Abstract: An atrial ablation catheter with an electrode array particularly adapted to locate and ablate foci of arrhythmia which are required for sustained atrial fibrillation is provided. The array is easily deployed and retracted from the catheter, and presents a proximally oriented electrode array that can be pulled against the septal wall of the left atrium to engage the septal wall.

Abstract: An atrial ablation catheter with an electrode array particularly adapted to locate and ablate foci of arrhythmia which are required for sustained atrial fibrillation is provided. The array is easily deployed and retracted from the catheter, and presents a proximally oriented electrode array that can be pulled against the septal wall of the left atrium to engage the septal wall.

Abstract: An atrial ablation catheter and methods for its use. The endocardial catheter includes an electrode array particularly adapted to locate and ablate foci of arrhythmia which are required for sustained atrial fibrillation is provided. The array is easily deployed and retracted from the catheter, and presents a distally oriented electrode array that can be pressed against the wall of the atrium.

Abstract: An atrial ablation catheter and methods for its use. The endocardial catheter includes an electrode array particularly adapted to locate and ablate foci of arrhythmia which are required for sustained atrial fibrillation is provided. The array is easily deployed and retracted from the catheter, and presents a distally oriented electrode array that can be pressed against the wall of the atrium.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the ablation of tissue. Embodiments include an ablation catheter which has an array of ablation elements attached to a deployable carrier assembly. The carrier assembly can be constrained within the lumen of a catheter, and deployed to take on an expanded condition.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are described for administering a needle-less injection of a degassed fluid. Prior to filling, or after filling but prior to administration of a needle-less injection, gas is removed from the fluid to create a degassed fluid. A needle-less injection may then be performed with a reduced risk of discomfort to the recipient of the injection and with lower potential for the creation of a subdermal hematoma as a result of the injection. A wide variety of needle-less injectors may be used in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for administering a vaccine or other pharmaceutical includes a group of lancets that are exposed by the device to administer the injection. The group of lancets is housed within the device prior to actuation, and is recoiled into the device following the injection. The device may be actuated by depressing a trigger, and may include non-slip finger rests for ease of use. The device may additionally be prepackaged with the vaccine or other injectate. The device is a safe and convenient tool for administering vaccines and other pharmaceutical products; particularly those that require multiple, shallow skin piercings to effect proper delivery. The device of the present invention is particularly advantageous in the administration of a Smallpox vaccine. It is also designed for ease of manufacturing, as it may be assembled through an inline manufacturing process.

Abstract: A system for facilitating the insertion of a medical device into a patient, comprises a flexible sheath and an air trap chamber coupled thereto. The air trap chamber includes a device insertion opening and an exit opening which allow the distal end of a medical device to pass through the chamber before it enters the sheath. The chamber also includes a gas removal port opening for preventing air from entering the sheath by removing air from the chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating an arrhythmia originating in a pulmonary vein of a patient are described. The system includes a rigid sheath and an elongated catheter that defines an axis and has an ablating distal section. The distal section includes a plurality of conductive bands, with each band establishing an enclosed chamber. The ablating distal section is reconfigurable between a first compact configuration in which each band is positioned relatively near the axis for transit through the sheath and second expanded configuration in which each band is positioned relatively far from the axis. Once in the second configuration, a fluid refrigerant is expanded into each enclosed chamber to cool the bands and cryoablate tissue. The second configuration is particularly useful for ablating a circumferential band of tissue, for example, a band of tissue surrounding the opening (i.e. ostium) where a pulmonary vein connects with the left atrium.