An axial support structure for a flexible elongate device may comprise a plurality of rigid links coupled by pin joints. Each of the plurality of rigid links may comprise a shaft, a pair of male joint connectors, and a pair of female joint connectors. Each male joint connector may comprise a male tab including an inner surface coplanar with an inner surface of the shaft and extending axially from a first end of the shaft. Each of the male joint connectors may include a pin extending radially. Each female joint connector may comprise a female tab having an outer surface coplanar with an outer surface of the shaft and extending axially from a second end of the shaft. The pair of female joint connectors may be rotated by 90 degrees relative to the pair of male joint connectors. Each female tab may define an aperture.

A guide wire and a medical device are disclosed that have high workability, restrain erroneous puncture by a needle portion for puncture, and assure relative safety. A guide wire for guiding an elongated tubular body or dilator, and which is configured to be inserted in a living body. The guide wire includes a shaft portion, a puncture portion that is fixed to a distal portion of the shaft portion and that forms a hole in living body tissue, and a cover portion that is elastically deformable and that covers the puncture portion, in which when the cover portion is exposed from the elongated tubular body or dilator, the cover portion covers the puncture portion and the cover portion is bent.

Insertion tools for medical applications. An illustrative example is an insertion tool for implanting a lead such as a subcutaneous defibrillation lead, which includes a handle at a proximal end, a catheter, and a distal end. A plurality of stylets having dottering tips are provided in the insertion tool. Reciprocating action of the dottering tips and/or stylets is imparted to dissect through subcutaneous tissue and create a tunnel for implantation of the lead.

A method may include accessing an artery in communication with an ophthalmic artery of a subject, and advancing a microcatheter along the accessed artery so as to align a distal end of the microcatheter with an ostium of the ophthalmic artery, wherein the microcatheter includes a lumen having a guidewire positioned therein. In addition, the method includes proximally withdrawing the guidewire relative to the microcatheter so as to enable a distal portion of the microcatheter to assume a curved relaxed configuration, and cannulating the ostium with the distal portion of the microcatheter when the distal portion is in the curved relaxed configuration.

Devices and methods for the treatment of chronic total occlusions are provided. One disclosed embodiment comprises a method of facilitating treatment via a vascular wall defining a vascular lumen containing an occlusion therein. The method includes inserting an intramural crossing device into the vascular lumen, positioning at least the distal tip of the crossing device in the vascular wall, advancing an orienting device over the crossing device such that an orienting element of the orienting device resides in the vascular wall, inserting a reentry device, and re-entering the true vascular lumen.

A coagulation suction device having an insulation cover and first and second bipolar wires. The insulation cover has a distal end and a distal opening formed at the distal end, and a hollow cavity configured to receive a hollow suction tube. The first and second bipolar wires are encapsulated within the insulation cover and extend along the insulation cover to the distal end. The first and second bipolar wires extend distally beyond a distal-most surface of the insulation cover, and each have an exposed distal end. The exposed distal ends are bent toward each other and terminate adjacent to and spaced apart from each other.

Excessive dilation of the annulus of a mitral valve may lead to regurgitation of blood during ventricular contraction. This regurgitation may lead to a reduction in cardiac output. Disclosed are systems and methods relating to an implant configured for reshaping a mitral valve. The implant comprises a plurality of struts with anchors for tissue engagement. The implant is compressible to a first, reduced diameter for transluminal navigation and delivery to the left atrium of a heart. The implant may then expand to a second, enlarged diameter to embed its anchors to the tissue surrounding and/or including the mitral valve. The implant may then contract to a third, intermediate diameter, pulling the tissue radially inwardly, thereby reducing the mitral valve and lessening any of the associated symptoms including mitral regurgitation.

Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems, and methods that include an access sheath including an elongate body with an internal lumen to facilitate delivery of a device to a target location within a patient. The elongate body may include a distal portion having a distal opening and a plurality of curved segments configured to orient the distal opening relative to the target location.

A method may include accessing an artery in communication with an ophthalmic artery of a subject, and advancing a microcatheter along the accessed artery so as to align a distal end of the microcatheter with an ostium of the ophthalmic artery, wherein the microcatheter includes a lumen having a guidewire positioned therein. In addition, the method includes proximally withdrawing the guidewire relative to the microcatheter so as to enable a distal portion of the microcatheter to assume a curved relaxed configuration, and cannulating the ostium with the distal portion of the microcatheter when the distal portion is in the curved relaxed configuration.

A method may include accessing an artery in communication with an ophthalmic artery of a subject, and advancing a microcatheter along the accessed artery so as to align a distal end of the microcatheter with an ostium of the ophthalmic artery, wherein the microcatheter includes a lumen having a guidewire positioned therein. In addition, the method includes proximally withdrawing the guidewire relative to the microcatheter so as to enable a distal portion of the microcatheter to assume a curved relaxed configuration, and cannulating the ostium with the distal portion of the microcatheter when the distal portion is in the curved relaxed configuration.