A deflectable catheter shaft section is disclosed comprising an elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis with a distal end and a proximal end. First and second pull wires can extend along the elongated body and can have a proximal end and a distal end. First and second pull wire liners can be disposed over a portion of one of the first and second pull wires, respectively. Each of the first and second pull wires can have a proximal end and a distal end. A first gap can exist between the proximal end of the first pull wire liner and the proximal end of the elongated body and a second gap can exist between the proximal end of the second pull wire liner and the proximal end of the elongated body.

A system and method used to deliver a percutaneous ventricular assist device (pVAD) or other cardiac therapeutic device to a site within the heart, such as a site at the aortic valve. A flexible device is percutaneously introduced into a vasculature of a patient and positioned to run from a femoral vein, through the heart via a transseptal puncture, and to a femoral artery. The venous-side end of the flexible device is withdrawn out the venous vasculature superior to the heart, and a pVAD is secured to the flexible device. The pVAD is pushed in a distal direction while the arterial-side end of the flexible device is pulled in the proximal direction to advance the pVAD to the target site. A left ventricle redirector aids in orienting the pVAD and preventing migration of the flexible member towards delicate structures of the heart during advancement of the pVAD.

A steering tool includes an internal tube disposed inside an external tube. The internal and external tubes are arranged for longitudinal axial movement relative to one another. A distal end of the internal tube is fixedly joined to a distal end of the external tube. At least one of the internal and external tubes is slotted near the distal end thereof, and the longitudinal axial movement causes bending of the distal ends of the tubes.

Apparatus, systems, and methods for achieving thermally-induced renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver a thermal element to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.

Devices and methods for assisting cardiac function. In an exemplary embodiment of a device for assisting heart function of the present disclosure, the device includes a first plate and an opposing second plate, each plate having an inner surface, a cardiac processor coupled to at least one of the first plate and the second plate, a bladder having an inner chamber and disposed between the inner surfaces, and a first catheter having a proximal end in communication with the inner chamber of the bladder and a distal end having a first pericardial balloon coupled thereto, wherein a gas and/or a liquid within the inner chamber of the bladder can be injected into the first pericardial balloon upon compression of the first plate relative to the second plate, and wherein the gas and/or the liquid can be removed from the first pericardial balloon upon retraction of the first plate relative to the second plate.

A deflectable, flexible device includes an elongate body, a convoluted tip portion at a distal end of the elongate body, and a lumen to receive one or more wires. The convoluted tip portion includes an electroformed pleated region which is formed by electrodepositing a metal on a mandrel having a pleated region. The convoluted tip portion may be hermetically sealed to permit repeated sterilization. The electroformed pleated region may include one or more fluid emission orifices. The convoluted tip portion extends or bends in response to fluid pressure manipulation, contact with tissue, manipulation with an internal spring or wire, or by a user pushing, pulling, or twisting the catheter directly or via an introducer sheath or the like. The convoluted tip portion may further include an RF ablation element or other energy-driven technique to create continuous linear lesions or a sensing element.

Aspects of articulating devices and methods are disclosed. An exemplary articulating device may comprise an interior core with a reinforcing extending along a central axis, an exterior layer bonded to the interior core by an interface, and a lumen extending through the exterior layer, exterior of the reinforcing element, and parallel to the central axis. A steering wire may be moveable in the lumen to articulate a distal end of the device relative to the central axis in response to a force applied to the steering wire. Related methods of manufacturing an articulating device are also described.

An electrophysiology catheter (100) includes a catheter distal portion (110) on which a force sensor (200) is arranged. The force sensor (200) includes an elastic tube (210) and strain gauges (220). The elastic tube (210) has a hollow portion in its wall, and the strain gauges (220) are disposed external to the hollow portion. Compared to the design with the strain gauges (220) overlapping the hollow portion, arranging them over solid portions of the elastic tube (210) allows the strain gauges (220) to collect more accurate electrical signals while suffering from less interference. This can result in a significant improvement in contact force measurement accuracy of the catheter distal portion (110).

A steering assembly including a handle portion, the handle portion having a first screw with a first helical thread and a second screw with a second helical thread, the first and second threads being in opposite directions, and an actuator with an outer surface adapted to be actuated by a user, the actuator in operable communication with the first and second screws, wherein actuation of the actuator cause axial movement of the first screw in a first direction, and causes axial movement of the second screw in a second direction opposite the first direction.

A medical device and use thereof provide percutaneous access to a targeted site within a living body, for example the left ventricle of the heart. The device includes an inner tubular member, outer tubular member, and an adjustable control handle. The control handle can precisely control the relative position of the inner tubular member relative to the outer member by providing feedback to the operator. This feedback provided by the control handle allows the operator to precisely maneuver the catheter within a body and change the shape of the catheter system without taking his/her eyes off the task that he/she is performing. The control handle is designed to precisely change the catheter system from one tip shape to another tip shape and back.