Abstract: A method for identifying an anatomical landmark inside a human body for lead fixation of a medical device. One or more balloons are inflated using air or fluid. A delivery sheath having a distal end attached to the one or more balloons is advanced across a tricuspid valve to a right ventricle. A moderator band or an anterior papillary muscle is identified by the one or more balloons, using X-ray or fluoroscopy. The one or more balloons is then moved to be adjacent to a smooth portion of an inlet septum using the delivery sheath or inflation of the one or more balloons. Using X-ray or fluoroscopy, compression or deformation of the one or more balloons is visualized when an outer curvature and/or a distal pole of the one or more balloons contacts the inlet septum. Using a lumen of the delivery sheath, a lead of a medical device is advanced into the inlet septum.

Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to a family of devices and methods for both measuring electrophysiological signals and delivering elongate medical devices. In an embodiment, a kit is described that includes a hollow catheter adapted to navigate a patient's vasculature having a hollow lumen terminating at a distal end, structure configured for sensing cardiac electrical activity adjacent the distal end of the hollow catheter and for acquiring electrograms. The fossa ovalis of a subject can be located therefrom and a second medical device can be advanced into and through the hollow lumen to such an extent that a distal tip of the second medical device protrudes beyond a proximal end and the distal end of the hollow catheter at the same time.

Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to a family of devices and methods for both measuring electrophysiological signals and delivering elongate medical devices. In an embodiment, a kit is described that includes a hollow catheter adapted to navigate a patient's vasculature having a hollow lumen terminating at a distal end, structure configured for sensing cardiac electrical activity adjacent the distal end of the hollow catheter and for acquiring electrograms. The fossa ovalis of a subject can be located therefrom and a second medical device can be advanced into and through the hollow lumen to such an extent that a distal tip of the second medical device protrudes beyond a proximal end and the distal end of the hollow catheter at the same time.

Abstract: A dual catheter ablation system with an arterial catheter and a venous catheter and at least two magnetic elements, a first magnetic element placed in the arterial catheter and a second magnetic element placed in the venous catheter, where at least one of the arterial catheter or the venous catheter carries an ablating electrode. The first magnetic element has a predefined polarity and the second magnetic element has an opposite polarity with respect to the pre-defined polarity. A protective sheath is provided for enclosing the catheter pair, the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element. The dual catheter ablation system is configured to be placed inside an anatomical region such that a target tissue is in between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element, bringing the ablating electrode in close proximity to a target tissue.

Abstract: A catheter for cardiac imaging, a method of imaging and a method of conducting an interventional procedure using the catheter is disclosed, where the catheter includes a tube with one or more openings for releasing an intravenous contrast agent, and an inflatable cuff holding a portion of the tube. The inflatable cuff includes a dorsal surface, and a ventral surface, where the ventral surface has a hollow compartment, an inner edge and an outer edge. The inflatable cuff functions as a seal to prevent an extrusion of an intravenous contrast agent supplied through one or more openings, in a dorsal direction.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided of locating the fossa ovalis in a patient by locating at least one of the His bundle, the plane of the interatrial septum, and the coronary sinus ostium in a patient, and thereafter locating the fossa ovalis on the basis of one or more predetermined distances between these locations. Software is also provided that can determine and display the location of the fossa ovalis in a patient based on predetermined distances between the locations. Such software can for example be provided within an electroanatomical system. Methods of determining the location of the fossa ovalis, performed by either a clinician or a central processing unit-controlled surgical system, are also provided and determined using predetermined measurements from defined locations. An apparatus for locating the fossa ovalis and performing a transseptal puncture is also provided.

Abstract: A method of identifying the fossa ovalis in a patient by positioning one or more electrodes against the tissue of the interatrial septum of the patient and acquiring unipolar and/or bipolar electrograms of the tissue of the interatrial septum while moving the electrodes to a plurality of positions against the tissue of the interatrial septum. The fossa ovalis is identified on the basis of unipolar voltage reduction, signal fractionation, broadened signal, reduced signal slew rate, reduced local myocardial impedance, increased phase angle and/or increased pacing threshold. An apparatus for identifying the fossa ovalis is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided of locating the fossa ovalis in a patient by locating at least one of the His bundle, the plane of the interatrial septum, and the coronary sinus ostium in a patient, and thereafter locating the fossa ovalis on the basis of one or more predetermined distances between these locations. Software is also provided that can determine and display the location of the fossa ovalis in a patient based on predetermined distances between the locations. Such software can for example be provided within an electroanatomical system. Methods of determining the location of the fossa ovalis, performed by either a clinician or a central processing unit-controlled surgical system, are also provided and determined using predetermined measurements from defined locations. An apparatus for locating the fossa ovalis and performing a transseptal puncture is also provided.

Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to a family of devices and methods for both measuring electrophysiological signals and delivering elongate medical devices. In an embodiment, a kit is described that includes a hollow catheter adapted to navigate a patient's vasculature having a hollow lumen terminating at a distal end, structure configured for sensing cardiac electrical activity adjacent the distal end of the hollow catheter and for acquiring electrograms. The fossa ovalis of a subject can be located therefrom and a second medical device can be advanced into and through the hollow lumen to such an extent that a distal tip of the second medical device protrudes beyond a proximal end and the distal end of the hollow catheter at the same time.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided of locating the fossa ovalis in a patient by locating at least one of the His bundle, the plane of the interatrial septum, and the coronary sinus ostium in a patient, and thereafter locating the fossa ovalis on the basis of one or more predetermined distances between these locations. Software is also provided that can determine and display the location of the fossa ovalis in a patient based on predetermined distances between the locations. Such software can for example be provided within an electroanatomical system. Methods of determining the location of the fossa ovalis, performed by either a clinician or a central processing unit-controlled surgical system, are also provided and determined using predetermined measurements from defined locations. An apparatus for locating the fossa ovalis and performing a transseptal puncture is also provided.

Abstract: A method of identifying the fossa ovalis in a patient by positioning one or more electrodes against the tissue of the interatrial septum of the patient and acquiring unipolar and/or bipolar electrograms of the tissue of the interatrial septum while moving the electrodes to a plurality of positions against the tissue of the interatrial septum. The fossa ovalis is identified on the basis of unipolar voltage reduction, signal fractionation, broadened signal, reduced signal slew rate, reduced local myocardial impedance, increased phase angle and/or increased pacing threshold. An apparatus for identify the fossa ovalis is also provided.

Abstract: A method of locating the fossa ovalis in a patient by locating the His bundle, plane of the interatrial septum, and coronary sinus ostium in a patient, and thereafter locating the fossa ovalis on the basis of one or more predetermined distances between the fossa ovalis and the His bundle and the coronary sinus ostium. An apparatus for locating the fossa ovalis and performing a transseptal puncture is also provided.

Abstract: A method of identifying the fossa ovalis in a patient by positioning one or more electrodes against the tissue of the interatrial septum of the patient and acquiring unipolar and/or bipolar electrograms of the tissue of the interatrial septum while moving the electrodes to a plurality of positions against the tissue of the interatrial septum. The fossa ovalis is identified on the basis of unipolar voltage reduction, signal fractionation, broadened signal, reduced signal slew rate, reduced local myocardial impedance, increased phase angle and/or increased pacing threshold. An apparatus for identifying the fossa ovalis is also provided.

Abstract: A method for detecting and closing the patent foramen ovale including the steps of locating a His bundle, plane of the interatrial septum, and coronary sinus ostium in a patient; identifying a fossa ovalis on the basis of one or more predetermined distances between the fossa ovalis and the His bundle, the plane of the interatrial septum, and the coronary sinus ostium; locating a patent foramen ovale by probing the junction between the fossa ovalis and a limbus of the fossa ovalis; and causing injury to the surfaces of at least one of a septum primum and a septum secundum within the patent foramen ovale. Another method includes the steps of locating a tunnel of a patent foramen ovale by probing the junction between a fossa ovalis and a limbus of the fossa ovalis and causing injury to the surfaces of at least one of a septum primum and a septum secundum within the tunnel of the patent foramen ovale by applying energy to at least one of the septum primum and the septum secundum.

Abstract: A method of identifying the fossa ovalis in a patient by positioning one or more electrodes against the tissue of the interatrial septum of the patient and acquiring unipolar and/or bipolar electrograms of the tissue of the interatrial septum while moving the electrodes to a plurality of positions against the tissue of the interatrial septum. The fossa ovalis is identified on the basis of unipolar voltage reduction, signal fractionation, broadened signal, reduced signal slew rate, reduced local myocardial impedance, increased phase angle and/or increased pacing threshold. An apparatus for identifying the fossa ovalis is also provided.