Abstract: An annuloplasty stitching device (1) is disclosed for stitching at a stitch site in a patient. The stitching device comprises a support structure (2) comprising, an elongate center support (21) extending along an axial direction (27) between a proximal end and a distal end, a stitching arrangement (3) comprising, at least one elongate linkage section (31) being movably attached at a support end (25) of the linkage section to the center support, and at least one stitching member (32) arranged at a stitch end (26) of the linkage section and being movable along said axial direction by a pivoting action of the linkage section.

Abstract: Suturing devices and systems used to apply sutures and/or to close openings at, within, or into a biological structure. The suturing device can comprise an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, one or more distal arms, one or more proximal extensions, and one or more needles. A sheath may be used with the device to maintain or substantially maintain haemostasis while the device is used and while a procedure is performed in the biological structure.

Abstract: A system for stapling tissue comprises a flexible endoscope and an operative head including a pair of opposed, curved tissue clamping jaws sized to pass through an esophagus, the jaws being moveable with respect to one another between an open tissue receiving configuration and a closed tissue clamping configuration, a first one of the curved jaws including a stapling mechanism and a second one of the jaws including a staple forming anvil surface, the stapling mechanism including staple slots through which staples are fired arranged in a row extending from a proximal end of the first jaw to a distal end thereof in combination with a control handle which, when the operative head is in an operative position within one of a patient's stomach and esophagus, remains outside the patient, the control handle including a first actuator for moving the jaws relative to one another and a second actuator for operating the stapling mechanism.

Abstract: A method of implanting and securing an implantable flow connector in a body of a patient for providing communication of a first space within the body of the patient with a second space within the body of the patient. The method includes providing a flow connector having a lumen having a first orifice and a second orifice, inserting a retention device into the first space within the body, subsequently inserting the flow connector through an opening in the retention device so the second portion of the flow connector extends into the first space within the body and placing the second space within the body over the retention device.

Abstract: A vascular clamp for use in minimally invasive surgery includes a positioning member having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side and looping/tightening member and a reinforcing member. The positioning member includes a through-hole, a positioning hole, and a connection gap intercommunicating the through-hole with the positioning hole. Each of the through-hole, the positioning hole, and the connection gap extends from the first side through the second side of the positioning member. The looping/tightening member includes a connection end and a free end. The connection end is connected to the positioning member. The looping/tightening member includes a positioning section having a plurality of engagement blocks. A neck is interconnected between two adjacent engagement blocks. One of the engagement blocks is selectively and removably engaged in the positioning hole. The reinforcing member is mounted between the first and second sides of the positioning member.

Abstract: A clamp for use in a clamping and cutting device comprising a first leg (10), second leg (14) and third leg (22) which together form a cavity capable of receiving an object to be clamped when open, wherein the second leg (14) has a recessed section (20) such that the third leg (22) fits into the recessed section (20) when the clamp is closed, and a clamping and cutting device for clamping and cutting an object.

Abstract: A ligature device and method of use are disclosed. More specifically, a ligature device capable of maintaining a ligature band in an elongated position, applying a preformed ligation band to an object to be ligated, manually releasing the ligation band from an elongated position, and securing a ligation band in a tensioned position is described. The ligation device may be used to apply ligation bands to various body parts of various animals.

Abstract: An occlusion assembly comprising: (a) a tissue occlusion device comprising a first linear clamping portion and a second linear clamping portion, the first and second linear clamping portions oriented to overlap and be parallel to one another in a clamped position, the tissue occlusion device further including a spring concurrently coupled to and interposed by the first and second linear clamping portions to bias the first and second linear clamping portions toward the clamped position; and, (b) an endoscopic rein coupled to the tissue occlusion device and configured to facilitate repositioning of the tissue occlusion device toward an occlusion position where the first and second linear clamping portions are interposed by tissue, where the endoscopic rein includes a flexible wire coupled to the clamping device and configured to facilitate repositioning of the tissue occlusion device toward the occlusion position.

Abstract: A ligation clip applier is provided and includes a handle assembly supporting an advancing mechanism removably and slidably supported within a barrel housing of the handle assembly, and a clip module removably and selectively connected to the handle assembly. The clip module includes a housing defining a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen therethrough, the clip module housing including an annular flange extending radially into the lumen thereof; and a jaw blade slidably supported within the lumen of the clip module housing. The jaw blade includes a pair of jaws disposed within the distal end of the clip module housing, the pair of jaws being biased to an open condition, wherein each jaw includes a respective cam tooth projecting therefrom, wherein the cam teeth are in operative registration with, and proximal of, the annular flange of the clip module housing.

Abstract: A laparoscopic device comprising: (a) a housing operatively coupled to a first control and a second control; (b) an end effector operatively coupled to the first control, the end effector comprising a first component and a second component selectively repositionable with respect to one another within an X-Y plane, the end effector also including a third component selectively repositionable with respect to the second component within an Y-Z plane; (c) a laparoscopic conduit extending between the housing and the end effector; and, (d) an occlusion clip deployment device operatively coupled to the end effector and the second control.

Abstract: An applier for ligation clip is provided. The applier includes: an outer tube having mounting bosses; a pair of jaws pivotally connected to the mounting bosses, the jaws having actuating projections; a feed tube located in the outer tube and configured to move axially within the outer tube, the feed tube having actuating slots in which the actuating projections are located; a clip lock arm located in the outer tube and configured to move axially within the outer tube; and a clip advance arm located in the outer tube and configured to move axially within the outer tube, the clip advance arm having flexible pinchers at one end of the clip advance arm. A method of applying a ligation clip is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for occluding a blood vessel, the apparatus comprising: an occluder, the occluder being configured so that at least a portion of the occluder may assume (i) a diametrically-reduced configuration for disposition within the lumen of a tube, and (ii) a diametrically-expanded configuration for disposition adjacent to the blood vessel, such that when said at least a portion of the occluder is in its diametrically-expanded configuration adjacent to the blood vessel, the occluder will cause occlusion of the blood vessel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide devices and methods for treating various target sites, such as vascular abnormalities. For example, a medical device according to one embodiment includes at least one layer of a fabric of braided strands having proximal and distal ends and a central axis extending therebetween. The medical device has an expanded configuration a generally frustroconical shaped portion at each end. The medical device is configured to be constrained to a reduced configuration for delivery through a diagnostic catheter and to at least partially return, when unconstrained, towards the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A drill tool for implant surgery including a first drill part having a first, smaller diameter for drilling a recess for an implant post and a second drill part having a second, larger diameter for drilling a recess for an implant hat is disclosed. The second drill part has one or more shape cutting edges and one or more sharp pre-cutting edges extending beyond said one or more shape cutting edges.

Abstract: A system can include a sizing and drill guide having a body with a bone engaging side, an opposite side and first and second guide holes. The bone engaging side can include a profile for positioning in the trochlear groove and the guide holes can include axes that can be orientated at an acute angle. Retaining members can be positioned in bores formed in the body and can fix the guide to the femur. A cutting device can be guided by the guide holes and can include a bone engaging end having a body and first and second cutting portions. The first cutting portion can have a smaller diameter than the second cutting portion and can be axially spaced apart therefrom so as to form a stepped pocket in the femur. The body can include an outer diameter sized to be complimentary to an inner diameter of the guide holes.

Abstract: A catheter including a hollow cylindrical main body comprising at least one metallic wire, and a hollow distal end tip that is integrally formed with a distal end of the cylindrical main body. The distal end tip remains securely fixed to the cylindrical main body even under application of a large torque force.

Abstract: A system for removing an undesirable material from within a vessel is provided. The system includes a cannula designed for maneuvering within a blood vessel to a site of interest and applying a suction force, such that the undesirable material can be captured and removed along the cannula away from the site. The system also may include a catheter having a balloon at its distal end. The balloon may be designed to be positioned adjacent to the undesirable material such that the undesirable material is situated between the balloon and the cannula. The catheter may also be designed to subsequently impart a force onto the undesirable material for removal of the undesirable material. A method for removing an undesirable material from within a vessel is also provided.

Abstract: The foreign matter capture instrument includes: a first manipulation wire; framework wire materials, the base end parts being coupled to a leading end part of the first manipulation wire, and the leading end parts being respectively bundled together; and a second manipulation wire which is coupled to the leading end parts of the framework wire materials, separates from the first manipulation wire extending toward the base end side of the first manipulation wire. By moving the first manipulation wire toward the leading end side relative to the second manipulation wire, the framework wire materials expand and configure a basket, and by further relatively moving the first manipulation wire toward the leading end side, the basket becomes shallower.

Abstract: A valvuloplasty system comprises a balloon adapted to be placed adjacent leaflets of a valve. The balloon is inflatable with a liquid. The system further includes a shock wave generator within the balloon that produces shock waves that propagate through the liquid for impinging upon the valve. The shock wave generator is moveable within the balloon to vary shock wave impingement on the valve.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an elongated shaft having a distal portion and a proximal portion coupled to a housing. An inner shaft member extends at least partially through the elongated shaft and is selectively movable in a longitudinal direction. An end effector is supported by the distal portion of the elongated shaft. The end effector includes upper and lower jaw members pivotally coupled to the distal portion of the elongated shaft about a pivot axis and including a pair of laterally spaced flanges. The pairs of flanges of the jaw members are arranged in an offset configuration such that one flange of the upper jaw member is positioned on a laterally exterior side of a corresponding flange of the lower jaw member, and the other flange of the upper jaw member is positioned on a laterally interior side of the other flange of the lower jaw member.

Abstract: A medical grasping device is disclosed. The medical grasping device may be configured to retrieve an object from within a body lumen. A medical grasping device assembly, wherein a portion of the medical grasping device is disposed within a lumen of a delivery sheath, and methods of using the medical grasping device assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical blade is disclosed. The blade is of a low-profile design, having a downward angled cutting surface that is radiused at its upper end. The blade is part of an endoscopic knife assembly which also contains a knife tube. The endoscopic knife assembly is for use in endoscopic surgery by insertion of the assembly through a slotted cannula. The knife tube is hollow and allows the insertion of an endoscope for viewing of the surgical procedure. A method for a performing an operative procedure on a target tissue in a subject using an endoscopic knife assembly having a low-profile, downward angled blade is also described.

Abstract: A biopsy tool for removing a tissue sample from a patient. The biopsy tool includes an elongated shaft having a hollow interior volume, an open first end, and an open second end. The second end includes a cutting blade thereon for cutting into tissue. A cutting wire is disposed within the hollow interior volume and includes a loop thereon positioned adjacent to the second end of the elongated shaft and cutting blade. The loop can be used to cut the base or underside of the tissue sample in order to remove the tissue sample from the user. The movement of the cutting wire is restricted by a support positioned on the interior of the second end of the elongated shaft. A portion of the cutting wire extends outward from the first end of the elongated shaft and can be pulled in order to use the loop to cut through tissue.

Abstract: A needle assembly of a metal shaft (10, 10?) and an outer plastics sleeve (12) is made by extruding the sleeve onto the outside of the shaft. The sleeve contains gas bubbles (13), preferably with a size in the range 5 ? to 10 ?, to increase the ultrasound visibility of the assembly. A sharp, penetrating tip (18) may be formed on the shaft either before or after the sleeve is extruded on the shaft. The metal shaft (10) may be supplied to the extruder 1 to 5 in a continuous length and cut to the size of the needle assemblies after extrusion of the sleeve (12). Alternatively, pre-cut lengths of metal shafts (10?) could be supplied to the extruder 1? to 5?, the sleeve being cut between the shafts after extrusion.

Abstract: Embodiments of a surgical access port system that comprises a retractor that is adapted for being coupled to a cap and that is particularly useful in natural orifice surgery are described.

Abstract: A safety protective needle cover for butterfly needle assembly is disclosed. After the covering member is pivoted toward the base, the base may be covered by an accommodating space defined by the backs of the two pivoting walls and the concave cover such that the covering member and the base are parallel with each other. The needle will not be shifted due to the shake of the patient or being hooked by dress. After the covering member is pivoted toward the vertical portion of the L-shaped needle, the vertical portion of the L-shaped needle may be covered by the concave cover to prevent nursing staff or users from being stuck.

Abstract: An obturator device for protecting a needle bevel and facilitating insertion of a needle into an elongate medical tube, such as a drainage catheter, is disclosed. The obturator device includes a jacket that mates and is substantially flush with the needle bevel, and a sleeve that encircles the jacket and needle bevel to protect against piercing or puncturing the medical tube during a medical procedure. The obturator device also includes a mandrel coupled to the jacket and extending outwardly therefrom and into a needle lumen to secure the jacket against the needle. In an example use, the obturator device and needle are advanced through a cavity of the medical tube until the obturator device extends from a distal end of the medical tube. Thereafter, the obturator device is removed to expose the needle bevel on a distal end of the medical tube for insertion into a patient's body.

Abstract: A process for recovering one or more blastocysts from a uterus of a human is disclose which comprises placing a device transvaginally into a cervical canal of the patient; delivering fluid through the device to the uterus and applying a vacuum to the uterus to aspirate fluid and entrained one or more blastocysts from the uterus; and causing a disruption of to the uterus and/or to one or more embryos remaining in the uterus following removal of one or more blastocysts from the uterus to reduce the chance that any such retained embryos remaining in the uterus will form a viable pregnancy, wherein the causing a disruption comprises one or more of the following: inducing a mechanical disruption of the uterus, delivering a hormonal agent to the uterus, delivering a chemical agent to the uterus, inducing a thermal disruption of the uterus, or using ultrasound or radiofrequency energy to induce said disruption.

Abstract: Devices for the fixation of a bone fracture and methods of using the devices are provided. The devices comprise at least one distal pin assembly configured to engage a first bone fragment, at least one proximal pin assembly configured to engage a second bone fragment, and a rail bar system configured to connect the distal and proximal pin assemblies together across the bone fracture. Each pin assembly includes a screw portion having a distal end configured to engage first bone fragment and a proximal end, a support sheath portion having a distal end configured to engage the first bone fragment, wherein the support sheath portion defines an elongated channel in which the proximal end of the screw portion is disposed, and a cap portion configured to attach the proximal end of the screw portion to the support sheath portion.

Abstract: Orthopaedic devices including a connecting element suited for receiving at least part of a first rod, and a lock screw. The connecting element includes an anchor for securing the connecting element to a bone, in particular a vertebra, a first lateral opening, and a top opening with a first inner screw thread. The lock screw is received within the top opening and includes a proximal face presenting a screw drive, accessible from outside the connecting element, a distal end for locking the first rod within the connecting element, and wherein the lock screw is adapted to fit through the first lateral opening to be subsequently introduced into the top opening with the proximal face leading.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a distance between a first surgical rod and a second surgical rod includes providing a surgical rod connector having a housing with first and second ends and a longitudinal passage extending between the first end and the second end. The method also includes positioning the first surgical rod in the first end and positioning the second surgical rod in the second end. The method further includes mounting an anchor mechanism to the surgical rod connector and applying a force on the anchor mechanism and a corresponding force on one of the first and second surgical rods to distract the first and second surgical rods relative to one another.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes an anchoring element having a shaft for anchoring in the bone and a head, a receiving part formed in one piece, and a pressure element formed in one piece. The receiving part has a seat for receiving the head and an outer channel for receiving a rod to be connected to the anchoring element, which is pivotable with respect to the receiving part and can be fixed at an angle by exerting pressure via the pressure element onto the head. The pressure element is movable in the receiving part and includes an inner channel for receiving the rod and a spring element that engages a portion of the receiving part via a detent connection so that the pressure element can be held in a position that allows pivoting of the anchoring element. The spring element is formed by at least a first portion of one of two side walls forming the inner channel, the first portion being spaced apart from a second portion of the one side wall by a slot.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods related to spinal stabilization are provided. A system can comprise a plurality of cross-links. Each of the cross-links can include a central rod holder that extends substantially along a mid-line of the spine and a pair of extension members extending from the central rod holder. The extension members can be secured to a vertebral body via a fixation device, such as a spinal screw or a hook member having serrations and/or side-cuts. One or more rod members can be extended across the central rod holders of the cross-links, thereby forming a stable spinal stabilization system providing bilateral stress distribution across different levels of the spine.

Abstract: A system provides for lateral translational corrective force(s) and/or derotational corrective force(s) on a spinal column and includes highly adaptive hardware for connecting the system to the spinal column, where the hardware facilitates a more natural range of motion within pre-selected limits and application of such lateral translational and/or derotational corrective force(s). The upper and lower vertebral segments retain freedom of movement while an apical or restricted segment is restricted from relative vertebral movement. A central segment controls primary rod roll while the rod is free to change in pitch, yaw and roll at the upper (superior) and lower (inferior) segments.

Abstract: An implantable device may include a barrel, the barrel having an upper portion and a lower portion. The implantable device may further include an actuator assembly disposed in the barrel, and a central screw that extends from a rear ramped actuator through a front ramped actuator. The implantable device may further include a first plate having multiple projections extending from one side of the first plate. The implantable device may further include a second plate having multiple projections extending from one side of the second plate, the second plate configured to be received on the central screw. The barrel may be configured to transition from a collapsed form having a first height to an expanded form having a second height and wherein the second height is greater than the first height.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting neural interference between a bone anchor and a neural element during or subsequent to the application of force on the bone anchor to adjust the orientation of one or more vertebral bodies relative to the spinal column. The method includes engaging at least one bone anchor to the vertebral body and applying force to the bone anchor to adjust the positioning or orientation of the vertebral body. A nerve monitoring system provides an electrical signal and is operable to detect a neural element and its proximity to the bone anchor as a function of a characteristic of the electrical signal.

Abstract: A bone fixation device that includes a rail body housing that has a top portion, a bottom portion, a first end portion, a second end portion, and a rail channel extending along a longitudinal axis of the rail body housing. The rail channel is defined between the top portion, the bottom portion, the first end portion, and the second end portion. The movable clamp assembly is movably coupled to the rail body housing within the rail channel and the position of the movable clamp assembly within the rail channel is adjustable. The movable clamp assembly also includes at least one semi-spherical collet defining a central channel configured to receive a bone fastener and orient the bone fastener in any of a plurality of orientations with respect to the rail body housing.

Abstract: A bone screw is provided that includes a tubular body having a first end and a closed second end. The tubular body has a tubular wall defining a cavity wherein the thickness of the wall in a radial direction is smaller than an inner radius of the cavity and wherein a plurality of recesses is provided extending entirely through the tubular wall into the cavity. The tubular body further includes an exterior bone thread on an exterior tubular surface portion of the tubular wall, a head at the first end configured to engage with a driver to advance the bone screw in the bone, and a tip at the second end. The tubular body, the head and the tip are formed as a single piece.

Abstract: The outer periphery of a head section (11e) of a medical screw (11) is provided with an inverse external screw thread (11h) that is formed in the opposite screw direction from that of a screw thread (11b) provided to a tip section (11a). An inverse internal screw thread (14a) provided to the leading end of a rod-shaped body constituting an extraction jig (14) is rotated in the opposite direction from the screw direction of the screw thread (11b) so as to be screwed onto the inverse external screw thread (11h) and thereby integrate the screw (11) and the extraction jig (14). The screw (11) is gently extracted from the bone fracture site (D) and is removed from the body by rotating the extraction jig in the reverse direction from the insertion direction of the screw (11).

Abstract: A system for delivering a surgical tack in tissue includes a driver, comprising: a shaft having a slot and a channel; and a handle slidably connected to said shaft and having a driving mechanism, said driving mechanism having a driving pin for providing a downward force through said shaft; and a tack cartridge having a plurality of tacks and adapted to be received in said slot and further adapted to feed said tacks between said driving mechanism and said channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a lesion in a lung of a patient are described. Embodiments can include navigating a vapor exit port of a vapor delivery catheter to an airway point near a lung region in which the lesion resides, delivering condensable vapor from the vapor delivery catheter along anatomic boundaries of the lung region, and creating a uniform field of necrosis in tissue around the lesion by allowing the condensable vapor to condense.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a jaw assembly configured for use with an electrosurgical forceps is provided. A seal plate with an inwardly facing tab member extending along a peripheral edge thereof is formed. A cavity defined along the inwardly facing tab member of the seal plate is formed. Subsequently, the seal plate is overmolded to a jaw housing. The cavity is configured to receive an insulative substrate therein to facilitate securing the seal plate to the jaw housing.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical instrument can be configured to reduce the formation of coagulum by delivering a negative charge bias to conductive surfaces that interface with blood or bodily tissue during a medical procedure. The application of the negative charge at the instrument-blood interface can reduce the fibrinogen deposition and the formation of coagulum because fibrinogen molecules in general are negatively charged at neutral pH levels. In addition, some embodiments of the instrument may be configured to irrigate the instrument-blood interface with RGD/ClfA peptides, a bicarbonate solution (or other high pH solution), or both to further repel the fibrinogen and thereby inhibit the formation of coagulum. Accordingly, some embodiments of the medical instrument can substantially reduce the risks of thromboembolism during particular medical procedures.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator includes a radio frequency output stage, a sensor for sensing current, and an active lead. The radio frequency output stage is configured to output at least one radio frequency waveform. The sensor includes a current sensor coil including an outer coil including an opening therethrough and an inner coil coupled to and disposed within the outer coil. The active lead is coupled to the radio frequency output stage and passes through the current sensor coil opening. The current sensor coil is configured to output a first signal indicative of a current within the active lead.

Abstract: A method for operating an electrosurgical generator is disclosed, including receiving a high level algorithm at an electrosurgical generator including a processor, a power supply, and a radio frequency amplifier, the high level algorithm including an interpreted language script, processing the interpreted language script through an interpreter engine executed by the processor, selecting at least one of a plurality of configuration files stored in the electrosurgical generator based on the interpreted language script to effect a desired mode of operation, and executing the interpreted language script based on the selected one of the plurality of configuration files to generate instructions which cause the electrosurgical generator to control at least one of the power supply and the radio frequency amplifier to generate radio frequency energy according to the selected one of the plurality of configuration files.

Abstract: System and method for selectively applying electrical energy to structures within or on the surface of a patient's body and controlling the flow of an electrically conductive fluid from the application site to provide or maintain a desired operating condition of the electrosurgical device. An electrosurgical probe is in communication with a fluid transport apparatus through a fluid transport lumen having an opening at an end proximate the application site and disposed proximate the electrosurgical probe. A controller in communication with the fluid transport apparatus provides control signals to the fluid transport apparatus in response to at least one operating parameter associated with the system. Based on the received control signals, the fluid transport apparatus adjusts a flow rate of the electrically conductive fluid at the application site through the fluid transport lumen in response to at least one operating parameter associated with the system.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator includes a radio frequency output stage, a sensor for sensing current, and an active lead. The radio frequency output stage is configured to output at least one radio frequency waveform. The sensor includes a current sensor coil including an outer coil including an opening therethrough and an inner coil coupled to and disposed within the outer coil. The active lead is coupled to the radio frequency output stage and passes through the current sensor coil opening. The current sensor coil is configured to output a first signal indicative of a current within the active lead.

Abstract: An open electrosurgical forceps is provided and includes a pair of first and second shaft members each having a jaw member at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to a subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. A cutting mechanism is adapted to selectively and removably couple to one of the first and second shaft members. The cutting mechanism includes a cutting trigger for selectively advancing a knife blade extending therefrom through a knife channel defined along one or both of the jaw members. The first shaft member includes a stop feature formed thereon and the second shaft feature includes a stop member formed thereon. The stop feature and stop member configured to selectively engage one another to limit rotation of the first and second shaft members with respect to one another.

Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed, and includes a probe having a handle assembly and an electrode assembly extending distally therefrom. An optical member is disposed on the probe and has a first set of light transmitting properties corresponding to a first set of physical parameters of the probe. The probe is configured to transition to a second set of physical parameters, the second set of physical parameters being different from the first set of physical parameters. The optical member is configured to transition from the first set of light transmitting properties to a second set of light transmitting properties, the second set of light transmitting properties corresponding to the second set of physical parameters, the second set of light transmitting properties being different from the first set of light transmitting properties.

Abstract: Helical push wire electrodes are provided. The electrodes may create a continuous helical lesion. One or more electrodes may wind around a support section and create a set of helixes having fixed ends and hitches. Pushing or pulling an end of the electrode transforms the electrodes between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration such that the set of helixes expand or contract axially. Different portions of the electrodes may be surrounded by sleeves. The sleeves may regulate how the wires transform and provide insulation. Various insulation configurations of the electrodes may provide creations of discrete lesions, efficient energy delivery and reduced power consumption.