Abstract: A medical device system may include a catheter sheath and a catheter shaft sized for delivery through a lumen of the catheter sheath. The catheter shaft may be coupled to an end effector at or adjacent a distal end of the catheter shaft. The catheter shaft may include a lumen and a control element. The control element may be coupled to the end effector and may reside within the lumen of the catheter shaft. Physical access may be provided to the control element, to allow the control element to be severed to facilitate removal of the end effector from a bodily cavity. The control element may include a lumen and a control cable therein. A liquid entry port may be provided in the lumen of the control element toward a distal end of the control element to allow expedited provision of fluid to a distal portion of the control element.

Abstract: A bi-directional steerable catheter adapted for delivery into a patient's vasculature. The pull wires which are used to tension the deflectable segment of the steerable catheter are wound in parallel around the axis of the steerable catheter on opposite sides of the steerable catheter.

Abstract: A device for distending a body lumen for enhanced visualization with a capsule endoscope that includes a camera lens includes an attachment element configured to attach to the capsule endoscope and a plurality of struts extending from the attachment element and meeting at an apex. The plurality of struts are configured to extend both axially and radially away from the camera lens so as to form a frame therearound.

Abstract: A catheter includes a sheath configured to be inserted into a body lumen, a drive shaft configured to be inserted into the sheath and to transmit mechanical drive force, an operation unit configured to operate the drive shaft, and a connection section having a proximal side connected to the operation unit and a distal side connected to the sheath in such a way as to be attachable to and detachable from the sheath.

Abstract: A catheter has a mapping assembly having a plurality of splines mounted at its distal portion. The splines each have a proximal end disposed at the distal portion of the catheter body and a distal end and configured as a Fibonacci spiral arm that diverges outwardly from the proximal end. The splines have a support arm with shape memory, a non-conductive covering in surrounding relation to the support arm, at least one location sensor mounted at or near the distal end, a plurality of electrodes mounted in surrounding relation to the non-conductive covering, and a plurality of electrode lead wires extending within the non-conductive covering. Each electrode lead wire is attached to a corresponding one of the electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention discloses devices and methods for creating multiple lesions using ablation devices in anatomical regions such as the heart, for example to treat cardiac arrhythmias. The present invention discloses methods and devices to create continuous lesions using area ablation devices. The present invention discloses various embodiments of reference assemblies for accurately positioning ablation devices having ablating portions, especially deployable ablation portions adapted for area ablation. The ablation devices are positioned using the reference assemblies in the anatomy to create one or more lesions. The present invention also discloses several method embodiments for creating continuous lesions using deployable ablating portions to produce two or more overlapping lesions.

Abstract: A method for replacing a first sheath, whose distal end is positioned inside a vessel and whose proximal end is positioned outside the skin of a patient, with a second sheath may involve inserting a dilator over a guidewire and into the first sheath until a distal end of the dilator and a distal end of the guidewire are positioned inside the vessel. The dilator may be hubless or include a removable hub. The method may further involve removing the first sheath, thereby leaving only the dilator and the guidewire in place. After removing the first sheath, a second sheath may be passed over the dilator and the guidewire until the distal end of the second sheath is positioned inside the vessel. The method may further involve removing the dilator and the guidewire, leaving only the second sheath in place.

Abstract: A handheld endoscope has a disposable, single-use portion that includes a fluid hub, cannula, distal tip and is steerable by the operator though actuation of one or two levers. The endoscope also includes re-usable portion that has a handle and display module. The distal tip includes LED illumination and an imaging module that feeds live video to the display module that is rotatable to allow viewing by the operator and others. The single-use and re-usable portions mate and un-mate with each other via physically separated mechanical and electrical connectors. The single use portion can include grasper device that can be actuated by an operator using an actuation tab.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube-inserting device of the kind comprising a stylet part and a handle part for operating the stylet part is provided. The stylet part has a proximal stylet end part with a proximal stylet end and an opposite distal stylet end part with a distal stylet end; the proximal stylet end is situated at the handle part, and the distal stylet end has an extension in form of a bendable tip part with a free end; a tip part operating member includes at least a first string member and a second string member arranged along the length of at least a length of the stylet part, and the handle part has an actuator means for operating at least the tip part operating member.

Abstract: A medical appliance for use in medical procedures to controllably advance a medical device through a sheath. The medical appliance features pneumatic action and connecting structures adapted to couple the appliance to a variety of types of catheters, tools, and instruments.

Abstract: An intravascular device delivery system includes an elongated member with a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween. The elongated member includes a multilumen catheter having a catheter wall with a plurality of lumen in the catheter wall. The plurality of lumen extends from a proximal end of the elongated member to a distal end of the elongated member. A lumen ratio of the cross-sectional area of the plurality of lumen and the cross sectional area of the catheter wall is greater than 30%.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described for a stent delivery device that utilizes a push button using a slot and pin on a shuttle with a rack for slow retraction of the outer sheath as well as a flanged member connected to the outer sheath for fast retraction of the outer sheath during delivery of a self-expanding implantable device such as a stent or stent graft.

Abstract: A steerable catheter having a hub with a control feature includes a semi-rigid catheter with the hub attached at the proximal end. The distal end of the catheter includes a distal tip and a flexible portion adjacent the distal tip. The catheter includes a working channel, and further includes a channel through which a tension member or wire extends to the distal tip. Tension in the wire causes the distal tip to deflect and be steered. The hub includes a fixed member attached to the catheter, an inner member that moves axially relative to the fixed member, and an outer member that rotates relative to the inner member and the fixed member. Rotation of the outer member results in translation of the inner member, which is attached to the tension member and provides for controlled steering of the distal tip.

Abstract: A surgical instrument (10, 110, 210) includes an articulating tube assembly (20, 120, 220) having a proximal end and a distal end, an articulating region (23, 123, 223) disposed between the proximal end and the distal end, and a proximal axis axially extending from the proximal end to the articulating region (23, 123, 223). The articulating tube assembly (20, 120, 220) includes an inner tube (24, 124, 224) and an outer tube (26, 126, 226) each having the articulating region (23, 123, 223). The inner tube (24, 124, 224) and the outer tube (26, 126, 226) being movable relative to each other proximal to the articulating region (23, 123, 223) and fixed axially relative one another distal to the articulating region (23, 123, 223).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a catheter for delivering an implantable medical lead to an implantation site near an ostium leading to a proximal region of a coronary sinus. The catheter includes a distal end, a proximal end opposite the distal end, a tubular body extending between the distal and proximal ends, an atraumatic fixation structure defining a distal termination of the distal end, and a lead receiving lumen. The atraumatic fixation structure is configured to enter the ostium and passively pivotally anchor with the proximal region of the coronary sinus. The lead receiving lumen extends along the tubular body from the proximal end to an opening defined in a side of the tubular body near the distal end and proximal the atraumatic fixation structure.

Abstract: This invention is a transvascularly placed steerable guidewire, further including internal steerability and the ability to articulate in a direction at right angles to its longitudinal axis at or near its distal end. The steerable guidewire is generally fabricated from stainless steel and includes an outer tube, an inner tube, hub structures, and a distal articulating region. The steerable guidewire can be advanced through a body lumen in its straight configuration and then be selectively articulated or curved to permit negotiation of tortuous curvature. The steerable guidewire hub can be removed to permit advancement of catheters over its proximal end followed by re-attachment of the hub to permit deflection of the distal end of the steerable guidewire. Removal of the hub can result in a limp guidewire or maintenance of a forced curvature of the distal end of the guidewire.

Abstract: A minimally invasive system comprises an elongate instrument that includes a flexible proximal portion, a rigid distal portion, and a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the elongate instrument. The lumen defines a longitudinal axis of the elongate instrument. The flexible proximal portion is fixedly coupled to the rigid distal portion. The system further comprises a stylet slidably disposed within the elongate instrument. The stylet includes a flexible body fixedly coupled to a steerable portion and includes a sensor. The stylet is movable within the elongate instrument between a retracted condition and an extended configuration. A plurality of actuation cables extend through the stylet and terminate in the steerable portion, which comprises a bend-resistive section and a bendable section. The bendable section includes a plurality of articulable segments linked by the actuation cables and includes a plurality of joint pivots disposed between adjacent articulable segments.

Abstract: Various embodiments enable an introducer for a catheter to be rotated around an axis and/or traversed backward and/or forward along the axis. In various embodiments, positioning of an introducer may be enabled by an introducer support configured to be rotated around an axis and/or extended or retracted along the axis. The introducer may be manually operated and/or operated by motors in a nose cone of a catheter positioning system. In various embodiments, a portion of the introducer support may be configured to flex. In other embodiment, positioning of an introducer may be enabled by an adjustable nose cone of a catheter positioning system.

Abstract: A sheath device for inserting a catheter into a patient's body is described. The device has a first sheath with a proximal end and a distal end. When the device is used as intended, the distal end of the first sheath is provided for arrangement in the patient's body and the proximal end of the first sheath is provided for arrangement outside the patient's body. The first sheath comprises a tubular section and a sheath housing, which is disposed at the proximal end of the section and has a receiving channel for a strand-shaped body. The device solves the problem of reliably fixing a second sheath or a catheter with respect to the first sheath by providing a clamping element on the receiving channel for fixing a strand-shaped body in the receiving channel by way of clamping.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an echogenic coil member for a catheter assembly and methods of manufacturing same. The catheter assembly includes a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end that defines a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. Thus, the echogenic coil member is configured within the lumen of the catheter. Further, the coil member includes a plurality of outwardly extending projections that contain a plurality of discontinuities. As such, the discontinuities are configured to enhance ultrasonic imaging of the catheter assembly.

Abstract: A method for processing angiography image data by using an imaging catheter path that is directly detected from the angiography data as a co-registration path or using detected marker locations from the angiography data to generate a co-registration path. If the acquired angiography data includes synchronized cardiac phase signals and a predetermined quantity of angiography image frames not including contrast media, then a directly detected imaging catheter path is used as the co-registration path. Otherwise the co-registration path is determined based upon detected marker locations from the angiography image data.

Abstract: A method for replacing a first sheath, whose distal end is positioned inside a vessel and whose proximal end is positioned outside the skin of a patient, with a second sheath may involve inserting a dilator over a guidewire and into the first sheath until a distal end of the dilator and a distal end of the guidewire are positioned inside the vessel. The dilator may be hubless or include a removable hub, and may define an external channel configured to receive a second guidewire. The method may further involve removing the first sheath, thereby leaving the dilator and the guidewire in place. After removing the first sheath, a second sheath may be passed over the dilator and the guidewire until the distal end of the second sheath is positioned inside the vessel. The method may further involve removing the dilator and the guidewire, leaving the second sheath in place.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a catheter includes a process of supplying a resin material in a melted state to the periphery of a core wire (90) and molding a hollow tube (82) having the core wire (90) inserted thereinto; a process of arranging the hollow tube (82) having the core wire (90) inserted thereinto, on an outer peripheral side of a main lumen forming region of a tubular body part (10) made of resin; a process of extracting the core wire (90) from the inside of the hollow tube (82) to form a sublumen after the core wire (90) inside the hollow tube (82) is elongated and reduced in diameter to peel off the hollow tube (82) and the core wire (90), and a process of inserting an operating wire into the hollow tube (82).

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for generating a three-dimensional multi-slice data set of a heart, a first image sequence with a number of two-dimensional images is acquired in a first slice of the heart during a duration of at least one heartbeat interval, and a second image sequence with a number of two-dimensional images is acquired in a second slice of the heart during the duration of a number of heartbeat intervals. The second image sequence is excised by selecting the two-dimensional images thereof that lie in a heartbeat interval closest to the duration of the heartbeat interval in the first slice. The three-dimensional multi-slice data set is generated by combining the first image sequence and the excised second image sequence.

Abstract: An obstruction detection system for a robotic catheter system including a robotic catheter manipulator assembly including one or more catheter manipulation bases and one or more sheath manipulation bases. Each manipulation base may be generally linearly movable on one or more tracks relative to the robotic catheter manipulator assembly. The obstruction detection system may include one or more obstruction detection sensors disposed on the track or on the manipulation bases to detect an obstruction along a path of motion of one or more manipulation bases. A software system may be provided for monitoring movement of the catheter and sheath manipulation bases, and/or a status of the obstruction detection sensors.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for guide catheters having one or more regions of increased flexibility. A flexibility region comprises one tubular segment of the guide catheter with a non-linear seam between two non-concentric layers of material having different durometers. A non-linear seam, such as a zig-zag or sinusoidal configuration, permits controlled compression of lower durometer material between portions of higher durometer material.

Abstract: An actuating member for making a flexible elongate member for medical use perform a predetermined action. The actuating member includes a push/pull member, an operating member, and a cam member. The push/pull member includes a first moving portion and a second moving portion, which are movable relative to each other. The push/pull member is pushed/pulled in conjunction with a movement of the first moving portion and the second moving portion. The operating member is rotatable about an axis in a direction intersecting an axial direction of the elongate member. The cam member moves the first moving portion and the second moving portion in conjunction with rotation of the operating member. The push/pull member makes the elongate member perform at least one of (i) an advance/retraction action and (ii) a bending action by transmitting the movement of the first moving portion and the second moving portion to the elongate member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, at least one user input feature, an elongate shaft extending from the body along a longitudinal axis, and a needle applier coupled to the elongate shaft. The needle applier further includes a needle and a drive assembly coupled to the needle. The drive assembly is configured to rotate the needle along an orbital path about a rotation axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis, in response to an actuation of the user input feature. The surgical instrument further includes a coupler operable to couple the surgical instrument to an endoscope for use in, among other surgical procedures, gastric reduction procedures.

Abstract: An improved system and method for placing implantable medical devices (IMDs) such as leads within the coronary sinus and branch veins is disclosed. In one embodiment, a slittable delivery sheath and a method of using the sheath are provided. The sheath includes a slittable hub, and a substantially straight body defining an inner lumen. The body comprises a shaft section and a distal section that is distal to, and softer than, the shaft section. A slittable braid extends adjacent to at least a portion of one of the shaft section and the distal section. In one embodiment of the invention, the sheath further includes a transition section that is distal to the shaft section, and proximal to the distal section. The transition section is softer than the shaft section, but stiffer than the distal section.

Abstract: A tool has an outer assembly, which includes a deployment tube, extending around, and moveable with respect to an inner assembly of the tool; the inner assembly includes a single pull wire and a distal member configured to engage an end of an implantable medical device. The deployment tube includes an articulating segment located just proximal to an enlarged distal-most portion, which contains the device and the distal member. Relatively soft and stiff sections of a composite sidewall define the articulating segment and extend alongside one another, such that, when the pull wire is actuated, the composite sidewall causes bending of the segment in two directions. A handle assembly of the tool includes a control member for the pull wire, and may further include a flushing subassembly that has a connector port located at an end of the handle assembly that is opposite a proximal port of the handle.

Abstract: A delivery device for a collapsible prosthetic heart valve may include an operating handle and a catheter assembly. The handle may include a housing, a piston cylinder, a piston longitudinally slidable within the piston cylinder, the piston and the piston cylinder together defining at least one pressure chamber, a deployment actuator coupled to the housing and rotatable relative thereto, and a pneumatic switch adapted to provide a pressurized fluid to the pressure chamber to apply a longitudinal force to the piston. The catheter assembly may include a first shaft around which a valve-receiving compartment is defined, the first shaft being operatively connected to the housing, and a distal sheath operatively connected to the piston, the distal sheath being moveable between a closed condition covering the compartment and an open condition uncovering the compartment. Longitudinal movement of the piston may move the distal sheath between the closed and open conditions.

Abstract: An actuating member for making a flexible elongate member for medical use perform a predetermined action includes a push/pull member, an operating member, and an advancing member. The push/pull member includes a first moving portion and a second moving portion, which are movable relative to each other. The push/pull member is pushed/pulled in conjunction with a movement of the first moving portion and the second moving portion. The operating member effects the movement of the first moving portion and the second moving portion. The advancing member includes a narrowed portion that moves the first moving portion and the second moving portion in conjunction with an operation of the operating member. The push/pull member makes the elongate member perform at least one of (i) an advance/retraction action and (ii) a bending action by transmitting the movement of the first moving portion and the second moving portion to the elongate member.

Abstract: Rotatable control handles and methods of using rotatable control handles are described herein. An example embodiment of a rotatable control handle comprises a handle, a compressible member disposed within the handle, a cap attached to the handle, and a cannula rotatably attached between the handle and the cap. The handle comprises a first member and a second member that is releasably attachable to the first member.

Abstract: A dilation catheter comprises a handle, a guidewire, a dilation catheter, a guidewire movement mechanism, and dilation catheter movement actuator. The guidewire movement mechanism is configured to translate to thereby cause translation of the guidewire relative to the handle. The dilation catheter movement mechanism is configured to translate to thereby cause translation of the dilation catheter relative to the handle. The guidewire movement mechanism also includes a rotation mechanism configured to impart rotation upon the guidewire. The rotation mechanism may include features configured to limit the amount that the guidewire may rotate. The rotation mechanism may also include features configured to convert linear movement of an actuator into rotational movement of the guidewire. The dilation catheter may include features configured to provide for side entry of the guidewire into the dilation catheter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the segmentation and visualization of cell envelopes. A method is provided for the segmentation and visualization of cavities or orifices of the human body, comprising the steps of manual pre-segmentation of cells by defining enclosing geometric primitives in a 3D patient image for generating initial cell envelopes; analysing the cell anatomy within pre-segmented geometric primitives; using the result of the analysis for adjustment of the cell envelope and visualising the cell envelopes.

Abstract: A catheter advancement device to assist with the ease and sterility of insertion of catheters and other elongate, flexible medical devices is disclosed. It includes two one-way valves that may be reciprocated with respect to each other. Some variations may include a demount gap which may be continuously opened or may be controllable opened and closed.

Abstract: Tension member seals and securing mechanisms for medical devices are described herein. An example embodiment of a tension member seal comprises an elongate member, a first plug, a second plug, a material disposed within a chamber defined by the elongate member, and a tension member. The elongate member has a first configuration and a second configuration and the material is configured to seal the chamber as the elongate member is moved between its first and second configurations.

Abstract: Methods and devices for allowing articulation of an end effector on a surgical instrument are provided. In one embodiment, a surgical device can include a flexible neck portion having an end effector coupled to a distal end thereof. The flexible neck portion is configured to bend to as to allow the end effector to articulate. The flexible neck portion can include a monolithic flexible outer shell defining an inner lumen extending therethrough. At least one flexible divider can be disposed within the inner lumen such that it separates the outer shell into elongate pathways configured to receive articulation members extending through the shaft assembly and the flexible neck and coupled to the end effector to cause articulating movement thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an angioplasty balloon catheter having a retractable sheath and a flexible tip attached to the distal end of the sheath. The flexible tip is made of an elastomeric plastic that is capable of returning to its original shape after being expanded multiple times. The tip allows for the sheath to be retractable and the balloon inflated multiple times to treat or expand different locations within the vessel. Because the tip returns to its original shape each time, the tip is less likely to damage the vessel wall when the sheath is repositioned in the vessel, and also is easier to retract through a guide-catheter.

Abstract: A pleural space draining assembly for draining gas and liquid from a pleural space includes a catheter. Walls, coupled to and positioned in the catheter, define a first channel, a second channel, and a third channel. A first port, fluidically coupled to the first channel, is positioned through the catheter proximate to a first end of the catheter. A stylet, which has a tip that is blunt, is complementary to the first channel. A second port, fluidically coupled to the second channel, is positioned through the catheter between the first port and a midpoint of the catheter. A balloon is sealably positioned in the second channel. The balloon is configured to reversibly and selectively inflate. Holes, fluidically coupled to the third channel, are positioned through the catheter. A valve is fluidically coupled to the third channel at the first end of the catheter.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed herein for therapeutically treating atrial tissue to lessen the effects of mechanical stress on atrial tissue, where reducing mechanical stress in the portion of atrial tissue reduces formation of at least one arrhythmia substrate. In one example, the devices and methods are suitable for minimally invasive surgery. More particularly, methods and devices described herein permit creating an ablation pattern on an organ while reducing excessive trauma to a patient.

Abstract: An electric handle for delivering an implant is disclosed. The electric handle (1) includes an electric control unit (10), a power-driven transmission mechanism (20), a handle housing (30), an outer tube anchor (40) and an inner tube anchor (50), wherein: the electric control unit (10) is operatively coupled to the power-driven transmission mechanism (20) to actuate the power-driven transmission mechanism (20); the power-driven transmission mechanism (20) is supported within the handle housing (30) and moveable together with the outer tube anchor (40); the inner tube anchor (50) is disposed within the handle housing (30) and is configured to hold an inner tube (3) of a delivery system; and the outer tube anchor (40) is configured to hold an outer tube (2) of the delivery system and is fixed to an end of the outer tube (2). A delivery system used especially for delivery of prosthetic valves is also disclosed, including an outer tube (2), an inner tube (3), an expandable implant (4) and the electric handle (1).

Abstract: A catheter may include electrodes for transvascular nerve stimulation. The electrodes may be positioned within lumens of the catheter and aligned with apertures in the outer wall of the catheter. The electrodes may produce focused electrical fields for stimulation of one or more nerves. In one embodiment, the catheter may include a set of proximal electrodes and a set of distal electrodes, and the proximal electrodes may stimulate a patient's left phrenic nerve and the distal electrodes may stimulate a patient's right phrenic nerve.

Abstract: A stent delivery system includes a handle and an elongate catheter extending from the handle, and defining a leading end and a trailing end, and having a longitudinal axis. The elongate catheter includes an inner member, an outer member mounted about the inner member and adapted for longitudinal movement relative to the inner member from an extended position to a retracted position and a stent mounted about the inner member. The stent delivery system also includes a thumbwheel mounted to the handle and operatively connected to the outer member, and a lock member releasably mountable to the handle. The thumbwheel is adapted for rotational movement to cause corresponding movement of the outer member from the extended position to the retracted position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a steering mechanism. The steering mechanism comprises a handle at a proximal end of the surgical instrument. The handle includes a plurality of controls for controlling a movement of the surgical instrument. The steering mechanism also comprises a hub that rotatably mates with the handle and a housing positioned about the hub. The handle, the housing, and the hub communicate with each other to provide at least a first degree of freedom and a second degree of freedom. An articulation region is at a distal end of the surgical instrument. A movement of the steering mechanism handle in one and only one of the first or second degrees of freedom relative to at least one of the housing or the hub translates to a movement of the articulation region in a single plane of motion.

Abstract: A catheter for use in a patient's heart, especially for mapping a tubular region of the heart, has a catheter body, a deflectable intermediate section and a distal a mapping assembly that has a generally circular portion adapted to sit on or in a tubular region of the heart. A control handle of the catheter allows for single-handed manipulation of various control mechanisms that can deflect the intermediate section and contract the mapping assembly by means of a deflection control assembly and a linear control assembly. The deflection control assembly has a deflection arm and a rocker member. The linear control assembly has a linear control member, an inner rotational member and a cam. A pair of puller members are responsive to the deflection control assembly to bi-directionally deflect the intermediate section. A third puller member is responsive to the linear control assembly to contract the generally circular portion of the mapping assembly.

Abstract: A dilation apparatus includes a shaft, a dilation balloon, and a standoff member. The shaft includes a first lumen and a second lumen. The distal end of the second lumen is proximal to the distal end of the first lumen. The dilation balloon encompasses the second distal end of the second lumen such that the dilation balloon defines an interior in fluid communication with the second lumen. A distal portion of the standoff member is positioned within the interior of the dilation balloon. The distal portion of the standoff member is distal to the second distal end of the second lumen. The standoff member provides a pathway for fluid communication between the interior of the dilation balloon and the second lumen. The standoff member may include a tube, a thread, polymeric beading, or other structures.

Abstract: Method and systems of determining adequacy of fixation of a medical lead type having a fixation helix are disclosed. The lead of the medical lead type is placed at a desired location within a patient's body and the fixation helix is screwed into tissue at that location. One or more parameters, associated with the lead, are measured at the location. Based upon the measured one or more parameters, determining a number of turns that the helix is embedded into the tissue at the location.

Abstract: A medical device and method are provided for accessing a side branch in an artery utilizing an on-board imaging device. The device includes a catheter having a sidewall, an internal lumen, and a side port formed through the sidewall. A perforating guide wire has a proximal portion within the internal lumen and a distal portion arranged to be movable out of the side port. The guide wire can be delivered through the side port to a side branch artery when the catheter is deployed to a location with the side port aligned with the side branch artery. In one embodiment, the catheter includes an on-board imaging system disposed adjacent the side opening. The imaging system images tissue adjacent the side opening to assist with alignment of the guide wire to enter a side branch and/or cross an occlusion within the side branch.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided, comprising an implant-storage member (24), configured to be percutaneously advanced to a tissue (10) of a subject, and shaped to define (a) a space (26) that is configured to house an implant (22) configured to apply a current to at least the tissue, (b) an opening (28) through which the implant is deliverable to the tissue, and (c) at least one window (30), configured such that, while the implant is disposed within the space and the implant-storage member is disposed in the tissue, the window facilitates flow of the current therethrough from the implant to the tissue; and a delivery manipulator (34), reversibly couplable to the implant, and configured to facilitate delivery of the implant through the opening. Other embodiments are also described.