Abstract: Expandable docking stations for docking an expandable valve can include a valve seat, one or more sealing portions, and/or one or more retaining portions. The valve seat can be unexpandable or substantially unexpandable beyond a deployed size. The one or more sealing portions can be connected to the valve seat and extend radially outward of the valve seat. The one or more sealing portions can be constructed to expand outward of the valve seat and provide a seal over a range of sizes. The one or more retaining portions can be connected to the one or more sealing portions. The one or more retaining portions are configured to retain the docking station at a deployed position.

Abstract: Expandable docking stations for docking an expandable valve can include a valve seat, one or more sealing portions, and one or more retaining portions. The valve seat can be unexpandable or substantially unexpandable beyond a deployed size. The one or more sealing portions are connected to the valve seat and extend radially outward of the valve seat. The one or more sealing portions are constructed to expand outward of the valve seat and provide a seal over a range of sizes. The one or more retaining portions are connected to the one or more sealing portions. The one or more retaining portions are configured to retain the docking station at a deployed position.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, systems, and apparatuses for providing real time intraprocedural operational feedback to the operator as to the success of a renal denervation procedure and its overall effectiveness for reducing the blood pressure of a subject to allow for more precise and thorough ablation of the renal artery and better patient outcomes. Using this real time feedback generated through the electrical stimulation of multiple points about the circumference of the renal artery at specific times during the procedure, the operator can assess the desired procedural endpoint and whether the amount of renal denervation provided to the subject is sufficient, or whether the subject may benefit from further denervation of the renal artery. The present disclosure provides means for providing real time intraprocedural feedback to the operator that can be incorporated into conventional renal denervation catheters and equipment.

Abstract: Expandable docking stations for docking an expandable valve can include a valve seat, one or more sealing portions, and one or more retaining portions. The valve seat can be unexpandable or substantially unexpandable beyond a deployed size. The one or more sealing portions are connected to the valve seat and extend radially outward of the valve seat. The one or more sealing portions are constructed to expand outward of the valve seat and provide a seal over a range of sizes. The one or more retaining portions are connected to the one or more sealing portions. The one or more retaining portions are configured to retain the docking station at a deployed position.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide apparatuses, systems, and methods for paddle lead implantation. In one implementation, a delivery tool for paddle lead implantation includes a hub having a handle port and an insertion port. A handle is engaged to the handle port of the hub and extends proximally from the hub. A sheath extends distally from the hub. The sheath includes a lumen extending through an elongated body from a proximal end to a distal tip. The insertion port includes a port surface configured to collapse a paddle lead for passage into the lumen of the sheath.

Abstract: An ablation apparatus comprises an ultrasonic transducer which includes a piezoelectric element having a cylindrical shape; a plurality of external electrodes disposed on the outer surface of the piezoelectric element; and at least one internal electrode disposed on the inner surface of the piezoelectric element. The at least one internal electrode provides corresponding internal electrode portions that are disposed opposite the external electrodes with respect to the piezoelectric element, the external electrodes and the at least one internal electrode to be energized to apply an electric field across the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a variety of systems and methods for sensing electrical events about a selected annulus region of the heart and for treating tissue in the selected annulus region. Wherein the system includes a first catheter that has an expandable member, an ablation element, and a lumen configured to allow a second catheter therethrough. The second catheter includes a distal section in a ring shape and a plurality of electrodes coupled around the ring. Optionally a second lumen can be included through the first catheter that allows for contrast media to be delivered to the distal end of the system.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a variety of systems and methods for sensing electrical events about a selected annulus region of the heart and for treating tissue in the selected annulus region. Wherein the system includes a first catheter that has an expandable member, an ablation element, and a lumen configured to allow a second catheter therethrough. The second catheter includes a distal section in a ring shape and a plurality of electrodes coupled around the ring. Optionally a second lumen can be included through the first catheter that allows for contrast media to be delivered to the distal end of the system.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a variety of systems and methods for sensing electrical events about a selected annulus region of the heart and for treating tissue in the selected annulus region. Wherein the system includes a first catheter that has an expandable member, an ablation element, and a lumen configured to allow a second catheter therethrough. The second catheter includes a distal section in a ring shape and a plurality of electrodes coupled around the ring. Optionally a second lumen can be included through the first catheter that allows for contrast media to be delivered to the distal end of the system.

Abstract: An ablation apparatus comprises an ultrasonic transducer which includes a piezoelectric element having a cylindrical shape; a plurality of external electrodes disposed on the outer surface of the piezoelectric element; and at least one internal electrode disposed on the inner surface of the piezoelectric element. The at least one internal electrode provides corresponding internal electrode portions that are disposed opposite the external electrodes with respect to the piezoelectric element, the external electrodes and the at least one internal electrode to be energized to apply an electric field across the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A catheter for ablating body tissue of the interior regions of the heart includes a handle assembly, a shaft, and a distal tip section coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The distal tip section has a non-compliant and non-porous cap that has a tubular wall that defines a bore, and an ablation element that is housed inside the bore and spaced apart from the wall of the cap.

Abstract: A catheter for ablating body tissue of the interior regions of the heart includes a handle assembly, a shaft, and a distal tip section coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The distal tip section has a non-compliant and non-porous cap that has a tubular wall that defines a bore, and an ablation element that is housed inside the bore and spaced apart from the wall of the cap.

Abstract: A catheter for sensing electrical events about a selected annulus region of the heart and for treating tissue in the selected annulus region has a handle assembly, a shaft having a proximal end coupled to the handle assembly, a first expandable member provided at the distal end of the shaft, and a second expandable member positioned adjacent to, but spaced apart from, the first expandable member. The second expandable member has an ablation element that emits energy to a radially surrounding area to ablate tissue.

Abstract: A catheter for ablating body tissue of the interior regions of the heart includes a handle assembly, a shaft, and a distal tip section coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The distal tip section has a non-compliant and non-porous cap that has a tubular wall that defines a bore, and an ablation element that is housed inside the bore and spaced apart from the wall of the cap.

Abstract: A catheter for sensing electrical events about a selected annulus region of the heart and for treating tissue in the selected annulus region has a handle assembly, and a shaft having a proximal end coupled to the handle assembly. The catheter also has a mapping element provided adjacent its distal end, and an ablation element positioned spaced apart along the shaft from the mapping element. The mapping element is first positioned distally to the desired treatment location in the selected annulus region and the distal location is mapped. The expandable member enclosing the ablation element is inflated and contrast medium injected to determine the orientation of the ablation element with respect to the annulus region. After the target ablation site is determined and the PV potentials verified, the ablation element is activated for therapeutic energy delivery.