Abstract: A method for carrying out a cardiac procedure includes a. engaging a shaft of an ultrasound catheter with an elongate member of a medical sheath; b. positioning an ultrasound tip of the ultrasound catheter outside of a lumen of the elongate member; c. intravenously advancing the elongate member of the medical sheath towards a heart of a patient, to position a distal end of the elongate member adjacent a target anatomy within the heart; d. using the medical sheath as a guide to intravenously advance the ultrasound catheter towards the heart of the patient and position the ultrasound tip proximate the target anatomy; and e. using the ultrasound tip to image the target anatomy.

Abstract: A stop-movement device is configured to be mounted to a first elongated medical assembly and a second elongated medical assembly. The stop-movement device has a body configured to stop, at least in part, relative movement between the second elongated medical assembly and the first elongated medical assembly.

Abstract: An elongated medical assembly is configured to be maneuverable proximate to a first biological feature of a patient. The elongated medical assembly is also configured to facilitate movement along an elongated length of the elongated medical assembly of a first medical device and a second medical device.

Abstract: A medical sheath includes an elongate member having a proximal portion defining a proximal end and a distal portion defining a distal end. A first lumen extends through the elongate member and is open at the proximal and the distal end for passage of a medical device through the lumen. The medical sheath further includes an anchoring mechanism that is deployable from the elongate member. The anchoring mechanism includes an anchor that is removably securable to an anatomical feature to secure the elongate member to the anatomical feature, and a connector securing the anchor to the elongate member.

Abstract: An elongated medical tubular assembly is configured to improve, at least in part, transmission of a signal from the signal-transmitting device, received, at least in part, within the elongated medical tubular assembly, toward the signal-transceiving device of the medical-imaging system. The elongated medical tubular assembly defines a lumen extending from a distal tip toward a proximal end of the elongated medical tubular assembly; and the lumen is configured to receive, at least in part, the signal-transmitting device in such a way that the lumen, in use, receives, at least in part, the signal-transmitting device at the signal-liberating feature.

Abstract: A medical puncture device includes an elongate shaft having a proximal portion defining a proximal end and a distal portion defining a distal end. The distal portion tapers in outer diameter going towards the distal end to define a dilating tip. A lumen extends through the shaft from the proximal end to the distal end. The shaft includes a first electrical conductor that extends from the proximal portion to the distal portion and is electrically connectable to a radiofrequency generator. A radiofrequency puncture electrode is positioned proud of the distal end and is electrically connected to the first electrical conductor.

Abstract: A laceration device for use in medical procedures includes a shaft having opposed proximal and distal portions. A clamp extends from the distal portion. The clamp has first and second clamp arms. The clamp is movable between an open and closed positions. In the open position, the first clamp arm is spaced apart from the second clamp arm. In the closed position, the first clamp arm is moved towards the second clamp arm. A clamp actuator is connected to the clamp via the shaft and is manipulatable to move the clamp between the open and closed positions. A radiofrequency electrode (RF) is associated with the first clamp arm. The RF electrode has a first perforation surface that is positioned to face the second clamp arm when the clamp is in the closed position. An electrical connector extends proximally from the RF electrode for connection to a power source.

Abstract: At least one energy-emitting device configured to selectively initially emit and direct energy for the initial formation of a puncture hole through a biological feature. At least one other energy-emitting device configured to further emit and direct energy for subsequent or further enlargement of the puncture hole after the initial formation of the puncture hole by said at least one energy-emitting device.

Abstract: A laceration device for use in medical procedures includes a shaft having a proximal portion defining a proximal end, and an opposed distal portion defining a distal end. A perforation electrode is at the distal end, and a first electrical connector extends proximally from the perforation electrode for connection to a power source. An outwardly extending barb is positioned proximal of the distal end. The barb has an inner end proximate the shaft and an outer end opposite the inner end. A laceration electrode is proximal of and adjacent the inner end of the barb, and a second electrical connector extends proximally from the laceration electrode for connection to the power source.

Abstract: A primary elongated medical assembly is configured to be positioned in, and movable along, a patient. A secondary elongated medical assembly is configured to be positioned in, and movable along, the patient. The primary elongated medical assembly has a primary sensor device. The secondary elongated medical assembly has a secondary sensor device. The primary elongated medical assembly and the secondary elongated medical assembly are each configured to be movable relative to each other; this is done in such a way that the primary sensor device and the secondary sensor device are movable relative to each other.

Abstract: An elongated medical assembly includes a first elongated medical device configured to be inserted, at least in part, into the patient, and also configured to be maneuvered proximate to the biological feature. A second elongated medical device is configured to be received, at least in part, in the first elongated medical device, and also configured to be selectively extended, at least in part, from the first elongated medical device toward, and proximate to, the biological feature. A biological-removal device is mounted to the second elongated medical device, and configured to cut a portion of the biological feature after the second elongated medical device has been positioned proximate to the biological feature.

Abstract: A method for carrying out a cardiac procedure includes: a. via an inferior artery, advancing a perforating tip of a perforation device towards an aorta; b. positioning the perforating tip adjacent a wall of the aorta, proximate a left pulmonary artery; and c. advancing the perforating tip to perforate through the wall of the aorta and then through a wall of the left pulmonary artery, to create a pathway between the aorta and the left pulmonary artery.

Abstract: A stop-movement device is configured to be mounted to a first elongated medical assembly and a second elongated medical assembly. The stop-movement device has a body configured to stop, at least in part, relative movement between the second elongated medical assembly and the first elongated medical assembly.

Abstract: An elongated medical assembly has a distal-assembly tip. The distal-assembly tip is, at least in part, selectively maneuverable along an assembly-tip movement path terminating proximate to a first biological feature of a biological structure of a patient. An elongated puncture device has a distal puncture tip. The distal puncture tip is, at least in part, selectively deployable along a puncture-tip movement path extending from the elongated medical assembly and into, at least in part, the first biological feature, and also extending from the first biological feature toward a second biological feature of the patient.

Abstract: An elongated medical assembly is configured to be maneuverable proximate to a first biological feature of a patient. The elongated medical assembly is also configured to facilitate movement along an elongated length of the elongated medical assembly of a first medical device and a second medical device.

Abstract: A method for carrying out a cardiac procedure includes a. engaging a shaft of an ultrasound catheter with an elongate member of a medical sheath; b. positioning an ultrasound tip of the ultrasound catheter outside of a lumen of the elongate member; c. intravenously advancing the elongate member of the medical sheath towards a heart of a patient, to position a distal end of the elongate member adjacent a target anatomy within the heart; d. using the medical sheath as a guide to intravenously advance the ultrasound catheter towards the heart of the patient and position the ultrasound tip proximate the target anatomy; and e. using the ultrasound tip to image the target anatomy.

Abstract: A medical sheath includes an elongate member having a proximal portion defining a proximal end and a distal portion defining a distal end. A first lumen extends through the elongate member and is open at the proximal and the distal end for passage of a medical device through the lumen. The medical sheath further includes an anchoring mechanism that is deployable from the elongate member. The anchoring mechanism includes an anchor that is removably securable to an anatomical feature to secure the elongate member to the anatomical feature, and a connector securing the anchor to the elongate member.