A tubular structure having variable support includes a tubular member and a structural support member with a flexible tubular member over the structural support member, such that the flexible tubular member can engage and disengage or squeeze and release the structural support member. The structural support member can be a tubular mesh, stent, framework, skeleton, braid or other flexible framework. A fluid passage can be used to inflate and deflate the flexible tubular member. Methods of assembly and methods of use are also described.

A system and method for utilizing an endoscopic sheath. An endoscope is received in a scope port of the endoscopic sheath. A dilation device is received in a working port of the endoscopic sheath. The dilation device is controlled utilizing controls of the endoscopic sheath.

A method and apparatus are disclosed for regulating a temperature of an esophagus when heat or cold is delivered to a left atrium, the method including altering a heat exchange device from an insertable configuration to a heat exchanging configuration which conforms and corresponds with a cross-section of an inside of the esophagus such that the esophagus is maintained in its natural shape and location. In some embodiments the heat exchange device has a heating/cooling balloon which is inflated to be in the heat exchanging configuration. Some alternative embodiments includes altering the configuration of the balloon to conform to or correspond with the cross section of an esophagus by means other than inflation.

An endoscopic peripheral includes a flexible cable connecting a first end and a second end. The first end of a flexible cable including at least a camera and one or more lights positioned at a time of the first end. The tip is configured for insertion of at least a portion of the first end into a body of patient. The second end of the flexible cable terminates in a connector configured to physically connect the endoscopic peripheral to an electronic device external to the body of a patient. The electronic device powers the camera and the one or more lights and displays content captured by the camera.

Apparatus and methods for treatment of bleeding and/or microbial infection of the genitourinary tract including a catheter and an insertable and removable medicament-delivery sheath for introducing a hemostatic and/or anti-microbial substance or the like. Some embodiments further include a light-delivery sheath and/or light-delivery-and-imaging sheath having a light-propagation channel, and a source of anti-microbial and/or imaging light in one or more wavelength bands, for example UVC light and/or light in the visible violet, blue or green wavelength ranges. Some embodiments include a display for captured images, and/or a motorized sheath-movement device configured to move one or more light-output ports. Some embodiments further include a light-propagation channel built into the catheter itself (such as one or more optical fibers) for the administration of anti-microbial ultraviolet light (and/or other wavelengths of light) light along the catheter and/or at the distal end of the catheter to treat and/or prevent microbial (bacterial and/or fungal) infections.

Disclosed are a catheter-based kissing balloon systems and methods of connecting blood vessels or creating an access path between blood vessels. The system includes a first delivery or passing catheter in a first vessel and a second receiving catheter in a second vessel that cooperate to create a path between the vessels. A passing catheter balloon is arranged to mate with or kiss a receiving catheter balloon to align the vessels before a piercing element is extended to puncture both vessels and optionally puncture a balloon. A guidewire is delivered through a lumen of the piercing element, and a distal end of the guidewire is trapped in a cage of the receiving catheter. The guidewire can then be used to deliver additional implanted devices while the passing catheter, receiving catheter, or both are removed.

A medical device having an elongate support structure and an inflatable balloon including a first-end portion secured to the support structure at a first location, a second-end portion secured to the support structure at a second location distal to the first location, and a middle-body portion. The first-end portion has a wall thickness greater than a wall thickness of the middle-body portion; the balloon defines a sealed interior through which the support structure extends. The balloon being stretch-mounted to the support structure in tension relative to the support structure; the balloon is formed in a diamond-like configuration that transitions to a substantially spherical configuration when the balloon is inflated to a inflation pressure that is at least about ten percent greater than atmospheric pressure, such that when inflated to the inflation pressure and anchored in an anatomical body region, resists movement of the support structure relative to the balloon.

A tubular structure having variable support includes a tubular member and a structural support member with a flexible tubular member over the structural support member, such that the flexible tubular member can engage and disengage or squeeze and release the structural support member. The structural support member can be a tubular mesh, stent, framework, skeleton, braid or other flexible framework. A fluid passage can be used to inflate and deflate the flexible tubular member. Methods of assembly and methods of use are also described.

Systems and methods are disclosed for an electrical sensing, pacing, and ablation device comprising a bendable and stretchable balloon catheter and a bendable and stretchable first layer connected to or embedded in said balloon catheter, where the first layer has an electrode array with a plurality of electrodes. The is also a bendable and stretchable second layer connected to or embedded in the balloon catheter, and the second layer has a pressure sensor array with a plurality of pressure sensors.

Apparatus and methods for treatment of bleeding and/or microbial infection of the genitourinary tract including a catheter and an insertable and removable medicament-delivery sheath for introducing a hemostatic and/or anti-microbial substance or the like. Some embodiments further include a light-delivery sheath and/or light-delivery-and-imaging sheath having a light-propagation channel, and a source of anti-microbial and/or imaging light in one or more wavelength bands, for example UVC light and/or light in the visible violet, blue or green wavelength ranges. Some embodiments include a display for captured images, and/or a motorized sheath-movement device configured to move one or more light-output ports. Some embodiments further include a light-propagation channel built into the catheter itself (such as one or more optical fibers) for the administration of anti-microbial ultraviolet light (and/or other wavelengths of light) light along the catheter and/or at the distal end of the catheter to treat and/or prevent microbial (bacterial and/or fungal) infections.