Abstract: Devices and methods for improving the function of a valve (e.g., mitral valve) by positioning an implantable device outside and adjacent the heart wall such that the device alters the shape of the heart wall acting on the valve. The implantable device may alter the shape of the heart wall acting on the valve by applying an inward force and/or by circumferential shortening (cinching). The shape change of the heart wall acting on the valve is sufficient to change the function of the valve, and may increase coaptation of the leaflets, for example, to reduce regurgitation.

Abstract: Devices and methods for establishing pericardial access to facilitate therapeutic and/or diagnostic applications. Pericardial access is facilitated, in part, by a tissue grasping device that reliably holds pericardial tissue, even in the presence of fatty deposits. The tissue grasping portion may include a tissue penetrating tip, a tissue dilating distal section, a tissue retention neck, and a tissue stop. When advanced into the pericardium, the tip may serve to create an opening (e.g., pierce, cut, etc.) in the pericardium, the distal section may serve to dilate the opening, the neck may serve to hold the tissue upon recoil of the dilated opening, and the stop may serve to limit further penetration once tissue is retained in the neck.

Abstract: The ablation catheter is comprised of a guiding catheter and an inner catheter. The guiding catheter is comprised of a shaft section which is attached to an articulating section at its distal end and a first handle at its proximal end. The inner catheter is comprised of an elongated central shaft, an electrode assembly attached to the distal end of the central shaft, and a second handle attached to the proximal end of the central shaft. The electrode assembly is comprised of a flexible plastic catheter tube having an outer surface, a porous tip electrode, and at least one linear electrode carried on the outer surface of the catheter tube. The electrode assembly is articulated to better align the electrode assembly to the generally arcuate shape of the inner chambers of the heart.

Abstract: The ablation catheter is comprised of a guiding catheter and an inner catheter. The guiding catheter is comprised of a shaft section which is attached to an articulating section at its distal end and a first handle at its proximal end. The inner catheter is comprised of an elongated central shaft, an electrode assembly attached to the distal end of the central shaft, and a second handle attached to the proximal end of the central shaft. The electrode assembly is comprised of a flexible plastic catheter tube having an outer surface, a porous tip electrode, and at least one linear electrode carried on the outer surface of the catheter tube. The electrode assembly is articulated to better align the electrode assembly to the generally arcuate shape of the inner chambers of the heart.

Abstract: A distal protection device for use in a body lumen. The device includes a functional element which may be a filter or an occlusive element. The device includes means for controlling the movement and placement of the functional element along a guidewire. Motion of the guidewire can be independent of the motion of the functional element.

Abstract: The ablation catheter is comprised of a guiding catheter and an inner catheter. The guiding catheter is comprised of a shaft section which is attached to an articulating section at its distal end and a first handle at its proximal end. The inner catheter is comprised of an elongated central shaft, an electrode assembly attached to the distal end of the central shaft, and a second handle attached to the proximal end of the central shaft. The electrode assembly is comprised of a flexible plastic catheter tube having an outer surface, a porous tip electrode, and at least one linear electrode carried on the outer surface of the catheter tube. The electrode assembly is articulated to better align the electrode assembly to the generally arcuate shape of the inner chambers of the heart.

Abstract: The ablation catheter is comprised of a guiding catheter and an inner catheter. The guiding catheter is comprised of a shaft section which is attached to an articulating section at its distal end and a first handle at its proximal end. The inner catheter is comprised of an elongated central shaft, an electrode assembly attached to the distal end of the central shaft, and a second handle attached to the proximal end of the central shaft. The electrode assembly is comprised of a flexible plastic catheter tube having an outer surface, a porous tip electrode, and at least one linear electrode carried on the outer surface of the catheter tube. The electrode assembly is articulated to better align the electrode assembly to the generally arcuate shape of the inner chambers of the heart.