Abstract:
A tissue treatment assembly comprising an elongate flexible energy delivery device extending along a longitudinal axis and terminating at a distal opening and a circuit assembly including a plurality of conductors wrapped in a spiral configuration around the elongate flexible energy delivery device.
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. An imaging element is coupled to an imager support member. When in the deployed configuration, the imaging element is configured to extend distally of the distal portion while the imager support member extends within the deployment catheter. The imaging element comprises a tapered surface and the deployment catheter comprises a complementary tapered surface. Retraction of the imaging element causes the imaging element to shift radially outward from a longitudinal axis.
Abstract:
A method of treatment comprises intravascularly securing an anchor extending from an anchor member at least partially within a vessel lumen such that blood flows unobstructed through or past the anchor. While the anchor is secured, a distance of the anchor member, between the anchor and a barrier or membrane projecting distally from a deployment catheter, is adjusted such that an open area defined by the barrier or membrane is placed against or adjacent to a portion of a patient tissue. Adjusting the distance of the anchor member comprises moving the deployment catheter distally with respect to the anchor member. The method also comprises displacing blood with a transparent fluid from the open area, and while the anchor is secured, articulating the barrier or membrane circumferentially around the anchor. The method also includes treating the tissue while visualizing through the transparent fluid.
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:
Flow reduction hood systems are described which facilitate the visualization of tissue regions through a clear fluid. Such a system may include an imaging hood having one or more layers covering the distal opening and defines one or more apertures which control the infusion and controlled retention of the clearing fluid into the hood. In this manner, the amount of clearing fluid may be limited and the clarity of the imaging of the underlying tissue through the fluid within the hood may be maintained for relatively longer periods of time by inhibiting, delaying, or preventing the infusion of surrounding blood into the viewing field. The aperture size may be controlled to decrease or increase through selective inflation of the membrane or other mechanisms.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for unobstructed visualization and ablation, particularly of the pulmonary veins, are described herein. Such a system may include a deployment catheter and an attached imaging hood deployable into an expanded configuration as well as one or more expandable anchors which are temporarily securable within a respective pulmonary vein while allowing blood flow to pass through the anchor unimpeded. With the one or more non-impeding anchors secured within a respective pulmonary vein, ablation of the tissue surrounding the ostium or several ostia may be effected with the catheter while the tissue is under direct visualization.
Abstract:
A system for visualizing a tissue region of interest includes an imaging element, a sheath, and a dilator. The imaging element is configured to visualize tissue. The sheath includes a channel configured to receive the imaging element. The imaging element is positionable along a central longitudinal axis of the sheath and positionable in an off-axis position relative to the central longitudinal axis. The sheath comprises a flexible section defining at least a portion of the channel. The dilator is configured to advance through the channel to force the imaging element into the off-axis position. The dilator is configured to cause the imaging element to bulge the flexible section as the dilator is advanced through the channel.
Abstract:
A tissue visualization system comprises a flexible elongate shaft through which a lumen extends. The system also comprises a pliable visualization device coupled to a distal portion of the flexible elongate shaft. The pliable visualization device includes a chamber configured to receive a fluid. The system also comprises a piercing instrument configured to extend through the lumen and to penetrate a surface of the pliable visualization device.
Abstract:
A tissue visualization system comprises a flexible elongate shaft through which a lumen extends. The system also comprises a pliable visualization device coupled to a distal portion of the flexible elongate shaft. The pliable visualization device includes a chamber configured to receive a fluid. The system also comprises a piercing instrument configured to extend through the lumen and to penetrate a surface of the pliable visualization device.
Abstract:
Electrode placement and connection systems are described which allow for the electrical connection and maintenance of one or more electrodes positioned on a substrate which is subjected to a variety of mechanical stresses. Electrodes may also be formed on flexible circuit assemblies integrated within or along the hood. The circuit assemblies may also provide structural support to the hood during delivery and/or deployment. Such a system may include an imaging hood having an aperture through which transparent fluid is flowed and one or more electrodes positioned along or about the hood. As the hood is configured between a low-profile and opened configuration, these electrodes may remain electrically coupled despite the mechanical stresses subjected to the electrodes and the connections thereto.