Abstract: A system and method for creating radial-linear lesions in tissue. The system includes a cryoablation device having a first balloon, a second balloon disposed about the first balloon, and one or more splines disposed between the first balloon and second balloon, each spline defining a plurality of ports. The splines may be in communication with a coolant supply, and the first balloon may be in communication with a coolant supply or non-coolant inflation fluid supply. When the first balloon is in the uninflated configuration, the splines may have a substantially linear configuration. Each of the splines may be radially oriented about an elongate shaft and transitionable between the substantially linear configuration and an arcuate configuration when the first balloon is in the inflated configuration. Coolant expelled from the splines between the first and second balloons creates an ablation pattern on the outer surface of the second balloon.

Abstract: An introducer sheath that is coupled to or integrated with a secondary device insertion hub, such as a hemostasis valve hub, wherein the secondary device insertion hub is received within a proximal portion of the introducer sheath. The introducer sheath may include one or more pull wire lumens, and the secondary device insertion hub does not cover or obstruct the proximal opening of each of the one or more pull wire lumens when coupled to or integrated with the introducer sheath. In this configuration one or more pull wires are free to exit the one or more pull wire lumens through a proximal face of the introducer sheath instead of a skive in a wall of the elongate body.

Abstract: A system and method for the delivery of a medical device to a treatment location. The device may include an elongate body, the elongate body including a plurality of annular segments and a jacket disposed about the plurality of annular segments and defining an interior space, and a vacuum source in fluid communication with the interior space of the jacket. When a vacuum is applied to the interior space of the jacket, the jacket may constrict about the plurality of annular elements, thereby increasing the frictional forces between the plurality of segments and between the plurality of segments and an inner surface of the jacket.

Abstract: An introducer sheath that is coupled to or integrated with a secondary device insertion hub, such as a hemostasis valve hub, wherein the secondary device insertion hub is received within a proximal portion of the introducer sheath. The introducer sheath may include one or more pull wire lumens, and the secondary device insertion hub does not cover or obstruct the proximal opening of each of the one or more pull wire lumens when coupled to or integrated with the introducer sheath. In this configuration one or more pull wires are free to exit the one or more pull wire lumens through a proximal face of the introducer sheath instead of a skive in a wall of the elongate body.

Abstract: A catheter including a proximal end and a distal end. An expandable element coupled to the distal end is included, the expandable element including a proximal portion and a distal portion, the expandable element defining an exterior surface. A first plurality of electrodes coupled to the exterior surface of the distal portion of the expandable element are included, each of the first plurality of electrodes being selectively operable to transmit unipolar radiofrequency energy. A second plurality of electrodes coupled to the exterior surface of the proximal portion of the expandable element are included, each of the second plurality of electrodes being selectively operable to transmit bipolar radiofrequency energy.

Abstract: A system and method for the delivery of a medical device to a treatment location. The device may include an elongate body, the elongate body including a plurality of annular segments and a jacket disposed about the plurality of annular segments and defining an interior space, and a vacuum source in fluid communication with the interior space of the jacket. When a vacuum is applied to the interior space of the jacket, the jacket may constrict about the plurality of annular elements, thereby increasing the frictional forces between the plurality of segments and between the plurality of segments and an inner surface of the jacket.

Abstract: A system and method for creating radial-linear lesions in tissue. The system includes a cryoablation device having a first balloon, a second balloon disposed about the first balloon, and one or more splines disposed between the first balloon and second balloon, each spline defining a plurality of ports. The splines may be in communication with a coolant supply, and the first balloon may be in communication with a coolant supply or non-coolant inflation fluid supply. When the first balloon is in the uninflated configuration, the splines may have a substantially linear configuration. Each of the splines may be radially oriented about an elongate shaft and transitionable between the substantially linear configuration and an arcuate configuration when the first balloon is in the inflated configuration. Coolant expelled from the splines between the first and second balloons creates an ablation pattern on the outer surface of the second balloon.

Abstract: A catheter including a proximal end and a distal end. An expandable element coupled to the distal end is included, the expandable element including a proximal portion and a distal portion, the expandable element defining an exterior surface. A first plurality of electrodes coupled to the exterior surface of the distal portion of the expandable element are included, each of the first plurality of electrodes being selectively operable to transmit unipolar radiofrequency energy. A second plurality of electrodes coupled to the exterior surface of the proximal portion of the expandable element are included, each of the second plurality of electrodes being selectively operable to transmit bipolar radiofrequency energy.

Abstract: A resilient model of a heart's atria and associated vasculature is disclosed. The model is generated from CT scans of patients' with varying cardiac anatomies. The model is connected to a temperature-controlled fluid reservoir and a pump that periodically circulates fluid through the cardiac model. The model provides a visual indication of temperature change. The model may be used to simulate endocardial procedures such as pulmonary vein isolation for treatment of atrial fibrillation.