiments, the emitter, transducer and an ablation delivery element are integrated into a single structure to permit both ablation of the tissue and assessment of the effects of the ablation on the tissue.