Abstract: A catheter carries a functional component, like an ablating electrode, having a predetermined operating characteristic. The catheter also electronically retains an identification code that uniquely identifies the predetermined operating characteristic. The catheter is capable of transmitting the identification code to an external reader in response to a predetermined prompt. An associated apparatus, like an ablating energy source, reads the identification code and compares it to predetermined operating criteria. The apparatus will not permit interaction with the functional catheter component, if the identification code indicates that the functional characteristics of the catheter are not suited for the intended interaction. The catheter can also store usage information, to prevent reuse.

Abstract: A steerable first catheter directs the introduction of a guide sheath, which can otherwise be free of any onboard steering mechanism. The guide sheath, in turn, directs the introduction of the electrode-carrying second catheter, which can likewise be free of any onboard steering mechanism. Use of a guide sheath positioned by a separate, dedicated steering catheter to guide a separate, dedicated electrode-carrying catheter results in a significant reduction in the overall size of the system components.

Abstract: A flexible bond is formed between the exterior sleeve of a catheter guide tube and the exterior sleeve of the steerable electrode tip of the catheter. The flexible bond holds the sleeves in fluid tight abutment during twisting of the guide tube and bending of the electrode tip.

Abstract: A method of bonding sections of a catheter body together in abutting relationship including the steps of providing a temperature resistant polymeric sleeve, which sleeve preferably has a spirally wound metallic wire imbedded between its inner and outer diameters. The sleeve is inserted into ends of tubing segments to be joined together to form a catheter body. Then heat is applied over the area including the sleeve to melt the tubing over the sleeve.

Abstract: Systems and methods form curvilinear lesions in tissue within the body. The systems and methods expose tissue to electrode arrays with intersecting energy emitting elements. The systems and methods apply ablating energy for emission by the elements to create intersecting curvilinear lesion patterns in the tissue.

Abstract: An improved probe for cardiac diagnosis and/or treatment includes a control handle and a catheter for insertion into the heart. The catheter has a distal end, a proximal end and at least one lumen connecting said distal and proximal ends. It also includes a flexible inner tube and an outer sheath enveloping said tube. At least one measuring electrode or ablation device is attached to the distal end of the tube. The outer sheath and the inner tube are rotatable relative to each other so that the electrode or device can be rotated within the heart without rotating the outer sheath. The sheath is also axially movable relative to the tube to selectively enclose or expose the electrode or device for use.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for ablation of cardiac tissue includes a catheter (2, 60) having an elongated flexible body (6, 64), a tissue characterization assembly including a transducer (34) at the distal end (16) of the body and a tissue ablation assembly having a tissue ablation tip (32) at the distal end of the body. The tissue ablation tip is positioned adjacent the tissue to be ablated using the visualization assembly and then activated.

Abstract: A catheter carries a functional component, like an ablating electrode, having a predetermined operating characteristic. The catheter also electronically retains an identification code that uniquely identifies the predetermined operating characteristic. The catheter is capable of transmitting the identification code to an external reader in response to a predetermined prompt. An associated apparatus, like an ablating energy source, reads the identification code and compares it to predetermined operating criteria. The apparatus will not permit interaction with the functional catheter component, if the identification code indicates that the functional characteristics of the catheter are not suited for the intended interaction. The catheter can also store usage information, to prevent reuse.

Abstract: An antenna assembly has an energy propagating region that is encapsulated in a material having a high dielectric constant for minimizing the loss of energy while having a high thermal conductivity for dissipating conductive heat patterns about the energy propagating region.

Abstract: An improved assembly for steering and orienting a functional element at the distal end of a catheter tube holds the functional element with its major axis aligned with the axis of the catheter tube for convenient steering to a tissue site. The mechanism can also pivot the functional element in response to an external force to orient the major axis of the functional element generally parallel to the plane of the tissue site, without bending the catheter tube.

Abstract: An improved assembly for steering and orienting a functional element at the distal end of a catheter tube holds the functional element with its major axis aligned with the axis of the catheter tube for convenient steering to a tissue site. The mechanism can also pivot the functional element in response to an external force to orient the major axis of the functional element generally parallel to the plane of the tissue site, without bending the catheter tube.

Abstract: A cardiac probe employs a dynamic mounting element that supports one or more electrodes at its distal end in relatively constant surface contact against the expanding and contact endocardial surface.

Abstract: A coaxial antenna assembly conducts a pressurized medium for absorbing heat along the coaxial cable.

Abstract: Retroperfusion catheter comprising a flexible elongate element having proximal and distal extremities and having at least first and second lumens extending therethrough. A flexible tip is secured to the distal extremity of the flexible elongate element. A balloon having proximal and distal portions is secured to the distal extremity of the flexible elongate element. The distal extremity of the balloon overlies a portion of the flexible tip and secures the flexible tip to the distal extremity of the flexible elongate member to ensure that the flexible tip will not become separated from the distal extremity of the flexible elongate element. The flexible elongate element and the flexible tip can be formed as a single member of the same material but of dirrerent hardnesses. Also the flexible elongate element can be formed with an intermediate portion formed of material having a hardness between the different hardnesses.

Abstract: Retroperfusion catheter comprising a flexible elongate element having proximal and distal extremities and having at least first and second lumens extending therethrough. A flexible tip is secured to the distal extremity of the flexible elongate element. A balloon having proximal and distal portions is secured to the distal extremity of the flexible elongate element. The distal extremity of the balloon overlies a portion of the flexible tip and secures the flexible tip to the distal extremity of the flexible elongate member to ensure that the flexible tip will not become separated from the distal extremity of the flexible elongate element.

Abstract: Disclosed are polyesters composed of terephthalic acid, suberic acid and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, wherein the suberic acid is within a critical range of 60 to 90 mole percent. These polyesters exhibit desirable adhesive properties.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparation of copolymers which have an inherent viscosity of at least 0.4 and are formed from polyesters and aliphatic polyformals. The process comprises contacting within a temperature range of 220.degree. to 280.degree.C. a poly(tetramethylene terephthalate) type polyester and selected aliphatic polyformals.