Medtronic CryoCath LP

A system, method and leak signal discriminator for detection of a leak or mechanical breach in a catheter shaft in the presence of an electrical interferer are disclosed. According to one aspect, a leak signal discriminator having a leak detection circuit is configured to distinguish between a leak signal arising from a leak in a catheter and an interfering signal arising from an electrical interferer. The leak signal discriminator includes circuitry configured to receive from the leak detection circuit a response signal responsive to a test signal the test signal having component signals, each component signal being at a different frequency, and distinguish between a leak and an electrical interferer based at least in part on an evaluation of the response signal.

A method, system, and devices with an integrated retractable blade system for the intraarterial shunt are disclosed. According to one aspect, the cutting tool may comprise an elongate body where the elongate body has a proximal portion and a distal portion opposite the proximal portion. An inner shaft may extend within the distal portion of the elongate body and the inner shaft may have a proximal end and a distal end and a hub may be coupled to the distal end of the inner shaft. The cutting tool may have a cutting element with the hub coupled with the cutting element and movement of the hub transitions the cutting element between a collapsed position and an expanded position.

Devices, systems, and methods for assessing contact between a treatment element and an area of target tissue using resistive-type and/or capacitive-type contact sensing elements. In one embodiment, a medical system for determining tissue contact includes an elongate body including a distal portion and a proximal portion and a treatment element coupled to the elongate body distal portion. The treatment element may have a first expandable element, a second expandable element, the first expandable element being within the second expandable element, and at least one contact sensing element between the first and second expandable elements. In one example, the device may include a plurality of contact sensing elements arranged in a matrix or in a plurality of linear configurations. In another example, the device may include a layer of conductive microparticles or a contact-sensing film.

The present invention advantageously provides a molding device with conductive material for creating a catheter balloon with conductive elements, and methods and systems for manufacturing the catheter balloon with conductive elements. An exemplary method for coupling a plurality of conductive elements to an expandable element may include placing a first portion of a mold proximate a second portion of the mold to define a casting cavity. Conductive material may be deposited into the casting cavity. Polymeric material may be inserted into the casting cavity. The first portion of the mold may be secured to the second portion of the mold. The polymeric material may be expanded to place the polymeric material in contact with the conductive material.

A method of ablating tissue includes positioning a treatment device proximate to a target tissue area. The treatment device has an expandable treatment element. The expandable treatment element is inflated with a refrigerant during an inflation phase such that at least a portion of the expandable treatment element is in contact with the target tissue area. A first pressure measurement of the inflated expandable treatment element is recorded and compared to a predetermined pressure threshold. The refrigerant is circulated within the expandable treatment element during an ablation phase to reduce a temperature of the target tissue area to a temperature sufficient to cryoablate the target tissue area. A second pressure measurement of the expandable treatment element is recorded during the ablation phase and compared to the predetermined pressure threshold.

An epicardial device, system, and method for stabilizing the left atrial appendage during a left atrial appendage ligation/occlusion procedure. A cryoadhesion device including a stabilization element is positioned within the pericardial space proximate the left atrial appendage through subxiphoid access. Once the stabilization element is in contact with the left atrial appendage, the stabilization element is cooled to a temperature that is sufficient to cryoadhere the stabilization element to the left atrial appendage. In this way, the cryoadhesion device stabilizes the left atrial appendage in order to perform left atrial appendage ligation/occlusion with a secondary medical device.

A method and system for feedback control for cryo-mapping and cryoablation are disclosed. According to one aspect, a cryo-mapping and cryoablation control system includes a first control device configured to receive a target parameter value and a measured output parameter and to output an injection pressure target signal based on a first difference between the target parameter value and the measured output parameter. The system also includes a second control device configured to receive the injection pressure target signal and to output a valve control signal, the valve control signal being used to set a position of an injection pressure valve. The first control device is configured to determine a value of the injection pressure target signal to drive the first difference toward zero.

A system includes a console and a balloon catheter with an inner balloon and an outer balloon. The console is fluidly coupled to the balloon catheter via aa first vacuum line and and a second vacuum line. The console includes processing circuitry configured to determine whether at least one breach condition is satisfied based on at least one parameter measured by sensors of the system. Responsive to determining that at least one of the breach conditions is satisfied, the processing circuitry is configured to cause, at a first time, passive suction to be exerted on the first vacuum line and active suction to be exerted on the second vacuum line. Additionally, the processing circuitry is configured to cause, at a second time that is after the first time, active suction to be exerted on first vacuum line and the second vacuum line.

A method of performing bronchial denervation of a bronchus having bronchial nerves along a portion thereof is provided. The method includes providing a cryoablation device having multiple electrodes capable of delivering electrical energy and measuring impedance. At least one bronchial nerve is stimulated with electrical energy. The electrical signals from the at least one bronchial nerve are recorded to provide a first value representative of nerve function. Cryogenic treatment energy is applied to form ice in the bronchus having a thickness to encapsulate the at least one bronchial nerve to cause a reduction in nerve function. The at least one bronchial nerve is restimulated with electrical energy. The electrical signals are recorded from the restimulated at least one bronchial nerve to provide a second value that represents diminished nerve function. The first value and the second value are compared to provide an assessment of the reduction in nerve function.

Devices, systems, and methods for assessing contact between a treatment element and an area of target tissue using resistive-type and/or capacitive-type contact sensing elements. In one embodiment, a medical system for determining tissue contact includes an elongate body including a distal portion and a proximal portion and a treatment element coupled to the elongate body distal portion. The treatment element may have a first expandable element, a second expandable element, the first expandable element being within the second expandable element, and at least one contact sensing element between the first and second expandable elements. In one example, the device may include a plurality of contact sensing elements arranged in a matrix or in a plurality of linear configurations. In another example, the device may include a layer of conductive microparticles or a contact-sensing film.