Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080294154 | CARDIAC ABLATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Cardiac ablation systems and methods of their use and manufacture involve an ablation mechanism, a stabilizer mechanism, and a cinching mechanism that urges the ablation mechanism toward a patient tissue. Embodiments encompass methods for administering epicardial and endocardial lesions, including box lesions and connecting lesions, to patient tissue. | 11-27-2008 |
20090012510 | Cardiac ablation devices and methods - Devices and methods provide for ablation of cardiac tissue for treating cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. Although the devices and methods are often be used to ablate epicardial tissue in the vicinity of at least one pulmonary vein, various embodiments may be used to ablate other cardiac tissues in other locations on a heart. Devices generally include at least one tissue contacting member for contacting epicardial tissue and securing the ablation device to the epicardial tissue, and at least one ablation member for ablating the tissue. Various embodiments include features, such as suction apertures, which enable the device to attach to the epicardial surface with sufficient strength to allow the tissue to be stabilized via the device. For example, some embodiments may be used to stabilize a beating heart to enable a beating heart ablation procedure. Many of the devices may be introduced into a patient via minimally invasive introducer devices and the like. Although devices and methods of the invention may be used to ablate epicardial tissue to treat atrial fibrillation, they may also be used in veterinary or research contexts, to treat various heart conditions other than atrial fibrillation and/or to ablate cardiac tissue other than the epicardium. | 01-08-2009 |
20090048591 | CARDIAC ABLATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Cardiac ablation systems and methods of their use and manufacture involve an ablation mechanism, a stabilizer mechanism, and a cinching mechanism that urges the ablation mechanism toward a patient tissue. Embodiments encompass methods for administering epicardial and endocardial lesions, including box lesions and connecting lesions, to patient tissue. | 02-19-2009 |
20090076503 | CONDUCTION BLOCK VERIFICATION PROBE AND METHOD OF USE - Devices and methods provide for ablation of cardiac tissue for treating cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. Although the devices and methods are often be used to ablate epicardial tissue in the vicinity of at least one pulmonary vein, various embodiments may be used to ablate other cardiac tissues in other locations on a heart. Devices generally include at least one tissue contacting member for contacting epicardial tissue and securing the ablation device to the epicardial tissue, and at least one ablation member for ablating the tissue. Various embodiments include features, such as suction apertures, which enable the device to attach to the epicardial surface with sufficient strength to allow the tissue to be stabilized via the device. For example, some embodiments may be used to stabilize a beating heart to enable a beating heart ablation procedure. Many of the devices may be introduced into a patient via minimally invasive introducer devices and the like. Although devices and methods of the invention may be used to ablate epicardial tissue to treat atrial fibrillation, they may also be used in veterinary or research contexts, to treat various heart conditions other than atrial fibrillation and/or to ablate cardiac tissue other than the epicardium. | 03-19-2009 |
20090281541 | CONDUCTION BLOCK SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Tissue treatment systems for cardiac surgical procedures can include an ablation and monitoring assembly having a first ablation element, a second ablation element, and a monitoring mechanism. Treatment methods may involve placing an ablation and monitoring assembly of the tissue treatment system at a patient tissue treatment site, applying a first ablative energy to a first tissue location via the first ablation element and a second ablative energy to a second tissue location via the second ablation element, monitoring a condition of the first tissue location with the monitoring mechanism, and modulating application of the first ablative energy to the first tissue location in response to the condition of the first tissue location while maintaining application of the second ablative energy to the second tissue location. Embodiments also include techniques for assessing a conduction delay across a lesion that involve evaluating local activation rates on various sides of a lesion. | 11-12-2009 |
20100016851 | CARDIAC ABLATION DEVICES AND METHODS - Devices and methods provide for ablation of cardiac tissue for treating cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. Although the devices and methods are often be used to ablate epicardial tissue in the vicinity of at least one pulmonary vein, various embodiments may be used to ablate other cardiac tissues in other locations on a heart. Devices generally include at least one tissue contacting member for contacting epicardial tissue and securing the ablation device to the epicardial tissue, and at least one ablation member for ablating the tissue. Various embodiments include features, such as suction apertures, which enable the device to attach to the epicardial surface with sufficient strength to allow the tissue to be stabilized via the device. For example, some embodiments may be used to stabilize a beating heart to enable a beating heart ablation procedure. Many of the devices may be introduced into a patient via minimally invasive introducer devices and the like. Although devices and methods of the invention may be used to ablate epicardial tissue to treat atrial fibrillation, they may also be used in veterinary or research contexts, to treat various heart conditions other than atrial fibrillation and/or to ablate cardiac tissue other than the epicardium. | 01-21-2010 |
20100087709 | BALLOON CATHETER SHEATH - Apparatus and method for using disposable jackets or sheaths with many kinds of surgical devices, such as catheters and endoscopes. An inflatable balloon is mounted on an outside surface of the sheath. The sheath may also include radiopaque markers, a sterility strip, one or more attachment clips, adhesive attachment, an endcap, and/or an inflation lumen formed as a tube that extends beyond the proximal end of the sheath. The balloons of the sheath may have regular or irregular profiles and shapes, including but not limited to: a bowtie shape, a donut shape, helix, spiral, alternating on opposing sides. The balloon may be simultaneously inflated through a common lumen or they may separately inflatable through separate lumens. | 04-08-2010 |
20100280325 | RETRACTORS AND SURGICAL SYSTEMS INCLUDING THE SAME - Retractors and surgical systems that include retractors are disclosed. | 11-04-2010 |
20100317925 | SUCTION-ASSISTED TISSUE STABILIZERS - Suction assisted tissue stabilizers that include portions that deflect when force is applied thereto and return to their initial shape when the force is removed. | 12-16-2010 |
20100331838 | TRANSMURALITY CLAMP SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Tissue clamp systems and methods assess the transmurality of a lesion created by ablation. Exemplary clamp systems for ablating tissue include a first jaw, an ablation element mounted on the first jaw, a second jaw, and a sensing element mounted on the second jaw. The sensing element can be configured to assess transmurality of a lesion created by the ablation element. Systems may also include a connection mechanism that connects the ablation element and the sensing element to a connector for connecting the ablation element and the sensing element to an ablation system. | 12-30-2010 |
20110009853 | LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE DEVICES AND METHODS - Devices and methods for clamping tissue and/or moving two tissue structures together by moving two plates or arm together. The pressure or force applied to the tissue may be used to bring the tissue together, to seal an opening or to cut through and remove a portion of the tissue. In one procedure disclosed, a clip applier may be used to apply one or more clips to the left atrial appendage of the heart to prevent clots from the left atrial appendage from embolizing and causing harm to the patient, such as a stroke. | 01-13-2011 |
20110028792 | TISSUE RETRACTORS WITH FLUID EVACUATION/INFUSION AND/OR LIGHT EMISSION CAPABILITY - Retractor apparatus including a blade and a fluid port and/or a light emitter associated with blade, and surgical systems including an arm and a retractor apparatus. | 02-03-2011 |
20110034915 | BIPOLAR BELT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Bipolar belt ablation systems and methods for treating patient tissue involve the use of an ablation an ablation apparatus with a plurality of ablation elements carried by a flexible tube structure, a radiofrequency generator capable of delivering a plurality of differing radiofrequency power signals to the ablation elements of the ablation device, wires transmitting the radiofrequency power signals from the radiofrequency generator to the ablation elements, and a control mechanism to enable temperature-based power control to each of the powered ablation elements. | 02-10-2011 |
20110060331 | MAGNETIC NAVIGATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Systems and methods for forming a lesion on an endocardial tissue of a patient's heart involve placing an ablation assembly inside of the heart and adjacent to the endocardial tissue, and placing a guiding assembly outside of the heart. An ablation assembly includes an ablation element and a first attraction element, and a guiding assembly includes a second attraction element. First and second attraction elements can be attracted via magnetism. Techniques involve forming an ablation on the cardiac tissue of a patient's heart with an ablation element of the ablation assembly. Optionally, techniques may include moving the second attraction element of the guiding assembly relative to the patient's heart, so as to effect a corresponding movement of the ablation element of the ablation assembly. | 03-10-2011 |
20110066000 | SCOPE AND MAGNETIC INTRODUCER SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Exemplary scope systems and methods involve a cannula assembly, a sheath assembly, and a tubing set. A cannula assembly, which may be a non-magnetic scope cap assembly, can include a cannula body, a proximal housing having a strap, an optical window, and a luer for suction or flushing. A cannula body may include a first lumen or scope channel for receiving a visualization device such as an endoscope or laparoscope, a distal end having suction or flushing flush apertures, and a second lumen for providing fluid communication between the apertures and the luer. Exemplary magnetic introducer systems and methods involve a cannula assembly, a sheath assembly, a tubing set. In some cases, the cannula assembly of a magnetic introducer system can be a magnetic scope cap assembly. In addition to cannula and sheath assemblies, magnetic introducer systems can include a magnetic introducer tubing assembly and a stylet assembly. | 03-17-2011 |
20110152741 | CANNULA SYSTEM - A cannula system for removing fluid from a patient's vasculature includes a cannula and an obturator. The cannula includes a proximal end, a distal end, and an elongate flexible tube extending therebetween. The cannula has a central lumen. The obturator is sized for insertion into the cannula's central lumen and is also configured to extend beyond the cannula distal end. A tapered portion at the cannula's distal end provides a smooth transition and an interference fit between the cannula and the obturator. The obturator includes an obturator central lumen and an opening at its distal end that is sized to receive a guidewire. | 06-23-2011 |
20110152860 | ADJUSTABLE CLAMP SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Tissue treatment systems include an actuator handle assembly coupled with a clamp assembly having a first jaw mechanism and a second jaw mechanism. A first jaw mechanism includes a first flexible boot, a first flexible ablation member coupled with the first flexible boot, and a first rotatable jawbone disposed within the first flexible boot. A second jaw mechanism comprises a second flexible boot, a second flexible ablation member coupled with the second flexible boot, and a second rotatable jawbone disposed within the second flexible boot. | 06-23-2011 |
20110152915 | HEMOSTATIC STABILIZATION SYSTEM - A hemostatic stabilization system for hemostatically accessing a bodily organ includes a hemostatic cup and a hemostatic port. The hemostatic cup includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a wall extending therebetween. The hemostatic cup also includes a tissue attachment edge at the distal end, and a sealing surface at the proximal end. The hemostatic port is configured for insertion through the sealing surface and into the bodily organ. The hemostatic port defines a working channel configured to receive an instrument to be inserted into the bodily organ. The hemostatic cup defines a vacuum chamber configured to adhere the hemostatic cup to the bodily organ when a vacuum source is coupled thereto and when the tissue attachment edge is brought into contact with the bodily organ. The hemostatic cup is configured to maintain a hemostatic environment when the instrument is inserted into the bodily organ through the hemostatic port. | 06-23-2011 |
20110213316 | SELF-DILATING CANNULA - A self-dilating cannula for introduction into a patient's vasculature includes an elongate body and an atraumatic tip. The elongate body has a proximal end, a distal end, and a fluid-flow lumen extending therebetween. The atraumatic tip is positioned at the elongate body's distal end and has a blunted end and a conical shape. The atraumatic tip includes a plurality of fluid-flow openings proximal to the blunted nose that are configured to disperse fluid from the fluid-flow lumen in a plurality of directions with respect to the atraumatic tip. The atraumatic tip also includes an opening in the blunted nose that is sized to a guidewire. | 09-01-2011 |
20120323262 | LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE TREATMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Embodiments of the present invention encompass systems and methods to prevent complications from atrial fibrillation by preventing or reducing the likelihood of blood flow out of the left atrial appendage, to eliminate a possible source of aberrant electrical circuits, or both. Accordingly, techniques are provided for delivering ligature loops or closure means to the left atrial appendage, and to other anatomical structures of a patient which may be desirable in other surgical procedures. | 12-20-2012 |
20130226174 | MAGNETIC NAVIGATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Systems and methods for forming a lesion on an endocardial tissue of a patient's heart involve placing an ablation assembly inside of the heart and adjacent to the endocardial tissue, and placing a guiding assembly outside of the heart. An ablation assembly includes an ablation element and a first attraction element, and a guiding assembly includes a second attraction element. First and second attraction elements can be attracted via magnetism. Techniques involve forming an ablation on the cardiac tissue of a patient's heart with an ablation element of the ablation assembly. Optionally, techniques may include moving the second attraction element of the guiding assembly relative to the patient's heart, so as to effect a corresponding movement of the ablation element of the ablation assembly. | 08-29-2013 |
20140039488 | CARDIAC ABLATION DEVICES AND METHODS - Devices and methods provide for ablation of cardiac tissue for treating cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. Although the devices and methods are often be used to ablate epicardial tissue in the vicinity of at least one pulmonary vein, various embodiments may be used to ablate other cardiac tissues in other locations on a heart. Devices generally include at least one tissue contacting member for contacting epicardial tissue and securing the ablation device to the epicardial tissue, and at least one ablation member for ablating the tissue. Various embodiments include features, such as suction apertures, which enable the device to attach to the epicardial surface with sufficient strength to allow the tissue to be stabilized via the device. For example, some embodiments may be used to stabilize a beating heart to enable a beating heart ablation procedure. Many of the devices may be introduced into a patient via minimally invasive introducer devices and the like. Although devices and methods of the invention may be used to ablate epicardial tissue to treat atrial fibrillation, they may also be used in veterinary or research contexts, to treat various heart conditions other than atrial fibrillation and/or to ablate cardiac tissue other than the epicardium. | 02-06-2014 |
20140142606 | HEMOSTATIC STABILIZATION SYSTEM - A hemostatic stabilization system for hemostatically accessing a bodily organ includes a hemostatic cup and a hemostatic port. The hemostatic cup includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a wall extending therebetween. The hemostatic cup also includes a tissue attachment edge at the distal end, and a sealing surface at the proximal end. The hemostatic port is configured for insertion through the sealing surface and into the bodily organ. The hemostatic port defines a working channel configured to receive an instrument to be inserted into the bodily organ. The hemostatic cup defines a vacuum chamber configured to adhere the hemostatic cup to the bodily organ when a vacuum source is coupled thereto and when the tissue attachment edge is brought into contact with the bodily organ. The hemostatic cup is configured to maintain a hemostatic environment when the instrument is inserted into the bodily organ through the hemostatic port. | 05-22-2014 |
20140155885 | Cardiac Ablation Devices and Methods - Devices and methods provide for ablation of cardiac tissue for treating cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. The devices and methods are used to ablate epicardial tissue in the vicinity of the pulmonary veins, and other locations on a heart. Devices generally include at least one tissue contacting member for contacting epicardial tissue and securing the ablation device to the epicardial tissue, and at least one ablation member for ablating the tissue. Various embodiments include features, such as suction apertures, which enable the device to attach to the epicardial surface with sufficient strength to allow the tissue to be stabilized via the device. For example, some embodiments may be used to stabilize a beating heart to enable a beating heart ablation procedure. Many of the devices may be introduced into a patient utilizing minimally invasive introducer devices and the like. A preferred embodiment of the introducer device includes an integrated light source that can be activated at the time of use. | 06-05-2014 |
20140194695 | TISSUE RETRACTORS WITH FLUID EVACUATION/INFUSION AND/OR LIGHT EMISSION CAPABILITY - Retractor apparatus including a blade and a fluid port and/or a light emitter associated with blade, and surgical systems including an arm and a retractor apparatus. | 07-10-2014 |
20140221993 | CARDIAC ABLATION DEVICES AND METHODS - Devices and methods provide for ablation of cardiac tissue for treating cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. Although the devices and methods are often used to ablate epicardial tissue in the vicinity of at least one pulmonary vein, various embodiments may be used to ablate other cardiac tissues in other locations on a heart. Devices generally include at least one tissue contacting member for contacting epicardial tissue and securing the ablation device to the epicardial tissue, and at least one ablation member for ablating the tissue. Various embodiments include features, such as suction apertures, which enable the device to attach to the epicardial surface with sufficient strength to allow the tissue to be stabilized via the device. For example, some embodiments may be used to stabilize a beating heart to enable a beating heart ablation procedure. Many of the devices may be introduced into a patient via minimally invasive introducer devices and the like. Although devices and methods of the invention may be used to ablate epicardial tissue to treat atrial fibrillation, they may also be used in veterinary or research contexts, to treat various heart conditions other than atrial fibrillation and/or to ablate cardiac tissue other than the epicardium. | 08-07-2014 |
20140288556 | CARDIAC ABLATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Cardiac ablation systems and methods of their use and manufacture involve an ablation mechanism, a stabilizer mechanism, and a cinching mechanism that urges the ablation mechanism toward a patient tissue. Embodiments encompass methods for administering epicardial and endocardial lesions, including box lesions and connecting lesions, to patient tissue. | 09-25-2014 |
20140303651 | LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE TREATMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Embodiments of the present invention encompass systems and methods to prevent complications from atrial fibrillation by preventing or reducing the likelihood of blood flow out of the left atrial appendage, to eliminate a possible source of aberrant electrical circuits, or both. Accordingly, techniques are provided for delivering ligature loops or closure means to the left atrial appendage, and to other anatomical structures of a patient which may be desirable in other surgical procedures. | 10-09-2014 |