Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a first magnetic field sensor and a second magnetic field sensor. The first magnetic field sensor includes a first substrate and a first elongated magnetic field sensor component extending a first length. The second magnetic field sensor includes a second substrate and a second elongated magnetic field sensor component extending a second length that is shorter than the first length. The first magnetic field sensor has a greater sensitivity to a sensed magnetic field than the second magnetic field sensor.

Abstract: Implantation of a cardiac stimulus system using the ITV. Access to the ITV may be performed using the intercostal vein as an access point, and entering the ITV through an ostium therebetween. The intercostal vein may be located on a costal groove on an inferior portion of a rib. Advancement from the intercostal vein to the ITV may then be performed in a superior direction, an inferior direction, or both.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a first magnetic field sensor that is a first type of sensor and has a first magnetic field sensitivity in a first primary sensing direction. The first primary sensing direction is along a longitudinal axis of the sensor assembly. The sensor assembly further includes a second magnetic field sensor that is a second type of sensor different than the first type of sensor and has a second magnetic field sensitivity in a second primary sensing direction that is less than the first magnetic field sensitivity. The second primary sensing direction is along a second axis that is different than the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may be a medical device with increased compression resistance. The medical device may include an elongate shaft having a proximal end region, a distal end region, a lumen extending therethrough, and a tension resistance member extending at least partially between the proximal end region and the distal end region. An exoskeleton may be disposed along an outer surface of the shaft. The exoskeleton may include a plurality of discrete segments engaged with one another. At least one of the segments may be coupled to the tension resistance member.

Abstract: A position sensor assembly includes a base member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an intermediate portion disposed therebetween and having a twisted configuration such that the proximal and distal portions are oriented in mutually orthogonal planes. At least first and second magnetic field sensors each including at least one magnetic field sensing element are disposed, respectively, on the proximal and distal portions of the base member. The base member further includes a first base member element defining the proximal portion of the base member, and a second base member element defining the distal portion of the base member, the first and second base member elements being electrically and mechanically connected at a joint.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns systems and methods for tissue volume reduction and control of the flow of substances through the body. Systems according to the various embodiments of the disclosure include check valves formed from wire coils which are deployable through a tubular lumen, such as the working channel of an endoscope, or a catheter.

Abstract: A system that includes at least one coil that is radio-translucent and includes at least one conductor that includes lithium.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, an apparatus includes a stacked array of discs electrically coupled together where each disc includes an electrical component. In certain embodiments, a minimally-invasive medical device includes a stack of transducer platforms positioned within the minimally-invasive medical device. Each platform includes a plurality of electrical components.

Abstract: A transducer includes a planar coil coupled to a magnetic flux guide. The magnetic flux guide includes an array of nanowires. The transducer could include a plurality of magnetic flux guides and a plurality of planar coils stacked together. The flux guides and planar coils could alternative in the stacked configuration.

Abstract: A catheter including expandable electrode assembly having a distal cap that mechanically engages a locking feature provided on the distal ends of each of two or more flexible splines forming a portion of the expandable electrode assembly is described. The distal cap defines an atraumatic distal tip of the catheter. The catheter may be used in a cardiac mapping and/or ablation procedure.

Abstract: An intravascularly-deliverable electrode assembly can be used to provide electrostimulation. The electrode assembly can include an electrostimulation circuit located in a housing, two or more elongate members coupled to the housing and configured to anchor the housing to a heart, the two or more elongate members including two or more electrodes electrically coupled to the electrostimulation circuit and controllably addressable by the electrostimulation circuit for delivery of an electrostimulation to the heart. The two or more elongate members can be sized and shaped for intravascular delivery to the heart in a first configuration, and in response to a user actuation, the two or more elongate members can move to a second configuration that is expanded relative to the first configuration to securely anchor the intravascularly-deliverable electrode assembly to the heart. Circuitry within the electrode assembly can coordinate electrostimulation, such as for delivery to sites near each electrode.

Abstract: A tissue modification apparatus includes at least a first plurality of grippers aligned in a plane adapted to secure a first edge of a patch of tissue. The plurality of grippers are each secured to a first force actuator. The first plurality of grippers are each adapted to pivot relative to the first force actuator about an axis perpendicular to the plane. In some cases, a plurality of grippers are attached to a force actuator by a passive force transfer mechanism. In some cases, individual force actuators are attached by pivoted connections to individual grippers. Methods of treating tissue can secure tensioned tissue to a frame to retain the tension during a treatment (e.g., cross-linking the tissue with a chemical cross-linker).

Abstract: A catheter including expandable electrode assembly having a distal cap that mechanically engages a locking feature provided on the distal ends of each of two or more flexible splines forming a portion of the expandable electrode assembly is described. The distal cap defines an atraumatic distal tip of the catheter. The catheter may be used in a cardiac mapping and/or ablation procedure.

Abstract: An implantable lead includes a lead body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The lead body includes an insulative member having a lumen extending longitudinally between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion. The lead body also includes a generally tubular helical liner disposed coaxially with the lumen within the insulative member. A pitch of the helical liner varies along the length of the lead. The implantable lead also includes an electrode disposed along the lead body in the distal end portion thereof, and a conductor disposed within the lumen and electrically coupled to the electrode. A terminal connector is coupled to the proximal end portion of the lead body and to the conductor.

Abstract: A medical device system may include a valve replacement implant including an anchor member reversibly actuatable between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the implant includes at least one locking element configured to lock the anchor member in the deployed configuration, and at least one actuator element configured to engage the at least one locking element and actuate the anchor member between the delivery configuration and the deployed configuration. The at least one actuator element may include a self-biased cam mechanism configured to extend into and engage a first locking portion of the at least one locking element.

Abstract: An implantable lead includes a lead body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The lead body includes an insulative member having a lumen extending longitudinally between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion. The lead body also includes a generally tubular liner disposed coaxially with the lumen within the insulative member. The implantable lead also includes an electrode disposed along the lead body in the distal end portion thereof, and a conductor disposed within the lumen and electrically coupled to the electrode. A terminal connector is coupled to the proximal end portion of the lead body and to the conductor.

Abstract: A catheter including expandable electrode assembly having a distal cap that mechanically engages a locking feature provided on the distal ends of each of two or more flexible splines forming a portion of the expandable electrode assembly is described. The distal cap defines an atraumatic distal tip of the catheter. The catheter may be used in a cardiac mapping and/or ablation procedure.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a medical device for injecting one or more substances may include a proximal handle assembly. The proximal handle assembly may include a housing, a rotatable member rotatably coupled to the housing, and a port configured to receive one or more substances. The medical device may also include an inner member coupled to the rotatable member and extending distal to the proximal handle assembly. The medical device may also include an outer member coupled to the housing, surrounding at least a portion of the inner member, and extending distal to the proximal handle assembly. The medical device may also include a helical needle coupled to the inner member and extending distal to the inner member.

Abstract: An intravascularly-deliverable electrode assembly can be used to provide electrostimulation. The electrode assembly can include an electrostimulation circuit located in a housing, two or more elongate members coupled to the housing and configured to anchor the housing to a heart, the two or more elongate members including two or more electrodes electrically coupled to the electrostimulation circuit and controllably addressable by the electrostimulation circuit for delivery of an electrostimulation to the heart. The two or more elongate members can be sized and shaped for intravascular delivery to the heart in a first configuration, and in response to a user actuation, the two or more elongate members can move to a second configuration that is expanded relative to the first configuration to securely anchor the intravascularly-deliverable electrode assembly to the heart. Circuitry within the electrode assembly can coordinate electrostimulation, such as for delivery to sites near each electrode.

Abstract: Implantable medical leads and methods of forming such leads are disclosed. An implantable medical lead includes a lead body, a swage base coupled to the lead body, and a polymeric member interposed at least in part between the swage base and at least one rigid component of the lead such as an electrode or annular ring. The swage base includes an annular-shaped body including a flange having a number of protrusions that extend radially outward from the flange. During a swaging process, the protrusions on the flange are compressed against the polymeric member, forming a number of channels in the member that mechanically bond the member to the swage base.