Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for treating a heart of a patient may make use of structures which limit a size of a chamber of the heart, such as by deploying one or more tensile member to bring a wall of the heart and a septum of the heart into contact. A plurality of tension members may help exclude scar tissue and provide a more effective remaining ventricle chamber. The implant may be deployed during beating of the heart, often in a minimally invasive or less-invasive manner. Trauma to the tissues of the heart may be inhibited by selectively approximating tissues while a pressure within the heart is temporarily reduced. Three-dimensional implant locating devices and systems facilitate beneficial heart chamber volumetric shape remodeling.

Abstract: An apparatus including a lesion formation element and a carrier configured to mount the lesion formation element on a finger.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for treating a heart of a patient may make use of one or more implant structures which limit a size of a chamber of the heart, such as by deploying a tensile member to bring a wall of the heart toward (optionally into contact with) a septum of the heart.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for insulating tissue during therapeutic procedures.

Abstract: A method of ablating tissue in the heart to treat atrial fibrillation introduces into a selected atrium an energy emitting element. The method exposes the element to a region of the atrial wall and applies ablating energy to the element to thermally destroy tissue. The method forms a convoluted lesion pattern comprising elongated straight lesions and elongated curvilinear lesions. The lesion pattern directs electrical impulses within the atrial myocardium along a path that activates the atrial myocardium while interrupting reentry circuits that, if not interrupted, would cause fibrillation. The method emulates the surgical maze procedure, but lends itself to catheter-based procedures that do not require open heart surgical techniques. A composite structure for performing the method is formed using a template that displays in planar view a desired lesion pattern for the tissue. An array of spaced apart element is laid on the template.

Abstract: A method of ablating tissue in the heart to treat atrial fibrillation introduces into a selected atrium an energy emitting element. The method exposes the element to a region of the atrial wall and applies ablating energy to the element to thermally destroy tissue. The method forms a convoluted lesion pattern comprising elongated straight lesions and elongated curvilinear lesions. The lesion pattern directs electrical impulses within the atrial myocardium along a path that activates the atrial myocardium while interrupting reentry circuits that, if not interrupted, would cause fibrillation. The method emulates the surgical maze procedure, but lends itself to catheter-based procedures that do not require open heart surgical techniques. A composite structure for performing the method is formed using a template that displays in planar view a desired lesion pattern for the tissue. An array of spaced apart element is laid on the template.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for maintaining contact between tissue and cooled probes.

Abstract: Ablation systems comprise a support body, an energy transmitting element supported by the support body and an insulating member covering a portion of the support body and energy transmitting member. Ablation energy is transmitted from an uncovered, exposed portion of the energy transmitting element. The insulating member may be a distal portion of an introducer sheath. An open segment may be provided in the distal portion to expose a portion of the energy transmitting element. When used in cardiac ablation therapy, for example, the insulating member decreases the amount of ablation energy dissipated in the blood circulating through the heart and thermally insulates the energy transmitting member and the tissue at the ablation site, enabling better control of the ablation process.

Abstract: The present invention provides multi-functional medical catheters, systems and methods for their use. In one particular embodiment, a medical catheter (100) includes a flexible elongate body (105) having a proximal end (110) and a distal end (120). A plurality of spaced apart electrodes (130-136) are operably attached to the flexible body near the distal end. At least some of the electrodes are adapted for mapping a tissue and, in some embodiments, at least one of the electrodes is adapted for ablating a desired portion of the tissue. The catheter includes a plurality of tissue orientation detectors (140-146) disposed between at least some of the electrodes. In this manner, the medical catheter is capable of tissue mapping, tissue imaging, tissue orientation, and/or tissue treatment functions.

Abstract: A power supply and control apparatus operable in a bipolar mode, a unipolar mode, and a combined bipolar/unipolar mode.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for treating a heart of a patient may make use of structures which limit a size of a chamber of the heart, such as by deploying a tensile member to bring a wall of the heart toward (optionally into contact with) a septum of the heart. The implant may include an electrode or other structure for applying pacing signals to one or both ventricles of the heart, for defibrillating the heart, for sensing beating of the heart or the like. A wireless telemetry and control system may allowing the implant to treat congestive heart failure, monitor the results of the treatment, and apply appropriate electrical stimulation.

Abstract: A device for creating the lesions in body tissue includes a support element having an electromagnetic energy emitting region. When caused to emit electromagnetic energy, the region creates a single continuous lesion that is long and thin, having a length that is substantially greater than its width.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for insulating tissue during therapeutic procedures.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for insulating tissue during therapeutic procedures.

Abstract: Surgical methods and apparatus for positioning diagnostic an therapeutic elements on the epicardium or other organ surface. The apparatus includes a tissue cooling apparatus.

Abstract: Devices for insertion into an atrial appendage of stasis reducing components such as mesh members, chemical bonding agents or expandable anchors are disclosed.

Abstract: Clamp based low temperature lesion formation apparatus, systems and methods.

Abstract: Low temperature lesion formation apparatus, systems and methods. The apparatus includes a base member and an inflatable element carried by the base member.

Abstract: Clamp based low temperature lesion formation apparatus, systems and methods.

Abstract: An internal indifferent electrode device including a flexible shaft, an energy transmission device adapted to be inserted into the body supported on the shaft, and a connector adapted to mate with the power return connector of a power supply apparatus.