Abstract: A method implemented by a surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes first and second jaws and a flexible circuit including multiple sensors to optimize performance of a radio frequency (RF) device. The flexible circuit includes at least one therapeutic electrode couplable to a source of RF energy, at least two sensing electrodes, and at least one insulative layer. The insulative layer is positioned between the at least one therapeutic electrode and the at least two sensing electrodes. The method includes contacting tissue positioned between the first and second jaws of the surgical instrument with the at least one therapeutic electrode and at the least two sensing electrodes; sensing signals from the at least two sensing electrodes; and controlling RF energy delivered to the at least one therapeutic electrode based on the sensed signals.

Abstract: A method of treating tissue of a patient's body includes providing a power source coupled to at least one probe assembly. The probe assembly includes an elongate member with a distal region and a proximal region. The distal region has an electrically and thermally-conductive energy delivery device for delivering one of electrical and radiofrequency energy to the patient's body. The electrically and thermally-conductive energy delivery device has one or more internal lumens for circulating a cooling fluid therethrough and an electrically and thermally-conductive protrusion having a temperature sensing element. The temperature sensing element extends from a distal end of the energy delivery device. The method includes inserting the energy delivery device of the at least one probe assembly into the patient's body. Further, the method includes routing the energy delivery device of the at least one probe assembly to the tissue of the patient's body.

Abstract: An IVC filter retrieval device useful for removing an IVC filter from a blood vessel, and useful for removing a tilted IVC filter causing the hook to be embedded in the side (wall) of a blood vessel from the blood vessel, and methods for using the same are described. The IVC retrieval device can be used to retrieve other foreign bodies such as, but not limited to, catheters and wires that may become detached from their devices and released into the blood vessels.

Abstract: An expandable balloon, which is coupled to a distal end of a shaft for insertion into an organ of a patient, includes an expandable membrane, one or more electrodes and one or more respective conductive coils. The one or more electrodes are disposed over an external surface of the membrane. The one or more respective conductive coils are each disposed proximate a respective RF ablation electrode. The one or more conductive coils are configured as magnetic sensors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical devices and methods for treating a lesion such as a vascular stenosis using non-thermal irreversible electroporation (NTIRE). Embodiments of the present invention provide a balloon catheter type NTIRE device for treating a target lesion comprising a plurality of electrodes positioned along the balloon that are electrically independent from each other so as to be individually selectable in order to more precisely treat an asymmetrical lesion in which the lesion extends only partially around the vessel.

Abstract: An electrode lead is provided having a distal side and a circumferential surface, the electrode lead comprising a plurality of interlocked filaments having a conductive core coated with a nonconductive coating and at least one 3D distinct conductive mass at the distal end, wherein the filaments in the conductive mass are having an exposed conductive core and wherein a portion of the filaments with the exposed conductive core are disposed on the circumferential surface. The 3d pattern of spaced-apart regions along or within the electrode lead, each one is a network of spaced-apart conductive segments determining together critical parameters of: directionality of the region and electrical property of the region.

Abstract: Methods for providing and using a surgical instrument system are disclosed.

Abstract: A cryoballoon deflation assembly for an intravascular catheter system for use during a cryoablation procedure includes a first deflation initiator and a first deflation initiator inhibitor. The first deflation initiator is configured to automatically activate a vacuum pump to deflate a cryoballoon upon completion of a stage of the cryoablation procedure. The first deflation initiator inhibitor is manually changeable to between an activated and deactivated state. When in the activated state, the first deflation initiator inhibitor is configured to inactivate the first deflation initiator. The cryoballoon deflation assembly can further include a second deflation initiator. The second deflation initiator is manually changeable between an activated and deactivated state. When in the activated state, the second deflation initiator is triggered to activate the vacuum pump to deflate the cryoballoon.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to mapping catheters, and in particular to mapping catheters having thin film electrodes used in sensing electrical activity within a patient. Particularly, aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a medical device having a hollow core, a balloon disposed over at least a portion of the hollow core, and a flexible framework having one or more thin film elements formed on at least a portion of the balloon. The one or more thin film elements comprise a plurality of mapping electrodes.

Abstract: Devices and methods for creating radial-linear lesions in pulmonary vein antral tissue are disclosed. In an embodiment, a device includes an elongate shaft structure with a distal tip ablation region including a spline and an ablation element slidably coupled to the spline. The ablation element includes at least one of an ultrasound emitter, a high frequency ultrasound emitter, a laser, a radiofrequency electrode, a virtual radiofrequency electrode, or a cryogenic source. A backing balloon may be configured to push or pull the spline and the ablation element toward or against the pulmonary vein antral tissue. In an embodiment, the distal tip ablation region includes a splineless cryoballoon with at least one thermally conductive region.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle assembly and a shaft assembly extending distally from the handle assembly and having a distal end sized to be inserted into the nasal cavity of a patient. The shaft assembly includes a cutting member configured to cut tissue within the nasal cavity, and a translating member slidably disposed over the cutting member. A navigation sensor is disposed within the distal end of the shaft assembly and is operable to generate a signal corresponding to a position of the distal end within the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system, apparatus and method directed to placing a medical instrument in a vasculature of a patient body, where the medical instrument includes an optical fiber having one or more core fibers. The system also includes a console having non-transitory computer-readable medium storing logic that, when executed, causes operations of providing an incident light signal to the optical fiber, receiving a reflected light signal of the incident light, processing the reflected light signals associated with the optical fiber and determining a location of a distal tip of the medical instrument within the patient body. The medical instrument may be steerable in one of various methods including having a predetermined curvature, a distal tip that is magnetic, magnetized, metallic or ferrous and is steerable by an external magnetic device or a having a variable stiffness at a distal tip.

Abstract: A forceps having a first jaw and a second jaw, where at least one of the first and second jaws is capable of moving between an open position and a closed position. The forceps including an inner shaft located within an outer shaft and extending along the longitudinal axis, and a drive bar coupled to and extending distally from the inner shaft. The drive bar including a pair of drive bar struts extending from a distal portion of the inner shaft and positioned laterally inward of at least one of first and second set of flanges of the first and second jaws. A drive pin is securable to the pair of drive bar struts and the drive bar is translatable within the outer shaft to translate the drive pin to move the first jaw and/or the second jaw between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A catheter comprises a shaft, an extended shaft portion, and an electrode disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the shaft. The shaft has a first lumen and a second lumen that is arranged adjacent to the first lumen. The extended shaft portion is provided on a distal end portion of the shaft, has the first lumen, and has a distal end portion located on a distal end side of a distal end portion of the second lumen, in the shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus, including a guidewire, having a distal end dimensioned to penetrate into a nasal sinus and a balloon, which is fitted over the guidewire in proximity to the distal end. There is an inflation channel, which runs along the guidewire and is coupled to convey a pressurized fluid into the balloon so as to inflate the balloon. The apparatus also includes a first electrode, fixedly attached to a distal tip of the guidewire, and a second electrode, fixedly attached to the guidewire at a location proximal to the distal tip. There are conductive leads running along the guidewire and coupled to apply an electrical potential between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A method for ablating tissue by applying at least one pulse train of pulsed-field energy. The method includes delivering a pulse train of energy having a predetermined frequency to cardiac tissue, the pulse train including at least 60 pulses, an inter-phase delay between 0 ?s and 5 ?s, an inter-pulse delay of at least 5 ?s, and a pulse width of 5 ?s.

Abstract: A medical tracking system includes a percutaneous needle, a localization element and a navigation system is disclosed. The percutaneous needle has an elongate shaft extending between a proximal end portion, which is attached to a handle, and distal end portion that terminates at a distal tip. An inner surface of the elongate shaft defines a working channel that extends from a port at the proximal end portion to the distal tip. The localization element is incorporated into the elongate shaft distal from the handle and proximate the distal end portion. The navigation system is configured for tracking the localization element and to provide a real-time display of a position and orientation of the distal tip relative to an anatomy of a patient.

Abstract: Example apparatuses and systems are disclosed for providing controlled delivery of electrolysis products to a site which may be used for treatment of infection and ablation of undesirable cells and tissue. A system disclosed may include a power supply, two electrodes, an aqueous matrix that may close the electric circuit between the electrodes at the treated site, and a controller. The controller may control the electrical circuit to induce a direct current through the electrodes and an aqueous matrix to produce electrolysis products. The duration and magnitude of the charge applied may determine the dose of the products applied to the treatment site. The composition of the electrodes and the aqueous matrix may be chosen to produce desired products. An apparatus is disclosed that may be in the form of a pad for applying to a wound. An apparatus is disclosed that may be used for treating internal tissue.

Abstract: A method for ablating tissue by applying at least one pulse train of pulsed-field energy. The method includes delivering a pulse train of energy having a predetermined frequency to cardiac tissue, the pulse train including at least 60 pulses, an inter-phase delay between 0 ?s and 5 ?s, an inter-pulse delay of at least 5 ?s, and a pulse width of 5 ?s.

Abstract: The invention may be applied to selectively heat a diseased area in the lung while minimizing heating to the healthy area and surrounding tissue. This can be done by exposing the lung to an electromagnetic field causing dielectric or eddy current heating. The invention is particularly useful for treating emphysema as the diseased areas in emphysema patients have reduced blood flow. The diseased area will heat up rapidly while the healthy tissue will be cooled by the blood flow. This is particularly effective for treating emphysema because of the low mass of the lungs and the high blood flow. To avoid heating of surrounding organs the direction of the electromagnetic energy may be switched in a way it always passes through lungs but only intermittently passes through adjacent organs.

Abstract: An energy delivery system for delivering electrical energy to tissue, includes an elongate catheter member defining a longitudinal axis and dimensioned for passage within a body vessel and an expandable treatment member mounted to the catheter member. The treatment member includes an inflatable element adapted to transition between an initial condition and an at least partially expanded condition upon introduction of an anesthetic solution within the inflatable element, an electrode for delivering electrical energy to at least the nerve tissue associated with the body vessel to cause at least partial denervation thereof and at least one aperture dimensioned to permit passage of the anesthetic solution from the inflatable element to contact the body vessel whereby the solution at least enters the body vessel to at least partially anesthetize the nerve tissue therewithin. The electrode may be mounted to at least the inflatable element of the treatment member and may be generally helical.

Abstract: A medical device system may include transducers and a structure on which the transducers are located. The structure may include at least a first portion of each elongate member of a plurality of elongate members. Each respective set of a plurality of sets of one or more of the transducers may be located on a respective one of the plurality of elongate members. The structure may be selectively moveable between a delivery configuration in which the structure is sized to be percutaneously deliverable to a bodily cavity and a deployed configuration in which the structure is sized too large to be percutaneously deliverable to the bodily cavity. The second portion of each elongate member of the plurality of elongate members may be arranged in a helical configuration or a twisted, non-helical configuration including at least 360 degrees of rotation when the structure is in the delivery configuration.

Abstract: Methods of using hardware (e.g., bone screws, anchors or other devices) previously inserted within the body to facilitate energy delivery are disclosed. The energy delivery (e.g., thermal energy) may be used for neuromodulation (such as stimulation or denervation), tissue heating and ablation, curing, and other applications in the spine and non-spine orthopedic locations.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first layer, wherein the first layer comprises a scaffold structure forming an inner lumen along a length of the scaffold structure, and wherein the first layer comprises a bioresorbable material; a second layer on the first layer, wherein the second layer comprises a bioresorbable material configured to expand, wherein the second layer is positioned on the first layer such that ends of the first layer extend beyond ends of the second layer; and an expandable balloon located within a distal end of the inner lumen of the first layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system provided with cooling fluid for interstitial laser therapy that limits and/or provides control of the laser ablation zone produced by a device for interstitial laser therapy, which allows for better control of the laser ablation zone and more predictive and accurate interstitial laser therapy. The device for interstitial laser therapy includes an optical waveguide having an optical output end and an optical diffuser optically coupled to, optically associated with, or positioned about the optical output end. An irrigation tube directs cooling fluid to flow out of a distal end of the irrigation tube which directs cooling fluid to flow inside of and/or outside of the optical diffuser.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure include a thermal ablation probabilistic controller (30) employing an ablation probability model (32) trained to render a pixel ablation probability for each pixel of an ablation scan image illustrative of a static anatomical ablation. In operation, the thermal ablation probabilistic controller (30) spatially aligns a temporal sequence of ablation scan datasets representative of a dynamic anatomical ablation, and applies the ablation probability model (32) to the spatial alignment of the temporal sequence of ablation scan datasets to render the pixel ablation probability for each pixel of the ablation scan image illustrative of the static anatomical ablation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drive shaft for a bipolar surgical instrument, the drive shaft comprising an elongate body defining a first axis, and having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the elongate body comprising: a first portion defining a first open channel extending along a portion of the length of the elongate body; and a second portion distinct from the first portion, the second portion defining a second open channel extending along a portion of the length of the elongate body, wherein both the first and second portions are aligned with one another and extend parallel to the first axis, and wherein the first portion is spaced apart from the second portion so as to define a recessed blade track therebetween, the recessed blade track extending parallel to the first axis. The present invention further provides a bipolar surgical instrument incorporating such a drive shaft.

Abstract: A system for monitoring temperature when carrying out laser light-based lithotripsy in which includes an endoscopic assembly comprising a working channel for a fiber optic cable which is optically coupled to a laser on a proximal side and include a light exit aperture on a distal side, and an irrigation fluid channel opening into a region of the light exit aperture on the distal side which is in fluid communication with an irrigation fluid reservoir on the proximal side.

Abstract: A surgical clamp including a pair of jaws, which may be used to ablate or create lesions in tissue. In an exemplary embodiment, the jaws are movable between an articulated position in which the jaws are separated and not parallel to one another, an opened position in which the jaws are separated and substantially parallel to one another, and a closed position in which the jaws are adjacent and substantially parallel to one another.

Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, systems and methods for treatment of nerves present in a wall of a human renal pelvis are described. One system uses a sheath to access a position in or near the renal pelvis via the urinary tract. An effector inserted through the sheath has an uncooled distal region formed with a superelastic wire that supports at least four non-insulated, preferably spherical electrodes distributed along the distal region. The distal region expands within the renal pelvis, and vacuum applied through the sheath at least partially evacuates the renal pelvis to draw opposing walls of the renal pelvis inwards and compress the distal region somewhat from its expanded form, placing the electrodes in intimate contact with different points along the renal pelvic wall. Energy is applied to the electrodes to create discrete lesions at the points of contact of the electrodes.

Abstract: An irrigated needle electrode ablation catheter has a distal tip section with a tip electrode, a needle electrode assembly longitudinal movable relative to the catheter, and a needle centering insert in a channel in the tip electrode. The assembly has a proximal tubing and a distal needle electrode, and the insert supports the needle electrode in the channel at a predetermined separation distance from the tip electrode while enabling irrigation to flow circumferentially around the needle electrode through the channel and exit at the distal end of the tip electrode. The catheter also provides a first dedicated fluid pathway through the assembly and exits at the distal end of the needle electrode, and a second dedicated fluid pathway to supply fluid to the channel in the tip electrode, wherein the second pathway is defined by a guide tube and directed by a plunger member.

Abstract: An endovascular catheter, with a catheter shaft including a first lumen and a shaft opening, a deflection element, and a controlling element. The first lumen and the shaft opening communicate with each other. The deflection element is rotatably arranged inside the catheter shaft, and configured to deflect a guidewire through the shaft opening. The controlling element is operably connected with the deflection element and configured to rotate the deflection element in a first rotating direction. Furthermore, the present invention refers to a catheter assembly with the endovascular catheter and the guidewire.

Abstract: Electrosurgical systems and methods are provided for RF nerve ablation, wherein a control console has multiple RF amplifiers associated with multiple channels, and multiple DC power supplies each dedicated to a corresponding one of the RF amplifiers. Each of a plurality of power supply relays are coupled between one of the DC power supplies and the dedicated corresponding one of the RF amplifiers. A controller is configured to apply switching signals to control each of the power supply relays to selectively switch on and off connections between the DC power supplies and the dedicated corresponding RF amplifiers. The controller may apply control signals to each RF amplifier sequentially, one at a time, to deliver energy separately and independently to each of the corresponding channels. The controller may be configured to apply the switching signals to self-grounding relays to selectively switch on and off connections between the channels and return relays.

Abstract: Retrieval of material from vessel lumens can be improved by electrically enhancing attachment of the material to the thrombectomy system. The system can include a catheter having a distal portion configured to be positioned adjacent to a thrombus in a blood vessel, an electrode disposed at the distal portion of the catheter, and an interventional element configured to be delivered through a lumen of the catheter. The electrode and the interventional element are each configured to be electrically coupled to an extracorporeal power supply.

Abstract: A system and method enabling the receipt of image data of a patient, identification of one or more locations within the image data depicting symptoms of COPD, analyzing airways and vasculature proximate the identified locations; planning a pathway to the one or more locations, navigating an extended working channel to one of the locations, positioning a microwave ablation catheter proximate the location, and energizing the microwave ablation catheter to treat the locations depicting symptoms of COPD.

Abstract: Ablation systems of the present disclosure facilitate the safe formation of wide and deep lesions. For example, ablation systems of the present disclosure can allow for the flow of irrigation fluid and blood through an expandable ablation electrode, resulting in efficient and effective cooling of the ablation electrode as the ablation electrode delivers energy at a treatment site of the patient. Additionally, or alternatively, ablation systems of the present disclosure can include a deformable ablation electrode and a plurality of sensors that, in cooperation, sense the deformation of the ablation electrode, to provide a robust indication of the extent and direction of contact between the ablation electrode and tissue at a treatment site.

Abstract: Systems and devices for resecting and removing tissue or organs from the interior of a patient's body, in a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure while preventing any dispersion of potentially malignant tissue during the resection process.

Abstract: According to an exemplary aspect, a tool for installing and/or removing a protective cover of an instrument includes a body portion having an open end and a closed end. The open end defines an interior passage that extends into the body portion along a longitudinal axis of the body portion toward the closed end of the body portion. The interior passage is configured to receive at least a portion of the protective cover in the interior passage. One or more members are connected to the body portion, and each of the one or more members includes a free end movable relative to the body portion. Systems and methods relate to tools for installing and/or removing protective covers of instruments.

Abstract: A catheter for tissue ablation with one or more inner electrodes inside the lumen, one or more outer electrodes attached to the outer surface, and one or more passive conductive elements that are not connected to the power supply but that passively shape the electrical field. The electrodes may be offset from the catheter's distal end. The material between the inner and outer electrodes may be an insulator such as a dielectric with a high dielectric constant. This catheter configuration generates an electric field that bends around the tip of the catheter. The number, position, shape, and size of passive conductive elements may affect the shape of the electric field to improve ablation effectiveness and consistency. The active electrodes or passive conductors may be coupled to the inner surface of the catheter body, or they may be located inside the lumen so that fluid flows around them during ablation.

Abstract: Ophthalmic forceps include: a tubular body; a pair of neck portions; a pair of slit formation portions provided on a tip end side of the neck portions; a pair of gripping portions provided on a tip end side of the slit formation portions; and substantially S-shaped portions formed at portions extending from the neck portions to the slit formation portions. When the tubular body slides to house an entirety of the neck portions in an inner cavity of the tubular body, gripping surfaces of the gripping portions are in surface contact with each other, and a slit is formed between the pair of slit formation portions.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a catheter assembly and an end effector. The catheter assembly includes an outer sheath with a distal end. The end effector is associated with a distal end of the catheter assembly. The end effector includes a panel assembly with microelectrodes for electrophysiological (EP) mapping. The microelectrodes are configured in a matrix within the panel assembly and provide multiple points of contact with the target tissue for EP mapping. The panel assembly can transition between a first contracted state and a second expanded state. The panel assembly can fit within the outer sheath in the first state. The panel assembly can expand outwardly away from a longitudinal axis defined by the catheter assembly in the second state once exposed distally relative to the distal end of the outer sheath.

Abstract: A device for expanding tissue comprises at least one fluid delivery tube and at least one fluid delivery element in fluid communication with the at least one fluid delivery tube. The at least one fluid delivery tube comprises a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therebetween. The device is constructed and arranged to perform a near full circumferential expansion of luminal wall tissue. Systems and methods are also provided, including a system for expanding tissue layers and treating tissue proximate to the expanded tissue layers.

Abstract: An embolic device for placement in a body lumen, includes: a first segment having a first linear configuration when located inside a catheter, the first segment being configured to form a first three-dimensional structure when outside the catheter, wherein the first three-dimensional structure defines a cavity; and a second segment extending from the first segment, the second segment having a second linear configuration when located inside the catheter, the second segment being configured to form a second three-dimensional structure when outside the catheter; wherein the cavity of the first three-dimensional structure is configured to accommodate at least a majority of the second three-dimensional structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides electroporation systems and methods of energizing a catheter for delivering electroporation. A catheter for delivering electroporation includes a distal section and an electrode assembly. The distal section is configured to be positioned in a vein within a body. The vein defines a central axis. The electrode assembly is coupled to the distal section and includes a structure and a plurality of electrodes distributed thereabout. The structure is configured to at least partially contact the vein. Each of the electrodes is configured to be selectively energized to form a circumferential ring of energized electrodes that is concentric with the central axis of the vein.

Abstract: A medical device system for the delivery of energy to a region of a patient's anatomy is provided. An introducer tube defines a lumen therein and bears a first electrode. A second electrode is movable within the lumen between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the second electrode is substantially disposed within the lumen. In the extended position, the second electrode extends at least partially beyond the distal end of the introducer tube. In one form, the introducer tube is configured to substantially hold the second electrode within the lumen in a predetermined orientation in the extended position, and the introducer tube prevents the second electrode from substantially rotating within the lumen of the introducer tube during movement into the extended position. In one form, the introducer tube is more flexible in a first plane than in a second plane.

Abstract: A medical device including a catheter having a proximal portion and a distal portion. A plurality of electrodes is disposed along the distal portion, the plurality of electrodes including a first electrode pair having a first fixed polarity and a second electrode pair having a second fixed polarity different than the first fixed polarity. A first lumen extends through the distal portion, the first lumen includes a first conductor configured to connect to a first electrode of the first electrode pair and a second conductor configured to connect to a second electrode of the first electrode pair. A second lumen extends through the distal portion and separated from the first lumen, the second lumen includes a third conductor configured to connect to a first electrode of the second electrode pair and a fourth conductor configured to connect to a second electrode of the second electrode pair.

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for facilitating flow within vasculature or other body lumens, channels or passages involving a magnetic field generated by an external magnetic control system and/or facilitating clearance of obstructions (e.g., clots, fluid obstructions) within in-dwelling devices (e.g., shunts, drains, conduits, ports, catheters) involving magnetic particles (e.g., nanoparticles, microparticles) controlled by an external magnetic control system (e.g., one or more rotating permanent magnets or an electromagnetic control system).

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for positioning electrodes within a body. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus for slidably moving multiple features relative to a sheath inserted into a body and positioned relative to a reference point includes a primary actuator configured to move a primary electrode, a secondary actuator configured to move a secondary electrode, and a control mechanism. The control mechanism is configured to selectively prevent movement of at least one of the primary actuator based on a position of the secondary actuator and of the secondary actuator based on a position of the primary actuator and lock positions of the primary actuator and the secondary actuator.

Abstract: A surgical stapler is provided. The stapler employs circumferential channels through which staples are deployed along an arc pathway against an anvil surface. The curved channels allow staples with relatively longer legs to be used in the stapler having a smaller diameter at the jaws. Also, by utilizing a curved path, a much larger staple can be placed in the same diameter device. Specialized curved staples for use with the stapler of the present invention are also provided. To further enable the benefits of the stapler with circumferential channels and method of staple deployment, novel jaw reinforcement structures are provided in the present invention. The jaw reinforcement structures are located towards the center or bladeline of the device instead of around the circumference as in conventional staplers, thereby clearing the outer area near the circumference of the device to provide room for longer staples and staple firing components.

Abstract: A medical probe for insertion has at least one distal electrode coupled to an energy source to apply energy to tissue inside the body. A plurality of apertures are formed in the electrode. A fluid-directing assembly is disposed in the distal section of the probe having an axial channel that is in fluid communication with at least one trans-axial channel disposed at right angles to the axial channel and leading to an exterior of the assembly. A blocking terminus is disposed forward of the at least one trans-axial channel that prevents irrigation fluid from flowing axially in a forward direction so that the fluid flows outwardly into the lumen of the electrode in at least one trans-axial direction.