Abstract: A tissue-spreader assembly is configured to be selectively inserted into a patient having a first biological tissue and a second biological tissue, and to be maneuvered proximate to the second biological tissue. The tissue-spreader assembly is also configured to selectively engage, at least in part, an area of the second biological tissue without engaging the first biological tissue. The tissue-spreader assembly is also configured to selectively spread, at least in part, the area of the second biological tissue, and maintain the area of the second biological tissue in a spread-apart condition after the tissue-spreader assembly, in use, selectively engages, at least in part, the area of the second biological tissue.

Abstract: A stop-movement device is configured to be mounted to a first elongated medical assembly and a second elongated medical assembly. The stop-movement device has a body configured to stop, at least in part, relative movement between the second elongated medical assembly and the first elongated medical assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for an elongated introducer assembly and an elongated guidewire assembly. The elongated introducer assembly is manipulated and positioned proximate to a first biological wall. An elongated guidewire assembly is selectively maneuvered along the elongated introducer assembly and is comprised of a distal tip, distal portion, and elongated shaft section. The distal portion is further comprised of a flexible preset spatial geometry which comprises a distal length and distal deflective portion. The distal tip is used to puncture the first biological wall and the distal deflective portion directs the distal length away from a second biological wall positioned proximate to the first biological wall.

Abstract: A medical sheath includes an elongate member having a proximal portion defining a proximal end and a distal portion defining a distal end. A first lumen extends through the elongate member and is open at the proximal and the distal end for passage of a medical device through the lumen. The medical sheath further includes an anchoring mechanism that is deployable from the elongate member. The anchoring mechanism includes an anchor that is removably securable to an anatomical feature to secure the elongate member to the anatomical feature, and a connector securing the anchor to the elongate member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for an elongated introducer assembly. The elongated introducer assembly is manipulated and positioned proximate to a puncture hole in a tissue wall. A distal tip and distal end are advanced through the puncture hole and a distal expansion portion is selectively positioned relative to the puncture hole. An outer sliding shaft is advanced relative to an inner shaft, causing radial expansion of the distal expansion portion and an increase in outer diameter of the elongated introducer assembly at the distal expansion portion. Expansion of the puncture hole occurs as a result of the distal expansion portion in an expanded configuration passing through or spanning the puncture hole.

Abstract: An elongated guidewire assembly has a distal segment configured to be selectively maneuvered, along an elongated Introducer assembly. The distal segment is configured to selectively transmit a tenting force from the elongated guidewire assembly to the first biological wall after the distal segment has contacted, at least in part, the first biological wall and the distal segment has been selectively protracted away from the distal introducer assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for a guidewire that comprises an elongate member with a proximal and distal portion. The distal portion includes a distal curved portion, ending in a distal tip, and a tapered region that reduces the cross-section from a larger cross-section to a smaller cross-section. The elongate member further includes a plurality of flattened regions positioned at discrete locations along the elongate member. Each of the plurality of flattened regions are separated from one another by an unflattened region whereby when a force is exerted onto the guidewire, the guidewire undergoes bending at the plurality of flattened regions.

Abstract: An elongated support assembly is positionable, at least in part, in sliding relationship with an elongated flexible medical assembly. The elongated support assembly is configured to support, at least in part, the elongated flexible medical assembly after the elongated support assembly is positioned, at least in part, in sliding relationship with the elongated flexible medical assembly. The elongated support assembly is, at least in part, selectively maneuverable via an elongated ancillary medical assembly toward a distal portion of the elongated ancillary medical assembly.

Abstract: An elongated medical needle includes an electrically-insulated elongated body having an outer surface extending between an electrically-insulated distal section and an electrically-insulated proximal section. An insulated electrically-conductive wire is aligned proximately along the outer surface between the electrically-insulated distal section and the electrically-insulated proximal section. An exposed electrically-conductive portion is mounted at the electrically-insulated distal section. The exposed electrically-conductive portion is electrically connected to the insulated electrically-conductive wire.

Abstract: A method for pericardial puncture includes contacting a pericardium of a heart of a patient with an electrode of a medical device, and while the heart is in a contracted state, delivering radiofrequency energy from the electrode to puncture the pericardium. A stimulus signal can be delivered to the heart to force contraction and transient standstill of the heart in the contracted state. Electrocardiography monitoring and/or medical imaging can be used to determine when the heart is in the contracted state.

Abstract: A needle assembly is configured to be movable into a cavity of a patient having a biological wall. A distal tip section extends from the needle assembly. The distal tip section is configured to form a pass-through hole extending through the biological wall of the patient (as, or while, the needle assembly is urged to move toward the biological wall). The distal tip section is also configured to prevent (at least in part) the removal of a free-floating tissue core from the biological wall as the pass-through hole is formed by the distal tip section.

Abstract: Medical guidewire assembly is movable through guidewire introducer positionable proximate to a biological wall located within the body of a patient. Medical guidewire assembly has flexible distal shaft section configured to extend along the guidewire introducer. Medical guidewire assembly has a predetermined spatial geometry once the flexible distal shaft section is removed from guidewire introducer. Medical guidewire assembly also has a piercing stylet device configured to puncture the biological wall in response to placement of guidewire introducer (in use) proximate to the biological wall, and movement of the flexible distal shaft section through the guidewire introducer. The predetermined spatial geometry is configured to prevent physical contact between the piercing stylet device and adjacently positioned tissue of the patient in response to formation of the predetermined spatial geometry.

Abstract: A medical guidewire assembly is movable through an exit portal of a guidewire introducer. The guidewire introducer and the medical guidewire assembly are each insertable, at least in part, into a patient. The medical guidewire assembly is configured to reduce, at least in part, the hoop stress surrounding a puncture hole extending through the tissue of the patient. This is done in response to movement, at least in part, of the medical guidewire assembly relative to the puncture hole (after the puncture hole has been initially formed).

Abstract: A stop-movement device is configured to be mounted to a first elongated medical assembly and a second elongated medical assembly. The stop-movement device has a body configured to stop, at least in part, relative movement between the second elongated medical assembly and the first elongated medical assembly.

Abstract: A tissue-spreader assembly is configured to be selectively inserted into a patient having a first biological tissue and a second biological tissue, and to be maneuvered proximate to the second biological tissue. The tissue-spreader assembly is also configured to selectively engage, at least in part, an area of the second biological tissue without engaging the first biological tissue. The tissue-spreader assembly is also configured to selectively spread, at least in part, the area of the second biological tissue, and maintain the area of the second biological tissue in a spread-apart condition after the tissue-spreader assembly, in use, selectively engages, at least in part, the area of the second biological tissue.

Abstract: A guidewire assembly configured to be deployed from an ancillary assembly. The guidewire assembly has a distal puncture tip extending from a deployed distal-shaped section configured to mitigate piercing tip touch back on a biological wall after the elongated guidewire assembly is deployed from the ancillary assembly, and the distal puncture tip crosses a biological wall.

Abstract: A medical guidewire configured for puncturing a tissue. The medical guidewire includes an elongate guidewire body having a proximal portion with a first outer diameter and a distal portion with a second outer diameter. The second outer diameter is smaller than the first outer diameter, forming a tapered section between the first outer diameter and second outer diameter. The medical guidewire further includes a piercing device extending from the distal portion, forming a puncturing distal tip. An identification device is positioned on the elongate guidewire body on the first outer diameter proximal the tapered section. The identification device is configured to enhance detectable visibility of the medical guidewire.