Abstract: A drainage catheter system includes an elongate tube with proximal and distal ends and a filament extending the tube that is adjustable to create a closed loop at the distal end of the tube when the filament is retracted relative to the tube. The filament is coupled to the tube such that the filament and tube are prevented from being separated in the event that the tube and filament are cut at the proximal end at the conclusion of a drainage procedure. The filament can be attached to the tube near the distal end. The filament can be attached to the tube along its length. The catheter system can also include a retraction mechanism having a first fixed position and second fixed position, where the second fixed position retracts the filament proximally relative to the first fixed position by actuating a plunger.

Abstract: A tissue removing catheter includes an apposition mechanism that selectively imparts an axially compressive load on the catheter body to bend the catheter and urge a tissue-removing element toward a blood vessel wall. The apposition mechanism can include one or more adjustment lines and an adjustment mechanism for selectively tensioning one of the adjustment lines to impart the compressive load on the catheter body. Two adjustment lines can have diametrically opposed positions and be wound onto a spool of the adjustment mechanism in opposite directions so that rotation of the spool simultaneously shortens one adjustment line and lengthens the other. The catheter body can have a more flexible bending segment adjacent the tissue-removing element to promote bending near the tissue-removing element operative to urge the tissue-removing element in apposition with the blood vessel.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle, and inner bore of the handle, an actuation lever of the handle, a housing tube, and an optic fiber disposed within the inner bore of the handle and the housing tube. The housing tube may have a first housing tube portion having a first stiffness and a second housing tube portion having a second stiffness. The second stiffness may be greater than the first stiffness.

Abstract: A cryogenic treatment system has a housing that includes a dispensing nozzle operably connected with a CO2 dispensing conduit that includes a valve for controlling the flow of CO2 therethrough. A connector fitting is adapted for operably connecting the CO2 dispensing conduit with the separate CO2 source, which is not mounted on the housing. A temperature sensor is operably mounted for monitoring the temperature of a treated area of the patient, and an accelerometer is operably mounted for monitoring movement of the housing. A computer controller is operably connected with the temperature sensor and the accelerometer for controlling the valve responsive to the temperature sensor and the accelerometer.

Abstract: In a catheter system and method for controlling such a system, an elongate hollow shaft has a proximal end connected to a handle and a distal end remote from the handle. A working component is carried by the shaft and has at least one characteristic that is adjustable. An actuator is rotatably mounted on the handle for selectively adjusting at least one characteristic of the working component. A control line extends at least in part within the shaft. The control line operatively couples the actuator with the working component such that rotation of the actuator relative to the handle effects linear translation of the control line to adjust the at least one characteristic of the working component.

Abstract: A method for delivering an implant including, a catheter having a shaft defined by a proximal end and a distal end and a bore extending therethrough; a first joint in the shaft, and a second joint in the shaft located distal of the first joint. The first joint and the second joint are separated by a first digit sized to receive the implant and located between the first joint and the second joint. The second joint and the distal end are separated by a second digit being sized to receive the implant. The implant is advanced through the first digit and into the second digit without bending the implant or the first and second digits by rotating the digits at the first joint and the second joint.

Abstract: A steerable catheter includes a tubular sheath having a longitudinally-extending lumen formed within a wall thereof and a steering mechanism disposed within the longitudinally-extending lumen. The steering mechanism includes a pull tube and a pull wire. At least a segment of the pull wire is coaxially disposed within the pull tube. The pull tube has a distal end attached at a first anchor point to the tubular sheath, and the pull wire has a distal end attached at a second anchor point to the tubular sheath. The second anchor point is distal of the first anchor point. The pull tube and the pull wire are separately tensioned to bend respective regions of the tubular sheath.

Abstract: Articulation devices, such as comprising pull rings, are provided having improved or increased visibility under conventional visualization techniques, such as fluoroscopy. Such improved visibility is achieved by the presence of at least one insert comprised of a material that is more visible or detectable under imaging techniques than the pull ring. The at least one insert is positionable within a cut-out in the articulation device and fixed into place by a suitable method such as adhesive, soldering, swaging, welding, laser welding, etc. The insert resides within the dimensions of the walls of the pull ring so as to not increase the outer diameter or decrease the inner diameter of the pull ring. This maintains the profile of the overall articulation device.

Abstract: A method for delivering RF energy to living tissue includes the steps of extending a guidewire to a tissue treatment site in a body. A controllable stiffness catheter is provided with a stiffness device having non-metallic properties and a temperature-changing device. The stiffness device is in a stiff state below a given temperature and in a soft state above the given temperature. While supplying power to the temperature-changing device, the catheter is threaded along the guidewire up to the treatment site in the soft state. Power is removed from the temperature-changing device to alter the non-metallic properties of the stiffness device and directly result in a change of the stiffness device to the stiff state without straightening the catheter. The RF energy supply device is physically contacted with the treatment site and RF energy is delivered to the treatment site from the RF energy supply device.

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: Deflection actuators configured to provide variable mechanical advantage and to optionally maintain a desired state of deflection are disclosed. Each deflection actuator may comprise a plurality of planar components, at least one of which is adapted to move relative to at least one other component. The planar components may comprise a channeled platform and a pivotable base mounted adjacent to the channeled platform. The platform may comprise a slider trough to slidably retain a slider. The base may have a cam arm pivotally connected to it and adapted to push a slider in its trough, whereby pivoting of the pivotable base relative to the channeled platform produces linear motion by the slider in its slider trough. The deflection actuator may also comprise a friction-lock knob, a knob receiver, and a pivot hub to selectably produce friction between various components to hold a catheter shaft in a desired state of deflection.

Abstract: An internally sealable wire includes an elongate flexible body having a length and a plurality of electrically conductive strands disposed within an insulation jacket. The body includes an unsealed portion extending along a majority of the length of the body and at least one sealed portion positioned at a point along the length of the body. The unsealed portion includes open internal spaces defined between the strands and the insulation jacket, and the at least one sealed portion includes a filler material disposed within the internal spaces to effect a seal within the body and prevent the passage of fluid through the wire.

Abstract: A plunger-type control handle for controlling the deflection of a distal tip of a catheter. The control handle includes a spool driven by a gear, the spool being connected to the proximal end of at least one pull wire. For bi-directional deflection, a second proximal end of a pull wire is connected to the spool such that when one of the proximal ends is collected by the spool, the other of the proximal ends is released in an equal amount. The gear is operatively coupled to the plunger and engages a gear rack disposed on the control handle housing, such that when there is relative movement between the housing and the plunger, the gear and spool are rotated. In one embodiment, a switching mechanism is provided that reverses the rotation direction of the gear and spool, thereby providing full stroke resolution of the plunger in each of the bi-directional directions.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a guide extension catheter. The guide extension catheter may include a proximal tubular member having a lumen defined therein. A distal tubular member may be attached to the proximal tubular member. The proximal tubular member may have an outer diameter. The distal tubular member may have an inner diameter. The inner diameter of the distal tubular member may be greater than the outer diameter of the proximal tubular member. A stiffening member may be slidably disposed within the proximal tubular member.

Abstract: A probe, consisting of a flexible insertion tube, for insertion into a subject via a body lumen. The probe includes a sequence of tubular modules contained within the insertion tube, each module having a rigid tube segment having a preset shape and containing internal grooves on an interior surface of the tube segment. The probe further includes a flexible expander tube, which is threaded through the sequence of tubular modules and has external grooves configured to engage the internal grooves within the tube segment of each of the tubular modules when the expander tube is expanded, so as to hold the tubular modules in mutual alignment, wherein the tubular modules are able to move out of mutual alignment when the expander tube is unexpanded. The probe also has an expansion element, which is insertable through the flexible expander tube so as to expand the expander tube.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a pull wire and a control member subassembly, wherein the pull wire is secured to a post of the subassembly that may extend through a slot of a handle, and an engagement feature of the subassembly, being supported by an elastically deformable support of the subassembly resting on a railway of the handle, confronts a mating feature of the handle to interlock therewith, responsive to the support being un-deformed. The post, engagement feature, and support may be integrally formed together in a single-piece component, wherein the engagement feature may be one or two rows of teeth formed in a surface of an upper portion of the component, and the support may be a pair of flexible cantilever beam members of a lower portion of the component. Furthermore, the mating surface and railway may be integrally formed in an inner surface of a shell of the handle.

Abstract: The ablation systems, ablation probes, and corresponding methods according to the present disclosure reduce or eliminate energy radiating from an ablation probe into the environment. Some ablation probes include a retractable sheath that shields at least the radiating portion of the ablation probe. The retractable sheath and/or the ablation probe may include conduits through which a fluid may flow to shield the radiating portion and to drive the retractable sheath to an extended state. Other ablation probes include apertures defined in the probe walls through which the fluid can flow to expand a balloon surrounding the radiating portion. Yet other ablation probes include a thermal indicator to indicate the temperature of the ablation probe to a user. The ablation systems include fluid circuits and associated mechanical controls for varying the contents and/or flow rate of the fluid provided to the radiating portion of the ablation probe.

Abstract: A deflectable catheter shaft section is disclosed comprising an elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a distal end and a proximal end; and a plurality of lumens extending along the longitudinal axis of the elongated body, wherein at least one of the lumens is abutting at least another one of the lumens. A catheter comprising the deflectable catheter shaft section and a method of manufacturing the deflectable catheter shaft section are also disclosed. A catheter incorporating a deflectable catheter shaft section can further comprise first and second compression coils disposed over pull wires located within the catheter, wherein the compression coils are unattached to the catheter or components thereof, but can be constrained by a shaft coupler at a distal end of each of the compression coils and by at least a portion of a handle assembly at a proximal end of each of the compression coils.

Abstract: An improved bi-directional steerable catheter is provided. The catheter generally comprises a catheter body, tip section and control handle. The catheter further comprises first and second puller wires extending from the control handle, through the catheter body and into the tip section. The control handle has deflection means for each puller wire that include a gear, and a carrier to which the proximal end of a puller wire is anchored. The gear is rotatably coupled to a lever controlled by an operator and the gear engages the carrier such that rotation of the gear by the lever results in longitudinal movement of the carrier, which results in deflection of the tip section.

Abstract: A method of treating a constricted sinus passageway of a patient includes traversing the canine fossa region of the patient so as to form a passageway in the sinus cavity. A cannula is positioned in the passageway. A visualization tool such as an endoscope is passed through a lumen or channel in the cannula to aid in visualization of the anatomical site of interest. A balloon dilation catheter is then deployed through or along the cannula so as to place the balloon within or across the constricted anatomical space (e.g., ostium). The balloon is then expanded so as to expand at least a portion of the constricted anatomical space. Alternative embodiments include the use of an optional guide wire and incorporating a endoscope lumen through the balloon dilation catheter.

Abstract: A torque for controlling the advancement and rotation of a right heart catheter during a right heart catheterization procedure. The torque has a casing with a cavity for receiving a core, and a lumen for receiving the right heart catheter. A gripper is disposed within the core to tightly grip the right heart catheter. The core has a plurality of threads that engage teeth of a handle. The handle is attached to the casing at an axis and rotates about the axis during use. The core has an elongated spiraled recess which is engaged by a guide pin attached to the casing and extending within the cavity. When the handle is rotated, the teeth of the handle engage the threads to rotate the core, and the guide pin engages the elongated spiraled recess to move the core laterally, thereby advancing and rotating the right heart catheter.

Abstract: A catheter has an elongate tubular component that defines a pull wire lumen, which extends along at least a portion of a length thereof. A pull wire extends within the pull wire lumen with a distal end of the pull wire being secured near a distal end of the catheter. The catheter includes a pull wire actuation mechanism slidably disposed thereon that is operably coupled to a proximal end of the pull wire. The pull wire actuation mechanism includes a first or upper housing portion that is longitudinally translatable in a first direction relative to the guide catheter and a second or lower housing portion that is longitudinally translatable in an opposite, second direction relative to the catheter to actuate the pull wire and selectively operate the distal end thereof.

Abstract: Multi-filter endolumenal methods and systems for filtering fluids within the body. In some embodiments a multi-filter blood filtering system captures and removes particulates dislodge or generated during a surgical procedure and circulating in a patient's vasculature. In some embodiments a dual filter system protects the cerebral vasculature during a cardiac valve repair or replacement procedure.

Abstract: Installments and methods are described for performing endoscopically guided operative procedures. According to some embodiments, a re-usable portion of the instrument includes a handle, electronics and an integrated display screen while a fluid hub and a cannula which includes a CMOS imaging module and LED lighting, form a single use portion of the instrument. The cannula includes a working channel configured to accept an operative device for performing the operative procedures.

Abstract: A guidewire assembly having selectively adjustable stiffness and tip curvature includes a hollow guidewire having a distal portion terminating at a distal tip, a curvature-modifying element anchored to the distal tip, and a stiffness-modifying element displaceable within the hollow guidewire towards and away from the distal tip so as to vary a stiffness of the distal portion. The stiffness-modifying element and the curvature-modifying element are frictionally linked such that movement of the stiffness-modifying element from a current position over a first range of motion causes corresponding displacement of the curvature-modifying element, thereby modifying a state of curvature of at least part of the distal portion of the guidewire. Movement of the stiffness-modifying element beyond the first range of motion displaces the stiffness-modifying element relative to the curvature-modifying element.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle, and inner bore of the handle, an actuation lever of the handle, a housing tube, and an optic fiber disposed within the inner bore of the handle and the housing tube. The housing tube may have a first housing tube portion having a first stiffness and a second housing tube portion having a second stiffness. The second stiffness may be greater than the first stiffness.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes an elongated handle assembly having opposed proximal and distal end portions and an interior cavity. An elongated sheath extends from the proximal end of the handle assembly, through the interior cavity of the handle assembly and out from the distal end portion of the handle assembly. The sheath includes an interior lumen extending therethrough and a distal end portion of the sheath is deflectable. The surgical apparatus includes a steering mechanism operatively associated with the handle assembly for controlling deflection of the deflectable distal end portion of the sheath. The steering mechanism includes a pull wire retraction assembly configured to selectively retract a pull wire to deflect the distal end portion of the sheath and a telescoping tube system for straightly guiding the pull wire as the pull wire retraction assembly moves within the interior cavity of the handle assembly.

Abstract: An insertion method for a flexible elongate member is used to insert the flexible elongate member into a tube while causing first and second holding units to perform an opening-and-closing operation for holding and releasing the flexible elongate member. The method includes acquiring information of a distance by which the second holding unit moves with respect to the first holding unit and information of an operation type used to distinguish between insertion of the flexible elongate member into the tube, stoppage of the flexible elongate member, and extraction of the flexible elongate member from the tube; generating operation information regarding an opened/closed state of the first holding portion and an opened/closed state of the second holding portion on the basis of the distance and the operation type; and controlling the insertion, stoppage, or extraction of the flexible elongate member on the basis of the operation information.

Abstract: A variable curvature catheter (4) with a strong capacity to maintain the desired curvature comprising a catheter body (8) which extends from a proximal end (12) to a distal end (16), provided with a side wall (20) which defines at least one cavity (24); the catheter body (8) comprises, at said distal end (16), a variable curvature section (28) which ends in a tip (32). Inside the cavity (24) at least one traction wire (36) is housed having an ascending branch (40), which extends from the proximal end (12) towards the distal end (16) so as to at least partially go through the variable curvature section (28) at least as far as a first fork (44).

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include an actuation structure, a nosecone fixed to the actuation structure by one or more links and one or more link pins, a flexible housing tube, and an optic fiber disposed in the flexible housing tube and the actuation structure. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually curve the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually straighten the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber.

Abstract: A probe, consisting of a flexible insertion tube, for insertion into a subject via a body lumen. The probe includes a sequence of tubular modules contained within the insertion tube, each module having a rigid tube segment having a preset shape and containing internal grooves on an interior surface of the tube segment. The probe further includes a flexible expander tube, which is threaded through the sequence of tubular modules and has external grooves configured to engage the internal grooves within the tube segment of each of the tubular modules when the expander tube is expanded, so as to hold the tubular modules in mutual alignment, wherein the tubular modules are able to move out of mutual alignment when the expander tube is unexpanded. The probe also has an expansion element, which is insertable through the flexible expander tube so as to expand the expander tube.

Abstract: A device arranged to sustain and/or provide at least partial patency of a small blood vessel exhibiting an occlusion, the device constituted of a tubular body expandable from a first small diameter state for manipulation to, and through, the occlusion of the small blood vessel and a second large diameter state, the inner dimensions of the second large diameter state being no more than 50% of the diameter of the small blood vessel at the occlusion location, the device presenting a conduit for blood flow through the occlusion when in the large diameter state. In one embodiment the small blood vessel is an intracranial blood vessel.

Abstract: A measuring balloon has an inner bulbous balloon formed from a non-compliant or semi-compliant material and has a central smaller diameter inner waist and two larger diameter bulbs on each side of the inner waist. A compliant outer waist bladder is located on the outside of the inner bulbous balloon adjacent to the inner waist and is inflated via a separate inflation lumen. The inner balloon is inflated at a higher pressure to dilate stenotic aortic valve leaflets, and provide alignment and positioning of the measuring balloon across the aortic annulus. The bladder waist is inflated to a lower pressure to make contact with the aortic valve annulus. Marker bands positioned on the outside of the measuring balloon provide determination of annulus diameter and ovality.

Abstract: The invention provides a delivery system for a prosthesis, said delivery system comprising a catheter shaft with a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis, a space for a prosthesis with a distal end and a proximal end, the space being at the distal end of the catheter shaft, a sheath with a proximal end and a distal end, the sheath being disposed at the distal end of the catheter shaft so as to surround the space, a pusher element attached to the distal end of the catheter shaft and arranged at the proximal end of the space for abutting prosthesis, a pull element with a longitudinal axis, the pull element running the length of the catheter shaft and having a distal end attached to the proximal end of the sheath and a proximal end for pulling the pull element proximally, thereby retracting the sheath proximally relative to the prosthesis space, and at least one fixation element having a proximal end and a distal end and being disposed within a flexible portion of the length of the shaft that lies be

Abstract: Medical devices as well as methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include an elongate catheter shaft having a distal end. A tip member may be rotatably coupled to the distal end of the catheter shaft. The tip member may have a groove formed therein. The groove may extend along a portion of the circumference of the tip member. A control member may be coupled to the catheter shaft. The control member may be configured to engage the helical groove and rotate the tip member.

Abstract: The pre-shaped spiral intraocular lens fixation device has a hollow housing, the hollow housing having an elongate neck, an elongate handle, and a vacuum chamber. A selectively operable vacuum source is operatively attached to the housing to provide suction. A head is disposed at an end of the neck distal from the handle and a tubular structure is positioned within the hollow housing and extending through the neck out through the head. The tubular structure has a spiral-shaped position and can be made of a nitinol material. An actuating mechanism moves the tubular structure from a spiral-shaped position to a straight position.

Abstract: An embodiment of an elongate medical device may comprise a shaft body having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion and three or more deflection wire assemblies, each deflection wire assembly comprising a flat wire coupled to the distal end portion and configured to deflect the distal end portion. Each flat wire may have a respective length defining a respective deflection radius, wherein each deflection radius is different.

Abstract: Catheter actuators providing a mechanical advantage are disclosed. The actuators include a pull wire arm guide plate and a drive wheel attached around the pull wire arm guide plate and pivotable relative to the guide plate, the drive wheel comprising at least one thumb boss for pivoting the drive wheel about a drive wheel axis of rotation. The drive wheel mechanically engages at least one pull wire arm slidably mounted in a pull wire arm channel in the pull wire arm guide plate. A mechanism transfers drive wheel input into longitudinal motion of the at least one pull wire arm. The mechanism may include, for example, a pin pushing against a bendable pushing member riding in an arcuate pin groove in a top surface of the guide plate, or a pin pushing against a surface of a cam arm pivotably mounted on the top surface of the guide plate.

Abstract: A medical device (10) includes an articulating shaft (20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, or 20f) with a pair of slat assemblies (31, 33). By moving an articulator (37), the slat assemblies (31, 33) are configured to concurrently push while the other pulls in order to bend the articulating shaft (20). The articulating shaft (20) includes a series of pivot members (26, 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 126e and 226e, or 126f and 226f). The pivot members (26) may include inner links (126e, 126f) and outer links (226e, 226f). A method for articulating a shaft of a medical device is also provided.

Abstract: A guide device establishes a guide passage through a guide tube, through which an operative tool can be deployed into an interior body region for use. A steering assembly, in use, deflects or bends the distal end region of the guide tube, so that the operative tool can be placed in a desired orientation with respect to tissue. The steering assembly is desirable configured for single handed operation by the clinician. The steering assembly is also desirably configured to provide a mechanical advantage sufficient to translate relatively small increments of clinician control into relatively larger increments of guide tube deflection. In one arrangement, the steering assembly includes a rack and pinion linkage system. In another arrangement, the steering assembly includes a pivoting lever system.

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 catheter actuation handle apparatus is disclosed that is designed and configured for manipulating one or more distally-extending members to achieve translation, articulation and/or rotation of these members using the actuation handle.

Abstract: A reduced area imaging device is provided for use in medical or dental instruments such as an endoscope. The imaging device is provided in various configurations, and connections between the imaging device elements and a video display may be achieved by wired or wireless connections. A connector assembly located near the imaging device interconnects the imaging device to an image/power cable extending through the endoscope. The connector provides strain relief and stabilization for electrically interconnecting the imager to the cable. The connector also serves as the structure for anchoring the distal ends of steering wires extending through the body of the endoscopic device. The connector includes a strain relief member mounted over a body of the connector. The connector allows a steering wire capability without enlarging the profile of the distal tip of the endoscopic device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in filtering emboli from a vessel and/or performing thrombectomy and embolectomy, wherein a vascular device comprises one or more support hoops connected near a distal end of a guide wire, each support hoop having an articulation region, and a blood permeable sac affixed to the support hoop or hoops to form a mouth of the blood permeable sac. The mouth of the sac closes when the apparatus is collapsed for removal to prevent material from escaping from the sac.

Abstract: A delivery device for a prosthetic heart valve includes a shaft, a sheath, and a pull wire. The shaft has a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis. The sheath is attached to the shaft and is rotatable about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The pull wire is mechanically coupled to the sheath such that movement of the pull wire rotates the sheath relative to the shaft. The sheath may be in a first position relative to the shaft when a distal end of the pull wire is in a first position and may be in a second position when the distal end of the pull wire is in a second position. Deflection of the sheath relative to the shaft enables a prosthetic valve to be axially aligned with the native valve annulus for deployment.

Abstract: A catheter includes a handle, a catheter sheath and a stylet received within a lumen of the catheter sheath. A carrier arrangement projects from the distal end of the handle, the carrier arrangement mounting the catheter sheath and at least part of the deflection stylet. The catheter handle includes an adjustment unit having a gear mechanism that controls at least one of the deflection of the distal part of the stylet and the extent of deflection of the distal part of the stylet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to steerable access sheath assembly including at least one electrode. Moreover, the present invention relates to a steerable sheath access device for use in cardiovascular procedures. Embodiments of the present invention including steerable access sheaths or introducers may provide cardiovascular access for various ablation tools and devices for the performance of various ablation procedures or procedures involving alternate energy sources.

Abstract: An infusion pump for metering fluid flow through an delivery tube of an infusion tubing set has an internal occlusion clamp which clamps the delivery tube to prevent the free flow of fluid through the tube when access to the delivery tube in the infusion pump is possible. To release the delivery tube from the infusion pump, a slide clamp is manually used to release the occlusion clamp to an open, non-occluding position while simultaneously occluding the delivery tube to prevent the free flow of fluid.

Abstract: A medical device control handle has with a distal component which is adjustable by an actuator assembly by means of a puller member or wire. The actuator assembly includes a user interface rotational dial, a detent tab washer and a spool, where the dial is rotationally coupled to the detent tab washer which transmits rotational movement of the dial to the spool. The spool has a shaft body and a drum end onto which an proximal end portion of the puller member can be wound to manipulate or adjust the distal component. Rotational movement of the detent washer is limited to prevent overrotation and breakage of the puller member. At least one washer is mounted on the shaft body of the spool to help apply compression load on the actuator assembly in friction-inducing contact with one or more components of the actuator assembly.

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.