Abstract:
Methods and devices are disclosed for puncturing tissue, comprising a puncture device for puncturing tissue and a supporting member for supporting the puncture device. The puncture device is capable of being insertable within the supporting member and being selectively usable in co-operation therewith during a portion of a procedure for puncturing tissue and wherein the puncture device is usable independently therefrom during another portion of the procedure. The puncture device comprises visual or tactile markers for determining the relative positioning between puncture device and supporting member.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus are disclosed for puncturing a target tissue. Apparatus includes an elongate puncture device having a tip electrode that is configured for collecting EGMs and for delivering energy for puncturing the target tissue. The method comprising collecting EGMs to indirectly measure and monitor a pressure applied against the target tissue by the elongate puncture device, thereby confirming a position of the tip electrode of the elongate puncture device relative to the target tissue.
Abstract:
Devices and methods are disclosed for widening a channel in a treatment site, the channel containing a guide-wire. The channel is widened by advancing an elongated dilation device, which is configured to fit tightly over the guide-wire at the distal tip of the dilation device and to provide a distal dilating surface, over the guide-wire and at least partially through the treatment site. The dilation device comprises a tubular metallic shaft, typically a metal inner tube, for providing sufficient stiffness and column strength for the dilator to be advanced at least partially through the channel, and a flexible sleeve providing a tapered distal tip. The distal end of the dilator defines a leading surface that is shaped to force away portions of a lesion surrounding the guide-wire away from the guide-wire as the distal end is advanced over the guide-wire through the lesion, whereby a channel through the lesion is at least partially dilated.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for puncturing tissue, including a surgical introducer with a stiff main body and a flexible tip which can be used with a puncture device to gain epicardial access. The surgical introducer comprises an introducer shaft having a rigid portion and a flexible tip portion. The rigid portion has a metal tube extending to the rigid portion distal end. The flexible tip portion is distal of the metal tube distal end. The flexible tip portion includes a first polymer and a second polymer, wherein the second polymer is more flexible than the first polymer. The second polymer extends distally from the metal tube distal end to define a second polymer flexible tip segment. The first polymer extends distally from the second polymer flexible tip segment end to define a flexible tip portion cap.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus are disclosed for an RF guidewire for applying RF energy to create a channel through a region of tissue within a patient's body. The RF guidewire is configured to have a hydrophilic coating disposed thereon to reduce friction to facilitate traversal through vasculature while maintaining its mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. The RF guidewire includes an electrode tip at a distal end of the guidewire for delivering the energy and an electrically insulative thermal shield between the electrode tip and electrical insulation for thermally protecting the electrical insulation from heat produced by delivering the energy. Some embodiments include electrical insulation inside of the electrically insulative thermal shield.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus are disclosed for an RF guidewire for applying RF energy to create a channel through a region of tissue within a patient's body. The RF guidewire is configured to have a hydrophilic coating disposed thereon to reduce friction to facilitate traversal through vasculature while maintaining its mechanical, electrical and thermal properties.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus are disclosed for an RF guidewire for applying RF energy to create a channel through a region of tissue within a patient's body. The RF guidewire is configured to have a hydrophilic coating disposed thereon to reduce friction to facilitate traversal through vasculature while maintaining its mechanical, electrical and thermal properties.
Abstract:
Devices and methods are disclosed for widening a channel in a treatment site, the channel containing a guide-wire. The channel is widened by advancing an elongated dilation device, which is configured to fit tightly over the guide-wire at the distal tip of the dilation device and to provide a distal dilating surface, over the guide-wire and at least partially through the treatment site. The dilation device comprises a tubular metallic shaft, typically a metal inner tube, for providing sufficient stiffness and column strength for the dilator to be advanced at least partially through the channel, and a flexible sleeve providing a tapered distal tip. The distal end of the dilator defines a leading surface that is shaped to force away portions of a lesion surrounding the guide-wire away from the guide-wire as the distal end is advanced over the guide-wire through the lesion, whereby a channel through the lesion is at least partially dilated.