Abstract: A deflection mechanism for selectively inducing a bend in a catheter body includes an elongated deflection wire extending within a deflection lumen of the catheter body and into a handle. A guide track is formed within the handle and a thumb wheel is mounted proximal to the elongated guide track within the handle and supports a pinion gear; the thumb wheel and the pinion gear are adapted to be rotated about a common thumb wheel axis, which extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A rack arm extends obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the handle and includes runners received by the guide track, an attachment point coupling the deflection wire to the rack arm and a linear rack engaging the pinion gear. Rotation of the thumb wheel in a first direction draws the deflection wire proximally through the deflection lumen.

Abstract: A medical device, comprising: an elongate tubular knitted catheter comprising at least one biocompatible, electrically non-conductive filament arranged in longitudinally adjacent substantially parallel rows each stitched to an adjacent row.

Abstract: A catheter that provides bi-directional steering and allows for deflection sensitivity adjustment includes a catheter body, a deflectable tip section and a control handle, wherein the control handle has a deflection member adapted for user manipulation, a deflection assembly responsive to the deflection member to draw on a tensile puller member for deflecting the tip section, and an adjustment mechanism adapted to adjust sensitivity of the deflection member. The adjustment mechanism also correspondingly adjusts a maximum degree of deflection of the tip section. The deflection assembly includes a rotatable pulley arm and two pulleys, and a deflection sensitivity adjustment mechanism with a cam device that varies a separation distance between the pulleys.

Abstract: A deflectable catheter includes a catheter shaft having a deflectable distal tip. A support member is coupled around a proximal portion of the catheter shaft, and the support member includes a first brake portion extending along at least a portion of the support member. A handle is coupled around the support member. The deflectable catheter includes a carriage moveably coupled along the handle, and the carriage includes a second brake portion sized and shaped to engage with at least a portion of the first brake portion. A flexible element is coupled between the deflectable distal tip and the carriage. A biasing device is adapted to bias the second brake portion into engagement with the first brake portion.

Abstract: A catheter for diagnosing or treating the vessels found within a body or body space includes a center strut that is bonded, preferably thermally, along its longitudinal axis with the thermoplastic tubular member within which it is housed. The tubular member preferably has three layers: an inner layer, a braided layer and an outer layer. The composite catheter is made using a process in which two half-cylinder shaped mandrels are placed on each side of the center strut while the strut is heated in order to cause the thermal bonding. The bonded center strut provides in-plane deflection and improved transfer of torque to the tip of the catheter.

Abstract: An agent delivery catheter that includes an anti-whipping feature, improved assembly of distal parts and/or accuracy/repeatability of needle delivery to a target tissue. Additional features include fitting a catheter with a pneumatic delivery device for delivery of a therapeutic agent without using a needle.

Abstract: An exemplary adhesive applier comprises a handle portion, a shaft portion, and a tip portion. The handle portion is configured to be gripped by a user. The shaft portion is in communication with the handle portion. The tip portion is in communication with the shaft portion. The tip portion is operable to articulate relative to the shaft portion in response to user input, and is operable to dispense a liquid substance at a plurality of articulated positions. In some embodiments, the handle portion is configured to pivot relative to the shaft portion, and the tip portion is operable to pivot relative to the shaft portion in response to pivoting of the handle portion relative to the shaft portion.

Abstract: A catheter according to one embodiment may be configured to extend through a transseptal puncture site, a left atrium, and into a left ventricle. The catheter may comprise a shaft defining at least one lumen configured to receive at least one of an implant and/or a dilator, a first steerable actuator coupled to the shaft at a position on the shaft substantially corresponding to the annulus of the mitral valve when the distal end of the shaft is disposed within the left ventricle, and a handle assembly coupled to a proximal end of the shaft. The handle assembly may comprise a first actuator coupled to the first steerable actuator. The first actuator may be configured to apply a force to the first steerable actuator to deflect the shaft about a region proximate to the first steerable actuator.

Abstract: The present invention is a catheter actuation handle for deflecting a distal end of a tubular catheter body having first and second actuation wires extending from a proximal end of the body. The handle comprises a first grip portion, a bearing assembly, and an actuator. The first grip potion includes a pivot with a pathway extending through the pivot. The pathway is generally parallel to a longitudinal centerline of the first grip portion. The bearing assembly is located on the first grip portion proximal to the pivot. The actuator is pivotally coupled to the pivot and includes first and second ends that are laterally offset from the longitudinal centerline and are on opposite sides of the centerline from each other. When the distal end of the handle is coupled to the proximal end of the body, the first and second actuation wires extend along the pathway to the bearing assembly.

Abstract: A hand-holdable steering mechanism is used as part of a medical device such as a catheter or an endoscope to allow movement of a steerable distal portion of the catheter or endoscope. The mechanism can include a housing and an actuation system. The actuation system is adapted for one-handed operation by a user, and it allows the user to achieve 360 degree articulation of the steerable distal portion. The actuation system can include a first actuator and a second actuator where the first and second actuators are movable with respect to each other. The first actuator can be at least partially disposed within the second actuator.

Abstract: The drainage catheter hub includes a locking cam for securing a suture to maintain an anchor configuration of the distal end of the drainage catheter. The locking cam is rotatable to a first position for securing the suture and a second position for releasing the suture. The locking cam includes a tapered surface which includes a release portion and a securement portion. The release portion allows movement of the suture while the securement portion cooperatively engages the suture in connection with the seat to minimize movement of the suture.

Abstract: A steerable medical device is used to controllably introduce a guidewire or other medical instrument into a body of a patient and direct placement of the guidewire or other medical instrument in the body of the patient. The steerable medical device can include an elongated member, a steering mechanism, and an attachment member. The elongated member extends along a longitudinal axis and comprises a deflectable distal portion that is deflectable off of the longitudinal axis. The steering mechanism is adapted to control longitudinal and rotational movement of the elongated member and to control off-axis deflection of its deflectable portion. The attachment member is removably couplable to another medical device. The attachment member is moveably coupled to the steering mechanism and the elongated member.

Abstract: Spiral-wound materials, spirals, and shafts made therefrom that have wraps with edges that may nest within one another are described. Such edges allow the spiral to achieve a smaller bending radius, meaning tighter turns and more flexibility due to the ability of adjacent wraps to nest within each other when the shaft is bent. Spirals having wraps with edges capable of nesting can be used in the medical field for devices that track anatomy, such as endoscopes, colonoscopes, catheters, and the like.

Abstract: A deflectable sheath with increased range of curvature for human use is provided. The improvement focuses on the use of different durometer polymers that compose the lumen in the portion of deflection. The use of differing durometer polymers allow the deflectable sheath to be bent in a multitude of asymmetric curvature radii therefore providing the physician with a sheath that can traverse different regions of the body than with previous sheaths.

Abstract: A surgical access assembly dimensioned for positioning within a patient's tissue includes a seal member having an internal channel defined therein for the reception of a closure member, and an aperture extending through the seal member that is configured to removably receive a surgical object upon its insertion into the surgical access assembly. The closure member is selectively actuable to transition the seal member from a first condition, in which the aperture includes a first diameter, to a second condition, in which the aperture includes a second diameter. The second diameter is less than the first diameter and substantially approximates an outer dimension of the surgical object such that a substantially fluid-tight seal is formed therewith.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter body extending from a deflectable distal end to a proximal end, and the catheter body includes an actuator lumen. A housing is engaged to the proximal end of the catheter body. A flexible element extends from the housing through the actuator lumen to the deflectable distal end. The deflectable distal end is deflected by pushing and pulling of the flexible element. An actuator is movably coupled with the housing and connected to the flexible element. A tubular support is engaged around the flexible element and connected to the actuator, the tubular support moves with the actuator, and the tubular support substantially constrains lateral movement of the flexible element. The tubular support is telescopically received and engaged with an inner surface of the actuator lumen. The inner surface of the actuator lumen substantially constrains lateral movement of the tubular support and the flexible element.

Abstract: A system that interfaces with a workstation endocardial mapping system allows for the rapid and successful ablation of cardiac tissue. The system allows a physician to see a representation of the physical location of a catheter in a representation of an anatomic model of the patient's heart. The workstation is the primary interface with the physician. A servo catheter having pull wires and pull rings for guidance and a servo catheter control system are interfaced with the workstation. Servo catheter control software may run on the workstation. The servo catheter is coupled to an RF generator. The physician locates a site for ablation therapy and confirms the location of the catheter. Once the catheter is located at the desired ablation site, the physician activates the RF generator to deliver the therapy.

Abstract: A sleeve steering and reinforcing device (10) includes a first, elongate, helical element (12) having spaced turns (14). At least one further, elongate, helical element (16) is co-axially arranged with the first helical element (12). The at least one further helical element (16) has a plurality of spaced turns (18) wound in an opposite direction to the turns (14) of the first helical element (12) such that the turns (14, 18) of the elements (12, 16) coincide at predetermined zones (20, 22), the zones (20, 22) being arranged along lines extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elements.

Abstract: A control system for allowing a physician to control the orientation of a medical device or a medical instrument in a variety of directions with one hand. An actuator selectively tensions one or more control cables having ends secured at or adjacent a distal tip of the medical device in order to bend the distal tip in a desired direction. In one embodiment, a physician can adjust the movement of the distal tip in a desired direction without affecting the orientation of the medical device in other directions.

Abstract: A deflectable catheter assembly includes a deflectable body manipulatable by a rotating actuator of a housing assembly. The housing assembly includes a sliding member having a threaded portion including a first threaded portion having a first pitch and a second threaded portion having a second pitch, where the first pitch is different than the second pitch.

Abstract: An aspiration catheter includes an elastically deformable distal tip transformable between an orthogonal configuration and an oblique configuration to selectively and controllably appose the tip with thrombus or other matter to be aspirated. A core wire is slidably disposed in a core wire lumen within the catheter and is operably connected to the catheter distal tip. The core wire is controlled from the catheter proximal end to transform the distal tip between orthogonal and oblique configurations.

Abstract: A guide catheter and a needle catheter are disclosed. The guide catheter construction provides for maximum articulation of the deflectable tip and maximum torque response during rotation. The needle catheter may include a release mechanism that imparts a sudden force to the needle in order to facilitate tissue penetration.

Abstract: A tendon deflection system including a shaft, a plurality of tendons movably disposed within the shaft, and a force-balancing element coupled to the tendons. In a first section, the plurality of tendons are arranged around the shaft at equal angles to each other and at an equal distance from the center of the shaft. The tendons operating in concert with the force-balancing element minimize the moment expressed in the first section. The second section is deflectable and includes at least one tendon, extending from the plurality of tendons in the first section, which is arranged along one side of the shaft such that the bending moment expressed in the second section is greater than the first section.

Abstract: Controllable catheter (10) having an elongated shaft (13) which is subdivided into multiple shaft segments, at least two of which are designed as tilt segments (12) and are each connected to at least one adjustment device, so that they can be tilted about a desired tilt angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft (13), wherein each of the at least one adjustment device is individually controllable and allows individual tilting of a corresponding tilt segment about a desired tilt angle.

Abstract: A thumb wheel mechanism includes a thumb wheel with upper and lower surfaces, the lower surface including a bore with a ball connected to it, and an handle half with upper and lower surfaces, the upper surface including a divot, the thumb wheel lower surface being aligned with the handle half upper surface so that the ball rests in the divot of the handle half upper surface when the thumb wheel mechanism is in the neutral position, thereby minimizing the compression load on the thumb wheel mechanism.

Abstract: A robotic catheter manipulator assembly may include a support member including a catheter manipulation base and a sheath manipulation base movable relative to each other and to the support member. Each respective manipulation base may be releasably connectable to a catheter cartridge and a sheath cartridge. A drive mechanism may be provided for moving the catheter and sheath manipulation bases relative to each other and to the support member. The manipulation base or the cartridge may include a first element engageable with a complementary second element slidably engaged with the other one of the manipulation base or the cartridge for controlling movement of a component connected to the cartridge. The cartridge, for example, may be a transseptal cartridge, a catheter cartridge or a sheath cartridge, and the component may respectively be a surgically insertable device such as a transseptal needle, a catheter or a sheath.

Abstract: A robotic catheter rotatable device cartridge may include a housing member attachable to a drive mechanism for rotating the cartridge and a catheter attached to the cartridge along an axial direction of the catheter. A slider block may be generally slidable relative to the housing and engaged with one or more steering wires for controlling movement of the catheter in a transverse direction relative to the axial direction. The catheter may include the steering wire(s) engaged therewith and movable in the transverse direction when the slider block is linearly driven in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A robotic catheter device cartridge may include a finger or a slider block generally disposed in a channel and engaged with a steering wire. The steering wire may control movement of a component having the steering wire engaged thereto when the finger or the slider block is linearly driven in a predetermined direction. The cartridge may be a transseptal cartridge having a transseptal needle connected thereto, a catheter cartridge having a catheter connected thereto, or a sheath cartridge having a sheath connected thereto.

Abstract: A tendon deflection system including a shaft, a plurality of tendons movably disposed within the shaft, and a force-balancing element coupled to the tendons. In a first section, the plurality of tendons are arranged around the shaft at equal angles to each other and at an equal distance from the center of the shaft. The tendons operating in concert with the force-balancing element minimize the moment expressed in the first section. The second section is deflectable and includes at least one tendon, extending from the plurality of tendons in the first section, which is arranged along one side of the shaft such that the bending moment expressed in the second section is greater than the first section.

Abstract: A bi-directional catheter with nearly double the throw in its catheter tip deflection defines a puller wire travel path having a U-turn a pulley which minimizes the offset angle between the puller wire and the longitudinal axis of the control handle while maximizing the travel distance of that puller wire for any given distance traveled by the pulley drawing the puller wire. In particular, the control handle of the catheter which includes a steering assembly having a lever arm carrying a pair of pulleys for drawing corresponding puller wires to deflect the tip section of the catheter. The pulleys are rotatably mounted on opposing portions of the lever arm such that one pulley is moved distally as the other pulley is moved proximally when the lever arm is rotated.

Abstract: A catheter actuation handle for deflecting a distal end of a tubular catheter body having first and second actuation wires extending from a proximal end of the body. The handle comprises a first grip portion, a bearing assembly, and an actuator. The first grip portion includes a pivot with a pathway extending through the pivot. The pathway is generally parallel to a longitudinal centerline of the first grip portion. The bearing assembly is located on the first grip portion proximal to the pivot. The actuator is pivotally coupled to the pivot and includes first and second ends that are laterally offset from the longitudinal centerline and are on opposite sides of the centerline from each other. When the distal end of the handle is coupled to the proximal end of the body, the first and second actuation wires extend along the pathway to the bearing assembly.

Abstract: A hand-holdable steering mechanism is used as part of a medical device such as a catheter or an endoscope to allow movement of a steerable distal portion of the catheter or endoscope. The mechanism can include a housing, a first actuator, and a second actuator. The first actuator is configured to move the steerable portion along a first plane when the first actuator is moved between first and second positions. The second actuator is configured to move the steerable portion along a second plane different than the first plane when the second actuator is moved between first and second positions.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter body and housing attached to the catheter body proximal end, where an actuator lumen extends through the catheter body. A flexible element extends from an actuator member within the housing through the actuator lumen to a deflectable distal end. A first tubular support is provided that is coupled to the flexible element. A second tubular support is coupled with the first tubular support and slidably coupled to the flexible element. In one option, the first tubular support and second tubular support constrain lateral movement of the flexible element when the catheter assembly is operated.

Abstract: The Access guide catheter provides passage for therapeutic and diagnostic devices through vessels or conduits that return substantially in a direction from which they originated. One application is for delivery of therapeutic catheters to the carotid or cerebral arteries via access from the radial or brachial artery. The guide catheter enters the aorta from one of the great vessels, forms a closed loop in the aorta, and is directed back into a great vessel in an opposed direction. The distal portion of the guide catheter is advanced into the great vessel for support. Further support is attained by providing tension to the proximal shaft of the guide catheter. Flexibility of the guide catheter allows diagnostic angiograms to be performed prior to delivery of a therapeutic catheter or device.

Abstract: A bi-directional catheter with nearly double the throw in its catheter tip deflection defines a puller wire travel path having a U-turn a pulley which minimizes the offset angle between the puller wire and the longitudinal axis of the control handle while maximizing the travel distance of that puller wire for any given distance traveled by the pulley drawing the puller wire. In particular, the control handle of the catheter which includes a steering assembly having a lever arm carrying a pair of pulleys for drawing corresponding puller wires to deflect the tip section of the catheter. The pulleys are rotatably mounted on opposing portions of the lever arm such that one pulley is moved distally as the other pulley is moved proximally when the lever arm is rotated.

Abstract: A method and device for treating a Chronic Total Occlusion provides a controllable stiffness catheter with a shaft having a stiffness sheath and an access lumen. The device has a stiffness device in a stiff state below a given temperature and in a soft state above the temperature, a temperature-changing device in thermal contact with the stiffness device, the temperature-changing device changing a temperature of the stiffness device below and above the temperature, and a power controller electrically connected to the stiffness device and selectively supplying power to the temperature-changing device to change a stiffness of the stiffness device between the stiff and soft states. A guidewire is moved to a treatment site and the catheter moves along the guidewire up to CTO in its soft state. The catheter stiffens without straightening and, in the stiff state, the catheter or the guidewire is projecting through the CTO.

Abstract: A steerable guide catheter system for navigation through the vasculature of a patient to the heart.

Abstract: A medical device allows movement control of a distal end portion of the medical device and is adapted for one-handed operation. The medical device is capable of omni-directional control of the distal end portion of the device. The device has an elongated member including a deflectable portion at a distal end portion of the elongated member. The device also has a control portion disposed on the elongated member. This control portion can be a handle for one-handed use by an operator of the medical device. The control portion comprises an elastic element and a flexible element. Angular movement of a first portion of the control portion with respect to a second portion of the control portion results in amplification of that angular movement in the deflectable portion of the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to deflectable access sheath assembly. The present invention relates to deflectable sheaths and catheters, including a deflectable sheath access device or introducer, wherein the deflection and movement of the sheath access device is controlled through the relative movement of a plurality of sheaths with respect to one another. Moreover, the present invention relates to catheter assemblies designed for increased flexibility.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a deflectable electrophysiological catheter includes constructing a shaft having a distal end and at least one lumen. The method further includes inserting a component into the lumen, and processing at least a portion of the distal end to reduce the cross-sectional profile of the lumen to capture/confine the component. A catheter manufactured using this method includes a shaft having at least one lumen. The lumen comprises a longitudinally-extending trough defined by a longitudinally-extending recess, within which a component is disposed, and a longitudinally extending open edge. The lumen further comprises a longitudinally-extending channel defined by a longitudinally-extending cavity and by the open edge of the trough. A planarity wire is disposed within the cavity and is configured to close the open edge of the trough to within a pre-defined tolerance that is less than the size of the component to retain the component in the recess.

Abstract: A multi electrode catheter for non contact mapping of the heart having independent articulation and deployment features.

Abstract: A guidable, or steerable, or deflectable catheter is provided that includes a proximal portion and a distal portion for insertion into a body cavity. A selectively deflectable segment having an anisotropic bending stiffness for deflection in individual planes is incorporated into the distal portion of the catheter shaft. Upon actuation of pull wires, the distal deflectable segment may be deflected to move/sweep the distal catheter tip through a sweeping plane. The anisotropic bending stiffness of the distal deflectable segment permits in-plane movement of the distal catheter tip in the sweeping plane while resisting any out-of-plane movements. In one arrangement, stiffening elements are selectively disposed within the distal deflectable segment such that the out-of-plane bending stiffness is largely increased and greater than the in-plane bending stiffness for deflection in the sweeping plane.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, systems, methods and kits for endoscopically accessing a body cavity and providing a directed pathway toward a target tissue within the cavity. The directed pathway is provided by an access sheath which is positioned in a desired configuration, generally directed toward the target tissue. Depending on the location of the target tissue and the desired angle of approach, the access sheath may be required to maintain one or more curves in one or more planes to properly direct the interventional devices. In addition, the access sheath has a locking feature to hold the sheath in place and maintain the desired configuration. Interventional devices may then be passed through the sheath to the target tissue.

Abstract: A dual function catheter handle is provided for simultaneous movement of two control wires. The catheter handle has a handle housing having proximal and distal ends and a generally hollow interior. A core is mounted in the interior of the handle housing, the core having a longitudinal slot therethrough. A first moveable member is provided with a proximal end mounted in the interior of the handle housing and a distal end extending outside the handle housing. The first moveable member is longitudinally moveable relative to the handle housing. A second moveable member is mounted in the longitudinal slot of the core and is longitudinally moveable relative to the core and handle housing. The second moveable member has a threaded surface. A rotatable member is mounted on the handle housing. The rotatable member has a threaded inner surface that mates with the threaded surface of the second moveable member so that rotation of the rotatable member causes longitudinal movement of the second moveable member.

Abstract: A deflectable catheter includes a catheter shaft having a deflectable distal tip. A support member is coupled around a proximal portion of the catheter shaft, and the support member includes a first brake portion extending along at least a portion of the support member. A handle is coupled around the support member. The deflectable catheter includes a carriage moveably coupled along the handle, and the carriage includes a second brake portion sized and shaped to engage with at least a portion of the first brake portion. A flexible element is coupled between the deflectable distal tip and the carriage. A biasing device is adapted to bias the second brake portion into engagement with the first brake portion.

Abstract: A steering mechanism (10) for a catheter includes tubular member (12) defining passage (14). The tubular member (12) has longitudinally extending, bend-enhancing portion (18) formed at predetermined region of the tubular member (12). Actuator (16) is received in the passage (14) of tubular member (12), distal part (16.2) of actuator (16) being fast with a distal part (20) of the tubular member (12).

Abstract: A therapeutic delivery device is provided wherein a delivery body is supported by an elongate member such that the body may rotate as it delivers therapeutic to a target site. Therapeutic may be delivered by deploying delivery heads into a target site as well as by dispensing therapeutic from the delivery head. The delivery body may be cylindrically shaped, spherically shaped or shaped in various other configurations. In one embodiment the delivery body contains tracks that may roll back and forth over a target site to dispense therapeutic. In another embodiment, the delivery heads of the delivery body have internal valves that open and close in order to dispense therapeutic.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an active handle assembly for use in a bidirectional steerable surgical instrument having a deflectable distal end. Typically, the surgical instrument includes a handle component which the user manipulates to cause a distal end of the instrument to deflect. The distal end comprises an end tip portion of a shaft which extends outwardly from the handle. A control mechanism is disposed within the handle and extends through the shaft for selectively controlling the direction and degree of deflection at the distal end. For example, one exemplary control mechanism uses control or steering wires to deflect the distal end. The active counterforce mechanism according to the present invention is designed to be used in combination with the control mechanism and provides a force which counters the return to center force generated by the deflection of the shaft at the distal end thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for imparting a tensile force to deflect a distal portion of a catheter while maintaining its exterior dimensions may include a handle grip including a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and a longitudinal axis. A flexible elongate member may include proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion being coupled to the handle grip. An adjustment knob may include a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and is rotatably coupled to the handle grip around the longitudinal axis. An elongate deflection member may be operably coupled to the adjustment knob and to the distal end portion of the elongate member. Rotation of the adjustment knob may impart a tensile force to the deflection member thereby causing the distal end portion of the elongate member to deflect from a prior configuration while maintaining the generally predetermined exterior dimensions of the handle grip and the adjustment knob.

Abstract: A deflectable catheter includes a catheter shaft having a deflectable distal tip. A support member is coupled around a proximal portion of the catheter shaft, and the support member includes a first brake portion extending along at least a portion of the support member. A handle is coupled around the support member. The deflectable catheter includes a carriage moveably coupled along the handle, and the carriage includes a second brake portion sized and shaped to engage with at least a portion of the first brake portion. A flexible element is coupled between the deflectable distal tip and the carriage. A biasing device is adapted to bias the second brake portion into engagement with the first brake portion.