Energy based devices and methods for treatment of patent foramen ovale

Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale (PFO) provide for applying energy to tissues adjacent the PFO with a catheter device to substantially close the PFO acutely. Apparatus generally includes a catheter device having at least one energy transmission member at or near its distal end configured to apply energy to PFO tissues to acutely, substantially close the PFO. Applied energy may be monopolar or bipolar radiofrequency energy or any other suitable energy, such as laser, microwave, ultrasound, resistive heating or the like. Some embodiments of a catheter device fuirther include one or more tissue apposition members near the distal end for helping bring PFO tissues together, such as a PFO covering member, a vacuum applying member and/or the like. PFO closure via energy-based approaches of the invention may help prevent stroke, treat migraine headache, and possibly treat or prevent other medical conditions.

Apparatus and Method for Ablating Tissue

A control system alters one or more characteristics of an ablating element to ablate tissue. In one aspect, the control system delivers energy nearer to the surface of the tissue by changing the frequency or power. In another aspect, the ablating element delivers focused ultrasound which is focused in at least one dimension. The ablating device may also have a number of ablating elements with different characteristics such as focal length.

Devices and Systems for Carotid Body Ablation

Methods and endovascular catheters for assessing, and treating patients having sympathetically mediated disease, involving augmented peripheral chemoreflex and heightened sympathetic tone by reducing chemosensor input to the nervous system via transmural carotid body ablation.

Electroporation for obesity or diabetes treatment

Endolumenal devices and methods can be used for the treatment of health conditions including obesity and diabetes. In some embodiments, the methods and systems provided herein can cause weight loss or control diabetes by reducing the caloric absorption of an individual. For example, this document provides several devices and methods for treating obesity and diabetes by using electroporation to modulate the duodenal mucosa. In addition, this document provides devices and methods for bypassing portions of the gastrointestinal tract to reduce nutritional uptake.

Neuromodulation Cryotherapeutic Devices and Associated Systems and Methods

Neuromodulation cryotherapeutic devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A cryotherapeutic device configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology can include an elongated shaft having distal portion and a supply lumen along at least a portion of the shaft. The shaft can be configured to locate the distal portion intravascularly at a treatment site proximate a renal artery or renal ostium. The supply lumen can be configured to receive a liquid refrigerant. The cryotherapeutic device can further include a cooling assembly at the distal portion of the shaft. The cooling assembly can include an applicator in fluid communication with the supply lumen and configured to deliver cryotherapeutic cooling to nerves proximate the target site when the cooling assembly is in a deployed state. 128-. (canceled)29. A cryotherapeutic device , comprising:an elongate shaft having a distal end portion, wherein the shaft is configured to locate the distal end portion intravascularly at a treatment site within a renal artery of a human patient; and a cooling balloon having a helical shape when the cooling assembly is in the deployed state, and', 'an insulating balloon having a helical shape when the cooling assembly is in the deployed state,, 'a cooling assembly at the distal end portion of the shaft, wherein the cooling assembly is transformable between a low-profile delivery state and an expanded deployed state, and wherein the cooling assembly includes—'}wherein the cooling balloon and the insulating balloon are intertwined when the cooling assembly is in the deployed state.30. The cryotherapeutic device of wherein the insulating balloon is configured to receive exhausted refrigerant from the cooling balloon.31. The cryotherapeutic device of wherein the cooling balloon and the insulating balloon are fluidly separate.32. The cryotherapeutic device of wherein the cooling assembly defines a central channel through which blood can ...

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATING A BLOOD VESSEL

The apparatus and method includes a proximal balloon subsystem including a proximal balloon positionable to a selected first location within a blood vessel to be ablated. A distal balloon subsystem including a distal balloon is positionable to a selected second location within the blood vessel to be ablated. An ablating subsystem including an ablating element is configured to be positioned between the proximal balloon and the distal balloon within the blood vessel to be ablated. An evacuation port is configured to evacuate fluid between the proximal balloon and the distal balloon. 1. An ablating apparatus for use in treating a blood vessel , comprising:a) a proximal balloon subsystem including a proximal balloon positionable to a selected first location within a blood vessel to be ablated;b) a distal balloon subsystem including a distal balloon positionable to a selected second location within the blood vessel to be ablated;c) an ablating subsystem including an ablating element configured to be positioned between the proximal balloon and the distal balloon within the blood vessel to be ablated; and,d) an evacuation port configured to evacuate fluid between the proximal balloon and the distal balloon.2. The ablating apparatus of wherein: i) a proximal manifold configured to receive balloon inflating fluid;', 'ii) a proximal balloon injection tube system attached to the proximal manifold for transmitting balloon inflating fluid; and,', 'iii) said proximal balloon positionable to a selected first location within a blood vessel to be ablated, in fluid communication with said proximal balloon injection tube system;, 'a) said proximal balloon subsystem comprises i) a distal manifold configured to receive balloon inflating fluid;', 'ii) a distal balloon injection tube system attached to the distal manifold for transmitting balloon inflating fluid; and,', 'iii) said distal balloon positionable to a selected second location within the blood vessel to be ablated, in fluid ...

Systems, devices, and methods for performing medical procedures in the intestine

A method for performing a medical procedure in an intestine of a patient is provided. The method comprises providing a system comprising: a catheter for insertion into the intestine, the catheter comprising: an elongate shaft comprising a distal portion; and a functional assembly positioned on the shaft distal portion and comprising at least one treatment element. The catheter is introduced into the patient, and target tissue is treated with the at least one treatment element. The target tissue comprises mucosal tissue of the small intestine, and the medical procedure can be configured to treat one or more diseases or disorders based on a measured physiologic parameter of the patient.

MULTI-ELECTRODE ABLATION DEVICE

A device for radio frequency ablation, configured to deliver a direct current, an alternating current, and a radio frequency energy to a lesion for treating a pulmonary disease. The device for radio frequency ablation can determine the effectiveness of an ablation according to one or more of a fall in impedance, a rate of change in impedance, a change in the rate of change in impedance, or a change from falling in impedance to rising in impedance. The device for radio frequency ablation uses a segmentation control method and dynamic smoothing for adjusting a radio frequency output power to control an ablation temperature, and the tissue to be ablated is prevented from being quickly heated in short time, to ensure a smooth change in the radio frequency output power in the ablation process. The device for radio frequency ablation further comprises a specific protection mechanism for preventing repeated ablation. The temperature of an ablation site is detected before each ablation, and ablation will not be performed if the temperature of the ablation site is higher than 40° C. to 60° C. Also disclosed is a multi-electrode ablation device comprising the device for radio frequency ablation. 145-. (canceled)46. A device for radio frequency ablation , for delivering energy in the trachea and bronchus , characterized in that: said device being able to generate and control direct current , alternating current and radio frequency energy; collect , process and display temperature , impedance or tension signal; and determine effectiveness of an ablation. according to change of impedance , said change of impedance is one or more parameters selected from the group consisting of fall in impedance , rate of change in impedance , a change in rate of change in impedance , and a change from falling in impedance Co rising in impedance ,wherein said ablation is determined Co be effective when said fall in impedance exceeds 10Ω to 100Ω, or said rate of change in impedance is higher than ...

SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR FOCAL ABLATION

Systems, devices, and methods for electroporation ablation therapy are disclosed, with the device including a set of splines coupled to a catheter for medical ablation therapy. Each spline of the set of splines may include a set of electrodes formed on that spline. The set of splines may be configured for translation to transition between a first configuration and a second configuration. 186.-. (canceled)87. An apparatus , comprising:a catheter defining a longitudinal axis;a distal portion;a plurality of electrodes; a set of electrodes from the plurality of electrodes formed on that spline, each set of electrodes including (1) a distal electrode such that the set of splines includes a set of distal electrodes and (2) a proximal electrode such that the set of splines includes a set of proximal electrodes;', 'a proximal end coupled to a distal end of the catheter, the distal end coupled to the distal portion;, 'a set of splines, each spline of the set of splines including a first configuration in which the set of splines are approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis; and', 'a second configuration in which a distal portion of each spline of the set of splines is bowed radially outward from the longitudinal axis., 'the set of splines configured for translation along the longitudinal axis to transition between88. The apparatus of claim 87 , wherein the distal electrode and the proximal electrode formed on each spline from the set of splines are configured to be activated with opposite electrical polarities to generate energy for ablating tissue.89. The apparatus of claim 88 , wherein the set of distal electrodes are collectively configured as an anode and the set of proximal electrodes are collectively configured as a cathode claim 88 , to act as an anode-cathode pair for generating the energy for ablating tissue.90. The apparatus of claim 87 , wherein claim 87 , when the set of splines are in the second configuration claim 87 , at least one electrode from the set ...

Catheter apparatuses for modulation of nerves in communication with the pulmonary system and associated systems and methods

Devices, systems, and methods for the selective positioning of an intravascular neuromodulation device are disclosed herein. Such systems can include, for example, an elongated shaft and a therapeutic assembly carried by a distal portion of the elongated shaft. The therapeutic assembly is configured for delivery within a blood vessel. The therapeutic assembly can include a pre-formed shape and can be transformable between a substantially straight delivery configuration; and a treatment configuration having the pre-formed helical shape to position the therapeutic assembly in stable contact with a wall of the body vessel. The therapeutic assembly can also include a mechanical decoupler operably connected to the therapeutic assembly that is configured to absorb at least a portion of a force exerted on the therapeutic assembly by the shaft so that the therapeutic assembly maintains a generally stationary position relative to the target site.

Triple balloon catheter

The present invention advantageously provides a method and system for cryogenically ablating large areas of tissue within the left atrium. In an exemplary embodiment a cryotherapy device includes a catheter body, a proximal end and a distal end; a first lumen; a second lumen; and an ablation element expandable from a first diameter to a second diameter, the ablation element having a surface portion that conforms to the uneven surface topography of the cardiac tissue. The ablation element can include one or more deformable balloon and/or flexible elements. The surface of the balloon can further be shaped by regulation of pressure within the one or more balloons. In an exemplary method, a tissue ablation device is provided and tissue in the left atrium is ablated with the device, whereby the ablation is created by freezing tissue.

Graphical user interface for association with an electrode structure deployed in contact with a tissue region

Systems and methods deploy an electrode structure in contact with the tissue region. The electrode structure carries a sensor at a known location on the electrode structure to monitor an operating condition. The systems and methods provide an interface, which generate an idealized image of the electrode structure and an indicator image to represent the monitored operating condition in a spatial position on the idealized image corresponding to the location of the sensor on the electrode structure. The interface displays a view image comprising the idealized image and indicator image. The systems and methods cause the electrode structure to apply energy to heat the tissue region while the view image is displayed on the display screen.

Methods and Apparatus for Monopolar Renal Neuromodulation

Methods and apparatus are provided for monopolar neuromodulation, e.g., via a pulsed electric field. Such monopolar neuromodulation may effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, action potential attenuation or blockade, changes in cytokine up-regulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, monopolar neuromodulation is applied to neural fibers that contribute to renal function. In some embodiments, such monopolar neuromodulation is performed bilaterally.

ENERGY DELIVERY DEVICE AND METHODS OF USE

An energy delivery system for delivering electrical energy to tissue, includes an elongate catheter member defining a longitudinal axis and dimensioned for passage within a body vessel and an expandable treatment member mounted to the catheter member. The treatment member includes an inflatable element adapted to transition between an initial condition and an at least partially expanded condition upon introduction of an anesthetic solution within the inflatable element, an electrode for delivering electrical energy to at least the nerve tissue associated with the body vessel to cause at least partial denervation thereof and at least one aperture dimensioned to permit passage of the anesthetic solution from the inflatable element to contact the body vessel whereby the solution at least enters the body vessel to at least partially anesthetize the nerve tissue therewithin. The electrode may be mounted to at least the inflatable element of the treatment member and may be generally helical. 1. An energy delivery system for delivering electrical energy to tissue , the energy delivery system comprising:an elongate catheter member defining a longitudinal axis and dimensioned for passage within a body vessel; and an inflatable element adapted to transition between an initial condition and an at least partially expanded condition upon introduction of an anesthetic solution within the inflatable element;', 'an electrode for delivering electrical energy to at least nerve tissue associated with the body vessel to cause at least partial denervation thereof; and', 'at least one aperture dimensioned to permit passage of the anesthetic solution from the inflatable element to contact the body vessel whereby the solution enters a wall of the body vessel to at least partially anesthetize nerve tissue therewithin., 'an expandable treatment member mounted to the catheter member, the treatment member including2. The energy delivery system according to wherein the electrode is mounted to ...

Apparatus with Double Balloon for Treating Trigeminal Neuralgia

An apparatus for performing a medical procedure includes a shaft having proximal and distal ends, a double balloon attached to the distal end of the shaft, and one or more fluid lines disposed in the shaft. The double balloon includes a first balloon, a second balloon, and a bridge extending between the first and second balloons. The fluid line(s) are fluidly coupled to the double balloon and configured to change an inflation state of the double balloon.

Devices for tissue separation and related methods of use

The present disclosure is directed to a medical instrument. The medical instrument may include a shaft having a distal end configured to cauterize tissue. An expandable member may be positioned adjacent the distal end of the shaft. The expandable member may be configured for deployment between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration.

Neuromodulation Cryotherapeutic Devices and Associated Systems and Methods

Neuromodulation cryotherapeutic devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A cryotherapeutic device configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology can include an elongated shaft having distal portion and a supply lumen along at least a portion of the shaft. The shaft can be configured to locate the distal portion intravascularly at a treatment site proximate a renal artery or renal ostium. The supply lumen can be configured to receive a liquid refrigerant. The cryotherapeutic device can further include a cooling assembly at the distal portion of the shaft. The cooling assembly can include an applicator in fluid communication with the supply lumen and configured to deliver cryotherapeutic cooling to nerves proximate the target site when the cooling assembly is in a deployed state.

Balloon catheter ablation system

A balloon catheter ablation system having a balloon ( 6 ) at a distal end of a catheter shaft ( 1 ). An electrode ( 11 ) for delivery of radiofrequency current and a temperature sensor ( 12 ) are arranged inside the balloon ( 6 ), Bipolar electrode pair ( 16 a, 16 b ) are arranged on the outside of the balloon ( 6 ), with the balloon ( 6 ) sandwiched therebetween. When a fluid is injected into the inside of the balloon ( 6 ) by using a syringe ( 24 ), the balloon ( 6 ) expands and comes in close contact with a target site (S) of tissue. A vibration generator ( 25 ) agitates the fluid inside the balloon ( 6 ) by using vibration. A radiofrequency generator ( 31 ) conducts electricity between the electrode ( 11 ) for delivery of radiofrequency current and a counter electrode ( 13 ) and heats the fluid inside the balloon ( 6 ). Accordingly, the balloon ( 6 ) ablates the target site (S). The impedance between the bipolar electrode pair ( 16 a, 16 b ) decreases as the ablation progresses. Accordingly, the progress of the ablation can be ascertained from the measurement results of an electrical impedance measuring potential amplifier ( 41 ).

CARDIAC ABLATION SYSTEM

An apparatus and method for performing cardiac ablations employs a catheter comprising an anchoring device and an ablating device to perform the ablations to electrically isolate the pulmonary veins and left atrium from surrounding atrial tissue. The anchor can comprise a balloon-type device, a stent-like device, a strut-like device, a spring-strut-like device, an umbrella-like device, a mushroom-like device, or other device that allows the catheter to maintain a position with respect to target tissue. The ablator can comprise a balloon ablator, an umbrella ablator, a pinwheel ablator, an umbrella ablator incorporating a cinch mechanism, a mushroom balloon ablator and a segmented balloon or pinwheel ablator. The anchor and ablator can also comprise a combination mushroom balloon anchor section and mushroom balloon ablator section. The anchor and ablator can include electrodes for measuring a conductance therebetween when in deployed position, so as to determine the effectiveness of the ablation. 121.-. (canceled)22. A system for performing ablation , the system comprising:an ablation device comprising an anchor and an ablation apparatus, the ablation device constructed and arranged to perform ablations;a control system operably connected to the ablation device and comprising a set of software instructions associated with one or more functions of at least one of the anchor and ablation apparatus; anda controller operably connected to the ablation device and the control system and configured to control operation of the one or more functions related to at least one of the anchor and the ablation apparatus.23. The system of claim 22 , wherein the anchor comprises a retracted and a deployed configuration and the ablation apparatus comprises a retracted and a deployed configuration.24. The system of claim 23 , wherein the ablation device comprises a mechanism that allows the ablation apparatus in the deployed configuration to be moved axially toward and away from the ...

ELECTROPORATION FOR OBESITY OR DIABETES TREATMENT

Endolumenal devices and methods can be used for the treatment of health conditions including obesity and diabetes. In some embodiments, the methods and systems provided herein can cause weight loss or control diabetes by reducing the caloric absorption of an individual. For example, this document provides several devices and methods for treating obesity and diabetes by using electroporation to modulate the duodenal mucosa. In addition, this document provides devices and methods for bypassing portions of the gastrointestinal tract to reduce nutritional uptake. 113.-. (canceled)14. An electroporation device comprising:a shaft defining a lumen therethrough, wherein the lumen is configured to receive an endoscope therein;a balloon circumferentially attached about a distal portion of the shaft, wherein the balloon has a longitudinal length between 5 to 20 cm; andone or more electrodes disposed on an outer surface of the balloon.15. The device of claim 14 , wherein at least a portion of the balloon comprises a porous material that facilitates passage of an electrically conductive liquid therethrough.1629.-. (canceled)30. The device of claim 14 , wherein the one or more electrodes comprise two or more series of electrodes.31. The device of claim 30 , wherein each of the series of electrodes are arranged linearly along the longitudinal length of the balloon.32. The device of claim 14 , wherein the balloon comprises:a proximal end portion;a distal end portion; anda middle portion between the proximal and distal end portions, andwherein the one or more electrodes are disposed on the middle portion.33. The device of claim 32 , wherein the one or more electrodes are disposed on the middle portion only.34. The device of claim 14 , wherein at least a portion of the balloon is cylindrical.35. The device of claim 14 , wherein the balloon comprises a proximal end portion claim 14 , a distal end portion claim 14 , and a middle portion between the proximal and distal end portions ...

Transcatheter device for interatrial anastomosis

The present disclosure relates to a device assembly and a method for treating heart failure by normalizing elevated blood pressure in the left atrium of a heart of a mammal Disclosed herein is a RF energy-based transcatheter interatrial septum excision device configured to create a sized interatrial aperture between the right and left atria of a heart for the relief of elevated left atrial pressure. The device assembly comprises a delivery catheter, a tissue stabilizer attached to a tissue stabilizer catheter, a tissue cutter attached to a tissue cutter catheter, a remotely located RF generator connected to an RF cathode and anode of the device assembly.

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PREVENTING BLEEDING FROM THE LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE

The disclosure presents methods and systems for applying a suction force to a surface of a left atrial appendage (LAA) with a tube attached to an exterior surface of an inflatable balloon. The disclosure also presents methods and systems for inflating a first inflatable balloon within a cavity of a left atrial appendage (LAA). A method may include applying a suction force with at least one tube coupled to the first inflatable balloon to attract the first inflatable balloon to an interior surface of the LAA or to a second inflatable balloon. A method may include puncturing, using a tissue-penetrating tip, a target surface of the LAA. 1. A method for treating and preventing bleeding arising from a left atrial appendage (LAA) , comprising the steps of:inflating a first inflatable balloon coupled to a catheter, the first inflatable balloon having an exterior surface;exerting, using a first tube attached to the exterior surface of the first inflatable balloon, a suction force onto a first surface of the LAA that is adjacent to the first inflatable balloon;inflating a second inflatable balloon coupled to the catheter, the second inflatable balloon having an exterior surface; andexerting, using a second tube attached to the exterior surface of the second inflatable balloon, a suction force onto a second surface of the LAA that is adjacent to the second inflatable balloon.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of:puncturing, using a tissue-penetrating tip, a target surface of the LAA.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the suction forces are being exerted while the target surface of the LAA is being punctured.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first inflatable catheter balloon is located distal to an ostium of the LAA.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the second inflatable catheter balloon is located proximal to an ostium of the LAA.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first surface and the second surface of the LAA are surfaces of an ostium of the LAA ...

CATHETER-BASED ABLATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF ABLATION

Catheter ablation systems are used to isolate the Left Atrial Appendage (“LAA”), or portions of the LAA, by using balloons. The systems deliver an ablation fluid such as alcohol in order to destroy the LAA tissue isolated between the balloons, deliver saline to dilute the ablation fluid, and remove excess fluid and particulates by suction to prevent excess residual alcohol from remaining in the LAA. 1. An endovascular catheter system for ablation of the left atrial appendage (LAA) or other cardiovascular tissue , comprising:an outer catheter; a first lumen for delivery of fluid under pressure, the first lumen having a proximal open end and a distal closed end, the first lumen including spray openings disposed proximate to the distal closed end of the first lumen, and', 'a second lumen for suctioning fluid under vacuum, the second lumen having a proximal open end and a distal closed end, the second lumen being located inside the first lumen so that the second lumen has a diameter equal to a fraction of a diameter of the first lumen, the second lumen extending beyond the distal closed end of the first lumen, the second lumen including suction openings disposed beyond the distal closed end of the first lumen toward the distal closed end of the second lumen;, 'a multi-lumen body, the multi-lumen body includinga first balloon fixed to the outside of the outer catheter; anda first inflation tube connecting a proximal end of the outer catheter and the first balloon.2. The endovascular catheter system of claim 1 ,wherein the outer catheter includes a proximal open end, a distal open end, and an internal lumen,wherein the first inflation tube is located inside a wall of the outer catheter,wherein the first balloon is located proximate to the distal open end of the outer catheter; andwherein the endovascular catheter system further comprises an inner catheter, including a proximal open end, and a closed distal end,wherein the inner catheter has an outer diameter that is ...

Methods and Apparatus for Monopolar Renal Neuromodulation

Methods and apparatus are provided for monopolar neuromodulation, e.g., via a pulsed electric field. Such monopolar neuromodulation may effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, action potential attenuation or blockade, changes in cytokine up-regulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, monopolar neuromodulation is applied to neural fibers that contribute to renal function. In some embodiments, such monopolar neuromodulation is performed bilaterally. 125-. (canceled)26. A method , comprising:intravascularly positioning a catheter in a reduced profile delivery configuration at a treatment site within a renal artery of a human patient and adjacent to renal nerves; 'wherein, in the treatment configuration, the expandable member is sized and shaped to place a plurality of electrodes arranged thereabout into apposition with an inner wall of the renal artery of the patient;', 'at the treatment site, transforming an expandable member at a distal portion of the catheter between the reduced profile delivery configuration and a treatment configuration,'}selectively energizing a first electrode group of the expandable member to deliver a bipolar energy field to the renal nerves; andselectively energizing a second electrode group at the distal portion of the catheter to deliver a unipolar energy field to the renal nerves,wherein delivering the bipolar energy field and the unipolar energy field modulates neural signaling along the renal nerves.27. The method of wherein the bipolar energy field is generated by two or more electrodes carried by the expandable member.28. The method of wherein the unipolar energy field is generated between one or more electrodes carried by the expandable member and a unipolar electrode carried by a shaft of the catheter and positioned proximate to the expandable member.29. The method of wherein the treatment site is a first ...

ENDOSCOPIC GASTRIC MUCOSAL ABLATION/RESECTION/EXCLUSION (A/R/E) AS A MINIMALLY INVASIVE WEIGHT LOSS APPROACH

The present invention is directed to a method of endoscopically ablating/resecting/excluding (A/R/E) the mucosa of the gastric fundus and body. The method of the present invention is intended to cause cellular death to the X/A-like, ghrelin producing and other hormone cells. This is in contrast to present methods to provide only transient ischemia. The use of the method of the present invention results in a more permanent and robust method of reducing ghrelin and other hormone levels. In addition, a method according to the present invention can be used to induce scarring of the gastric fundus which will reduce gastric accommodation of excess food and result in early satiety. 1. A method for treating obesity in a subject comprising:inserting an endoscope through a mouth of the subject and into an esophagus of the subject;advancing the endoscope to a region of treatment;treating ghrelin and other hormone producing cells disposed in the region of treatment;reducing food intake for the subject; andinducing weight loss and alterations in a metabolic profile in the subject.2. The method of wherein treating ghrelin and other hormone producing cells disposed in the region of treatment comprises ablating a gastric mucosa of the subject.3. The method of wherein treating ghrelin and other hormone producing cells disposed in the region of treatment comprises treating the area with a topical gel or solution to induce cell death.4. The method of wherein treating ghrelin and other hormone producing cells disposed in the region of treatment comprises resecting a mucosa of a gastric fundus and body of the subject.5. The method of wherein treating ghrelin and other hormone producing cells disposed in the region of treatment comprises creating a submucosal tunnel to separate gastric mucosa from submucosa to allow a resulting space to be filled with a solution or a gel to act as a barrier or result in cell death.6. The method of wherein inducing weight loss and improvement in metabolic ...

Apparatus and method for treating venous reflux

Disclosed is an ablation method and apparatus used to close veins for treatment of venous insufficiency disease. The apparatus includes a catheter proportioned for insertion into a vein, a pair of inflatable balloons spaced apart on the catheter body, and an ablation electrode array disposed between the balloons. According to the disclosed method, the catheter is introduced into the vein to be treated and the balloons are distended. Blood is flushed and aspirated from the site between the balloons. RF power is applied to the electrode array, causing scarring of the vessel walls and eventual sealing of the vein.

Energy based devices and methods for treatment of patent foramen ovale

Methods, devices and systems for treating patent foramen ovale (PFO) involve advancing a catheter device to a position in a heart for treating a PFO, bringing tissues adjacent the PFO at least partially together, and applying energy to the tissues to substantially close the PFO acutely. Catheter devices generally include an elongate catheter body, at least one tissue apposition member at or near the distal end for bringing the tissues together, and at least one energy transmission member at or near the distal end for applying energy to the tissues. In some embodiments, the tissue apposition member(s) also act as the energy transmission member(s). Applied energy may be monoploar or bipolar radiofrequency energy or any other suitable energy, such as laser, microwave, ultrasound, resistive heating or the like.

Endovascular aortic valve replacement

The subject invention relates to a valve replacement system together with methods of preparation and use, are provided for endovascular replacement of a heart valve in a host. The valve replacement system includes up to five components: (1) a prosthetic valve device, (2) a valve introducer device, (3) an intraluminal procedure device, (4) a procedure device capsule, and (5) a tissue cutter. The system provides for endovascular removal of a malfunctioning valve and subsequent replacement with a permanent prosthetic heart valve.

Retrograde delivery catheter and method for inducing cardioplegic arrest

A retrograde delivery catheter includes at its distal end a balloon configured to occlude the coronary sinus of a patient's heart, and has a length and flexibility which allow the distal end to be positioned in the coronary sinus with the proximal end extending transluminally to a peripheral vein such as an internal jugular vein and out of the body through a puncture therein. The delivery catheter has a delivery lumen extending between its proximal and distal ends which is configured to allow a cardioplegic fluid to be delivered at a flow rate of at least 200 ml/min with a pump pressure less than 300 mm Hg, thereby allowing cardioplegic arrest to be maintained using a blood cardioplegic fluid without causing excessive hemolysis. In a method of inducing cardioplegic arrest according to the invention, the patient is placed on cardiopulmonary bypass, the coronary arteries are isolated from remainder of the arterial system, and the delivery catheter is positioned transluminally in the coronary sinus from a peripheral vein. A cardioplegic fluid is then delivered to the coronary sinus through the delivery catheter at a flow rate of at least 200 ml/min and a pump pressure less than 300 mm Hg. The heart may be vented by withdrawing blood from the pulmonary artery through a catheter introduced through a peripheral vein, or withdrawing blood from the aortic root through an aortic catheter introduced through a peripheral artery.

System for cardiac procedures

A system for accessing a patient's cardiac anatomy which includes an endovascular aortic partitioning device that separates the coronary arteries and the heart from the rest of the patient's arterial system. The endovascular device for partitioning a patient's ascending aorta comprises a flexible shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a first inner lumen therebetween with an opening at the distal end. The shaft may have a preshaped distal portion with a curvature generally corresponding to the curvature of the patient's aortic arch. An expandable means, e.g. a balloon, is disposed near the distal end of the shaft proximal to the opening in the first inner lumen for occluding the ascending aorta so as to block substantially all blood flow therethrough for a plurality of cardiac cycles, while the patient is supported by cardiopulmonary bypass. The endovascular aortic partitioning device may be coupled to an arterial bypass cannula for delivering oxygenated blood to the patient's arterial system. The heart muscle or myocardium is paralyzed by the retrograde delivery of a cardioplegic fluid to the myocardium through patient's coronary sinus and coronary veins, or by antegrade delivery of cardioplegic fluid through a lumen in the endovascular aortic partitioning device to infuse cardioplegic fluid into the coronary arteries. The pulmonary trunk may be vented by withdrawing liquid from the trunk through an inner lumen of an elongated catheter. The cardiac accessing system is particularly suitable for removing the aortic valve and replacing the removed valve with a prosthetic valve.

System for cardiac procedures

A system for accessing a patient's cardiac anatomy which includes an endovascular aortic partitioning device that separates the coronary arteries and the heart from the rest of the patient's arterial system. The endovascular device for partitioning a patient's ascending aorta comprises a flexible shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a first inner lumen therebetween with an opening at the distal end. The shaft may have a preshaped distal portion with a curvature generally corresponding to the curvature of the patient's aortic arch. An expandable means, e.g. a balloon, is disposed near the distal end of the shaft proximal to the opening in the first inner lumen for occluding the ascending aorta so as to block substantially all blood flow therethrough for a plurality of cardiac cycles, while the patient is supported by cardiopulmonary bypass. The endovascular aortic partitioning device may be coupled to an arterial bypass cannula for delivering oxygenated blood to the patient's arterial system. The heart muscle or myocardium is paralyzed by the retrograde delivery of a cardioplegic fluid to the myocardium through patient's coronary sinus and coronary veins, or by antegrade delivery of cardioplegic fluid through a lumen in the endovascular aortic partitioning device to infuse cardioplegic fluid into the coronary arteries. The pulmonary trunk may be vented by withdrawing liquid from the trunk through an inner lumen of an elongated catheter. The cardiac accessing system is particularly suitable for removing the aortic valve and replacing the removed valve with a prosthetic valve.

Methods and apparatus for anchoring an occluding member

Pressure is measured on both sides of an occluding member for determining when pressure forces on the occluding member may cause migration of the occluding member. An alarm indicates when the pressure force on the balloon exceed a predetermined threshold. In another aspect of the invention, a pressure monitor determines when a rate of pressure increase with respect to the fluid volume in the balloon reaches a predetermined threshold when inflating the occluding member. A predetermined amount of fluid is then added to the balloon so that the balloon is not under inflated or over inflated.

Endovascular system for arresting the heart

Devices and methods are provided for temporarily inducing cardioplegic arrest in the heart of a patient and for establishing cardiopulmonary bypass in order to facilitate surgical procedures on the heart and its related blood vessels. Specifically, a catheter based system is provided for isolating the heart and coronary blood vessels of a patient from the remainder of the arterial system and for infusing a cardioplegic agent into the patient's coronary arteries to induce cardioplegic arrest in the heart. The system includes an endoaortic partitioning catheter having an expandable balloon at its distal end which is expanded within the ascending aorta to occlude the aortic lumen between the coronary ostia and the brachiocephalic artery. Means for centering the catheter tip within the ascending aorta include specially curved shaft configurations, eccentric or shaped occlusion balloons and a steerable catheter tip, which may be used separately or in combination. The shaft of the catheter may have a coaxial or multilumen construction. The catheter may further include piezoelectric pressure transducers at the distal tip of the catheter and within the occlusion balloon. Means to facilitate nonfluoroscopic placement of the catheter include fiberoptic transillumination of the aorta and a secondary balloon at the distal tip of the catheter for atraumatically contacting the aortic valve. The system further includes a dual purpose arterial bypass cannula and introducer sheath for introducing the catheter into a peripheral artery of the patient.

Method of manufacture of a cannula for a medical device

An elongate member is coated with a coating, preferably by coextrusion, and the coated elongate member is wound in a helical manner around a mandrel. The coated elongate member preferably has a square cross-sectional shape so that adjacent portions of the coated elongate member engage one another when the coated elongate member is wound around the mandrel. The coated elongate member is then heated so that the coating on adjacent portions of the coated elongate member fuse together to form an integral strcucture. Another layer of material may be provided on the radially inner or outer wall of the coated elongate member.

Multi-lumen catheter

A multi-lumen catheter having a reinforcing member wrapped around at least one of the lumens in a helical manner. An inflation lumen is positioned outside the reinforcing member for inflating a balloon carried by the catheter. A two-lumen extrusion is bonded to the reinforced lumen to form the multi-lumen catheter. The multi-lumen catheter is particularly useful as an aortic occlusion catheter.

Methods and systems for performing thoracoscopic coronary bypass and other procedures

A method for closed-chest cardiac surgical intervention relies on viewing the cardiac region through a thoracoscope or other viewing scope and endovascularly partitioning the patient's arterial system at a location within the ascending aorta The cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegia can be induced, and a variety of surgical procedures performed on the stopped heart using percutaneously introduced tools. The method of the present invention will be particularly suitable for forming coronary artery bypass grafts, where an arterial blood source is created using least invasive surgical techniques, and the arterial source is connected to a target location within a coronary artery while the patient is under cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegia.

System for cardiac procedures

A system for accessing a patient's cardiac anatomy which includes an endovascular aortic partitioning device that separates the coronary arteries and the heart from the rest of the patient's arterial system. The endovascular device for partitioning a patient's ascending aorta comprises a flexible shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a first inner lumen therebetween with an opening at the distal end. The shaft may have a preshaped distal portion with a curvature generally corresponding to the curvature of the patient's aortic arch. An expandable means, e.g. a balloon, is disposed near the distal end of the shaft proximal to the opening in the first inner lumen for occluding the ascending aorta so as to block substantially all blood flow therethrough for a plurality of cardiac cycles, while the patient is supported by cardiopulmonary bypass. The endovascular aortic partitioning device may be coupled to an arterial bypass cannula for delivering oxygenated blood to the patient's arterial system. The heart muscle or myocardium is paralyzed by the retrograde delivery of a cardioplegic fluid to the myocardium through patient's coronary sinus and coronary veins, or by antegrade delivery of cardioplegic fluid through a lumen in the endovascular aortic partitioning device to infuse cardioplegic fluid into the coronary arteries. The pulmonary trunk may be vented by withdrawing liquid from the trunk through an inner lumen of an elongated catheter. The cardiac accessing system is particularly suitable for removing the aortic valve and replacing the removed valve with a prosthetic valve.

Methods for removing embolic material in blood flowing through a patient's ascending aorta

The subject invention relates to a valve replacement system together with methods of preparation and use, are provided for endovascular replacement of a heart valve in a host. The valve replacement system includes up to five components: (1) a prosthetic valve device, (2) a valve introducer device, (3) an intraluminal procedure device, (4) a procedure device capsule, and (5) a tissue cutter. The system provides for endovascular removal of a malfunctioning valve and subsequent replacement with a permanent prosthetic heart valve.

Retrograde delivery catheter and method for inducing cardioplegic arrest

A retrograde delivery catheter includes at its distal end a balloon configured to occlude the coronary sinus of a patient's heart, and has a length and flexibility which allow the distal end to be positioned in the coronary sinus with the proximal end extending transluminally to a peripheral vein such as an internal jugular vein and out of the body through a puncture therein. The delivery catheter has a delivery lumen extending between its proximal and distal ends which is configured to allow a cardioplegic fluid to be delivered at a flow rate of at least 200 ml/min with a pump pressure less than 300 mm Hg, thereby allowing cardioplegic arrest to be maintained using a blood cardioplegic fluid without causing excessive hemolysis. In a method of inducing cardioplegic arrest according to the invention, the patient is placed on cardiopulmonary bypass, the coronary arteries are isolated from remainder of the arterial system, and the delivery catheter is positioned transluminally in the coronary sinus from a peripheral vein. A cardioplegic fluid is then delivered to the coronary sinus through the delivery catheter at a flow rate of at least 200 ml/min and a pump pressure less than 300 mm Hg. The heart may be vented by withdrawing blood from the pulmonary artery through a catheter introduced through a peripheral vein, or withdrawing blood from the aortic root through an aortic catheter introduced through a peripheral artery.

System for cardiac procedures

A system for accessing a patient's cardiac anatomy which includes an endovascular aortic partitioning device that separates the coronary arteries and the heart from the rest of the patient's arterial system. The endovascular device for partitioning a patient's ascending aorta comprises a flexible shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a first inner lumen therebetween with an opening at the distal end. The shaft may have a preshaped distal portion with a curvature generally corresponding to the curvature of the patient's aortic arch. An expandable means, e.g. a balloon, is disposed near the distal end of the shaft proximal to the opening in the first inner lumen for occluding the ascending aorta so as to block substantially all blood flow therethrough for a plurality of cardiac cycles, while the patient is supported by cardiopulmonary bypass. The endovascular aortic partitioning device may be coupled to an arterial bypass cannula for delivering oxygenated blood to the patient's arterial system. The heart muscle or myocardium is paralyzed by the retrograde delivery of a cardioplegic fluid to the myocardium through patient's coronary sinus and coronary veins, or by antegrade delivery of cardioplegic fluid through a lumen in the endovascular aortic partitioning device to infuse cardioplegic fluid into the coronary arteries. The pulmonary trunk may be vented by withdrawing liquid from the trunk through an inner lumen of an elongated catheter. The cardiac accessing system is particularly suitable for removing the aortic valve and replacing the removed valve with a prosthetic valve.

Methods and apparatus for anchoring an occluding member

Pressure is measured on both sides of an occluding member for determining when pressure forces the occluding member may cause migration of the occluding member. An alarm indicates when the pressure force on the balloon exceed a predetermined threshold. In another aspect of the invention, a pressure monitor determines when a rate of pressure increase with respect to the fluid volume in the balloon reaches a predetermined threshold when inflating the occluding member. A predetermined amount of fluid is then added to the occluding member so that the balloon is not under inflated or over inflated.

Method of delivering cardioplegic fluid to a patient's heart

A system for accessing a patient's cardiac anatomy which includes an endovascular aortic partitioning device that separates the coronary arteries and the heart from the rest of the patient's arterial system. The endovascular device for partitioning a patient's ascending aorta comprises a flexible shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a fist inner lumen therebetween with an opening at the distal end. The shaft may have a preshaped distal portion with a curvature generally corresponding to the curvature of the patient's aortic arch. An expandable means, e.g. a balloon, is disposed near the distal end of the shaft proximal to the opening in the first inner lumen for occluding the ascending aorta so as to block substantially all blood flow therethrough for a plurality of cardiac cycles, while the patient is supported by cardiopulmonary bypass. The endovascular aortic partitioning device may be coupled to an arterial bypass cannula for delivering oxygenated blood to the patient's arterial system. The heart muscle or myocardium is paralyzed by the retrograde delivery of a cardioplegic fluid to the myocardium through patient's coronary sinus and coronary veins, or by antegrade delivery of cardioplegic fluid through a lumen in the endovascular aortic partitioning device to infuse cardioplegic fluid into the coronary arteries. The pulmonary trunk may be vented by withdrawing liquid from the trunk through an inner lumen of an elongated catheter. The cardiac accessing system is particularly suitable for removing the aortic valve and replacing the removed valve with a prosthetic valve.

Endovascular system for arresting the heart

Devices and methods are provided for temporarily inducing cardioplegic arrest in the heart of a patient and for establishing cardiopulmonary bypass in order to facilitate surgical procedures on the heart and its related blood vessels. Specifically, a catheter based system is provided for isolating the heart and coronary blood vessels of a patient from the remainder of the arterial system and for infusing a cardioplegic agent into the patient's coronary arteries to induce cardioplegic arrest in the heart. The system includes an endoaortic partitioning catheter having an expandable balloon at its distal end which is expanded within the ascending aorta to occlude the aortic lumen between the coronary ostia and the brachiocephalic artery. Means for centering the catheter tip within the ascending aorta include specially curved shaft configurations, eccentric or shaped occlusion balloons and a steerable catheter tip, which may be used separately or in combination. The shaft of the catheter may have a coaxial or multilumen construction. The catheter may further include piezoelectric pressure transducers at the distal tip of the catheter and within the occlusion balloon. Means to facilitate nonfluoroscopic placement of the catheter include fiberoptic transillumination of the aorta and a secondary balloon at the distal tip of the catheter for atraumatically contacting the aortic valve. The system further includes a dual purpose arterial bypass cannula and introducer sheath for introducing the catheter into a peripheral artery of the patient.

Endovascular aortic valve replacement

The subject invention relates to a valve replacement system together with methods of preparation and use, are provided for endovascular replacement of a heart valve in a host. The valve replacement system includes up to five components: (1) a prosthetic valve device, (2) a valve introducer device, (3) an intraluminal procedure device, (4) a procedure device capsule, and (5) a tissue cutter. The system provides for endovascular removal of a malfunctioning valve and subsequent replacement with a permanent prosthetic heart valve.

Endovascular system for arresting the heart

Devices and methods are provided for temporarily inducing cardioplegic arrest in the heart of a patient and for establishing cardiopulmonary bypass in order to facilitate surgical procedures on the heart and its related blood vessels. Specifically, a catheter based system is provided for isolating the heart and coronary blood vessels of a patient from the remainder of the arterial system and for infusing a cardioplegic agent into the patient's coronary arteries to induce cardioplegic arrest in the heart. The system includes an endoaortic partitioning catheter having an expandable balloon at its distal end which is expanded within the ascending aorta to occlude the aortic lumen between the coronary ostia and the brachiocephalic artery. Means for centering the catheter tip within the ascending aorta include specially curved shaft configurations, eccentric or shaped occlusion balloons and a steerable catheter tip, which may be used separately or in combination. The shaft of the catheter may have a coaxial or multilumen construction. The catheter may further include piezoelectric pressure transducers at the distal tip of the catheter and within the occlusion balloon. Means to facilitate nonfluoroscopic placement of the catheter include fiberoptic transillumination of the aorta and a secondary balloon at the distal tip of the catheter for atraumatically contacting the aortic valve. The system further includes a dual purpose arterial bypass cannula and introducer sheath for introducing the catheter into a peripheral artery of the patient.

Methods and systems for performing thoracoscopic coronary bypass and other procedures

A method for closed-chest cardiac surgical intervention relies on viewing the cardiac region through a thoracoscope or other viewing scope and endovascularly partitioning the patient's arterial system at a location within the ascending aorta. The cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegia can be induced, and a variety of surgical procedures performed on the stopped heart using percutaneously introduced tools. The method of the present invention will be particularly suitable for forming coronary artery bypass grafts, where an arterial blood source is created using least invasive surgical techniques, and the arterial source is connected to a target location within a coronary artery while the patient is under cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegia

用于限制导管壁低温消融的有关低温球囊限制部署的装置及方法

本发明揭示了与藉由使用各种装置及方法限制低温球囊而低温脱落脉管的内表面的一部分有关的具体实例。举例而言，导管可包括：低温球囊，其用于脉管壁的脱落；及强制组件，其安置成与该低温球囊实质上平行以使该低温球囊的一部分偏转或偏移以远离该血管壁的非目标组织，且防止该非目标组织的脱落。部分圆周、非连续或螺旋状脱落可有效地用于治疗多种肾、心肾及其他疾病，包括(但不限于)高血压、心脏衰竭、肾病、肾衰竭、显影剂肾病变、心律不齐及心肌梗塞。该强制组件可为(例如)第二可充气球囊或一或多个自膨胀叉指。

Device for performing local heat treatment of a tissue

FIELD: medical engineering. SUBSTANCE: device has catheter introducible through urethra into the prostate having dilatable liquid receiver unit mountable in the prostate. The liquid receiver unit has heating member for heating liquid in the receiver unit by means of convection and is connected to power supply source. The device also has the first temperature pickup for measuring temperature in continuous mode and the second one for measuring temperature outside the heat treatment zone located at some distance from the liquid receiver unit. EFFECT: enhanced effectiveness of treatment; high accuracy of temperature control. 19 cl, 5 dwg ос с пы сэ (19) 13) ВИ "” 2 189 205 ^^ С2 57 М’ А 61Е 7/42, А 61 В 18/08, А 61 М 5/00 РОССИЙСКОЕ АГЕНТСТВО ПО ПАТЕНТАМ И ТОВАРНЫМ ЗНАКАМ 12) ОПИСАНИЕ ИЗОБРЕТЕНИЯ К ПАТЕНТУ РОССИЙСКОЙ ФЕДЕРАЦИИ (21), (22) Заявка: 97121500/14, 28.06.1996 (71) Заявитель: ЛУНД ИНСТРУМЭНТ АБ ($Е) (24) Дата начала действия патента: 28.06.1996 (72) Изобретатель: БОЛЬМСЬЕ Магнус (ЗЕ) (30) Приоритет: 07.07.1995 ЗЕ 95 02 523-5 (73) Патентообладатель: (43) Дата публикации заявки: 21.08.1999 ЛУНД ИНСТРУМЭНТ АБ ($Е) (46) Дата публикации: 20.09.2002 (74) Патентный поверенный: Шилан Константин Александрович (56) Ссылки: ЕР 0449472 А1, 02.10.1991. 4$ 4Э4ЭТ1В А, 21.08.1990. 4$ 5368591 А, 29.11.1994. Ц$ 5100388 А, 31.03.1992. $4 312608 А, 24.09.1971. (85) Дата перевода заявки РСТ на национальную фазу: 19.12.1997 (86) Заявка РСТ: ЗЕ 96/00800 (28.06.1996) (87) Публикация РСТ: М/О 97/02794 (30.01.1997) (98) Адрес для переписки: 109240, Москва, Котельническая наб., 1/15, корп.А/БЬ, офис № 8, фирма "Константин Шилан и Ко.", пат.пов. К.А.Шилану (54) УСТРОЙСТВО ДЛЯ МЕСТНОГО ТЕПЛОВОГО ЛЕЧЕНИЯ ТКАНИ (57) температурный датчик для измерения Изобретение относится к медицине, в температуры за пределами зоны частности к методам лечения биологических температурного воздействия, размещенный в тканей. Устройство содержит катетер, катетере на некотором расстоянии от вводимый в ...

Endovascular nerve monitoring devices and associated systems and methods

本文中公开血管内神经监测装置及相关的系统和方法。根据本技术的一个具体实施方式设置的神经监测系统可包括具有近端部分和远端部分的杆以及在远端部分的神经监测组装件。该杆设置用以将远端部分血管内地安置在治疗部位。该神经监测组装件可包括双极刺激电极阵列以及被置于该双极刺激电极组装件的远端的双极记录电极阵列。

Methods and apparatus for therapeutic cauterization of predetermined volumes of biological tissue

Methods and apparatus are provided for cauterizing predetermined volumes of abnormal biological tissue using a user selectable or adjustable energy applicator including two or more electrodes having electrode parameters configured cause cauterization of predetermined volumes when operated in a bipolar mode. The energy applicators are employed with a control device that couples the energy applicators to a power source and includes circuitry for interrupting activation of the energy applicator when the current between the two or more electrodes decreases more than a predetermined amount from the current sensed upon initial activation of the energy applicator.

Method and apparatus for ablating turbinates

Integrated tissue heating and cooling apparatus

Systems and methods integrate the control of an energy generator, to supply energy to an electrode structure to heat a tissue region, and the control of a pumping mechanism, to supply cooling fluid to control tissue temperature in the region.

Graphical user interface for association with an electrode structure deployed in contact with a tissue region

Systems and methods deploy an electrode structure in contact with the tissue region. The electrode structure carries a sensor at a known location on the electrode structure to monitor an operating condition. The systems and methods provide an interface, which generate an idealized image of the electrode structure and an indicator image to represent the monitored operating condition in a spatial position on the idealized image corresponding to the location of the sensor on the electrode structure. The interface displays a view image comprising the idealized image and indicator image. The systems and methods cause the electrode structure to apply energy to heat the tissue region while the view image is displayed on the display screen.

System for controlling a family of treatment devices

Unified systems and methods enable control of the use and operation of a family of different treatment devices, to treat dysfunction in different regions of the body.

Surgical devices and methods for use in tissue ablation procedures

Devices and a method are provided to assist a surgeon in ablating conduction paths in tissue, such as a heart. A device can be configured to operate as a template that adheres to the tissue surface, and allows the surgeon to more easily sever the conduction path to form a lesion in a desired location. In particular, the template can be used to guide the surgeon's use of a surgical instrument along a desired ablation path. In some case, the template may incorporate hardware that structurally supports the instrument for travel along the ablation path. A surgical instrument such as an ablation probe, e.g., radio frequency, laser, ultrasonic, microwave, thermal, chemical, mechanical, or cryogenic ablation probe, may be used to sever the conduction paths. Measurements made substantially contemporaneously with the conduction path ablation operation may be used to evaluate whether the desired degree of ablation has been achieved. The device may also incorporate feedback to compare the desired degree of conduction path ablation with the measured degree, and may deactivate the surgical instrument when the desired degree has been achieved. In some cases, the template device can be configured to provide local stabilization of organ tissue, particularly for a moving organ such as a beating heart. In other cases, the template device may provide little or no stabilization, but provide a guide structure for placement of the ablation probe in the same frame of motion as the moving tissue. Also, for some applications, the template device may be arranged to facilitate application of other therapeutic devices, such as diagnostic probes, pacing leads, and drug delivery devices, to the surface of a moving organ.

Method for internal ablation of turbinates

A method and apparatus for ablating at least a portion of a nasal concha. The apparatus includes a catheter having a distal portion with a dimension configured for positioning through a nostril of a patient into a nasal meatus adjacent a nasal concha, and an energy delivery device coupled to the catheter distal portion including one or more energy delivering probes extendable from the catheter distal portion a sufficient distance to be inserted into an interior of the nasal concha to deliver ablative energy therein. The distal portion of the apparatus may also include an expandable member, expansion of the expandable member within the nasal meatus immobilizing the distal portion within the nasal meatus.

Energy based devices and methods for treatment of anatomic tissue defects

Methods and apparatus for treatment of anatomic defects in human tissues, such as patent foramen ovale (PFO), atrial or ventricular septal defects, left atrial appendage, patent ductus arteriosis, blood vessel wall defects and certain electrophysiological defects, involve positioning a distal end of an elongate catheter device at the site of the anatomic defect, engaging tissues at the site of the anatomic defect to bring the tissues together, and applying energy to the tissues with the catheter device to substantially close the anatomic defect acutely. Apparatus generally includes an elongate catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, a vacuum application member coupled with the distal end for engaging tissues at the site of the anatomic defect and applying vacuum to the tissues to bring them together, and at least one energy transmission member coupled with the vacuum application member for applying energy to tissues at the site of the anatomic defect to substantially close the defect acutely.

A kind of multipole ablating device

本发明公开了一种多极消融装置，包括：电极组件、引导导管、手柄和接头；其中引导导管内至少有一个腔；电极组件设置在引导导管前端，并通过线路穿过引导导管内连接手柄，所述电机组件包括一组以上的电极组和一个以上的探测装置，所述电极组能够施加电能、射频能量、激光能量、高密度聚焦超声或低温消融，所述探测装置用于检测温度、阻抗或张力；手柄连接接头和一组以上的电极组件，并包含一个或多个操控部件，所述操控部件是用于控制电极组的收缩、张开以及能量并且可控制电极组件伸出或退回引导导管；接头是用于向电极提供能量。本装置可以用于向病灶递送直流电流、交流电流以及射频能量，可用于阻塞性肺部疾病的非药物治疗。

Apparatus and method for treating venous reflux

Disclosed is an ablation method and apparatus used to close veins for treatment of venous insufficiency disease. The apparatus includes a catheter proportioned for insertion into a vein, a pair of inflatable balloons spaced apart on the catheter body, and an ablation electrode array disposed between the balloons. According to the disclosed method, the catheter is introduced into the vein to be treated and the balloons are distended. Blood is flushed and aspirated from the site between the balloons. RF power is applied to the electrode array, causing scarring of the vessel walls and eventual sealing of the vein.

Apparatus and method for treating venous reflux

Disclosed is an ablation method and apparatus used to close veins for treatment of venous insufficiency disease. The apparatus includes a catheter proportioned for insertion into a vein, a pair of inflatable balloons spaced apart on the catheter body, and an ablation electrode array disposed between the balloons. According to the disclosed method, the catheter is introduced into the vein to be treated and the balloons are distended. Blood is flushed and aspirated from the site between the balloons. RF power is applied to the electrode array, causing scarring of the vessel walls and eventual sealing of the vein.

Apparatus and method for treating venous reflux

Disclosed is an ablation method and apparatus used to close veins for treatment of venous insufficiency disease. The apparatus includes a catheter proportioned for insertion into a vein, a pair of inflatable balloons spaced apart on the catheter body, and an ablation electrode array disposed between the balloons. According to the disclosed method, the catheter is introduced into the vein to be treated and the balloons are distended. Blood is flushed and aspirated from the site between the balloons. RF power is applied to the electrode array, causing scarring of the vessel walls and eventual sealing of the vein.

Apparatus and method for treating venous reflux

Disclosed is an ablation method and apparatus used to close veins for treatment of venous insufficiency disease. The apparatus includes a catheter body, and an ablation electrode array disposed between the balloons. According to the disclosed method, the catherter is introduced into the vein to be treated and the balloons are distented. Blood is flushed and aspirated from the site between the balloons. RF power is applied to the electrode array, causing scarring of the vessel walls and eventual sealing of the vein.

Venous reflux treatment method and apparatus

Apparatus and method for treating venous reflux

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR TREATING THE VENOUS REFLUX

Apparatus and method for treating venous reflux

Disclosed is an ablation method and apparatus used to close veins for treatment of venous insufficiency disease. The apparatus includes a catheter body, and an ablation electrode array disposed between the balloons. According to the disclosed method, the catherter is introduced into the vein to be treated and the balloons are distented. Blood is flushed and aspirated from the site between the balloons. RF power is applied to the electrode array, causing scarring of the vessel walls and eventual sealing of the vein.

Multi-stage vapor-based ablation treatment methods and vapor generation and delivery systems

Ablation catheters and systems include flexible catheter tips with a distal needle or ports for delivery of an ablative agent to a target tissue. Pressure monitoring during ablation ensure operation is performed within safe limits and with desired efficacy. Positioning elements help maintain the devices in the proper position with respect to the target tissue and also prevent the passage of ablative agent to normal tissues.

Stomach and adjoining tissue regions in the esophagus

Systems and methods treat a tissue region. In one arrangement, the systems and methods deploy an electrode on a support structure in a tissue region at or near the cardia of the stomach. The support structure has a proximal region and a distal region. The proximal region is enlarged in comparison to the distal region, and the electrode is carried by the enlarged proximal surface. The systems and methods advance the electrode in a path to penetrate the tissue region and couple the electrode to a source of radio frequency energy to ohmically heat tissue and create a lesion in the tissue region. In another arrangement, the systems and methods treat abnormal epithelium tissue at or near the lower esophageal sphincter by bringing an array of surface electrodes into contact with abnormal epithelium tissue. The systems and methods couple the surface electrodes to a source of radio frequency energy to ohmically heat tissue and cause necrosis of the abnormal epithelium tissue.

Apparatus and methods related to constrained deployment of cryogenic balloons for limited cryogenic ablation of vessel walls

Apparatus and method for treating a blood vessel

The apparatus and method includes a proximal balloon subsystem including a proximal balloon positionable to a selected first location within a blood vessel to be ablated. A distal balloon subsystem including a distal balloon is positionable to a selected second location within the blood vessel to be ablated. An ablating subsystem including an ablating element is configured to be positioned between the proximal balloon and the distal balloon within the blood vessel to be ablated. An evacuation port is configured to evacuate fluid between the proximal balloon and the distal balloon.

Ablation of rectal and other internal body structures

The invention provides an apparatus and system for ablation of body structures or tissue in the region of the rectum. A catheter is inserted into the rectum, and an electrode is disposed thereon for emitting energy. The environment for an ablation region is isolated or otherwise controlled by blocking gas or fluid using a pair of inflatable balloons at upstream and downstream locations. Inflatable balloons also serve to anchor the catheter in place. A plurality of electrodes are disposed on the catheter and at least one such electrode is selected and advanced out of the catheter to penetrate and ablate selected tissue inside the body in the region of the rectum. The electrodes are coupled to sensors to determine control parameters of the body structure or tissue, and which are used by feedback technique to control delivery of energy for ablation or fluids for cooling or hydration. The catheter includes an optical path disposed for coupling to an external view piece, so as to allow medical personnel to view or control positioning of the catheter and operation of the electrodes. The catheter is disposed to deliver flowable substances for aiding in ablation, or for aiding in repair of tissue, such as collagen or another substance for covering lesions or for filling fissures. The flowable substances are delivered using at least one lumen in the catheter, either from at least one hole in the catheter, from an area of the catheter covered by a microporous membrane, or from microporous balloons.

Process and device for the treatment of atrial arrhythmia

A process for the treatment of atrial arrhythmia by use of ablation procedures comprising circumferential ablation of vessels, particularly pulmonary veins associated with the left atrium of the heart. Also disclosed are medical devices used for formation of the circumferential ablation lesions in vessels associated with the heart.

Devices and methods for repair of valves in the human body

Devices and method for treating various incompetent anatomical valves by thermally damaging the nearby supporting tissue of the body vessel controlled by the valve with the use of electrical wires (12, 13). The device having two balloons (5, 6) and suction port (14) to draw the tissue of the vessel near the heating element (10).

Apparatus and method for treating venous reflux

Disclosed is an ablation method and apparatus used to close veins for treatment of venous insufficiency disease. The apparatus includes a catheter proportioned for insertion into a vein, a pair of inflatable balloons spaced apart on the catheter body, and an ablation electrode array disposed between the balloons. According to the disclosed method, the catheter is introduced into the vein to be treated and the balloons are distended. Blood is flushed and aspirated from the site between the balloons. RF power is applied to the electrode array, causing scarring of the vessel walls and eventual sealing of the vein.

Apparatus and method for treating venous reflux

Disclosed is an ablation method and apparatus used to close veins for treatment of venous insufficiency disease. The apparatus includes a catheter proportioned for insertion into a vein, a pair of inflatable balloons spaced apart on the catheter body, and an ablation electrode array disposed between the balloons. According to the disclosed method, the catheter is introduced into the vein to be treated and the balloons are distended. Blood is flushed and aspirated from the site between the balloons. RF power is applied to the electrode array, causing scarring of the vessel walls and eventual sealing of the vein.

Apparatus and method for treating venous reflux

Disclosed is an ablation method and apparatus used to close veins for treatment of venous insufficiency disease. The apparatus includes a catheter proportioned for insertion into a vein, a pair of inflatable balloons spaced apart on the catheter body, and an ablation electrode array disposed between the balloons. According to the disclosed method, the catheter is introduced into the vein to be treated and the balloons are distended. Blood is flushed and aspirated from the site between the balloons. RF power is applied to the electrode array, causing scarring of the vessel walls and eventual sealing of the vein.

Apparatus and method for treating venous reflux

Disclosed is an ablation method and apparatus used to close veins for treatment of venous insufficiency disease. The apparatus includes a catheter body, and an ablation electrode array disposed between the balloons. According to the disclosed method, the catherter is introduced into the vein to be treated and the balloons are distented. Blood is flushed and aspirated from the site between the balloons. RF power is applied to the electrode array, causing scarring of the vessel walls and eventual sealing of the vein.

Method for the ablation treatment of the uvula

A method of medical ablation of tissue accessible thorough the mouth or nose is disclosed having the steps of: a) inserting a probe through the mouth into the oral cavity, wherein said probe has a disposable electrode enclosed within an insulating sleeve bendable therewith; b) steering said probe through the oral cavity into close proximity to the tissue; c) extending the disposable electrode and the insulating sleeve out of the probe and penetrating the tissue; and d) applying RF energy to the tissue surrounding the electrode to effect ablation of said tissue.

Energy based devices and methods for treatment of patent foramen ovale

Methods, devices and systems for treating patent foramen ovale (PFO) involve advancing a catheter device to a position in a heart for treating a PFO, bringing tissues adjacent the PFO at least partially together, and applying energy to the tissues to substantially close the PFO acutely. Catheter devices generally include an elongate catheter body, at least one tissue apposition member at or near the distal end for bringing the tissues together, and at least one energy transmission member at or near the distal end for applying energy to the tissues. In some embodiments, the tissue apposition member(s) also act as the energy transmission member(s). Applied energy may be monoploar or bipolar radiofrequency energy or any other suitable energy, such as laser, microwave, ultrasound, resistive heating or the like.

Energy based devices for treatment of patent foramen ovale

Energy based devices and methods for treatment of patent foramen ovale

Energy based devices and methods for treatment of patent foramen ovale

Methods, devices and systems for treating patent foramen ovale (PFO) involve advancing a catheter device to a position in a heart for treating a PFO, bringing tissues adjacent the PFO at least partially together, and applying energy to the tissues to substantially close the PFO acutely. Catheter devices generally include an elongate catheter body, at least one tissue apposition member at or near the distal end for bringing the tissues together, and at least one energy transmission member at or near the distal end for applying energy to the tissues. In some embodiments, the tissue apposition member(s) also act as the energy transmission member(s). Applied energy may be monoploar or bipolar radiofrequency energy or any other suitable energy, such as laser, microwave, ultrasound, resistive heating or the like.

Energy-based device and method for treatment of patent foramen ovale

Energy based devices and methods for treatment of patent foramen ovale

ENERGY BASED DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF PATENT FORMEN OVALE A method of treating a patent foramen ovale in a heart, the method comprising: 5 advancing a catheter device (10) to a position in the heart for treating the patent foramen ovale; bringing tissues adjacent the patent foramen ovale at least partially together using the catheter device (10); and applying energy to the tissues with the catheter device (10) to substantially close the patent foramen ovale acutely.

Energy based devices and methods for treatment of patent foramen ovale

Methods, devices and systems for treating patent foramen ovale (PFO) involve advancing a catheter device to a position in a heart for treating a PFO, bringing tissues adjacent the PFO at least partially together, and applying energy to the tissues to substantially close the PFO acutely. Catheter devices generally include an elongate catheter body, at least one tissue apposition member at or near the distal end for bringing the tissues together, and at least one energy transmission member at or near the distal end for applying energy to the tissues. In some embodiments, the tissue apposition member(s) also act as the energy transmission member(s). Applied energy may be monoploar or bipolar radiofrequency energy or any other suitable energy, such as laser, microwave, ultrasound, resistive heating or the like.

Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale

Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale (PFO) generally involve use of a catheter (152) having at least one closure device (150) at its distal end. In some embodiments, the catheter (152) also includes one or more energy transmission members (156) for delivering energy to the closure device (150) and to the tissue adjacent the PFO to induce closure of the PFO. Closure devices may comprise, for example, a bioresorbable matrix or a non-resorbable matrix. An exemplary method involves advancing a catheter to position its distal end into the tunnel of the PFO and fixing the closure device within the tunnel of the PFO.

Methods and apparatus for closing a layered tissue defect

Methods and apparatus for treatment of layered tissue defects having a majority of the surfaces of the defect layers in contact generally involve use of a catheter having at least one energy transmission member at its distal end. The distal end of the apparatus also typically has a force applying member which can apply a force to the tissue defect. Often this force is a lateral force or vacuum which helps the tissue to appose itself. An exemplary method of closing a patent foramen ovale (PFO) involves positioning a closure device between layers of the PFO. Energy is then applied to the layered tissue defect with the closure device so as to substantially close the tissue defect. The energy is often monopolar or bipolar radiofrequency energy. A force may also be applied by the closure device to the layered tissue defect so as to bring the layered tissue defect together.

Transseptal closure of a patent foramen ovale and other cardiac defects

The present invention provides for therapeutic treatment methods, devices, and systems for the partial or complete closure or occlusion of a patent foramen ovale (“PFO”). In particular, various methods, devices, and systems for joining or welding tissues, in order to therapeutically close a PFO are described. In yet another aspect of the invention, various methods, devices, and systems for the penetration of the interatrial septum enabling left atrial access are also provided.

Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale

Energy based devices and methods for treatment of patent foramen ovale

Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale (PFO) provide for applying energy to tissues adjacent the PFO with a catheter device to substantially close the PFO acutely. Apparatus generally includes a catheter device having at least one energy transmission member at or near its distal end configured to apply energy to PFO tissues to acutely, substantially close the PFO. Applied energy may be monoploar or bipolar radiofrequency energy or any other suitable energy, such as laser, microwave, ultrasound, resistive heating or the like. Some embodiments of a catheter device further include one or more tissue apposition members near the distal end for helping bring PFO tissues together, such as a PFO covering member, a vacuum applying member and/or the like. PFO closure via energy-based approaches of the invention may help prevent stroke, treat migraine headache, and possibly treat or prevent other medical conditions.

Methods of epicardial ablation for creating a lesion around the pulmonary veins

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.

Method and apparatus for thoracoscopic intracardiac procedures

Devices, systems, and methods are provided for accessing the interior of the heart and performing procedures therein while the heart is beating. In one embodiment, a tubular access device having an inner lumen is provided for positioning through a penetration in a muscular wall of the heart, the access device having a means for sealing within the penetration to inhibit leakage of blood through the penetration. The sealing means may comprise a balloon or flange on the access device, or a suture placed in the heart wall to gather the heart tissue against the access device. An obturator is removably positionable in the inner lumen of the access device, the obturator having a cutting means at its distal end for penetrating the muscular wall of the heart. The access device is preferably positioned through an intercostal space and through the muscular wall of the heart. Elongated instruments may be introduced through the tubular access device into an interior chamber of the heart to perform procedures such as septal defect repair and electrophysiological mapping and ablation. A method of septal defect repair includes positioning a tubular access device percutaneously through an intercostal space and through a penetration in a muscular wall of the heart, passing one or more instruments through an inner lumen of the tubular access device into an interior chamber of the heart, and using the instruments to close the septal defect. Devices and methods for closing the septal defect with either sutures or with patch-type devices are disclosed.

Vacuum-assisted systems and methods for treating sphincters and adjoining tissue regions

Systems and methods treat a tissue region at or near a sphincter by deploying a carrier, which carries an electrode that can be advanced to penetrate tissue. Negative pressure is applied through a suction port on the carrier near the electrode, to draw tissue in the tissue region inward against the carrier. The systems and methods advance the electrode to penetrate tissue drawn against the carrier. The vacuum anchors the surrounding tissue and mediates against the “tenting” of tissue during electrode penetration. Without tenting, the electrode penetrates mucosal tissue fully, to obtain a desired depth of penetration.

Apparatus and method for ablating tissue

A control system (334) alters one or more characteristics of an ablating element (306) to ablate tissue. In one aspect, the control system (334) delivers energy nearer to the surface of the tissue by changing the frequency or power. In another aspect, the ablating element (306) delivers focused ultrasound which is focused in at least one dimension. The ablating device (306) may also have a number of ablating elements with different characteristics such as focal length.

Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale

Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale (PFO) generally involve use of a catheter having at least one closure device at its distal end. In some embodiments, the catheter also includes one or more energy transmission members for delivering energy to the closure device(s) and to the tissue adjacent the PFO to induce closure of the PFO. Closure devices may comprise, for example, a bioresorbable matrix or a non-resorbable matrix. In some embodiments, the closure device contains particles dispersed within the closure device to increase conductance and/or to reduce resistance and/or impedance. An exemplary method involves advancing a catheter to position its distal end into the tunnel of the PFO and fixing the closure device within the tunnel of the patent foramen PFO.

Energy based devices and methods for treatment of patent foramen ovale

Methods, devices and systems for treating patent foramen ovale (PFO) involve advancing a catheter device to a position in a heart for treating a PFO, bringing tissues adjacent the PFO at least partially together, and applying energy to the tissues to substantially close the PFO acutely. Catheter devices generally include an elongate catheter body, at least one tissue apposition member at or near the distal end for bringing the tissues together, and at least one energy transmission member at or near the distal end for applying energy to the tissues. In some embodiments, the tissue apposition member(s) also act as the energy transmission member(s). Applied energy may be monoploar or bipolar radiofrequency energy or any other suitable energy, such as laser, microwave, ultrasound, resistive heating or the like.

Devices and systems for treating patent foramen ovale

Methods, devices and systems for treating patent foramen ovale (PFO) involve advancing a catheter device to a position in a heart for treating a PFO, bringing tissues adjacent the PFO at least partially together, and applying energy to the tissues to substantially close the PFO acutely. Catheter devices generally include an elongate catheter body, at least one tissue apposition member at or near the distal end for bringing the tissues together, and at least one energy transmission member at or near the distal end for applying energy to the tissues. In some embodiments, the tissue apposition member(s) also act as the energy transmission member(s). Applied energy may be monoploar or bipolar radiofrequency energy or any other suitable energy, such as laser, microwave, ultrasound, resistive heating or the like.

Energy based devices and methods for treatment of patent foramen ovale

Methods, devices and systems for treating patent foramen ovale (PFO) involve advancing a catheter device to a position in a heart for treating a PFO, bringing tissues adjacent the PFO at least partially together, and applying energy to the tissues to substantially close the PFO acutely. Catheter devices generally include an elongate catheter body, at least one tissue apposition member at or near the distal end for bringing the tissues together, and at least one energy transmission member at or near the distal end for applying energy to the tissues. In some embodiments, the tissue apposition member(s) also act as the energy transmission member(s). Applied energy may be monopolar or bipolar radiofrequency energy or any other suitable energy, such as laser, microwave, ultrasound, resistive heating or the like.

Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale

Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale

Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale (PFO) generally involve use of a catheter having at least one closure device at its distal end. In some embodiments, the catheter also includes one or more energy transmission members for delivering energy to the closure device(s) and to the tissue adjacent the PFO to induce closure of the PFO. Closure devices may comprise, for example, a bioresorbable matrix or a non-resorbable matrix. In some embodiments, the closure device contains particles dispersed within the closure device to increase conductance and/or to reduce resistance and/or impedance. An exemplary method involves advancing a catheter to position its distal end into the tunnel of the PFO and fixing the closure device within the tunnel of the patent foramen PFO.