Abstract: An atherectomy system includes an atherectomy burr having one or more blood flow enhancement features that permit an increased level of blood flow past the burr relative to a blood flow that would result absent the one or more flow enhancement features. A drive mechanism is adapted to rotatably actuate the atherectomy burr.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in performing ablation or coagulation of organs and other tissue includes a metallized fabric electrode array which is substantially absorbent and/or permeable to moisture and gases such as steam and conformable to the body cavity. Following placement of the ablation device into contact with the tissue to be ablated, an RF generator is used to deliver RF energy to the conductive regions and to thereby induce current flow from the electrodes to tissue to be ablated. As the current heats the tissue, moisture (such as steam or liquid) leaves the tissue causing the tissue to dehydrate. Suction may be applied to facilitate moisture removal. The moisture permeability and/or absorbency of the electrode carrying member allows the moisture to leave the ablation site so as to prevent the moisture from providing a path of conductivity for the current.

Abstract: Treatment and procedures for treating bodily conduits involves deactivating, killing, or otherwise treating smooth muscle tissue of the conduit.

Abstract: Treatment and procedures for treating bodily conduits involves deactivating, killing, or otherwise treating smooth muscle tissue of the conduit.

Abstract: A catheter for insertion into and treatment of tissue in a patient comprises a radio frequency (RF) electrode having an elongated body that conducts electrical RF energy to a conductive tip. An insulating sleeve surrounds the elongated body. In a first mode of operation, the conductive tip is exposed outside the insulating sleeve and the RF electrode delivers RF energy that erodes the tissue of the patient and creates a tunnel through which the catheter can advance into the tissue of the patient. In a second mode of operation, the insulating sleeve and/or the RF electrode is retracted and a second treatment apparatus treats the tissue.

Abstract: Tissue-penetrating guidewires with shaped tips, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A patient treatment system in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a tissue-penetrating guidewire that in turn includes a flexible segment having a distal portion and a proximal portion. The flexible segment is elongated along an elongation axis. A penetrating member is positioned at the distal portion and includes at least one blade segment having a tapered outer peripheral surface and an adjacent generally sharp edge. The blade segment extends to a distal end of the penetrating member to form a generally blunt tip. In operation, the guidewire can be connected to an electrical current source to deliver high frequency current to the penetrating member.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transeptal cardiac procedures are disclosed. A method for treating a patient in accordance with a particular embodiment includes positioning a tissue penetrating guidewire adjacent to a cardiac septum, directing pulses of energy to the guidewire, and advancing the guidewire into and through the septum by moving the guidewire in a distal direction in a series of discrete steps. Individual steps can be of a predetermined distance measured outside the patient's body. The method can further include passing a catheter over the guidewire after the guidewire has passed through the septum.

Abstract: A catheter for insertion into and treatment of tissue in a patient comprises a radio frequency (RF) electrode having an elongated body that conducts electrical RF energy to a conductive tip. An insulating sleeve surrounding the elongated body prevents leakage of RF energy from the elongated body when the catheter is being inserted into the tissue of the patient. In a first mode of operation, the conductive tip is exposed outside the insulating sleeve and the RF electrode delivers first RF energy capable of producing sparks that erode the tissue of the patient and create a tunnel through which the catheter can advance into the tissue of the patient. In a second mode of operation, the insulating sleeve is retracted to expose a portion of the RF electrode. Second RF energy is delivered to the volume of tissue around the catheter to necrotize the tissue by heating without producing sparks.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for transseptal access into the left atrium of a heart. In one embodiment an apparatus for transseptal left atrial access comprised of a catheter adapted for insertion into a vessel and one or more RF devices adapted to be extendable from the distal end of said catheter and configured for the penetration or sealing of septal tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides for therapeutic treatment methods, devices, and systems for the partial or complete closure or occlusion of a patent foramen ovale (“PFO”). In particular, various methods, devices, and systems for joining or welding tissues, in order to therapeutically close a PFO are described. In yet another aspect of the invention, various methods, devices, and systems for the penetration of the interatrial septum enabling left atrial access are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transeptal cardiac procedures are disclosed. A patient treatment device in accordance with a particular embodiment includes an elongated intravascular guidewire that includes a first branch and a second branch fixedly secured relative to the first branch at a first location and releasably secured relative to the first branch at a second location. At least one of the first and second branches is movable relative to the other between a first position in which the first and second branches form a closed shape, and a second position in which the first and second branches form an open shape. A controller can be operatively coupled to the first and second branches to control (e.g., in a fixed increment manner or a continuously variable manner) a distance between a portion of the first branch and a portion of the second branch while the first and second branches form the closed shape.

Abstract: Tissue tract-forming devices, methods, and kits are disclosed. In some variations, a method for forming a tract in a tissue wall having an interior surface and an exterior surface may comprise advancing an anchor member through the tissue wall and into a lumen defined by the tissue wall, the anchor member comprising a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an intermediate portion therebetween, wherein the proximal and intermediate portions are angled with respect to each other and the intermediate and distal portions are angled with respect to each other, positioning the anchor member so that the intermediate portion contacts the interior surface of the tissue wall and the distal portion is angled toward the interior surface of the tissue wall, and advancing a tissue-piercing member into the tissue wall while the intermediate portion is in contact with the interior surface of the tissue wall, to form a tract in the tissue wall.

Abstract: Treatment and procedures for treating bodily conduits involves deactivating, killing, or otherwise treating smooth muscle tissue of the conduit.

Abstract: Tissue-penetrating guidewires with shaped tips, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A patient treatment system in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a tissue-penetrating guidewire that in turn includes a flexible segment having a distal portion and a proximal portion. The flexible segment is elongated along an elongation axis. A penetrating member is positioned at the distal portion and includes at least one blade segment having a tapered outer peripheral surface and an adjacent generally sharp edge. The blade segment extends to a distal end of the penetrating member to form a generally blunt tip. In operation, the guidewire can be connected to an electrical current source to deliver high frequency current to the penetrating member.

Abstract: Treatment and procedures for treating bodily conduits involves deactivating, killing, or otherwise treating smooth muscle tissue of the conduit.

Abstract: A catheter for insertion into and treatment of tissue in a patient comprises a radio frequency (RF) electrode having an elongated body that conducts electrical RF energy to a conductive tip. An insulating sleeve surrounds the elongated body. In a first mode of operation, the conductive tip is exposed outside the insulating sleeve and the RF electrode delivers RF energy that erodes the tissue of the patient and creates a tunnel through which the catheter can advance into the tissue of the patient. In a second mode of operation, the insulating sleeve and/or the RF electrode is retracted and a second treatment apparatus treats the tissue.

Abstract: A catheter for insertion into and treatment of tissue in a patient comprises a radio frequency (RF) electrode having an elongated body that conducts electrical RF energy to a conductive tip. An insulating sleeve surrounding the elongated body prevents leakage of RF energy from the elongated body when the catheter is being inserted into the tissue of the patient. In a first mode of operation, the conductive tip is exposed outside the insulating sleeve and the RF electrode delivers first RF energy capable of producing sparks that erode the tissue of the patient and create a tunnel through which the catheter can advance into the tissue of the patient. In a second mode of operation, the insulating sleeve is retracted to expose a portion of the RF electrode. Second RF energy is delivered to the volume of tissue around the catheter to necrotize the tissue by heating without producing sparks.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transeptal cardiac procedures are disclosed. A patient treatment device in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, a working portion toward the distal end, and an electrical energy path coupleable to a source of electrical energy. The device can further include a tissue penetrating member carried by the catheter and an electrode device carried by the working portion of the catheter and movable along the tissue penetrating member. The electrode device can include a collapsible stranded conductive material coupled to the electrical signal path and being changeable between a deployed position and a stowed position. The conductive material can be elongated along a deployment axis when in the stowed position, and can be contracted along the deployment axis and expanded transverse to the deployment axis when in the deployed position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transeptal cardiac procedures are disclosed. A method for treating a patient in accordance with a particular embodiment includes positioning a tissue penetrating guidewire adjacent to a cardiac septum, directing pulses of energy to the guidewire, and advancing the guidewire into and through the septum by moving the guidewire in a distal direction in a series of discrete steps. Individual steps can be of a predetermined distance measured outside the patient's body. The method can further include passing a catheter over the guidewire after the guidewire has passed through the septum.

Abstract: Methods and systems for securing tissues, e.g., cardiovascular tissues, are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes inserting a portion of a catheter into an opening between a first portion of cardiovascular tissue and a second portion of cardiovascular tissue. The method can further include drawing the first and second portions of the cardiovascular tissue into contact with each other by drawing a vacuum in a region adjacent to the first and second portions of cardiovascular tissue via the catheter while the catheter is positioned between the first and second portions. The tissue portions can be fused by heating the tissue from within the opening, e.g., via radio frequency energy. This technique, and associated catheter system, can be used to close a patent foramen ovale or other openings in cardiovascular tissue.