Abstract: A method and system for assessing lesion formation in tissue is provided. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to acquire magnitudes for a component of a complex impedance between an electrode and tissue, and the power applied to the tissue during lesion formation. The ECU is configured to calculate a value responsive to the complex impedance component and the power. The value is indicative of a predicted lesion depth, a likelihood the lesion has reached a predetermined depth, or a predicted tissue temperature. The method includes acquiring magnitudes for a component of a complex impedance between an electrode and tissue and the power applied during lesion formation. The method includes calculating a value responsive to the complex impedance component and the power, the value being indicative of a predicted lesion depth, a likelihood the lesion has reached a predetermined depth, and/or a predicted tissue temperature.

Abstract: An ablation catheter is provided for ablating internal tissue of a patient. The catheter includes a distal end that is adapted to be inserted into a body cavity relative to a desired location therein (e.g., within the heart). An ablation electrode is connected relative to the distal end of the catheter for providing ablation energy to patient tissue. A heat sink is provided that is in thermal contact with the ablation electrode. The heat sink, in addition to being in thermal contact with the ablation electrode, is electrically isolated from the ablation electrode. This allows the heat sink to conduct heat away from the ablation electrode without dissipating electrical energy from the electrode. In this regard, the heat sink may prevent build-up of excess heat within the electrode that may result in blood coagulation and/or tissue charring.

Abstract: An electrode coupling output system provides indication to the physician, via electrode guidance instrumentation, concerning the electrical coupling of an electrode, such as an ablative or mapping electrode, with a patient. The output can be provided to the physician via an output device incorporated into the handle set of the electrode catheter. For example, a visual, audio or mechanical output can be provided via the handle set. Additionally or alternatively, the output can be provided to the physician via a navigation system. The indication may be provided by changing the color or other display characteristics of the electrode on the navigation system display or by way of providing a waveform indicating the electrode coupling. In this manner, electrode coupling information is provided to a physician in a manner that minimizes physician distraction.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for predicting, diagnosing, and preventing adverse events during an ablation procedure are described. A method for providing ablation energy includes receiving a first signal based on biological activity of a tissue of a patient. The method further includes analyzing the first signal to yield a first data set, establishing a threshold parameter according to the first data set, and providing ablation energy for the ablation of a biological site.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are ablation systems and methods for providing feedback on lesion formation in real-time. The methods and systems assess absorptivity of tissue based on a degree of electric coupling or contact between an ablation electrode and the tissue. The absorptivity can then be used, along with other information, including, power levels and activation times, to provide real-time feedback on the lesions being created. Feedback may be provided, for example, in the form of estimated lesion volumes and other lesion characteristics. The methods and systems can provide estimated treatment times to achieve a desired lesion characteristic for a given degree of contact, as well as depth of a lesion being created. The degree of contact may be measured using different techniques, including the phase angle techniques and a coupling index.

Abstract: A catheter is disclosed having a flexible tubing with a proximal end and a distal end. The catheter comprising at least one movable magnet provided within the distal end of the flexible tubing. A control mechanism is operable to selectively activate the at least one movable magnet from the proximal end of the flexible tubing. The at least one movable magnet is responsive to an external magnetic field to position and guide the distal end of the flexible tubing within a body of a patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optic-based sensing assembly and a system incorporating the assembly and related use of the assembly. In particular, the invention relates to an optic-based catheter assembly and related system used to determine contact between a catheter and surrounding proximate environment, such as tissue. An embodiment of such a system may, for example, be used for visualization, mapping, ablation, or other methods of diagnosis and treatment of tissue and/or surrounding areas.

Abstract: An electrode catheter and a method for assessing catheter-tissue contact for tissue ablation are disclosed. An exemplary electrode catheter comprises a flexible catheter shaft. At least one piezoelectric sensor is oriented coaxial to the flexible catheter shaft. The at least one piezoelectric sensor is responsive to movement of the flexible catheter shaft by generating electrical signals corresponding to the amount of movement. The system may also include an output device electrically connected to the at least one piezoelectric sensor. The output device receives the electrical signals for dynamically assessing a level of contact between the flexible catheter shaft and a moving tissue. In another exemplary embodiment, the system may be implemented in a hydrodynamic environment.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for assessing tissue contact, e.g., for mapping tissue ablation or other procedures. An exemplary tissue contact sensing system comprises a flexible tip device. At least one piezoelectric sensor is housed within the flexible tip device. The at least one piezoelectric sensor is responsive to contact stress of the flexible tip device by generating electrical signals corresponding to the amount of contact stress. An output device is electrically connected to the at least one piezoelectric sensor. The output device receives the electrical signals for assessing tissue contact by the flexible tip device. Methods for assembling and using the flexible tip device are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrode head is disclosed that utilizes electrically conductive or dissipative fabric to exchange electrical energy with tissue. This electrode head may be used for any appropriate application, such as a catheter electrode, a return electrode, or the like. Any appropriate function may be provided by this electrode head, such as tissue ablation, tissue mapping, or providing an electrical ground.

Abstract: Care units and related methods providing a comfortable environment for a patient are disclosed. A care unit can include a base member and a plurality of petal members. Each petal member can extend from a first end, engaged with the base member, to a second end, spaced from the base member. Inward-facing surfaces of at least two petal members and the base member can collectively define a cavity for receiving at least a portion of the patient. The care unit can further include one or both of a therapy component, configured to provide a treatment to the patient, or a sensor component, configured to monitor a condition of the patient. The therapy component can be coupled to, or integrated with, one or both of the base member or a petal member and can include an optical light source, a thermal energy source, an oxygen or air source, a sound wave source, a sound wave-cancelling source, or a pulsating source, for example.

Abstract: Coupler assemblies and methods are disclosed as the coupler assemblies may be used with a catheter. An exemplary coupler assembly includes a spherical linkage coupler for a catheter. The coupler comprises a first cylinder portion for connecting to a structure, and a second cylinder portion for connecting to a distal end of a body of the catheter. The coupler also comprises a spherical linkage including at least two link arms. Each of the two link arms are connected on one end to the first cylinder portion and on the other end to the second cylinder portion. The two link arms connect a portion of the structure to the distal end of the catheter and enable the structure to move relative to the distal end of the catheter in response to an external force exerted on the structure.

Abstract: An ablation catheter is provided for ablating internal tissue of a patient. The catheter includes a distal end that is adapted to be inserted into a body cavity relative to a desired location therein (e.g., within the heart). An ablation electrode is connected relative to the distal end of the catheter for providing ablation energy to patient tissue. A heat sink is provided that is in thermal contact with the ablation electrode. The heat sink, in addition to being in thermal contact with the ablation electrode, is electrically isolated from the ablation electrode. This allows the heat sink to conduct heat away from the ablation electrode without dissipating electrical energy from the electrode. In this regard, the heat sink may prevent build-up of excess heat within the electrode that may result in blood coagulation and/or tissue charring.

Abstract: An electrode catheter device with indifferent electrode for direct current tissue therapies is disclosed. An example of the catheter device has a flexible tubing with at least one ablation electrode. The catheter device also may also be used with a sheath for introducing the flexible tubing inside a patient's body. An indifferent electrode on the sheath can provide a ground for a direct current (DC) pulse to deliver electrical energy and create an electrical field adjacent a tissue. Various other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for assessing lesion formation in tissue is provided. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to acquire magnitudes for a component of a complex impedance between an electrode and tissue, and the power applied to the tissue during lesion formation. The ECU is configured to calculate a value responsive to the complex impedance component and the power. The value is indicative of a predicted lesion depth, a likelihood the lesion has reached a predetermined depth, or a predicted tissue temperature. The method includes acquiring magnitudes for a component of a complex impedance between an electrode and tissue and the power applied during lesion formation. The method includes calculating a value responsive to the complex impedance component and the power, the value being indicative of a predicted lesion depth, a likelihood the lesion has reached a predetermined depth, and/or a predicted tissue temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optic-based sensing assembly and a system incorporating the assembly and related use of the assembly. In particular, the invention relates to an optic-based catheter assembly and related system used to determine contact between a catheter and surrounding proximate environment, such as tissue. An embodiment of such a system may, for example, be used for visualization, mapping, ablation, or other methods of diagnosis and treatment of tissue and/or surrounding areas.

Abstract: A medical device utilizing temperature sensing to identify or assess anatomical bodies or structures includes an elongate tubular member, at least one electrode, a thermal sensor, and a temperature response assessment system or component. The at least one electrode may be connected to the distal portion of the elongate tubular member, and the one or more electrode can be configured to provide energy or heat to a portion of an anatomical body or structure. The thermal sensor may be configured to measure the thermal response of the portion of an anatomical body or structure, e.g., tissue or blood pools. The temperature response assessment system or component can be coupled to the thermal sensor. In embodiments, the device may include a lumen and port opening, which may accommodate a tool, such as a needle. Methods for using temperature sensing to identify an anatomical body or structure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter is disclosed having a flexible tubing with a proximal end and a distal end. The catheter comprising at least one movable magnet provided within the distal end of the flexible tubing. A control mechanism is operable to selectively activate the at least one movable magnet from the proximal end of the flexible tubing. The at least one movable magnet is responsive to an external magnetic field to position and guide the distal end of the flexible tubing within a body of a patient.

Abstract: Coupler assemblies and methods are disclosed as the coupler assemblies may be used with a catheter. An exemplary coupler assembly includes a spherical linkage coupler for a catheter. The coupler comprises a first cylinder portion for connecting to a structure, and a second cylinder portion for connecting to a distal end of a body of the catheter. The coupler also comprises a spherical linkage including at least two link arms. Each of the two link arms are connected on one end to the first cylinder portion and on the other end to the second cylinder portion. The two link arms connect a portion of the structure to the distal end of the catheter and enable the structure to move relative to the distal end of the catheter in response to an external force exerted on the structure.

Abstract: An ablation catheter includes a flexible elongated shaft having a flexible electrode at its distal end. The flexible electrode includes an inner, flexible, electrically-conductive element and an outer, flexible, electrically-conductive polymer layer in electrical contact with the inner, flexible, electrically-conductive element. The catheter further includes an electrically insulative sheath surrounding at least a portion of the flexible electrode and a linear displacement mechanism capable of adjusting at least one of the electrically insulative sheath and the flexible electrode to vary a length of the flexible electrode exposed at the distal end of the shaft. Also disclosed is an adjustable length ablation electrode and methods of ablating tissue.