Abstract: Systems and associated methods form larger and deeper lesion patterns by shaping a support body with multiple electrodes in ways that increase the density of the electrodes per given tissue area. The support body can carry either elongated, continuous electrodes or arrays of non-contiguous, segmented electrodes.

Abstract: An electrode support structure comprises a guide body having at its distal end a flexible spline leg. The spline leg is flexed to define an arcuate shape to facilitate intimate contact against tissue. An electrode element is carried by the spline leg for movement along its axis. The structure includes a control element coupled to the electrode element. The control element remotely imparts force to move the electrode element along the axis of the spline leg. Therefore, in use, the physician can cause the electrode element to travel along a path that the spline leg defines, without otherwise changing the location of the guide body.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods place a temperature sensing element in an “edge region” between an energy transmitting electrode and a non-electrically conducting support body, where higher temperatures are likely to exist. Reliable temperature sensing, which is sensitive to variations in temperatures along the electrode, results.

Abstract: A coil electrode for use in an electrophysiology probe includes a first material having a relatively high radiopacity and a second material having a relatively high resiliency. This combination provides the necessary levels of durability, resiliency and radiopacity. An electrophysiological probe includes a support structure, at least one first electrode defining a first radiopacity supported on the support structure and at least one second electrode defining a second radiopacity supported on the support structure, the second radiopacity being greater than the first radiopacity. When viewed under a fluoroscope, the pattern of electrodes of varying radiopacities allows the physician to distinguish between individual electrodes.

Abstract: Systems and methods heat or ablate body tissue by positioning an electrode to transmit heat or ablation energy to a tissue region. The systems and methods measure a first temperature using a temperature sensing element associated with the electrode. The systems and methods also measure a second temperature using a temperature sensing element associated with the electrode. The systems and methods process at least one of the first and second temperatures to derive a prediction of maximum temperature of the tissue region. The systems and methods generate an output that controls the transmission of the heating or ablation energy based, at least in part, upon the maximum tissue temperature prediction.

Abstract: A system and components for treating aortic aneurysms includes a reinforcing graft and fittings for securing the graft to a host vessel and to branch vessels, for example the iliac and renal arteries. Combinations of fittings and rings or other compression mechanisms secure vessels or grafts frictionally, for end-end or end-side couplings. A variety of tools are disclosed for manipulating retaining rings, everting portions of grafts or vessels in the course of coupling them to fittings, and clamping fittings while positioning the retaining rings.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods form larger and deeper lesion patterns by shaping a support body with multiple electrodes in ways that increase the density of the electrodes per given tissue area. The support body can carry either elongated, continuous electrodes or arrays of non-contiguous, segmented electrodes.

Abstract: A device for creating the lesions in body tissue includes a support element having an electromagnetic energy emitting region. When caused to emit electromagnetic energy, the region creates a single continuous lesion that is long and thin, having a length that is substantially greater than its width.

Abstract: A bypass graft incorporates fixation mechanisms at its opposite ends, for securing these ends to different locations along a blood vessel, or alternatively to different locations wherein one of the locations is a different vessel or an organ defining a cavity. Mechanical fixation features such as collets or grommets can be employed, enhanced by delivery of an electrical current sufficient to heat surrounding tissue to form a thermal bond. A graft deployment system includes a tissue dilator and a needle for perforating tissue, mounted coaxially within the dilator. Intralumenal systems further include a catheter for containing the dilator.

Abstract: A bypass graft incorporates fixation mechanisms at its opposite ends, for securing these ends to different locations along a blood vessel, or alternatively to different locations wherein one of the locations is a different vessel or an organ defining a cavity. Mechanical fixation features such as collets or grommets can be employed, enhanced by delivery of an electrical current sufficient to heat surrounding tissue to form a thermal bond. A graft deployment system includes a tissue dilator and a needle for perforating tissue, mounted coaxially within the dilator. Intralumenal systems further include a catheter for containing the dilator.

Abstract: A bypass graft incorporates fixation mechanisms at its opposite ends, for securing these ends to different locations along a blood vessel, or alternatively to different locations wherein one of the locations is a different vessel or an organ defining a cavity. Mechanical fixation features such as collets or grommets can be employed, enhanced by delivery of an electrical current sufficient to heat surrounding tissue to form a thermal bond. A graft deployment system includes a tissue dilator and a needle for perforating tissue, mounted coaxially within the dilator. Intralumenal systems further include a catheter for containing the dilator.

Abstract: A catheter assembly comprises a sheath, which includes a side wall enclosing an interior bore, a distal region, and an opening in the sidewall. The assembly also comprises a bendable catheter tube, which is carried for sliding movement in the interior bore. The catheter tube has a distal portion. The assembly further comprises a coupling, which joins the distal region of the sheath and the distal portion of the catheter tube. The coupling causes bending of the catheter tube outwardly through the opening, in response to sliding movement of the catheter tube within the interior bore toward the distal region of the sheath.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods place a temperature sensing element in an “edge regions” between an energy transmitting electrode and a non-electrically conducting support body, where higher temperatures are likely to exist. Reliable temperature sensing, which is sensitive to variations in temperatures along the electrode, results.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods position arrays of multiple emitters of ablating energy in straight or curvilinear positions in contact with tissue to form elongated lesion patterns. The elongated lesion patterns can continuous or interrupted, depending upon the orientation of the energy emitters.

Abstract: This invention is related to devices and systems for creating sutureless anastomoses. In particular, this invention is related to devices for deploying and securing the ends of bypass grafts designed to provide a fluid flow passage between at least two vessels or tubular structures. A variety of compressible, expandable fittings, loading and delivery sheaths, tools, and other devices for creating end-end and end-side anastomoses, as well as methods for their use, are disclosed. In addition, robotic, remotely operable systems and devices for creating sutureless anastomoses in minimally invasive applications are disclosed. The systems of this invention do not require stopping or re-routing blood flow to perform an anastomosis between a bypass graft and a host vessel. Accordingly, this invention describes sutureless anastomosis systems that do not require cardiopulmonary bypass support when treating coronary artery disease.

Abstract: Sutureless anastomosis system deployment concepts are disclosed herein. Specifically, anastomosis strain relief devices are disclosed which are disposed, at least partially, over an anastomosis bypass graft just proximal to an attachment site between a host vessel wall and the fitting. The strain relief devices provide additional support to the graft while preventing kinking of the graft, especially when it emanates at acute angles from the anastomosis site. Furthermore, the strain relief provides additional support to the graft during manipulations involved in inserting and attaching ends of the graft. The devices can have a variety of configurations, e.g., helical, zig-zag, etc., depending upon the desired functionality. The strain relief may also be either incorporated into the graft or placed exterior to the graft and bonded. Moreover, integrated fittings or collars may be incorporated into the strain relief to expand its functions.

Abstract: A catheter assembly comprising a elongated, flexible support structure having an axis. The assembly also includes an elongated porous electrode assembly carried by the support structure along the axis for contact with tissue. The elongated porous electrode assembly comprises a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen to convey a medium containing ions into the interior area, and an element coupling the medium within the interior area to a source of electrical energy. At least a portion of the wall comprising a porous material is sized to allow passage of ions contained in the medium to thereby enable ionic transport of electrical energy through the porous material to the exterior of the wall to form a continuous elongated lesion pattern in tissue contacted by the wall. The support structure can have a curvilinear geometry, e.g., a loop shape, and the elongated porous electrode assembly conforms to the curvilinear geometry.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods position arrays of multiple emitters of ablating energy in straight or curvilinear positions in contact with tissue to form elongated lesion patterns. The elongated lesion patterns can continuous or interrupted, depending upon the orientation of the energy emitters.

Abstract: A surgical method and apparatus for positioning a diagnostic or therapeutic element within the body. The apparatus may be catheter-based or a probe including a relatively short shaft.

Abstract: A catheter assembly comprises a sheath, which includes a side wall enclosing an interior bore, a distal region, and an opening in the sidewall. The assembly also comprises a bendable catheter tube, which is carried for sliding movement in the interior bore. The catheter tube has a distal portion. The assembly further comprises a coupling, which joins the distal region of the sheath and the distal portion of the catheter tube. The coupling causes bending of the catheter tube outwardly through the opening, in response to sliding movement of the catheter tube within the interior bore toward the distal region of the sheath.