Abstract: A spring-tip, flexible electrode, and a method for using that electrode for tissue ablation, are disclosed. The spring-tip, flexible electrode comprises an enshrouded flexible electrode (e.g., an enshrouded plurality of flexible brush filaments or bristles) for applying ablative energy (e.g., RF energy) to target tissue during the formation of spot or continuous linear lesions. The spring of the spring tip may comprise compressible coils, compressible mesh, or compressible bellows, among other things. The spring provides axial suspension and is capable of axial compression and extension, and is flexible enough for deflection and bending. The axial suspension of the spring tip facilitates the desired contact between the electrode and the tissue surface. A shielded, spring-tip, flexible electrode is also disclosed, and includes a flexible nipple or shield. The spring-tip, flexible electrode facilitates enhanced tissue contact in difficult environments (e.g.

Abstract: Side-port sheaths for catheter placement and translation are disclosed. The sheaths include a side-port opening through which a gliding catheter may be deployed during diagnosis or treatment of tissue. The side-port sheath may include a suspension ribbon used to deploy, or that aids in the deployment of, the embedded gliding catheter. The suspension ribbon may be slideably or fixably engaged with an outer surface of the sheath of the gliding catheter.

Abstract: A curved ablation catheter imparts ablative energy to target tissue, for example, along a trabecular slope, e.g., in the right atrium along the isthmus between the ostium of the inferior vena cava and the tricuspid valve. The catheter is formed with a preset curvature that, when deployed, both translates linearly and increases in radius to aid in the formation of spot or continuous linear lesions. A method of treating atrial flutter employs the curved ablation catheter.

Abstract: A curved ablation catheter imparts ablative energy to target tissue, for example, along a trabecular slope, e.g., in the right atrium along the isthmus between the ostium of the inferior vena cava and the tricuspid valve. The catheter is formed with a preset curvature that, when deployed, both translates linearly and increases in radius to aid in the formation of spot or continuous linear lesions. A method of treating atrial flutter employs the curved ablation catheter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-needle type vascular closure system. The closure system utilizes three needles in the form of a guiding device, an expandable needle, and a hooking device. The guiding device is used to make the initial opening in the vessel, where the opening provides access for a sheath through which a medical procedure is to be performed. The expandable needle is inserted into the vessel in which it expands radially from the needle to form a target. The hooking device is also inserted into the vessel and is used to hook the expandable needle so as to form an internal union between the hooking device and the expandable needle. The needles can then be retracted thereby extending a suture from the hooking device and forming an internal suture pass that can be used to approximate the tissue surrounding the initial opening in the vessel. In one embodiment, the suture is passed across the vessel opening prior to dilation of the vessel opening.

Abstract: A suture device and method according to the present invention involves positioning a body of the suture device inside a sheath and extending the body through a vessel wall. The sheath, in one embodiment, is a sheath through which a medical procedure has been performed and which has remained positioned within an opening in the vessel. First and second cannulae, in the form of sharpened needles, are inserted through the vessel wall and through adjacent subcutaneous tissue on opposite sides of the vessel wall opening. A snare or loop is carried by the first needle on a first side of the vessel opening. A suture is carried by the second needle on a second side of the vessel opening. The snare is deployed inside the vessel so that it assumes an opened, pre-oriented, three-dimensional configuration. The suture is then extended into the vessel and positioned inside of the open area formed by the snare or loop.