Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for an elongated introducer assembly. The elongated introducer assembly is manipulated and positioned proximate to a puncture hole in a tissue wall. A distal tip and distal end are advanced through the puncture hole and a distal expansion portion is selectively positioned relative to the puncture hole. An outer sliding shaft is advanced relative to an inner shaft, causing radial expansion of the distal expansion portion and an increase in outer diameter of the elongated introducer assembly at the distal expansion portion. Expansion of the puncture hole occurs as a result of the distal expansion portion in an expanded configuration passing through or spanning the puncture hole.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for an optimized transseptal procedure that reduces the number of devices that are used in order to minimize procedural time, complexity and cost. The apparatus comprises a hybrid dilator that comprises the combined functionality of a transseptal sheath and dilator assembly. The hybrid dilator comprises: a dilator shaft defining a lumen for receiving a crossing device therethrough, a distal tip having an outer diameter which tapers down to an outer diameter of the crossing device for providing a smooth transition and a hub coupled with a side arm coupled to the dilator shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for an optimized transseptal procedure for providing left heart access, that reduces the number of devices that are used in order to minimize procedural time, complexity and cost. The apparatus comprises a hybrid dilator that comprises the combined functionality of a transseptal sheath and dilator assembly. The hybrid dilator comprises: a dilator shaft defining a lumen for receiving a crossing device therethrough, the dilator shaft being structured to provide support for the crossing device when the crossing device is used to create a puncture in a tissue; and a distal tip having an outer diameter which tapers down to an outer diameter of the crossing device for providing a smooth transition between the crossing device and the distal tip when the crossing device is inserted through the lumen and protrudes beyond the distal tip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for an RF guidewire for applying RF energy to create a channel through a region of tissue within a patient's body. The RF guidewire is configured to have a hydrophilic coating disposed thereon to reduce friction to facilitate traversal through vasculature while maintaining its mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. The RF guidewire includes an electrode tip at a distal end of the guidewire for delivering the energy and an electrically insulative thermal shield between the electrode tip and electrical insulation for thermally protecting the electrical insulation from heat produced by delivering the energy. Some embodiments include electrical insulation inside of the electrically insulative thermal shield.

Abstract: An imaging marker for use with a catheter, the imaging marker comprising a plurality of segments including at least two stiff segments and at least one flexible segment, wherein for each pair of stiff segments, one of the flexible segments is located therebetween such that the flexible segment is operable to function as a hinge when the imaging marker is bent. In typical embodiments, the stiff segments are visible under a medical imaging system. In some embodiments, the stiff segments are comprised of a radiopaque material which is visible under an X-ray (fluoroscopy) imaging system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for an RF guidewire for applying RF energy to create a channel through a region of tissue within a patient's body. The RF guidewire is configured to have a hydrophilic coating disposed thereon to reduce friction to facilitate traversal through vasculature while maintaining its mechanical, electrical and thermal properties.

Abstract: An imaging marker for use with a catheter, the imaging marker comprising a plurality of segments including at least two stiff segments and at least one flexible segment, wherein for each pair of stiff segments, one of the flexible segments is located therebetween such that the flexible segment is operable to function as a hinge when the imaging marker is bent. In typical embodiments, the stiff segments are visible under a medical imaging system. In some embodiments, the stiff segments are comprised of a radiopaque material which is visible under an X-ray (fluoroscopy) imaging system.

Abstract: An imaging marker for use with a catheter, the imaging marker comprising a plurality of segments including at least two stiff segments and at least one flexible segment, wherein for each pair of stiff segments, one of the flexible segments is located therebetween such that the flexible segment is operable to function as a hinge when the imaging marker is bent. In typical embodiments, the stiff segments are visible under a medical imaging system. In some embodiments, the stiff segments are comprised of a radiopaque material which is visible under an X-ray (fluoroscopy) imaging system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for an optimized transseptal procedure for providing left heart access, that reduces the number of devices that are used in order to minimize procedural time, complexity and cost. The apparatus comprises a hybrid dilator that comprises the combined functionality of a transseptal sheath and dilator assembly. The hybrid dilator comprises: a dilator shaft defining a lumen for receiving a crossing device therethrough, the dilator shaft being structured to provide support for the crossing device when the crossing device is used to create a puncture in a tissue; and a distal tip having an outer diameter which tapers down to an outer diameter of the crossing device for providing a smooth transition between the crossing device and the distal tip when the crossing device is inserted through the lumen and protrudes beyond the distal tip.

Abstract: An imaging marker for use with a catheter, the imaging marker comprising a plurality of segments including at least two stiff segments and at least one flexible segment, wherein for each pair of stiff segments, one of the flexible segments is located therebetween such that the flexible segment is operable to function as a hinge when the imaging marker is bent. In typical embodiments, the stiff segments are visible under a medical imaging system. In some embodiments, the stiff segments are comprised of a radiopaque material which is visible under an X-ray (fluoroscopy) imaging system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for an RF guidewire for applying RF energy to create a channel through a region of tissue within a patient's body. The RF guidewire is configured to have a hydrophilic coating disposed thereon to reduce friction to facilitate traversal through vasculature while maintaining its mechanical, electrical and thermal properties.

Abstract: An imaging marker for use with a catheter, the imaging marker comprising a plurality of segments including at least two stiff segments and at least one flexible segment, wherein for each pair of stiff segments, one of the flexible segments is located therebetween such that the flexible segment is operable to function as a hinge when the imaging marker is bent. In typical embodiments, the stiff segments are visible under a medical imaging system. In some embodiments, the stiff segments are comprised of a radiopaque material which is visible under an X-ray (fluoroscopy) imaging system.