Abstract: A steerable intravascular catheter is disclosed which includes an elongated sheath having a tubular body wall defining a central lumen and a deflectable distal end portion, a pair of laterally opposed elongated pull wires extending through the tubular body wall of the sheath and terminating within the distal end portion thereof, and a handle assembly having a longitudinal axis and operatively associated with a proximal end portion of the sheath, the handle assembly including an rotatable control knob for controlling bi-directional deflection of the distal end portion of the sheath, wherein bi-directional angular rotation of the control knob about the longitudinal axis of the handle assembly effectuates corresponding reciprocal axial movement of the laterally opposed pull wires in opposed axial directions and corresponding bi-directional deflection of the distal end portion of the sheath.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes an elongated handle assembly having opposed proximal and distal end portions and an interior cavity. An elongated sheath extends from the proximal end of the handle assembly, through the interior cavity of the handle assembly and out from the distal end portion of the handle assembly. The sheath includes an interior lumen extending therethrough and a distal end portion of the sheath is deflectable. The surgical apparatus includes a steering mechanism operatively associated with the handle assembly for controlling deflection of the deflectable distal end portion of the sheath. The steering mechanism includes a pull wire retraction assembly configured to selectively retract a pull wire to deflect the distal end portion of the sheath and a telescoping tube system for straightly guiding the pull wire as the pull wire retraction assembly moves within the interior cavity of the handle assembly.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus is disclosed for delivering a therapeutic device to a desired location within the vasculature of a patient, which includes an elongated tubular body defining a longitudinal axis and having opposed proximal and distal end portions, the tubular body including an outer wall surrounding an interior lumen, wherein an elongated target opening is formed through the outer wall of the tubular body within the distal end portion thereof in communication with the interior lumen. At least one distal sensing electrode is provided on the tubular body adjacent a distal side of the target opening, and at least one proximal sensing electrode is provided on the tubular body adjacent a proximal side of the target opening, wherein the sensing electrodes allow placement of the target opening within the vasculature of a patient for the delivery of a therapeutic device to a desired location.

Abstract: A system for use in a renal denervation procedure includes a catheter having proximal and distal end portions, a sensor configured to sense a condition of one or more nerves, the sensor operatively associated with the distal end portion of the catheter, and at least one electrode disposed on the distal end portion of the catheter for delivering energy to renal tissue. A catheter includes a catheter body defining a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, and a sensor for sensing a renal sympathetic nerve, the sensor disposed on the distal end portion of the catheter body, wherein the sensor is configured to sense an electromagnetic signal from the renal sympathetic nerve.

Abstract: A steerable multi-polar lead shaft assembly includes a core member extending longitudinally through the shaft assembly, a plurality electrically conductive elements disposed within the core member, a plurality of steering wires circumferentially distributed about the core member. A control mechanism for a steerable catheter, such as the steerable multi-polar lead assembly, includes a mounting portion adapted to engage a steerable shaft, a stem extending from the mounting portion, a swivel joint arranged at a proximal end of the stem, a control yoke rotatably mounted on the swivel joint, adapted to engage a plurality of steering wires of the steerable catheter, and a handle connected with the yoke, adapted for direct manipulation by a user.

Abstract: A steerable medical device includes a sheath having a preformed non-linear configuration, a deflectable distal end portion, and at least one lateral passage configured to accommodate at least one steering wire. The device further includes a steering handle operatively associated with a proximal end portion of the sheath and having an actuation mechanism operatively connected to the at least one steering wire accommodated within the at least one lateral passages of the sheath for steering the deflectable distal end portion of the sheath in at least one direction.

Abstract: A hemostasis valve for a vascular introducer includes a valve body having a seal region with opposed substantially planar proximal and distal end surfaces and a central axis extending through the seal region perpendicular to the proximal and distal end surfaces. The seal region has a first grouping of circumferentially arranged and equidistantly spaced linear cuts extending radially outward from the central axis, and through the seal region from the proximal end surface to the distal end surface. The seal region has a second grouping of circumferentially arranged and equidistantly spaced linear cuts in the distal end surface extending tangentially outward from the first grouping of linear cuts, and partially from the distal end surface to a depth short of the proximal end surface to facilitate passage of a variety of sizes of medical devices through the seal region.

Abstract: A catheter for ablation of the interior walls of the renal artery includes an elongated catheter body having opposing proximal and distal end portions, a plurality of axially spaced apart electrodes aligned along the distal end portion of the catheter body, and a catheter handle at the proximal end portion of the catheter body including means for operatively connecting the handle to a generator, wherein energy from the generator is provided to the plurality of electrodes for ablation of the renal artery, wherein the handle is configured to steer the distal end portion of the catheter body in at least one direction.

Abstract: A steerable medical device can include a sheath defining a longitudinal axis having a deflectable distal end portion, and at least one lateral passage extending therethrough and configured to accommodate at least one steering cable and a steering handle operatively associated with a proximal end portion of the sheath and having an actuation mechanism operatively connected to the at least one steering cable accommodated within the at least one lateral passages of the sheath for steering the deflectable distal end portion of the sheath in at least one direction relative to the longitudinal axis thereof.

Abstract: A steerable dilator includes a dilator body for holding and guiding a sheath, the dilator body having a deflectable distal end portion, and at least one lateral passage configured to accommodate at least one steering cable and a steering handle operatively associated with a proximal end portion of the dilator and having an actuation mechanism operatively connected to the at least one steering cable accommodated within the at least one lateral passages of the dilator for steering the deflectable distal end portion of the dilator in at least one direction.

Abstract: An electrical connector is disclosed that includes an annular housing having a central aperture for receiving a connector pin and an annular contact spring disposed concentrically within the annular housing and including a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart spring arms, each spring arm having a radially inwardly extending contact pad for resiliently contacting a connector pin inserted into the central aperture of the housing.

Abstract: A coronary sinus lead is disclosed that includes a lead body having opposed proximal and distal end portions, and an open-ended cavity formed in the distal end portion of the lead body for temporarily receiving an angioplasty balloon. The lead is configured for connection with a pacing device. A method of implanting the lead is also disclosed, which includes passing a coronary angioplasty balloon catheter over a length of guide wire extending through the coronary sinus, coronary veins, and collaterals so that the balloon is externalized. The method further includes inserting the balloon into an open cavity of the lead, inflating the balloon within the open cavity to temporarily engage a distal end portion of the lead to the catheter, and pulling the distal end portion of the lead though the coronary sinus and into a coronary vein by at least partially withdrawing the catheter from the coronary sinus.

Abstract: An implantable active fixation cardiac lead is disclosed that includes an elongated lead body having opposed proximal and distal end portions and having an interior lumen extending therethrough, an axially rotatable extendable and retractable fixation helix operatively associated with the distal end portion of the lead body, a rotatable in-line quadripolar connector assembly operatively associated with the proximal end portion of the lead body and including an elongated rotatable pin electrode having opposed proximal and distal end portions, and an elongated torque transmitting conductor coil extending through the interior lumen of the lead body and having a proximal end portion connected to the distal end portion of the rotatable pin electrode and a distal end portion connected to the rotatable fixation helix, to facilitate manual activation of the fixation helix.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes a first outer tubular member, a second inner tubular member, an inflatable balloon, and a drug coating applied to at least a portion of the inflatable balloon. The inflatable balloon has opposing distal and proximal end portions. The inflatable balloon resides on the first and second tubular members in a twisted turn orientation of a pre-determined angle relative to the proximal end portion of the inflatable balloon attached to the first outer tubular member, such that the second inner tubular member achieves a constant torque of the balloon to twist and fold itself when retracted back into a portion of the first outer tubular member. Folds caused by the twisted turn orientation are configured and adapted to protect the drug coating while the inflatable balloon is deflated, thereby reducing premature drug elution and increasing the reliability and consistency of drug delivery.

Abstract: A hemostasis valve for a vascular introducer includes a valve body having a seal region with opposed substantially planar proximal and distal end surfaces and a central axis extending through the seal region perpendicular to the proximal and distal end surfaces. The seal region has a first grouping of circumferentially arranged and equidistantly spaced linear cuts extending radially outward from the central axis, and through the seal region from the proximal end surface to the distal end surface. The seal region has a second grouping of circumferentially arranged and equidistantly spaced linear cuts in the distal end surface extending tangentially outward from the first grouping of linear cuts, and partially from the distal end surface to a depth short of the proximal end surface to facilitate passage of a variety of sizes of medical devices through the seal region.

Abstract: A coronary sinus lead is disclosed that includes a lead body having opposed proximal and distal end portions, and an open-ended cavity formed in the distal end portion of the lead body for temporarily receiving an angioplasty balloon. The lead is configured for connection with a pacing device. A method of implanting the lead is also disclosed, which includes passing a coronary angioplasty balloon catheter over a length of guide wire extending through the coronary sinus, coronary veins, and collaterals so that the balloon is externalized. The method further includes inserting the balloon into an open cavity of the lead, inflating the balloon within the open cavity to temporarily engage a distal end portion of the lead to the catheter, and pulling the distal end portion of the lead though the coronary sinus and into a coronary vein by at least partially withdrawing the catheter from the coronary sinus.

Abstract: An implantable active fixation cardiac lead is disclosed that includes an elongated lead body having opposed proximal and distal end portions and having an interior lumen extending therethrough, an axially rotatable extendable and retractable fixation helix operatively associated with the distal end portion of the lead body, a rotatable in-line quadripolar connector assembly operatively associated with the proximal end portion of the lead body and including an elongated rotatable pin electrode having opposed proximal and distal end portions, and an elongated torque transmitting conductor coil extending through the interior lumen of the lead body and having a proximal end portion connected to the distal end portion of the rotatable pin electrode and a distal end portion connected to the rotatable fixation helix, to facilitate manual activation of the fixation helix.

Abstract: A medical device compatible with magnetic resonance imaging including an elongated tubular body defining a longitudinal axis and having opposed proximal and distal end portions. The elongated body including a plurality of coaxial layers including a radially inner-most insulative layer, at least one inner conductive layer, and a radially outer-most insulative layer. The at least one conductive layer is defined by a non-ferromagnetic conductive material that is compatible with magnetic resonance imaging.