Abstract: An elongated medical sheath is configured to be movable and positionable proximate to a biological feature of a patient. An expandable-and-collapsible support structure is configured to be selectively movable, at least in part, between an interior of the elongated medical sheath and an exterior of the elongated medical sheath. An energy-emitting assembly is supported by the expandable-and-collapsible support structure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for puncturing tissue, including a surgical introducer with a stiff main body and a flexible tip which can be used with a puncture device to gain epicardial access. The surgical introducer comprises an introducer shaft having a rigid portion and a flexible tip portion. The rigid portion has a metal tube extending to the rigid portion distal end. The flexible tip portion is distal of the metal tube distal end. The flexible tip portion includes a first polymer and a second polymer, wherein the second polymer is more flexible than the first polymer. The second polymer extends distally from the metal tube distal end to define a second polymer flexible tip segment. The first polymer extends distally from the second polymer flexible tip segment end to define a flexible tip portion cap.

Abstract: A system for pericardial puncture includes a medical device having an elongate shaft extending between a proximal end and a distal end, and having a distally facing electrode at the distal end of the shaft. An impedance meter is electrically connectable with the electrode for measuring an impedance associated with the electrode. A display is provided for displaying an indication of a position of the electrode. The indication of the position is based on of the impedance.

Abstract: A system of medical devices includes a needle, an endoscope, and an introducer. The needle extends between a needle proximal portion and a needle distal portion having a puncturing tip. The endoscope extends between an endoscope proximal portion and an endoscope distal portion having a camera. The introducer is for guiding the needle and the endoscope towards a target location. The introducer extends between an introducer proximal portion and an introducer distal portion and has a first lumen extending therethrough from the introducer proximal portion to the introducer distal portion and a second lumen extending therethrough from the introducer proximal portion to the introducer distal portion. The needle is advanceable through the first lumen to position the puncturing tip proud of the introducer distal portion and the endoscope is advanceable through the second lumen to position the camera proximate the introducer distal portion and outside of the lumen.

Abstract: A pericardial puncture device includes an introducer, a needle, and an actuator. The introducer has a lumen and extends between an introducer proximal portion defining an introducer proximal end and an introducer distal portion defining an introducer distal end. The needle is received in the lumen and extends between a needle proximal portion and a needle distal portion having a sharp distal tip. The needle is movable from a retracted configuration to an advanced configuration. In the retracted configuration, the sharp distal tip is within the lumen and shy of the introducer distal end. In the advanced configuration, the sharp distal tip outside of the lumen and proud of the introducer distal end. The actuator includes a handle that is rotatable in a first direction with respect to the introducer to drive movement of the needle from the retracted configuration towards the advanced configuration.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for puncturing tissue, including a surgical introducer with a stiff main body and a flexible tip which can be used with a puncture device to gain epicardial access. The surgical introducer comprises an introducer shaft having a rigid portion and a flexible tip portion. The rigid portion has a metal tube extending to the rigid portion distal end. The flexible tip portion is distal of the metal tube distal end. The flexible tip portion includes a first polymer and a second polymer, wherein the second polymer is more flexible than the first polymer. The second polymer extends distally from the metal tube distal end to define a second polymer flexible tip segment. The first polymer extends distally from the second polymer flexible tip segment end to define a flexible tip portion cap.