Abstract: A catheter for tissue ablation with one or more electrodes attached to the inner surface of the catheter body facing the lumen, and one or more electrodes attached to the outer surface. The electrodes are offset from the distal end of the catheter. The material between the inner and outer electrodes is an insulator and may be for example a dielectric with a high dielectric constant. This catheter configuration generates an electric field that bends around the tip of the catheter. The field strength near the catheter tip is relatively symmetric; therefore, tissue ablation depth is relatively insensitive to catheter orientation. Embodiments may have multiple inner or outer electrodes and may switch voltage configurations across electrodes to vary the electric field direction over time, improving ablation consistency.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for treating a glaucomatous eye are provided. An amount of pulsed laser energy is delivered to the pars plana of the eye by a hand-holdable device which comprises a hand-holdable elongate member and a contact member disposed on an end of the elongate member. A contact surface of the contact member is placed in direct contact with the eye so that a reference edge of the contact member aligns with the limbus and a treatment axis defined by the elongate member is angularly offset from the optical axis of the eye. The amount of pulsed laser energy delivered is insufficient to effect therapeutic photocoagulation but is sufficient to increase uveoscleral outflow so as to maintain a reduction from pre-laser treatment intraocular pressure. Amounts of pulsed laser energy will be transmitted to a circumferential series of tissue regions of the eye.

Abstract: An electrosurgical pencil includes a housing having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end adapted to connect to an energy source and the distal end adapted to receive an end effector assembly therein, the end effector assembly defining a surface area along a length thereof. An activation switch is operably associated with the housing and is configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to the end effector assembly upon actuation thereof. An air control valve is operatively coupled to the activation switch and is configured to simultaneously deliver a gas from a gas source to the surface area around the end effector upon actuation of the activation switch. One or more vents are defined in the distal end of the housing and are configured to direct the gas towards the surface area of the end effector.

Abstract: The plasma sensor monitors parameters characterizing the condition of the plasma during the treatment phase and/or the change thereof in order to recognize a prefiguring or already occurred interruption of the plasma in this manner and to avoid this interruption and, in the ideal case, avoid this by already changing the voltage form previously. The mentioned mechanisms can be used by the control device (22) also during a pulse packet. The length of each pulse packet is adapted at each change of the voltage form according to their characteristics in order to guarantee a constant average power.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument (10) with two branches (11, 12) that are pivotably supported at each other by means of a pivot joint (13) is disclosed. The pivot joint (13) has a support pin (34) and a support cavity (37). The support pin (34) is particularly torque-proof connected with one of the branches (11) or (12) and rotatably supported in the support cavity (37) of the respective other branch (12) or (11). Between the branches (11, 12) a seal (45) is provided that sealingly abuts at the two branches (11, 12) and that surrounds the support pin (34) completely in the circumferential direction. Preferably, the support pin (34) is sealingly connected with the respective branch (11, 12) at its axial ends. In doing so, entering of contaminants in the area between the support pin (34) and the support cavity (37) from all sides or access possibilities is inhibited.

Abstract: Apparatus comprises: (a) a longitudinal member (32), having a distal portion (34); (b) a plurality of electrodes (38) disposed on the distal portion of the longitudinal member, such that a first electrode (38a) of the plurality of electrodes is disposed distally along the longitudinal member from a second electrode (38b) of the plurality of electrodes; and (c) a controller (40). The controller comprises an actuator, and circuitry (42) electrically connected to the electrodes via the longitudinal member. The actuator is configured to move the longitudinal member in discrete incremental movements such that for each incremental movement, (i) before the incremental movement the first electrode is disposed in a starting position, (ii) during each incremental movement the actuator moves second electrode toward the starting position, and (iii) at the end of each incremental movement the second electrode is stationary at the starting position.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for the treatment of tissue using energy delivery. Specifically, certain embodiments may be used for the treatment of lung tissue, such as lung nodules, using RF ablation, via a catheter provided with a first electrode attached to a distal end of the catheter, wherein the first electrode is hollow, wherein the first electrode comprises a piercing tip configured to pierce through an airway wall and a second electrode received in a movable manner within the first electrode, wherein the second electrode is extendable from the first electrode to form a first extended configuration.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices allow percutaneous mapping, orientation and/or ablation in bodily cavities or lumens. Such may include a structure that is percutaneously positionable in a cavity, such as an intra-cardiac cavity of a heart. Transducers carried by the structure are responsive to blood flow. For example, the transducers may sense temperature, temperature being related to convective cooling caused by blood flow. A controller discerns positional information or location, based on signals from the transducers. For example, blood flow may be greater and/or faster proximate a port in cardiac tissue than proximate tissue spaced from the port. Position information may allow precise ablation of selected tissue, for example tissue surround a port in the intra-cardiac cavity.

Abstract: Provided are devices, systems, and methods for treating or preventing heart failure or a symptom of heart failure through coordinated nerve activity interruption for one or more target nerves. Devices disclosed herein may comprise a vascular catheter comprising a telescopic needle assembly configured to puncture vascular tissue in contact with the catheter, wherein the needle assembly comprises one or more electrodes configured to deliver electrical energy to a tissue in contact with the one or more electrodes. Methods may include treating or preventing heart failure or a symptom of heart failure by inserting a catheter into a vascular tissue of the subject; guiding the catheter towards the greater splanchnic nerve; piercing the vascular tissue of the subject with a telescopic needle assembly extending outwards from the catheter towards the target nerve; and ablating the target nerve by delivering a stimulation energy to the target nerve with one or more electrodes.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a system for reception and/or emission of an electrical signal from or into the human or animal body, including at least one insulated electrical conductor; a sleeve-shaped electrode that is electrically connected to the electrical conductor and includes an internal side, an external side, a channel, and an opening in a wall of the channel. The channel defines a longitudinal axis along which the conductor is arranged in the channel. A material of the electrode surrounds the entire circumference of the opening; the electrical conductor is guided through the opening between the internal side and the external side of the opening transverse to the longitudinal axis of the channel; and the electrical conductor is connected to the electrode within the opening directly in firmly-bonded and/or force-locking manner such that a durable mechanical and electrical connection between the electrical conductor and the electrode is established.

Abstract: A variable length interstitial probe apparatus includes: a probe for effecting thermal therapy and/or cryotherapy to a tissue; a flexible umbilical sheath permanently affixed to the probe, including at least one interface for supplying energy, cooling fluid, cooling gas, heating fluid, and/or heating gas to the probe; and an adjustable depth stop configured to slide along a length of a shaft region of the probe, and lock to the shaft region at a selected position. The adjustable depth stop is configured to engage a probe driver and/or a skull mount apparatus to stabilize positioning of the probe and to control a depth of entry of the probe into a patient. The probe may be configured to effect temperature modulation therapy, where processing circuitry activates a modulation pattern of thermal therapy emission and cryogenic therapy emission for applying a thermal dose to the tissue.

Abstract: A single treatment catheter is provided for delivery of brachytherapy radiation in combination with intratumoral injection into tumor tissue with a single skin and tumor insertion site. The catheter also enables precise delivery of anti-cancer agents, such as immunotherapy or other medical substances, to specific locations within the tumor with radiographic confirmation of the injection delivery area and location.

Abstract: An arthroscopic cutting probe includes an elongated shaft assembly having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween. A working end at the distal end of the elongated shaft assembly includes a first active electrode and a second active electrode The shaft assembly is rotates the first electrode relative to the second electrode about the longitudinal axis, and a return electrode is carried on the shaft assembly proximal of the working end. The first and second active electrodes are electrically coupled to each other and electrically isolated from the return electrode.

Abstract: A surgical tool includes a drive housing, a shaft extending from the drive housing, an end effector at an end of the shaft and having opposing jaws and a cutting element, and an articulable wrist configured to rotate the end effector within a plane. The wrist is articulated via antagonistic translation of a pair of drive members. Various systems are provided for homing one or more drive inputs that cause movement in the wrist and/or the end effector, or for controlling articulation of the drive inputs.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include a source for a processing tool. In an embodiment, the source comprises a dielectric plate having a first surface and a second surface opposite from the first surface, and a cavity into the first surface of the dielectric plate. In an embodiment, the cavity comprises a third surface that is between the first surface and the second surface. In an embodiment, the source further comprises a dielectric resonator extending away from the third surface.

Abstract: An irreversible electroporation and radio frequency ablation (IRE/RFA) generator incudes an IRE pulse generator, harmonic filtration circuitry, and a waveform interleaver. The IRE pulse generator is configured to generate biphasic IRE pulses. The harmonic filtration circuitry is configured to convert the IRE pulses into an RF signal. The waveform interleaver, which is configured to receive the IRE pulses and the RF signal and generate an IRE/RFA output signal by interleaving in alternation one or more of the IRE pulses with one or more periods of the RF signal.

Abstract: An apparatus (20) includes a tube (22), configured to advance to a blockage, and including a proximal hub (24) configured to connect to a suction-applying device such that, following the advancement of the tube to the blockage, a suction force generated by the suction-applying device is applied, via the tube, to the blockage, a shaft (26), including first and second electrically-conductive circumferential portions (28, 30), configured to pass through the tube, and first and second electrically-conductive elements (34, 38), configured to connect the first and second electrically-conductive circumferential portions to respective terminals of a power source (36).

Abstract: A pump and a pump controller which uses an algorithm to quickly achieve and maintain a stable plasma field in a surgical site are provided. The algorithm calculates an electrical characteristic value to determine if a suction rate by the pump should be increased or decreased to achieve the stable plasma field. A method of using the pump and the pump controller is also provided.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a retrieval device may include a sheath having a distal end. The retrieval device may also include an end effector movable relative to the distal end of the sheath. The end effector may include first and second arms. The first arm may include a first opening at a distal portion of the first arm. The second arm may include a second opening at a distal portion of the second arm. The end effector may also include a third arm. The third arm may be slidably received in the first and second openings. A distal portion of the third arm may form at least part of a loop. The loop may extend through the first and second openings.

Abstract: A system including a catheter navigable to a location within a patient, a lumen extending through the catheter and ending at the distal end in an orifice, a fluid controller in fluid communication with the lumen of the catheter and capable of supplying a fluid to or removing a fluid from an area proximate the desired location. The control of the fluid in the area proximate the desired location affecting a dielectric constant of the area proximate the desired location. The system includes a microwave energy source, and a microwave ablation probe connected to the microwave energy source, the microwave ablation probe being navigable to a desired location within the patient. Application of energy from the microwave energy source to the microwave ablation probe in an area proximate the desired location having the affected dielectric constant results in a substantially spherical tissue effect in the area proximate the desired location.

Abstract: A method for performing an intravascular procedure includes inserting a guide catheter into a blood vessel, and passing a device guide through the guide catheter so that a distal portion of the device guide, having a semi-tubular shape, protrudes from a distal end of the guide catheter into the blood vessel. An intravascular device is inserted through the guide catheter via the distal portion of the device guide to a target site in the blood vessel.

Abstract: A handle assembly for controlling a steerable catheter includes a handle extending about a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end. A lumen extends through the handle to a distal tip extending outwardly from the distal end of the handle and a pair of control wires are interconnected to the distal end of extend the lumen. A lever assembly is disposed within the handle and includes a lever rotatable about a lever axis to control deflection of the distal end of the lumen. The lever assembly includes a first and second gear assembly disposed in opposing relationship to one another and offset relative to the longitudinal axis for allowing the lumen to pass therebetween. Each of the gear assemblies are interconnected to one of the pair of control wires to individually pull a respective one of the control wires in response to rotation of the lever.

Abstract: An electrophysiology catheter has an elongated catheter shaft and a distal assembly with a flex circuit and a support member on which the flex circuit is supported in a generally cylindrical form. The support member has a post extending longitudinally through the cylindrical form of the flex circuit which delivers irrigation fluid into the cylindrical form. The post can be configured to define multiple irrigation chambers within the distal assembly. One or more flow directors movable in the post selectively direct irrigation fluid within the distal assembly. Apertures in the flex circuit allow the irrigation fluid to exit to outside the distal assembly.

Abstract: A powered medical device includes electronic components on a circuit board embedded within the body of a plug for connecting the device with a control apparatus. The medical device may be repaired or refurbished without the need to access the embedded circuit board through the use of a supplemental circuit board installed into the open end of the plug adjacent the plug pins. The supplemental circuit board may include a variety of electronic components, including fuses or non-volatile memory.

Abstract: Electrical instrument for applying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to tissue, comprising: a distal part comprising an instrument tip for applying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to tissue, the instrument tip comprising first and second conductive elements; a coaxial feed cable comprising an inner conductor, a tubular outer conductor coaxial with the inner conductor, and dielectric material separating the inner and outer conductors, the coaxial feed cable being for conveying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to the distal part; wherein: the inner conductor is electrically connected to the first conductive element and the outer conductor is electrically connected to the second conductive element through a rotatable connection between the distal part and the coaxial feed cable that allows rotation of the distal part relative to the coaxial feed cable; and the instrument comprises an actuator for rotating the distal part in a first rotational direction relative to

Abstract: Apparatus, consisting of a probe configured to be inserted into contact with a myocardium, and an electrode attached to the probe. A temperature sensor, incorporated in the probe, is configured to output a temperature signal. A pump irrigates the myocardium, via the probe, with an irrigation fluid at a controllable rate, and a radiofrequency (RF) signal generator applies RF power via the electrode to the myocardium, so as to ablate the myocardium. The apparatus also has processing circuitry that measures a temperature of the probe, based on the temperature signal, while the RF power is applied and, when the measured temperature exceeds a preset target temperature, iteratively reduces the RF power applied by the signal generator and concurrently iteratively varies a rate of irrigation of the irrigation fluid provided by the pump, until the measured temperature is reduced to the preset target temperature.

Abstract: A method, system and device for securing conductive material on catheter elements for tissue sensing and cryogenic ablation. This may be used to deposit or embed conductive material onto or within polymeric materials. The method of manufacturing a balloon with conductive material may include extruding a polymeric material where the polymeric material includes embedded electrically conductive material. At least a portion of the polymeric material may be removed to expose at least a portion of the embedded electrically conductive material. The benefits may include allowing local bipolar recordings, contact assessment and ice thickness, and compatibility with 3-dimensional electroanatomical mapping systems.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating assessment and convenient display of graphical output indicative of lesion formation and outputting data indicative of lesion formation to a 3D mapping system to display on a 3D model are disclosed herein.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a catheter and an end effector. At least a portion of the catheter is sized and configured to fit within a lumen of a human cardiovascular system. The end effector is positioned at a distal end of the catheter. The end effector includes an expandable assembly and at least one flex circuit. The expandable assembly is configured to transition between a non-expanded state and an expanded state. The expandable assembly includes at least one deformable strut or cage. Each flex circuit includes a flexible substrate secured, without an adhesive, to the expandable assembly and an electrode secured to the flexible substrate. The expandable assembly in the expanded state is configured to urge the electrode into contact with tissue. The electrode has a fishbone-like configuration that defines a longitudinally elongated portion and a plurality of fingers extending transversely from the longitudinally elongated portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a medical device. The medical device can include a catheter shaft that includes a proximal end and a distal end, the catheter shaft defining a catheter shaft longitudinal axis. A flexible tip portion can be located adjacent to the distal end of the catheter shaft, the flexible tip portion comprising a flexible framework, wherein the flexible framework is curved about a transverse framework axis that is disposed transverse to the catheter shaft longitudinal axis without application of a force external to the medical device. A plurality of microelectrodes can be disposed on the flexible framework and can form a flexible array of microelectrodes adapted to conform to tissue.

Abstract: Catheterization is carried out by inserting a probe into a cavity in a body of a subject. The probe has a contact force, a transmitter, a receiver, and an ultrasound transducer in its distal segment. After navigating the probe into contact with a target in a wall of the cavity using the contact force sensor, a desired contact force is established and maintained between the probe and the target. Responsively to readings by the receiver of signals from the transmitter, the distal end of the probe is oriented orthogonally to the target.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical pleura sealing device includes an electrosurgical probe assembly having a coaxial arrangement that includes an inner stylet, a first intermediate cannula, a second intermediate cannula, and an outer cannula, having appropriate insulation. A first mesh electrode connects to and extends between a distal end portion of the inner stylet and a distal end of the first intermediate cannula, and is movable between a first extended position and a first retracted position by an axial movement of the inner stylet and/or the first intermediate cannula. A second mesh electrode connects to and extends between a distal end of the second intermediate cannula and a distal end of the outer cannula, and is movable between a second extended position and a second retracted position by an axial movement of the second intermediate cannula and/or the outer cannula.

Abstract: Described herein are cannulas that comprise a cannula tube and a cannula tip. The cannula tube comprises a proximal end, a distal end, a cannula tube lumen, a sidewall, and a sidewall opening extending through the sidewall, the sidewall opening a proximal end and distal end. The cannula tip is secured to the distal end of the cannula tube and comprises a proximal tip portion that is inserted into the cannula tube lumen and a distal tip portion that extends beyond the distal end of the cannula tube. The cannula tip is configured to allow fluid to flow therethrough and is configured to eject a distal tip of an elongated device through the sidewall opening of the cannula tube as the elongated device is inserted through the cannula tube from the proximal end of the cannula tube.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods relating to a low-voltage, pre-treatment pulse routine for evaluating a potential for non-target tissue damage from the delivery of energy, such as electroporation energy to an area of target tissue. In one embodiment, a medical system includes a medical device having a treatment element; and a control unit in communication with the medical device, the control unit being configured to: deliver a low-voltage, pre-treatment pulse routine through the treatment element to an area of target tissue; determine whether the low-voltage, pre-treatment pulse routine has a stimulation effect on an area of non-target tissue; and deliver an ablation energy routine through the treatment element to the area of target tissue when the control unit determines that the low-voltage, pre-treatment pulse routine does not have a stimulation effect on the area of non-target tissue.

Abstract: A severed nerve may be surgically rejoined and severed axons fused via sequential administrations of solutions. The solutions may include a priming solution comprising methylene blue in a Ca2+-free saline solution, a fusion solution comprising about 50% (w/w) PEG, and a sealing solution comprising Ca2+-containing saline. The PEG fusion solution may be applied in a nerve treatment device configured to isolate the injured segment of the nerve. The device may include a containment chamber for creating a fluid containment field around the anastomosis. The device may have slits, slots, and/or apertures in opposing endwalls of the device designed to receive the nerve. The device may have an open bath configuration or may include separable lower and upper bodies to create a closed bath configuration. The device may include one or more fluid ports in fluid communication with the containment chamber for introducing and/or removing fluid.

Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shafts each having a jaw disposed at a distal end thereof configured to rotate about a pivot to move the jaws between open and closed positions, the shafts defining a longitudinal axis therebetween. A knife deployment mechanism including a rack and pinion mechanism or a series of links is disposed within the first shaft and includes a trigger moveable along the longitudinal axis to deploy a knife between the jaws. A knife lockout is configured to move upon approximation of the first and second shafts between an engaged position preventing deployment of the knife and a disengaged position allowing deployment of the knife. A knife kickout mechanism is disposed within the first shaft in opposition to the second shaft and is configured to force the knife forward upon movement of the first and second shafts from an approximated position to a more open position.

Abstract: Methods for estimating of the effectiveness of catheter ablation procedures to form lesions. Lesion effectiveness parameters are received, and effectiveness of a corresponding ablation (optionally planned, current, and/or already performed) is estimated. The estimating is based on use by computer circuitry of an estimator constructed based on observed associations between previously analyzed lesion effectiveness parameters, and observed lesion effectiveness. The estimator is used by application to the received lesion effectiveness parameters.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, devices, and methods for treating heart failure. In some variations, a catheter for forming an anastomosis in a heart may comprise a first catheter comprising an electrode. A second catheter may be slidably disposed within the first catheter. The second catheter may comprise a barb and a dilator comprising a mating surface configured to engage the electrode.

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 current generator. Delivery of current to the interventional element can be gradually ramped up during initialization to improve patient comfort and safety.

Abstract: Ablation systems and methods detect and address distortion caused by a variety of factors. A method includes measuring a temperature curve at target tissue; applying ablation energy to the target tissue; determining a peak temperature on the temperature curve; if the peak temperature is greater than the predetermined peak temperature, determining a time at which the temperature curve crosses to a lower temperature; and if the determined time is greater than a predetermined time, generating a message indicating that the target tissue was successfully ablated. Another method includes determining a distance between a remote temperature probe and an ablation probe, applying ablation energy to target tissue, measuring temperature at the remote temperature probe, estimating ablation size based on the determined distance and the temperature measured by the remote temperature probe, and determining whether the target tissue is successfully ablated based on the estimated ablation size.

Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, assemblies and apparatuses for treatment of hypertension in a patient using renal denervation. The therapeutic assembly includes an energy delivery element. The energy delivery element is configured to provide renal denervation energy to a nerve within a blood vessel of a patient. The therapeutic assembly includes a controller. The controller is coupled to the energy delivery element. The controller is configured to determine that the hypertension in the patient is orthostatic. The controller is configured to apply renal denervation energy to the patient using the energy delivery element.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator and associated methods determine a real part of the impedance of treated tissue. The electrosurgical generator includes an output stage, a plurality of sensors, and a controller that controls the output stage. The controller includes a signal processor that determines an RMS voltage, an RMS current, an average power, and a real part of the impedance of the treated tissue based on measured voltage and current by using a plurality of averaging filters. The controller controls the output stage to generate electrosurgical energy based on at least the determined real part of the impedance.

Abstract: The invention provides for a system for estimating a 3-dimensional treatment volume for a device that applies treatment energy through a plurality of electrodes defining a treatment area, the system comprising a memory, a display device, a processor coupled to the memory and the display device, and a treatment planning module stored in the memory and executable by the processor. In one embodiment, the treatment planning module is adapted to generate an estimated first 3-dimensional treatment volume for display in the display device based on the ratio of a maximum conductivity of the treatment area to a baseline conductivity of the treatment area. The invention also provides for a method for estimating 3-dimensional treatment volume, the steps of which are executable through the processor. In embodiments, the system and method are based on a numerical model which may be implemented in computer readable code which is executable through a processor.

Abstract: An end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members movable between an open and closed position to grasp tissue therebetween. First and second proximal flanges extending proximally from the second jaw member and defining a space therebetween, a proximal flange extend proximally from a proximal portion of the first jaw member and define a cam slot. A cam driver operably is coupled to the proximal flange of the first jaw member to define a space between the cam driver and the proximal flange of the first jaw member. A cam bar is disposed within the space defined between the cam driver and the proximal flange of the first jaw member. The cam bar includes a cam pin configured to move within a cam slot of the cam driver to move the first jaw member relative to the second jaw member between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for generating three-dimensional tissue maps, and particularly fibrosis maps of cardiac tissue. An intravascular device includes an elongated member and a distal tip. An imaging assembly is integrated with the elongated member to enable imaging of the microstructure of tissue near the distal tip. One or more navigation electrodes are positioned at or near the distal tip. Electrical mapping and/or ablation assemblies may also be integrated with the device. Images may be characterized according to a level of fibrosis and, using the corresponding determined locations of the images, a three-dimensional map showing areas of differential fibrosis may be generated. Electrical mapping data may also be integrated with the fibrosis map to generate a composite fibrosis and voltage map.

Abstract: A system for recording or recalling ablation information includes a workstation, and control circuitry. The workstation may include a display, a user input device, and a memory. The workstation may be configured to be in electrical communication with an ablation device. The control circuitry may be in electrical communication with the ablation device and the memory. The control circuitry may be configured to receive input associated with an ablation procedure performed by the ablation device, and associate the input with an anatomical structure of the patient.

Abstract: Medical devices are provided, comprising a medical device and a sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for ablating and characterizing tissue. The system comprises an ablation element configured to emit ablative energy toward a tissue of interest, an imaging apparatus configured to emit energy and collect imaging data including reflected signals from the tissue of interest, and a characterization application. The characterization application comprises a signal analyzer for analyzing the imaging data and determining one or more signal properties from the reflected signals, and a correlation processor configured to associate the one or more signal properties to pre-determined tissue signal properties of different tissue components through a pattern recognition technique. The pre-determined tissue signal properties are embodied in a database, and the correlation processor is configured to identify a tissue component and an ablation level of the tissue of interest based on the pattern recognition technique.

Abstract: For robotically operating a catheter, a medical catheter is controlled by rotation of the catheter as well as steering in one or more planes of a distal end of the catheter. To robotically rotate the catheter, a handle is rotated. The steering is performed separately using one or more knobs on the handle. The rotation of the handle complicates the robotic control of the knob. A mechanical decoupling is used so that rotation of the handle maintains the position of the knob relative to the handle. Gearing or transmission is used to avoid independent control of the knob and handle rotation. In an alternative or additional approach, the handle may be robotically controlled while also guiding the catheter shaft spaced away from the handle, allowing fine-tuned control of the catheter at the access point to the patient.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example electrophysiology medical device may include a catheter shaft including a distal end portion and a sensing assembly having three or more terminals. The sensing assembly includes one or more current-carrying electrodes and one or more sensing electrodes. The one or more current-carrying electrodes, the one or more sensing electrodes, or both includes a mini-electrode. The mini-electrode is disposed on one of the other electrodes. The medical device may also include a controller coupled to the sensing assembly.