Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to, for example, a high-thermal-sensitivity ablation catheter tip including a thermally-insulative ablation tip insert supporting at least one temperature sensor electrically coupled to a flexible electronic circuit and encapsulated, or essentially encapsulated, by a conductive shell. Also disclosed is a method of controlling the temperature of an ablation catheter tip while creating a desired lesion using various forms of energy and energy delivery.

Abstract: Electrode assemblies include segmented electrodes disposed on a catheter. The segmented electrodes can be constructed at the tip of the catheter or more proximally located. Tip electrodes can be constructed from an electrically-insulative substrate covered with a conductive material. The conductive material can be deposited on the electrically-insulative substrate to form a single tip electrode or multiple segmented electrodes. In some embodiments the tip electrode can include irrigation flow holes for irrigation. A method of manufacturing a tip electrode comprising a thin layer of conductive material deposited on an electrically-insulative substrate is disclosed. Segmented ring electrodes can be constructed from segmented ring electrodes that can be equally separated around a circumference of a catheter. The segmented ring electrodes can be formed into segmented electrode subassemblies that can then be joined to a catheter shaft.

Abstract: A medical device, such as an electrophysiology catheter, has an elongate body including a wall. A reinforcing layer is encapsulated in the wall. The reinforcing layer includes one or more reinforcing fibers having glass cores and polymer claddings. In embodiments, the one or more reinforcing fibers are non-magnetically-susceptible and non-electrically-conductive, facilitating use of the medical device in connection with procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”).

Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to electrophysiology catheters for tissue ablation. In particular, the instant disclosure relates to a cryogenic ablation balloon with safety features that facilitate identification of a leak into an interstitial space between inner and outer balloons as part of the ablation balloon catheter assembly, and prevents egress of cryogenic fluid out of the ablation balloon.

Abstract: Elongate medical devices with an expandable structure including elongated splines and a distal hub.

Abstract: A deflectable catheter shaft section is disclosed comprising an elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis with a distal end and a proximal end. First and second pull wires can extend along the elongated body and can have a proximal end and a distal end. First and second pull wire liners can be disposed over a portion of one of the first and second pull wires, respectively. Each of the first and second pull wires can have a proximal end and a distal end. A first gap can exist between the proximal end of the first pull wire liner and the proximal end of the elongated body and a second gap can exist between the proximal end of the second pull wire liner and the proximal end of the elongated body.

Abstract: Electrode assemblies include segmented electrodes disposed on a catheter. The segmented electrodes can be constructed at the tip of the catheter or more proximally located. Tip electrodes can be constructed from an electrically-insulative substrate covered with a conductive material. The conductive material can be deposited on the electrically-insulative substrate to form a single tip electrode or multiple segmented electrodes. In some embodiments the tip electrode can include irrigation flow holes for irrigation. A method of manufacturing a tip electrode comprising a thin layer of conductive material deposited on an electrically-insulative substrate is disclosed. Segmented ring electrodes can be constructed from segmented ring electrodes that can be equally separated around a circumference of a catheter. The segmented ring electrodes can be formed into segmented electrode subassemblies that can then be joined to a catheter shaft.

Abstract: An elongate medical device comprising an expandable structure with an expandable configuration and a collapsed configuration, a handle, operably coupled to the expandable structure, the handle further including a selective movement limiter; and a deflection control member coupled with the distal hub, where the deflection control member is configured to adjust a stiffness of the expandable structure, from a first stiffness to a second stiffness, and maintain the first stiffness or the second stiffness when the selective movement limiter couples with the deflection control member and limits a longitudinal movement of the deflection control member, and wherein the deflection control member is configured to move freely when the selective movement limiter is not coupled with the deflection control member.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure can include a catheter. The catheter can include an elongate shaft that extends along a longitudinal axis. The elongate shaft can include a shaft proximal end and a shaft distal end. A magnetically permeable shaft strip can be disposed along a particular shaft length of the elongate shaft. The magnetically permeable shaft strip can longitudinally extend along the elongate shaft.

Abstract: An elongate medical device shaft may comprise an elongate body and an annular electrode disposed on the elongate body. The annular electrode may define a longitudinal axis and have an outer diameter. The outer diameter may be greater at an axial center of the electrode than at an axial end of the electrode. Additionally or alternatively, the elongate body may comprise three longitudinal sections having three wall thicknesses. The middle wall thickness may be less than the proximal and distal wall thicknesses and the distal wall thickness may be less than the proximal wall thickness. Additionally or alternatively, the shaft may comprise an inner cylindrical structure and an outer tube. The outer tube may comprise a first radial layer and a second radial layer that is radially-outward of the first radial layer, the first radial layer, second radial layer, and inner structure having different stiffnesses.

Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to electrophysiology catheter for tissue ablation. In particular, the instant disclosure relates to a system controller for facilitating an ablation therapy at a cryogenic ablation balloon. In an embodiment, an ablation an ablation catheter system comprising a catheter shaft including proximal and distal ends, a catheter handle coupled to a proximal end of the catheter shaft, a cryogenic ablation ballon coupled to the distal end of the catheter shaft, the ablation ballon configured and arranged to deliver a cryogenic ablation therapy to target tissue, an ablation system controller coupled to the catheter handle.

Abstract: Elongate medical devices with a deflectable shaft section include a lumen liner configured to enhance planarity control of the deflectable shaft section. An elongate medical device includes a deflectable shaft section, a lumen within the deflectable shaft section, and a lumen liner that surrounds and defines the lumen. The lumen liner has an in-plane bending stiffness and an out-of-plane bending stiffness that is greater than the in-plane bending stiffness to provide planarity control of the deflectable shaft section during the cross-sectional bending of the deflectable shaft section.

Abstract: Catheter systems and methods are disclosed. An exemplary catheter includes an outer tubing housing and an inner fluid delivery tubing, the inner fluid delivery tubing having at least one fluid delivery port. The catheter also includes a deployment member movable axially within the inner fluid delivery tubing. A plurality of splines are each connected at a proximal end to the outer tubing and at a distal end to deployment member. A seal is provided between the outer tubing and the inner fluid delivery tubing. A gasket is provided between the deployment member and the inner fluid delivery tubing. Both the seal and the gasket are configured to prevent blood or other fluid from ingressing into the outer tubing.

Abstract: An elongate medical device shaft may comprise an elongate body and an annular electrode disposed on the elongate body. The annular electrode may define a longitudinal axis and have an outer diameter. The outer diameter may be greater at an axial center of the electrode than at an axial end of the electrode. Additionally or alternatively, the elongate body may comprise three longitudinal sections having three wall thicknesses. The middle wall thickness may be less than the proximal and distal wall thicknesses and the distal wall thickness may be less than the proximal wall thickness. Additionally or alternatively, the shaft may comprise an inner cylindrical structure and an outer tube. The outer tube may comprise a first radial layer and a second radial layer that is radially-outward of the first radial layer, the first radial layer, second radial layer, and inner structure having different stiffnesses.

Abstract: An electroporation device includes a shaft and a conformable electrode assembly. The shaft includes a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the conformable electrode assembly is located at the distal end of the shaft. The electrode assembly has a first side and a second side, wherein the first side includes a first non-conductive portion and a first electrode centrally located on the first side. The first non-conductive portion is defined by a first surface area and the first electrode is defined by a second surface area, wherein the first surface area is greater than the second surface area.

Abstract: An elongate medical device comprising a first lumen, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the first lumen comprises a peanut shape, and a plurality of second lumens, wherein the plurality of second lumens are proximate the first lumen, wherein the first lumen comprises a lumen liner that conforms to the cross-sectional shape of the first lumen, wherein the lumen liner comprises a first material and the elongate medical device comprises a second material, where the first material is different from the second material.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a medical device. The medical device can include a catheter shaft that includes a proximal end and a distal end, the catheter shaft defining a catheter shaft longitudinal axis. A flexible tip portion can be located adjacent to the distal end of the catheter shaft, the flexible tip portion comprising a flexible framework, wherein the flexible framework is curved about a transverse framework axis that is disposed transverse to the catheter shaft longitudinal axis without application of a force external to the medical device. A plurality of microelectrodes can be disposed on the flexible framework and can form a flexible array of microelectrodes adapted to conform to tissue.

Abstract: Coupler assemblies and methods are disclosed as the coupler assemblies may be used with a catheter. An exemplary coupler assembly includes a spherical linkage coupler for a catheter. The coupler comprises a first cylinder portion for connecting to a structure, and a second cylinder portion for connecting to a distal end of a body of the catheter. The coupler also comprises a spherical linkage including at least two link arms. Each of the two link arms are connected on one end to the first cylinder portion and on the other end to the second cylinder portion. The two link arms connect a portion of the structure to the distal end of the catheter and enable the structure to move relative to the distal end of the catheter in response to an external force exerted on the structure.

Abstract: A catheter with three distinct compression resistance coils, including a body coil and two pull wire coils, is disclosed. The triple coil system can provide maximal resistance to compression of the catheter's proximal shaft, as well as maximization of the curve angle that the catheter tip can achieve. Additionally, the tri-coil catheter can allow for a lower initial compression load and a more flexible proximal shaft. A gap between the outer diameter of the pull wire and the inner diameter of the pull wire compression coil that is equal to about 10-30% of inner diameter of the pull wire compression coil can provide optimal catheter performance.

Abstract: A medical device, system, and method having a flexible shaft and a multi-core fiber within the flexible shaft. The multi-core fiber includes a plurality of optical cores dedicated for shape sensing sensors, and a plurality of optical cores dedicated for force sensing sensors. A medical device flexing structure assembly can comprise a multi-core fiber comprising a plurality of cores, and a flexing structure comprising at least one slot. Each of the plurality of cores can comprise a fiber Bragg grating, and the flexing structure can be configured to bend in response to a force imparted on the flexing structure.