Abstract: Various embodiments of a system for guiding an instrument through a region of a patient are disclosed. The system includes an instrument and a controller that is adapted to receive ultrasound image data from an ultrasound sensor, receive EM tracking data from an EM tracking system, and identify a physiological landmark of the region of the patient based on the ultrasound image data. The controller is further adapted to determine at least one of a position, orientation, or trajectory of the instrument based on the EM tracking data and generate a graphical user interface showing at least one of the position, orientation, or trajectory of the instrument in relation to a plane of the ultrasound image data, and a target zone that is registered with the physiological landmark.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a system for guiding an instrument through a region of a patient are disclosed. The system includes an instrument and a controller that is adapted to receive ultrasound image data from an ultrasound sensor, receive EM tracking data from an EM tracking system, and identify a physiological landmark of the region of the patient based on the ultrasound image data. The controller is further adapted to determine at least one of a position, orientation, or trajectory of the instrument based on the EM tracking data and generate a graphical user interface showing at least one of the position, orientation, or trajectory of the instrument in relation to a plane of the ultrasound image data, and a target zone that is registered with the physiological landmark.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for treating pulmonary conditions, such as COPD and asthma, by denervating bronchial tissue using cryoablation. In one embodiment, a device for bronchial denervation comprises: an elongate body having a distal portion and a proximal portion opposite the distal portion; a treatment element at the distal portion of the elongate body; and a first recording electrode located distal to the treatment element and a second recording electrode located proximal to the treatment element, the first and second recording electrodes being configured to record electromyograms. In one embodiment, the device includes a fluid delivery element that is within the treatment element and that has a plurality of orifices aligned with an equatorial portion of the treatment element.

Abstract: Systems for gaining access into a body of a patient around an implanted body of an elongate medical device include a sheath having a deformable wall that allows insertion of the device body into a lumen surrounded by the sheath wall. The sheath wall may include first and second edges that extend from a proximal end to a distal end of the lumen, or just extend along a distal portion of the lumen. A tool, which includes a groove sized to grasp about a circumference of the device body, may facilitate insertion of the device body into the lumen of those sheath embodiments that include the first and second edges, by spreading at least one of the first and second edges of the wall apart from the other of the first and second edges while the device body is grasped within the tool.

Abstract: A medical device and associated method detect ischemia using stimulation delivered to induce respiration. A spontaneous breathing response to the stimulation-induced respiration is determined. Ischemia is detected in response to the spontaneous breathing response. The spontaneous breathing response is measured as a response to adjusting a parameter controlling the stimulation.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering a nerve stimulation therapy determines whether a cardiac EGM signal can be sensed by a bipolar pair of electrodes selected from a number of electrodes positioned for stimulating a nerve. In response to not being able to sense a cardiac signal using the bipolar pair, stimulation of the nerve using a selected pair of the electrodes is enabled.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering a nerve stimulation therapy determines whether a cardiac EGM signal can be sensed by a bipolar pair of electrodes selected from a number of electrodes positioned for stimulating a nerve. In response to not being able to sense a cardiac signal using the bipolar pair, stimulation of the nerve using a selected pair of the electrodes is enabled.

Abstract: A medical device and associated method detect ischemia using stimulation delivered to induce respiration. A spontaneous breathing response to the stimulation-induced respiration is determined. Ischemia is detected in response to the spontaneous breathing response. The spontaneous breathing response is measured as a response to adjusting a parameter controlling the stimulation.

Abstract: Systems for gaining access into a body of a patient around an implanted body of an elongate medical device include a sheath having a deformable wall that allows insertion of the device body into a lumen surrounded by the sheath wall. The sheath wall may include first and second edges that extend from a proximal end to a distal end of the lumen, or just extend along a distal portion of the lumen. A tool, which includes a groove sized to grasp about a circumference of the device body, may facilitate insertion of the device body into the lumen of those sheath embodiments that include the first and second edges, by spreading at least one of the first and second edges of the wall apart from the other of the first and second edges while the device body is grasped within the tool.

Abstract: Systems for gaining access into a body of a patient around an implanted body of an elongate medical device include a sheath having a deformable wall that allows insertion of the device body into a lumen surrounded by the sheath wall. The sheath wall may include first and second edges that extend from a proximal end to a distal end of the lumen, or just extend along a distal portion of the lumen. A tool, which includes a groove sized to grasp about a circumference of the device body, may facilitate insertion of the device body into the lumen of those sheath embodiments that include the first and second edges, by spreading at least one of the first and second edges of the wall apart from the other of the first and second edges while the device body is grasped within the tool.

Abstract: Systems for gaining access into a body of a patient around an implanted body of an elongate medical device include a sheath having a deformable wall that allows insertion of the device body into a lumen surrounded by the sheath wall. The sheath wall may include first and second edges that extend from a proximal end to a distal end of the lumen, or just extend along a distal portion of the lumen. A tool, which includes a groove sized to grasp about a circumference of the device body, may facilitate insertion of the device body into the lumen of those sheath embodiments that include the first and second edges, by spreading at least one of the first and second edges of the wall apart from the other of the first and second edges while the device body is grasped within the tool.