Abstract: An elongated medical sheath is configured to be movable and positionable proximate to a biological feature of a patient. An expandable-and-collapsible support structure is configured to be selectively movable, at least in part, between an interior of the elongated medical sheath and an exterior of the elongated medical sheath. An energy-emitting assembly is supported by the expandable-and-collapsible support structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for ensuring safe dilation after puncture. The method includes puncturing the target tissue via a distal tip with the puncturing device. The flexible puncturing device is advanced through the puncture into a cardiac space and visualizing the flexible puncturing device using a visualization system. The user checks the constraints imposed on the flexible puncturing device within the new cardiac space.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for puncturing and using the puncturing device to evaluate and identify the anatomical space that the puncturing device has entered. The physician can then determine if the puncturing device has entered the desired anatomical space or an unintended anatomical space.

Abstract: A medical dilator includes an elongate member having a proximal end portion, an opposed distal end portion, and a lumen extending through the elongate member from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion. A dilating tip is at the distal end portion. The dilating tip has a first end of enlarged cross-sectional area and tapers going in the distal direction to a second end of reduced cross-sectional area. At least a first electrode is associated with the dilating tip. An electrical conductor is electrically connected to the first electrode and extends proximally from the first electrode towards the proximal end portion for electrical connection with an electroanatomical mapping system.

Abstract: A method for carrying out a medical procedure includes advancing a medical device towards a puncture site in a patient's body and positioning a radiofrequency puncture electrode of the medical device adjacent the puncture site; delivering radiofrequency energy from the radiofrequency puncture electrode to create a puncture in the puncture site; advancing the medical device through the puncture to position an auxiliary electrode of the medical device adjacent a target site in the patient's body; and using the auxiliary electrode for diagnosis, mapping, and/or treatment at the target site.

Abstract: A system for tissue puncture includes a radiofrequency (RF) generator, an RF puncture device, and at least a first intracorporeal grounding (IG) electrode. RF generator includes an RF output port and a ground return port. The RF puncture device includes an elongate member having a shaft and a tip. The tip includes an intracorporeal RF puncture electrode that is positionable adjacent a target site within a patient’s body, and the shaft includes a first electrical conductor that is electrically connected to the intracorporeal RF puncture electrode and is electrically connectable to the RF output port for delivering RF energy from the RF generator to the intracorporeal RF electrode. The IG electrode is positionable within the patient’s body proximate the target site, and is electrically connectable to the ground return port for returning current to the RF generator.

Abstract: An elongated medical sheath is configured to be movable and positionable proximate to a biological feature of a patient. An expandable-and-collapsible support structure is configured to be selectively movable, at least in part, between an interior of the elongated medical sheath and an exterior of the elongated medical sheath. An energy-emitting assembly is supported by the expandable-and-collapsible support structure.