Abstract: A method for manufacturing a shaping structure having a generally helical profile and configured to support electrodes for delivering electric energy into a cylindrical lumen of a patient. The method comprises providing a mandrel with a circular cylindrical shape and forming a first hole in the mandrel along the elongate axis, such that opposing ends of a bore of the first hole emerge at the proximal end and at the distal end; forming a second hole in the mandrel to extend from the curved surface to connect with the first hole; wrapping a metal wire around the mandrel; and inserting opposing ends of the metal wire into the second and the third hole respectively, and threading the opposing ends of the metal wire until they emerge from the opposing ends of the bore of the first hole; finally, heating the mandrel and the wire.

Abstract: A method for loading a guidewire into a connector using a guidewire introducer includes inserting a guidewire introducer into a proximal end of a connector, the guidewire introducer having a proximal end, a distal end and a slit along the length of the guidewire introducer between the proximal end and the distal end. The guidewire introducer is advanced past a valve in the proximal end of the connector. A distal end of a guidewire is inserted into the proximal end of the guidewire introducer and advanced through the guidewire introducer and through the y-connector. The guidewire introducer is removed from the connector so that the distal end of the guidewire introducer is outside of the y-connector and proximate to the proximal end of the connector. The guidewire introducer is removed from the guidewire using the slit in the guidewire introducer.

Abstract: Provided is a guide wire having a novel structure, with which it is possible to improve production efficiency and to effectively prevent large irregularities from forming on an outer circumferential surface of a core wire. Further provided is a guide wire having a novel structure, with which it is possible to more meticulously set bending rigidity to a distal end portion thereof. In a guide wire having a coil externally mounted about a distal end portion of a core wire, a proximal end portion of the coil is integrally joined to the core wire during formation of the coil. Furthermore, in a guide wire having a coil externally mounted about a distal end portion of a core wire, a cross-sectional shape of a wire that constitutes the coil varies in a lengthwise direction of the coil.

Abstract: A steerable guide wire and/or a catheter device and associated method. The device includes a guide wire having a distal end, a hollow interior, and an anchoring mechanism positioned proximate to the distal end of the guide wire. The device further includes a core wire is slidably inserted into the hollow interior of the guide wire. Upon insertion, the core wire actuates the anchoring mechanism to anchor the guide wire at an anchoring location.

Abstract: Present invention is a tip adjustable stylet to be inserted into a tubular structure and to be pushed out its distal aperture to form curvatures. The device comprises a bendable member, a retracting string, an intersegment and a control handle. The bendable member has a control ring at its proximal end and a tip at its distal end. An operator can push the bendable member distally from the proximal end along the lumen of the tubular structure. Predetermined extensibility and length of the retracing string limit distance of the bendable member being pushed and hold the distal portion of the bendable member backward when the bendable member is been pushed forward outside of the tubular structure's distal aperture, thereby to bend the distal portion of the bendable member into the curves therefore to move its tip to a target location, such as patient's vocal cords opening.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient includes providing a guidewire having an elongate body defining a proximal end and a distal end, the elongate body including a shapeable portion disposed proximate the proximal end, the shapeable portion being malleable so as to be shaped into a shape and remain in the shape until reshaped. The distal end of the elongate body is advanced into a vasculature of the patient. The shapeable portion of the elongate body is shaped into a first shape that prevents advancement of the guidewire further into the vasculature of the patient.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a guidewire. The guidewire may include a core wire having a body region and a distal tip region. A distal tip member may be disposed along the distal tip region. The distal tip member may have a proximal end. A sleeve may be disposed along the body region. The sleeve may be disposed adjacent to the proximal end of the distal tip member and extending proximally therefrom. The sleeve may include a first member and a heat shrink member. The first member may have an uneven outer surface.

Abstract: A catheter and related X-ray imaging system for detection, tracking, and virtual image reconstruction is disclosed. The catheter and imaging system allow for the visualization of the catheter or a part of the catheter such as the tip during procedures that would otherwise obscure the catheter or part of the catheter from view. An example of such a procedure is the deployment of a coil in an aneurysm where the radiodense nature of many coil materials would otherwise make detection and tracking of the catheter tip difficult or impossible. The catheter has detectable markers that provide information to an imaging system regarding the coordinates of the catheter or catheter tip and the direction of the catheter tip during clinical procedures.

Abstract: A system includes a flexible guide tube, an actuator coupled to the flexible guide tube and configured to move at least a portion of the flexible guide tube, a processor, and memory storing computer-executable instructions. When executed by the processor, the computer-executable instructions cause the system to: identify at least one factor associated with insertion or removal of a tool configured to be inserted through or removed from the flexible guide tube; identify, in a first configuration of the flexible guide tube and based on the at least one factor, one or more sections of the flexible guide tube having one or more bends that the tool cannot traverse; and command the actuator to automatically move the flexible guide tube to a second configuration without manual steering by a user, wherein the second configuration does not include the one or more bends that the tool cannot traverse.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, in a processor, a two-dimensional (2D) electroanatomical (EA) map of an interior surface of at least a portion of a cavity of an organ of a patient, the 2D EA map including electrophysiological (EP) values measured at respective locations on the interior surface. A complex analytic function is fitted to a set of the EP values that were measured in a given region of the 2D EA map. A singularity is identified in the fitted complex analytic function. The region is projected onto a three-dimensional (3D) EA map of the interior surface. At least part of the 3D E A map is presented to a user, including indicating an arrhythmogenic EP activity at a location on the 3D E A map corresponding to the singularity identified in the fitted complex analytic function.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ultrasonic imaging apparatus and a control method thereof. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire a volume data of an object and a process configured to determine whether an acquisition position of the volume data is within an allowable range by using pre-stored landmark information and configured to acquire a plurality of reference planes from the volume data when the acquisition position of the volume data is within the allowable range.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a catheter for positioning through a conventional guiding catheter into the vasculature of a patient, the catheter having a distal tube and a proximal shaft coupled to a proximal portion of the distal tubular member. The distal tube can have a tubular wall, a tube lumen defined within the tube by the tubular wall, a proximal opening sized to allow a medical device to be positioned therethrough, and at least one opening defined within the tubular wall along a length of the distal tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying a moving region of interest located within a body includes a positioning system to determine a position and orientation (P&O) of a medical device as well as to track, using an internal position reference sensor, the motion of the region of interest over time. A compensation function block generates a motion compensation function based on the motion of the region of interest, which is configured to compensate for the motion of the region of interest between a first time, for example a time at which an image was acquired and a second time, for example a time at which a P&O of the device was measured. The measured P&O is corrected using the compensation function. A representation of the medical device is superimposed on the image in accordance with the corrected P&O.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-expanding cannula, systems using such cannulae, and methods of their use. The cannulae may comprise single lumen cannula (SLC) configurations and double lumen cannula (DLC) configurations, and include at least a first cannula and a self-expanding wire frame attached to the first cannula. Self-expanding wire frame is automatically expandable from a compressed state (providing a reduced cannula diameter as it is moved through a patients body to the site at which it is to be deployed) to an expanded state (which increases the diameter of the cannula to the diameter intended for its normal use). The expanded wire frame provides radial support to prevent a drainage canal (whether a patients blood vessel or a portion of the system inserted into the patients blood vessel) from collapsing as fluid is drained from the patient.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to cannulating devices and methods for exchanging cannulating devices in an endoscopic procedure. In one implementation, an apparatus for endoscopic operations is described. The apparatus includes a cannulating device to be introduced through an internal lumen of an endoscope via a biopsy port. The cannulating device has an elongated body. The elongated body includes a guidewire lumen configured to receive a guidewire therein, and a slit extending over at least a portion of the length of the elongated body from a distal tip to a proximal position of the elongated body.

Abstract: Medical devices having a releasable member are described. Methods of using medical devices having a releasable member are also described. An example medical device comprises an elongate member, an intermediate member, a sheath, and a cap. Each of the intermediate member, sheath, and cap are releasably disposed on the elongate member.

Abstract: A catheter for positioning a valve during a transcatheter aortic valve replacement is formed from a resilient hollow body conformable to a guide wire when a guide wire is passed in through an upper opening in the hollow body and through the hollow body. When the guide wire is retracted, the catheter deploys to form a substantially straight upper shaft portion that extends downwardly from the upper opening and a distal ring perpendicular to the upper shaft portion. The distal ring approximates the size and shape of the patient's aortic valve annulus. A lower loop connects the upper shaft portion of the catheter to the distal ring. An outer surface of the distal ring is radiopaque, and the distal ring comprises openings for dispersing radio opaque medium used in imaging of the patient's aortic valve annulus.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods for merging a balloon catheter onto a locked guidewire. In one implementation, a balloon catheter may include an inflatable balloon affixed thereto and a slit extending from a distal end of a guidewire lumen to a position proximal of the balloon. The slit may be widened by a working member of an adapter to allow passage of the locked guidewire into the guidewire lumen of the balloon catheter. The balloon catheter may be merged onto the guidewire via the slit and delivered to the desired treatment device without requiring the guidewire to be unlocked. Advantageously, access to at least one desired treatment site may be maintained with the guidewire during merging of the balloon catheter.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods for merging an endoscopic basket delivery catheter onto a fixed guidewire. In one implementation, a catheter may include a sheath having a saddle secured to a distal portion thereof. The sheath may constrain an endoscopic tool such as a basket therein, while the saddle may receive a portion of a guidewire. The saddle may include a slit extending along its longitudinal length. The slit may be widened by a working member of an adapter to allow passage of a locked guidewire into the guidewire lumen of the saddle. The catheter may be merged onto the guidewire via the slit and delivered to the desired treatment device without unlocking of the guidewire. Advantageously, access to at least one desired treatment site may be maintained with the guidewire during merging of the catheter.

Abstract: A vascular flow diverter includes a tubular mesh framework which includes a mesh cover and an opening. The tubular mesh framework is collapsible and configured to expand from a collapsed shape to a tubular shape when the vascular flow diverter is deployed. The mesh cover conforms to the shape of the tubular mesh, is surrounded by the tubular mesh framework, and is less porous than the tubular mesh framework. The opening is located within the mesh cover. A delivery wire passes through the opening in order to guide the flow diverter into place over an aneurysm.

Abstract: The embolic protection device (10) has an expandable tubular structure supporting a filter mesh material (12). The embolic protection device is compressed to a small diameter for insertion into a patient's aorta, then expanded within the aorta with the filter mesh material positioned to allow blood to enter sidebranch vessels connected to the aorta and to prevent embolic material from entering the sidebranch vessels. The filter mesh material may be configured with waves or undulations (26) for increased surface area and/or with two layers of mesh material to provide additional protection against embolization and to prevent inadvertent occlusion of the sidebranch vessels.

Abstract: A urological medical device having a retrieval string is provided. The retrieval string has a proximal end connected the device and an opposed distal end. In a first embodiment, the retrieval string is configured in an initial confined form which, following a period of deployment in a patient's bladder, changes to an unconfined form in which the distal end of the retrieval string is extendible into the urethra to enable extraction of the device from bladder by pulling the retrieval string. The device may include a bioerodible component which permits the retrieval string to take the unconfined form following degradation of the bioerodible component in vivo. In another embodiment, the retrieval string includes a ferromagnetic material, which can be magnetically captured to facilitate removal of the device from the bladder. The ferromagnetic retrieval string may be buoyant in urine.

Abstract: A catheter tip that provides longitudinal flexibility, pushability and radial rigidity thereby improving deliverability is provided. The catheter tip includes a spring-like element to provide longitudinal flexibility and pushability to the catheter tip. The spring-like element may also provide radial support to the distal edge of the catheter tip. Alternatively, a radially rigid distal end may also be included distal of the spring-like element. The apparatus may be used with any interventional catheter system, but is particularly suitable for use with balloon-expandable stent systems and balloon-angioplasty systems, where flexibility of the catheter tip and minimal flaring of the distal edge of the catheter tip is desirable.

Abstract: Catheters and methods for supporting a guidewire or delivering a radiopaque, diagnostic or therapeutic agent through a vessel stenosis or other tortuous anatomy are disclosed. A catheter can comprise an elongate shaft body and a tip member disposed at a distal end of the shaft body. The shaft body can extend from a proximal end to the distal end and can define an inner lumen. The shaft body can include a liner, a braid member surrounding the liner, a multi-layer coil surrounding the braid member, and a polymer cover surrounding the multi-layer coil. The multi-layer coil can include first and second coil layers wound in opposing directions. An outer surface portion of the polymer cover can include one or more helical threads. In an example, the one or more helical threads are positioned around a distal end portion of the shaft body. The tip member can be made from a metal or a polymer and can also include one or more helical threads around its outer surface.

Abstract: Intravascular diagnosis apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one aspect of the disclosed technology, a monitoring guidewire includes a core wire having or made of one or more of MP35N, L605, Elgiloy, and an alloy of nickel, cobalt, molybdenum and chromium, a sensor disposed in a distal region of the core wire, and a housing substantially coextensive with the core wire and surrounding the core wire, the housing being more flexible than the core wire for at least the distal portion of the housing.

Abstract: A medical wire guide may include a mandril having a distal tip, a first coil coupled with the distal tip of the mandril, and a second coil configured to releasably engage with the mandril or the first coil. The second coil comprises a distal tip and defines an inner cavity dimensioned to contain a distal tip of the first coil when the second coil is engaged with the mandril or the first coil.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interventional system comprising an interventional device (11) for being inserted into a living being (7) and comprising an optical shape sensing fiber, wherein the optical shape sensing fiber is used for determining respiratory motion by monitoring a movement of a part of the interventional device, which moves in accordance with the respiratory motion. Thus, respiratory motion can be determined, without necessarily requiring a physician to handle with further devices like a respiratory belt, i.e. the same interventional device can be used for performing an interventional procedure and for determining the respiratory motion. The interventional procedure can therefore be less cumbersome for a physician. Moreover, since the determination of the respiratory motion is based on optical shape sensing, which is a very accurate position determination technique, the respiratory motion can be determined very accurately.

Abstract: Devices and methods for providing an elastically deforming guidewire tip, capable of withstanding the extreme forces of high-speed rotational atherectomy, in particular orbital motion induced by an eccentric abrasive head, are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the reformable tip comprises an inner nitinol support coil, wherein the reformable tip may be attached to a larger proximal core for improved kink resistance and support for delivering adjunctive devices. In other embodiments, an inner nitinol support coil may be wrapped with a braided coil and/or a polymer sleeve. The resulting tip is more flexible with reduced risk of perforation than known guidewire tips.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a shaft, a distal-end assembly and a puller-wire. The shaft is configured for insertion into a body of a patient. The distal-end assembly, which is coupled to the shaft, includes a telescopic assembly, configured to elongate so as to collapse the distal-end assembly, and to compress so as to expand the distal-end assembly. The distal-end assembly further includes an elastic element, coupled to self-elongate and thus elongate the telescopic assembly. The distal-end assembly also includes an inflatable balloon, which is coupled to the telescopic assembly and is configured to collapse by the telescopic assembly elongating, and to expand by the telescopic assembly compressing. The puller-wire runs through the shaft and is connected to a distal end of the telescopic assembly, and is configured, when pulled, to compress the telescopic assembly.

Abstract: A method for introducing a shaped portion of an elongate medical instrument into a body of a subject includes at least partially straightening the shaped portion of the elongate medical instrument. A retention element may be introduced into an interior of the shaped portion of the elongate medical instrument to place and/or maintain the shaped portion in an at least partially straightened configuration. Such straightening may be accomplished without application of external force to an exterior of the shaped portion. With the retention element in place, the shaped portion may be introduced to a desired location within a hollow interior of an internal organ. The retention element may then be removed to enable the shaped portion to return to its desired shape. A straightening apparatus includes a retention element that can place and/or maintain a shaped portion of an elongate medical instrument in an at least partially straightened configuration without assistance of external force.

Abstract: An assembly for delivering a prosthetic heart valve to a native heart valve is disclosed. The assembly includes a self-expanding prosthetic heart valve formed with an expandable metallic stent and a flexible valvular structure. The assembly also includes a delivery apparatus having a delivery sleeve. The delivery sleeve includes a selectively steerable section and a distal portion for retaining the prosthetic heart valve in a compressed state. A handle is coupled to a proximal end of the delivery sleeve and a pull wire extends from the handle to the steerable section of the delivery sleeve. The handle preferably includes a rotatable portion for actuating the pull wire and thereby selectively controlling a curvature of the steerable section during advancement through the patient's vasculature. In preferred embodiments, the steerable section includes a flexible metallic tubular portion formed with a plurality of circumferentially extending openings.

Abstract: In one representative embodiment, a steerable catheter device comprises a shaft comprising a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a pull-wire lumen that extends at least partially through the proximal and distal portions. A pull wire extends through the pull-wire lumen and has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, wherein the distal end portion of pull wire is fixed to the distal end portion of the shaft. An adjustment mechanism is operatively connected to the proximal end portion of the pull wire and configured to increase and decrease tension in the pull wire to adjust the curvature of the distal portion of the shaft. An axially non-compressible pull-wire sleeve extends co-axially through the pull-wire lumen and over the pull wire.

Abstract: A guidewire includes a core shaft, a coil body disposed around an outer periphery of the core shaft, and a resin layer. The resin layer includes a proximal end part disposed around an outer periphery of the coil body; a distal end part located between the core shaft and the coil body distal to the proximal end part and having an outer diameter that is smaller than an outer diameter of the proximal end part; and a tapered part located between the proximal end part and the distal end part and having an outer diameter that decreases in the distal direction. The distal end part of the coil body is not covered with the resin layer. The guidewire has improved rotation performance (operativity) while maintaining insertability, and a risk that a distal end the resin layer will detach from the guidewire is reduced.

Abstract: Devices and methods for recanalization of occluded body vessels using novel guidewires. A novel double-sided guidewire comprises a cross-section tapering from a more rigid middle section towards more flexible head sections. A first head of the guidewire is inserted into the occluded body vessel in a retrograde direction to traverse an occlusion. The guidewire is further advanced in the retrograde direction such that the first head and a portion of the middle section are retrieved from the body, thereby positioning the remainder of the guidewire traversing the occlusion in an antegrade direction and allowing for over the wire recanalization techniques in the antegrade direction.

Abstract: A steerable sheath tube has a tubular body having a distal end, a traction wire; and a handle connected to the tubular body. The handle has a lateral branch tube that is coupled to the tubular body at an angle thereof, a slider positioned inside the lateral branch tube for translating movement therein, and a positioning member provided within the lateral branch tube and positioned further from the tubular body than from the slider. One end of the traction wire is fixed on the slider while the other end thereof is fixed at the distal end of the tubular body, and when the slider is moved to come into contact with the positioning member, the distal end of the tubular body is bent to a predetermined angle. A method for occluding an atrial septal defect includes the steps of delivering an occluder from a right internal jugular vein to an atrial septal defect by using the steerable sheath tube, and releasing the occluder to occlude the atrial septal defect.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rod-shaped body comprising a central section and a peripheral section, wherein the central section is arranged in the center of the rod-shaped body and is enclosed by the peripheral section. Both the central section and the peripheral section substantially extend along the entire length of the rod-shaped body. The central section comprises at least one non-metallic fiber bundle that is embedded in a non-ferromagnetic matrix material. The matrix material is doped with marker particles. The peripheral section comprises at least one undoped, non-ferromagnetic matrix material. The diameter of the central section is less than or equal to 0.2 mm, preferably less than or equal to 0.15 mm, and even more preferably, less than or equal to 0.1 mm, and in particular less than or equal to 0.08 mm.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an integrated medical device that includes a stiffening stylet for portions of a catheter along with attachment features for improved functionality and packaging of the catheter system.

Abstract: Guide extension catheters and related methods are disclosed. A guide extension catheter can comprise an elongate tube member and a lumenless push member. The push member can be eccentrically coupled to the tube member for slidably positioning the tube member within and partially beyond a distal end of a guide catheter. At least a proximal end portion of the push member can include a cross-section defined by an arcuate first surface and an opposing second surface. The first surface can engage an inner wall surface of the guide catheter along an arc length, and the second surface can be spaced furthest from the first surface at its center point. The first surface can have the same or substantially the same radius of curvature as the guide catheter's inner wall surface, and the second surface can be flat or substantially flat. This configuration of the push member can provide an advantageous blend of stiffness and flexibility, as well as space conservation through the guide catheter.

Abstract: A method of inserting a catheter and catheter placement apparatus that were designed for improving the safety and efficiency in the placement of a PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) implant are described. The invention enables placement of the catheter into the body while the catheter is maintained in a sterile environment.

Abstract: Embodiments hereof relate to a guidewire formed from an elongated shaft, at least a portion of the shaft having an outer layer, a plurality of channels formed through the outer layer, and an inner core. The outer layer is formed from a material non susceptible to erosion by an erosion agent and the inner core is formed from a radiopaque material susceptible to erosion by the erosion agent. When exposed to the erosion agent, core material adjacent to the channels is removed to form a pattern of integral radiopaque segments or markers with a plurality of voids therebetween. By controlling the location of channels and the rate of erosion of the core material, the pattern of integral radiopaque segments and voids allow for in situ measurement when viewed under fluoroscopy.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for guide elements configured with variable stiffness, with one or more flexible portions and one or more stiff portions. The flexible portion is be used as a tensioning element of a cinchable implant to tighten or compress tissues while the stiff portion is used to facilitate the insertion or withdrawal of portions of the implant or instruments acting on the implant. The guide element is further configured to be separated or severed between the flexible and stiff portions so that a flexible portion is left within the body as part of the implant, while the stiff portion is withdrawn from the body after implantation is completed.

Abstract: A catheter system utilizing one or more sensors is described. The catheter can be used as part of an embolic coil system, guidewire system, or combined embolic coil/guidewire system where the devices interact with the catheter system. A variable detachment embolic coil system and guidewire system are also described.

Abstract: For the purpose of firmly clamping a medical guide wire which can be rotated and displaced in a longitudinal opening of an accommodating body, a clamping mechanism is present either just at one end of the longitudinal opening or at each end of the longitudinal opening, the clamping mechanism having a widened opening region, which runs transversely to the longitudinal opening, and a clamping-member arrangement, which is connected to the accommodating body in an elastically flexible manner and has an edge part, which is located in the opening region and against which the guide wire, once pivoted out of the longitudinal opening, can be brought into abutment at the relevant end of the accommodating body and at the clamping-member arrangement, with the capability of the guide wire to be displaced and/or rotated being blocked in the process.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems and methods for device exchange in an endoscopic procedure. In one implementation, a system for device exchange in an endoscopic procedure includes an elongated device having a slit extending from a distal end to a proximal end of the elongated device, a main block, and an adapter. The main block is configured to be affixed to a port of an endoscope. The main block includes a main channel for receiving a guidewire and the elongated device. The adapter can be engaged with the main block and configured to merge the guidewire into the elongated device. The adapter includes a working channel for receiving the elongated device and a working member raising from an inner wall of the working channel. When the elongated device passes through the working channel, the working member wedges open a portion of the slit of the elongated device such that a portion of the guidewire merges into the elongated device through the opened portion of the slit.

Abstract: A guiding sheath has a braided layer for improved deflection characteristics and ring electrodes for electrical sensing, mapping and visualization, wherein lead wires for the ring electrodes are passed through lumened tubing position under the braided layer in a proximal portion of the guiding sheath shaft and above the braided layer in a distal portion of the guiding sheath shaft. Moreover, the hemostatic valve includes an improved friction ring with air vents to reduce the risk of air being introduced into the valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for mechanically manipulating hollow organs within the body of a subject, or an organ manipulation apparatus, includes a manipulation section. The manipulation section may include a substantially two-dimensional element, which may have a width that exceeds a distance across a portion of the interior of a hollow organ within which the manipulation section is to be positioned. The manipulation section is configured to manipulate at least a portion of a hollow organ from within, which may modify at least one of a shape, orientation, or location of at least part of the hollow organ. Methods for manipulating hollow organs are also disclosed, as are operating techniques, such as left atrial ablation, in which the shapes, orientations, and/or locations of hollow organs are manipulated to move the hollow organs away from the site of the medical procedure, reducing the potential for damage to the hollow organs.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering a drug to a target site within a patient's body. The system and method include a steerable guide catheter and a drug delivery catheter. The steerable guide catheter has a first extension tube and a second extension tube that are joined together and form a shoulder. The delivery catheter has a distal docking segment and a proximal docking segment. The guide catheter is inserted into the patient's body, then the delivery catheter is inserted into the guide catheter. The distal docking segment engages the first extension tube, the proximal docking segment engages the second extension tube, and the shoulder limits the distance the delivery catheter can be inserted into the guide catheter. Also, once the delivery catheter is inserted it can be rotated to attach the helical tip to the target site. The guide catheter also includes a steering mechanism as well as a friction mechanism which controls the tension on the steering mechanism.

Abstract: Described herein are devices, methods and kits for assessing and/or enhancing the accessibility of a subvalvular space of a heart, accessing the subvalvular space of the heart (e.g., to provide access for one or more other devices), and/or positioning one or more devices in the subvalvular space of the heart. The devices described herein may, for example, comprise catheters that may be used to manipulate one or more chordae tendineae, diagnostic catheters having different sizes and/or shapes (e.g., different curvatures), guide catheters having different sizes and/or shapes (e.g., different curvatures), and visualization catheters. In some variations, the devices, methods, and/or kits may be used to visualize a target site, such as a subannular groove of a heart valve. In certain variations, the devices, methods, and/or kits may be used to manipulate chordae tendineae to provide additional space in a ventricle of a heart (e.g., enhancing the accessibility of the ventricle).

Abstract: A small gauge surgical instrument is shown with advantages such as diminished “play” at the tip. A surgical instrument assembly is also shown with support along a length of the instrument that can be selected by the surgeon. Devices and method described provide adjustability of the instrument without protruding into a gripping surface of the instrument.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a proximal coil, a distal coil, a navigation sensor, and a wire. The proximal coil is formed by a wire wrapped in a helical configuration. The distal coil is formed by a wire wrapped in a helical configuration. At least one wrap at a proximal portion of the distal coil is interlocked with at least one wrap at a distal portion of the proximal coil, such that interlocking portions of the proximal and distal coils form a double helix configuration. The navigation sensor is located within the distal coil. The navigation sensor is configured to generate signals in response to movement within an electromagnetic field. The wire extends through the proximal coil. The wire is in electrical communication with the navigation sensor such that the wire is configured to communicate signals from the navigation sensor.