Patent application number | Description | Published |
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 |
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 |
20090143779 | Irrigated ablation catheter having parallel external flow and proximally tapered electrode - Embodiments of the present invention provide an irrigated catheter having irrigation fluid directed at a taper angle generally in parallel with a proximally tapered portion of the tip electrode to provide improved electrode surface cooling. In one embodiment, an irrigated ablation electrode assembly for use with an irrigated catheter device comprises a proximal member having at least one passageway for a fluid with an outlet disposed at an external surface of the proximal member; and a distal member connected with the proximal member and having an external surface, the distal member including an electrode. The external surface of the distal member has a tapered proximal portion narrowing toward the proximal member at a taper angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the distal member. The at least one passageway of the proximal member is configured to direct a fluid flow through the outlet in a distal direction at an angle substantially equal to the taper angle to produce an external flow that is generally parallel to the tapered proximal portion of the external surface of the distal member. | 06-04-2009 |
20090156916 | CATHETER SYSTEMS WITH BLOOD MEASUREMENT DEVICE AND METHODS - Catheter systems with blood measurement device and methods are disclosed. An exemplary catheter system for use in positioning a distal end of a catheter body at a desired location in a patient's body may include a needle provided at the distal end of the catheter body to withdraw blood from the patient's body. The needle is fluidically connected to a proximal end of the catheter body. The catheter system may also include a measurement device provided at the proximal end of the catheter body. The measurement device is configured to receive blood withdrawn by the needle for measuring a blood gas value of the blood for use in positioning the distal end of the catheter body at the desired location in the patient's body. | 06-18-2009 |
20090156921 | CARDIAC ABLATION CATHETER WITH OXYGEN SATURATION SENSOR - Positioning of the distal end of a catheter at a desired location, for example, in the desired atrium of a patient's heart, can be determined or verified through measurement of blood gas values proximate to the distal end. In one embodiment, an oximeter is used to monitor oxygen saturation, for example, to distinguish between de-oxygenated venous blood and well-oxygenated arterial blood. Optical signals may be transmitted to the distal end of the catheter and received therefrom via optical fibers. Specifically, a catheter ( | 06-18-2009 |
20090177193 | IRRIGATED ABLATION ELECTRODE HAVING SMOOTH EDGES TO MINIMIZE TISSUE CHAR - The invention relates to ablation catheter electrodes that solve in part the problem of tissue charring during radiofrequency ablation. The electrode assemblies of the invention include passageways that lead from the inner lumen of the assemblies to the surface of the assemblies, wherein the passageways have a smooth conjunction with the outer surface. These smooth conjunctions comprise rounded edges or are camfered. In the case of rounded edges, the rounded edges can have fixed radii of about 0.002″ to about 0.008″. | 07-09-2009 |
20090204143 | Distal Protection Filter with Improved Wall Apposition - In accordance with the present invention, a distal protection and embolic material retrieval device with improved apposition to both large and small vessel walls of varying geometries for enhancing the filtering of embolic material during intravascular procedures while allowing for the passage of blood is provided. The device includes a filter basket designed to maximize apposition of the filtering portion to that of the vessel wall and may include struts which provide circumferential support to the filtering membrane and thereby minimizing or eliminating in-folding of the filter basket. Thin film materials may also be utilized for the filtering membrane of the filter basket. In addition one can incorporate biological and/or pharmaceutical agents in combination with the present invention. | 08-13-2009 |
20090259222 | Ablation electrode assembly with insulated distal outlet - The present invention relates to improved ablation electrodes ( | 10-15-2009 |
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 |
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 |
20100168729 | IRRIGATED ABLATION ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY HAVING OFF-CENTER IRRIGATION PASSAGEWAY - An irrigated ablation catheter includes a shaft and an electrode assembly affixed to a distal end of the shaft. The distal electrode assembly includes a manifold and an ablation electrode affixed together and extending along a center axis. The electrode has a distal irrigation passageway extending therethrough to an opening at a distal tip of the electrode. The opening of the irrigation passageway is offset in distance from the center axis, and allows a thermal sensor such as a thermocouple to be located in a sensor cavity in the electrode on or near the center axis. One variation involves providing a pair of distal irrigation passageways through the electrode where both of the openings of the passageways are offset from the center axis. The thermal sensor in this variation is located in the sensor cavity substantially on the center axis. | 07-01-2010 |
20100168736 | CONTROLLED IRRIGATED CATHETER ABLATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS THEREOF - The present invention relates to open irrigated catheter ablation systems and methods used in connection with open irrigated catheter systems. The systems and related methods can control irrigation fluid flow to obtain temperature responses indicative of temperatures associated with an ablation procedure. Embodiments of the present invention provide irrigated catheter ablation systems having controlled irrigation fluid flow that can be directed at target areas where coagulation is more likely to occur to help minimize blood coagulation and associated problems. The irrigated fluid flow may be regulated in connection with an established or predetermined temperature threshold to improve or better optimize cooling and ablation properties of the system. In embodiments, irrigation flow may be either delayed or intermitted. | 07-01-2010 |
20100305423 | CATHETER HAVING DISTAL SEALING MEMBER - A catheter includes a proximal end, a distal end, a tubular member, and an inner member extending through the tubular member. The inner member is movable axially relative to the tubular member. The catheter also includes a seal member including a first portion and a second portion. The seal member extends between the tubular member and the inner member. The first portion of the seal member remains stationary relative to the tubular member, and the second portion of the seal member remains stationary relative to the inner member during relative axial movement between the tubular member and the inner member. | 12-02-2010 |
20110092969 | Ablation electrode assembly and methods for improved control of temperature - The present invention pertains to multiple piece irrigated ablation electrode assemblies wherein the irrigation channels are insulated or separated from at least one temperature sensing mechanism within the distal portion of the electrode assembly. The present invention further pertains to methods for improved assembly and accurate measurement and control of the electrode temperatures while effectively irrigating the device and target areas. | 04-21-2011 |
20110160721 | Irrigated Catheter Employing Multi-Lumenal Irrigation Tubing - An irrigated catheter includes a catheter body having both proximal and distal irrigation passageways. A first fluid delivery tube feeds the proximal irrigation passageway and is fluidly isolated from the distal irrigation passageway, while a second fluid delivery tube feeds the distal irrigation passageway and is fluidly isolated from the proximal irrigation passageway. Typically, the first and second fluid delivery tubes will be unitary, at least through the catheter body. The overall shape of the first and second fluid delivery tubes, as well as their respective lumens, may vary as necessary for a particular application of the irrigated catheter. The system also includes an irrigation fluid source and at least one pump to deliver the irrigation fluid through the irrigation passageways. Typically, the pump will be a volume-driven pump, such as a rolling pump. | 06-30-2011 |
20110202054 | Cooled ablation catheter with reciprocating flow - 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 blood and other biological fluids to flow into and out of an inner cavity of the electrode. This fluid flow produced the desired cooling effect and is accomplished, for example, by a reciprocating plunger or piston, or by a balloon that is alternately inflated and deflated. | 08-18-2011 |
20120078237 | TIP FOR MEDICAL IMPLANT DELIVERY SYSTEM - A delivery system for delivering and deploying a medical implant, such as a prosthetic heart valve, includes an elongated support member, a sheath, and a tip. The sheath is movable relative to the elongated support member between a distal position overlying the medical implant and a proximal position exposing the medical implant for release from the delivery system. The tip is attached to the elongated support member and is positioned at a distal end of the sheath when the sheath is in the distal position. The tip has a compressed condition and an expanded condition, and a maximum diameter in the expanded condition that is larger than the outer diameter of the sheath. | 03-29-2012 |
20120078350 | RETAINERS FOR TRANSCATHETER HEART VALVE DELIVERY SYSTEMS - A delivery device for an implantable medical device having at least one retention member at an end thereof includes a shaft extending in a longitudinal direction, an elongated sheath surrounding a longitudinal portion of the shaft, a compartment defined inside of the sheath and adapted to receive the medical device in an assembled condition, a retainer positioned at one end of the compartment, and at least one acceptance in the retainer adapted to receive the retention member of the medical device in the assembled condition. The sheath is slidable relative to the shaft in the longitudinal direction to uncover and deploy the medical device. The retainer may be rotatable relative to the shaft to reduce torsional forces in the medical device during delivery and deployment. The retainer may have at least one recess facing the compartment for receiving a strut at an end of a stent of the medical device. | 03-29-2012 |
20120078351 | DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR COLLAPSIBLE HEART VALVE - A delivery system for delivering a collapsible prosthetic heart valve includes a valve support structure for supporting a collapsible prosthetic heart valve, and a distal sheath movable in a longitudinal direction relative to the valve support structure between a first position in which the distal sheath is adapted to surround a collapsible prosthetic heart valve supported on the valve support structure, and a second position in which the distal sheath is adapted to expose the collapsible prosthetic heart valve for deployment. The distal sheath is at least partially formed of an inner polymer layer, an outer polymer layer, and a tubular supporting member sandwiched between the inner polymer layer and the outer polymer layer. | 03-29-2012 |
20120078352 | STAGED DEPLOYMENT DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TRANSCATHETER HEART VALVE DELIVERY SYSTEMS - A delivery device for a collapsible heart valve includes an operating handle, including a frame defining a movement space therein, a carriage assembly moveable within the movement space, and a first resheathing lock having a locked position and an unlocked position. The delivery device further includes a catheter assembly, including a first shaft around which a valve-receiving compartment is defined, the first shaft being fixedly connected to one of the frame or the carriage assembly, and a distal sheath operatively connected to the carriage assembly. The distal sheath is moveable between a closed condition adapted to maintain the valve in the compartment and an open condition adapted to fully deploy the valve. With the resheathing lock in the locked position, the distal sheath is unable to move to the open condition to fully deploy the valve. | 03-29-2012 |
20120083874 | DEVICE FOR COLLAPSING AND LOADING A HEART VALVE INTO A MINIMALLY INVASIVE DELIVERY SYSTEM - A device is provided for collapsing a stented bioprosthetic valve, including first section and second sections, each spanning between first and second ends of the device. The second section of the device is associated with the first section to at least partially enclose an internal cavity formed by the first and second sections, the internal cavity tapering from an open insertion portion at a first end of the device to an open exit portion at a second end of the device. The insertion portion has a larger dimension than the exit portion. When the first section and second section are substantially enclosing the internal cavity, a stented bioprosthetic valve may be inserted into the insertion portion and collapsed as it is moved toward and through the exit portion. The valve may then be loaded on an apparatus for insertion into the body. | 04-05-2012 |
20120083875 | ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR LOADING A SELF-EXPANDING COLLAPSIBLE HEART VALVE - An assembly for collapsing a prosthetic heart valve includes a compression member and a pusher member. The compression member has a first open end with a first diameter, a second open end with a second diameter less than the first diameter, and a tapered wall between the first open end and the second open end. The pusher member has a base adapted to engage an end of the valve. The pusher member and the compression member are movable relative to one another between an initial position in which the base of the pusher member is relatively far from the first open end of the compression member and an operative position in which the base of the pusher member is relatively close to the first open end of the compression member. Movement of the pusher and compression members from the initial position to the operative position radially compresses the valve. | 04-05-2012 |
20120083876 | PREPARATION METHODS FOR TRANSCATHETER HEART VALVE DELIVERY SYSTEMS - A delivery device for a collapsible prosthetic heart valve includes a support shaft around which a compartment is defined, an inner shaft extending through the support shaft and adapted to slide relative to the support shaft along a longitudinal axis thereof, the inner shaft having a lumen therethrough, and a distal sheath operatively connected at a distal end to the inner shaft and slidable therewith. The compartment may receive the valve in an assembled condition, and may be selectively covered and uncovered by the distal sheath. A first flow path may provide flow communication between the lumen of the inner shaft and the compartment. | 04-05-2012 |
20120123528 | STAGED DEPLOYMENT DEVICES AND METHOD FOR TRANSCATHETER HEART VALVE DELIVERY - A delivery device for a collapsible heart valve includes an operating handle and a catheter assembly. The operating handle includes a frame defining a movement space therein, a carriage assembly moveable in a longitudinal direction within the movement space, and a coupler having locked and unlocked conditions, the coupler being operatively connected to the carriage assembly for movement therewith. The catheter assembly includes a shaft around which a valve-receiving compartment is defined, the shaft being operatively connected to one of the frame or the carriage assembly, and a distal sheath operatively connected to the carriage assembly for movement therewith between a closed condition adapted to maintain the valve in the compartment and an open condition adapted to fully deploy the valve. | 05-17-2012 |
20120150175 | Irrigated ablation electrode assembly and method for control of temperature - Embodiments of the present invention provide an irrigated catheter having irrigation fluid directed at target areas where coagulation is more likely to occur so as to minimize blood coagulation and the associated problems. In one embodiment, an irrigated ablation electrode assembly for use with an irrigated catheter device comprises a proximal member having at least one passageway for a fluid with an outlet disposed at an external surface of the proximal member; and a distal member connected with the proximal member and having an external surface. The distal member includes an electrode. The external surface of the proximal member and the external surface of the distal member meet at an intersection. The at least one passageway of the proximal member is configured to direct a fluid flow through the outlet toward a region adjacent the intersection. | 06-14-2012 |
20120215088 | CATHETER HAVING DISTAL SEALING MEMBER - A catheter includes a proximal end, a distal end, a tubular member, and an inner member extending through the tubular member. The inner member is movable axially relative to the tubular member. The catheter also includes a seal member including a first portion and a second portion. The seal member extends between the tubular member and the inner member. The first portion of the seal member remains stationary relative to the tubular member, and the second portion of the seal member remains stationary relative to the inner member during relative axial movement between the tubular member and the inner member. | 08-23-2012 |
20120330408 | SYSTEM FOR LOADING A COLLAPSIBLE HEART VALVE - An assembly for collapsing a self-expanding prosthetic heart valve includes a compression member, a support member and a constricting member. The compression member has a tapered wall between its first open end and its second open end, the tapered wall defining an open space adapted to receive the valve. The support member has a base and a recess adapted to receive an end of the valve. The support member and the compression member are movable toward one another to compress the valve and push it through a relatively small aperture in the second open end of the compression member. The second end of the constricting member is sized to receive the compressed valve from the second open end of the compression member for loading into a delivery device. | 12-27-2012 |
20130072929 | Irrigated ablation catheter assembly having a flow member to create parallel external flow - Irrigated ablation catheter assemblies and methods of facilitating parallel irrigation fluid flow along irrigated assemblies includes a catheter, an irrigated ablation electrode assembly, a flow member, and a catheter shaft having a fluid lumen. The electrode assembly includes at least one irrigation passageway and a distal portion. The proximal portion can include a proximal member and the distal portion can include a distal member which is connected to the proximal member. The proximal end of the flow member couples to the catheter shaft and the distal end of the flow member is disposed about the proximal portion of the assembly. Fluid flow is guided at least in part by the member and traverses the outer surface of the proximal portion along the outer surface of the distal portion substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the electrode assembly. | 03-21-2013 |
20130073032 | EXPANDABLE RADIOPAQUE MARKER FOR TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE IMPLANTATION - A delivery device for a collapsible prosthetic heart valve includes a support shaft around which a compartment for the valve is defined, a distal sheath adapted to selectively cover and uncover the compartment and the valve, and a marker cage having a collapsed condition when the distal sheath covers the compartment and an expanded condition when the compartment is uncovered. The marker cage includes at least one rib having a radiopaque marker for determining the positioning of the valve as it is deployed. The valve may be assembled around the marker cage so that the marker cage does not interfere with the radial expansion of the valve during deployment. | 03-21-2013 |
20130090631 | MEDICAL DEVICE DELIVERY APPARATUS - The disclosure pertains to apparatus for intravascular delivery of medical devices past a juncture which requires an abrupt change of direction and methods of use therefor. The apparatus employs a directing element which deflects the medical device from an initial path to a second path. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises more than one directing element and may be capable of redirecting by deflection more than one medical device. | 04-11-2013 |
20130103075 | EMBOLIC DEBRIS DEFLECTOR - The disclosure pertains to debris diverters for use within the aorta and methods of diverting or redirecting emboli and other debris away from the carotid arteries to prevent cerebral embolization. The disclosure includes aortic diverters positionable in the ascending aorta in order to divert embolic material of all sizes away from the carotid arteries, thereby washing emboli downstream into the thoracic and peripheral vasculature. The debris diverters of the disclosure are adapted to be placed in the ascending and transverse aorta via the left subclavian artery in order to divert embolic material away from the carotid arteries and methods of use therefor. | 04-25-2013 |
20130110153 | EXTENDED PROTECTION EMBOLIC FILTER | 05-02-2013 |
20130116701 | GUIDE EXTENSION CATHETER - Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a guide extension catheter. The guide extension catheter may include a proximal tubular member having a lumen defined therein. A distal tubular member may be attached to the proximal tubular member. The proximal tubular member may have an outer diameter. The distal tubular member may have an inner diameter. The inner diameter of the distal tubular member may be greater than the outer diameter of the proximal tubular member. A stiffening member may be slidably disposed within the proximal tubular member. | 05-09-2013 |
20130123835 | EMBOLIC PROTECTION DEVICE AND METHOD - An embolic protection device adapted for placement in a left subclavian artery, a right subclavian artery and to cover a left and a right carotid artery, the device having a reduced state and an expanded state, the device comprising an expandable support structure, the expandable support structure comprising a frame, the frame further comprising a porous material, the frame defining the circumference of the porous material in the expanded state. | 05-16-2013 |
20130131714 | EMBOLIC PROTECTION DEVICE AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME - An embolic protection device, the device expandable from a first low profile configuration to a second expanded configuration, the device adapted for implantation body lumen, the device comprising an expandable support structure comprising radially expandable tubular first and second end portions and a laterally expandable central portion extending between the first and second end portions. | 05-23-2013 |
20130150881 | VALVULOPLASTY DEVICE - A medical device may include an elongate shaft having a plurality of elongated balloons disposed at a distal end including a first balloon, a second balloon, and a third balloon, a manifold disposed at a proximal end of the elongate shaft in fluid communication with the plurality of balloons, and a distal tip disposed distal of the plurality of balloons, the distal end of each balloon being joined together by the distal tip. A medical device may include an elongate shaft having a plurality of elongated balloons disposed at a distal end including a first opposing pair and a second opposing pair, a manifold disposed at a proximal end of the elongate shaft in fluid communication with the plurality of balloons, and a distal tip disposed distal of the plurality of balloons, the distal end of each balloon being joined together by the distal tip. | 06-13-2013 |
20130197483 | GUIDE EXTENSION CATHETER - Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a guide extension catheter. The guide extension catheter may include a push member having a proximal portion with a proximal stiffness, a distal portion with a distal stiffness different from the proximal stiffness, and a transition portion disposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The transition portion may provide a smooth transition between the proximal stiffness and the distal stiffness. The push member may have a first outer diameter. A distal tubular member may be attached to the push member. The distal tubular member may have a second outer diameter larger than the first outer diameter. | 08-01-2013 |
20130231658 | EXPANDABLE ABLATION DEVICE AND METHODS FOR NERVE MODULATION - Medical devices for nerve modulation through the wall of a blood vessel are disclosed. The medical device may include an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end. A hollow ablation member may be disposed at the distal end of the elongate member and includes a number of electrodes positioned on its outer surface. The ablation member may be configured to shift between a collapsed position and an expanded position such that that a portion of the ablation member can be brought into contact with the wall of the blood vessel or placed adjacent to the wall of the blood vessel. The ablation member may also be retractable from the blood vessel treatment site. | 09-05-2013 |
20130245622 | EXPANDABLE ELECTRODE DEVICE AND METHODS FOR NERVE MODULATION - Embodiments of the disclosure provide an ablative system for nerve modulation through wall of a blood vessel. The ablative catheter system includes an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end, a number of electrode elements, an expansion mechanism. The electrode elements are finger-like structures mounted at their proximal ends for pivotal rotation radially outward from the longitudinal axis of the elongate member from a collapsed state. Each electrode element having inner and an outer surface with an electrode portion connected to a source of electrical energy and an insulated portion and a slope surface forming the proximal portion of the inner surface, sloping outward from the longitudinal axis of the elongate member, and a tip portion at the distal portion of the inner surface, angled toward the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. The electrode element inner surfaces in the collapsed state define a central cavity. | 09-19-2013 |
20130274618 | GUIDEWIRE SYSTEM FOR USE IN TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE IMPLANTATION PROCEDURES - A guidewire system may include a tubular guidewire including at least one lumen and a plurality of apertures disposed through an outer wall, and at least one pressure wire slidably disposed within the at least one lumen, the at least one pressure wire having at least one pressure sensor disposed thereon. A method of measuring a blood pressure gradient across a treatment site may include advancing the tubular guidewire to the treatment site, positioning at least one aperture distal and at least one aperture proximal of the treatment site, translating the pressure wire within the tubular guidewire, positioning the pressure wire such that a distal pressure sensor is disposed adjacent the at least one aperture distal of the treatment site, and a proximal pressure sensor is disposed adjacent the at least one aperture proximal of the treatment site, and measuring a blood pressure gradient across the treatment site. | 10-17-2013 |
20130274730 | ABLATION CATHETER AND METHODS FOR NERVE MODULATION - Ablative catheters and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. The catheter may have a proximal end, a distal end, and a first lumen extending at least partially between the proximal and distal ends. The catheter may include at least one ablative port located adjacent to the distal end of the catheter. The catheter may include an ablative mechanism capable of ablation using an conductive fluid circulated to the ablative port through the first lumen. An expandable member may be disposed at an outer surface of a distal portion of the catheter. The expandable member may be capable of switching between a collapsed position and an expanded position using an expansion fluid circulated to the expandable member through a second lumen. In the expanded position, the expandable member may be sized and shaped to position the ablative port at a suitable distance from a wall of the vessel. | 10-17-2013 |
20130274737 | RENAL NERVE MODULATION CATHETER DESIGN - System for nerve modulation and method for making and using the same are disclosed. An example system may include an elongate shaft having a proximal end region, a deflectable distal end region and a lumen extending to the deflectable distal end region. The deflectable distal end region may include an electrode surrounded by a permeable membrane. The permeable membrane may be fluidly connected to the lumen. | 10-17-2013 |
20130289698 | RETAINERS FOR TRANSCATHETER HEART VALVE DELIVERY SYSTEMS - A delivery device | 10-31-2013 |
20130317534 | SUBINTIMAL RE-ENTRY CATHETER WITH AN EXPANDABLE STRUCTURE - A subintimal recanalization catheter assembly for recanalizing a blood vessel having an occlusion in a lumen thereof. The catheter assembly includes a hub assembly, a catheter shaft including inner and outer tubular members extending distally from the hub assembly, and an expandable structure mounted on a distal portion of the catheter shaft which is configured to be actuated between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration by longitudinal movement of the inner tubular member relative to the outer tubular member. The catheter assembly is configured to be advanced into a subintimal space between adjacent tissue layers of a wall of the blood vessel to facilitate reentry into the blood vessel lumen by advancing a penetration member distally out of the lumen of the inner tubular member and through the a tissue layer into the blood vessel lumen distal of the occlusion. | 11-28-2013 |
20130338664 | Ablation catheter electrode having multiple thermal sensors and method of use - The invention relates to electrodes used in ablation catheter devices, where the electrodes contain two or more thermal sensors at different positions within the electrode that are capable of detecting temperature differences along the external surface of the electrode. In preferred embodiments, the thermal sensors are separated by one or more thermal insulating members and the thermal sensors are positioned near the external surface of the electrode at about the same distance from the end of the electrode, so that temperature measurements can indicate the position of the electrode with respect to the tissue desired to be ablated. | 12-19-2013 |
20140005768 | SLEEVE FOR FACILITATING MOVEMENT OF A TRANSFEMORAL CATHETER | 01-02-2014 |
20140005772 | PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE FORMATION | 01-02-2014 |
20140012281 | EXPANDABLE GUIDE EXTENSION CATHETER - Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a guide extension catheter. The guide extension catheter may include a proximal member having a proximal outer diameter. A distal sheath member may be attached to the proximal member. The distal sheath member may have a distal outer diameter greater than the proximal outer diameter. The distal sheath member may have a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal slit extending at least partially between the proximal end and the distal end. An expandable member may be attached to the distal sheath member and may extend along the longitudinal slit. The expandable member may be configured to shift between a first configuration and an expanded configuration. | 01-09-2014 |
20140018773 | GUIDE EXTENSION CATHETER - Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a guide extension catheter. The guide extension catheter may include a proximal member having a proximal outer diameter. A distal sheath member may be attached to the proximal member. The distal sheath member may have a proximal sheath portion and a distal sheath portion. The proximal sheath portion may have an outer diameter greater than the proximal outer diameter. The proximal sheath portion may have a first cross-sectional profile. The distal sheath portion may have a second cross-sectional profile different from the first cross-sectional profile. | 01-16-2014 |
20140018794 | OFF-WALL ELECTRODE DEVICES AND METHODS FOR NERVE MODULATION - Systems for nerve modulation are disclosed. An example system for nerve modulation may include a catheter shaft having a proximal end, a distal end and lumen extending therebetween. An inflatable member may be fluidly connected to the lumen of the catheter shaft proximate the distal end of the catheter shaft. The inflatable member may have an outer wall defining a groove in an outer surface of the inflatable member. An electrode may be disposed in or under the groove. | 01-16-2014 |
20140018833 | WIRE-GUIDED RECANALIZATION SYSTEM - A recanalization catheter assembly for recanalization of an occluded blood vessel is disclosed. The recanalization catheter assembly includes an elongate shaft having a tubular portion, a guide member, and a rotary ablation tool. The tubular portion includes a distal opening, from where the rotary ablation tool extends distally. The guide member extends distal of the distal opening and includes a guidewire lumen to receive a guidewire therethrough. The guide member is configured to advance over the guidewire in a subintimal space between a first tissue layer and a second tissue layer of a wall of the blood vessel, while the rotary ablation tool is advanced in a true lumen of the blood vessel. | 01-16-2014 |
20140018837 | SUBINTIMAL REENTRY SYSTEM - A subintimal recanalization catheter system for recanalizing a blood vessel. The system includes a support catheter and a balloon catheter configured to extend through the support catheter. The support catheter includes a tubular portion and an extension segment extending distal of the distal opening of the tubular portion. The balloon catheter, having a balloon secured to a distal portion thereof, is positionable through the tubular portion of the support catheter to position the balloon alongside the extension segment. The system is configured to be advanced into a subintimal space between a first tissue layer and a second tissue layer of a blood vessel wall where the balloon may be inflated against the extension segment to cause a distal portion of the catheter shaft of the balloon catheter to deflect toward the vessel lumen within the subintimal space to facilitate reentry into the vessel lumen. | 01-16-2014 |
20140018911 | Low Profile Heart Valve Delivery System and Method - A heart valve delivery system includes a low-profile catheter having an outer sheath, the outer sheath having therein a stent and a replacement heart valve. In an unemployed configuration, the stent is located distally to the replacement heart valve. Upon deployment, however, the stent and replacement heart valve are expanded and the replacement heart valve is situated within the stent. | 01-16-2014 |
20140018935 | COLLAPSIBLE CAGED-BALL PROSTHETIC VALVE FOR TRANSCATHETER DELIVERY AND METHOD OF USE - A valve that includes an expandable valve body defining a lumen and a longitudinally moveable obstructer retained within the lumen of the valve body between the proximal and distal ends of the valve when the valve is in an expanded configuration. The valve, in the collapsed configuration, is delivered to a native valve site by a catheter where the valve body is expanded to anchor the valve at the valve annulus and the collapsed obstructer is subsequently expanded so that the valve is in the expanded configuration. | 01-16-2014 |
20140025004 | GUIDE EXTENSION CATHETER WITH TRACKABLE TIP AND RELATED METHODS OF USE - Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a guide extension catheter. The guide extension catheter may include a proximal shaft having a first outer diameter. A distal sheath may be attached to the proximal shaft and may have a second outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter. A trackable tip member may be attached to the distal sheath and extending distally therefrom. The trackable tip member may define a guidewire lumen therein. | 01-23-2014 |
20140025043 | GUIDE EXTENSION CATHETER - Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a guide extension catheter. The guide extension catheter may include a proximal member having a proximal outer diameter. A removable stiffening member may be disposed adjacent to the proximal member. A distal sheath member may be attached to the proximal member. The distal sheath member may have a distal outer diameter greater than the proximal outer diameter. | 01-23-2014 |
20140025085 | CATHETER HAVING RADIALLY EXPANDABLE SHAFT - A catheter is disclosed, which is capable of delivering embolization beads for treating uterine fibroids. The elongate catheter shaft includes a radially expandable portion at its distal end, which can expand radially locally when an embolization bead passes through it. In some cases, the catheter shaft includes a non-expandable portion, with an inner diameter comparable to the bead diameter, between the handle and the radially expandable portion. In some cases, the radially expandable portion is made from a tubular braid, stretched longitudinally over a mandrel, and encased in a lubricious soft polymer while still stretched. In other cases, the radially expandable portion is made from a slotted nitinol tube, encased in a lubricious soft polymer below the nitinol transition temperature. The polymer is thick enough to prevent the encased element from returning to its unstretched diameter or a larger size above the transition temperature. | 01-23-2014 |
20140039461 | GUIDE EXTENSION CATHETERS AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME - Guide extension catheters and methods of manufacturing and using guide extension catheters are disclosed. An example guide extension catheter may include a distal sheath having a proximal opening, a distal opening, and a central lumen extending therebetween. The guide extension catheter may also include a proximal shaft having an outer diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the distal sheath, the proximal shaft including a distal opening. The guide extension catheter may also include a coupling member for securing the distal sheath to the proximal shaft. The coupling member may include a distal portion attached to the distal sheath and a proximal portion disposed within the distal opening of the proximal shaft. | 02-06-2014 |
20140052097 | GUIDE EXTENSION CATHETER - Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a guide extension catheter. The guide extension catheter may include an elongate tubular member having a proximal region, a distal region, and a slot formed in the tubular member between the proximal region and the distal region. The proximal region of the tubular member may be configured to shift between a first configuration and a collapsed configuration. The guide extension catheter may also include an elongate shaft for shifting the proximal region between the first configuration and the collapsed configuration. | 02-20-2014 |
20140052108 | MEDICAL DEVICE WITH TEXTURED SURFACE - Described is a guide catheter for guiding other medical devices into or through a body lumen, comprising: a polymeric, tubular inner liner having a textured inner surface; and, a polymeric jacket bonded to an exterior of the inner liner; wherein the texture of the inner surface of the inner liner reduces the coefficient of friction between the inner liner and the other medical devices. | 02-20-2014 |
20140052238 | DELIVERY DEVICE HAVING A CURVED SHAFT AND A STRAIGHTENING MEMBER FOR TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE IMPLANTATION - A delivery device ( | 02-20-2014 |
20140066915 | RENAL RF ABLATION SYSTEM WITH A MOVABLE VIRTUAL ELECTRODE AND RELATED METHODS OF USE - Tissue ablation devices and methods for using tissue ablation devices are disclosed. A tissue ablation device may include an elongate guide member having a distal section defined by a sidewall defining a lumen and having a plurality of openings. The distal section may have a helical shape in a released configuration. The tissue ablation device also may include an electrode having a distal end slideable within the distal section of the guide member. The electrode catheter may have an ablation element disposed thereon. | 03-06-2014 |
20140074022 | LOADING TOOLS FOR USE WITH BALLOON CATHETERS - Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a loading tool. The loading tool may include a tubular member that is configured to be disposed about a balloon catheter. The tubular member may include a distal portion and a proximal portion. The tubular member may be configured to shift between a first configuration and a shortened configuration. | 03-13-2014 |
20140088565 | IMPLANT DELIVERY SYSTEM WITH INTERLOCKED RX PORT ORIENTATION - A medical implant delivery system maintains an orientation between a guidewire lumen of an inner member of the system and a rapid-exchange port in an outer member. The medical device is disposed intermediate the inner and outer members and in friction or pressure-fit contact with the outer member. Once the guidewire lumen of the inner member and the rapid exchange port of the outer member are oriented, the friction or pressure-fit operates to maintain the orientation until deployment of the medical implant. Orientation is further maintained by a telescoping coupling of the guide wire lumen with the rapid exchange port. | 03-27-2014 |
20140100597 | SPECIAL OPENING AORTIC EMBOLIC PROTECTION DEVICE FOR STRUCTURAL HEART PROCEDURES - A medical device may include an embolic protection device including a distal filter element, a proximal filter element, and a deflector element disposed between and spacing apart the distal filter element and the proximal filter element. An embolic protection device may include a longitudinally-oriented mouth extending from the distal filter element to the proximal filter element. A method of providing embolic protection in an aortic arch may include inserting a guidewire from a left subclavian artery through the aortic arch into a brachiocephalic artery, deploying a distal filter element within the brachiocephalic artery such that a mouth overlies an ostium of the brachiocephalic artery, deploying a deflector element over an ostium of a carotid artery disposed between the brachiocephalic artery and the left subclavian artery, and deploying a proximal filter element within the left subclavian artery such that a mouth overlies an ostium of the left subclavian artery. | 04-10-2014 |
20140196750 | PREPARATION METHODS FOR TRANSCATHETER HEART VALVE DELIVERY SYSTEMS - A delivery device for a collapsible prosthetic heart valve includes a support shaft around which a compartment is defined, an inner shaft extending through the support shaft and adapted to slide relative to the support shaft along a longitudinal axis thereof, the inner shaft having a lumen therethrough, and a distal sheath operatively connected at a distal end to the inner shaft and slidable therewith. The compartment may receive the valve in an assembled condition, and may be selectively covered and uncovered by the distal sheath. A first flow path may provide flow communication between the lumen of the inner shaft and the compartment. | 07-17-2014 |
20140200603 | SUBINTIMAL RE-ENTRY CATHETER WITH ACTUATABLE ORIENTATION MECHANISM - A recanalization catheter for facilitating re-entry into a lumen of a blood vessel from a subintimal space. The recanalization catheter includes first and second mechanically actuatable wings positioned at a distal region of the elongate shaft of the catheter that are actuatable between a retracted position and an expanded position. In the retracted position the mechanically actuatable wings are positioned in first and second elongate channels defined in the elongate shaft, and in the expanded position the mechanically actuatable wings extend outward from the first and second elongate channels. The actuatable wings extend in an arcuate path away from the elongate shaft in the expanded position to be positionable in a circumferential orientation within a subintimal space formed in a vessel wall to automatically orient a lateral port of the elongate shaft toward the true lumen. | 07-17-2014 |
20140243957 | STAGED DEPLOYMENT DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TRANSCATHETER HEART VALVE DELIVERY SYSTEMS - A delivery device for a collapsible heart valve includes an operating handle, including a frame defining a movement space therein, a carriage assembly moveable within the movement space, and a first resheathing lock having a locked position and an unlocked position. The delivery device further includes a catheter assembly, including a first shaft around which a valve-receiving compartment is defined, the first shaft being fixedly connected to one of the frame or the carriage assembly, and a distal sheath operatively connected to the carriage assembly. The distal sheath is moveable between a closed condition adapted to maintain the valve in the compartment and an open condition adapted to fully deploy the valve. With the resheathing lock in the locked position, the distal sheath is unable to move to the open condition to fully deploy the valve. | 08-28-2014 |
20140249508 | GUIDE EXTENSION CATHETER WITH A RETRACTABLE WIRE - Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a guide extension catheter with a retractable wire. The guide extension catheter may include a proximal shaft having a first outer diameter. The guide extension catheter may further include a distal sheath attached to the proximal shaft and having a second outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter. Further, the distal sheath may have a central lumen defined therein and a secondary lumen formed along a wall surface of the distal sheath. | 09-04-2014 |
20140257130 | POWERED PULL WIRE DESIGN FOR ABLATION CATHETERS - Medical devices such as pull wire catheters and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. A pull wire catheter may include an elongate tubular member having a proximal end region, a distal end region and a lumen extending between the proximal end region and the distal end region. A therapeutic element may be disposed at the distal end region. A pull wire may extend through the lumen to the distal end region and may be fixed to the distal end region such that relative movement between the pull wire and the tubular member proximal region alters the distal end region. The pull wire may have a core comprising a first material having a first conductivity and a cladding comprising a second material having a second conductivity. | 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 |
20140257457 | BALLOON RELEASE MECHANISM FOR TAVI IMPLANT - A delivery system for an implantable medical device having at least one retention member at an end thereof includes a shaft extending in a longitudinal direction. An elongated sheath surrounds the shaft. The sheath is slidable relative to the shaft in the longitudinal direction. A space is defined inside of the sheath and is adapted to receive the medical device in an assembled or collapsed condition. A retainer is positioned at a first end of the space. At least one recess is provided in the retainer and is adapted to receive the retention member of the medical device in the assembled condition. A selectively activable member is disposed in the compartment between the longitudinal shaft and the medical device. When in an activated state, the member expands radially relative to the shaft, thereby urging the retention member to disengage from the recess. | 09-11-2014 |
20140276752 | NERVE ABLATION DEVICES AND RELATED METHODS OF USE - An ablation device is provided for forming one or more lesions on a wall of an artery, such as a renal artery. The device can include an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The device may also include a handle disposed at the proximal end, a distal tip including an electrode disposed at the distal end, and one or a plurality of independently expandable splines proximate the distal end. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276755 | MEDICAL SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MODULATING NERVES - Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a medical device for modulating nerves. The medical device may include an elongate shaft having a distal region. Two or more electrodes may be positioned adjacent to the distal end region of the elongate shaft. A control unit may supply power and control algorithms to the electrodes. The control algorithm may allow the electrodes to be operated simultaneously and individually. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276787 | DEFLECTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - A deflective medical device including a catheter shaft having a distal end, and an ablation electrode disposed at the distal end of the catheter shaft. A deflection body is provided within the catheter shaft, and the deflection body includes a longitudinally extending spine. Multiple slots are formed in the deflection body, and the slots define a group of ribs. A flex member is disposed distal to the deflection body, and an intermediate region is defined between the deflection body and the flex member. A deflection mechanism is coupled to the intermediate region, which includes a retaining member, a collar, and a pull wire coupled to the collar. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277053 | SUBINTIMAL RE-ENTRY CATHETER WITH SHAPE CONTROLLED BALLOON - A recanalization catheter for facilitating re-entry into a lumen of a blood vessel from a subintimal space. The catheter includes an inflatable balloon mounted on a distal end region of the catheter shaft of the catheter. The catheter shaft includes a guidewire lumen having a distal opening and a lateral opening in a distal region of the catheter shaft proximal of the distal opening, and an inflation lumen in fluid communication with the balloon. The balloon is configured to be inflated in the subintimal space to a first inflation state at inflation pressures below a threshold inflation pressure to orient the lateral opening toward the lumen of the blood vessel, and inflated to a second inflation state at inflation pressures above the threshold inflation pressure. The catheter includes means for retaining the balloon in the first inflation state at pressures below the threshold inflation pressure. | 09-18-2014 |
20140324162 | STAGED DEPLOYMENT DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TRANSCATHETER HEART VALVE DELIVERY - A delivery device for a collapsible heart valve includes an operating handle and a catheter assembly. The operating handle includes a frame defining a movement space therein, a carriage assembly moveable in a longitudinal direction within the movement space, and a coupler having locked and unlocked conditions, the coupler being operatively connected to the carriage assembly for movement therewith. The catheter assembly includes a shaft around which a valve-receiving compartment is defined, the shaft being operatively connected to one of the frame or the carriage assembly, and a distal sheath operatively connected to the carriage assembly for movement therewith between a closed condition adapted to maintain the valve in the compartment and an open condition adapted to fully deploy the valve. | 10-30-2014 |
20140378962 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR NERVE MODULATION USING LOCALIZED INDIFFERENT ELECTRODES - The disclosure pertains to an intravascular catheter for nerve modulation. The catheter includes an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end, and an inflatable balloon secured adjacent to the distal end of the elongate member. The balloon includes an exterior surface and an interior surface defining a lumen. The lumen includes a section that is permeable to radiofrequency (RF) radiation. The section extends from the interior surface of the balloon to the exterior surface of the balloon. A first electrode is disposed within the inflatable balloon and indifferent electrodes are disposed external to the inflatable balloon. | 12-25-2014 |
20150018820 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR RENAL DENERVATION - Some embodiments are directed to medical devices and methods for making and using the medical devices. An exemplary medical device includes a catheter having an elongated shaft and an inflatable balloon mounted at or on a distal portion of the elongated shaft. The catheter further includes a first electrically conductive blade, and a second electrically conductive blade. Each blade may be configured to contact tissue upon inflation of the balloon. The blades may contact the tissue with reduced or minimal incising of the tissue, or even without incising the tissue, within a body lumen. Thermal energy may be applied to the tissue upon electrical energy being applied to the respective blades. | 01-15-2015 |