Abstract: Synthetic chord devices and methods for using the same for connecting tissues are provided. Aspects of the synthetic chord devices include a first flexible connector having first and second ends. Located at the first end is an attachment element that includes a piercing member coupled to a securing member, wherein the securing member transitions from a linear to a planar configuration upon separation of the piercing member from the attachment element. A reinforcing element is located at the second end. The devices and methods of the invention find use in a variety of applications, such as cardiac valve, e.g., mitral valve repair; or tissue closure.

Abstract: Synthetic chord devices and methods for using the same for connecting tissues are provided. Aspects of the synthetic chord device include a flexible cord having an attachment element at both a first and a second end, wherein each attachment element includes a piercing member coupled to a securing member that attaches the flexible cord to a first tissue. At least a portion of the flexible cord can be configured to be secured to a second tissue. Aspects of the invention also include sets of the synthetic chord device with pre-measured flexible cords. The devices and methods of the invention find use in a variety of applications, such as in applications in which it is desired to repair a heart valve.

Abstract: Tissue ablation devices are provided. Aspects of the tissue ablation devices include an elongated member having a proximal and distal end. At the distal end are first and second jaws that are configured to apply ablation energy to tissue disposed between the jaws during use. Each jaw includes a surface proximal radiofrequency (RF) ablation energy component and a surface distal thermal ablation energy component. Also provided are systems that include a tissue ablation device operatively coupled to an energy source, as well as kits that include the devices and methods of using the devices in tissue ablation applications, including cardiac tissue ablation applications.

Abstract: Methods of treating a subject for a cardiac arrhythmia are provided. Aspects of the methods include thoracoscopically producing a cardiac Cox maze III set of lesions in cardiac tissue of the subject in a manner sufficient to treat the subject for the cardiac arrhythmia.

Abstract: Methods of treating a subject for a cardiac arrhythmia are provided. Aspects of the methods include thoracoscopically producing a cardiac Cox maze III set of lesions in cardiac tissue of the subject in a manner sufficient to treat the subject for the cardiac arrhythmia.

Abstract: Synthetic chord devices and methods for using the same for connecting tissues are provided. Aspects of the synthetic chord device include a flexible cord having an attachment element at both a first and a second end, wherein each attachment element includes a piercing member coupled to a securing member that attaches the flexible cord to a first tissue. At least a portion of the flexible cord can be configured to be secured to a second tissue. Aspects of the invention also include sets of the synthetic chord device with pre-measured flexible cords. The devices and methods of the invention find use in a variety of applications, such as in is applications in which it is desired to repair a heart valve.

Abstract: Methods of treating a subject for a cardiac arrhythmia are provided. Aspects of the methods include thoracoscopically producing a cardiac Cox maze III set of lesions in cardiac tissue of the subject in a manner sufficient to treat the subject for the cardiac arrhythmia.

Abstract: RF tissue ablation devices are provided. Aspects of the RF tissue ablation devices include an elongated member having a proximal and distal end, first and second jaws at the distal end, wherein the first and second jaws are configured to apply intra and inter RF energy to tissue disposed between the jaws during use, and a connector at the proximal end for operatively connecting to a RF energy source. Also provided are systems that include an RF tissue ablation device operatively coupled to a RF energy source, as well as kits that include the devices and methods of using the devices in RF tissue ablation applications, including cardiac applications.

Abstract: Synthetic chord devices and methods for using the same for connecting tissues are provided. Aspects of the synthetic chord device include a flexible cord having an attachment element at both a first and a second end, wherein each attachment element includes a piercing member coupled to a securing member that attaches the flexible cord to a first tissue. At least a portion of the flexible cord can be configured to be secured to a second tissue. Aspects of the invention also include sets of the synthetic chord device with pre-measured flexible cords. The devices and methods of the invention find use in a variety of applications, such as in applications in which it is desired to repair a heart valve.