A method for performing image-guided embryo transfer for in vitro fertilization includes performing a pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of a subjects pelvic region to yield a first MRI image dataset. A computer applies a segmentation routine to the first MRI image dataset to yield segment data which is then used by the computer to create an anatomical model of the subjects pelvic region. The computer determines an optimal implant location based on the anatomical model and creates a three-dimensional rendering of the optimal implant location based on the first MRI image dataset.

An MR compatible steerable sheath with elastomeric member is provided. The elastomeric member is configured to serve as a reservoir and receive contrast media therewithin. The elastomeric member is positioned on the distal end of the steerable sheath and may circumferentially surround the sheath shaft or be offset from a longitudinal axis thereof. In operation, the contrast media allows a user to view the distal tip of the steerable sheath by virtue of the contrast media contained within the elastomeric member.

Described here are devices, systems, and methods for forming a fistula between two blood vessels. The systems may comprise a first catheter including a housing and an electrode having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is fixed relative to the housing and the distal end is longitudinally slidable within the housing.

Systems and methods for positioning a wire for advancement through a vessel wall, and advancing it through one or more vessel walls, generally include a delivery catheter and an alignment catheter or a receiving catheter, and a guidewire. In some variations, the systems and methods may be used to bypass an occlusion or other barrier that may prevent advancement of a wire or tools through an endoluminal space. In these variations, the systems and methods include a delivery catheter, a bypass catheter, a receiving catheter, and a guidewire. The delivery and receiving catheters each generally include a side aperture, a deflection surface, and an alignment element, and the bypass catheter generally includes two side apertures, two deflectors, and two alignment elements. In some variations, the systems and methods may assist in treatment of a patient suffering from critical limb ischemia.

A device can detect and retrieve a blood clot by advancing a catheter with a clot sensing element through a patient’s vascular system. The catheter can map, using an electromagnetic sensor disposed at a distal end of the clot sensing element, the patient’s vascular system. A force sensor can generate a position signal indicating the clot sensing element contacted the clot in the patient’s vascular system. Once located, a blood clot retrieval device can be deployed through the catheter and a lumen in the clot sensing element to remove the clot from the patient’s vascular system.

A device for magnetizing a tissue-penetrating medical device is disclosed including a housing having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a magnetic field generator contained within the distal portion of the housing and a tissue penetrating subassembly including a hub and a tissue penetrating medical device having a proximal end and a distal end. The hub is detachably connected to the distal portion of the housing and the proximal end of tissue penetrating medical device extends proximally from the hub such that the proximal end of the tissue penetrating medical device is exposed to the magnetic field to magnetize the distal end of the tissue penetrating medical device. Methods of magnetizing tissue-penetrating medical devices are also disclosed.

A medical device such as a needle subassembly is disclosed including a cover over a magnetized portion of a tissue-penetrating medical device having a shielding material associated with the cover that prevents the magnetized portion of the tissue-penetrating medical device from being de-magnetized when the cover is positioned to cover the tissue-penetrating medical device.

An electromagnetic navigation device for guiding and tracking an interventional tool (40) within an anatomical region. The electromagnetic navigation device employs a guidewire (20) insertable into the anatomical region, and a hub (30) translatable and/or rotatable in conjunction with the interventional tool (40) relative to the guidewire (20). In operation, the guidewire (20) includes one or more guidance electromagnetic sensors generating guidance data informative of an electromagnetic sensing of a position and/or an orientation of the guidewire (20) relative to the anatomical region, and the hub (30) includes a tracking electromagnetic sensor (31) generating tracking data informative of an electromagnetic sensing of a position and/or an orientation of the hub (30) relative to the guidewire (20). Responsive to the electromagnetic sensing data, a navigation controller (76) controls a determination of a position and/or an orientation of the interventional tool (40) relative to the guidewire (20).

A catheter system includes a medication dispenser located external to a patient. A subcutaneous port is placed internally to the patient and receives a quantity of medication. The port can be filled from a syringe or medication dispensing system. An echogenic catheter can be placed in proximity to a patient's nerve or nerve center using a point-of-care ultrasound imaging system. A method of administering a nerve block or other medication subcutaneously to a patient includes the steps of placing a subcutaneous port using ultrasound imaging for guidance and administering pharmacologic agents via a catheter connected to the port. Alternative embodiment catheter systems include echogenic tips and a stylet to facilitate accurate placement.

A magnetically-guided catheter includes a tip positioning magnet in the distal end portion thereof configured to interact with externally applied magnetic fields for magnetically-guided movement. The magnet may be geometrically asymmetric, for example, a C-shape in radial cross-section, so as to allow side-loading of an irrigation fluid lumen and other wire(s) or lines during fabrication. The outer shaft includes a plurality of segments, including a generally soft segment at the distal end thereof for magnetically-guided navigation. The fluid lumen, which extends through the outer shaft, and further extends completely through the magnet for coupling to the ablation electrode irrigation fluid inlet, is constructed so that its mechanical properties (i.e., flexibility) substantially matches that of the outer shaft. The combination of the outer shaft, inner fluid lumen and positioning magnet has interoperability with a broad range of ablation tip assemblies.