St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160030108 | DEVICE FOR INTRAVASCULAR THERAPY AND/OR DIAGNOSIS - An elongate medical device may include an elongate body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion and defining a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion. The elongate medical device may further include a basket assembly coupled to the distal end portion comprising a plurality of ablation elements, each of the ablation elements configured to ablate a respective target, the basket assembly disposed on a radial exterior of the elongate body. The elongate medical device may further include an imaging transmitter disposed radially-inward of the ablation elements and configured to project imaging energy towards at least one of the respective targets. | 02-04-2016 |
20150105655 | FIVE DEGREE OF FREEDOM ULTRASOUND CATHETER AND CATHETER CONTROL HANDLE - Catheter ultrasound systems including a sheath, a handle, a sheath lumen, and an ultrasound catheter disposed within the lumen of the sheath with ultrasound elements capable of visualizing anatomical regions. The handle allowing the ultrasound catheter to rotate with respect to the sheath using a rotation adjustment knob within the handle or alternatively an separate manipulation handle attached to the proximal end of the ultrasound catheter. The sheath, ultrasound catheter, or both may also include one or more electrodes or other location sensor for both orienting the ultrasound element as well as for diagnostic purposes. | 04-16-2015 |
20140364843 | Design of handle set for ablation catheter with indicators of catheter and tissue parameters - An electrode coupling output system provides indication to the physician, via electrode guidance instrumentation, concerning the electrical coupling of an electrode, such as an ablative or mapping electrode, with a patient. The output can be provided to the physician via an output device incorporated into the handle set of the electrode catheter. For example, a visual, audio or mechanical output can be provided via the handle set. Additionally or alternatively, the output can be provided to the physician via a navigation system. The indication may be provided by changing the color or other display characteristics of the electrode on the navigation system display or by way of providing a waveform indicating the electrode coupling. In this manner, electrode coupling information is provided to a physician in a manner that minimizes physician distraction. | 12-11-2014 |
20140343546 | Magnetically guided catheter - A catheter includes a flexible tubing having a proximal end and a distal end. The catheter also includes an electrode assembly attached to the distal end of the flexible tubing and having a first magnet therein. The electrode assembly further includes an electrically conductive tip electrode and an electrically nonconductive coupler which is connected between the tip electrode and the distal end of the flexible tubing. The coupler and the tip electrode are coupled by an interlocking connection. The catheter also includes a second magnet spaced from the electrode assembly along a longitudinal axis of the tubing. The first magnet and the second magnet are responsive to an external magnetic field to selectively position and guide the electrode assembly within a body of a patient. | 11-20-2014 |
20140340796 | System and method of automatic detection and prevention of motor runaway - A robotic catheter control system includes a plurality of electric motors. Diagnostic logic automatically detects motor runaway fault conditions based on the current motor position, the target motor position and a predetermined tolerance parameter. Fault conditions include overshoot, movement in the a non-prescribed direction, exceeding a prescribed maximum motor speed and exceeding a prescribed maximum motor acceleration. The diagnostic logic terminates operating power to the electric motor when a fault condition is detected for any one of the motor. An error message is generated to notify the operator of the fault. | 11-20-2014 |
20140336685 | Steerable ablation device - The invention relates to a flexible assembly for use in a region of a medical or surgical device. In preferred embodiments, the flexible region comprises a set of pull wires for controllably moving a treatment end of the device, and elements to separate the pull wires and maintain the integrity of the shaft of the flexible region in order to improve the operating aspects of the device. The devices and methods can be especially useful in ablation treatments, such as ablation at cardiac or epicardial tissues. | 11-13-2014 |
20140336573 | STEERING ACTUATOR FOR DEFLECTABLE CATHETER - Catheter shaft handles and deflection actuators are disclosed. The actuators include at least one pull wire guide wall and a means for anchoring the proximal portion of a pull wire or of a fiber attached to a pull wire. Each actuator is pivotable relative to the catheter handle housing, and may comprise at least one boss for pivoting the actuator relative to the catheter handle housing. The actuators transfer rotational motion based upon user input on a boss into longitudinal motion of a pull wire. The actuators may include a tensioning mechanism comprising a tension adjustment pin and a pin block, wherein the tension adjustment pin is rotatably attached to the pin block to enable adjustment of tension in a pull wire (e.g., during assembly of the catheter handle). | 11-13-2014 |
20140336572 | Guiding Medical Devices and Associated Methods of Manufacturing - A catheter assembly includes an inner liner made of flexible material and an outer layer having a steering mechanism. A catheter assembly is provided that includes an inner liner made of flexible material, and an outer layer having a steering mechanism that includes at least one wire and a corresponding lumen for each of the at least one wire through which the respective wire may travel. The outer layer includes a braided wire assembly that includes at least two wires braided into a wire mesh, and further includes a see-through portion positioned proximate a pull wire extraction location to facilitate extraction. | 11-13-2014 |
20140318702 | Magnetically guided catheters - A magnetically-guided catheter includes a tip positioning magnet in the distal electrode assembly configured to interact with externally applied magnetic fields for magnetically-guided movement. A magnetically-guided mapping catheter includes an electrically-conductive capsule in the form of a casing that includes a distal ablation surface and isolates the positioning magnet from bio-fluids to prevent corrosion. An open irrigation ablation catheter includes an isolated manifold that isolates the positioning magnet from contact with irrigation fluid to prevent corrosion. | 10-30-2014 |
20140316756 | Catheter configuration interface and related system - A system for implementing a procedure for the diagnosis or treatment of tissue in a body is provided. The system includes an electronic control unit configured to generate a graphical user interface on a display. The interface depicts an image of the tissue. The unit is further configured to receive one or more inputs regarding target locations on the tissue for diagnosis or treatment. The electronic control unit identifies a catheter for use in the procedure and determines configurations for a distal end of the catheter at each target location. The unit superimposes representations of the distal end of the catheter having the determined configurations on the image of the tissue at the target locations. The unit may also generate control signals to guide the distal end of the catheter to the target locations and to assume the determined configurations at each location. | 10-23-2014 |
20140309513 | Apparatus and Methods for Contactless Electrophysiology Studies - An electrophysiology catheter includes an elongate catheter body having an elastically-deformable distal region predisposed to assume a spiral shape and a first plurality of electrodes disposed thereon. Each of the first plurality of electrodes includes an electrically active region limited to the inner surface of the spiral shape for use in non-contact electrophysiology studies. A second plurality of electrodes may also be disposed on the distal region interspersed (e.g., alternating) with the first plurality of electrodes, with each of the second plurality of electrodes having an electrically active region extending into the outer surface of the spiral shape for use in contact electrophysiology studies. The distal region may be deformed into a straight configuration for insertion into and navigation through the patient's vasculature, for example via use of a tubular introducer. As the distal region deploys beyond the distal end of the introducer, it resumes the spiral shape. | 10-16-2014 |
20140303599 | Steerable Catheter Using Flat Pull Wires and Having Torque Transfer Layer Made of Braided Flat Wires - A catheter assembly includes an inner liner made of flexible material and an outer layer having a steering mechanism. The steering mechanism includes at least one flat wire and a corresponding lumen through which the flat wire may travel. The steering mechanism may also include at least one pull ring to which the flat wires are attached. A layer of heat shrink material may encompass the outer layer. A braided wire assembly may also be provided in the outer layer, and may be formed by braiding a plurality of flat wires into a wire mesh. The overall cross-section of the catheter assembly is preferably substantially circular. A catheter shaft may include a plurality of segments of differing hardness characteristics. The outer layer typically comprises a melt processing polymer such that the catheter assembly may be laminated using heat. | 10-09-2014 |
20140276396 | Multi-directional catheter control handle - An apparatus for deflecting a distal portion of a catheter, a sheath, a medical device, or other flexible elongate member may generally include a handle portion, a pair of adjusting knobs, and deflection wires. The adjusting knobs may be rotatably coupled to the handle portion and operably coupled to the deflection wires. The deflection wires may be in further communication with the distal portion of the flexible elongate member. Rotation of the adjustment knobs may translate or otherwise displace particular deflection wires with respect to the rest of the flexible elongate member, thereby causing the distal portion of the flexible elongate member to deflect. Further, the deflection wires may be oriented such that the distal portion of the flexible elongate member may be deflected in a multitude of directions. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276078 | ELECTRODE CONTACT FEEDBACK SYSTEM - A sensing assembly for sensing contact with an object is disclosed. The contact sensing assembly may comprise an elongate tubular body. An electrode may be connected to the elongate tubular body. A vibration element is operatively connected with the electrode and configured to deliver a vibration-inducing signal to induce vibration of the electrode. A sensor is configured to monitor the electrode for a perturbation in the induced vibration. The perturbation results from contact between the electrode and the object. | 09-18-2014 |
20140275957 | Device, system, and method for intracardiac diagnosis or therapy with localization - A medical system for locating a catheter distal tip within a body using a plurality electrical position sensors and a magnetic position sensor in conjunction with an acceleration sensor or rotational encoder. The system locates the catheter by using signals from the acceleration sensor or rotational encoder and magnetic sensors to compensate for positioning errors associated with electric positioning sensors. | 09-18-2014 |
20140275920 | Devices and Methods for Catheter Localization - A medical device can be localized by providing at least three non-colinear localization elements (e.g., electrodes) thereon. Once placed in a non-ionizing localization field, three adjacent localization elements, at least one of which will typically be a spot electrode, may be selected, and the non-ionizing localization field may be used to measure their locations. A cylinder is defined to fit the measured locations of the selected localization elements. The cylinder is rotationally oriented using the measured location of a spot electrode. Location and rotational attitude information may be used to construct a three-dimensional representation of the medical device within the localization field. The electrodes may be provided on the medical device or on a sheath into which the medical device is inserted. The invention also provides systems and methods for identifying and calibrating deflection planes where the medical device and/or sheath are deflectable. | 09-18-2014 |
20140257327 | MEDICAL DEVICE POSITIONER FOR REMOTE CATHETER GUIDANCE SYSTEMS - A medical device positioner for use with a remote catheter guidance system (RCGS) is provided, which can address angular, lateral and/or translational misalignment of an elongate medical device between the RCGS and an access point on a patient's body. Such a medical device positioner can comprise a base configured to attach to a remote catheter guidance system and a first support member extending from the base and having a receiving portion for receiving at least a portion of the elongate medical device. The medical device positioner can further include a second support member movably coupled to the first support member and including a second receiving area sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the elongate medical device. The medical device positioner can also include first and second tube sections with at least a portion of the first tube section being adapted to be inserted into a vascular system of a patient at an access point. A joint septum can be included for connecting the first and second tube sections. | 09-11-2014 |
20140257282 | Irrigated ablation catheter system with pulsatile flow to prevent thrombus - The invention relates to an ablation catheter which controls the temperature and reduces the coagulation of biological fluids on an electrode of a catheter, prevents the impedance rise of tissue in contact with the electrode, and maximizes the potential energy transfer to the tissue, thereby allowing an increase in the lesion size produced by the ablation. The electrode includes passages positioned to allow saline flow out of an inner cavity of the electrode. This fluid flow is pulsatile to increase turbulence, reducing areas of stagnant flow, and produces a desired cooling effect. | 09-11-2014 |
20140243813 | Device and method for real-time lesion estimation during ablation - Disclosed herein are ablation systems and methods for providing feedback on lesion formation in real-time. The methods and systems assess absorptivity of tissue based on a degree of electric coupling or contact between an ablation electrode and the tissue. The absorptivity can then be used, along with other information, including, power levels and activation times, to provide real-time feedback on the lesions being created. Feedback may be provided, for example, in the form of estimated lesion volumes and other lesion characteristics. The methods and systems can provide estimated treatment times to achieve a desired lesion characteristic for a given degree of contact, as well as depth of a lesion being created. The degree of contact may be measured using different techniques, including the phase angle techniques and a coupling index. | 08-28-2014 |
20140243796 | Catheter shaft and method of manufacture - A method of manufacturing a catheter assembly generally includes providing a catheter shaft having an outer layer and an inner reinforcing layer; removing at least a portion of the outer layer from a length of the distal end of the catheter shaft in order to expose a distal segment thereof; providing an inner jacket segment; axially engaging the inner jacket segment with an interior surface of the distal segment of the catheter shaft; providing an outer jacket segment around at least the exposed exterior region of the distal segment of the catheter shaft; and bonding the distal segment of the catheter shaft to the inner jacket segment and the outer jacket segment. | 08-28-2014 |
20140209797 | LOW-COMPLEXITY OPTICAL FORCE SENSOR FOR A MEDICAL DEVICE - An apparatus for detecting deformation of an elongate body may comprise a light source configured to sequentially provide light of multiple frequencies, an optical receiver configured to receive light from the light source, and a filter disposed between the light source and the optical detector. The filter may comprise multiple segments, each of the segments configured to filter light at one of the frequencies so as to alter the amount of light incident on said optical receiver. A total amount of light detected by the optical receiver may change during the sequence so as to be indicative of deformation of the elongate body. | 07-31-2014 |
20140209372 | SHIELDED TWISTED PAIR OF CONDUCTORS USING CONDUCTIVE INK - An apparatus for transmitting electrical signals is disclosed. The apparatus includes a substrate and a twisted pair of conductors located on the substrate. The twisted pair of conductors has a first layer comprising conductive material, a second layer comprising nonconductive material, and a third player comprising conductive material. The first layer has a plurality of segments separated by a plurality of gaps. The second layer is positioned in said gaps and electrically insulates a portion of the segments positioned within the gaps. The third layer is positioned over the second layer. The third layer is configured to electrically connects an end of one segment to an end of another segment. The twisted pair of conductors formed by the three dimensional structure comprises two electrically isolated conductors twisted about each other. | 07-31-2014 |
20140207070 | HEMOSTASIS VALVE WITH ROLLER SEAL - A hemostasis valve has a housing having proximal and distal ends defining proximal and distal openings configured for passage of a medical device therethrough. The housing further defines a cavity between the proximal and distal ends. One or more rollers are received within the cavity and define end sections and a central section having a smaller diameter than the end sections. Sleeves are disposed about the rollers and are elastically deformable to form a fluid seal around the device. The sleeves each assume a first form when the device is absent from the cavity wherein a radially inner surface of the sleeve is located at a first distance from the central section of a roller and a second form when the device is present in the cavity wherein the surface is located at a second distance, less than the first distance, from the central section of the roller. | 07-24-2014 |
20140206985 | DISTRIBUTED LOCATION SENSOR - A catheter configured for use with a magnetic field-based localization system includes a distributed location sensor that includes a plurality of individual location sensing coils electrically connected in series. The distributed location sensor has an effective magnetic center based on the individual characteristics of each location sensing coil. The effective magnetic center can be located in a space occupied by another structure such as an irrigation fluid delivery tube. The plurality of individual location sensing coils are generally smaller, thereby easing placement, and collectively, when connected in series, output a relatively strong and noise-free signal. | 07-24-2014 |
20140200560 | ADJUSTABLE STOP FOR ELONGATE MEDICAL DEVICE DEFLECTION MECHANISM - A deflection mechanism for an elongate medical device may comprise an actuator. The actuator may comprise a rotatable body comprising a channel, the channel comprising a plurality of recesses. The deflection mechanism may further comprises an activation wire having a proximal end and a distal end, and a wire lock attached to the proximal end of the activation wire. The wire lock may be disposed within the channel and configured to ride therein when the actuator body is rotated. An adjustable stop may be placed in one or more of the recesses of the channel so as to apply a force to the wire lock as the actuator is rotated so as to increase tension on the activation wire. | 07-17-2014 |
20140194898 | Robotic catheter system with dynamic response - An apparatus for maintaining a robotic catheter system in a responsive state includes a catheter, a plurality of linear translatable control elements, and a controller. In an embodiment, the catheter includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and at least two steering wires. The steering wires may be configured at one end to control the movement of at least a portion of the distal portion of the catheter and at the other end for connection to a control member. In an embodiment, each control element may be configured to engage or interface with a respective control member, and the controller may be configured to measure a force exerted on at least one control member by a respective control element and further configured to linearly translate the control element to substantially maintain a force within a predetermined range. | 07-10-2014 |
20140194897 | Robotic catheter system input device - An input device for a robotic medical system includes a handle configured to be rotatable about a center axis, and to be longitudinally displaceable along the center axis. The input device also includes a deflection control element disposed on the handle and configured to selectively control deflection of the distal end of a flexible medical instrument electrically coupled to the input device. Longitudinal displacement of the handle may cause or result in a corresponding longitudinal motion or deflection of the flexible medical instrument. Rotation of the handle may cause or result in a corresponding rotation of the deflection plane. Longitudinal displacement and rotation of the handle may be detected or sensed electronically. | 07-10-2014 |
20140194867 | System and method for assessing the formation of a lesion in tissue - A method and system for assessing lesion formation in tissue is provided. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to acquire magnitudes for a component of a complex impedance between an electrode and tissue, and the power applied to the tissue during lesion formation. The ECU is configured to calculate a value responsive to the complex impedance component and the power. The value is indicative of a predicted lesion depth, a likelihood the lesion has reached a predetermined depth, or a predicted tissue temperature. The method includes acquiring magnitudes for a component of a complex impedance between an electrode and tissue and the power applied during lesion formation. The method includes calculating a value responsive to the complex impedance component and the power, the value being indicative of a predicted lesion depth, a likelihood the lesion has reached a predetermined depth, and/or a predicted tissue temperature. | 07-10-2014 |
20140187905 | COINTEGRATION FILTER FOR A CATHETER NAVIGATION SYSTEM - A system and method for determining a position of a medical device within a body are provided. The system includes an electronic control unit that receives position signals from position sensors of a first type and a second type disposed on the device and applies a filter to each of the position signals to obtain filtered estimated positions for each sensor. The unit computes a spline connecting the position sensors of the first type responsive to the filtered estimated positions for the sensors and estimates a spline position for the sensor of the second type along the spline. The unit generates maps between the spline position and filtered and unfiltered estimated positions for the sensor of the second type and determines actual positions for the sensors of the first type responsive to the filtered estimated position for the sensors and a composite map of the two maps. | 07-03-2014 |
20140152653 | Ultrasound image processing to render three-dimensional images from two-dimensional images - Methods for processing two-dimensional ultrasound images from an intracardiac ultrasound imaging catheter provide improved image quality and enable generating three-dimensional composite images of the heart. Two-dimensional ultrasound images are obtained and stored in conjunction with correlating information, such as time or an electrocardiogram. Images related to particular conditions or configurations of the heart can be processed in combination to reduce image noise and increase resolution. Images may be processed to recognize structure edges, and the location of structure edges used to generate cartoon rendered images of the structure. Structure locations may be averaged over several images to remove noise, distortions and blurring from movement. | 06-05-2014 |
20140121660 | CARDIAC TISSUE ELASTICITY SENSING - A system and method are provided for assessing the compliance of internal patient tissue for purposes of catheter guidance and/or ablation procedures. Specifically, the system/method provides for probing internal patient tissue in order to obtain force and/or tissue displacement measurements. These measurements are utilized to generate an indication of tissue elasticity. In one exemplary embodiment, the indication of elasticity is correlated with an image of the internal tissue area and an output of this image including elasticity indications is displayed for a user. | 05-01-2014 |
20140107430 | System and method for assessing coupling between an electrode and tissue - A system and method for assessing a degree of coupling between an electrode and tissue in a body is provided. Values for first and second components of a complex impedance (e.g., resistance and reactance or impedance magnitude and phase angle) between the electrode and the tissue are obtained. These values are used together with a standardization value indicative of a deviation from a reference standard by a parameter associated with at least one of the body, the electrode and another component of the system to calculate a coupling index that is indicative of a degree of coupling between the electrode and the tissue. The coupling index may be displayed to a clinician in a variety of ways to indicate the degree of coupling to the clinician. The system and method find particular application in ablation of tissue by permitting a clinician to create lesions in the tissue more effectively and safely. | 04-17-2014 |
20140100566 | Medical catheter assembly with deflection pull ring and distal tip interlock - A catheter assembly comprises a deflectable catheter shaft comprising a distal end and a lumen extending therethrough. The catheter assembly further comprises least one pull wire comprising a distal portion comprising a side and a distal end, wherein the side comprises a first side portion and a second side portion. The catheter assembly further comprises a distal pull assembly operatively coupled to the at least one pull wire. The distal pull assembly comprises a longitudinal axis, a first surface, and a second surface. The first side portion of the at least one pull wire is adjacent to the first surface of the distal pull assembly, and the second side portion of the at least one pull wire is adjacent to the second surface of the distal pull assembly. | 04-10-2014 |
20140094768 | Movable magnet for magnetically guided catheter - A catheter is disclosed having a flexible tubing with a proximal end and a distal end. The catheter comprising at least one movable magnet provided within the distal end of the flexible tubing. A control mechanism is operable to selectively activate the at least one movable magnet from the proximal end of the flexible tubing. The at least one movable magnet is responsive to an external magnetic field to position and guide the distal end of the flexible tubing within a body of a patient. | 04-03-2014 |
20140089742 | Integration of control software with a medical device and system - A medical device for diagnosis or treatment of tissue is disclosed. The device includes an electronically-controlled tool configured for diagnosis or treatment, an electrical connector, and a computer readable memory. The electrical connector is configured for connection with an electronic control unit and configured to receive control signals, including signals concerning the operation of the tool, from the electronic control unit. The computer readable memory is accessible through the connector. The memory can include a set of programming instructions for control of the tool, and the programming instructions can be configured to be downloadable from the memory upon connection of the electrical connector with the electronic control unit. A system is also disclosed in which the electronic control unit is configured to transmit a data log from memory in the electronic control unit to the memory in the medical device upon the occurrence or detection of a predetermined event. | 03-27-2014 |
20140088591 | Catheter electrode assemblies and methods for construction therefor - A family of catheter electrode assemblies includes a flexible circuit having a plurality of electrical traces and a substrate; a ring electrode surrounding the flexible circuit and electrically coupled with at least one of the plurality of electrical traces; and an outer covering extending over at least a portion of the electrode. A non-contact electrode mapping catheter includes an outer tubing having a longitudinal axis, a deployment member, and a plurality of splines, at least one of the plurality of splines comprising a flexible circuit including a plurality of electrical traces and a substrate, a ring electrode surrounding the flexible circuit and electrically coupled with at least one of the plurality of electrical traces; and an outer covering extending over at least a portion of the ring electrode. A method of constructing the family of catheter electrode assemblies is also provided. | 03-27-2014 |
20140088496 | Shaft and handle for a catheter with independently-deflectable segments - An elongate medical device with independently-deflectable segments and a handle for manually deflecting those segments can include a shaft having a distal segment and proximal segment, at least one proximal segment deflection wire adapted to deflect the proximal segment, at least one distal segment deflection wire adapted to deflect the distal segment independent of the proximal segment, and a handle portion. The handle portion may comprise a first manual actuation mechanism coupled to the at least one distal segment deflection wire and a second manual actuation mechanism coupled to the at least one proximal segment deflection wire. Actuation of the first manual actuation mechanism may impart a tensile force on the distal segment deflection wire to cause the distal segment to deflect, and actuation of the second manual actuation mechanism may impart a tensile force on the proximal segment to cause the proximal segment to deflect. | 03-27-2014 |
20140081290 | Robotically controlled catheter and method of its calibration - A method of calibrating a robotic device, such as a cardiac catheter, includes oscillating the device on an actuation axis by applying an oscillation vector at an oscillation frequency. While oscillating, a location of the device is periodically measured to generate a plurality of location data points, which may express the location of the device relative to a plurality of measurement axes. The location data points are then processed using a signal processing algorithm, such as a Fourier transform algorithm, to derive a transfer function relating a position of the device to a movement vector for the actuation axis. The transfer function may be resolved into and expressed as a calibration vector for the actuation axis, which may include one or more components, including zero components, directed along each of the measurement axes. The process may be repeated for any actuation axes on which calibration is desired. | 03-20-2014 |
20140066926 | FABRIC ELECTRODE HEAD - An electrode head is disclosed that utilizes electrically conductive or dissipative fabric to exchange electrical energy with tissue. This electrode head may be used for any appropriate application, such as a catheter electrode, a return electrode, or the like. Any appropriate function may be provided by this electrode head, such as tissue ablation, tissue mapping, or providing an electrical ground. | 03-06-2014 |
20140046251 | Long Travel Steerable Catheter Actuator - The present invention is an electrophysiology, RF ablation, or similar catheter (i.e., catheter or sheath) that includes an actuator that significantly increases the length of travel (i.e., steering travel) of the actuation wires, as compared to the length of travel provided by prior art actuators. The catheter includes a hollow flexible tubular body, a pair of actuation wires disposed in a side-by-side relationship in the body, a handle attached to a proximal end of the body, an actuator pivotally mounted to the handle, an arcuate internal gear rack disposed on the actuator, one or more pulleys pivotally mounted on the handle and coaxially coupled to a pinion gear engaged with the gear rack, and a guide block mounted within the handle. The one or more pulleys include a first channel in which the first actuation wire resides and a second channel in which the second actuation wire resides. The actuation wires pass through holes in the guide block, which aligns the wires into their respective channels. The actuation wires enter into their respective channels on opposite sides of the axis of the one or more pulleys. As the actuator is pivoted relative to the handle, the gear rack rotates the pinion gear and the one or more pulleys. This causes one of the actuation wires to be in-hauled (i.e., wound about the one or more pulleys) and the other actuation wire to be paid-out (i.e., unwound from the one or more pulleys). | 02-13-2014 |
20140046194 | Coupler assembly for catheters - Coupler assemblies and methods are disclosed as the coupler assemblies may be used with a catheter. An exemplary coupler assembly includes a spherical linkage coupler for a catheter. The coupler comprises a first cylinder portion for connecting to a structure, and a second cylinder portion for connecting to a distal end of a body of the catheter. The coupler also comprises a spherical linkage including at least two link arms. Each of the two link arms are connected on one end to the first cylinder portion and on the other end to the second cylinder portion. The two link arms connect a portion of the structure to the distal end of the catheter and enable the structure to move relative to the distal end of the catheter in response to an external force exerted on the structure. | 02-13-2014 |
20140031806 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR COOLING AND MOVING ABLATION ELEMENTS - A medical device comprising a cell including an ablation element and a carrier configured to receive at least a portion of said ablation element is disclosed. The medical device further comprises a tube enclosing the cell. At least a portion of the tube includes a membrane and the tube includes at least one hole proximate the ablation element for facilitating fluid flow. The medical device further comprises a fluid inlet for providing fluid to the interior of the tube. A method of using the medical device is also disclosed. | 01-30-2014 |
20140005528 | CARDIAC MAPPING SYSTEM AND METHOD | 01-02-2014 |
20130338467 | Electrode catheter device with indifferent electrode for direct current tissue therapies - An electrode catheter device with indifferent electrode for direct current tissue therapies is disclosed. An example of the catheter device has a flexible tubing with at least one ablation electrode. The catheter device also may also be used with a sheath for introducing the flexible tubing inside a patient's body. An indifferent electrode on the sheath can provide a ground for a direct current (DC) pulse to deliver electrical energy and create an electrical field adjacent a tissue. Various other embodiments are also disclosed. | 12-19-2013 |
20130310674 | System and method for assessing effective delivery of ablation therapy - A system and method for assessing effective delivery of ablation therapy to a tissue in a body is provided. A three-dimensional anatomical map of the tissue is generated and displayed with the map defining a corresponding volume. An index is generated corresponding to a location within the volume with the index indicative of a state of ablation therapy at the location. The index may be derived from one or more factors such as the duration an ablation electrode is present at the location, the amount of energy provided, the degree of electrical coupling between an ablation electrode and the tissue at the location and temperature. A visual characteristic (e.g., color intensity) of a portion of the anatomical map corresponding to the location is then altered responsive to the index. | 11-21-2013 |
20130261491 | Anatomical thermal sensing device and method - A medical device utilizing temperature sensing to identify or assess anatomical bodies or structures includes an elongate tubular member, at least one electrode, a thermal sensor, and a temperature response assessment system or component. The at least one electrode may be connected to the distal portion of the elongate tubular member, and the one or more electrode can be configured to provide energy or heat to a portion of an anatomical body or structure. The thermal sensor may be configured to measure the thermal response of the portion of an anatomical body or structure, e.g., tissue or blood pools. The temperature response assessment system or component can be coupled to the thermal sensor. In embodiments, the device may include a lumen and port opening, which may accommodate a tool, such as a needle. Methods for using temperature sensing to identify an anatomical body or structure are also disclosed. | 10-03-2013 |
20130237791 | System and methods for locating and ablating arrhythomogenic tissues - The disclosure relates to a variety of systems and methods for sensing electrical events about a selected annulus region of the heart and for treating tissue in the selected annulus region. Wherein the system includes a first catheter that has an expandable member, an ablation element, and a lumen configured to allow a second catheter therethrough. The second catheter includes a distal section in a ring shape and a plurality of electrodes coupled around the ring. Optionally a second lumen can be included through the first catheter that allows for contrast media to be delivered to the distal end of the system. | 09-12-2013 |
20130226169 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ASSESSING LESIONS IN TISSUE - A method and system for assessing lesion formation in tissue is provided. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU is configured to acquire values for first and second components of a complex impedance between the electrode and the tissue, and to calculate an index responsive to the first and second values. The ECU is further configured to process the ECI to assess lesion formation in the tissue. | 08-29-2013 |
20130217997 | Method and apparatus for localizing an ultrasound catheter - An imaging system is provided with an ultrasound catheter and a controller coupled to the ultrasound catheter. The catheter includes a localizer sensor configured to generate positional information for the ultrasound catheter, and an imaging ultrasound sensor having a restricted field of view. The controller co-registers images from the imaging ultrasound sensor with positional information from the localizer sensor. | 08-22-2013 |
20130172814 | CATHETER FOR MANUAL AND REMOTE MANIPULATION - An elongate medical device may overcome be configured both for manual manipulation by a physician and for automatic manipulation by a remote catheter guidance system. Such an elongate medical device comprises a shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion, a pull wire disposed in the shaft and affixed to the distal portion of the shaft, and a handle coupled with the proximal portion of the catheter shaft. The handle comprises a first mechanism configured for manual actuation of the pull wire so as to deflect the distal portion of the shaft, a second mechanism configured for remote actuation of the pull wire so as to deflect the distal portion of the shaft, and a mechanical interface configured to provide a remote catheter guidance system with a functional connection to the second mechanism. | 07-04-2013 |
20130158479 | DEVICE FOR REDUCING AXIAL SHORTENING OF CATHETER OR SHEATH DUE TO REPEATED DEFLECTION - A deflectable medical device incorporates a strut that is configured to reduce or eliminate axial shortening of the deflectable portion of the medical device, for example, the deflectable distal end portion of a catheter or access sheath. The strut may is coaxially disposed in the medical device in the section that is contemplated to undergo the repeated deflection. The strut provides improved column strength and axial restoration. The strut may be stent-like device, an elongate device having opposing ends coupled by a connecting lattice involving a plurality of helical connecting elements or a tube having a plurality of circumferentially-extending slots arranged in longitudinally-extending rows. | 06-20-2013 |
20130144259 | Catheter having proximal heat sensitive deflection mechanism and related methods of use and manufacture - Deflectable catheter systems, apparatuses and methods utilizing thermal expansion to influence catheter deflection. A representative embodiment includes a catheter having one or more pull wires or other tensioning elements. One end of the tensioning element(s) is connected at a distal portion of the catheter to facilitate shaft deflection upon pulling the tensioning element(s). A heat-sensitive control member(s) is coupled to a proximal portion of the tensioning element(s). The elongate tensioning element(s) is pulled in a proximal direction to deflect the distal portion of the catheter in response to a temperature change applied to the heat- sensitive control member. | 06-06-2013 |
20130144208 | Dual-deflecting electrophysiology catheter - An electrophysiology catheter includes a tubular body having a proximal region, a neck region, and a distal region predisposed into a loop and including electrodes. A first deflection wire extends through at least a portion of the proximal region of the catheter body and includes a first flattened section, while a second deflection wire extends through the neck region and at least a portion of the distal region and includes a second flattened section within the neck region. A first activation wire is joined to the flattened section of the first deflection wire, while a second activation wire is joined to the flattened section of the second deflection wire. Thus, forces acting on the first and second activation wires, such as forces imposed by a handle-based actuator, are respectively transmitted to the first and second deflection wires, thereby deflecting the proximal and neck regions, respectively. | 06-06-2013 |
20130138099 | METHOD FOR DISPLAYING CATHETER ELECTRODE-TISSUE CONTACT IN ELECTRO-ANATOMIC MAPPING AND NAVIGATION SYSTEM - An electrode coupling output system associated with an electrode catheter that provides indication to the physician via the navigation system, concerning the electrical coupling of an electrode, such as an ablative or mapping electrode, with a patient. The indication may be provided by changing the color or other display characteristics of the electrode on the navigation system display or by way of providing a waveform indicating the electrode coupling. In this manner, electrode coupling information is provided to a physician in a manner that minimizes physician distraction. | 05-30-2013 |
20130102892 | SENSOR MOUNTED FLEXIBLE GUIDEWIRE - A flexible guidewire comprising a hollow tube, having a proximal section and a distal section, the distal section having a distal tip, the outer diameter of the distal section gradually decreasing toward the distal tip, the outer diameter of the distal tip being larger than the smallest outer diameter of the distal section, the flexible guidewire further comprising a plug coupled with the distal tip of the hollow tube for creating a non-traumatic tip, and the flexible guidewire further comprising a tubular spring, being place around the distal section of the hollow tube for maintaining the outer diameter of the hollow tube over the length thereof and for supporting compressive loads. | 04-25-2013 |
20120113108 | ULTRASOUND IMAGE PROCESSING TO RENDER THREE-DIMENSIONAL IMAGES FROM TWO-DIMENSIONAL IMAGES - Methods for processing two-dimensional ultrasound images from an intracardiac ultrasound imaging catheter provide improved image quality and enable generating three-dimensional composite images of the heart. Two-dimensional ultrasound images are obtained and stored in conjunction with correlating information, such as time or an electrocardiogram. Images related to particular conditions or configurations of the heart can be processed in combination to reduce image noise and increase resolution. Images may be processed to recognize structure edges, and the location of structure edges used to generate cartoon rendered images of the structure. Structure locations may be averaged over several images to remove noise, distortions and blurring from movement. | 05-10-2012 |
20110144806 | INTELLIGENT INPUT DEVICE CONTROLLER FOR A ROBOTIC CATHETER SYSTEM - A robotic catheter system includes a robotic controller; a robotic manipulator; and in input controller. The input controller includes communication circuitry configured to receive a signal from a user input device; memory having stored therein a plurality of device drivers associated with a different type of input device or a differently configured input device; and a processor configured to recognize an input device connected with the communications circuitry, load a device driver according to the recognized input device, initialize the input device, and/or one of reject and notify an end user, and deliver an image to a display or graphical user interface. | 06-16-2011 |
20110125150 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ASSESSING EFFECTIVE DELIVERY OF ABLATION THERAPY - A system and method for assessing effective delivery of ablation therapy to a tissue in a body is provided. A three-dimensional anatomical map of the tissue is generated and displayed with the map defining a corresponding volume. An index is generated corresponding to a location within the volume with the index indicative of a state of ablation therapy at the location. The index may be derived from one or more factors such as the duration an ablation electrode is present at the location, the amount of energy provided, the degree of electrical coupling between an ablation electrode and the tissue at the location and temperature. A visual characteristic (e.g., color intensity) of a portion of the anatomical map corresponding to the location is then altered responsive to the index. | 05-26-2011 |
20100168728 | IRRIGATED ABLATION CATHETER AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY - An irrigated ablation catheter includes a tubular catheter body having an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member. The catheter body has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The catheter also includes an electrode extending from the distal portion of the catheter body, a flow distributor positioned at least partially within distal portion of the catheter body and at least partially overlapping the electrode, and a flow path extending through the catheter body and the flow distributor. The flow path is configured to provide cooling fluid to an external surface of the electrode. | 07-01-2010 |
20100168568 | Combined Diagnostic and Therapeutic Device Using Aligned Energy Beams - A device for both providing therapy to a tissue and detecting a characteristic of said tissue is provided. The device includes a deformable tubular body such as a catheter or scope. An electrode is supported by the body and configured to deliver therapeutic energy to the tissue along a first path. The electrode may, for example, be used in cardiac ablation and the therapeutic energy may comprise any common ablation energy modality including radio waves or ultrasound waves. The device further includes an acoustic transducer supported by the body and configured to receive acoustic energy along a second path. The transducer may also transmit acoustic energy. The first and second paths are aligned and may be parallel or overlap, for example. The physical relationship of the electrode and transducer and the alignment of the energy paths eliminates the need to register the spatial coordinates of the therapeutic and diagnostic elements. | 07-01-2010 |
20100168558 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE CANCELLATION OF MOTION ARTIFACTS IN MEDICAL INTERVENTIONAL NAVIGATION - A method and apparatus for mapping a location of a point within the body is disclosed. A plurality of positional reference nodes are determined, each aligned on a first element. A second element is mapped with reference to the plurality of reference nodes to determine the relative location of a point on the second element. | 07-01-2010 |
20100137859 | IRRIGATED ABLATION CATHETER HAVING A FLEXIBLE MANIFOLD - An irrigated ablation catheter includes a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and an irrigation lumen therein. The catheter further includes an electrode assembly coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The electrode assembly includes an ablation electrode and a manifold. The manifold is coupled to each of the distal end of the shaft and the proximal end of the electrode. At least a portion of the manifold is constructed of a flexible material to allow the electrode assembly to deflect. The manifold includes a body, an inner cavity within the body configured for fluid communication with the irrigation lumen, and an irrigation port also within the body and configured for fluid communication with the inner cavity. The irrigation port extends from the inner cavity to the outer surface of the body, and is configured to allow for an irrigating fluid to be distributed from the manifold. | 06-03-2010 |
20090125017 | IRRIGATED ABLATION ELECTRODE HAVING RECESSED SURFACE PORTIONS - The present invention relates to ablation electrode assemblies. The present invention further relates to an irrigated ablation electrode assembly that includes a recessed portion that can improve fluid flow around the irrigated ablation electrode. The electrode includes an outer body portion having an outer surface, and an inner cavity defined within the outer body portion. The electrode further includes at least one passageway for fluid flow from the inner cavity to the outer surface of the body of the electrode. The passageway further defines an outlet on the external surface of the electrode, therein allowing the fluid to flow on and/or around the electrode surface. The outer surface of the electrode further includes a recessed portion. The outlet of the passageway is disposed at least partially within the recessed portion. The fluid that exits the passageway may flow within the recessed portion to improve irrigation of the electrode. | 05-14-2009 |
20090125016 | IRRIGATED ABLATION ELECTRODE HAVING PROXIMAL DIRECTION FLOW - The present invention relates to improved ablation electrodes and catheter assemblies, as well as methods useful in conjunction with irrigated ablation catheters. Embodiments of the present invention further relate to an irrigated catheter having irrigation fluid directed at target areas where coagulation is more likely to occur to help minimize blood coagulation and the associated problems. The present invention further relates to an ablation electrode having an outer body with a proximal portion and a distal portion an inner cavity and at least one passageway that extends to an opening on the outer surface of the electrode, wherein the passageway is directed towards the proximal portion and/or proximal end of the electrode forming an acute angle with a longitudinal axis of the electrode. | 05-14-2009 |