Abstract: An adjunct loading system is provided that can include at least one adjunct material configured to be transferred from an adjunct loading member to first and second jaws of an end effector. The loading system can also include a supporting member configured to releasably retain the adjunct material. The loading system can further include an adhesive depot having an adhesive configured to transition from a non-flowable state to a flowable state upon application of heat when the adjunct material is released from the adjunct loading member and transferred to the jaw to retain the adjunct material on the jaw. The adjunct material is released from the adjunct loading member when load is applied thereto. The adhesive depot can be in the form of an adhesive feature formed on a polymer attachment layer or in the form of reservoirs in the supporting member.

Abstract: A method for operating a surgical instrument is disclosed.

Abstract: A force sensor includes a substrate, a plurality of sensing elements, and a plate. The substrate includes a central aperture extending along a longitudinal axis of the substrate, and has a proximal surface, a distal surface, a first side surface, a second side surface, a top surface, and a bottom surface. A recess is defined in at least one of the distal surface, the first side surface, the second side surface, the top surface, or the bottom surface of the substrate. The plurality of sensing elements are disposed within the recess, and the plate is disposed over the recess and mounted to the substrate to hermetically seal the plurality of sensing elements within the substrate.

Abstract: Various systems and methods of controlling a surgical instrument to provide alerts according to the operational state of the instrument and the velocity of a displacement member are disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a displacement member movable between a first position and a second position and a sensor configured to detect a position of the displacement member and provide a signal indicative thereof. The surgical instrument is configured to determine a velocity of the displacement member and, upon the velocity being equal to zero, provide an alert according to the operational state of the instrument and the relative position of the displacement member in its stroke. The alert can include an image that is displayed on the display of the instrument.

Abstract: A knife member that can have a blade portion configured operation within a surgical stapling device. A first frame portion can extend from the blade portion to a first connection portion. A second frame portion can extend from the first frame portion to a second connection portion. At least one of the first and second frame portions can include a fused portion. The fused portion can be configured to fail when a predetermined amount of force is applied to the fused portion.

Abstract: A reposable surgical clip applier (10) includes a handle assembly (100) and an endoscopic assembly (200, 300, 400). The handle assembly (100) includes a housing (110) defining a body portion (111) and a fixed handle portion (112) extending from the body portion (111) and a trigger (122) pivotably connected to the housing (110) and movable relative to the fixed handle portion (112) between an un-actuated position and an actuated position. The endoscopic assembly (200, 300, 400) includes a proximal hub (210, 310, 410) configured to be selectively engageable with the housing (110) of the handle assembly (100), an elongated shaft (340) extending distally therefrom, an end effector (350) supported at a distal end of the elongated shaft (340), and an inner drive assembly (320) including a proximal portion (323) and a distal portion (325).

Abstract: A surgical device comprising a first clamping member, a second clamping member, an electric motor, and a control system is disclosed. The electric motor is configured to drive at least one of the first clamping member and the second clamping member toward a predetermined tissue gap between the first clamping member and the second clamping member to clamp the tissue of a patient. The control system is configured to monitor a parameter of the electric motor. The parameter is indicative of a clamping force exerted to the tissue by the first clamping member and the second clamping member. The control system is further configured to control the electric motor based on the parameter to limit the clamping force to a predetermined maximum limit.

Abstract: Multiple endoscopic devices and methods for closing perforations and/or creating anastomoses in tissue are described. For example, this document provides devices and methods for performing esophagogastric anastomoses and for closing esophageal perforations in a minimally invasive fashion. The devices and methods provided herein can also be used for, without limitation, colorectal anastomoses, any bowel anastomosis, gastric bypass anastomoses, and broader vessel anastomoses.

Abstract: An end effector for a surgical clip applier includes a body having, a clip revolver rotatably coupled within a bore of the body and containing one or more surgical clips, a torsion member constrained between the body and the clip revolver to exert rotational force on the clip revolver, and a clip advancer that is slidingly coupled within an inner bore of the clip revolver. The inner bore of the clip revolver includes a plurality of grooves in which the clip advancer may translate. The clip advancer aligns with a distal-most surgical clip as it travels within a first of the grooves. The torsion member rotates the clip revolver as the clip advancer travels distally from the first groove so that the clip advancer travels into a second groove of the grooves, such that the clip advancer is in alignment with a second distal-most surgical clip.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier includes an actuation mechanism, a body portion, a jaw blade, and a clip cartridge, the jaw blade and clip cartridge removeably disposed within the body portion. The jaw blade including first and second opposed jaws operably connected to the actuation mechanism to effectuate closure of a surgical clip, the first and second opposed jaws connected to each other at a proximal end by a shank section. The clip cartridge disposed within the body portion adjacent to the jaw blade and configured to store at least one surgical clip therein. The clip cartridge having a first nub which abuts a first end of the shank section of the jaw blade, and a second nub which abuts a second end of the shank section of the jaw blade, such that longitudinal and vertical movement of the jaw blade is arrested.

Abstract: A tourniquet for a limb may include an elongated band with first and second ends, a central portion between the first and second ends, and first and second edges extending between the first and second ends. The elongated band defines an opening between the first and second edges spaced from the first end for receiving the second end and the central portion, thereby forming a loop along the elongated band beginning at the opening and ending at a point on the elongated band passing through the opening.

Abstract: A system of a combined climbing harness and medical tourniquet, and a method for using the system. A looped thigh strap portion of a climbing harness is detachable from the harness belt for separate alternative use as an emergency tourniquet for the user or a patient. The looped thigh strap is provided with features and components to facilitate its use as a functional tourniquet for either an arm or a leg, while nevertheless in ordinary use allowing it to serve as a component of a climbing harness.

Abstract: Described herein is an anti-skid surgical instrument for use in preparing holes in bone tissue. The disclosed surgical instrument provides the ability to prepare a precise hole in bone tissue during surgery (e.g., spinal surgeries and pedicle screw placement, intramedullary screw placement). The disclosed surgical instrument accomplishes precise hole placement regardless of whether the angle between the drill axis and surface of the bone tissue is perpendicular. The disclosed technology includes a flat drilling surface which is perpendicular to the surface of the body of the surgical instrument. This reduces the likelihood of the surgical instrument skidding on the surface of the bone tissue and thereby increases the precision of the hole.

Abstract: Provided is a treatment method of being able to improve the obstruction of a biological lumen caused by stenosis of the biological lumen and the stagnation of a secretion. The treatment method includes a disposition step of disposing a dilation portion that can be dilated and deflated, and a collection portion, which is capable of removing a secretion S secreted from a biological lumen from a living body, in a stenosed site occurring in the biological lumen; a dilation step of widening the stenosed site after the disposition step by dilating the dilation portion in the stenosed site after the disposition step; and a removal step of removing the secretion from the living body by a removal portion.

Abstract: A system, device and method for removing occlusive material from a bodily lumen comprising a catheter with a distally mounted and fluid-fillable litho-cushion in operative connection with at least one forward-focusing reflector. The catheter comprises a lumen with an electrode pair housing disposed in watertight engagement with the lumen at or near the distal end of the lumen, the electrode pair housing comprising at least one electrode pair. The at least one electrode pair is in wired communication with a pulse generator, wherein the electrode pair is configured to generate an electrical arc between the electrodes of the electrode pair with subsequent generation of a shock wave. The shock wave is directed distally out of the catheter lumen and focused forward and distally away from the catheter lumen by the at least one reflector toward the targeted occlusive material.

Abstract: A medical device may include a handle having an actuator, and a shaft coupled to the handle. The shaft may include a working channel. The medical device also may include a pair of friction rollers configured to be actuated by the actuator. The pair of friction rollers may be configured to receive an elongate member between one another, wherein actuation of the actuator may cause the pair of friction rollers to rotate and urge the elongate member to translate.

Abstract: Surgical devices and methods are provided that utilize an end effector biased to a closed position when an actuator of the device is biased in an uncompressed configuration. End effectors according to the present disclosure can include first and second jaws that can be moved from the biased closed position to an open position by compressing the actuator from the uncompressed configuration and towards a compressed configuration. Various force assemblies and related components are provided that allow the device to achieve two end effector actuation profiles: (1) moving from a closed position and to an open position; and (2) moving from a closed position, to an open position, and back to the closed position. Various structures and methods for operating such devices during a surgical procedure are also provided.

Abstract: A needlescopic scissors end effector assembly includes a pair of jaws or blades pivotable to perform a cutting or shearing operation. The scissors end effector assembly includes a cannula having a diameter between about 1 mm to 5 mm and a needle tip configured for percutaneous operation. The pair of jaws or blades includes cam profile surfaces to interact with an opening defined with the needle tip to actuate opening and closing of the pair of jaws or blades and to prevent backlash effect during the opening and closing of the pair of jaws or blades.

Abstract: The present application discloses a medical instrument for tissue ablation by a minimally invasive surgical procedure, including a hollow outer shaft, an inner shaft which can be guided longitudinally displaceably in the hollow outer shaft, and a control portion at a proximal end of the medical instrument, in order to position the hollow outer shaft. An attachment for mechanical ablation of tissue is arranged at a distal end of the inner shaft, wherein the attachment does not protrude beyond an inner profile formed by the inner faces of the outer shaft, and wherein at any rate the distal end of the attachment protrudes beyond the distal end of the hollow outer shaft in order to ablate tissue. The medical instrument may be combined with further medical appliances, in particular with an HF coagulation attachment or a laser coagulation attachment for tissue coagulation.

Abstract: An example thrombectomy device is disclosed. The example thrombectomy catheter includes a catheter tube including a proximal portion, a distal portion and a lumen extending therein. The thrombectomy catheter also includes a high pressure tube extending through the catheter lumen from the catheter proximal portion toward the catheter distal portion, the high pressure tube having at least one jet orifice for directing at least one fluid jet through the catheter lumen. The thrombectomy catheter also includes an outflow orifice, an inflow orifice and a fluid pulse generator coupled to the proximal portion of the catheter tube, wherein the fluid pulse generator is configured to inject fluid though the thrombectomy catheter at a first frequency.

Abstract: A thrombectomy system is provided that, in various embodiments, a rotating impeller that may be translated within limits along a guidewire and within a catheter. The rotating impeller is, during operation, either located entirely outside of the distal end of the catheter's lumen or at least partially outside of the distal end of the catheter's lumen, whereby rotation is prevented if the impeller is completely within the catheter's lumen.

Abstract: The devices and method described herein allow for therapeutic damage to increase volume in these hyperdynamic hearts to allow improved physiology and ventricular filling and to reduce diastolic filling pressure by making the ventricle less stiff.

Abstract: A medical instrument introduction device, includes an outer tube portion indwelled within a body wall; and an inner needle portion inserted through the outer tube portion, wherein the outer tube portion includes a base portion; a tubular conduit portion whose proximal end portion is connected to the base portion; and an anchor portion connected to a distal end portion of the conduit portion, wherein the conduit portion has a bellows folded shape in a natural state, a dimension of the conduit portion in an axial direction being capable of being increased as the folded shape is stretched by the inserted inner needle portion, and a force needed for stretching the folded shape being gradually decreased in a direction from the proximal end portion to a distal end portion of the conduit portion, and the anchor portion and the inner needle potion are couplable with each other.

Abstract: Provided is an endoscopic surgical device and an overtube with which a surgeon can easily obtain a desired image and operability is high. The overtube includes a slider within an overtube body, which guides an endoscope and a treatment tool into a body cavity. An endoscope-coupled part and a treatment tool-coupled part are provided inside the slider, and the slider has a dead zone where the forward and backward movement of either the endoscope or the treatment tool does not interlock with the movement of the other and a sensing zone where the forward and backward movement of either the endoscope or the treatment tool interlocks with the movement of the other. F1>F2 is satisfied when a fixing force for fixing the endoscope-coupled part to the endoscope tool is defined as F1 and a fixing force for fixing the treatment tool-coupled part to the treatment tool is defined as F2.

Abstract: Selectively lockable holding arrangements for a surgical access assembly are disclosed. One holding arrangement includes a body portion, an engagement barrel and a retaining member configured as a hook at a distal end of the body portion. The engagement barrel is position on a proximal end of the body portion and is configured to be selectively rotated about the body portion when operatively connected to a surgical holding arrangement. A rotation brake is mounted on the body section. The rotation brake is selectively operable to lock the engagement barrel against rotation.

Abstract: A retractor holds a surgical incision in a body in an opened state to ensure a surgical field in small-incision endoscopic surgery, and includes a base body that is a thin plate made of tin having a purity of not less than 99.9% and has an elongated rectangular shape in an extended state of the base body. The retractor, in an extended form in a rectangular shape or in a rounded form in a small shape, can be inserted from a small incision wound into the body, and can easily be delivered to the surgical incision in the body by a surgical instrument. The base body is bent and deformed into a desired shape by the surgical instrument and is applied to the surgical incision in the body, so that the surgical incision can be held in an opened state so as to ensure the surgical field.

Abstract: This implantation device includes: a set of separable implants, a guide member defining a passage for guiding the set of implants in translation towards the outlet orifice, a transmission member for transmitting a pushing force in order to move the set of implants towards an outlet, the transmission member having several successive projections, and a pushing member to allow the practitioner to generate the pushing force. The pushing member includes a bearing part configured to bear against several of the projections during successive movements of the pushing member, the bearing part having in succession a bearing position and a clearing position, and a unidirectional stop element connected to the guide member and configured to have in succession i) a configuration of clearance by a projection and ii) a stop configuration so as to immobilize the transmission member in the inverse direction of the translation towards the outlet.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and devices for treating osteonecrosis in, e.g., children, adolescents, and adults comprising: identifying a subject in need of treatment for osteonecrosis; drilling two or more holes into a bone in need of treatment for osteonecrosis; inserting two or more needles or cannulas into the holes in the bone; washing an interior of the bone with a washing fluid introduced through one or more of the needles or cannulas inserted into the bone; and after washing the interior of the bone introducing one or more bone growth promoting materials or cells into the bone.

Abstract: An oocyte retrieval needle is provided. The needle comprises a first tubular region in fluid communication with a second tubular region. The first tubular region comprises a sharp point leading end configured for insertion into a subject. The second tubular region comprises an open trailing end. The leading and trailing ends form respective opposite ends of the needle. Internal passages of the first and second tubular regions form a continuous open passage extending from the leading end to the trailing end. The first tubular region has an outer diameter which is less than an outer diameter of the second tubular region and the internal passage of the first tubular region has an inner, luminal diameter which is less than an inner diameter of the internal passage of the second tubular region. The oocyte retrieval needle is a double lumen needle.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an integral upper portion receivable in a receiver, the receiver having an upper channel for receiving a longitudinal connecting member and a lower cavity cooperating with a lower opening. The upper portion expands a retaining member in the receiver cavity to capture the shank upper portion in the receiver. In some embodiment either the retaining member or an insert provide for a friction fit of the shank upper portion in the receiver resulting in non-floppy placement of the shank with respect to the receiver. Some retainers and inserts have a lock-and-release feature. Final locking of the polyaxial mechanism is provided by frictional engagement between the shank upper portion and the retaining member. A pre-assembled receiver, retaining member and optional insert may be popped-on or snapped-on to the shank upper portion prior to or after implantation of the shank into a vertebra.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an integral upper portion receivable in a receiver, the receiver having an upper channel for receiving a longitudinal connecting member and a lower cavity cooperating with a lower opening. The upper portion expands a retaining member in the receiver cavity to capture the shank upper portion in the receiver. In some embodiment either the retaining member or an insert provide for a friction fit of the shank upper portion in the receiver resulting in non-floppy placement of the shank with respect to the receiver. Some retainers and inserts have a lock-and-release feature. Final locking of the polyaxial mechanism is provided by frictional engagement between the shank upper portion and the retaining member. A pre-assembled receiver, retaining member and optional insert may be popped-on or snapped-on to the shank upper portion prior to or after implantation of the shank into a vertebra.

Abstract: An orthopedic connection assembly is described that comprises a housing member for receiving an implant that is operably connected to a receiving member for receiving an anchor member. The connection assembly is configured to have a locking mechanism that secures and fixes the relative orientation between the implant and the anchor member. The connection assembly can comprise a plate member receivable within the housing member. When a securing member such as a set screw is introduced downwardly into the housing member to secure the implant, the securing member applies a lateral force to the plate member, which presses against an interference member within the receiving member. The interference member presses against the anchor member, such that the anchor member is fixed in a position relative to the implant.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a medical device includes an elongate member, a first coupler, and a second coupler. The elongate member has a first end portion, a second end portion, and a side portion. The side portion of the elongate member has a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion. The first receiving portion is configured to receive a first support member. The second receiving portion is configured to receive a second support member. The first coupler is coupled to the elongate member and is configured to engage the first support member to help retain the first support member within the first receiving portion. The second coupler is coupled to the elongate member and is configured to engage the second support member to help retain the second support member within the second receiving portion.

Abstract: An occipital plate for occipito-cervical fixation, comprising: a substantially flat plate provided with at least one fixation area connectable to the skull of a patient and at least one pair of through slots extending length-wise away from each other; and at least one pair of clamps slidably constrained each in a respective slot to move along a medial-lateral adjustment direction and provided with respective seats for receiving a support bar, wherein each receiving seat has an opening for insertion of the respective support bar accessible laterally and longitudinally along an insertion direction substantially parallel to a lying plane of the plate. Other aspects are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A system for applying a manipulative force to a target region of a spinal column during a surgical procedure is provided with at least four pedicle screws, at least four elongated levers configured to temporarily engage with the pedicle screws, a linking member configured to link at least two of the elongated levers in a axial direction such that they move in unison, and a cross-linking member configured to link at least two of the elongated levers in a transverse direction such that they move in unison. When the system is assembled, it permits an operator to move the at least four elongated levers in unison to simultaneously rotate the at least four pedicle screws about a spinal column roll axis. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A bone fixation system including a bone fixation element including a head portion having a bore passing therethrough from a first side surface to a second side surface, wherein the bore is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the bone fixation element, a securing element positioned within the bore, and a bone plate extending along a plate axis and having a threaded plate hole extending therethrough from a first surface to a second surface configured to contact a bone in an operative configuration.

Abstract: A patella fracture fixation system includes a bone plate that is configured to be implanted along an anterior approach. The bone plate has a fixation hub and a plurality of fixation nodes that are connected to the fixation hub. The fixation hub and the fixation nodes can define respective fixation holes. The bone plate can further include legs that are configured to be bent around respective inferior aspects of the patella.

Abstract: One aspect relates to a device for producing a bone cement paste from a monomer liquid and a cement powder and for delivering the bone cement paste, the device having a cartridge with a cylindrical interior, the interior of the cartridge being closed at the front side apart from a delivery opening for discharging the bone cement paste from the interior. A delivery plunger is arranged in the interior of the cartridge and mounted so as to be pushable in the direction of the delivery opening. The cement powder is arranged in the interior of the cartridge between the delivery opening and the delivery plunger. A closure closes the delivery opening and is mounted so as to be movable relative to the delivery opening. A line element is arranged at the front side of the delivery opening and includes a closure receptacle for receiving at least part of the closure.

Abstract: One aspect relates to a device to produce a bone cement paste from a monomer liquid and a cement powder as starting components of the bone cement paste, and to dispense the mixed bone cement paste.

Abstract: A bone plate system for securing a plurality of bones is provided including a plate member, a locking device of the bone plate, and a surgical cable having a trailing end for being connected to the bone plate and a leading end for being advanced around the bones and into the locking device. The surgical cable may be tensioned to approximate the bones, urge the bones together, and seat the bone plate against the bones. The locking device may be reconfigured to a locked configuration to fix the bone plate to the surgical cable. The bone plate further includes a plurality of throughbores for receiving bone anchors that rigidly fix the bone plate to the bones. The bone plate system utilizes the tensile strength of the surgical cable and the rigid fixation between the bone anchors and the bone plate to resist relative movement of the bones.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for using a bone anchor driver for driving inner and outer set closure mechanisms or set screws into a bone anchor assembly. In one embodiment, a bone anchor driver is provided that includes an outer shaft configured to engage an outer set screw coupled to a bone anchor assembly, an inner shaft disposed within the outer shaft and configured to engage an inner set screw coupled to the bone anchor assembly, and a torque limiting mechanism configured to automatically switch between a first position in which it is disengaged from the inner shaft and is engaged with the outer shaft, and a second position in which it is disengaged from the outer shaft and is engaged with the inner shaft.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods, devices, and systems for reducing a pigmentation of a skin of a patient. In some embodiments, freezing of the skin may be desirable to effect the hypopigmentation of the skin of the patient. Generally, embodiments may limit supercooling (or promote freezing) of the skin of the patient during a cooling treatment. In some embodiments, coupling fluids are provided to reduce a thermal contact resistance between a cooling treatment probe and the skin of the patient to improve cooling treatment. Optionally, a fluid carrier may be provided to help retain the coupling fluid at the treatment site. In some embodiments, the coupling fluid may include ice nucleating agents to promote ice crystal formation in the coupling fluid during cooling treatment. The ice crystal formation in the coupling fluid may progress into the skin to limit supercooling of the skin during treatment.

Abstract: An electrosurgical method and device for simultaneously cutting and coagulating tissue with an electrosurgical device having an electrode and a channel wherein said channel has a port near a proximal end of said electrode, wherein the method comprises the steps of causing an inert gas to flow through said channel and exit said port, applying high-frequency energy to said electrode while said inert gas flows through said channel, wherein said high-frequency energy applied to said electrode continuously plasmatizes inert gas exiting said port, initiating an electrical discharge from said electrode through said continuously plasmatized inert gas to said tissue, cutting tissue with said electrode, maintaining said electrical discharge from said electrode through said plasmatized inert gas while cutting tissue with said electrode to cause coagulation of said tissue simultaneously with said cutting.

Abstract: A branch is produced by means of an additive 3D production process for producing a metal part, which comprises at least two parts, namely a support section and a functional section. The metal part is a single-pieced part, in which the support section and the functional section are seamlessly interconnected by means of corresponding connecting webs. After the material is applied, the connecting webs are removed.

Abstract: Various forms are directed to systems and methods for dissection and coagulation of tissue. A surgical instrument includes an end effector configured to dissect and seal tissue at a distal end thereof, and a generator that is electrically coupled to the surgical instrument and that is configured to deliver energy to the end effector. The surgical instrument includes an end effector configured to interact with a tissue at a distal end thereof, a generator electrically coupled to the surgical instrument and configured to deliver radio frequency (RF) energy and ultrasonic energy to the end effector to allow the end effector to interact with the tissue. The energy delivered to the end effector switches between RF energy and ultrasonic energy based on a determination of various factors such as tissue impedance.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument has a movable tissue cutting mechanism, a first elongated shaft housing at least a proximal portion of the movable tissue cutting mechanism, and a pair of jaws for clamping tissue. Each jaw of the pair of opposing jaws is rotatable relative to the first elongated shaft, and the movable tissue cutting mechanism is slidable relative to the first elongated shaft. A first link has a distal end rotatably coupled to a proximal one of a pair of non-conductive bushings in the first jaw and a proximal end rotatably coupled to a second elongated shaft, the second elongated shaft interior of and translatable relative the first elongated shaft.

Abstract: Extension attachments selectively couple to any of a variety of hand held instruments. The extension attachments may include smoke evacuation shafts and electrosurgical electrodes. The extension attachments may extend the functional capabilities of the hand held instruments, such as electrosurgical and smoke capture capabilities.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an electrosurgical device comprises an electrically conductive elongate member for traversing body vasculature defining a hollow lumen with one or more apertures at or near its distal end, wherein electrical energy can flow through the wall of the elongate member; and an energy delivery device in electrical communication with the elongate member located at or about the distal end of the elongate member. The energy delivery device includes an electrode for delivering energy, and a thermal shield positioned between the electrode and the elongate member.

Abstract: An injectate delivery device for expanding tissue is provided. The injectate delivery device comprises: at least one fluid delivery tube comprising a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen therebetween; at least one fluid delivery element in fluid communication with the at least one fluid delivery tube lumen; a radially expanding element comprising the at least one fluid delivery element; a supply of vacuum constructed and arranged to cause tissue to tend toward the at least one fluid delivery element; and at least one control constructed and arranged to perform a function. The at least one control can be constructed and arranged to expand the radially expandable element and activate the supply of vacuum. Systems and method of injectate delivery are also provided.

Abstract: Medical catheterization is carried out by introducing a catheter into a heart, sliding the catheter through a sheath that encloses a multi-electrode probe into a chamber of the heart. The sheath is retracted to expose the probe. As the sheath is retracted the exposed probe expands into a spiral configuration, and the electrodes contact the endocardial surface of the chamber at multiple contact points.