Devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure can overcome physical constraints associated with catheter introduction to facilitate the use of a catheter with a large distal portion as part of a medical procedure benefiting from such a large distal portion, such as, for example, cardiac ablation. More specifically, devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure can compress an expandable tip of a catheter from an expanded state to a compressed state along a tapered surface of an insertion sleeve for advancement of the expandable tip into vasculature of a patient. The tapered surface of the insertion sleeve can, for example, apply compressive forces at an angle against the advancing expandable tip. As compared to other approaches to the application of compressive force to an expandable tip, compressing the expandable tip using an angled force can reduce the likelihood of unintended deformation of the expandable tip.

An apparatus includes a shaft assembly and an end effector. The shaft assembly includes an outer sheath, at least one irrigation conduit, and at least one suction conduit. The end effector includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a web. The electrodes extend distally relative to a distal end of the outer sheath. The electrodes are operable to apply bipolar RF energy to tissue. The web extends laterally between the first and second electrodes. The web is positioned distal to the distal end of the outer sheath.

The present invention relates to an ablation equipment (100) to treat target regions of tissue (41) in organs (44), comprising an ablation catheter (1) and a single power source (4);

said ablation catheter (1) comprising: a catheter elongated shaft (13) comprising at least an elongated shaft distal portion (17); said catheter elongated shaft (13) comprising a flexible body (207) to navigate through body vessels (208);
said ablation catheter (1) further comprising a shaft ablation assembly (20) disposed at said elongated shaft distal portion (17); said shaft ablation assembly (2) comprising at least a plurality of electrodes (127, 113 or 114) fixedly disposed at said elongated shaft distal portion (17);
all electrodes of said at least a plurality (127, 113 or 114) being electrically powered by said single power source (4) through an electric signal (S) to deliver both non-thermal energy for treating the tissue (41) and thermal energy for ablating the tissue (41);
wherein
said single power source (4), when requested, changes continuously said electric signal (S) in order to power the said least a plurality of electrodes (127, 113 or 114) to deliver from a non-thermal energy to a thermal energy, and vice versa, or to deliver at the same time a combination of thermal energy and non-thermal energy.

The present invention includes electrocautery devices and methods for surgery. The present invention includes an electrocautery device (or other surgical cutting and dissecting tool; harmonic scalpel; scissors capable of cutting, dissecting and obtaining hemostasis) comprising: (a) a handle portion; (b) an electrocautery unit integrated into said handle portion, and comprising a surgical electrode extending from said distal end thereof; (c) an ultrasonic transponder integrated into said handle portion and extending from said distal end thereof and disposed adjacent to said surgical electrode and so as to be adapted to detect differences in anatomical tissue types distally of said surgical electrode; (d) a source of current to said surgical electrode; (e) a feedback module adapted to either (1) signal the user of the electrocautery device or (2) change or interrupt the current provided by said source of current; and (f) data transmission module for transmitting data from said ultrasonic transponder, and for transmitting data to said feedback module. The present invention may be adapted to be used in conjunction with other types of scalpels, scissors, etc.; i.e., cutting and dissecting devices.

Apparatus for performing a minimally-invasive procedure, the apparatus comprising: a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; a monopolar knife assembly attached to the distal end of the shaft, the monopolar knife assembly comprising a knife; a handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft; wherein the shaft comprises a flexible portion and an articulating portion, wherein the flexible portion extends distally from the handle and the articulating portion extends distally from the flexible portion; wherein at least one articulation cable extends from the handle to the articulating portion, such that when tension is applied to the at least one articulation cable, the articulating portion deflects; wherein an actuation element extends through the shaft from the handle to the knife, such that when the actuation element is moved, the knife is moved; and wherein the actuation element transmits electrical power from the handle to the knife.

An electro-chemical surgical knife is detailed that in a single instrument provides both a chemically assisted mechanical dissector and an electrical knife. The chemically assisted mechanical dissector: includes a conductive mechanical instrument, a source (7) of a cleavage solution, a pump (8) for feeding the cleavage solution to, a channel (2) for transporting the cleavage solution to an operating location, and a flow controller (8c) for controlling the feeding of the cleavage solution by the pump to an inlet of the channel. The electric knife includes a source of high frequency AC electrical power (5) for feeding AC current through an electric conductor (3) to, an electrode (6) formed by the conductive mechanical instrument and further comprises a second controller (5c) for controlling the feeding of the AC current to the electrode.

A catheter for ablation including a catheter shaft, a balloon at a distal end of the catheter shaft, and a microporous portion. The balloon is configured to support conductors and electrodes and contain a fluid. The microporous portion is coupled to the balloon to allow the fluid to flow out of the balloon and includes a plurality of apertures configured to prevent large air bubbles from exiting the balloon.

Ablation systems of the present disclosure facilitate the safe formation of wide and deep lesions. For example, ablation systems of the present disclosure can allow for the flow of irrigation fluid and blood through an expandable ablation electrode, resulting in efficient and effective cooling of the ablation electrode as the ablation electrode delivers energy at a treatment site of the patient. Additionally, or alternatively, ablation systems of the present disclosure can include a deformable ablation electrode and a plurality of sensors that, in cooperation, sense the deformation of the ablation electrode, to provide a robust indication of the extent and direction of contact between the ablation electrode and tissue at a treatment site.

A depth sensing dilator system for dilating a penetration in a tissue plane includes an elongate flexible body, having a proximal end and a distal end. The body has a tapered dilator segment, and at least a first electrode on a distal end of the body. The system includes a processor and a user interface output device. The processor is configured to send a first signal to the output device when a change in impedance at the first electrode indicates that the first electrode has reached a predetermined relationship with the tissue plane.

A self-contained, battery powered transseptal crossing system is disclosed. An elongate, flexible electrically conductive needle body has a proximal end and a distal end. An insulation layer surrounds the sidewall and leaves exposed a distal electrode tip. A generator is configured to deliver RF energy to the electrode tip, and includes a processor configured to take impedance measurements at the tip to confirm contact with the intra atrial septum and/or confirm entry into the left atrium.