Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing cardiac ablations employs a catheter comprising an anchoring device and an ablating device to perform the ablations to electrically isolate the pulmonary veins and left atrium from surrounding atrial tissue. The anchor can comprise a balloon-type device, a stent-like device, a strut-like device, a spring-strut-like device, an umbrella-like device, a mushroom-like device, or other device that allows the catheter to maintain a position with respect to target tissue. The ablator can comprise a balloon ablator, an umbrella ablator, a pinwheel ablator, an umbrella ablator incorporating a cinch mechanism, a mushroom balloon ablator and a segmented balloon or pinwheel ablator. The anchor and ablator can also comprise a combination mushroom balloon anchor section and mushroom balloon ablator section. The anchor and ablator can include electrodes for measuring a conductance therebetween when in deployed position, so as to determine the effectiveness of the ablation.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method that allows a therapeutic device, such as an atrial fibrillation microwave ablation catheter or ablation tip to be guided to a remote location within a body cavity and then accurately immobilized on the tissue, including that of a moving organ, such as the heart. In various embodiments, the system and method also enables accurate movement and steering along the tissue, while in engagement therewith. Such movement and engagement entails the use of vacuum or microneedle structures on at least two interconnected and articulated immobilizers that selectively engage to and release from the tissue to allow a crawling or traversing walking across the organ as the therapeutic catheter/tool tip applies treatment (AGE devices). In further embodiments that lack a movement capability (AID devices), the immobilizers allow a predetermined position for the introduced device to be maintained against the tissue while a treatment is applied to the location adjacent thereto.

Abstract: An automated surgical instrument provides a housing having a linear drive for moving a cannula toward and away from the housing. The housing may be supported stationarily while the cannula is driven to a predetermined location in the body through an incision. The end of the cannula includes a surgical tool or laparoscope to be positioned within an area undergoing an operation. Surgical tools can be actuated automatically by means of an actuator positioned in the housing and having a linkage extending through a lumen of the cannula to the tool. Both the actuator and the linear drive motor can be controlled by means of switches located on the housing or at another remote location.

Abstract: An automated surgical instrument for performing minimally-invasive surgery comprises a rigid cannula having a lumen for receiving a surgical tool at the distal end thereof. The tool can comprise a variety of linkage-operated tools, such as a grasper, clamp or scissor. The tool can also comprise an optical or gas channel. The cannula is supported on a ball-and-socket-type swivel assembly that pivots freely along orthogonal axes. The swivel is mounted on a movable arm assembly that extends and retracts. The arm assembly is mounted to a base that moves the arm assembly from side to side. Pivoting of the cannula occurs in response to movement of the arm assembly along the base and through extension and retraction of the arm.

Abstract: An automated surgical instrument provides a housing having a linear drive for moving a cannula toward and away from the housing. The housing may be supported stationarily while the cannula is driven to a predetermined location in the body through an incision. The end of the cannula includes a surgical tool or laparoscope to be positioned within an area undergoing an operation. Surgical tools can be actuated automatically by an actuator positioned in the housing and having a linkage extending through a lumen of the cannula to the tool. Both the actuator and the linear drive motor can be controlled by means of switches located on the housing or at another remote location.