Abstract: An ultrasonic medical or surgical device creates holes in heart tissue utilizing an ultrasonic needle or probe. The ultrasonic needle is inserted into heart tissue and activated to cause cavitation of fluid surrounding the needle. The cavitation heats the surrounding tissue and causes reversible tissue damage. The ultrasonic device consists of a transducer, a needle, and a regulator. The device can be a hand held device for external application or may be a catheter device for performing a minimally invasive procedure. A temperature sensor may be positioned on the needle for sensing a temperature of the heart tissue in which the needle has bee inserted.

Abstract: A minimally invasive medical or surgical device creates holes in heart tissue utilizing a needle connected to an energy source, such a radio frequency generator, a resistive heating source, or a microwave energy source. The needle is inserted into heart tissue from an interior of the heart and activated to heat the surrounding tissue in order to produce reversible tissue damage. The device consists of an energy source and regulator, electric contacts to the energy source, a catheter, and a needle at the distal end of the catheter for delivering energy to the heart tissue. The catheter is fed through the vasculature into the interior of the heart. A temperature sensor may be positioned on the needle for sensing a temperature of the heart tissue in which the needle has been inserted. Preferably, a regulator is connected to the energy source and to the temperature sensor for controlling the temperature of the heart tissue in which the needle has been inserted to about 40.degree. C. to about 60.degree. C.

Abstract: A device and method for treating myocardial infarction by selectively heating the infarct scar to reduce the size of the scar tissue area by shrinking the tissue in the heart, stiffen the floppy portion of the scar tissue, reduce the ventricular systolic wall tension, and increase the overall pumping efficiency of the infarcted heart by eliminating a ventricular aneurism, if present. The heat can be applied to or induced in the infarct scar. Force can also be applied to assist the reduction of the size of the scar area using the device of the present invention which has a heating element and a scissor-like clamp for squeezing two portions of the infarct scar together.

Abstract: A device and method for treating patent ductus arteriosus in a human. A catheter having a collapsible/expandable heating element at a distal end for entering an infant transcutaneously and being advanced to the ductus arteriosus. A method of heating the inner surface of the ductus arteriosus with the heating element to a temperature sufficient to produce a material change in the collagen of the ductus arteriosus such that the ductus arteriosus passage shrinks to closure.

Abstract: A device and method for shortening the chordae tendineae by heating them. Shortening the chordae tendineae stabilizes the atrioventricular valve to which they are attached, thus reducing or halting valve prolapse. A catheter having a heating tip system is inserted in the heart of a patient and maneuvered by an operating surgeon so that the heating tip can induce or transfer heat to the chordae tendineae. The heating tip system heats the chordae tendineae by direct transmission of heat or by inducing heat in the chordae tendineae with electromagnetic radiation. The operating surgeon monitors the heating of the chordae tendineae and when the desired degree of shorting has been achieved, the catheter is removed from the patient.

Abstract: A device and method for treating infected or damaged heart valve tissue by selectively heating, applying pressure, or both to the heart valve tissue to sterilize any infected portion of the tissue, reshape any misshapen portion, effect selective thinning of any thickened portion, and reduce the floppiness of any selected portion. The heat can be applied to or induced in the heart valve tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for closing a patent foramen ovale. The present invention comprises a catheter sheath with proximal and distal ends. A balloon catheter with a plurality of abrasive members is deployably retained within the catheter sheath. Once the catheter sheath is placed by a treating health care professional across a patent foramen ovale, the balloon catheter is advanced such that the balloon and the abrasive members are deployed outside of the distal end of the catheter sheath. The catheter sheath is then removed from the foramen ovale and the balloon is inflated. The treating healthcare professional then abrades the inner surfaces of the patent foramen ovale to thereby cause an area of thrombogenesis. The balloon catheter is then deflated and the abrasive members are then repositioned into the distal end of the catheter sheath and then removed from the patient.

Abstract: A device and method for treating patent ductus arteriosus in a human. A catheter having a collapsible/expandable heating element at a distal end for entering an infant transcutaneously and being advanced to the ductus arteriosus. A method of heating the inner surface of the ductus arteriosus with the heating element to a temperature sufficient to produce a material change in the collagen of the ductus arteriosus such that the ductus arteriosus passage shrinks to closure.