A method and system for increasing safety of cardiac ablation procedures comprises a computer based system that monitors the esophageal temperature, and a fluoroscopy (medical images) based cardiac mapping system for cryoballoon or radiofrequency (RF) ablations. The esophageal temperature is monitored utilizing an esophageal probe which may have any number of temperature sensing members. The esophageal probe may also have pre-formed shape. During atrial fibrillation ablations, based on a pre-determined increase in esophageal temperature (from any thermistor), the computer based system activates different levels of alarm(s), and/or initiates ablation energy interrupt based on pre-defined programmed values. The method and system is also used for guiding placement of cryoballoon and performing cryoablations. The placement of cryoballoon catheter or a circular catheter is based on superimposing a high resolution (dye injected) image and a live fluoroscopy image and adjusting transparency between the two images.

Devices, systems, and methods for degassing fluid prior to applying fluid to a treatment site during ablation therapy are provided. In one embodiment, an ablation system can include an elongate body, an ablation element, a heating assembly, and a fluid source. Fluid in the fluid source can be at least partially degassed prior to being provided as part of the system, or, in some embodiments, a degassing apparatus can be provided that can be configured to degas fluid within the system prior to applying the fluid to the treatment site. The degassing apparatus can include one or more gas-permeable and fluid-impermeable tubes disposed therein, which can allow gas to be removed from fluid passing through the apparatus. Other exemplary devices, systems, and methods are also provided.

Ablation probe tips (108, 148, 320, 360) and physical and virtual stents (110) for use in tooth bud ablation procedures that result in tooth agenesis as well as tooth bud ablation methods are described herein.

Provided is a catheter that is manufacturable in a simplified fashion. The catheter 1 includes: a catheter tube 11 including a tip-flexible part 11A that has an inner tube (first tube 61) and a plurality of divided tube members 620 to 625 that are disposed on outer circumference of the inner tube and independent of each other; one or a plurality of metal rings disposed in the tip-flexible part 11A; one or a plurality of temperature sensors disposed corresponding to the one or the plurality of metal rings; and a handle 12 attached at a base end of the catheter tube 11. A rate of a thickness of the metal ring to an outer diameter of the metal ring is 7.5% or greater. The metal ring and the plurality of divided tube members 621 to 625 are both so disposed in the tip-flexible part 11A as to be fitted on an outer circumferential surface of the inner tube side by side in an axial direction of the catheter tube 11.

Multi-electrode ablation systems, methods, and controllers are described. In one example, a method of beginning an ablation procedure using a multi-electrode ablation system is described. The method includes selectively coupling the output of a power supply to a first electrode of a plurality of electrodes to increase a temperature at the first electrode to a first temperature set-point and limit a rate of increase of the temperature at the first electrode to a predetermined first rate.

An apparatus for mechanically manipulating hollow organs within the body of a subject, or an organ manipulation apparatus, includes a manipulation section. The manipulation section may include a substantially two-dimensional element, which may have a width that exceeds a distance across a portion of the interior of a hollow organ within which the manipulation section is to be positioned. The manipulation section is configured to manipulate at least a portion of a hollow organ from within, which may modify at least one of a shape, orientation, or location of at least part of the hollow organ. Methods for manipulating hollow organs are also disclosed, as are operating techniques, such as left atrial ablation, in which the shapes, orientations, and/or locations of hollow organs are manipulated to move the hollow organs away from the site of the medical procedure, reducing the potential for damage to the hollow organs.

A thermal ablation probe having one or more sensors for sensing at least one tissue parameter, such as temperature, fluctuation in temperature change, and/or rate of temperature change. The thermal ablation probe includes an elongated shaft and a head portion at a distal end of the elongated shaft. The head portion includes a sensing system having sensors for sensing the tissue parameter. The head portion further includes one or more antennas configured to apply energy to tissue. The proximal end of the thermal ablation probe is configured for removable engagement with a thermal ablation system. The one or more sensors form at least one thermal ablation probe array or sensing platform. The array(s) can be in operative communication with a control system for controlling the operation of the thermal ablation system in accordance with the at least one tissue parameter.

A multi-pole synchronous pulmonary artery radiofrequency ablation catheter may comprise a control handle, a catheter body and an annular ring. One end of the catheter body may be flexible, and the flexible end of the catheter body may be connected to the annular ring. The other end of the catheter body may be connected to the control handle. A shape memory wire may be arranged in the annular ring. One end of the shape memory wire may extend to an end of the annular ring and the other end of the shape memory wire may pass through a root of the annular ring and be fixed on the flexible end of the catheter body. The annular ring may be provided with an electrode group. The device possesses advantages of simple operation, short operation time and controllable precise ablation. The device can be used to treat pulmonary hypertension with pulmonary denervation.

A temperature probe for monitoring temperatures of a surface of a tissue or organ within the body of a subject includes a section with a substantially two-dimensional arrangement and a plurality of temperature sensors positioned across an area defined by the substantially two-dimensional arrangement. Such an apparatus may be used in conjunction with procedures in which thermal techniques are used to diagnose a disease state or treat diseased tissue. Specifically, a temperature probe may be used to monitor temperatures across an area of a surface of a tissue or organ located close to the treated tissue to prevent subjection of the monitored tissue or organ to potentially damaging temperatures.

Devices and methods for shaping an ablation treatment volume formed in fluid enhanced ablation therapy are provided. The devices and methods disclosed herein utilize the interaction of fluids to create ablation treatment volumes having a variety of shapes. In one embodiment, a method for forming an ablation treatment volume having a desired shape includes delivering therapeutic energy to tissue to form an ablation treatment volume and simultaneously delivering a first fluid and a second fluid to the tissue. The first and second fluids can convect the therapeutic energy in a desired direction such that the ablation treatment volume has a desired shape.