Abstract: An instrument port includes an elongated shaft, a bendable shaft, a steerable tip, an offset balloon, and a handle. The bendable shaft has a proximal end attached to the distal end of the elongated shaft along a shaft axis, the bendable shaft configured to bend only within a pivot plane that is defined by the shaft axis and a pivot axis that is orthogonal to the shaft axis. The steerable tip is attached to a distal end of the bendable shaft and includes a camera and a light emitter. The offset balloon is attached to the external surface of the elongated shaft and has an internal volume in fluid communication with a fluid port in the elongated shaft. The handle includes at least one lever in mechanical communication with the bendable shaft to adjust a customizable angle of the steerable tip measured between the shaft axis and the tip axis.

Abstract: A method can include engaging the pericardium of a patient at two engagement positions of the pericardium. The method can further include moving the two engagement positions of the pericardium away from each other to tension a portion of the pericardium. The method can further include advancing an access device through the tensioned portion of the pericardium to introduce the access device into the pericardial space of the patient. Other and further methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of transseptal crossing to permit introduction of large bore catheters into to the left atrium, such as to deploy left atrial appendage closure devices or to repair or replace a mitral valve. The method may include the steps of providing a single pass, large bore transseptal crossing system, having a tubular access cannula and an energy delivery wire movably extending through the tubular access cannula. A first electrode tip on the energy delivery wire is brought into contact with a fossa ovalis and energized. The energy delivery wire and cannula are advanced into the left atrium. A large bore sheath is advanced directly over the access cannula and into the left atrium. The cannula and energy delivery wire are removed, and a large bore index procedure catheter may be advanced through the large bore sheath and into the left atrium.

Abstract: An esophageal monitoring device includes a camera and, optionally, one or more lights to enable visualization of an interior of a subject's esophagus. Visualization of the interior of the subject's esophagus before and after a left atrial ablation procedure may enable a healthcare provider to determine whether or not the left atrial ablation procedure has damaged the subject's esophagus before the subject experiences any symptoms of such damage. An esophageal monitoring device may also include sensors and/or markers that enable a determination of its location within a subject's esophagus. Such an esophageal monitoring device may be configured for three-dimensional mapping, and enable the generation of an accurate three-dimensional map of the physical relationship between a subject's esophagus and the left atrium of his or her heart. Methods of monitoring a subject's esophagus while a left atrial ablation procedure is being conducted on the subject's hear are also disclosed.

Abstract: A temperature probe for monitoring temperatures of a surface of a tissue or organ within the body of a subject includes a section with a substantially two-dimensional arrangement and a plurality of temperature sensors positioned across an area defined by the substantially two-dimensional arrangement. Such an apparatus may be used in conjunction with procedures in which thermal techniques are used to diagnose a disease state or treat diseased tissue. Specifically, a temperature probe may be used to monitor temperatures across an area of a surface of a tissue or organ located close to the treated tissue to prevent subjection of the monitored tissue or organ to potentially damaging temperatures.

Abstract: An esophageal monitoring device includes a camera and, optionally, one or more lights to enable visualization of an interior of a subject's esophagus. Visualization of the interior of the subject's esophagus before and after a left atrial ablation procedure may enable a healthcare provider to determine whether or not the left atrial ablation procedure has damaged the subject's esophagus before the subject experiences any symptoms of such damage. An esophageal monitoring device may also include sensors and/or markers that enable a determination of its location within a subject's esophagus. Such an esophageal monitoring device may be configured for three-dimensional mapping, and enable the generation of an accurate three-dimensional map of the physical relationship between a subject's esophagus and the left atrium of his or her heart. Methods of monitoring a subject's esophagus while a left atrial ablation procedure is being conducted on the subject's heart are also disclosed.

Abstract: A temperature probe for monitoring temperatures of a surface of a tissue or organ within the body of a subject includes a section with a substantially two-dimensional arrangement and a plurality of temperature sensors positioned across an area defined by the substantially two-dimensional arrangement. Such an apparatus may be used in conjunction with procedures in which thermal techniques are used to diagnose a disease state or treat diseased tissue. Specifically, a temperature probe may be used to monitor temperatures across an area of a surface of a tissue or organ located close to the treated tissue to prevent subjection of the monitored tissue or organ to potentially damaging temperatures.

Abstract: An esophageal monitoring device includes a camera and, optionally, one or more lights to enable visualization of an interior of a subject's esophagus. Visualization of the interior of the subject's esophagus before and after a left atrial ablation procedure may enable a healthcare provider to determine whether or not the left atrial ablation procedure has damaged the subject's esophagus before the subject experiences any symptoms of such damage. An esophageal monitoring device may also include sensors and/or markers that enable a determination of its location within a subject's esophagus. Such an esophageal monitoring device may be configured for three-dimensional mapping, and enable the generation of an accurate three-dimensional map of the physical relationship between a subject's esophagus and the left atrium of his or her heart. Methods of monitoring a subject's esophagus while a left atrial ablation procedure is being conducted on the subject's heart are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for introducing a shaped portion of an elongate medical instrument into a body of a subject includes at least partially straightening the shaped portion of the elongate medical instrument. A retention element may be introduced into an interior of the shaped portion of the elongate medical instrument to place and/or maintain the shaped portion in an at least partially straightened configuration. Such straightening may be accomplished without application of external force to an exterior of the shaped portion. With the retention element in place, the shaped portion may be introduced to a desired location within a hollow interior of an internal organ. The retention element may then be removed to enable the shaped portion to return to its desired shape. A straightening apparatus includes a retention element that can place and/or maintain a shaped portion of an elongate medical instrument in an at least partially straightened configuration without assistance of external force.

Abstract: An apparatus for mechanically manipulating hollow organs within the body of a subject, or an organ manipulation apparatus, includes a manipulation section. The manipulation section may include a substantially two-dimensional element, which may have a width that exceeds a distance across a portion of the interior of a hollow organ within which the manipulation section is to be positioned. The manipulation section is configured to manipulate at least a portion of a hollow organ from within, which may modify at least one of a shape, orientation, or location of at least part of the hollow organ. Methods for manipulating hollow organs are also disclosed, as are operating techniques, such as left atrial ablation, in which the shapes, orientations, and/or locations of hollow organs are manipulated to move the hollow organs away from the site of the medical procedure, reducing the potential for damage to the hollow organs.