Abstract: A system and method for creating lesions and assessing their completeness or transmurality. Assessment of transmurality of a lesion is accomplished by monitoring the depolarization signal in a local electrogram taken using electrodes located adjacent the tissue to be ablated. Following onset of application of ablation energy to heart tissue, the local electrogram is measured with electrodes located adjacent tissue to be ablated so that the ablation energy to ablation elements can be selectively reduced or terminated when transmurality is detected.

Abstract: A deflection mechanism for selectively inducing a bend in a catheter body includes an elongated deflection wire extending within a deflection lumen of the catheter body and into a handle. A guide track is formed within the handle and a thumb wheel is mounted proximal to the elongated guide track within the handle and supports a pinion gear; the thumb wheel and the pinion gear are adapted to be rotated about a common thumb wheel axis, which extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A rack arm extends obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the handle and includes runners received by the guide track, an attachment point coupling the deflection wire to the rack arm and a linear rack engaging the pinion gear. Rotation of the thumb wheel in a first direction draws the deflection wire proximally through the deflection lumen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical devices; in particular, the present invention provides devices and methods for sensing thickness of cardiac tissue and the like so that medical procedures may be efficiently performed through and/or upon a discrete location having suitable tissue thickness. The invention includes an elongated resilient dilator apparatus having an ultrasound transceiver coupled thereto. When the ultrasound transceiver is disposed proximate a region of relatively thin tissue, such as a latent Fossa Ovalis valve, a clinician receives a signal. The clinician may then proceed with enhanced confidence to pierce the relatively thin tissue. Thus, in the case of a transseptal procedure, the clinician gains access to the left atrial chamber from the right atrial chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical devices; in particular, the present invention provides devices and methods for sensing thickness of cardiac tissue and the like so that medical procedures may be efficiently performed through and/or upon a discrete location having suitable tissue thickness. The invention includes an elongated resilient dilator apparatus having an ultrasound transceiver coupled thereto. When the ultrasound transceiver is disposed proximate a region of relatively thin tissue, such as a latent Fossa Ovalis valve, a clinician receives a signal. The clinician may then proceed with enhanced confidence to pierce the relatively thin tissue. Thus, in the case of a transseptal procedure, the clinician gains access to the left atrial chamber from the right atrial chamber.

Abstract: A system and method for creating lesions and assessing their completeness or transmurality. Assessment of transmurality of a lesion is accomplished by monitoring the depolarization signal in a local electrogram taken using electrodes located adjacent the tissue to be ablated. Following onset of application of ablation energy to heart tissue, the local electrogram is measured with electrodes located adjacent tissue to be ablated so that the ablation energy to ablation elements can be selectively reduced or terminated when transmurality is detected.

Abstract: A system and method for creating lesions and assessing their completeness or transmurality. Assessment of transmurality of a lesion is accomplished by monitoring the depolarization signal amplitude in a local electrogram taken using electrodes located adjacent the tissue to be ablated. Following onset of application of ablation energy to heart tissue, the amplitude of a local electrogram measured with electrodes located adjacent tissue to be ablated first gradually drops and then stabilizes, indicating that the tissue being monitored has ceased making any contribution to the sensed electrogram. The amplitude drop and/or the following amplitude plateau may be used alone or together as indicators of transmurality. Detection of a rapid drop in amplitude may be employed as an indicator that the ablation process is proceeding too quickly and may be employed to trigger a reduction in the power of applied ablation energy.

Abstract: A catheter connector includes an outlet tube (34, 36), and a compression seal (140) defining an undulating shape to product ring seals during use. A cam slot formed on a lever arm is useable in locking a locking sleeve (120) of the connector. The lever arm acts as a compensating mechanism for over compression of the seal. The catheter tip (32a) is received in a tip recess (92) of the connector. The connector is useable on an implanted port (20), including a dual port with parallel outlet tubes (34, 36), and a dual lumen catheter (24).

Abstract: A system and method for creating lesions and assessing their completeness or transmurality. Assessment of transmurality of a lesion is accomplished by monitoring the depolarization signal amplitude in a local electrogram taken using electrodes located adjacent the tissue to be ablated. Following onset of application of ablation energy to heart tissue, the amplitude of a local electrogram measured with electrodes located adjacent tissue to be ablated first gradually drops and then stabilizes, indicating that the tissue being monitored has ceased making any contribution to the sensed electrogram. The amplitude drop and/or the following amplitude plateau may be used alone or together as indicators of transmurality. Detection of a rapid drop in amplitude may be employed as an indicator that the ablation process is proceeding too quickly and may be employed to trigger a reduction in the power of applied ablation energy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portal for subcutaneous implantation, where the portal includes a housing having a first end, a second end, an inner wall, and a lumen between the first and second open ends. In one preferred embodiment, the first open end of the housing is sealed by a elastomeric septum, which has been injection molding into place. The elastomeric septum is bonded to the inner wall of the housing adjacent the first open end. The second open end is sealed to define a reservoir accessible through the septum.

Abstract: A passive system for accurately determining the location of a device positioned or implanted within a patient's body is disclosed. The system includes a detectable mechanism mounted at the tip of the device which is configured to generate a self-induced magnetic field, and a detector for detecting the magnetic field of the magnet. The detector is detached from the magnet. In a preferred form, the detectable mechanism is a direct current permanent magnet. Methods of using such a system to accurately determine the location of a device within a patient's body are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved system for initially positioning and for continuous or intermittent monitoring of the location of the distal end of a feeding tube in a patient's gastrointestinal tract and for selectively controlling a feeding device associated therewith by detecting and processing myoelectric signals unique to different areas of the gastrointestinal tract, such signals being detected by electrodes carried by the distal end of the feeding tube and transmitted by leads extending through the feeding tube to a monitor.