Abstract: The invention relates to an inflatable section on a medical device, which can be expanded or inflated to be precisely placed along or at a desired position in tissue during a medical or surgical procedure. In a preferred embodiment, the inflatable section or sections forms a retracted region, working space, or receiving or docking area for an ablation device, for example during an epicardial ablation procedure where ablation at the pulmonary vein and mitral isthmus regions is desired. Thus, methods and combinations with the devices of the invention can comprise ablation devices and ablation methods, including ablation devices with ultrasound ablation cells.

Abstract: A device for ablating tissue includes an elongate body, which may be flexible to wrap about a cardiac structure, and at least one movable ablation element coupled to the body. The movable ablation element is adjustable relative to the body to form an angle with a longitudinal axis thereof between about zero degrees and about 180 degrees. The movable ablation element may be a two element array, and a pivot pin may depend from an underside thereof to pivotably connect the array to the body via a mating pivot hole in the body. The body may be formable into both a substantially flat configuration and a generally curved configuration. In other embodiments, the body is wand-shaped. The device may further include at least one non-movable ablation element coupled to the body and forming an angle of about zero degrees with the longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: The invention encompasses various introducer devices, typically used in conjunction with another, elongated medical device. The devices of the invention direct a medical device around or toward a desired anatomical feature through a tube having straight and curved regions. In preferred embodiments, the introducers of the invention are used with a device having a preformed shape, such as the sizing introducers used in atrial fibrillation treatments.

Abstract: A device for ablating cardiac tissue includes a plurality of ablation elements substantially aligned along a common axis and adjustable between first and second predetermined positions. In the first predetermined position, the plurality of ablation elements form a curved contact surface. In the second predetermined position, the plurality of ablation elements form a substantially straight insertion configuration. At least one hinge may connect adjacent ones of the plurality of ablation elements. Each of the plurality of ablation elements may be located within a housing, which may have at least a portion of a hinge integrally formed therewith to connect adjacent ablation elements. Alternatively, a strand of superelastic material, such as a Nitinol wire, may interconnect ablation elements. The superelastic material may bias the plurality of ablation elements into at least one of the first and second predetermined positions.

Abstract: The invention is related to methods of sizing an area around the pulmonary veins along an epicardial surface. A sizing element is provided which has a plurality of indicators along its length which is used to size an area around the pulmonary veins. A sizing element is wrapped around the pulmonary veins along an epicardial location. The size of an ablating device is determined by using the indicators on the sizing element. An ablating device is then selected based on this measurement. The ablating device is then attached to the sizing element. The ablating device is then wrapped around the pulmonary veins while manipulating the sizing element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a minimally invasive method of performing annuloplasty. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for performing annuloplasty includes accessing a left ventricle of a heart to provide a discrete plication element to the left ventricle, and engaging the plication element to tissue near a mitral valve of the heart. Engaging the plication element includes causing the plication element to gather a portion of the tissue to create a plication. In one embodiment, accessing the left ventricle of the heart to provide the plication element includes accessing the left ventricle of the heart using a catheter arrangement.

Abstract: An ablating device has a cover which holds an interface material such as a gel. The cover contains the interface material during initial placement of the device. The ablating device may also have a removable tip or a membrane filled with fluid. In still another aspect, the ablating device may be submerged in liquid during operation.

Abstract: An ablating device has a cover which holds an interface material such as a gel. The cover contains the interface material during initial placement of the device. The ablating device may also have a removable tip or a membrane filled with fluid. In still another aspect, the ablating device may be submerged in liquid during operation.

Abstract: An ablating device has a cover which holds an interface material such as a gel. The cover contains the interface material during initial placement of the device. The ablating device may also have a removable tip or a membrane filled with fluid. In still another aspect, the ablating device may be submerged in liquid during operation.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and methods for ablating tissue and is particularly useful for creating lesions in the heart wall for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. The apparatus has a suction well which is adhered to the tissue to be ablated. The ablating element is surrounded by the suction well. A fluid is delivered to the ablating element to conduct RF energy to the tissue and/or to cool the tissue. The device is preferably formed with a number of cells with each cell having a suction well and at least one ablating element. The device also preferably has a locking mechanism for locking one part of the device to another part of the device to form a closed loop for ablating around structures such as the pulmonary veins.

Abstract: A ring for use in anastomosis. Preferably, the ring is integrally formed from metal, and includes a ring portion and tines and docking members that extend from the ring portion. The ring portion and tines are malleable, and preferably also the docking members are malleable. The ring portion and tines are malleable in the sense that once deformed from a first shape into a second shape, they will not relax back into the first shape from the second. To install the ring in a vessel with the ring portion extending around an incision or other orifice, the tines pierce the tissue around the orifice and are curled against an anvil. The action of curling the tines inverts the tissue near the orifice edges to expose the inside surface of the vessel or organ.

Abstract: A ring for use in anastomosis. Preferably, the ring is integrally formed from metal, and includes a ring portion and tines and docking members that extend from the ring portion. The ring portion and tines are malleable, and preferably also the docking members are malleable. The ring portion and tines are malleable in the sense that once deformed from a first shape into a second shape, they will not relax back into the first shape from the second. To install the ring in a vessel with the ring portion extending around an incision or other orifice, the tines pierce the tissue around the orifice and are curled against an anvil. The action of curling the tines inverts the tissue near the orifice edges to expose the inside surface of the vessel or organ.

Abstract: A control system alters one or more characteristics of an ablating element to ablate tissue. In one aspect, the control system delivers energy nearer to the surface of the tissue by changing the frequency or power. In another aspect, the ablating element delivers focused ultrasound which is focused in at least one dimension. The ablating device may also have a number of ablating elements with different characteristics such as focal length.

Abstract: A control system alters one or more characteristics of an ablating element to ablate tissue. In one aspect, the control system delivers energy nearer to the surface of the tissue by changing the frequency or power. In another aspect, the ablating element delivers focused ultrasound which is focused in at least one dimension. The ablating device may also have a number of ablating elements with different characteristics such as focal length.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a minimally invasive method of performing annuloplasty. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for performing annuloplasty includes accessing a left ventricle of a heart to provide a discrete plication element to the left ventricle, and engaging the plication element to tissue near a mitral valve of the heart. Engaging the plication element includes causing the plication element to gather a portion of the tissue to create a plication. In one embodiment, accessing the left ventricle of the heart to provide the plication element includes accessing the left ventricle of the heart using a catheter arrangement.

Abstract: An ablating device has a cover which holds an interface material such as a gel. The cover contains the interface material during initial placement of the device. The ablating device may also have a removable tip or a membrane filled with fluid. In still another aspect, the ablating device may be submerged in liquid during operation.

Abstract: An ablating device has a cover which holds an interface material such as a gel. The cover contains the interface material during initial placement of the device. The ablating device may also have a removable tip or a membrane filled with fluid. In still another aspect, the ablating device may be submerged in liquid during operation.

Abstract: An ablating device has a cover which holds an interface material such as a gel. The cover contains the interface material during initial placement of the device. The ablating device may also have a removable tip or a membrane filled with fluid. In still another aspect, the ablating device may be submerged in liquid during operation.

Abstract: An ablating device has a cover which holds an interface material such as a gel. The cover contains the interface material during initial placement of the device. The ablating device may also have a removable tip or a membrane filled with fluid. In still another aspect, the ablating device may be submerged in liquid during operation.

Abstract: An element for use in anastomosis and a method and apparatus for installing the element (having tines that extend from a central portion) at the open end of a blood vessel (or other tubular body structure). To install an embodiment of the element; a carriage holds the element and shields the tines, the vessel's open end is passed through the shielded element and fitted over an anvil, the tines are exposed, and the carriage is actuated to fire the element against the anvil so that the tines pierce the vessel and curl against the anvil (everting the tissue around the vessel's open end). The anvil preferably forms the vessel end portion into a hooded shape suitable for creating an anastomotic junction.