Abstract: A system for ablating internal heart tissue in an ablation pattern on a surface of the tissue within the heart. The system includes an ablation catheter with a distal end having an ablating tip portion operative to allow selective ablation of tissue. A guiding device is engageable with the ablation catheter and includes a tissue anchoring portion operable to engage with tissue proximate to the tissue to be ablated so as to temporarily anchor the guiding device relative to the tissue. Engagement of the guiding device with the ablation catheter operates to assist with guiding the ablating tip portion in moving along the pattern. Various devices and methods of use are further disclosed.

Abstract: A system (60) for ablating internal heart tissue (12) in an ablation pattern (50) on a surface of the tissue within the heart. The system (60) includes an ablation catheter (14) with a distal end having an ablating tip portion (20) operative to allow selective ablation of tissue. A guiding device (62) is engageable with the ablation catheter (14) and includes a tissue anchoring portion (74) operable to engage with tissue proximate to the tissue to be ablated so as to temporarily anchor the guiding device (62) relative to the tissue (12). Engagement of the guiding device (62) with the ablation catheter (14) operates to assist with guiding the ablating tip portion (20) in moving along the pattern (50). Various devices and methods of use are further disclosed.

Abstract: Thermal pads (50) for incorporation into systems (10) and compression garments (54) may be used for various medical or other purposes. The pads (50) include thermal fluid channels and the ability to flex and elastically stretch in multiple directions for conformance to the individual user. Cooling systems (10) include recirculation of the thermal fluid for temperature control purposes. Methods include hot and cold contrast type therapy for a variety of purposes.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a tubular member defining a lumen and a channel, and a support member. The tubular member has a connection portion configured to be coupled to an organ wall. An outer edge of the connection portion is configured to contact a first portion of an inner surface of the wall when the connection portion is in an expanded configuration such that an interior volume of the organ is in fluid communication with the lumen. The support member is movably disposed within the channel and is configured to minimize movement of the wall relative to the tubular member. An end portion of the support member is disposed within the channel when the support member is in a first configuration. The end portion of the support member configured to contact a second portion of the inner surface of the wall when the support member is in a second configuration.

Abstract: A system (60) for ablating internal heart tissue (12) in an ablation pattern (50) on a surface of the tissue within the heart. The system (60) includes an ablation catheter (14) with a distal end having an ablating tip portion (20) operative to allow selective ablation of tissue. A guiding device (62) is engageable with the ablation catheter (14) and includes a tissue anchoring portion (74) operable to engage with tissue proximate to the tissue to be ablated so as to temporarily anchor the guiding device (62) relative to the tissue (12). Engagement of the guiding device (62) with the ablation catheter (14) operates to assist with guiding the ablating tip portion (20) in moving along the pattern (50). Various devices and methods of use are further disclosed.