Abstract: A trans-atrial septal catheter system for delivery of a steerable sheath into the left atrium contains three components. The first component is a three-segmented needle-guide wire composed of a distal needle designed to flex sharply in relation to the conjoined looped guide wire segment after fossa ovalis puncture and needle advancement. The distal guide wire loops are advanced into the left atrium maintaining the angled needle in a central location relevant to the loops for preserving an atraumatic position while stabilizing the loops in the left atrium. The elongated proximal extra stiff guide wire segment is conjoined to the looped segment which crosses the fossa ovalis and extends proximally to become externalized to the femoral vein. This segment is extra stiff and significantly elongated to permit catheter and device exchanges. The guide wire serves as a support rail over which the dilator and sheath can be advanced into the left atrium.

Abstract: A temporary pacing lead has an atraumatic curled distal region with multiple cathodes and distal pressure measurement to allow positioning and repositioning within the heart chamber without fluoroscopic or echo guidance. The curled distal region provides definite contact with two opposing walls of the ventricular chamber to ensure electrical signal capture without trauma to the endocardial surface. A stylet located in the pacing lead lumen assists in introducing, placing, and removing the pacing lead from the heart. The flexible distal region provides safe removal of the temporary lead following completion of use.

Abstract: A method and device for delineating structures includes a catheter for insertion at the structure, an expandable component operatively having proximal, distal and intermediate segments shiftable between a collapsed state and an expanded state, with the intermediate segment shiftable independently of the proximal and distal segments. A marking medium is carried by a portion of the intermediate segment, and the marking medium detectable using a selected imaging device. The marking medium is arranged to be transferable from the intermediate segment to portions of the cardiovascular structure upon shifting the intermediate segment to the expanded position with the intermediate segment in the desired position.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for occluding perivalvular leaks located around the periphery of implanted replacement valves. The apparatus and methods may include both distal and proximal covers adapted for placement over a perivalvular leak, with the covers retained in position by tension between the proximal and distal flanges. The distal and proximal covers may be capable of collapsing into a delivery configuration amenable for delivery to an internal body location through a lumen of a delivery catheter and a deployment configuration in which a flange of the cover extends radially outward such that the flange defines a first major surface facing the opposing cover.

Abstract: A device retracts abdominal and/or inguinal pannus away from the inguinal region of a patient. The device includes a garment generally in the shape of a girdle or athletic shorts. The device includes a front side and a back side, and a lower portion including a pair of legs that extend from the upper portion, the garment further including first and second apertures positioned on the front side of the garment such that the first and second apertures expose the right and left inguinal regions of a patient, respectively, when the patient wears the garment. The device may be useful for endovascular procedures requiring access to the femoral arteries and femoral veins of a patient, or during other procedures that require access to the inguinal region of a patient.