Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing cryogenic ablation of tissue and adjusting the size and/or location of a cryogenic cooling region. A cooling assembly may include tubes for dispensing and exhausting a coolant or refrigerant. One or both of the tubes may be moved, e.g., slidably adjusted, in order to adjust the location or size of a cryogenic ablation region. The cooling assembly may be integrated into cryogenic ablation devices including a cryogenic balloon device that includes an inner inflatable balloon and another balloon that is at least partially wrapped around the inner balloon and carries refrigerant for performing cryo-ablation. Electrodes permit electrical mapping of tissue before or after cryo-ablation to verify success of the procedure.

Abstract: A cryotherapy system includes a cryotherapy catheter having an inflatable balloon portion and a pressure regulator. The inflatable balloon portion includes an outer balloon and an inner balloon within the outer balloon. The inner balloon is configured to receive during a cryotherapy procedure a cryogenic agent for extracting heat from body tissue at a desired location. The inflatable balloon portion is at a distal end of the cryotherapy catheter. The pressure regulator is adapted to maintain a positive pressure between the inner balloon and the outer balloon during a cryotherapy procedure.

Abstract: A cryotherapy system includes a cryotherapy catheter having an inflatable balloon portion and a pressure regulator. The inflatable balloon portion includes an outer balloon and an inner balloon within the outer balloon. The inner balloon is configured to receive during a cryotherapy procedure a cryogenic agent for extracting heat from body tissue at a desired location. The inflatable balloon portion is at a distal end of the cryotherapy catheter. The pressure regulator is adapted to maintain a positive pressure between the inner balloon and the outer balloon during a cryotherapy procedure.

Abstract: In some implementations, a method of ablating body tissue includes (a) locating an inflatable balloon portion of a cryotherapy balloon catheter at a treatment site internal to a patient's body, and inflating the inflatable balloon portion; (b) employing electrodes that are disposed on an expandable surface of the inflatable balloon portion to electrically characterize body tissue at the treatment site; (c) ablating the body tissue by supplying a cryotherapy agent to the inflatable balloon portion to cool the body tissue to a therapeutic temperature; (d) employing the electrodes to determine whether the ablating caused desired electrical changes in the body tissue; and (e) repeating (c) and (d) when it is determined that the ablating did not cause the desired electrical changes.

Abstract: An ablation catheter assembly including a source of ablation energy coupled to a lead wire disposed within an elongated catheter shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the lead wire having an electrode disposed at the distal end. The ablation catheter assembly including a flexible tip connected to the distal end of the elongated catheter shaft, and a source of conductive fluid coupled to the flexible tip to direct flow of the conductive fluid into contact with the electrode, wherein the conductive fluid provides a conductive path from the electrode to tissue to be ablated.

Abstract: This disclosure provides design, material, manufacturing method, and use alternatives for medical devices. An example medical device includes an elongate shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion and an expandable member disposed along the distal portion of the elongate shaft. The expandable member includes one or more electrodes disposed thereon. The medical device further includes an ablation electrode disposed adjacent the expandable member and one or more mini-electrodes adjacent the ablation electrode. Additionally, the ablation electrode, the one or more electrodes and the one or more mini-electrodes are electrically isolated from each other.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a catheter for use in cardiac mapping and/or ablation. The catheter may include an elongate catheter shaft having a distal ablation electrode region capable of ablating tissue. A plurality of micro-electrode assemblies may be coupled to the distal ablation electrode region. At least one of the micro-electrode assemblies may include an inner electrode and an outer electrode disposed at least partially around the inner electrode. At least one of the inner electrode and the outer electrode may comprise a sensor.

Abstract: In some implementations, a method of ablating body tissue includes (a) locating an inflatable balloon portion of a cryotherapy balloon catheter at a treatment site internal to a patient's body, and inflating the inflatable balloon portion; (b) employing electrodes that are disposed on an expandable surface of the inflatable balloon portion to electrically characterize body tissue at the treatment site; (c) ablating the body tissue by supplying a cryotherapy agent to the inflatable balloon portion to cool the body tissue to a therapeutic temperature; (d) employing the electrodes to determine whether the ablating caused desired electrical changes in the body tissue; and (e) repeating (c) and (d) when it is determined that the ablating did not cause the desired electrical changes.

Abstract: A cryotherapy system includes a cryotherapy catheter having an inflatable balloon portion and a pressure regulator. The inflatable balloon portion includes an outer balloon and an inner balloon within the outer balloon. The inner balloon is configured to receive during a cryotherapy procedure a cryogenic agent for extracting heat from body tissue at a desired location. The inflatable balloon portion is at a distal end of the cryotherapy catheter. The pressure regulator is adapted to maintain a positive pressure between the inner balloon and the outer balloon during a cryotherapy procedure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a catheter device sized and shaped for vascular access that has an elongate body extending between a proximal end and a distal end. Further, the elongate body has at least one inner lumen configured to receive a fluid. The catheter also has an ablation electrode configured to provide ablative energy, wherein the electrode is located distally along the elongate body and includes a passageway fluidly connected to the lumen of the elongate body. Also, the catheter has a sensor configured to provide a signal representative of temperature, and an insulating chamber extending at least partially about the ablation electrode and configured to at least partially insulate the sensor.

Abstract: A cryotherapy system includes a cryotherapy catheter having an inflatable balloon portion and a pressure regulator. The inflatable balloon portion includes an outer balloon and an inner balloon within the outer balloon. The inner balloon is configured to receive during a cryotherapy procedure a cryogenic agent for extracting heat from body tissue at a desired location. The inflatable balloon portion is at a distal end of the cryotherapy catheter. The pressure regulator is adapted to maintain a positive pressure between the inner balloon and the outer balloon during a cryotherapy procedure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus related to radio frequency (RF) ablation catheters. The present subject matter provides a method for forming an ablation catheter having a balloon at a distal end of the catheter. The method includes applying a band of conductive material to an outer surface of the balloon. The band of conductive material is adapted to provide one or more electrodes for radio frequency ablation therapy. A distal end of a lead is connected to the band of conductive material. The balloon is inverted, so that the inverted balloon includes the band of conductive material on an inside surface. According to various embodiments, the balloon includes a semi-permeable or hydro-able membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a catheter device sized and shaped for vascular access that has an elongate body extending between a proximal end and a distal end. Further, the elongate body has at least one inner lumen configured to receive a fluid. The catheter also has an ablation electrode configured to provide ablative energy, wherein the electrode is located distally along the elongate body and includes a passageway fluidly connected to the lumen of the elongate body. Also, the catheter has a sensor configured to provide a signal representative of temperature, and an insulating chamber extending at least partially about the ablation electrode and configured to at least partially insulate the sensor.

Abstract: Described herein are various methods and devices for delivering cryoablative therapy. Various ablative patterns can be produced by the devices, including, linear ablation patterns. One exemplary device includes a cryoablation chamber and a volume displacement chamber. In use, the volume displacement chamber can be expanded to support the cryoablation chamber.

Abstract: A catheter device for use in ablating heart tissues includes an elongate body having a proximal end and an opposite distal end, and a tip section positioned at the distal end of the elongate body. The tip section includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member each including a proximal portion, a distal portion, an outer surface, and an inner surface. The jaw members are pivotally joined to one another at the proximal portions thereof, and the tip section is configured to transition between a closed configuration in which the inner surfaces are at least partially in contact with one another, and an open configuration in which the distal portions of the jaw members are deflected away from one another. The tip section is operable as ablation electrode for selectively ablating the heart tissues.

Abstract: Described herein are various methods and devices for delivering cryoablative therapy. One such device includes a cryoablation chamber and a volume displacement chamber. In use, the volume displacement chamber can be expanded to occupy a non-therapeutic volume.

Abstract: Described herein are various methods and devices for delivering cryoablative therapy. Various ablative patterns can be produced by the devices, including, linear ablation patterns. One exemplary device includes a cryoablation chamber and a volume displacement chamber. In use, the volume displacement chamber can be expanded to support the cryoablation chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing cryogenic ablation of tissue and adjusting the size and/or location of a cryogenic cooling region. A cooling assembly may include tubes for dispensing and exhausting a coolant or refrigerant. One or both of the tubes may be moved, e.g., slidably adjusted, in order to adjust the location or size of a cryogenic ablation region. The cooling assembly may be integrated into cryogenic ablation devices including a cryogenic balloon device that includes an inner inflatable balloon and another balloon that is at least partially wrapped around the inner balloon and carries refrigerant for performing cryo-ablation. Electrodes permit electrical mapping of tissue before or after cryo-ablation to verify success of the procedure.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing cryogenic ablation of tissue and adjusting the size and/or location of a cryogenic cooling region. A cooling assembly may include tubes for dispensing and exhausting a coolant or refrigerant. One or both of the tubes may be moved, e.g., slidably adjusted, in order to adjust the location or size of a cryogenic ablation region. The cooling assembly may be integrated into cryogenic ablation devices including a cryogenic balloon device that includes an inner inflatable balloon and another balloon that is at least partially wrapped around the inner balloon and carries refrigerant for performing cryo-ablation. Electrodes permit electrical mapping of tissue before or after cryo-ablation to verify success of the procedure.

Abstract: Described herein are various methods and devices for delivering cryoablative therapy. One such device includes a cryoablation chamber and a volume displacement chamber. In use, the volume displacement chamber can be expanded to occupy a non-therapeutic volume.