Abstract: Cryoablation device terminating in a linear ablation element, optionally with a slight curvature along its length. Upon advancing the linear ablation element along a longitudinal axis out of a catheter sheath, an angle selecting connector on the proximal end of the linear ablation element bends to re-orient the linear ablation element to extend radially outward from the longitudinal axis. The linear ablation element is then pressed to a lumenal tissue surface by advancing it along the longitudinal axis, rotating it around the longitudinal axis, and/or bending and/or rotating the sheath itself to reorient the longitudinal axis itself. Control degrees of freedom allow optionally placing the linear ablation element in a more distal position than it emerged from.

Abstract: Cardiac annuloplasty methods and devices, based on delivery of tissue-ablating energy to a heart valve annulus, thereby inducing reduction of the valve annulus perimeter. In some embodiments, the reduction is induced by shrinkage of tissue in response to ablation, potentially analogous to tissue shrinkage responsible for pulmonary vein stenosis induced by cardiac ablation to treat atrial fibrillation. In some embodiments, annulus tissue is deformed before ablation energy is applied. This potentially results in plastic deformation apart from tissue shrinkage. Deformation is optionally performed using electrodes that also operate as sharp-tipped jaws of a pliers. They are inserted to tissue in a wider-spaced configuration, reduced in distance to a narrower-spaced tissue-squeezing configuration, and operated to ablate the squeezed tissue. Upon removal of the electrodes, the squeezed tissue retains a new shape as a result of ablation-induced plastic deformation.

Abstract: Devices and methods of endolumenal formation of gastric sleeves are described. Some embodiments allow templating of a gastric sleeve by a gastric bougie, exposing a selected amount of tissue for suturing access, while maintaining sufficient internal working space for suturing within the template lumen.

Abstract: Devices and methods of endolumenal formation of gastric sleeves are described. Some embodiments allow templating of a gastric sleeve by a gastric bougie, exposing a selected amount of tissue for suturing access, while maintaining sufficient internal working space for suturing within the template lumen.

Abstract: Devices and methods of endolumenal formation of gastric sleeves are described. Some embodiments allow templating of a gastric sleeve by a gastric bougie, exposing a selected amount of tissue for suturing access, while maintaining sufficient internal working space for suturing within the template lumen.

Abstract: A cooling frame of a cryoablation catheter has tubing defining at least two extents of cooling tubing each extending between a proximal side and a distal tip of the cooling frame, with a tensioning strut also extending between the proximal side and the distal tip. The tensioning member, in some embodiments, is separately adjustable to press the cooling tubing against a lumenal wall of a body organ targeted for ablation by pressure against an opposite wall. In some embodiments, a loop defined by the cooling tubing is sized to surround all the pulmonary vein ostia of a left atrium, then be chilled by circulation of coolant within the cooling tubing, producing a substantially contiguous loop that electrically isolates the pulmonary vein ostia from the rest of the left atrium.

Abstract: Suturing clips which may be guided to a heart by a trans-vascular/trans-septal approach, and yet operate to close the left atrial appendage (LAA) from a position located entirely within the LAA are described. Arms of suturing clips constructed of a superelastic alloy are expanded from a catheter delivery system, anchored within the LAA and/or ostium of the LAA, and then collapsed again to a suturing configuration. Collapse is optionally by a reverting mechanism, wherein arms are constrained to collapse back in a direction reverse to their original expansion; or by an everting mechanism, wherein arm portions move past their expanded position to close with each other on an opposite side of their original position. In some embodiments, delivery systems include further elements to assist in clip placement at the LAA, for example a spreader for spreading the LAA, and/or a stopper for preventing deep intrusion to the LAA.

Abstract: Devices and methods of endolumenal formation of gastric sleeves are described. Some embodiments allow templating of a gastric sleeve by a gastric bougie, exposing a selected amount of tissue for suturing access, while maintaining sufficient internal working space for suturing within the template lumen.

Abstract: Attachment of tubes of various constructions for use in a microcatheter, including joining to a multifilar helix. Methods of uses and construction with concentric tubes axially displaceable over one another to control navigability and/or positioning properties of a microcatheter.

Abstract: Devices and methods of endolumenal formation of gastric sleeves are described. Some embodiments allow templating of a gastric sleeve by a gastric bougie, exposing a selected amount of tissue for suturing access, while maintaining sufficient internal working space for suturing within the template lumen.

Abstract: An aspect of some embodiments of the application relates to a microcatheter comprising a deployment element disposed about around at least a portion of an exterior of a distal end of the microcatheter, the deployment element configured for repeatedly expanding and collapsing, the distal end arranged to allow forward or reverse axial displacement while the deployment element maintains a position, the deployment element arranged for positioning the microcatheter distal end approximately in the middle of a vessel.

Abstract: Devices and methods of endolumenal formation of gastric sleeves are described. Some embodiments allow templating of a gastric sleeve by a gastric bougie, exposing a selected amount of tissue for suturing access, while maintaining sufficient internal working space for suturing within the template lumen.

Abstract: A hair anchor prepared by a process whereby a plurality of hair anchors are formed from a single elongated metal tube according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may include forming at least two slits in an elongated direction of the elongated metal tube, each slit spanning prospective end portions of at least two hair anchors; and severing the elongated metal tube at an intermediate location along the at least two slits such that a first portion of each of the at least two slits is contained in one of the at least two hair anchors and a second portion of each of the at least two slits remains attached to the elongated metal tube for inclusion in a subsequent hair anchor to be later severed from the elongated metal tube.

Abstract: Devices and methods of endolumenal formation of gastric sleeves are described. Some embodiments allow templating of a gastric sleeve by a gastric bougie, exposing a selected amount of tissue for suturing access, while maintaining sufficient internal working space for suturing within the template lumen.

Abstract: An aspect of some embodiments of the application relates to a microcatheter comprising a deployment element disposed about around at least a portion of an exterior of a distal end of the microcatheter, the deployment element configured for repeatedly expanding and collapsing, the distal end arranged to allow forward or reverse axial displacement while the deployment element maintains a position, the deployment element arranged for positioning the microcatheter distal end approximately in the middle of a vessel.

Abstract: An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to a microcatheter comprising a deployment element disposed about around at least a portion of an exterior of a distal end of the microcatheter, the deployment element configured for repeatedly expanding and collapsing, the distal end arranged to allow forward or reverse axial displacement while the deployment element maintains a position, the deployment element arranged for positioning the microcatheter distal end approximately in the middle of a vessel. A method of traversing tortuous vessels using the microcatheter, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, is also described.

Abstract: System for generating a distally traveling synthetic esophageal motion within a subject's esophagus. Includes: elongated member sized and configured for nasal or oral placement into the esophagus; series of stimulators mounted/mountable on and distributed along a length of elongated member, for stimulating portions along an esophageal length spanning between esophagus LES and UES, and include at least two longitudinally spaced electrodes, chargeable to opposite polarities; and signal generator for generating and sending sequences of stimulating signals to stimulators, to evoke a plurality of local esophageal contractions as distally traveling synthetic esophageal motion along the esophageal length. Also disclosed is an implant suitable for use in generating a distally traveling synthetic esophageal motion within a subject's esophagus, for example, suitable for use in the disclosed system.

Abstract: Devices and methods of endolumenal formation of gastric sleeves are described. Some embodiments allow templating of a gastric sleeve by a gastric bougie, exposing a selected amount of tissue for suturing access, while maintaining sufficient internal working space for suturing within the template lumen.

Abstract: A hair anchor prepared by a process whereby a plurality of hair anchors are formed from a single elongated metal tube according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may include forming at least two slits in an elongated direction of the elongated metal tube, each slit spanning prospective end portions of at least two hair anchors; and severing the elongated metal tube at an intermediate location along the at least two slits such that a first portion of each of the at least two slits is contained in one of the at least two hair anchors and a second portion of each of the at least two slits remains attached to the elongated metal tube for inclusion in a subsequent hair anchor to be later severed from the elongated metal tube.

Abstract: A medical device (10) includes an implant body (20) with a number of segments (30) hingedly interconnected so as to assume a straightened state for delivery and a flexed or roughly curved deployed state. Implant body may have engagement elements on at least two different segments, for example on a majority of segments. An elongated locking element anchored at the distal segment of the implant body may have projections for at least each engagement element. Tension applied to the locking element biases the implant body from the straightened state to the flexed deployed state. When the locking element is deflected to reach the curved deployed state, flexing segments of the implant body lock by matching engagement elements of the implant body with projections of the locking element. A very secure lock may be formed to prevent opening after deployment.