Abstract: Methods are provided for collecting and processing autologous biological materials to form autologous angiogenic agents. Apparatus and methods also are provided for performing percutaneous myocardial revascularization wherein an injection needle is disposed in spaced-apart relation to the channel-forming tool, so that a predetermined amount of the autologous angiogenic agent may be injected into the myocardium adjacent to the PMR channel.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for forming a channel in an organ or vessel to enhance perfusion therein. The apparatus may include a bioactive agent to stimulate tissue growth and vascularization in tissue adjacent to the channel. The apparatus includes a stent, suitable for percutaneous or intraoperative placement, that includes a tubular member having a plurality of tines, barbs, ribs or other structure to secure the stent at a desired position within tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for intraoperatively performing surgery to create transmural channels in tissue, for example, as in transmyocardial revascularization, are provided using a device including a mechanical end effector and means for stabilizing the end effector in contact with the tissue. The end effector is adapted to cooperate with a source of suction to evacuate tissue severed during the channel forming process, and may optionally include an electrode for cauterizing the tissue surrounding the channel.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for defibrillating a heart in fibrillation are provided using apparatus that forms a plurality of transmural channels in a wall of the heart. The apparatus includes a single-use handpiece having a mechanical cutting head and means for stabilizing the cutting head in contact with the tissue. The handpiece is coupled by a disposable cable to a controller that houses a vacuum pump and mechanisms for driving the cutting head. The cutting head is adapted to cooperate with the vacuum pump to evacuate tissue severed during the channel forming process.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for percutaneously performing myocardial revascularization are provided using a catheter having an end region that is directable to contact a patient's endocardium at a plurality of positions. A cutting head is disposed within a lumen of the catheter and coupled to a drive tube that rotates and reciprocates the drive shaft. One or more stabilizing elements are disposed on the distal end to retain the catheter in position when the cutting head is actuated. The cutting head and drive tube include a lumen through which severed tissue is aspirated. Mechanisms are provided for controlling the maximum extension of the cutting head beyond a distal endface of the catheter, independent of the degree of tortuosity imposed on the catheter. Mechanisms and methods also are provided for providing the operator with information to assess the desirability of treating a proposed site.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for stimulating revascularization and tissue growth are provided using an apparatus having a directable end region carrying a tissue piercing end effector. The apparatus optionally includes electrodes for depositing RF energy to form a controlled degree of scar tissue formation, means for delivering a controlled amount of a bioactive agent at the treatment site, or both.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for percutaneously performing myocardial revascularization are provided using a catheter having an end region that is directable to contact a patient's endocardium at a plurality of positions. A cutting head is disposed within a lumen of the catheter and coupled to a drive tube that rotates and reciprocates the drive shaft. One or more stabilizing elements are disposed on the distal end to retain the catheter in position when the cutting head is actuated. The cutting head and drive tube include a lumen through which severed tissue is aspirated. Mechanisms and methods are provided for providing the operator with information to assess the desirability of treating a proposed site. Mechanisms also are provided for controlling the maximum extension of the cutting head beyond a distal endface of the catheter, independent of the degree of tortuosity imposed on the catheter.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing surgery within an organ or vessel are provided. A catheter is provided having a longitudinal axis and an end region carrying an end effector, the end region movable to a series of positions along the longitudinal axis and with an selectable orientation relative to the longitudinal axis. The catheter includes elements for stabilizing the end region of the apparatus within an organ or vessel, and for counteracting reaction forces developed during actuation of the end effector.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for intraoperatively performing surgery to create transmural channels in tissue, for example, as in transmyocardial revascularization, are provided using a device including a mechanical end effector and means for stabilizing the end effector in contact with the tissue. The end effector is adapted to cooperate with a source of suction to evacuate tissue severed during the channel forming process, and may optionally include an electrode for cauterizing the tissue surrounding the channel.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for intraoperatively performing surgery to create transmural channels in tissue, for example, as in transmyocardial revascularization, are provided using apparatus having an end region containing a mechanical cutting head and means for articulating the end-region to access hard-to-reach portions of the anatomy. The handpiece is coupled by a disposable cable to a controller that houses a vacuum pump and mechanisms for driving the cutting head. The cutting head is adapted to cooperate with the vacuum pump to evacuate tissue severed during the channel forming process.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for intraoperatively performing surgery to create transmural channels in tissue, for example, as in transmyocardial revascularization, are provided using apparatus including a single-use handpiece having a mechanical cutting head and means for stabilizing the cutting head in contact with the tissue. The handpiece is coupled by a disposable cable to a controller that houses a vacuum pump and mechanisms for driving the cutting head. The cutting head is adapted to cooperate with the vacuum pump to evacuate tissue severed during the channel forming process.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing surgery within a hollow-body organ are provided. A catheter is provided having a longitudinal axis and an end region carrying an end effector, the end region movable to a series of positions along the longitudinal axis and with an selectable orientation relative to the longitudinal axis. The catheter includes elements for stabilizing the end region of the apparatus within a hollow-body organ, and for counteracting reaction forces developed during actuation of the end effector. The end effector provides for tissue cutting and aspiration of severed tissue from a treatment site.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing surgery within a hollow-body organ are provided. A catheter is provided having a longitudinal axis and an end region carrying an end effector. The end region is movable to a series of positions along the longitudinal axis with a selectable orientation relative to the longitudinal axis. The catheter includes elements for stabilizing the end region of the apparatus within a hollow-body organ, and for counteracting reaction forces developed during actuation of the end effector. The end effector provides for tissue cutting and aspiration of severed tissue from a treatment site.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing surgery within a hollow-body organ are provided. A catheter is provided having a longitudinal axis and an end region carrying an end effector, the end region movable to a series of positions along the longitudinal axis and with an selectable orientation relative to the longitudinal axis. The catheter includes elements for stabilizing the end region of the apparatus within a hollow-body organ, and for counteracting reaction forces developed during actuation of the end effector. The end effector provides for tissue cutting and aspiration of severed tissue from a treatment site.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for intraoperatively performing surgery to create transmural channels in tissue, for example, as in transmyocardial revascularization, are provided using a device including a mechanical end effector and means for stabilizing the end effector in contact with the tissue. The end effector is adapted to cooperate with a source of suction to evacuate tissue severed during the channel forming process, and may optionally include an electrode for cauterizing the tissue surrounding the channel.