Abstract: A deflectable catheter includes a catheter shaft having a deflectable distal tip. A support member is coupled around a proximal portion of the catheter shaft, and the support member includes a first brake portion extending along at least a portion of the support member. A handle is coupled around the support member. The deflectable catheter includes a carriage moveably coupled along the handle, and the carriage includes a second brake portion sized and shaped to engage with at least a portion of the first brake portion. A flexible element is coupled between the deflectable distal tip and the carriage. A biasing device is adapted to bias the second brake portion into engagement with the first brake portion.

Abstract: A method for making a deflectable catheter includes positioning a positioning a flexible element along a catheter liner. A flexible element distal portion extends along at least a portion of a deflectable distal end portion of the catheter liner. At least one anchor is engaged to the flexible element distal portion. The anchor extends at least part way around the flexible element distal portion. An encapsulant is positioned around at least the flexible element distal portion and the deflectable distal end portion.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter body and housing attached to the catheter body proximal end, where an actuator lumen extends through the catheter body. A flexible element extends from an actuator member within the housing through the actuator lumen to a deflectable distal end. A first tubular support is provided that is coupled to the flexible element. A second tubular support is coupled with the first tubular support and slidably coupled to the flexible element. In one option, the first tubular support and second tubular support constrain lateral movement of the flexible element when the catheter assembly is operated.

Abstract: A deflectable catheter includes a flexible element includes a flexible element, and at least one skirt extending at least part way around the flexible element. An encapsulant is coupled between the skirt and a deflectable distal end portion of the deflectable catheter. The encapsulant is adapted to transmit pushing and pulling forces from the skirt to the deflectable distal end portion.

Abstract: A deflectable catheter includes a catheter shaft having a deflectable distal tip. A support member is coupled around a proximal portion of the catheter shaft, and the support member includes a first brake portion extending along at least a portion of the support member. A handle is coupled around the support member. The deflectable catheter includes a carriage moveably coupled along the handle, and the carriage includes a second brake portion sized and shaped to engage with at least a portion of the first brake portion. A flexible element is coupled between the deflectable distal tip and the carriage. A biasing device is adapted to bias the second brake portion into engagement with the first brake portion.

Abstract: An introducer assembly includes a sheath having a sheath proximal end and distal end, and a passage therethrough. The introducer assembly further includes a handle assembly disposed at an angle of about 10-30 degrees relative to the sheath axis. In addition, the introducer assembly includes a dilator having a grip portion, such as a recessed grip portion.

Abstract: An introducer assembly includes a sheath having a sheath proximal end and distal end, and a passage therethrough. The introducer assembly further includes a handle assembly that is mechanically and/or bonded coupled with a tubular sheath.

Abstract: An introducer assembly includes a sheath having a sheath proximal end and distal end, and a passage therethrough. The introducer assembly further includes a handle assembly that is mechanically and/or bonded coupled with a tubular sheath.

Abstract: Devices and methods for implanting a spinal neurological lead having at least one wing or flap extending transversely from the lead body. The wing can have a first wrapped configuration in which the wing is constrained against the lead body and a second unwrapped configuration is which the wing is unconstrained and allowed to extend outwardly. The wing can be biased to unwrap such that the wing tips change in angular position when viewed from the end, and in transverse extension when viewed from the top, but not in longitudinal position when viewed from the side. A pusher tube can be used to urge the lead from a delivery catheter, allowing the wing or wings to extend to urge a surface electrode toward the spinal cord, to maintain longitudinal position, and to be passively fixed over time. Leads according to the present invention can provide improved longitudinal stability after the lead electrode position has been properly fixed with respect to the spinal cord.

Abstract: Devices and methods for placing medical leads using minimally invasive techniques. One lead includes a lead body connected to a lead head having an aperture for providing fiber optic access to the interior of a helical electrode. The fiber optic shaft may be disposed within or along-side a drive shaft releasably coupled to the head to rotate the head. The drive shaft and lead body may be delivered using a delivery catheter. The delivery catheter can be advanced though a small incision to the target tissue site, and the site remotely visualized through the fiber optic scope extending through the lead head aperture. Some catheters include a distal mapping electrode readable from the catheter proximal portion or handle. The lead head can be rotated, rotating the helical electrode into the tissue, and the catheter, drive shaft, and fiber optic probe removed.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter body that extends from a distal end to a proximal end. The catheter body includes a delivery lumen, and an actuator lumen, where the actuator lumen extends from a position near or at the distal end to an intermediate portion that does not extend through the proximal end of the catheter body. The catheter body optionally includes an accessory lumen that extends from at or near the distal end and terminates at an intermediate portion that does not extend through the proximal end surface of the catheter body, for example, on a side wall.

Abstract: An introducer assembly includes an outer sheath, and a dilator assembly that includes a dilator hub and a dilator sheath. The dilator sheath is disposed within the outer sheath passage, and a proximal end of the dilator sheath is movably disposed within the dilator hub. The dilator assembly further includes a needle disposed within the dilator sheath, and coupled with the dilator hub. The dilator sheath has a first position and a second position relative to the dilator hub, where in the first position the needle distal end extends out from the dilator sheath distal end, and in the second position the dilator sheath is extended over the needle distal end.

Abstract: Minimally invasive introducers and methods that can be used for rotationally securing devices within the human body. Introducers can include a distal element for releasably engaging a lead head controllable from a proximal control located outside of the body. An inner stem can extend between a proximal portion and a distal portion, and be pivotally and rotatably coupled to the distal lead engagement mechanism. An outer tube can be rotatably disposed over the inner stem and be flexibly coupled over the pivot to rotationally drive the distal element. A helical epicardial-myocardial lead electrode can be secured and oriented straight ahead and introduced through a port or small incision with the introducer in a straight configuration. The introducer can then be bent and rotated to screw the helical electrode into the heart.