A neuromodulation catheter includes an elongate shaft and a neuromodulation element. The shaft includes two or more first cut shapes and two or more second cut shapes along a helical path extending around a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The first cut shapes are configured to at least partially resist deformation in response to longitudinal compression and tension on the shaft and torsion on the shaft in a first circumferential direction. The second cut shapes are configured to at least partially resist deformation in response to longitudinal compression on the shaft and torsion on the shaft in both first and second opposite circumferential directions.

Unitary endoscopic vessel harvesting devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, such devices may comprise an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end. A conical tip may be disposed at the distal end of the elongated body. In addition, the surgical instrument may include one or more surgical instruments moveable in a longitudinal direction along an axis substantially parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the cannula from a retracted position proximally of a distal end of the tip to an advanced position toward the distal end of the tip to seal and cut a blood vessel.

The present disclosure relates generally to the use of medical devices for the treatment of vascular conditions. In particular, the present disclosure provides devices and methods for using laser-induced pressure waves created within a sheath to disrupt intimal and medial calcium within the vasculature.

A medical device includes an insertion tube, having a distal end for insertion into a body of a subject and an opening at the distal end. A lumen, which includes a flexible tube which passes longitudinally through the insertion tube so as to communicate with the opening at the distal end of the insertion tube, is secured under tension inside the insertion tube.

Disclosed herein are devices and methods for creating a shunt between two vessels or lumens within a patient. While these devices and methods are generally described with regard to treatment of hypertension (e.g., pulmonary arterial hypertension) and/or right heart failure/disfunction, they can be used with a variety of different vessels and lumens for other purposes. The devices include puncturing guidewire embodiments that can more accurately pierce two vessels, as well as snare catheter designs that can prevent unwanted damage from a puncturing guidewire.

A catheter system (100) for treating a treatment site (106) within or adjacent to the vessel wall of a blood vessel (108), or the heart valve, includes an energy source (124), a balloon (104), an energy guide (122A), and a balloon integrity protection system (142). The energy source (124) generates energy. The balloon (104) is positionable substantially adjacent to the treatment site (106). The balloon (104) has a balloon wall (130) that defines a balloon interior (146). The balloon (104) is configured to retain a balloon fluid (132) within the balloon interior (146). The energy guide (122A) is configured to receive energy from the energy source (124) and guide the energy into the balloon interior (146) so that plasma is formed in the balloon fluid (132) within the balloon interior (146). The balloon integrity protection system (142) is operatively coupled to the balloon (104). The balloon integrity protection system (142) is configured to inhibit rupture of the balloon (104) due to the plasma formed in the balloon fluid (132) within the balloon interior (146) during use of the catheter system (100).

Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some instances, the intravascular device is a guide wire with electrical conductors embedded within a core wire. In some instances, the electrical conductors are coupled to conductive bands adjacent a proximal portion of the guide wire and a sensing element adjacent a distal portion of the guide wire. Methods of making, manufacturing, and/or assembling such intravascular devices and associated systems are also provided.

A catheter system for treating a treatment site within or adjacent to a vessel wall or a heart valve includes an energy source, a balloon, an energy guide, and an electrical analyzer assembly. The energy source generates energy. The balloon is positionable substantially adjacent to the treatment site. The balloon has a balloon wall that defines a balloon interior that receives a balloon fluid. The energy guide is configured to receive energy from the energy source and guide the energy into the balloon interior. The electrical analyzer assembly is configured to monitor a balloon condition during use of the catheter system. The electrical analyzer assembly can include a first electrode, a second electrode, and an impedance detector that is electrically coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode. The impedance detector is configured to detect impedance between the first electrode and the second electrode.

A system for creating an arteriovenous (AV) fistula comprises a vessel access sheath having a hollow interior and an exit port, a side access needle catheter configured to fit within the hollow interior of the sheath, a needle configured to be inserted into a blood vessel through the side access needle catheter, a toggle delivery catheter configured to fit within the hollow interior of the sheath, and a toggle apparatus configured to be delivered into a vessel through the toggle delivery catheter. The toggle apparatus comprises a shaft and a toggle member pivotably attached to a distal end of the shaft. A source of RF energy or resistive heat energy may be provided for application to the toggle member and/or to a heater insert in the toggle delivery catheter, for the purpose of creating the fistula.

A method of creating an arteriovenous (AV) fistula between first and second vessels includes inserting a catheter comprising a proximal member and a distal member into the first vessel so that the distal member comes into contact with a selected anastomosis site. Creating an aperture between the first and second vessels advancing the distal member into the second vessel. Clamping the first and second vessels together using the proximal and distal members. Applying energy to a heating member on one of the proximal and distal members to further cut the first and second vessels and shape the aperture. The step of applying energy to the heating member further cauterizes and welds an edge of the aperture in order to create the desired fistula between the first and second vessels.