Abstract: Described herein are methods and devices for performing ablation via a cryoablation catheter. An ablation catheter having a cyroablation chamber at its distal end can be used to achieve a uniform ablation band in or around the pulmonary veins. The cyrochamber can house a dispersion member in fluid communication with a refrigerant supply and can function to evenly distribute received refrigerant over some portion of the inner wall of the cryochamber. As a result of this even distribution of refrigerant within the cyrochamber, uniform ablation of the targeted tissue of the patient can be achieved.

Abstract: A thermistor assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, an elastomeric body, a thermistor housed at least partially inside the elastomeric body and a thermistor tip that protrudes outside of the elastomeric body.

Abstract: An apparatus for medical diagnosis and/or treatment is provides. The apparatus includes a flexible substrate forming an inflatable body and a plurality of sensing elements disposed on the flexible substrate. The plurality of sensing elements are disposed about the inflatable body such that the sensing elements are disposed at areas of minimal curvature of the inflatable body in a deflated state.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a balloon system that includes a flexible volume balloon hull configured to contain a lifting gas, a flexible volume ballonet contained within said balloon hull configured to contain a refrigerant gas and a refrigerant gas transfer device in fluid communication with the ballonet to control the balloon's vertical ascent and descent.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the inflation, ablation, and deflation of a balloon catheter. The system includes a balloon catheter, a console, a pressurized gas or liquid inflation source, and an umbilical system to deliver pressurized coolant to the balloon catheter. The system may include controller that monitors the amount of pressure and volume within the balloon catheter. During inflation, the pressure and/or volume of fluid within the balloon is maintained at a target amount in order to provide sufficient mechanized pressure against the desired target region. The system limits the inflation pressure such that a safe quantity of gas would be released should a leak occur. If the amount falls below a certain threshold level, gas or fluid egress is presumed and the inflation process is halted.

Abstract: A cryoprobe for use in cryosurgery and other applications comprising a rigid outer tube, an inner coolant inlet tube. a short rigid penetrating segment extending distally from the distal end of the outer tube and a helical-shaped baffle having a heating element disposed about the outer surface of the inlet tube. The baffle is adapted to produce turbulent fluid flow improving heat transfer and is able to warm target tissue during rapid freezing and thawing cycles.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the treatment of a body cavity or lumen are described where a heated fluid and/or gas may be introduced through a catheter and into treatment area within the body contained between one or more inflatable/expandable members. The catheter may also have optional pressure and temperature sensing elements which may allow for control of the pressure and temperature within the treatment zone and also prevent the pressure from exceeding a pressure of the inflatable/expandable members to thereby contain the treatment area between these inflatable/expandable members. Optionally, a chilled, room temperature, or warmed fluid such as water may then be used to rapidly terminate the treatment session.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the treatment of a body cavity or lumen are described where a heated fluid and/or gas may be introduced through a catheter and into treatment area within the body contained between one or more inflatable/expandable members. The catheter may also have optional pressure and temperature sensing elements which may allow for control of the pressure and temperature within the treatment zone and also prevent the pressure from exceeding a pressure of the inflatable/expandable members to thereby contain the treatment area between these inflatable/expandable members. Optionally, a chilled, room temperature, or warmed fluid such as water may then be used to rapidly terminate the treatment session.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the treatment of a body cavity or lumen are described where a heated fluid and/or gas may be introduced through a catheter and into treatment area within the body contained between one or more inflatable/expandable members. The catheter may also have optional pressure and temperature sensing elements which may allow for control of the pressure and temperature within the treatment zone and also prevent the pressure from exceeding a pressure of the inflatable/expandable members to thereby contain the treatment area between these inflatable/expandable members. Optionally, a chilled, room temperature, or warmed fluid such as water may then be used to rapidly terminate the treatment session.

Abstract: A handle for an ablation device, the handle comprising a positioning control handle part adapted to be coupled to a positioning catheter of the ablation device and adapted to position the positioning catheter in an object, and an ablation control handle part adapted to be coupled to an ablation catheter of the ablation device and adapted to ablate material of the object using the ablation catheter, wherein the positioning control handle part and the ablation control handle part are adapted to be separable from one another.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the treatment of a body cavity or lumen are described where a heated fluid and/or gas may be introduced through a catheter and into treatment area within the body contained between one or more inflatable/expandable members. The catheter may also have optional pressure and temperature sensing elements which may allow for control of the pressure and temperature within the treatment zone and also prevent the pressure from exceeding a pressure of the inflatable/expandable members to thereby contain the treatment area between these inflatable/expandable members. Optionally, a chilled, room temperature, or warmed fluid such as water may then be used to rapidly terminate the treatment session.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter is provided, including a flexible elongate body; an expandable element positioned on the elongate body; a substantially linear thermal segment located proximally of the expandable element, the thermal segment defining a first flexibility, where the thermal segment is positioned between two portions of the catheter body each including a flexibility less than that of the thermal segment; a first fluid flow path in fluid communication with the expandable element; and a second fluid flow path in fluid communication with the thermal segment.

Abstract: A catheter-based medical device including controlled refrigerant dispersion is disclosed. The device includes a fluid injection tube that carries refrigerant from a coolant supply to the distal portion of the device. A fluid dispersion unit is disposed on the distal end of the fluid tube to control the angle of distribution for refrigerant that is expelled from the fluid injection tube. Controlling the angle of distribution for the refrigerant facilitates dispersion of the fluid in a predetermined spray pattern. The disclosure further relates to cryoablation treatment systems incorporating such a catheter, and to cryoablation treatment methods for tissue treatment to address various conditions suitably treatable with cryoablation.

Abstract: A cryogenic ablation catheter includes a catheter shaft, a balloon and a connector respectively at the catheter shaft proximal and distal ends, a refrigerant delivery tube assembly including a refrigerant delivery tube translatable within the catheter shaft lumen, and a refrigerant delivery element with an outlet located inside the balloon which directs refrigerant outwardly against the balloon at different axial positions as it translates. A cryogenic balloon ablation system includes the cryogenic ablation catheter, a catheter coupler mating with the connector, a linear motion assembly, and a connection line fluidly coupled to a refrigerant fluid source for supplying refrigerant fluid to the refrigerant delivery tube.

Abstract: A method and system for cryotreatment of target tissue using a cryotreatment catheter through which a mapping catheter may be freely movable, even during activation of the cryotreatment element. The cryotreatment system may include a cryotreatment catheter, a mapping catheter slidably disposed within a lumen of the cryotreatment catheter, and one or more heating elements. The one or more heating elements may be disposed on the mapping catheter or within the lumen of the cryotreatment catheter. Activation of the one or more heating elements prevents the freezing of, or thaws, fluid within the lumen of the cryotreatment device when one or more cryotreatment elements are activated. The lack of frozen fluid within the lumen allows the mapping catheter to freely move within the cryotreatment catheter during a cryotreatment procedure, so that the mapping catheter may be positioned proximate the treatment site after initiation of cryotreatment.

Abstract: A food refrigeration appliance having a refrigerated cabinet, a thaw/chill compartment, and a controller for selectively operating the thaw/chill compartment. The compartment is located within the refrigerated cabinet and is heated or cooled by a magneto-caloric element present within the compartment. The controller is electrically coupled to the magneto-caloric element for selective operation.

Abstract: There is provided a method of supplying cryoenergy to a plaque within a blood vessel. The method comprises expanding an expandable membrane of a catheter apparatus with a pressure of less than 5 ATM (507 kPa), the catheter apparatus having been placed in thermal contact with the plaque within the blood vessel. The method also comprises establishing a temperature of between +15° C. (288K) and ?35° C. (238K) at an interface of the expandable membrane and the blood vessel. A system and catheter apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: Ablation devices comprising a probe or needle useful for destroying nerve and soft tissue via a minimally invasive procedure to alleviate pain are provided. The probe comprises at least two prongs spaced apart and parallel to each other. The at least two prongs each having an interior surface and an exterior surface and an internal passage disposed in the interior surface of the at least two prongs. A filament is disposed in the internal passage of the at least two prongs that has an opening configured to release a pressurized material into the interior surface of the at least two prongs so as to cool the exterior surface of the at least two prongs to a temperature configured for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue. Methods for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue utilizing the ablation devices are also provided.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for enhancing cooling uniformity and efficiency of cryogenic fluids and providing a treatment element the shape of which can be adjusted for multiple purposes. The device may include a balloon catheter and fluid dispersion element, the fluid dispersion element directing the flow of coolant from a fluid injection element the interior wall of the balloon. The method of changing the shape of the treatment element may include retracting and extending a shaft to which the distal neck of a balloon is coupled, so that the balloon goes from a first shape to a second shape.

Abstract: Ablation kits useful for destroying nerve and soft tissue via a minimally invasive procedure to alleviate pain are provided. The device comprises a probe having an exterior and an interior. The exterior comprises a tip and the interior defines a passage having a filament and insulation disposed therein. The filament has an opening configured to release a pressurized material into the interior of the probe so as to cool the tip to a selected temperature to ablate nerve and/or soft tissue. A bone piercing instrument is provided that is configured to pierce bone so as to allow entry of the probe into the bone. Methods for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue utilizing the ablation devices are also provided.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient's joint having opposing joint surfaces includes providing an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end and an expandable member near the distal end. The expandable member is positioned in the joint between the joint surfaces and expanded so as to separate the joint surfaces away from one another into a distracted position. The joint is manipulated while in the distracted position so that the joint is distracted and in flexion. A diagnostic or therapeutic procedure is then performed on the joint while maintaining the joint in the flexed and distracted position.

Abstract: An electrosurgical probe with internal cooling for use in systems and methods for lesioning in bone and other tissue is disclosed. The probe includes tubular electrodes configured such that the inner surface of the lesioning electrodes are cooled, directly or indirectly, while keeping the electrodes electrically isolated. One embodiment includes an electrosurgical probe having at least two electrically isolated electrical conductors, including an inner electrical conductor and an outer electrical conductor. The inner electrical conductor defines a lumen for the circulation of a cooling fluid therein. An inner electrical insulator is disposed between the electrical conductors to electrically isolate the electrical conductors. The electrical insulator has sufficient thermal conductivity to allow for cooling of the inner and outer electrical conductors when the cooling fluid is circulating within the lumen of the inner electrical conductor.

Abstract: A method for cryo-induced renal neuromodulation includes applying cryoenergy to neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or to vascular structures that contact, feed or perfuse the neural fibers. In one embodiment, cryoenergy is applied via a distal energy-delivering section of a flexible catheter. The distal section may include a plurality of microtubes for transporting a cryogen to the distal tip. The energy-delivering section contacts and extracts heat from the wall of the renal artery. In one embodiment, the distal energy-delivering section is radially expandable. The renal nerve is cooled to a degree such that nerve function is disrupted.

Abstract: A method and system for improved lesion creation. The method generally includes positioning a treatment element of a medical device proximate an area of target tissue and operating a control unit in accordance with a duty cycle, that includes at least one freeze-warm cycle, each freeze-warm cycle including: supplying coolant to the treatment element at a first flow rate that causes the treatment element to reach a first temperature, the first temperature causing ablation of the target tissue and cryoadhesion between the treatment element and target tissue, and supplying coolant to the treatment element at a second flow rate that causes the treatment element to reach a second temperature, the second temperature being higher than the first temperature and the second flow rate being lower than the first flow rate, the second temperature being above a temperature at which ablation occurs and below a temperature at which cryoadhesion is broken.

Abstract: A cryoablation system has a gas source which provides a working nitrogen gas at room temperature and at a constant set pressure, a liquid generator which is coupled to the gas source to receive the working gas, and which then generates a working cryogen fluid, and a catheter coupled to the liquid generator for receiving the working cryogen, the catheter having a distal section having a freezing element which delivers the working cryogen to a treatment location, the catheter also having a balloon positioned adjacent the distal section.

Abstract: Neuromodulation cryotherapeutic devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A cryotherapeutic device configured in accordance with a particular embodiment includes an elongated shaft and a cooling assembly at distal portion of the shaft. The shaft can be configured to locate the distal portion intravascularly at a treatment site within or otherwise proximate a renal artery. The cryotherapeutic device can further include a supply lumen configured to carry liquid refrigerant toward the cooling assembly. The cooling assembly can include an applicator in fluid communication with the supply lumen and configured to deliver cryotherapeutic cooling to nerves proximate the target site when in a deployed state.

Abstract: Neuromodulation cryotherapeutic devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A cryotherapeutic device configured in accordance with a particular embodiment includes an elongated shaft and a cooling assembly at a distal portion of the shaft. The shaft can be configured to locate the distal portion intravascularly at a treatment site within or otherwise proximate a renal artery. The cryotherapeutic device can further include a supply lumen configured to carry liquid refrigerant toward the cooling assembly. The cooling assembly can include an applicator in fluid communication with the supply lumen and configured to deliver cryotherapeutic cooling to nerves proximate the target site when in a deployed state.

Abstract: A cryogenic ablation catheter includes a catheter shaft, a balloon and a connector respectively at the catheter shaft proximal and distal ends, a refrigerant delivery tube assembly including a refrigerant delivery tube rotatable within the catheter shaft lumen, and a refrigerant delivery element with an outlet located inside the balloon which directs refrigerant outwardly against the balloon at different rotary positions as it rotates. A cryogenic balloon ablation system includes the cryogenic ablation catheter, a catheter coupler mating with the connector, a motor including a rotatable hollow motor shaft, and a delivery line fluidly coupled to a cryogenic gas source for supplying cryogenic gas to the refrigerant delivery tube. At least one of the refrigerant delivery tube and the delivery line passes at least partway through the hollow motor shaft. The coupling tip of the connector and the refrigerant delivery tube rotate with the motor shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing having a treatment surface, a light source disposed adjacent the treatment surface and configured to emit dynamic photonic energy, a thermal element disposed adjacent the treatment surface and configured to emit dynamic thermal kinetic energy, and a controller disposed in the housing, the controller in communication with the light source and the thermal element to vary a plurality of parameters of the light source and the thermal element to control the characteristics of the dynamic photonic energy and the dynamic thermal kinetic energy emitted thereby. The treatment surface can also house a variety of sensors that can capture a variety of physical and chemical data, which is integrated with a malleable energy composition and delivery system that co-ordinates with the treatment progress.

Abstract: Cryotherapeutic systems and cryotherapeutic-system components configured for renal neuromodulation are disclosed herein. A cryotherapeutic system configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology can include a console having a cartridge housing, a cartridge connector adjacent to the cartridge housing, and a supply passage fluidly connected to the cartridge connector. The console can further include a supply valve along the supply passage and a control assembly including a supply-valve actuator and a user interface. The supply-valve actuator can be operably connected to the supply valve, and the control assembly can be configured to signal the supply-valve actuator to open the supply valve in response to a signal from the user interface.

Abstract: A method for cryogenically treating a target tissue comprises providing a cryogenic device having one or more tissue penetrating needle probes, and advancing the one or more tissue penetrating needle probes through skin disposed above the target tissue into the target tissue. The target tissue comprises a motor nerve. The method also includes cooling the target tissue with the one or more tissue penetrating needle probes, and temporarily disrupting signal conduction from the motor nerve thereby preventing contraction of a muscle operably coupled to the motor nerve. This reduces or eliminates hyperdynamic wrinkles of a patient's face.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to fluid spraying apparatuses, and related systems and methods. The disclosed fluid spraying apparatuses may be used, for example, to spray a medically suitable fluid on a target region of a subject, such as for treating or removing tissue of the subject. In an embodiment, a fluid spraying apparatus includes a spray mechanism including at least one reservoir, and a spraying device operably coupled to the at least one reservoir which has an adjustable spray nozzle. The fluid spraying apparatus includes a distance sensor configured to sense information at least related to a distance to a target region of a subject and output one or more signals encoding the information, and control electrical circuitry operably coupled to the spray mechanism and the distance sensor. The control electrical circuitry is configured to activate the spray mechanism responsive to receiving the one or more signals.

Abstract: Cryotreatment devices and methods of ablating tissue within the body are disclosed. A cryotreatment device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an elongated member having one or more needle-like ablation tips configured to induce necrosis at a target site within the heart. A cooling fluid such as a cryogen may be injected through a lumen extending into the distal portion of the device. The ablation tips can be configured to pierce and ablate surrounding tissue, blocking electrical stimuli that can cause fibrillations or other arrhythmias of the heart. The device may also include means for controlling the transmural depth at which the ablation tips are inserted into the cardiac tissue. Methods of forming a contiguous line of conduction block in accordance with the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Ablation devices useful for destroying nerve and/or soft tissue via a minimally invasive procedure to alleviate pain are provided. The device comprises a probe having an interior surface that defines an internal passage and an exterior surface comprising a tip. The internal passage has a filament comprising an opening configured to release a pressurized material into the interior surface of the probe so as to cool the exterior surface of the probe to a selected temperature. An introducer is provided having an interior surface configured for engagement with the exterior surface of the probe. This engagement produces an air gap that surrounds the exterior surface of the probe to form a seal, and an exterior surface comprising an opening configured for engagement with the exterior surface of the probe is configured for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue. Methods for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue utilizing the ablation devices are also provided.

Abstract: A cryotherapy system includes a cryotherapy catheter having an inflatable balloon portion and a pressure regulator. The inflatable balloon portion includes an outer balloon and an inner balloon within the outer balloon. The inner balloon is configured to receive during a cryotherapy procedure a cryogenic agent for extracting heat from body tissue at a desired location. The inflatable balloon portion is at a distal end of the cryotherapy catheter. The pressure regulator is adapted to maintain a positive pressure between the inner balloon and the outer balloon during a cryotherapy procedure.

Abstract: Methods for treating a patient using therapeutic renal neuromodulation and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology is directed to methods including selectively neuromodulating afferent or efferent renal nerves. One or more measurable physiological parameters corresponding to systemic sympathetic overactivity or hyperactivity in the patient can thereby be reduced. Selectively neuromodulating afferent renal nerves can include inhibiting sympathetic neural activity in nerves proximate a renal pelvis. This can include, for example, neuromodulating via fluid within the renal pelvis. Selectively neuromodulating efferent renal nerves can include inhibiting sympathetic neural activity in nerves proximate a portion of a renal artery or a renal branch artery proximate a renal parenchyma. This can include, for example, neuromodulating via a therapeutic element within the portion of the renal artery or the renal branch artery.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for cooling liquid coolant, such as nitrous oxide, to be delivered to a cryo-ablation device such as a balloon catheter. A hose or conduit in fluid communication with the ablation device includes an outer member and inner tubes. A first inner tube disposed within a lumen of the outer member carries liquid coolant to the ablation device. Another inner tube also disposed within the lumen carries liquid coolant and terminates within the lumen such that gaseous coolant derived from liquid coolant flowing through the second inner tube flows within the lumen to cool or chill the first inner tube and liquid coolant carried by the first inner tube to the ablation device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical device having an elongate body with both a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the elongate body defines an intake lumen and an exhaust lumen. The medical device also has a first pliable element defining a cooling chamber disposed at a point along the elongate body, with the cooling chamber being in fluid communication with the intake lumen and the exhaust lumen. A second pliable element is provided which at least partially encloses the first pliable element, thereby defining a junction between the first and second pliable element. A check valve is included which is in fluid communication with the junction between the first pliable element and second pliable element, the valve further being in fluid communication with the exhaust lumen. Additionally, the medical device may include sensors or other monitoring means in fluid communication with the junction and the cooling chamber.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, systems, and devices for increasing IL-10 expression, inhibiting inflammation, and treating inflammatory conditions using thermal ablation.

Abstract: A cryogenic ablation catheter includes a catheter shaft, a balloon and a connector respectively at the catheter shaft proximal and distal ends, a refrigerant delivery tube assembly including a refrigerant delivery tube rotatable within the catheter shaft lumen, and a refrigerant delivery element with an outlet located inside the balloon which directs refrigerant outwardly against the balloon at different rotary positions as it rotates. A cryogenic balloon ablation system includes the cryogenic ablation catheter, a catheter coupler mating with the connector, a motor including a rotatable hollow motor shaft, and a delivery line fluidly coupled to a cryogenic gas source for supplying cryogenic gas to the refrigerant delivery tube. At least one of the refrigerant delivery tube and the delivery line passes at least partway through the hollow motor shaft. The coupling tip of the connector and the refrigerant delivery tube rotate with the motor shaft.

Abstract: Ablation devices useful for destroying nerve and soft tissue via a minimally invasive procedure to alleviate pain are provided. The device comprises a probe comprising an interior surface that defines an internal passage and an exterior surface comprising a tip. The internal passage has a filament comprising an opening configured to release a pressurized material into the interior surface of the probe so as to cool the exterior surface of the probe to a selected temperature. A release instrument is provided comprising a sheath that comprises an exterior surface and an interior surface configured for engagement with the probe. The probe tip is configured for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue by forming an ice ball and the release instrument is configured to release the probe tip from the ice ball. Methods for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue utilizing the ablation devices are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for treating gastrointestinal conditions, conditions associated with sympathetic and/or parasympathetic activity in the gastrointestinal organs, and conditions associated with central sympathetic and/or parasympathetic activity in a patient with therapeutic gastrointestinalneuromodulation and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology is directed to methods that at least partially inhibit sympathetic neural activity in nerves proximate a gastrointestinal artery of a gastrointestinal organ of a patient. Sympathetic drive in the patient can thereby be reduced in a manner that treats the patient for the gastrointestinal condition.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that can identify a mechanism of action of an arrhythmia in a chamber of the heart. A plurality of electrograms recorded by a plurality of electrodes contacting a wall of a chamber of the heart at a corresponding plurality of different locations within the chamber in response to an electrical perturbation can be received. An activation map of the chamber can be determined based on the plurality of electrograms. Based on the activation map, a location and a shape of a mechanism of action of the arrhythmia can be determined. A treatment plan can be developed based on a location and a size of the mechanism of action within the chamber. For example, the treatment plan can include guiding an ablation of the mechanism of action.

Abstract: A method and system for providing lesion depth feedback during an ablation procedure. In particular, the method and system provide feedback data or information relating to lesion depth in myocardial tissue during a cryoablation procedure. A plurality of tissue temperature measurements may be transmitted from a plurality of thermocouples disposed on a cryotreatment element, which measurements may be used to determine a slope of change in temperature sensed by each thermocouple over time. The circulation of coolant through the treatment element may be adjusted when the slope changes. A change in slope may indicate that the cryoablation temperatures have passed through target myocardial tissue into non-target, non-myocardial tissue, which may result in collateral damage to structures near the heart.

Abstract: Cryotherapeutic systems configured for refrigerant recompression and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein. A cryotherapeutic system configured in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a high-pressure line, a low-pressure line, a recompression unit, and a cryo-catheter. The recompression unit increases the pressure of refrigerant from the low-pressure line to the high-pressure line to a treatment pressure sufficient for cryogenic alteration of tissue. The high-pressure line and the low-pressure line include, respectively, a first connector and a second connector. The cryo-catheter includes a shaft, a supply lumen in the shaft that is coupled to the first connector, an exhaust lumen in the shaft that is coupled to the second connector, and a cryo-applicator attached to the shaft having a cooling chamber configured to receive refrigerant from the supply lumen and to return refrigerant via the exhaust lumen to the low-pressure line.

Abstract: Methods for treating a patient using therapeutic immune system neuromodulation and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology is directed to methods including modulating nerves proximate a vessel or duct of an immune system organ using an intravascularly or intraluminally positioned therapeutic element. One or more measurable physiological parameters corresponding to an immune system disorder, a condition associated with sympathetic activity in an immune system organ, or a condition associated with central sympathetic activity in the patient can thereby be reduced.

Abstract: Cryocatheter including an elongated flexible catheter member having a short rigid catheter tip for introduction into a therapy site and a heat exchange arrangement for freezing the catheter tip to a cryo-temperature from between about ?15° C. to about ?30° C. for freezing human tissue at the therapy site. Cerebral medical procedures include inter alia employing a local ice ball for sealing a bleeding rupture in an arterial wall in the case of a stroke hemorrhage, employing a local ice ball for mapping electrical disorder foci in a brain, for example, epileptic foci, and the like.

Abstract: An ablation device comprising a positioning catheter adapted to be positionable in a heart and comprising a fixation mechanism for fixing the positioning catheter in the heart, and an ablation catheter adapted to ablate material of the heart using the ablation catheter, wherein the ablation catheter is designed to ablate tissue along an isthmus of the heart, wherein the positioning catheter and the ablation catheter are provided to be movable relative to one another.

Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a method and system for cryogenically ablating large areas of tissue within the left atrium. In an exemplary embodiment a cryotherapy device includes a catheter body, a proximal end and a distal end; a first lumen; a second lumen; and an ablation element expandable from a first diameter to a second diameter, the ablation element having a surface portion that conforms to the uneven surface topography of the cardiac tissue. The ablation element can include one or more deformable balloon and/or flexible elements. The surface of the balloon can further be shaped by regulation of pressure within the one or more balloons. In an exemplary method, a tissue ablation device is provided and tissue in the left atrium is ablated with the device, whereby the ablation is created by freezing tissue.

Abstract: A medical device includes a steering element defining a passage for a guide wire. A fluid injection tube defining a proximal and a distal end is also included, wherein a portion of the fluid injection tube is contoured about a portion of the steering element. A plurality of injection ports may be disposed in the portion of the fluid injection tube contoured about the steering element.