Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a high capacity medical device connector utilizing flexible circuits. The use of flexible circuits allows for increased channel capacity for use with future designs and capabilities of medical devices. The assembly may include pre-mounted electrical components. The connector may be designed to connect two flexible circuits. The connector may also be designed to connect a flexible circuit with existing technology, such as a pin-to-socket connector.

Abstract: A delivery device for a collapsible medical device may include a handle and a delivery assembly having a compartment for receiving the medical device. A catheter member may extend from the handle to the delivery assembly. The catheter member may have a first portion with a first compliance value and a second portion with a second compliance value different from the first compliance value. An internally threaded member may be fixedly connected to the delivery assembly. An externally threaded member may have a first portion operatively connected to the actuation member and a second portion threadedly coupled to the internally threaded member so that manipulation of the actuation member causes axial movement of the compartment relative to the catheter member.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for predicting, diagnosing, and preventing adverse events during an ablation procedure are described. A method for providing ablation energy includes receiving a first signal based on biological activity of a tissue of a patient. The method further includes analyzing the first signal to yield a first data set, establishing a threshold parameter according to the first data set, and providing ablation energy for the ablation of a biological site.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides ablation catheters that are constructed such that they may be inserted into the body and into a target blood vessel in a linear conformation and subsequently changed into a helical conformation using a pull wire secured to the ablation catheter prior to an ablation procedure to allow electrodes present on the ablation catheter to contact the wall of the blood vessel. After the ablation is complete, the helical-shaped ablation catheter may be returned to its linear conformation by reversing the tensioned pull wire for extraction from the body.

Abstract: A delivery device for a collapsible medical device may include a handle and a delivery assembly having a compartment for receiving the medical device. A catheter member may extend from the handle to the delivery assembly. The catheter member may have a first portion with a first compliance value and a second portion with a second compliance value different from the first compliance value. An internally threaded member may be fixedly connected to the delivery assembly. An externally threaded member may have a first portion operatively connected to the actuation member and a second portion threadedly coupled to the internally threaded member so that manipulation of the actuation member causes axial movement of the compartment relative to the catheter member.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides ablation catheters that are constructed such that they may be inserted into the body and into a target blood vessel in a linear conformation and subsequently changed into a helical conformation using a pull wire secured to the ablation catheter prior to an ablation procedure to allow electrodes present on the ablation catheter to contact the wall of the blood vessel. After the ablation is complete, the helical-shaped ablation catheter may be returned to its linear conformation by reversing the tensioned pull wire for extraction from the body.

Abstract: The present invention is a catheter actuation handle for deflecting a distal end of a tubular catheter body, the handle including an auto-locking mechanism. The handle comprises upper and lower grip portions, an actuator, and an auto-locking mechanism. The auto-locking mechanism is adapted to hold a deflected distal end of the catheter in place without input from the operator. When the distal end of the catheter is deflected from its zero position, it typically will seek a return to its zero position, and as a result exerts a force on the actuator. The auto-locking mechanism acts by providing a second force that resists this force from the distal end and holds the distal end in place. As a result, the operator does not need to maintain contact with the buttons to maintain the distal end in a set position once placed there by actuating the actuator.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for predicting, diagnosing, and preventing adverse events during an ablation procedure are described. A method for providing ablation energy includes receiving a first signal based on biological activity of a tissue of a patient. The method further includes analyzing the first signal to yield a first data set, establishing a threshold parameter according to the first data set, and providing ablation energy for the ablation of a biological site.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for assessing electrode-tissue contact for tissue ablation. An exemplary electrode contact sensing system comprises an electrode housed within a distal portion of a catheter shaft. At least one electro-mechanical sensor is operatively associated with the electrode within the catheter shaft. The at least one electro-mechanical sensor is responsive to movement of the electrode by generating electrical signals corresponding to the amount of movement. The system may also include an output device electrically connected to the at least one electro-mechanical sensor. The output device receives the electrical signals for assessing a level of contact between the electrode and a tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a puncture or incision formed percutaneously in a tissue with an anchor, a sealing plug and a filament or other mechanism connecting the anchor and sealing plug. The method and apparatus provide for automatic tamping and/or cinching of the sealing plug when the apparatus is withdrawn from the puncture site. The automatic tamping and/or cinching is facilitated by a coil transducing a motive force generated by the withdrawal of the apparatus into a tamping and/or cinching force.

Abstract: The present invention is a catheter actuation handle 14 for deflecting a distal end 18 of a tubular catheter body 12, the handle including an auto-locking mechanism, 54. The handle comprises upper and lower grip portions 24a, 24b, an actuator 20, and an auto-locking mechanism, 54. The auto-locking mechanism 54 is adapted to hold a deflected distal end 18 of the catheter 10 in place without input from the operator. When the distal end 18 of the catheter 10 is deflected from its zero position, it typically will seek a return to its zero position, and as a result exerts a force on the actuator 20. The auto-locking mechanism 54 acts by providing a second force that resists this force from the distal end 18 and holds the distal end 18 in place. As a result, the operator does not need to maintain contact with the buttons 22a, 22b to maintain the distal end 18 in a set position once placed there by actuating the actuator 20.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system includes a track, a catheter holding device including a catheter receiving portion translatably associated with the track, a translation servo mechanism to control translation of the catheter holding device relative to the track, a catheter deflection control mechanism, a deflection servo mechanism to control the catheter deflection control mechanism, and a controller to control at least one of the servo mechanisms. The catheter receiving portion is adapted for quick installation and removal of a catheter. The catheter receiving portion may be rotatable, with a rotation servo mechanism to control the rotatable catheter receiving portion. The controller controls at least one of the deflection and rotation servo mechanisms to maintain a substantially constant catheter deflection as the catheter rotates. An introducer, which may be steerable, and an expandable, collapsible sterile tube may also be provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for assessing electrode-tissue contact for tissue ablation. An exemplary electrode contact sensing system comprises an electrode housed within a distal portion of a catheter shaft. At least one electro-mechanical sensor is operatively associated with the electrode within the catheter shaft. The at least one electro-mechanical sensor is responsive to movement of the electrode by generating electrical signals corresponding to the amount of movement. The system may also include an output device electrically connected to the at least one electro-mechanical sensor. The output device receives the electrical signals for assessing a level of contact between the electrode and a tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a puncture or incision formed percutaneously in a tissue with an anchor, a sealing plug and a filament or other mechanism connecting the anchor and sealing plug. The method and apparatus provide for automatic tamping and/or cinching of the sealing plug when the apparatus is withdrawn from the puncture site. The automatic tamping and/or cinching is facilitated by a coil transducing a motive force generated by the withdrawl of the apparatus into a tamping and/or cinching force.