Abstract: A catheter includes an elongated body having a longitudinal axis, a distal assembly distal the elongated body, the distal assembly having a tapered helical form comprising a larger, electrode-carrying proximal loop and a smaller, softer distal loop, and a shape-memory support member extending through at least the proximal loop. For example, the helical loop subtends at least about 720 radial degrees, with the proximal loop subtending about 360 radial degrees, and the distal loop subtending about 360 radial degrees. The softer distal loop with a straight distal end atraumatically guides the distal assembly into a tubular region so that the larger proximal loop can sit on the ostium of the tubular region with improved electrode and tissue contact.

Abstract: A catheter having a distal assembly with multiple spines with proximal ends affixed to the catheter and free distal ends. The spines have different lengths so distal ends of the spines trace different circumferences along an inner tissue surface of a tubular region to minimize risk of vein stenosis. The spine lengths can be configured so that the distal ends trace a helical pattern. The distal assembly may have a plunger which deflects the spines when moved longitudinally relative to the distal assembly. The catheter may include a second distal assembly distal of a first distal assembly wherein the first and second distal assemblies are separated by a fixed distanced or an adjustable distance.

Abstract: A catheter having a distal assembly with multiple spines with proximal ends affixed to the catheter and free distal ends. The spines have different lengths so distal ends of the spines trace different circumferences along an inner tissue surface of a tubular region to minimize risk of vein stenosis. The spine lengths can be configured so that the distal ends trace a helical pattern. The distal assembly may have a plunger which deflects the spines when moved longitudinally relative to the distal assembly. The catheter may include a second distal assembly distal of a first distal assembly wherein the first and second distal assemblies are separated by a fixed distanced or an adjustable distance.

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongated body having a longitudinal axis, a distal assembly distal the elongated body, the distal assembly having a tapered helical form comprising a larger, electrode-carrying proximal loop and a smaller, softer distal loop, and a shape-memory support member extending through at least the proximal loop. For example, the helical loop subtends at least about 720 radial degrees, with the proximal loop subtending about 360 radial degrees, and the distal loop subtending about 360 radial degrees. The softer distal loop with a straight distal end atraumatically guides the distal assembly into a tubular region so that the larger proximal loop can sit on the ostium of the tubular region with improved electrode and tissue contact.

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongated body having a longitudinal axis, a distal assembly distal the elongated body, the distal assembly having a tapered helical form comprising a larger, electrode-carrying proximal loop and a smaller, softer distal loop, and a shape-memory support member extending through at least the proximal loop. For example, the helical loop subtends at least about 720 radial degrees, with the proximal loop subtending about 360 radial degrees, and the distal loop subtending about 360 radial degrees. The softer distal loop with a straight distal end atraumatically guides the distal assembly into a tubular region so that the larger proximal loop can sit on the ostium of the tubular region with improved electrode and tissue contact.

Abstract: A catheter having a distal assembly with multiple spines with proximal ends affixed to the catheter and free distal ends. The spines have different lengths so distal ends of the spines trace different circumferences along an inner tissue surface of a tubular region to minimize risk of vein stenosis. The spine lengths can be configured so that the distal ends trace a helical pattern. The distal assembly may have a plunger which deflects the spines when moved longitudinally relative to the distal assembly. The catheter may include a second distal assembly distal of a first distal assembly wherein the first and second distal assemblies are separated by a fixed distanced or an adjustable distance.

Abstract: An automated fastener insert installation system for composite panels is provided. A first module receives and secures a composite panel with respect to an origin of a first coordinate system, wherein the composite panel has opposed major surfaces and defines an insert-receiving orifice extending through one of the major surfaces, and is secured such that one of the major surfaces is externally accessible. A second module engages each of a plurality of fastener inserts with an installation aide. Third module determines a configuration of the orifice defined by the composite panel, selects a corresponding one of the fastener inserts engaged with the installation aide, inserts the selected fastener insert into the orifice, and dispenses an adhesive material through the installation aide and into the orifice about selected fastener insert such that the adhesive material secures the selected fastener insert within the orifice. Associated systems are also provided.

Abstract: A catheter having a distal assembly with multiple spines with proximal ends affixed to the catheter and free distal ends. The spines have different lengths so distal ends of the spines trace different circumferences along an inner tissue surface of a tubular region to minimize risk of vein stenosis. The spine lengths can be configured so that the distal ends trace a helical pattern. The distal assembly may have a plunger which deflects the spines when moved longitudinally relative to the distal assembly. The catheter may include a second distal assembly distal of a first distal assembly wherein the first and second distal assemblies are separated by a fixed distanced or an adjustable distance.

Abstract: A catheter probe comprises an insertion tube, and a distal end with a distal electrode, a force sensor to detect force on the distal electrode, and an irrigated electrode mounted on a coupling member of the force sensor, which has a tubular form surrounding a central space occupied by components, including force sensing coils. A fluid diverter that passes fluid to the proximal irrigated electrode is configured as an insert or an integrated projection of the coupling member, which configuration minimizes its space demand within the coupling member. Thus, the diameter of the distal end need not be increased. The fluid diverter has a proximal entry opening and a distal exit opening connected by a fluid passage with at least a radial branch and at least an axial branch. The irrigated electrode is mounted over the distal exit opening to receive fluid from the fluid passage.

Abstract: A catheter probe comprises an insertion tube, and a distal end with a distal electrode, a force sensor to detect force on the distal electrode, and an irrigated electrode mounted on a coupling member of the force sensor, which has a tubular form surrounding a central space occupied by components, including force sensing coils. A fluid diverter that passes fluid to the proximal irrigated electrode is configured as an insert or an integrated projection of the coupling member, which configuration minimizes its space demand within the coupling member. Thus, the diameter of the distal end need not be increased. The fluid diverter has a proximal entry opening and a distal exit opening connected by a fluid passage with at least a radial branch and at least an axial branch. The irrigated electrode is mounted over the distal exit opening to receive fluid from the fluid passage.

Abstract: An automated fastener insert installation system for composite panels is provided. A first module receives and secures a composite panel with respect to an origin of a first coordinate system, wherein the composite panel has opposed major surfaces and defines an insert-receiving orifice extending through one of the major surfaces, and is secured such that one of the major surfaces is externally accessible. A second module engages each of a plurality of fastener inserts with an installation aide. Third module determines a configuration of the orifice defined by the composite panel, selects a corresponding one of the fastener inserts engaged with the installation aide, inserts the selected fastener insert into the orifice, and dispenses an adhesive material through the installation aide and into the orifice about selected fastener insert such that the adhesive material secures the selected fastener insert within the orifice. Associated systems are also provided.

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongated body having a longitudinal axis, a distal assembly distal the elongated body, the distal assembly having a tapered helical form comprising a larger, electrode-carrying proximal loop and a smaller, softer distal loop, and a shape-memory support member extending through at least the proximal loop. For example, the helical loop subtends at least about 720 radial degrees, with the proximal loop subtending about 360 radial degrees, and the distal loop subtending about 360 radial degrees. The softer distal loop with a straight distal end atraumatically guides the distal assembly into a tubular region so that the larger proximal loop can sit on the ostium of the tubular region with improved electrode and tissue contact.

Abstract: An automated fastener insert installation system for composite panels is provided. A first module receives and secures a composite panel with respect to an origin of a first coordinate system, wherein the composite panel has opposed major surfaces and defines an insert-receiving orifice extending through one of the major surfaces, and is secured such that one of the major surfaces is externally accessible. A second module engages each of a plurality of fastener inserts with an installation aide. Third module determines a configuration of the orifice defined by the composite panel, selects a corresponding one of the fastener inserts engaged with the installation aide, inserts the selected fastener insert into the orifice, and dispenses an adhesive material through the installation aide and into the orifice about selected fastener insert such that the adhesive material secures the selected fastener insert within the orifice. Associated systems are also provided.

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongated body having a longitudinal axis, a distal assembly distal the elongated body, the distal assembly having a tapered helical form comprising a larger, electrode-carrying proximal loop and a smaller, softer distal loop, and a shape-memory support member extending through at least the proximal loop. For example, the helical loop subtends at least about 720 radial degrees, with the proximal loop subtending about 360 radial degrees, and the distal loop subtending about 360 radial degrees. The softer distal loop with a straight distal end atraumatically guides the distal assembly into a tubular region so that the larger proximal loop can sit on the ostium of the tubular region with improved electrode and tissue contact.

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongated body having a longitudinal axis, a distal assembly distal the elongated body, the distal assembly having a tapered helical form comprising a larger, electrode-carrying proximal loop and a smaller, softer distal loop, and a shape-memory support member extending through at least the proximal loop. For example, the helical loop subtends at least about 720 radial degrees, with the proximal loop subtending about 360 radial degrees, and the distal loop subtending about 360 radial degrees. The softer distal loop with a straight distal end atraumatically guides the distal assembly into a tubular region so that the larger proximal loop can sit on the ostium of the tubular region with improved electrode and tissue contact.

Abstract: An automated fastener insert installation system for composite panels is provided. A first module receives and secures a composite panel with respect to an origin of a first coordinate system, wherein the composite panel has opposed major surfaces and defines an insert-receiving orifice extending through one of the major surfaces, and is secured such that one of the major surfaces is externally accessible. A second module engages each of a plurality of fastener inserts with an installation aide. Third module determines a configuration of the orifice defined by the composite panel, selects a corresponding one of the fastener inserts engaged with the installation aide, inserts the selected fastener insert into the orifice, and dispenses an adhesive material through the installation aide and into the orifice about selected fastener insert such that the adhesive material secures the selected fastener insert within the orifice. Associated systems are also provided.

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongated body having a longitudinal axis, a distal assembly distal the elongated body, the distal assembly having a tapered helical form comprising a larger, electrode-carrying proximal loop and a smaller, softer distal loop, and a shape-memory support member extending through at least the proximal loop. For example, the helical loop subtends at least about 720 radial degrees, with the proximal loop subtending about 360 radial degrees, and the distal loop subtending about 360 radial degrees. The softer distal loop with a straight distal end atraumatically guides the distal assembly into a tubular region so that the larger proximal loop can sit on the ostium of the tubular region with improved electrode and tissue contact.

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongated body, a distal assembly with a shape-memory member defining a generally circular form, and a control handle adapted to actuate a deflection puller wire for deflecting a portion of the elongated body, and a contraction wire for contracting the generally circular form. The generally circular form which carries at least one ring electrode has an off-edge configuration relative to the elongated body such that a longitudinal axis of the elongated body does not intersect the circumference of the circular form and the generally circular form spirals about the longitudinal axis of the elongated body. Moreover, the circular form can have an on-axis configuration such that the longitudinal axis of the elongated body is axially aligned with a central longitudinal axis of the circular form, or an off-axis configuration such that these axes are axially offset from each other.

Abstract: A catheter probe comprises an insertion tube, and a distal end with a distal electrode, a force sensor to detect force on the distal electrode, and an irrigated electrode mounted on a coupling member of the force sensor, which has a tubular form surrounding a central space occupied by components, including force sensing coils. A fluid diverter that passes fluid to the proximal irrigated electrode is configured as an insert or an integrated projection of the coupling member, which configuration minimizes its space demand within the coupling member. Thus, the diameter of the distal end need not be increased. The fluid diverter has a proximal entry opening and a distal exit opening connected by a fluid passage with at least a radial branch and at least an axial branch. The irrigated electrode is mounted over the distal exit opening to receive fluid from the fluid passage.

Abstract: An automated fastener insert installation system for composite panels is provided. A first module receives and secures a composite panel with respect to an origin of a first coordinate system, wherein the composite panel has opposed major surfaces and defines an insert-receiving orifice extending through one of the major surfaces, and is secured such that one of the major surfaces is externally accessible. A second module engages each of a plurality of fastener inserts with an installation aide. Third module determines a configuration of the orifice defined by the composite panel, selects a corresponding one of the fastener inserts engaged with the installation aide, inserts the selected fastener insert into the orifice, and dispenses an adhesive material through the installation aide and into the orifice about selected fastener insert such that the adhesive material secures the selected fastener insert within the orifice. Associated systems are also provided.