Abstract: Novel and unique medical devices and associated methods are disclosed, for a medical device for puncturing tissue at a tissue site. The medical device includes an elongate member having a distal section defining a distal section curved portion and a distal section straight portion. The distal section straight portion is distal to the distal section curved portion. An active tip is located at a distal end of the distal section. The active tip is operable to deliver energy to create a puncture through the tissue. The medical device includes a constant diameter layer. The distal section straight portion includes a minimum diameter portion located proximal to a constant diameter portion, and the constant diameter layer surrounds the minimum diameter portion.

Abstract: Novel and unique medical devices and associated methods are disclosed, for a medical device for puncturing tissue at a tissue site. The medical device is an elongate member having a proximal section, a distal section, and a rail section therebetween. The medical device includes an active tip at a distal end of the distal section and is operable to deliver energy to create a puncture through the tissue. The rail section is configured to both act as a rail for supporting installation of one or more tubular members thereupon, as well as be maneuverable for enabling access to the tissue site.

Abstract: A steerable catheter control handle and method are provided for bi-directional control of a steerable catheter, the catheter including at least two control wires, a distal end of each of the control wires being coupled to the catheter at a distal region thereof. The control system comprises a housing. A wire actuation mechanism is disposed within the housing and is operably coupled to at least two control wires for enabling actuation of the at least two control wires. The steerable catheter control handle additionally comprises a proximal control knob that is operably coupled to the wire actuation mechanism to enable actuation of the at least two control wires for causing a distal end deflection of the steerable catheter.

Abstract: Embodiments of a steerable catheter control system and methods are disclosed. The steerable catheter control system comprises a housing which defines an inner housing and a slide assembly which linearly translates within the inner housing. At least two control wires are positioned through the slide assembly wherein one of the at least two controls wires are indirectly coupled to the slide assembly via the direction reversing element. The steerable catheter control system further comprises a slack limiting element, coupled to at least one of the at least two control wires. The slack limiting element allows for frictional engagement of the control wire to limit slack. The control system includes a control knob for linearly translating the slide assembly, enabling the slide assembly to manipulate the control wires which causes a change in deflection of the steerable catheter.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for puncturing tissue in a patient. The devices include a needle with a rigid proximal shaft, a flexible distal shaft, and a distal tip. The distal tip includes an electrode for delivering energy to puncture a tissue. In some embodiments, the distal shaft includes a superelastic material. In other embodiments, the distal shaft includes both a superelastic material and a non-superelastic material. The distal shaft includes shape memory enabling formation of an anchor within the patient.

Abstract: Embodiments of medical devices and methods are disclosed. The medical devices typically comprises a needle with a rigid proximal shaft, a flexible distal shaft and a distal tip. The distal tip includes an electrode for delivering energy to puncture a tissue. In some embodiments, the distal shaft comprises a superelastic material. In other embodiments, the distal shaft is comprised of both a superelastic material and a non-superelastic material.

Abstract: Novel and unique medical devices and associated methods are disclosed, for a medical device for puncturing tissue at a tissue site. The medical device is an elongate member having a proximal section, a distal section, and a rail section therebetween. The medical device includes an active tip at a distal end of the distal section and is operable to deliver energy to create a puncture through the tissue. The rail section is configured to both act as a rail for supporting installation of one or more tubular members thereupon, as well as be maneuverable for enabling access to the tissue site.

Abstract: Novel and unique medical devices and associated methods are disclosed, for facilitating efficient and repeatable puncture of a tissue site while allowing vascular access from various access sites of a patient's body. Disclosed medical devices include dilators and wires usable alone or in combination and configured to facilitate tissue access and puncture at various anatomical locations from desired access sites. The medical devices each include one or more sections having sufficient flexibility for accessing the tissue site from the access site while retaining sufficient stiffness to perform one or more additional functions.

Abstract: Apparatus and systems are disclosed that incorporate a steerable catheter control handle for bi-directional control of a steerable catheter. The steerable catheter control handle includes a slide assembly positioned within the inner housing and operable to translate linearly therein. The control handle further includes a proximal portion of at least two control wires being positioned through the slide assembly wherein one of the at least two control wires is indirectly coupled to the slide assembly via a direction reversing element. The steerable catheter control handle has a control knob rotatably coupled to the housing for linearly translating the slide assembly, thereby enabling the slide assembly to manipulate each of the at least two control wires, effecting a change in deflection of said catheter. The slide assembly further comprises a slide limiting mechanism to restrict linear translation of the slide assembly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for a needle comprising a distal shaft and a proximal shaft joined at a junction, the needle having a distal tip which includes an electrode for delivering energy to puncture a tissue, wherein the distal shaft is comprised of a superelastic material. In typical embodiments, the needle includes a lumen for delivering and withdrawing fluids from a treatment site. In some embodiments the junction is comprised of a superelastic material.

Abstract: A control system and method are provided for control of a steerable catheter, the catheter including at least two control wires, a distal end of each of the control wires being coupled to the catheter at a distal region thereof, the control system comprising: a housing coupled to the catheter; a slide assembly positioned within the housing and operable to translate linearly therein; a proximal portion of each of the at least two control wires being positioned through the slide assembly; and a control knob rotatably coupled to the housing for linearly translating the slide assembly, thereby enabling the slide assembly to separately manipulate each of said at least two control wires to effect a change in a deflection of said catheter.

Abstract: Embodiments of a steerable catheter control system and methods are disclosed. The steerable catheter control system comprises a housing which defines an inner housing and a slide assembly which linearly translates within the inner housing. At least two control wires are positioned through the slide assembly wherein one of the at least two controls wires are indirectly coupled to the slide assembly via the direction reversing element. The steerable catheter control system further comprises a slack limiting element, coupled to at least one of the at least two control wires. The slack limiting element allows for frictional engagement of the control wire to limit slack. The control system includes a control knob for linearly translating the slide assembly, enabling the slide assembly to manipulate the control wires which causes a change in deflection of the steerable catheter.

Abstract: A steerable catheter control handle and method are provided for bi-directional control of a steerable catheter, the catheter including at least two control wires, a distal end of each of the control wires being coupled to the catheter at a distal region thereof. The control system comprises a housing. A wire actuation mechanism is disposed within the housing and is operably coupled to at least two control wires for enabling actuation of the at least two control wires. The steerable catheter control handle additionally comprises a proximal control knob that is operably coupled to the wire actuation mechanism to enable actuation of the at least two control wires. The control knob is positioned proximal to the wire actuation mechanism to enhance ease of use of the steerable catheter control handle. The rotation of the proximal knob causes movement of the wire actuation mechanism within the housing for tensioning one of the at least two control wires for causing a distal end deflection of the steerable catheter.

Abstract: Novel and unique medical devices and associated methods are disclosed, for facilitating efficient and repeatable puncture of a tissue site while allowing vascular access from various access sites of a patient's body. Disclosed medical devices include dilators and wires usable alone or in combination and configured to facilitate tissue access and puncture at various anatomical locations from desired access sites. The medical devices each include one or more sections having sufficient flexibility for accessing the tissue site from the access site while retaining sufficient stiffness to perform one or more additional functions.

Abstract: Embodiments of medical devices and methods are disclosed. The medical devices typically comprises a needle with a rigid proximal shaft, a flexible distal shaft and a distal tip. The distal tip includes an electrode for delivering energy to puncture a tissue. In some embodiments, the distal shaft comprises a superelastic material. In other embodiments, the distal shaft is comprised of both a superelastic material and a non-superelastic material.

Abstract: Novel and unique medical devices and associated methods are disclosed, for facilitating efficient and repeatable puncture of a tissue site while allowing vascular access from various access sites of a patient's body. Disclosed medical devices include dilators and wires usable alone or in combination and configured to facilitate tissue access and puncture at various anatomical locations from desired access sites. The medical devices each include one or more sections having sufficient flexibility for accessing the tissue site from the access site while retaining sufficient stiffness to perform one or more additional functions.

Abstract: A steerable catheter control handle and method are provided for bi-directional control of a steerable catheter, the catheter including at least two control wires, a distal end of each of the control wires being coupled to the catheter at a distal region thereof. The control system comprises a housing. A wire actuation mechanism is disposed within the housing and is operably coupled to at least two control wires for enabling actuation of the at least two control wires. The steerable catheter control handle additionally comprises a proximal control knob that is operably coupled to the wire actuation mechanism to enable actuation of the at least two control wires. The control knob is positioned proximal to the wire actuation mechanism to enhance ease of use of the steerable catheter control handle. The rotation of the proximal knob causes movement of the wire actuation mechanism within the housing for tensioning one of the at least two control wires for causing a distal end deflection of the steerable catheter.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for a needle comprising a distal shaft and a proximal shaft joined at a junction, the needle having a distal tip which includes an electrode for delivering energy to puncture a tissue, wherein the distal shaft is comprised of a superelastic material. In typical embodiments, the needle includes a lumen for delivering and withdrawing fluids from a treatment site. In some embodiments the junction is comprised of a superelastic material.

Abstract: Novel and unique medical devices and associated methods are disclosed, for facilitating efficient and repeatable puncture of a tissue site while allowing vascular access from various access sites of a patient's body. Disclosed medical devices include dilators and wires usable alone or in combination and configured to facilitate tissue access and puncture at various anatomical locations from desired access sites. The medical devices each include one or more sections having sufficient flexibility for accessing the tissue site from the access site while retaining sufficient stiffness to perform one or more additional functions.

Abstract: A control system and method are provided for control of a steerable catheter, the catheter including at least two control wires, a distal end of each of the control wires being coupled to the catheter at a distal region thereof, the control system comprising: a housing coupled to the catheter; a slide assembly positioned within the housing and operable to translate linearly therein; a proximal portion of each of the at least two control wires being positioned through the slide assembly; and a control knob rotatably coupled to the housing for linearly translating the slide assembly, thereby enabling the slide assembly to separately manipulate each of said at least two control wires to effect a change in a deflection of said catheter.