Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to variable stiffness materials and devices, and methods of use thereof. In one embodiment, a variable stiffness robotic material is disclosed, which in one example, is useful for forming a robotic material based sleeve for endoscopes. In another embodiment, a single tool variable stiffness endoscope and working channel is disclosed, which is useful for performing multi-site thermoblation in a physician's office. In yet another embodiment, a micro-wave based tissue ablation or volume reduction tool and procedure are provided for treating sleep apnea.

Abstract: A method of determining the distance between an electrode catheter disposed in a body fluid adjacent an internal body surface, and the internal body surface, the method comprising: applying an alternating voltage or an alternating current that alternates at between about 10 kHZ and about 100 kHz between at least one pair of electrodes on the electrode catheter; determining the impedance between at least one pair of electrodes on the electrode catheter; and determining the distance between the electrode catheter and the internal body surface based at least in part on the determined impedance.

Abstract: A method of determining the quality of contact between a remotely navigated medical device and a cyclically moving anatomical structure includes measuring movement of the device, and processing the measured movement of the device to determine the contact between the device and the moving anatomical structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamic magnetic field control using multiple magnets. Control methods and system means are described that allow dynamically changing the magnetic field generated at a point in space by a multiplicity of magnets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamic magnetic field control using multiple magnets. Control methods and system means are described that allow dynamically changing the magnetic field generated at a point in space by a multiplicity of magnets.

Abstract: A method of determining the quality of contact between a remotely navigated medical device and a cyclically moving anatomical structure includes measuring movement of the device, and processing the measured movement of the device to determine the contact between the device and the moving anatomical structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamic magnetic field control using multiple magnets. Control methods and system means are described that allow dynamically changing the magnetic field generated at a point in space by a multiplicity of magnets.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamic magnetic field control using multiple magnets. Control methods and system means are described that allow dynamically changing the magnetic field generated at a point in space by a multiplicity of magnets.

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.

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.

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.