Abstract: According to one aspect, a method of controlling a laser delivery control console is disclosed. The method may include receiving at the control console electronically stored information from a radio frequency identification tag associated with a medical device. The method may also include converting, using at least one processor of the control console, the electronically stored information to a plurality of operating parameter threshold values. The plurality of threshold values may include maximum frequency values and maximum energy values for laser energy supplied by the laser delivery control console to the medical device. The method may further include preventing, in response to a command to adjust the energy or frequency of laser energy applied to the medical device, the delivery of laser energy with a frequency or energy value that exceeds one or more of the threshold values.

Abstract: An ablation catheter system includes a tip assembly configured to provide ablation energy to tissue. The tip assembly includes an outer surface and a piezoelectric element is acoustically coupled to the outer surface of the tip assembly. The piezoelectric element is configured to cause the outer surface of the tip assembly to vibrate.

Abstract: An electrosurgery system includes a catheter including one or more active electrodes adapted to be positioned adjacent biological tissue at an in vivo treatment site in a patient and to deliver electrical energy to the biological tissue. The electrosurgery system further includes a dispersive electrode assembly including a conductive element having a first end and a second end. The dispersive electrode assembly is configured to surround a waist of the patient such that a first surface of the conductive element is in contact with the waist and the first end of the conductive element is adjacent the second end of the conductive element.

Abstract: An electrosurgery system includes a catheter including one or more active electrodes adapted to be positioned adjacent biological tissue at an in vivo treatment site in a patient and to deliver electrical energy to the biological tissue. The electrosurgery system further includes a dispersive electrode assembly including a conductive element having a first end and a second end. The dispersive electrode assembly is configured to surround a waist of the patient such that a first surface of the conductive element is in contact with the waist and the first end of the conductive element is adjacent the second end of the conductive element.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treatment of layered tissue defects such as a patent foramen ovale provide for applying energy to tissues adjacent to the PFO with a closure device that substantially closes the PFO. Apparatus generally includes an elongate flexible member having a proximal end and a distal end and an energy transmission member deployable from the elongate flexible member. The energy transmission member applies energy to the layered tissue defect at a first position and a second position adjacent to the first position so as to substantially close the layered tissue defect along at least a portion of the defect. Applied energy may be monopolar or bipolar radiofrequency energy or any other suitable energy, such as laser, microwave, ultrasound, resistive heating, direct heat energy, cryogenic or the like. PFO closure via energy-based approaches of the invention may help prevent stroke, treat migraine headache, and possibly treat or prevent other medical conditions.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods of welding and coagulating tissue utilize a combination of monopolar and bipolar delivery of RF energy. This method is referred to as multipolar RF delivery and includes bringing a treatment apparatus having first and second electrodes to a treatment site. A first potential is applied to the first electrode and a second potential lower than the first is delivered to the second electrode. This results in current flow from the first electrode through the tissue to the second electrode and then through the tissue to a ground electrode. Current also flows from the first electrode through the tissue to the ground electrode and current may also flow from the first electrode through the tissue to the second electrode and return directly to the ground electrode.

Abstract: A device for delivering energy to tissue, including an elongate flexible shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; at least one energy delivery device operably connected to the distal end of the shaft; a flange protruding from a tissue apposition surface of the energy delivery device; at least one thermocouple proximate said flange, whereby said flange is configured to pierce or displace tissue placed in abutment with the tissue apposition surface, and said thermocouple is configured to measure the temperature of the displaced or pierced tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering energy to tissue including an elongate flexible shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; at least one electrode operably connected to the elongate flexible shaft; and means for selectively adjusting a geometry the distal end of the flexible shaft and/or the at least one electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering energy to tissue, comprising an elongate flexible shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; an first electrode operably connected to the elongate flexible shaft; and an second electrode operably connected to the elongate flexible shaft and electrically independent from the first electrode, said second electrode at least partially surrounding and spaced apart from the first electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering energy to tissue, comprising: an elongate flexible shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; a sheath disposed over at least a portion of the flexible shaft; a housing provided on the distal end of the flexible shaft; a plurality of electrodes mounted on the housing, the electrodes having a tissue apposition surface having a non-coplanar shape that conforms to the anatomy of a patient.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for sealing a patent foramen ovale, including providing a first electrode device on a first side of PFO tissues; providing a second electrode device on an opposing side of PFO tissues; exerting a force on the PFO tissues by bringing the first and second devices into abutment; and energizing at least one of the first and second electrode devices.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treatment of layered tissue defects such as a patent foramen ovale provide for applying energy to tissues adjacent to the PFO with a closure device that substantially closes the PFO. Apparatus generally includes an elongate flexible member having a proximal end and a distal end and an energy transmission member deployable from the elongate flexible member. The energy transmission member applies energy to the layered tissue defect at a first position and a second position adjacent to the first position so as to substantially close the layered tissue defect along at least a portion of the defect. Applied energy may be monopolar or bipolar radiofrequency energy or any other suitable energy, such as laser, microwave, ultrasound, resistive heating, direct heat energy, cryogenic or the like. PFO closure via energy-based approaches of the invention may help prevent stroke, treat migraine headache, and possibly treat or prevent other medical conditions.