Abstract: Catheters and methods for obtaining monophasic action potential (“MAP”) electrograms include a flexible catheter body defining a longitudinal axis, and a distal assembly affixed to the catheter body distal end defining a distal tip. The distal assembly has at least three MAP recording electrodes, and at least one reference electrode for determining reference potential. The recording electrodes are each positioned a radial distance from the longitudinal axis in at least three different radial directions, defining a recording geometry substantially having radial symmetry. The reference electrode is a longitudinal distance from the recording geometry. Optional features include a steerable catheter shaft, one or more radio-frequency ablation electrodes, and a dedicated pacing electrode. Different possible embodiments include a dome housing having the recording electrodes in a fixed spatial arrangement, and a distal loop assembly having an array of electrodes on at least three flexible loop elements.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed, including a catheter body; an electrode array coupled to the catheter body, the electrode array being transitionable from a substantially linear configuration to a substantially helical configuration; and a fluid conduit coupled to the catheter body spaced apart from the electrode array, wherein the fluid conduit is transitionable from a substantially linear configuration to a substantially helical configuration. The device may include a fluid source in communication with the fluid conduit and a radiofrequency signal generator coupled to the electrode array.

Abstract: A medical device including a catheter having a shaft with a distal portion; a first plurality of substantially hemispherical electrodes coupled to the distal portion; a second plurality of substantially hemispherical electrodes coupled to the shaft proximal of the first plurality, where the second plurality of electrodes are oriented substantially orthogonal to the first plurality of electrodes; and an additional electrode coupled to the shaft. A console may have a processor in electrical communication with the first and second plurality of electrodes and the reference electrode, the processor programmed to obtaining a monophasic action potential recording from at least one of the first and second plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: A medical method, device, and system are provided, including advancing an ablation element of a medical device into contact with tissue to be treated, selecting a power level of energy to ablate the tissue, delivering energy at the selected power level to the ablation element, determining whether the ablation element is in continuous contact with the tissue, and reducing the selected power level when the ablation element ceases to be in continuous contact with the tissue.

Abstract: A medical method, device, and system are provided, including advancing an ablation element of a medical device into contact with tissue to be treated, selecting a power level of energy to ablate the tissue, delivering energy at the selected power level to the ablation element, determining whether the ablation element is in continuous contact with the tissue, and reducing the selected power level when the ablation element ceases to be in continuous contact with the tissue.

Abstract: Medical devices, systems, and methods for treating patients with tissue ablation include catheter systems having bi-modal steering mechanisms, which are capable of both linear and loop ablation. In other words, the catheter system may have two different steering modes: two-dimensional and three-dimensional. In the first and second steering modes, the steering actuator may cause one or more portions of the catheter shaft to bend in different planes. A steerable ablation catheter may include treatment elements such as electrodes at its distal end and along the catheter shaft, each of which may map, pace, and ablate. Optional features include a series of thermocouples for monitoring local temperatures.

Abstract: Medical devices, systems, and methods for treating patients with tissue ablation include catheter systems having bi-modal steering mechanisms, which are capable of both linear and loop ablation. In other words, the catheter system may have two different steering modes: two-dimensional and three-dimensional. In the first and second steering modes, the steering actuator may cause one or more portions of the catheter shaft to bend in different planes. A steerable ablation catheter may include treatment elements such as electrodes at its distal end and along the catheter shaft, each of which may map, pace, and ablate.

Abstract: Catheters and methods for obtaining monophasic action potential (“MAP”) electrograms include a flexible catheter body defining a longitudinal axis, and a distal assembly affixed to the catheter body distal end defining a distal tip. The distal assembly has at least three MAP recording electrodes, and at least one reference electrode for determining reference potential. The recording electrodes are each positioned a radial distance from the longitudinal axis in at least three different radial directions, defining a recording geometry substantially having radial symmetry. The reference electrode is a longitudinal distance from the recording geometry. Optional features include a steerable catheter shaft, one or more radio-frequency ablation electrodes, and a dedicated pacing electrode. Different possible embodiments include a dome housing having the recording electrodes in a fixed spatial arrangement, and a distal loop assembly having an array of electrodes on at least three flexible loop elements.

Abstract: Catheters and methods for obtaining monophasic action potential (“MAP”) electrograms include a flexible catheter body defining a longitudinal axis, and a distal assembly affixed to the catheter body distal end defining a distal tip. The distal assembly has at least three MAP recording electrodes, and at least one reference electrode for determining reference potential. The recording electrodes are each positioned a radial distance from the longitudinal axis in at least three different radial directions, defining a recording geometry substantially having radial symmetry. The reference electrode is a longitudinal distance from the recording geometry. Optional features include a steerable catheter shaft, one or more radio-frequency ablation electrodes, and a dedicated pacing electrode. Different possible embodiments include a dome housing having the recording electrodes in a fixed spatial arrangement, and a distal loop assembly having an array of electrodes on at least three flexible loop elements.

Abstract: A medical device is provided, including an elongate body defining a lumen therethrough; a shaft extending through the lumen; and an electrode array coupled to the elongate body at a first end and coupled to the shaft at a second end, where linear manipulation of the shaft causes the electrode array to transition from a first geometric configuration to a second configuration, and where rotational manipulation of the shaft causes the electrode array to transition from the second geometric configuration to a third configuration.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter having a reinforcing member wrapped around at least one of the lumens in a helical manner. An inflation lumen is positioned outside the reinforcing member for inflating a balloon carried by the catheter. A two-lumen extrusion is bonded to the reinforced lumen to form the multi-lumen catheter. The multi-lumen catheter is particularly useful as an aortic occlusion catheter.

Abstract: A method and device for introduction of a catheter and/or delivering a fluid, such as oxygenated blood, to a patient's vascular system includes a cannula having an expandable portion. The expandable portion is movable from a collapsed position to an expanded position. The expandable portion is inserted into the patient in the collapsed position which facilitates introduction and advancement of the cannula through the patient's blood vessel. After introduction into the patient, the expandable portion is moved to the expanded position. The expandable portion protects the blood vessel against fluid forces when flowing a fluid through the cannula and protects the vessel from contact with the catheter advanced through the cannula.

Abstract: A process for forming a multi-lumen catheter which includes the steps of providing a multi-lumen first tube, winding a flexible filament onto the first multi-lumen tube, and positioning a second tube over the wound filament layer of the first tube is disclosed for manufacturing the multi-lumen catheter. The second tube is melted and bonded to the first tube and an occluding member is mounted onto the second tube to occlude a patient's ascending aorta when the occluding member is expanded.