Abstract: In vivo visualization systems are described which facilitate tissue treatment by a user in utilizing real time visualized tissue images with generated three-dimensional models of the tissue region of interest, such as the left atrial chamber of a subject's heart. Directional indicators on the visualized tissue as well as the imaging systems may be utilized while other variations may utilize image rotation or manipulation of visualized tissue regions to facilitate catheter control. Moreover, visualized tissue regions may be combined with imaged tissue regions as well as navigational information to further facilitate tissue treatments.

Abstract: A computer implemented method comprises receiving a model of a tissue region, steering a distal end of a catheter within a body to a first area of a tissue region, and obtaining a first image from the distal end of the catheter of the first area of the tissue region. The method further comprises mapping the first image of the first area of the tissue region to the model of the tissue region and displaying the first image of the first area of the tissue region on the model of the tissue region.

Abstract: A computer implemented method comprises receiving a model of a tissue region, steering a distal end of a catheter within a body to a first area of a tissue region, and obtaining a first image from the distal end of the catheter of the first area of the tissue region. The method further comprises mapping the first image of the first area of the tissue region to the model of the tissue region and displaying the first image of the first area of the tissue region on the model of the tissue region.

Abstract: A computer implemented method comprises activating a control mechanism on a catheter handle in a first direction with respect to a user to steer a distal end of a catheter within a body in a second direction while the catheter handle is in a first rotational position. The control mechanism includes a first indicator associated with the first direction. The computer implemented method also includes obtaining an image from the distal end of the catheter of a tissue region of interest within the body and calibrating a first rotational motion of the catheter handle with a rotational motion of the image. With the catheter handle in a second rotational position that is different than the first rotational position, the control mechanism activated in the first direction with respect to the user moves the distal end of the catheter in the second direction.

Abstract: An open-irrigated catheter system includes a catheter body and a tip assembly, coupled to a distal end of the catheter body. The tip assembly includes an exterior wall that is conductive for delivering radio frequency (RF) energy for an RF ablation procedure, and that defines an interior region. The exterior wall includes a number of proximal irrigation ports and a number of distal irrigation ports. At least one fluid chamber is defined within the interior region and is in fluid communication with at least one of the proximal irrigation ports and the distal irrigation ports. At least one fluid lumen extends from a fluid source, through the catheter body, to the tip assembly, and is in fluid communication with the at least one fluid chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for ablation efficacy are described herein where a hood having a deployable elongated feature can extend beyond a distal face of the hood. The elongated feature can channel the energy to the deeper regions within the tissue (such as trabeculated regions or other tissue structures) such that the energy can be delivered to the target tissue despite small or large irregularities in the target tissue surface (or region) and/or changes in the relative distances between the hood and the target tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for ablation efficacy are described herein where a hood having a deployable elongated feature can extend beyond a distal face of the hood. The elongated feature can channel the energy to the deeper regions within the tissue (such as trabeculated regions or other tissue structures) such that the energy can be delivered to the target tissue despite small or large irregularities in the target tissue surface (or region) and/or changes in the relative distances between the hood and the target tissue.

Abstract: An open-irrigated catheter system includes a catheter body and a tip assembly, coupled to a distal end of the catheter body. The tip assembly includes an exterior wall that is conductive for delivering radio frequency (RF) energy for an RF ablation procedure, and that defines an interior region. The exterior wall includes a number of proximal irrigation ports and a number of distal irrigation ports. At least one fluid chamber is defined within the interior region and is in fluid communication with at least one of the proximal irrigation ports and the distal irrigation ports. At least one fluid lumen extends from a fluid source, through the catheter body, to the tip assembly, and is in fluid communication with the at least one fluid chamber.

Abstract: In vivo visualization systems are described which facilitate tissue treatment by a user in utilizing real time visualized tissue images with generated three-dimensional models of the tissue region of interest, such as the left atrial chamber of a subject's heart. Directional indicators on the visualized tissue as well as the imaging systems may be utilized while other variations may utilize image rotation or manipulation of visualized tissue regions to facilitate catheter control. Moreover, visualized tissue regions may be combined with imaged tissue regions as well as navigational information to further facilitate tissue treatments.

Abstract: In vivo visualization systems are described which facilitate tissue treatment by a user in utilizing real time visualized tissue images with generated three-dimensional models of the tissue region of interest, such as the left atrial chamber of a subject's heart. Directional indicators on the visualized tissue as well as the imaging systems may be utilized while other variations may utilize image rotation or manipulation of visualized tissue regions to facilitate catheter control. Moreover, visualized tissue regions may be combined with imaged tissue regions as well as navigational information to further facilitate tissue treatments.

Abstract: In vivo visualization systems are described which facilitate tissue treatment by a user in utilizing real time visualized tissue images with generated three-dimensional models of the tissue region of interest, such as the left atrial chamber of a subject's heart. Directional indicators on the visualized tissue as well as the imaging systems may be utilized while other variations may utilize image rotation or manipulation of visualized tissue regions to facilitate catheter control. Moreover, visualized tissue regions may be combined with imaged tissue regions as well as navigational information to further facilitate tissue treatments.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for ablation efficacy are described herein where a hood having a deployable elongated feature can extend beyond a distal face of the hood. The elongated feature can channel the energy to the deeper regions within the tissue (such as trabeculated regions or other tissue structures) such that the energy can be delivered to the target tissue despite small or large irregularities in the target tissue surface (or region) and/or changes in the relative distances between the hood and the target tissue.

Abstract: In vivo visualization systems are described which facilitate tissue treatment by a user in utilizing real time visualized tissue images with generated three-dimensional models of the tissue region of interest, such as the left atrial chamber of a subject's heart. Directional indicators on the visualized tissue as well as the imaging systems may be utilized while other variations may utilize image rotation or manipulation of visualized tissue regions to facilitate catheter control. Moreover, visualized tissue regions may be combined with imaged tissue regions as well as navigational information to further facilitate tissue treatments.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treatment of the ostium are described herein. Examples of such devices include inflatable balloons which have one or more raised pores along a distal portion which act as conduits for providing saline flow from the balloon to facilitate visualization of the contacted tissue as well as providing for a conduction path for energy delivery. The balloon may be configured in various shapes to facilitate contact of the balloon in and against the ostium.