Abstract:
Off-axis visualization systems are described herein which facilitate the deployment, visualization, and retraction of an imaging element from a catheter. Such a system may include a deployment catheter and an attached imaging hood deployable into an expanded configuration as well as an imaging element, such as a CCD or CMOS imager, which may be deployed from a low profile configuration into a position which is off-axis relative to a longitudinal axis of the deployment catheter and/or imaging hood.
Abstract:
A medical manipulation assembly comprises an elongated distal steerable portion with a distal working channel extending through the elongated distal steerable portion. The assembly also comprises an elongated proximal steerable portion arranged proximally of the elongated distal assembly portion. A proximal working channel extends through the elongated proximal steerable portion. The assembly also comprises a distal steering mechanism to bend the distal steerable portion in response to movement of the distal steering mechanism. The assembly also comprises a proximal steering mechanism to bend the proximal steerable portion, independently of the distal steerable portion, in response to rotational movement of the proximal steering mechanism. The assembly also comprises distal pullwire(s) extending between the elongated distal steerable portion and the distal steering mechanism and proximal pullwire(s) extending between the elongated proximal steerable portion and the proximal steering mechanism. The distal and proximal portion working channels are configured to receive a visualization instrument.
Abstract:
A manipulation assembly includes a delivery catheter having a lumen extending therethrough and a deployment catheter positioned within the delivery catheter. The deployment catheter is independently manipulatable with respect to the delivery catheter. The assembly further includes a visualization element extendable distally beyond the deployment catheter and an ablation probe comprising an energy transmitting surface positionable to ablate tissue adjacent to a distal end of the ablation probe. The ablation probe is extendable distally beyond the deployment catheter.
Abstract:
A medical manipulation assembly comprises a sheath steerable in response to rotational movement of a sheath steering mechanism. The assembly also comprises a catheter extendable through the sheath. The catheter is steerable in response to rotational movement of a catheter steering mechanism. The sheath and catheter are independently steerable. The assembly also comprises a set of control wires. At least one of the sheath or the catheter includes a plurality of lumens with at least two of the plurality of lumens each sized for passage of one of the control wires of the set of control wires. The steerable catheter includes a working channel sized to receive a visualization instrument therethrough.
Abstract:
A system for visualizing a tissue region of interest comprises a deployment catheter defining a lumen and a hood coupled to and extending distally from the deployment catheter. The hood has a low-profile configuration within a delivery sheath and a deployed configuration when extended distally of the delivery sheath. The hood in the deployed configuration defines an open area in fluid communication with the lumen. A distal portion of the deployment catheter extends into the open area. The system also comprises an imaging element coupled to an imager support member. When the hood is in the deployed configuration, the imaging element is configured to extend distally of the distal portion of the deployment catheter while the imager support member extends within the deployment catheter.