Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080208043 | APPARATUS AND CONSTRUCTION FOR INTRAVASCULAR DEVICE - An intravascular device includes alternating conductive and dielectric layers and an electrically conductive coil in a configuration that effects an impedance-matching circuit. Another embodiment of an intravascular device has cylindrical inner and outer walls formed of an expandable, electrically conductive material, the inner and outer walls being separated by a compressible dielectric material. Varying the pressure in the lumen defined by the inner wall changes the spacing between the inner and outer walls, thereby changing the capacitance between the inner and outer wall. Another embodiment of an intravascular device includes one or more coaxial chokes for limiting heating caused by currents induced by RF signals. A conductive shield of the choke is formed of a conductive polymer to further reduce heating effects. | 08-28-2008 |
20080294041 | Devices, Systems and Methods for Determining Sizes of Vessels - Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for determining the cross sectional area of a vessel. Through a combination of fluid injection with different conductivities and measurement of the resultant conductances, parallel tissue conductance measure is obtained that assists in determining the cross sectional area, taking into account the presence of a stent. | 11-27-2008 |
20080294042 | Intravascular Antenna - The present invention relates to an elongate intravascular device adapted to be advanced through a vessel of a subject. The present invention further includes an antenna which is disposed on an inflatable member such that the antenna can be increased or decreased in size to more accurately tune the system in which it is employed. | 11-27-2008 |
20090149746 | POST-BIOPSY CAVITY TREATMENT IMPLANTS AND METHODS - A method of forming a soft tissue biopsy cavity marker may include steps of providing a radio-opaque element and a bio-compatible and bio-degradable polymer such as alginate and delivering the provided radio-opaque element and the provided polymer to a biopsy site, such as a breast biopsy site. A gelling initiator that includes divalent cations such as NaCl | 06-11-2009 |
20090171199 | METHOD AND INSTRUMENT AS WELL AS USE OF INSTRUMENT FOR PERMANENT APPLICATION OF REFERENCE MARKER FOR PRECISION AIMING OF TREATMENT BEAM - A method for permanently applying via the urethra a reference marker in the prostate gland in order by means of the marker to allow precision aiming of a treatment beam at a cancer tumor therein, whereby a catheter comprising a duct and a reference marker disposed for movement in the duct is introduced into the urethra and inserted through it to the prostate gland, a device, with guidance by the reference marker, is caused to, from the duct, penetrate the catheter and/or a membrane totally or partly covering the catheter and is inserted in glandular tissue surrounding the catheter and the urethra, and the marker is thereafter moved by a means along the penetrating and guiding means and is driven by the movement means, with guidance by the penetrating and guiding means, into said glandular tissue for permanent application therein. An instrument for this purpose comprises a catheter ( | 07-02-2009 |
20090187101 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO REMOVE SUBSTANCES FROM VESSELS OF THE HEART AND OTHER PARTS OF THE BODY TO MINIMIZE OR AVOID RENAL OR OTHER HARM OR DYSFUNCTION - To accomplish isolation and removal of a substance from a vasculature, a catheter is employed to occlude a vessel of the vasculature. The substance is thus isolated in the vasculature and can be removed. In this way, the substance is removed before entering other parts of the circulatory system. This method is applicable to removal of contrast from the coronary sinus shortly after injection of the coronary arteries with the contrast. The method substantially minimizes or avoids renal dysfunction caused by angiographic procedures in which contrast must be injected. Such angiographic procedures are often performed during intervention procedures. This method substantially prevents circulation of the contrast to the kidneys where it could otherwise cause renal dysfunction or failure. The apparatus for implementation of the method is also disclosed. | 07-23-2009 |
20090203994 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VASCULATURE VISUALIZATION WITH APPLICATIONS IN NEUROSURGERY AND NEUROLOGY - The invention provides methods and systems for neurovascular imaging ( | 08-13-2009 |
20090221915 | TRANSLUMINAL TISSUE MARKERS - Methods and devices are provided for marking tissue to be subsequently located for removal from a body or for other examination. In general, a marker is provided that can be delivered through a tissue wall proximate to tissue desirable for marking. The marker can be movable between a non-deployed or unexpanded position, in which the marker is configured to be delivered through a relatively small diameter passageway, to an expanded, balloon-like position in which the marker is configured to engage opposed sides of a tissue wall proximate to the desired tissue. The marker can remain disposed in the body in its expanded position and be subsequently palpably identified and/or visually identified to locate the desired tissue. | 09-03-2009 |
20090259126 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR DELIVERING INJECTIONS - Device and method are provided for diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries to the spine by injecting drugs into the diseased or injured area. The device and method of the subject invention provide improvements to patient and operator safety, along with ease-of-use and convenience improvements over conventional techniques. | 10-15-2009 |
20090275829 | Contrast media injector kit - There is provided an integrated injector subassembly or kit. The integrated injector kit comprises: Y-tubing comprising an output arm that is for releasable connection with a patient line and first and second input arms that each independently and integrally connect with an output port of first and second fluid control valves; each fluid control valve comprising: (a) the output port that is integrally connected to one of the first and second input arms of the Y-tubing; (b) an inlet port for connection with a container of a contrast agent or saline and for receiving the contrast agent or saline; and (c) a syringe port for connection with a syringe; and each pairing of fluid control valve and input arm of the Y-tubing defining a fluid path comprising at least one back check valve. | 11-05-2009 |
20090312633 | REFERENCE MEANS FOR PRECISION RADIATION TREATMENT - The present invention relates to a reference means ( | 12-17-2009 |
20100168564 | Remote sensing catheter system and methods - A remote sensing catheter system including an injection catheter and a collection catheter. In one method of use, an external sensor of the system determines the timing of operation of the collection catheter. In another method of use, a sensor determines the volume of medium in the injection. | 07-01-2010 |
20100174183 | MULTIPLE LUMEN DIFFUSION CATHETER - A method and device for the simultaneous or sequential introduction of multiple fluids into the bloodstream including a multiple lumen catheter with corresponding multiple hole sets. By introducing a second fluid such as saline, the concentration and bolus of a first fluid, such as a contrast agent, can be controlled and optimized. | 07-08-2010 |
20110028837 | Photodynamic-based myocardial mapping device and method - A photodynamic mapping device includes a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end, at least one optical electrode at the distal end of the shaft, and at least one optical fiber positioned inside the shaft. In embodiments, the at least one optical fiber extends from the distal end of the shaft and is coupled to the at least one optical electrode provided at or about an outer surface of the device. In an embodiment, at least one optical fiber is coupled, at or about the proximal end of the shaft, to a light source coupled and an optical sensor. An analyzer can be coupled to the optical sensor. Embodiments of such devices can be configured to deliver substances, such as photodynamic therapeutic substances. | 02-03-2011 |
20110034804 | CATHETER ASSEMBLY - A catheter assembly provided with a wire arranged therein to form a loop extending from near the effective end of the catheter for bypassing an occlusion in a vein/artery. This loop consists of two wire ends, one of which wire ends extends through the catheter to the control end thereof, while the other wire end is attached thereto, in close proximity to the effective end of the catheter. By varying the relative position of the loop wire end extending from the control end and the control end, the size of the loop and the pushability thereof at the effective end of the catheter can be determined. In this manner, the occlusion can be removed with precise control by the physician using two hands. In addition, the catheter is formed not only for the loop wire end extending through the catheter, but also for incorporating a guide wire and/or for contrast fluids. | 02-10-2011 |
20110046482 | METHODS FOR REDUCING TOXICITIES ASSOCIATED WITH MEDICAL PROCEDURES EMPLOYING RADIOGRAPHIC CONTRAST AGENTS - Improved methods of administration of thiol-based agents, such as NAC (N-acetylcysteine) and STS (sodium thiosulfate), are provided that protect against renal and other organ injury caused by diagnostic or therapeutic intra-arterial procedures which employ radiographic contrast agents. | 02-24-2011 |
20110092816 | COMBINED CATHETER FOR ANGIOGRAPHY - It is a specially conceived catheter to perform a coronary catheterization by the femoral route with a prior punction and placing of 2 mm introductors, using the “Judkins” catheter curves but without the need of first advancing the JL catheter and then the JR. It comprises a “Judkins” JR right coronary catheter, which contains in its interior a “Judkins” JL left coronary catheter that distally protrudes, disposing the section, defining the primary and secondary curves projecting from the distal end of the JR catheter of the right coronary, which is tapered and blunt in its own distal end section. It is emphasized that the JR catheter has incorporated a haemostatic valve hand in hand with its proximal end. | 04-21-2011 |
20110130657 | Protection Device and Method Against Embolization Agent Reflux - An apparatus is provided that is useful in an embolization procedure and enables substantially unrestricted forward flow of blood in a vessel and reduces or stops reflux (regurgitation or backward flow) of embolization agents which are introduced into the blood. A method of using the apparatus is also provided. | 06-02-2011 |
20110166448 | MARKER DELIVERY DEVICE WITH RELEASABLE PLUG - A marker delivery device includes an elongated delivery cannula which has a distal end section, an inner lumen and a discharge opening in the distal end section in communication with the inner lumen. At least one elongated fibrous marker body is slidably disposed within the inner lumen of the elongated delivery cannula. The at least one elongated fibrous marker body includes a plurality of bioabsorbable polymeric strands. The strands are compressed to a compressed configuration and bound together in the compressed configuration with a polymer binding agent prior to insertion into the elongated delivery cannula. A releasable plug is disposed within a distal portion of the inner lumen and distal to the at least one elongated fibrous marker body so as to at least partially occlude the discharge opening in the distal end section. | 07-07-2011 |
20110245665 | BRONCHIAL CATHETER AND METHOD OF USE - A catheter assembly and method of using the catheter assembly is provided herein. The catheter assembly has a catheter shaft having an elongated body extending about a longitudinal axis, a proximal portion and a distal portion, an outer surface, and at least one lumen extending therethrough the elongated body at least one means for sealing at least a portion of the lumen of the bronchial vessel. At least a portion of the catheter assembly is configured for insertion into at least a portion of a bronchial vessel of a target lung region. The means for sealing is moveable between a collapsed state and an expanded state. At least a portion of the vessel can be sealed by inflating the means for sealing. The catheter assembly can then be used to infuse a dialysate solution into the target lung region. | 10-06-2011 |
20110263976 | Methods and Devices for Endovascular Introduction of an Agent - Methods and devices for introduction of an agent to a vascular physiological site are provided. Aspects of the methods include employing an agent delivery device and an aspiration device to introduce and remove agent from a vascular site in a manner sufficient to minimize agent loss. Also provided are systems and kits for performing the subject methods. The subject invention finds use in a variety of different applications. | 10-27-2011 |
20110275935 | Methods and Apparatus for Treating or Deterring Injuries to or Disorders of the Brain or Spinal Cord of a Subject - Methods and apparatus for treating or deterring injuries to or disorders of the brain or spinal cord of a subject. A heat exchange catheter device is inserted into the subject's body and used to cause heating or cooling the subject's cerebrospinal fluid. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger may be positioned within the subject's vasculature so as to heat or cool the flowing blood, thereby resulting in heating or cooling of the cerebrobpinal fluid. | 11-10-2011 |
20110319754 | VARIABLE LENGTH CATHETER FOR DRUG DELIVERY - A system and method for localized delivery of a therapeutic or diagnostic agent within a vessel is provided. The system and method provide for adjustability of the length of the treatment area. A catheter system includes an inner elongated element and an outer elongated element positioned coaxially with respect to the inner elongated element. A proximal occlusion element is positioned at the distal end of the outer elongated element, proximal to an outlet port. A distal occlusion element is positioned at a distal end of the inner elongated element. The distal end of the inner elongated element is distal to and movable with respect to the outer elongated element distal end. | 12-29-2011 |
20120041306 | CONTRAST AGENT ADMINISTRATION METHOD AND SYSTEM TO MAINTAIN CONTRAST AGENT AT A LOCALIZED SITE OF DELIVERY - In a method and system for administering a dispersible medical agent to a subject, a volume of medical agent is delivered in vivo to a subject in a substantially non-dispersed state, at a localized site in tissue of the subject. Contemporaneously with administration of the medical agent to the localized site, energy from an energy source is introduced into only adjacent tissue surrounding the localized site. The energy produces a cellular modification of the adjacent tissue that makes the adjacent tissue substantially impermeable to passage of the medical agent therethrough, so the medical agent is encapsulated and is prevented from dispersing into tissue outside of the encapsulation. | 02-16-2012 |
20120136247 | Methods of Transvascular Retrograde Access Placement and Devices for Facilitating the Placement - The invention relates to methods of transvascular retrograde access placement into a central blood vessel and to devices that facilitate these methods. The method includes positioning a vascular catheter within the vessel such that its distal end faces a desired exit site on the vessel wall, passing a penetrating device from the catheter through the vascular exit site and skin of the patient; and passing a secondary vascular catheter through the exit site and into the central blood vessel. In another aspect, the method includes penetrating outward from within the vessel to form a pass-through site on a wall of the vessel that exits the patient; and placing the vascular access device into the vessel through the pass-through site. Typical vessels that may be accessed include central veins, but may include other veins as well as arteries. Devices that facilitate the method include a stiff intravascular guidewire with a distally-mounted penetrating device such as a needle, and a two-channel vascular catheter with an angled tip. | 05-31-2012 |
20120157832 | FRACTURE FRAGMENT MOBILITY TESTING FOR VERTEBRAL BODY PROCEDURES - A fracture mobility testing system is provided for use in surgical procedures for augmenting vertebral bodies having collapsed due to compression fractures. The testing system is utilized to determine if the cortical shell of the vertebral body has begun to heal over the fracture lines to the point at which height restoration is not possible. Depending on the feedback provided by the testing system, the surgeon may elect to proceed with any of a variety of known height restoration techniques if the fractured portions of the vertebral body are still mobile, or may elect for a simple vertebroplasty procedure without height restoration if the feedback from the testing system determines that the cortical outer portions of the fractured vertebral body have fused to one another to the point at which height restoration is no longer an option. | 06-21-2012 |
20130018258 | DRUG ELUTION MEDICAL DEVICE - An endoprosthesis (e.g., a sleeve) can be used to deliver therapeutic agents to vascular dissections or perforations. The sleeve can have a tissue adhesive and a drug-eluting biodegradable substrate layer. | 01-17-2013 |
20130018259 | Target Identification Tool For Intra-Lumenal Localization - An intralumenal marker that includes an atraumatic anchoring portion that allows the marker to be fixed within a body lumen, such as an airway, without risk of migration. The anchoring portion may be an elongate body that reassumes a relaxed, coiled configuration after being delivered from a catheter. A body portion is attached to the anchoring portion and provides a function such as radiopaque marking, drug delivery, illumination, or the like. | 01-17-2013 |
20130053693 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PREVENTION OF CATHETER AIR INTAKE - A system for preventing air from entering a first catheter of a multi-catheter system. Air is prevented from entering the proximal end of the first catheter by an axially elongate chamber having an impeller, the chamber being affixed to the proximal end of the first catheter. The air is removed through a port near the centerline of the chamber. Liquid removed with the air is returned to the chamber to minimize liquid loss during the procedure. A second catheter inserted through the chamber and into the first catheter is unable to entrain gas into the first catheter because any gas that enters the chamber is routed to the centerline of the chamber where it is removed. Inflow of fluid from an external pump scrubs the second catheter shaft of air bubbles attached by surface tension. | 02-28-2013 |
20130096427 | Engaged Fiducials and System for Deployment - Embodiments include a fiducial deployment system including a needle and at least two adjacent and releasably-engaged fiducials retained within a lumen of the needle by engagement with each other and/or by engagement with a pusher element. A fiducial may include one or more mechanical engagement structures that interengage with and/or are rupturably attached to one or more adjacent fiducials. The needle, which may include echogenic enhancements, may be configured to deliver a plurality of fiducials to a target location in serial fashion, one at a time. A variety of releasably-engaged fiducials are disclosed, as are methods for use. | 04-18-2013 |
20130131508 | APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR DETECTING GAS CONTAMINATION - In one embodiment, a gas contamination detection apparatus includes a gas analyzer adapted to receive a sample of a gas to be delivered to a patient and to analyze the gas sample to determine whether the gas contains a contaminant, and a gas shut-off valve adapted to automatically prevent the gas from being delivered to the patient if the gas is determined to contain a contaminant. | 05-23-2013 |
20130225990 | Access Port Identification Systems and Methods - An access port for subcutaneous implantation is disclosed. Such an access port may comprise a body for capturing a septum for repeatedly inserting a needle therethrough into a cavity defined within the body. Further, the access port may include at least one feature structured and configured for identification of the access port subsequent to subcutaneous implantation. Methods of identifying a subcutaneously implanted access port are also disclosed. For example, a subcutaneously implanted access port may be provided and at least one feature of the subcutaneously implanted access port may be perceived. Further, the subcutaneously implanted access port may be identified in response to perceiving the at least one feature. | 08-29-2013 |
20130225991 | Access Port Identification Systems and Methods - A power-injectable access port includes a housing defining an internal cavity and including a plurality of suture apertures, a needle-penetrable septum captured by the housing enabling needle access to the internal cavity, a stem having a lumen in fluid communication with the internal cavity, the stem configured for coupling to a catheter, and a radiopaque identification feature observable via imaging technology subsequent to subcutaneous implantation of the port, the feature indicating that the port is suitable for power injection. | 08-29-2013 |
20130281850 | METHOD FOR DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF ARTERY - An introducer having a dilator positioned in a sheath is inserted into a first artery and, thereafter, only the dilator tube is drawn out of the first artery and the sheath while the sheath remains in the first artery. A diagnostic instrument having an outer diameter smaller than a maximum outer diameter permitting insertion into the sheath tube is inserted into the second artery, and a stenosis of the second artery is diagnosed. While keeping the sheath indwelling in the first artery, a therapeutic instrument or a catheter permitting the therapeutic instrument to be inserted therein, which therapeutic instrument or catheter has a maximum outer diameter permitting insertion into the sheath tube, is inserted into the second artery, and the second artery is treated. | 10-24-2013 |
20140051997 | OCCLUSION PERFUSION CATHETER - Catheters for occluding, visualizing, irrigating, evacuating, and delivering agents to a treatment area are disclosed. The catheters comprise a catheter body comprising five lumens, first and second occlusion balloons coupled to the catheter body, an optional space-occupying balloon coupled to the catheter body and disposed between the first and second occlusion balloons, and an optional visualization means that enables visualization between the first and second occlusion balloons. Methods for using these catheters are also disclosed. A method comprises inflating the first and second occlusion balloons, inflating the space-occupying balloon, allowing fluid to exit via an evacuation lumen, optionally irrigating or aspirating to facilitate fluid exit via said lumen, and delivering an agent to a treatment area via the agent lumen. | 02-20-2014 |
20140121514 | METHOD OF MEASURING PROPULSION IN LYMPHATIC STRUCTURES - Novel methods and imaging agents for functional imaging of lymph structures are disclosed herein. Embodiments of the methods utilize highly sensitive optical imaging and fluorescent spectroscopy techniques to track or monitor packets of organic dye flowing in one or more lymphatic structures. The packets of organic dye may be tracked to provide quantitative information regarding lymph propulsion and function. In particular, lymph flow velocity and pulse frequency may be determined using the disclosed methods. | 05-01-2014 |
20140236005 | CONTRAST ASSISTED INTRAVASCULAR ULTRASOUND IMAGING - A method of imaging a blood vessel includes delivering a bubble-based contrast agent within the vessel and positioning at least one ultrasound device in the vicinity of the bubble-based contrast agent within the vessel. A first burst of low-frequency ultrasound energy can be delivered to excite the bubble-based contrast agent into oscillation within the vessel, and a second burst of high-frequency ultrasound energy can be delivered at the excited bubble-based contrast agent. A return signal from the burst of high-frequency ultrasound energy can be received and processed to obtain one or more images. | 08-21-2014 |
20140276042 | INTEGRATED CATHETER AND POWERED INJECTOR SYSTEM FOR USE IN PERFORMING RADIAL ANGIOGRAPHY - An integrated catheter and powered injector system includes a pump housed in a self-contained unit, a contrast media supply removably connected to the pump by a fluid supply line, an extension line removably connecting an arterial catheter to the pump, and a control device sending user control signals to the pump. The pump comprises a motorized pump drive sub-system operating the pump, and a battery electrically connected to and powering the pump drive sub-system. In response to signals received from the control device, the pump drive sub-system drives the pump to draw contrast media fluid from the supply into the pump through the fluid supply line and inject the contrast media fluid from the output of the pump through the extension line and into the arterial catheter at a controlled flow rate and/or pressure. | 09-18-2014 |
20140343418 | INFUSION SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS - Infusion system configurations and assemblies facilitate routing of infusion circuit tubing lines. Tubing lines are routed into and out from compartments of a shielding assembly for the infusion system, at locations which prevent kinking and/or crushing of the lines, and/or provide for ease in assembling the circuit. A plurality of the lines may be held together by a support frame to form a disposable infusion circuit subassembly, that can further facilitate routing of the lines. | 11-20-2014 |
20150112195 | CRYOCATHETER WITH SINGLE PHASE COOLANT FLUID COOLED THERMOELECTRIC MODULE AND CEREBRAL MEDICAL PROCEDURES EMPLOYING LOCAL ICE BALL - Cryocatheter including an elongated flexible catheter member having a short rigid catheter tip for introduction into a therapy site and a heat exchange arrangement for freezing the catheter tip to a cryo-temperature from between about −15° C. to about −30° C. for freezing human tissue at the therapy site. Cerebral medical procedures include inter alia employing a local ice ball for sealing a bleeding rupture in an arterial wall in the case of a stroke hemorrhage, employing a local ice ball for mapping electrical disorder foci in a brain, for example, epileptic foci, and the like. | 04-23-2015 |
20150335821 | RADIOPHARMACEUTICAL ADMINISTRATION METHODS, FLUID DELIVERY SYSTEMS AND COMPONENTS THEREOF - A fluid path set for a fluid delivery system includes a tube coil that is designed to optimally position one or more volumes of a pharmaceutical within an ionization chamber to optimally measure and prepare a pharmaceutical dose for administration to a patient. The tube coil may be maintained in a desired dimensional geometry by means of a core structure around which the tube coil is positioned. Novel developments in radiopharmaceutical administration methods and systems include, but are not limited to, the configuration and layout of a fluid path set for use in a fluid delivery system, arrangements for piercing and drawing fluid from a pharmaceutical container (such as a vial), arrangements for optimizing the positioning of a tube coil within an ionization chamber, a handling system for transporting vial shields that maintain an operator's hand and fingers at a safe distance from a pharmaceutical vial, a method for calibrating a radiopharmaceutical delivery system in which the difference between the expected and measured activities of two radioisotopes are used to calculate an estimated error in the measured activity of a third radioisotope and a vial access system that ensures an optimal draw of fluid from a radiopharmaceutical container. | 11-26-2015 |
20150367003 | LOW-DENSITY MAGNESIA-ALUMINA-SILICA (MAS) MICROPARTICLES FOR RADIOTHERAPY AND/OR RADIOIMAGING - This invention relates to low density radioactive magnesium-aluminum-silicate (MAS) microparticles for radiotherapy and/or radioimaging. | 12-24-2015 |
20160120492 | FILLING MATERIAL AND METHOD OF CONFIRMING INJECTION STATE OF FILLING MATERIAL - A filling material which enables a user to visually confirm the state of the filling material while it is injected into a flexible container based on an X-ray image, and a method of confirming the injection state of the filling material. The filling material configured to be injected into the flexible container includes a first contrast substance that is flowable, and a second contrast substance that is mixed into the first contrast substance and is insoluble in the first contrast substance. The second contrast substance possesses higher contrast X-ray contrast properties than the X-ray contrast properties of the first contrast substance. | 05-05-2016 |
20160128661 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMAGE PROCESSING TO DETERMINE PATIENT-SPECIFIC BLOOD FLOW CHARACTERISTICS - Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model. | 05-12-2016 |
20160157914 | DETERMINATION OF PULMONARY VEIN AND OTHER VASCULAR OCCLUSION USING TEMPERATURE PROFILE FOLLOWING COLD SALINE INJECTION - A method, system, and device for predicting lesion quality. Specifically, lesion quality may be predicted based on an assessment of pulmonary vein occlusion using saline injection and evaluation of temperature measurements recorded by a thermocouple located distal to the cryoballoon of the treatment device. The quality of the occlusion may be rated based on the time it takes the temperature recorded by the thermocouple to increase from approximately 2° C. to approximately 38° C., the rate of temperature change over a predetermined time period, and/or the rate of dissipation within the pulmonary vein of the saline with a volume of contrast medium. For example, the quality of the occlusion may be rated as being good, fair, or poor. This assessment may be quickly and easily communicated to an operator. | 06-09-2016 |