Abstract: An ablation catheter for performing a treatment under direct visualization of a region to be treated includes a catheter body and an energy emitter that is movable relative to the catheter body. The ablation catheter includes first and second imaging devices for providing direct visualization of the region to be treated, with the first imaging device being fixed relative to the catheter body. The first and second imaging devices can be in the form of first and second imaging chip endoscopes.

Abstract: An ablation catheter for performing a treatment under direct visualization of a region to be treated includes a catheter body and an energy emitter that is movable relative to the catheter body. The ablation catheter includes first and second imaging devices for providing direct visualization of the region to be treated, with the first imaging device being fixed relative to the catheter body. The first and second imaging devices can be in the form of first and second imaging chip endoscopes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating a cardiac condition with visual inspection of a tissue treatment site includes the step of delivering an expanding member formed on a distal end of a catheter to a position adjacent a tissue treatment area within a patient's heart. The expandable member has an elastic portion configured to conform to the tissue treatment area. The method further includes the steps of expanding the expandable member thereby allowing the elastic portion of the expandable member to conform to the tissue treatment area and positioning an energy emitter at a first location within an inner lumen of the catheter. A visible aiming beam is projected during positioning of the energy emitter and ablative energy is delivered from the energy emitter to the tissue treatment area thereby resulting in a first spot lesion.

Abstract: A method for treating a cardiac condition with visual inspection of a tissue treatment site includes the step of delivering an expanding member formed on a distal end of a catheter to a position adjacent a tissue treatment area within a patient's heart. The expandable member has an elastic portion configured to conform to the tissue treatment area. The method further includes the steps of expanding the expandable member thereby allowing the elastic portion of the expandable member to conform to the tissue treatment area and positioning an energy emitter at a first location within an inner lumen of the catheter. A visible aiming beam is projected during positioning of the energy emitter and ablative energy is delivered from the energy emitter to the tissue treatment area thereby resulting in a first spot lesion.

Abstract: A transducer assembly, suitable for medical examinations, for generating an apodized sector shaped beam of energy. A transducer in the form of a crystal, has a ring-like structure on its face which apodizes the signal produced by the transducer by providing a greater amount of attenuation at the transducer's periphery than at the transducer's center.