Abstract: A femoral finishing rasp assembly for use in an orthopaedic surgical procedure includes a femoral finishing rasp and an impactor adaptor. The femoral finishing rasp includes femoral-facing anterior and posterior surfaces, each of which includes a corresponding set of rasping teeth. The impactor adaptor is configured to couple to an exterior surface of the femoral finishing rasp and to an orthopaedic impactor to facilitate the use of the femoral finishing rasp on a distal end of a patient's surgically-prepared femur. A method for performing an orthopaedic surgical procedure using the femoral finishing rasp assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A containing element is used to capture material in a blood vessel for removal. The containing element is advanced through the blood vessel or a catheter in a constricted configuration. A control body is coupled to the containing element which assists moving the containing element. In some embodiments, the containing element is used for restricting blood flow within a vessel.

Abstract: An intraluminal device includes a radially expandable body and a control member operable to expand and contract the radially expandable body. The radially expandable body comprises plural sets of first filaments spiraling in a first direction from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion of the radially expandable body and plural sets of second filaments spiraling in a second direction from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion. The plural sets of first filaments intersect the plural sets of second filaments, forming plural cross sections of the radially expandable body. At least one of the plural sets of first filaments comprises a filament constructed of a radiopaque material.

Abstract: A forceps device includes a grasping part, a support that holds the grasping part, a first rotating shaft that turnably supports the support, a base member that holds the first rotating shaft, guide pulleys arranged coaxially with the first rotating shaft, grasping portion wires, a support pulley, and a support wire. The grasping portion wires run over the guide pulleys and the grasping part without other pulleys therebetween, and transmit a first driving force to the grasping part to move the grasping part. The support pulley is provided on the support, and the support wire runs over the support pulley and transmits a second driving force to the support to turn the support about the first rotating shaft.

Abstract: This application is directed to a medical instrument with a hollow shaft, an actuating unit at the proximal end and an instrument tip with an instrument at the distal end, the instrument actuated via an actuating element, the element being in connection with the actuating unit and the instrument tip being pivotable relative to the shaft via a joint mechanism; the joint mechanism having pivoting members with proximal-side drive via steering wires such that movement of the proximal-side drive causes movement of the distal-side pivoting members and pivoting of the instrument tip; and a trigger mechanism with which the steering wires can be brought into a relaxed state that releases the articulation of the instrument tip. In order for the medical instrument to be cleaned and ensure that the medical instrument is safely removed even if the proximal-side drive fails, the trigger mechanism is a purely mechanical trigger mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrument having an elongated shaft, a movable tool at a distal end of the shaft, a handle with a movable grip part at a proximal end of the shaft, and a force transmission element which can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the instrument and is operatively connected to the movable grip part and to the tool such that an actuation of the movable grip part is converted into a movement of the tool. The instrument has a spring assembly that is arranged on the handle and has at least one leg spring, which has at least one winding and two legs, and a pin, wherein the at least one winding extends about the pin. When the movable grip part is actuated, a force is applied to at least one of the legs of the leg spring, said force reducing the friction between the winding and the pin such that the leg spring can be rotated about the pin and the force transmission element and the tool can be moved.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a handpiece casing and an electromechanical transducer assembly disposed inside the handpiece casing, where the transducer assembly includes a front driver and the transducer assembly has a longitudinal axis. A probe is operatively connected to the front driver at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the transducer assembly. A sheath surrounds the probe and is connected at a proximal end to the handpiece casing. The sheath is attached to the casing by a twist quick release coupling. A diaphragm seal inside the proximal end of the sheath blocks liquid irrigant in a cylindrical space between the sheath and the probe from penetrating proximally of a port feeding irrigant to the space. The front driver is geometrically configured to enable an angled connection of probe to handpiece proximate a nodal plane.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical tool system with a tip capable of simultaneously vibrating in plural modes. The system includes a console capable of supplying a drive signal to the tip that includes plural components. Each component has a frequency characteristic that is based in part on the equivalent of current through the mechanical components of the tip. The frequency components are different from each other. Based on the application of drive signal the tip undergoes non-linear vibrations.

Abstract: A system for harvesting a tendon graft is disclosed, including a retractor, a guide and a harvesting tool. The retractor is collapsible and upon release, becomes self-supporting to hold open an anatomic space developed in a patient above the tendon. A guide assembles with the retractor to orient a guide shaft along the retractor and thereby the anatomic space. The harvesting tool includes a working end with a blade edge for cutting into the tendon. The harvesting tool defines a contoured surface for engaging and translating along the guide shaft while assembled to the retractor. The guide shaft and contoured surface limit the trajectory and translation extent of the harvesting tool along and into the tendon.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices (e.g., needles (e.g., hollow needles), hollow staples, articles, apparatuses, and systems), kits, and methods for treating skin and skin conditions, for example, by promoting skin tightening, such as by reducing skin laxity and reducing tissue area or volume.

Abstract: An atrio-septostomy balloon catheter device for creating an unrestrictive atrial septal defect in a thick atrial septum. The device comprises a balloon directed by an axis and a plurality of cones, wherein each of the plurality of cones has a hollow conical body, and is connected at a base thereof to a proximal side of the balloon. Preferably, the device comprises two or four cones, located equidistantly about the axis of the balloon. The plurality of cones is configured to hit the atrial septum at the same time and exert the maximal safe force on the septum for tearing it.

Abstract: A device suitable for use in a body lumen and comprises an elongated control member having a distal and a proximal end, and a radially expansible member disposed at or near the distal end and adapted for collection and/or shearing of matter (i.e. thrombus) from a wall of the body lumen (i.e. a vein or an artery). The radially expansible member has a proximal end and a distal end and is adjustable between a contracted orientation and an expanded orientation. The elongated control member comprising a proximal arm connected at or adjacent to the proximal end of the radially expansible member and a distal arm connected at or adjacent to the distal end of the radially expansible member such that movement of one arm relative to the other arm effects adjustment of the diameter or radial strength of the radially expansible member. The device comprises a control mechanism operatively connected to both arms and adapted to provide resistance to the movement of one arm relative to the other.

Abstract: A system and related methods of preventing wrong-site surgeries and blade-related injuries to OR personnel, which includes a computer software system (for use on computers or hand-held devices in the medical environment) in combination with a surgical supply carrier (such as a safety blade-dispenser or other surgical sharps dispenser). The surgical supply carrier comprises at least one component, such as a label, which prevents or impedes a surgeon from accessing one or more surgical instruments stored within until after a “time-out” is performed by the surgeon or authorized OR personnel to confirm various details including but not limited to correct patient, correct procedure, correct equipment, etc, before starting the intended surgical procedure. Data can be captured throughout the medical environment (from “decision-to-incision” and beyond) to assess wrong-site surgery data (including “near miss” data) and enable a host of analytics on wrong-site surgery prevention.

Abstract: A valve component 1 of the invention comprises a main valve 2 which is located on a centre line and at least one auxiliary valve 3 which is located radially outwardly of the main valve 2. The main valve may be used for sealing engagement with a cannula. In some cases the cannula may be used for introduction of a number of robotically controlled surgical instruments generally, including a camera. The auxiliary valves 3 may be utilised to introduce another instrument through the valve component. The valve component is mounted in a manner which ensures that the valve component 1 is rotatable about a centre line through the axis of the valve component 1. This ensures that the valve component 1 can be rotated relative to a cannula inserted through the main valve 2 and consequently that the auxiliary valves 3 are rotatable relative to the cannula allowing the auxiliary valves 3 to be positioned to facilitate optimum access and manipulation for an auxiliary instrument(s) inserted through the auxiliary valve(s) 2.

Abstract: A cell transplanting kit includes a transplant including a cell group and a cell transplanting device. The cell transplanting device includes a needle-shaped portion that extends in a shape of a tube, and an aspiration portion configured to aspirate an interior of the needle-shaped portion. The needle-shaped portion is configured to attract the transplant by aspiration by the aspiration portion and take the transplant into the interior. The aspiration portion is configured to create an aspiration pressure in a range of ?100 kPa to ?0.1 kPa. The transplant includes a protection portion in a form of a gel covering at least a part of the cell group. The transplant has an outer diameter that is greater than or equal to a minimum value of the inner diameter of the needle-shaped portion. The protection portion has a jelly strength of greater than or equal to 100 g.

Abstract: The present invention includes a single molded strip of suture anchors frangibly connected to each other that can be preloaded with a suture and then deployed at the site of use inside the body. This configuration eliminates the need to reload an anchor when multiple anchors are required. Further, this molded strip of anchors can include different variations of a suture anchor or locking device all in the same single strip. The strip would typically be molded from plastic or metal and would offer the additional advantage of being injection molded in a one piece shot which would not only save on cost per anchor but would offer assembly advantages as well.

Abstract: An adjustment device for positioning a uterine manipulator includes a support component that is movable along an arcuate path defined by the adjustment device and an adjustment unit. The adjustment unit includes a base component that is secured to the support component and a rotational element that is secured to the base component and to the uterine manipulator such that the rotational element and the uterine manipulator secured thereto are movable along the arcuate path and rotatable with respect to the support component. A positioning system includes the adjustment device and a positioning arm that supports the adjustment device for positioning a uterine manipulator.

Abstract: A system (400) for assisted conception. In a loading configuration the system (400) comprises: an implant (460); an elongate curved housing (410) enclosing the implant (460); a release mechanism (420a) attached at a proximal end (410a) of the housing (410) and arranged to be operable by a user to deploy the implant (460) from the housing (410); a translation mechanism (430) within the housing (410) arranged to translate a deployment operation of the release mechanism (420a) to movement of the implant (460) out of the housing (410); and a removable funnel (450) attached at a distal end (410b) of the housing (410) and arranged to deliver semen to the implant (460).

Abstract: A fetal intrauterine positioning fixation device is configured for entering an amniotic cavity through a vaginal cervical fetal membrane access and/or abdominal wall uterine fetal membrane access to adjust and fix a fetal position in a maternal uterus. The fetal intrauterine positioning fixation device includes a manipulator, a mechanical arm and a surgical robot, the manipulator and mechanical arm can enter an amniotic cavity through a vaginal cervical fetal membrane channel or abdominal wall uterine fetal membrane channel, so that a doctor can control the manipulator and mechanical arm through the surgical robot or a handle to identify a fetus, adjust a fetal position and fix the fetus according to a preoperative planning, and monitor a fetal status in real time, expose a surgical treatment area, and create an operation space for implementing intrauterine fetal surgery.

Abstract: A universal clamp apparatus for orthopedic exterior fixators is disclosed. Preferably, the universal clamp apparatus has two pin/rod clamps, each having seating grooves for attaching to a frame rod associated with a frame of the fixator and/or a bone pin for implantation in a bone fragment. A clamp screw extends through and connects the first and second pin/rod clamps. An ergonomically designed knob having at least one collapsible or non-collapsible turn lever acts as a torque amplifier when rotated by hand without tools to tighten and untighten the pin/rod clamps to the frame rod and/or bone pin by movement along the clamp screw. The pin/rod clamps have planar sides that are contiguous and have radial ratchet grooves that are in mating engagement and provide a ratcheting mechanism so that the rotation of the pin/rod clamps relative to each other occurs in incremental rotational steps.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to spinal treatments and, more particularly, to a fenestrated pedicle nail, wherein the pedicle nail performs as an anchored system for pedicle instrument constructs that prevents fracturing from over-compressing of bone of poor quality. Embodiments include a pedicle nail comprising a shank and a nail head. The shank may comprise a proximal end and a distal bone engagement end. The nail head may be disposable on the proximal end of the shank, wherein the nail head may threadably engage the proximal end thereof. The nail head may have external bone threads.

Abstract: A cylindrical granule made of a biocompatible metal material, in particular titanium or its alloys, for vertebroplasty operations has a cylindrical shape and includes a central cylindrical body connected at its ends to a first disc and to a second disc respectively, and a portion with a trabeculated structure, which extends around the central cylindrical body between the lower surface of the first disc and the upper surface of the second disc.

Abstract: A bone insert is provided that includes a cap having a convex top surface made from a plurality of cap micro struts, an elongated stem made from a plurality of stem micro struts, and a barrier between the cap and the stem. The stem of the bone insert is inserted into a hole formed in a host bone until the barrier is pressed against the exposed bone. The bone implant can be placed against a small focus contact point on the cap. Liquid cement can be injected into a large center hole in the cap and the cement can flow through the fenestrations between all of the cap micro struts as well as the space between the bone implant and the bone. The cement can cure to create a high strength structure that provides a strong bond between the bone implant and the host bone.

Abstract: A distraction system can include a distraction implant comprising a magnetic element and a distraction mechanism configured to expand the distraction implant in response to rotation of the magnetic element. The distraction system can include an external device comprising a motor configured to rotate a driver magnet while in a powered state, the driver magnet configured to rotate the magnetic element, a computing device configured. The computing device can be configured to measure an electrical current drawn by the motor during rotation of the driver magnet. The computing device can be configured to maintain the motor in the powered state in response to a mean value of the electrical current being greater than or equal to a mean value threshold, and a standard deviation value of the electrical current being less than or equal to a standard deviation threshold.

Abstract: Assemblies and methods for fixation of bone or bone fragments using an orthopedic plate having a slot that causes the bone or bone fragments to compress as a screw is inserted into the slot and rotated therein. By anchoring the orthopedic plate to a first bone or bone fragment and rotating the screw into the second bone or bone fragment at an angle that may be up to approximately fifteen degrees from perpendicular to the top surface of the orthopedic plate, the screw head causes the orthopedic plate to traverse away from the first screw thereby causing the first bone or bone fragment to be drawn toward and/or compress with the second bone or bone fragment.

Abstract: A fixation system (900) for the fixation of a first bone fragment (932) relative to a second bone fragment (934); the fixation system (900) comprising at least one first bone engagement element engagable with the first bone fragment (932), wherein the first bone engagement element has an elongate body portion, a proximal end, a distal end, and a passageway extending through the body portion from the proximal end to the distal end, at least one further bone engagement element engageable with the second bone fragment (934) and having a tensile element (920) securement portion for affixing a tensile element (920) to the further bone engagement element; wherein the tensile element (920) passing the first bone engagement element when engaged with the first bone fragment (932) is fixed relative to the further bone engagement element when engaged with the second bone fragment (934) by the tensile element (920) securement portion; such that the first bone fragment (932) is affixed relative to the second bone fragment

Abstract: A graft or prosthetic element suitable, e.g., for replacing a tendon or ligament is fastened in a bone tunnel or blind opening with the aid of a fastener. In a first step, the graft or prosthetic element is press-fitted in the tunnel or opening by forcing the fastener into the opening or by positioning the fastener in the opening and then expanding it, wherein the fastener is in contact with the graft or prosthetic element and with the bone wall of the tunnel or blind opening. In a second step, the fastener is anchored in the bone wall of the tunnel or blind opening with the aid of a liquefiable material which is liquefied in the vicinity of the bone wall where it is in contact with the fastener and by making the liquefied material penetrate into the bone wall.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a bone-implantable device and methods of use. The bone-implantable device comprises a body having an exterior surface, wherein a portion of the exterior surface includes a cured osteostimulative material comprising MgO.

Abstract: An implantable body for a posterior stabilization system includes a lateral end, a medial end, an inwardly facing surface configured to abut against a lamina when the body is implanted along a vertebra. A lateral bone outrigger extends from the inwardly facing surface and may include a bone-abutting surface along a medial portion disposed to abut against a lateral mass of the vertebra when the body is implanted along a vertebra. The lateral bone outrigger may have a first height. A penetrating feature extends from the inwardly facing surface between the bone-engaging portion of the inwardly facing surface and the lateral bone outrigger. The penetrating feature may have a second height less than the first height. A fastener bore extends through the body at an angle toward the lateral bone outrigger.

Abstract: The invention comprises a system for securing an implant to a bone comprising an implant which is affixed to the bone, a grout or bone cement comprising a composition that cures in an exothermic reaction and which is capable of securing the implant to the bone in a cured state, and a tester which measures temperature over time to detect a rate change of temperature and uses a novel discrete differentiator circuit to determine when the composition reaches cure.

Abstract: A bone positioning guide may include a main body member, a shaft, and a bone engagement member. The shaft can be movably connected to the main body member and have the bone engagement member rotatably coupled to its distal end. The bone engagement member can have a surface configured to engage a bone. The main body member can also include a tip opposite the bone engagement member for engaging a second bone. In use, the bone engagement member may be positioned in contact with a medial side of a first metatarsal while the tip is positioned in contact with a lateral side of a different metatarsal, such as a second metatarsal. The shaft can then be moved to advance the bone engagement member toward the tip, causing realignment of the first metatarsal.

Abstract: Methods and devices for reducing visceral fat within the mesenteric structure of the body by cooling visceral fat within the mesentery while leaving arteries, veins, nerves and lymph nodes within the mesentery, and the mesentery membrane, undamaged, and thereafter allowing natural processes of the body to eliminate the cooled visceral fat from the body. The system comprises a pair of flat-faced cooling probes configured for insertion into the abdomen and placement on opposite sides of a section of mesentery for application of cooling power to the mesentery, at temperatures in a range which kills visceral fat cells but does not harm other tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus, consisting of a probe, containing a lumen and having a distal end configured to contact tissue of a living subject. A temperature sensor is located at the distal end, and a pump, having a pump motor, is coupled to deliver a cryogenic fluid through the lumen to the distal end of the probe and to receive the cryogenic fluid returning from the probe. There is a separator, coupled to separate the returning cryogenic fluid into a returning cryogenic liquid and a returning cryogenic gas, and a flow meter, coupled to measure a rate of flow of the returning cryogenic gas. A processor is configured to control a rate of pumping of the pump motor in response to a temperature measured by the temperature sensor and the rate of flow of the returning cryogenic gas.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus is provided having a rechargeable power source which may be charged wirelessly. The apparatus comprises an oscillator for generating electromagnetic (EM) energy (e.g. radiofrequency energy or microwave frequency energy); a controller operable to select an energy delivery profile for the oscillator; a feed structure for conveying the electromagnetic energy to an output; a rechargeable power source arranged to supply power to the oscillator; and a receiver circuit comprising an inductive coupler configured to wirelessly receive power from a transmitter and supply received power to the rechargeable power source. The selection of an energy delivery profile may involve switching the oscillator on or off in one example, or may comprise more complex operation such as the selection of a pulse profile in some embodiments.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator for supplying power, including an inverter for high voltage, which is led to an output to the connector of an electrosurgical instrument, a measurement system with at least one measurement monitor for a physical parameter at the output or at the electrosurgical instrument, and an operation controller which controls the inverter on the basis of at least one predefined operating sequence. The measurement monitor for the physical parameter is switchable between a plurality of different configurations which differ in the measurement range. The operation controller interacts with the measurement system so one of the different configurations of the measurement monitor is switched in each case, under control by the operating sequence. By switching the configuration, the suitable measurement range is always set during operation.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide various techniques and systems for building machine-learning surgical tool presence/absence detection models for processing surgical videos and predicting whether a surgical tool is present or absent in each video frame of a surgical video. In one aspect, a process for ensuring patient safety during a laparoscopic or robotic surgery involving an energy tool is disclosed. The process can begin receiving a real-time control signal indicating an operating state of an energy tool during the surgery. Next, the process receives real-time endoscope video images of the surgery. The process simultaneously applies a machine-learning surgical tool presence/absence detection model to the real-time endoscope video images to generate real-time decisions on a location of the energy tool in the real-time endoscope video images.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a tube, a tip electrode coupled to a distal end of the tube and shaped to define at least one cavity, a microelectrode disposed within the cavity and including an outer surface that is of lesser convexity than that of a portion of the tip electrode surrounding the cavity, and a conductive polymeric coating that coats the outer surface. Other examples are also described.

Abstract: A high-frequency energy transfer device includes a signal transfer part for transferring a signal to the skin through an electrode assembly, which comprises electrodes to which signals having at least one frequency according to at least one type are applied, and which function as multiple center shafts having one-side surfaces that cross each other and are to come into contact with the skin to be cared, and dielectric materials disposed at one side and the other side of each of the electrodes; and a housing forming a frame for receiving the signal transfer part.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing hand-mounted surgical tools is provided. The apparatus includes a housing configured to be mounted to a body of a user. The apparatus also includes an optical source to generate a first optical signal in an absorption spectrum of a biocompatible fluorescing dye (BFD). The apparatus also includes an optical detector to detect a second optical signal in an emission spectrum of the BFD. The apparatus also includes a processor to receive a signal from the optical detector that indicates that the second optical signal was detected by the optical detector. The processor is further configured to cause the apparatus to transmit a signal to a non-visual feedback device to cause the non-visual feedback device to output non-visual feedback to the user that the second optical signal was detected by the optical detector.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument is provided that captures, compresses, fuses and cuts tissue between upper and lower jaws connected to pivotably movable handles. The instrument includes a force and over compression regulation mechanism that is configured such that in a clamped configuration, the jaws delivers a gripping force between the first jaw and the second jaw between a predetermined minimum force and a predetermined maximum force.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to deliver electrical energy to energize an end effector coupled via a clevis to a shaft of a medical instrument comprises an electrical transmission conduit configured to extend along the shaft from a proximal portion to a distal portion and configured to deliver electrical energy to energize the end effector, and a connector assembly configured to couple to the end effector. The connector assembly comprises an electrically conductive contact portion configured to electrically couple the electrical transmission conduit to the end effector, the electrically conductive contact portion defining a pivot surface about which the end effector is rotatable in a coupled state of the connector assembly to the end effector; and an electrically insulating member configured to electrically insulate the end effector from the clevis in a coupled state of the connector assembly to the end effector.

Abstract: A colpotomy system includes an energy source and a uterine manipulator that is electrically coupled to the energy source. The uterine manipulator supports a colpotomy cup and extends to a conductive distal tip portion. The colpotomy cup includes a conductive surface. One or both of the conductive distal tip portion and the conductive surface of the colpotomy cup are configured to return monopolar energy to the energy source.

Abstract: An energy source is offset from an elongate probe axis with an extension. The amount of offset of the energy source can be controlled by varying an amount of offset of the extension. The energy source rotated and translated at the offset distance to resect tissue. In some embodiments, the probe is configured to receive a second treatment probe comprising a second energy source, in which the second energy source is rotated and translated relative to the first treatment probe, which can improve positional accuracy and stability. The energy source and the extension can be coupled to a linkage to offset the energy source, and to translate and rotate the energy source with varying amounts of offset. The linkage can be coupled to a processor and one or more of the energy source moved in accordance with a treatment profile.

Abstract: A body orifice remodeling device includes a cylindrical handpiece having a defined length which is adapted to be inserted into the body orifice and an elongated monopolar electrode mounted outside on the circumference of the cylindrical handpiece and extending substantially along the length of the handpiece. A source of radio frequency (RF) energy in the handpiece is configured to generate RF energy to the elongated monopolar electrode; and a source of electromagnetic stimulation energy (EMagS) in the handpiece is configured to generate (EMagS) energy.

Abstract: A catheter includes, a shaft for insertion into an organ, an expandable distal-end assembly coupled to the shaft and includes splines, at least one of the splines includes a flexible substrate, configured to conform to tissue of the organ, and a sensing electrode, configured: (a) to be coupled to the flexible substrate, and (b) when in contact with the tissue, to produce a electrically signal indicative of an electrocardiogram signal sensed in the tissue, the sensing electrode including: (i) a gold substrate, formed over the flexible substrate and configured to conduct the electrically signal, (ii) a first polymer layer, formed over a first section of the gold substrate and configured to electrically isolate between the tissue and the gold substrate, and (iii) a second polymer layer, formed over a second, different, section of the gold substrate, and configured to conduct the electrocardiogram signal between the tissue and the gold substrate.

Abstract: A catheter includes: (i) a shaft for insertion into an organ of a patient, (ii) an expandable distal-end assembly, which is coupled to the shaft and includes multiple splines, (iii) at least an ablation electrode, which is configured: (a) to be coupled to a spline of the splines, and (b) when placed in contact with tissue of the organ, to apply an ablation signal to the tissue, and the ablation electrode includes a slot, and (iv) a temperature sensor, which is contained within the slot and is configured, when the ablation electrode is placed in contact with the tissue, to produce a thermal signal indicative of a temperature of the tissue.

Abstract: In one exemplary mode, a catheter apparatus includes an elongated deflectable element including a distal end, a flexible puller including a distal portion, and configured to be retracted through the deflectable element, and an expandable assembly including a plurality of resilient splines, each resilient spline including at least one electrode disposed thereon, the resilient splines being disposed circumferentially around the distal portion of the puller, with first ends of the splines being coupled with the distal end of the deflectable element and second ends of the splines coupled with the distal portion of the puller, the splines being configured to bow radially outward in a relaxed form of the expandable assembly and bow further radially outward when the puller is retracted expanding the expandable assembly from the relaxed form to an expanded form.

Abstract: Temperature sensing catheters and systems that can be used during cardiac ablation procedures to measure and monitor temperatures, and the rate and spread of temperature changes in the heart. The temperature data can be used to calculate temperature gradients, which may be used to estimate if and when certain regions of heart may undergo injury due to thermal exposure. The temperature data can be used to limit or cut-off power delivery to an ablation catheter, or otherwise modify the ablation procedure, to prevent injury to certain regions of heart. In some cases, the temperature data is used to control aspects of the ablation in a feedback loop control scheme.

Abstract: Various examples of an ablation end effector are shown and described with two balloons independently inflatable so that a distal balloon can be used to ensure stability of the second balloon for electrical ablation in a beating heart. Methods and techniques to operate the ablation end-effectors are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for locating and identifying nerves innervating the wall of arteries such as the renal artery. The present invention identifies areas on vessel walls that are innervated with nerves; provides indication on whether energy is delivered accurately to a targeted nerve; and provides immediate post-procedural assessment of the effect of energy delivered to the nerve. The methods includes evaluating a change in physiological parameters after energy is delivered to an arterial wall; and determining the type of nerve that the energy was directed to (sympathetic or parasympathetic or none) based on the evaluated results. The system includes at least a device for delivering energy to the wall of blood vessel; sensors for detecting physiological signals from a subject; and indicators to display results obtained using said method. Also provided are catheters for performing the mapping and ablating functions.