Abstract: A method of treating vessel occlusions including chronic total occlusions (CTO) of the coronary arteries, and to generally remove tissue material, is presented that relies on remotely actuated navigation of an interventional RF-capable ablation device to the occlusion and controlled application of ablative RF energy. The combined use of remote navigation-based precision control of the distal end of the device and application of ablative energy enables crossing of elongated lesions and CTOs, calcified lesions and CTO's, lesions and CTO's located at vessel branches, and in general the removal of tissue material at a chosen tissue location.

Abstract: An energy delivery apparatus for delivering electrical energy at a target location, the energy delivery apparatus being usable in combination with a magnetic field. The energy delivery apparatus includes an electrical conductor, the electrical conductor having a substantially elongated configuration; an electrode for delivering the electrical energy at the target location, the electrode being electrically coupled to the electrical conductor and located at a predetermined location therealong; and a guiding element mounted to the electrical conductor in a substantially spaced apart relationship relative to the electrode, the guiding element including a magnetically responsive material. The energy delivery apparatus is constructed such that a movement of the guiding element causes a corresponding movement of the electrode. The magnetic field is used to move the guiding element in order to position the electrode substantially adjacent to the target location.

Abstract: A device for ablating material from a body lumen, the device including an elongate element having a longitudinal axis, the element having a proximal end, a distal end, and lumen therebetween; and means for delivering optical energy from the distal end of the elongate element at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the element. The distal end of the device can include magnetically responsive elements so that the device can be oriented in an externally applied magnetic field.

Abstract: Methods of designing an x-ray tube shielded for operation in static and dynamic externally applied magnetic fields are described. The methods include passive shielding of the insert frame, housing, design of an external shield envelope, tube port, tube collimator, and combinations thereof. The resulting x-ray tube devices are appropriate for use in a variety of applications ranging from magnetic navigation with x-ray monitoring and guidance for interventional procedures to multi-modality imaging and interventional procedures using an x-ray system in the vicinity of an MRI system.

Abstract: A magnetically navigable catheter or guide wire having a proximal and a distal end, and a magnetically responsive structure that surrounds at least a portion of the catheter or guide wire at the distal end, wherein the magnetically responsive structure is comprised of a flexible magnetically responsive material.

Abstract: An electrophysiology catheter includes a tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therebetween. The tube is preferably comprised of multiple sections of different flexibility, arranged so that the flexibility of the catheter increases from the proximal end to the distal end. There is a first generally hollow electrode member at the distal end. At least one magnetically responsive element is disposed at least partially in the hollow electrode, for orienting the distal end of the catheter with an externally applied magnetic field. Multiple magnets can be distributed over the distal portion of the device. The end electrode can have openings for delivering irrigating fluid, and/or a sleeve can be provided around the tube to create an annular space for the delivering of irrigating fluid. A temperature sensor can be provided to control the operation of the catheter. A localization coil can also be included to sense the position and orientation of the catheter.