Abstract: A method includes coupling, at least temporarily, a support member adjacent to a target tissue. The support member is configured to support the target tissue and to define a path along which a cutting device can move. The method includes moving the cutting device along the path defined by the support member to cut and/or dilate the target tissue. In some embodiments, the method optionally includes disposing a cannula of a device within the cut defined in target tissue. The cannula is coupled to the target tissue such that a lumen defined by the cannula is in fluid communication with a volume defined at least in part by the target tissue.

Abstract: A method includes coupling, at least temporarily, a support member adjacent to a target tissue. The support member is configured to support the target tissue and to define a path along which a cutting device can move. The method includes moving the cutting device along the path defined by the support member to cut and/or dilate the target tissue. In some embodiments, the method optionally includes disposing a cannula of a device within the cut defined in target tissue. The cannula is coupled to the target tissue such that a lumen defined by the cannula is in fluid communication with a volume defined at least in part by the target tissue.

Abstract: A method includes coupling, at least temporarily, a support member adjacent to a target tissue. The support member is configured to support the target tissue and to define a path along which a cutting device can move. The method includes moving the cutting device along the path defined by the support member to cut and/or dilate the target tissue. In some embodiments, the method optionally includes disposing a cannula of a device within the cut defined in target tissue. The cannula is coupled to the target tissue such that a lumen defined by the cannula is in fluid communication with a volume defined at least in part by the target tissue.

Abstract: A system (60) for ablating internal heart tissue (12) in an ablation pattern (50) on a surface of the tissue within the heart. The system (60) includes an ablation catheter (14) with a distal end having an ablating tip portion (20) operative to allow selective ablation of tissue. A guiding device (62) is engageable with the ablation catheter (14) and includes a tissue anchoring portion (74) operable to engage with tissue proximate to the tissue to be ablated so as to temporarily anchor the guiding device (62) relative to the tissue (12). Engagement of the guiding device (62) with the ablation catheter (14) operates to assist with guiding the ablating tip portion (20) in moving along the pattern (50). Various devices and methods of use are further disclosed.

Abstract: A method includes coupling, at least temporarily, a support member adjacent to a target tissue. The support member is configured to support the target tissue and to define a path along which a cutting device can move. The method includes moving the cutting device along the path defined by the support member to cut and/or dilate the target tissue. In some embodiments, the method optionally includes disposing a cannula of a device within the cut defined in target tissue. The cannula is coupled to the target tissue such that a lumen defined by the cannula is in fluid communication with a volume defined at least in part by the target tissue.

Abstract: Thermal pads (50) for incorporation into systems (10) and compression garments (54) may be used for various medical or other purposes. The pads (50) include thermal fluid channels and the ability to flex and elastically stretch in multiple directions for conformance to the individual user. Cooling systems (10) include recirculation of the thermal fluid for temperature control purposes. Methods include hot and cold contrast type therapy for a variety of purposes.

Abstract: A system (60) for ablating internal heart tissue (12) in an ablation pattern (50) on a surface of the tissue within the heart. The system (60) includes an ablation catheter (14) with a distal end having an ablating tip portion (20) operative to allow selective ablation of tissue. A guiding device (62) is engageable with the ablation catheter (14) and includes a tissue anchoring portion (74) operable to engage with tissue proximate to the tissue to be ablated so as to temporarily anchor the guiding device (62) relative to the tissue (12). Engagement of the guiding device (62) with the ablation catheter (14) operates to assist with guiding the ablating tip portion (20) in moving along the pattern (50). Various devices and methods of use are further disclosed.