Abstract: RF tissue ablation devices are provided. Aspects of the RF tissue ablation devices include an elongated member having a proximal and distal end, first and second jaws at the distal end, wherein the first and second jaws are configured to apply intra and inter RF energy to tissue disposed between the jaws during use, and a connector at the proximal end for operatively connecting to a RF energy source. Also provided are systems that include an RF tissue ablation device operatively coupled to a RF energy source, as well as kits that include the devices and methods of using the devices in RF tissue ablation applications, including cardiac applications.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include methods of performing a cardiac surgical procedure on a subject. The methods include performing the cardiac surgical procedure in combination with pulmonary vein isolation and left atrial appendage modification. Kits for use in performing a cardiac surgical procedure are also provided, the kits including a device configured to perform a pulmonary vein isolation procedure, and a device configured to perform a left atrial appendage modification.

Abstract: Synthetic chord devices and methods for using the same for connecting tissues are provided. Aspects of the synthetic chord devices include a first flexible connector having first and second ends. Located at the first end is an attachment element that includes a piercing member coupled to a securing member, wherein the securing member transitions from a linear to a planar configuration upon separation of the piercing member from the attachment element. A reinforcing element is located at the second end. The devices and methods of the invention find use in a variety of applications, such as cardiac valve, e.g., mitral valve repair; or tissue closure.

Abstract: Percutaneous or minimally invasive systems configured to deliver a synthetic chord to an internal body location are provided. Aspects of the percutaneous or minimally invasive systems include a synthetic chord present in a percutaneous minimally invasive delivery device. The systems and methods of the invention find use in a variety of applications, such as cardiac valve, e.g., mitral valve, repair.

Abstract: RF tissue ablation devices are provided. Aspects of the RF tissue ablation devices include an elongated member having a proximal and distal end, first and second jaws at the distal end, wherein the first and second jaws are configured to apply intra and inter RF energy to tissue disposed between the jaws during use, and a connector at the proximal end for operatively connecting to a RF energy source. Also provided are systems that include an RF tissue ablation device operatively coupled to a RF energy source, as well as kits that include the devices and methods of using the devices in RF tissue ablation applications, including cardiac applications.

Abstract: Synthetic chord devices and methods for using the same for connecting tissues are provided. Aspects of the synthetic chord devices include a first flexible connector having first and second ends. Located at the first end is an attachment element that includes a piercing member coupled to a securing member, wherein the securing member transitions from a linear to a planar configuration upon separation of the piercing member from the attachment element. A reinforcing element is located at the second end. The devices and methods of the invention find use in a variety of applications, such as cardiac valve, e.g., mitral valve repair; or tissue closure.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include methods of performing a cardiac surgical procedure on a subject. The methods include performing the cardiac surgical procedure in combination with pulmonary vein isolation and left atrial appendage modification. Kits for use in performing a cardiac surgical procedure are also provided, the kits including a device configured to perform a pulmonary vein isolation procedure, and a device configured to perform a left atrial appendage modification.

Abstract: Annuloplasty devices and methods for using the same are provided. Aspects of the devices include an at least partially annular body having at least one integrated tissue securing region. Also provided are methods of implanting the devices, as well kits for practicing the same. The devices, kits and methods find use in a variety of different applications, including cardiac valve repair applications.

Abstract: Tissue securing devices and methods for using the same are provided. Also provided are delivery apparatuses and methods for delivering tissue securing devices to target tissue sites, as well kits for practicing the same. The devices, delivery apparatuses, kits and methods find use in a variety of different applications, including anchoring devices or other aspects to tissue.

Abstract: Synthetic chord devices and methods for using the same for connecting tissues are provided. Aspects of the synthetic chord devices include a first flexible connector having first and second ends. Located at the first end is an attachment element that includes a piercing member coupled to a securing member, where the securing member is configured to attach the flexible connector to a tissue. A reinforcing element is located at the second end. The devices and methods of the invention find use in a variety of applications, such as cardiac valve, e.g., mitral valve repair; or tissue closure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are suitable for treating a vascular occlusion. In one embodiment, a tissue removal apparatus includes a catheter having a lumen; a rotatable shaft disposed in the lumen of the catheter; a tissue removal portion connected to the rotatable shaft; and an expandable element circumferentially disposed at a distal end of the catheter, wherein upon expansion, at least a portion of the expandable element extends past the distal end of the catheter. In another embodiment, the rotatable shaft may include an auger portion to facilitate withdrawal of the removed tissue. In yet another embodiment, the tissue removal portion may include a plurality of expandable cutting members.

Abstract: An ablation assembly capable of ablating tissues inside the cavity of an organ is disclosed. The ablation assembly generally includes an ablative energy source and an ablative energy delivery device coupled to the ablative energy source. The ablative energy delivery device is configured for delivering ablative energy sufficiently strong to cause tissue ablation. The ablative energy delivery device generally includes a penetration end adapted to penetrate through a wall of an organ and an angular component that is used to position the device inside the organ after the device has penetrated through the wall of the organ.

Abstract: Several alternative spinal access devices are described. A number of alternative methods for performing therapies in the spinal region using the described spinal access devices are also described.

Abstract: A method for use in reconstructing the left ventricle of the heart of a patient from a diseased state to an appropriate reconstructed state is disclosed. The method includes the steps of determining the body surface area of the patient; determining a characteristic of the left ventricle which is the same in the diseased state as in the reconstructed state; determining an appropriate sizer based on the determined body surface area of the patient and the characteristic of the left ventricle which is the same in the diseased state as in the reconstructed state; identifying akinetic tissue within a heart chamber wall; making an incision through the akinetic tissue in the chamber wall; inserting said appropriate sizer into the chamber through the incision; removing the sizer; and, closing the incision.