Abstract: A modular catheter system includes a guiding sheath and multiple catheter inserts configured to couple to the guiding sheath. The guiding sheath can include a navigation sensor coupled to a distal portion of the guiding sheath shaft. A location of a distal portion of a respective catheter insert can be determined based on electrical signals from the navigation sensor. The catheter insert can be electrically coupled to the guiding sheath to provide electrical connection to an electrode assembly on the distal portion of the respective catheter insert. The guiding sheath may include a deflection mechanism that deflects the distal portion of the guiding sheath and a distal portion of a catheter shaft of the catheter insert. The modular catheter system may be configured to be tracked and moved without the catheter inserts requiring a navigation sensor or a deflection mechanism.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes a magnetic location sensor which may comprise first and second spiral coils that can be disposed on a planar substrate. The first and second spiral coils may be disposed about respective first and second center axes, wherein each of the first and second coils can be configured to generate a voltage when subjected to a magnetic field. The magnetic location sensor may also comprise a high-magnetic-permeability planar member that can be disposed near one of the first and second spiral coils. The high-magnetic-permeability planar member can be disposed on the magnetic location sensor such that if the planar substrate is wrapped around a cylindrical substrate, the high-magnetic-permeability planar member may be disposed on an intersection of the first and second center axes.

Abstract: A sheath is presented having an electrically conducting region providing a low impedance path through the sheath wall. The electrically conducting region is configured to conduct electrical current between an impedance-based tracking electrode of an intralumenal catheter and body patch electrodes of an impedance-based tracking system when the impedance-based tracking electrode is adjacent the conducting region. The impedance-based tracking system is configured to determine a location of the electrically conducting region, and thereby the distal end of the sheath, based on ratios of electrical current at the body patch electrodes. The electrically conducting region can include irrigation perforations so that saline acts as an electrical conduit of the conducting region. Additionally, or alternatively, the electrically conducting region can include an electrically conductive material configured to act as an electrical conduit through the sheath wall.

Abstract: An end effector for a catheter. The end effector can include a substrate extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal portion of the end effector to a distal portion of the end effector. The substrate can include a longitudinal plane, the longitudinal axis running through the longitudinal plane, a first face disposed on a first side of the substrate and oblique to the longitudinal plane; a second face, opposite the first face, disposed on a second side of the substrate; a first group of electrodes disposed on the first face; and a second group of electrodes disposed on the second face.

Abstract: An end effector for a cardiac mapping catheter including a flexible circuit including a plurality of electrodes each electrode of the plurality of electrodes including a contact surface. The flexible circuit can be disposed on an insulative material. The insulative material can be contiguous to the contact surfaces so that only the contact surfaces of at least a portion of the plurality of electrodes are exposed to the ambient environment.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes an electrical connector for a catheter device comprising a body extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal portion to a distal portion, the proximal portion configured to be attached to a tubular shaft and the distal portion configured to be attached to an end effector. The electrical connector can comprise a plurality of proximal electrical pads disposed on the body at the proximal portion, the proximal electrical pads configured to be in electrical communication with a plurality of tubular shaft electrical pads. The electrical connector can comprise a plurality of distal electrical pads disposed on the body at the distal portion, the distal electrical pads configured to be in electrical communication with a plurality of end effector electrical pads. The electrical connector can comprise a plurality of electrical traces. Each electrical trace can connect a respective proximal electrical pad to a respective distal electrical pad.

Abstract: A recovery system includes a special organic Rankine cycle (SORC) system, an internal combustion system, a nitrogen generator and a gas-liquid separator. The SORC system includes a first stage heat exchanger (first HE), a plurality of second stage heat exchangers (second HE), a third stage heat exchanger (third HE), a turbo-expander, and at least one condenser. A recovery method, conducted in the recovery system, includes vaporizing a refrigerant, introducing the vaporized refrigerant to the turbo-expander to generate electricity, condensing the vaporized refrigerant in the at least one condenser, collecting nitrogen from the flue gas feed in the nitrogen generator, and collecting water from the flue gas feed in the gas-liquid separator. The refrigerant is vaporized by introducing the refrigerant through the first HE, second HE and third HE sequentially, and the flue gas feed through the third HE, second HE and first HE sequentially.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes a medical probe comprising a plurality of spine members that form a substantially cylindrical structure. Each spine is stamped from a continuous piece of flat stock and heat-treated to a configuration including a first section extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a first bend, a second section extending from the first section curvilinearly with respect to the longitudinal axis and comprising a bifurcation point, and a third section extending along the longitudinal axis from a second bend to a second end so that a proximal portion of the third section is generally parallel to the first section. The second section comprises a continuous leg and a discontinuous leg. The continuous leg extends between the first section and the bifurcation point. The discontinuous leg extends towards the first section and terminates at a termination point between the bifurcation point and the first end.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes a medical probe includes a substantially cylindrical structure having a proximal circular base, a distal circular base substantially parallel to the proximal circular base, a plurality of spines extending along a longitudinal axis between the proximal circular base and the distal circular base, and one or more strips of flexible circuit substrate coupled to one or more of the plurality of spines defining an internal volume about the longitudinal axis. The plurality of spines include a trifurcation point positioned along at least a portion of the spine and a spine branch extending from the trifurcation point further comprising a bifurcation point. The one or more strips of flexible circuit substrate further include one or more conductive traces disposed on a surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes basket catheters comprising a generally cylindrical structure having electrodes attached thereto. The disclosed technology can include a structural unit for an end effector comprising a proximal member extending along a longitudinal axis. The proximal member can define a plurality of divergent curvilinear members. Each divergent curvilinear member can define two meander members extending along the longitudinal axis such that the structural unit comprises a plurality of meander members. Each of the plurality of meander members can be connected to a respective convergent curvilinear member of a plurality of convergent curvilinear members. The structural unit can further comprise a distal member connected to the plurality of convergent curvilinear members.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes basket catheters comprising a generally cylindrical structure having electrodes attached thereto. The disclosed technology can include a one-piece flex circuit comprising a proximal end and extending along a longitudinal axis to a distal end. The proximal end diverges into a plurality of first arms, each of the first arms divides into second and third arms that are connected to respective fourth arms proximate the distal end to define an elongated shape disposed about the longitudinal axis. The disclosed technology can include a structural unit for an end effector having a proximal hub, a distal hub, and a plurality of spines forming a generally cylindrical structure. The spines can comprise a plurality of first members attached to the proximal hub that diverge into a plurality of second and third members connected to respective fourth members proximate the distal hub.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes a medical probe comprising a substantially cylindrical structure including a proximal circular base, a distal circular base substantially parallel to the proximal circular base, and plurality of spines extending along a longitudinal axis between the proximal circular base and the distal circular base, and a membrane positioned over the plurality of spines defining an internal volume about the longitudinal axis. The plurality of spines comprise a bifurcated portion positioned along at least a portion of the spine between the distal circular base and the proximal circular base. The membrane comprises one or more electrodes coupled to an external surface of the membrane. The membrane is configured to permit fluid communication from outside the membrane to the internal volume.

Abstract: An end effector for a catheter that can include a flexible circuit layer extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal portion to a distal portion, a framework extending generally parallel to the flexible circuit layer along the longitudinal axis from the proximal to the distal portion. and a flexible polymer layer encapsulating both the framework and the flexible circuit layer. The flexible circuit layer can include a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a catheter having a flexible outer sheath and a flexible irrigation tube. The flexible outer sheath defines a first lumen. The flexible irrigation tube is positioned inside the first lumen and includes an inner layer and an outer coating layer. The inner layer is formed of a synthetic polymer compound and has a uniform cross-section with a hollow interior defining a second lumen. The outer coating layer is disposed around the inner layer. The outer coating layer is formed of a polymeric compound and includes first and second isomers. The first isomer is configured to carry a positive electric charge and the second isomer is configured to carry a negative electric charge.

Abstract: A recovery system includes a special organic Rankine cycle (SORC) system, an internal combustion system, a nitrogen generator and a gas-liquid separator. The SORC system includes a first stage heat exchanger (first HE), a plurality of second stage heat exchangers (second HE), a third stage heat exchanger (third HE), a turbo-expander, and at least one condenser. A recovery method, conducted in the recovery system, includes vaporizing a refrigerant, introducing the vaporized refrigerant to the turbo-expander to generate electricity, condensing the vaporized refrigerant in the at least one condenser, collecting nitrogen from the flue gas feed in the nitrogen generator, and collecting water from the flue gas feed in the gas-liquid separator. The refrigerant is vaporized by introducing the refrigerant through the first HE, second HE and third HE sequentially, and the flue gas feed through the third HE, second HE and first HE sequentially.

Abstract: Catheters are presented herein having planar end effectors of various configurations, generally providing a two-sided and multi-layered platform for electrodes and sensors. In some examples, the end effector has a support frame (e.g. nitinol) between a pair of flexible circuits. The end effector can also include a polymer (e.g. silicone, LCP, etc.) between the flexible circuits and encapsulating the support frame. This platform facilitates positioning of electrodes on either side (including both sides) of the end effector in a variety of spacings and facilitates ultra-tight electrode spacing and/or a large area electrode. Sensors (ultrasound transducers, navigation coils, etc.) can be layered within the end effector between outer surfaces of the flexible circuits in a variety of configurations.

Abstract: A method of charging a battery of a hybrid vehicle includes operating an engine of the hybrid vehicle using fuel to cause the hybrid vehicle to move. The method further includes, while the hybrid vehicle is moving, converting thermal energy within flue gas exhausted from the engine into electricity and charging the battery with the electricity.

Abstract: A system and method systematically manage network devices. A memory stores a solution inventory list of network solutions of the network devices. An input/output device receives Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and commands. A parsing system validates the IP addresses and commands, and searches the solution inventory list for solutions based on the IP addresses. An interactive system performs natural language processing of interactions with the network devices, sets a timeout period, and executes the commands to implement the found solutions. A reporting system generates a report indicating that the commands are successfully executed. The input/output device outputs the report. A method implements the system.

Abstract: Example apparatuses disclosed herein are generally usable with catheter-based systems to measure or provide electrical signals within the heart and surrounding vasculature. Example apparatuses generally include an end effector with one or more spines that can rotate about a longitudinal axis such that the spines are aligned in a plane in a first configuration and the one or more spines are rotated out of the plane in a second configuration. The end effector can include features which provide improved and/or alternative diagnostic or treatment options compared to existing end effectors. In some example treatments utilizing some example apparatuses presented herein, an end effector can map a wall within the heart in the first configuration and a lumen of a vein in the second configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a catheter having a flexible outer sheath and a flexible irrigation tube. The flexible outer sheath defines a first lumen. The flexible irrigation tube is positioned inside the first lumen and includes an inner layer and an outer coating layer. The inner layer is formed of a synthetic polymer compound and has a uniform cross-section with a hollow interior defining a second lumen. The outer coating layer is disposed around the inner layer. The outer coating layer is formed of a polymeric compound and includes first and second isomers. The first isomer is configured to carry a positive electric charge and the second isomer is configured to carry a negative electric charge.