Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080208356 | SATIATION DEVICES AND METHODS - A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis positionable at the gastro-esophageal junction region, preferably below the z-line. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed such that an opening at its proximal end receives masticated food from the esophagus, and such that the masticated food passes through the pouch and into the stomach via an opening in its distal end. | 08-28-2008 |
20080215089 | Stomach wall closure devices - In a method for sealing an incision in an interior body wall such as a gastrotomy opening in a stomach, a closure device is positioned within the incision. The closure device includes a seal and an anchor coupled to the seal. The seal is positioned in sealing contact against a first surface of the body wall, and the anchor is positioned against the second surface of the body wall such that a portion of the closure device is positioned. The closure device seals the incision while healing takes place. Once the incision is significantly healed, the closure device bioerodes. | 09-04-2008 |
20080275539 | Polymeric endoprosthesis and method of manufacture - Improved polymeric endoprostheses and methods of making endoprostheses are disclosed. Said endoprostheses exhibit improved overall compliance, selective regional compliance, and selective radial strength without varying the geometries of selected regions. Numerous other physical characteristics of said endoprostheses may be selectively varied during manufacture. Some embodiments may comprise one or more erodible material. Some embodiments may comprise one or more therapeutics incorporated into said endoprosthesis via a solvent in a supercritical state. | 11-06-2008 |
20080281405 | Highly convertible endolumenal prostheses and methods of manufacture - Endolumenal prostheses that readily and extensively convert from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration are disclosed. Endolumenal prostheses may be fabricated from one or more shape memory polymers, a high modulus elastomer, a polymer that is both elastomeric and exhibits shape memory behavior, a hydrogel, or some combination thereof. Polymers used to fabricate the prostheses are selectively synthesized to exhibit desired characteristics such as crystallinity, strain fixity rate, strain recovery rate, elasticity, tensile strength, mechanical strength, cross-linking density, extent physical cross-linking, extent of covalent cross-linking, extent of interpenetrating networks, rate of erosion, heat of fusion, crystallization temperature, and acidity during erosion. The endolumenal prostheses convert to the deployed configuration following delivery to a treatment site, upon exposure to an initiator either present within the body naturally or introduced into the body. | 11-13-2008 |
20090012542 | SATIATION DEVICES AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING OBESITY - Satiation devices for controlling obesity and methods of implanting same are configured to create a small satiation pouch in the proximal portion of the stomach with a narrow passage leading into the lower portion of the stomach. The small satiation pouch is configured to collect a small amount of masticated food from the esophagus and the narrow passage delays emptying of the food from the satiation pouch into the larger part of the stomach, thereby causing a feeling of fullness. | 01-08-2009 |
20090012546 | DEVICES FOR TREATING GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE AND HIATAL HERNIA, AND METHODS OF TREATING GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE AND HIATAL HERNIA USING SAME - A device for treating GERD includes a pair of sections. Each section includes a proximal end portion with an arcuate interior opening, a distal end portion with an arcuate interior opening, an exterior plate portion, and a tapered body portion extending from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion. The pair of sections surround the esophagus at the gastro-esophageal junction thereof and to be secured together to form a tubular housing with a proximal orifice, a distal orifice smaller than the proximal orifice, and a plate adjacent the distal orifice. A portion of the housing adjacent the distal orifice is configured to elastically deform to constrict the esophagus and serve the function of the LES when a force is applied to the plate by the fundus. The proximal end portion of each mating section includes a flange portion configured to be attached to a body cavity wall. | 01-08-2009 |
20090048583 | INTRAVASCULAR DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR THERAPEUTIC AGENTS - Described herein is a system for intravascular drug delivery system, which includes a reservoir implantable a blood vessel, an intravascular pump fluidly coupled to the reservoir and an anchor expandable into contact with a wall of the blood vessel to retain the system within the vasculature. Delivery conduits may be extend from the reservoir and are positionable at select locations within the vasculature for target drug delivery to select organs or tissues. | 02-19-2009 |
20090096137 | Polymeric endoprostheses with enhanced strength and flexibility and methods of manufacture - Improved polymeric endoprostheses and methods of manufacturing endoprostheses are disclosed herein. The endoprostheses may comprise one or more polymers wherein the polymer chains are substantially aligned circumferentially, and comprising increased radial strength and flexibility. An endoprosthesis according to the invention may comprise a smooth surface. Endoprostheses disclosed herein may be used in the treatment of strictures in lumens of the body. Alternatively, endoprostheses disclosed herein may be used as anchors to secure medical devices within lumens of the body. The endoprostheses disclosed herein may comprise one or more erodible polymer. | 04-16-2009 |
20090105823 | Artificial intervertebral disc nucleus - Devices and methods for manufacturing devices for treating degenerated and/or traumatized intervertebral discs are disclosed. Artificial discs and components of discs may include an artificial nucleus and/or an artificial annulus and may be comprised of shape memory materials synthesized to achieve desired mechanical and physical properties. An artificial nucleus and/or annulus according to the invention may comprise a filler retention membrane that may be filled with a curable material for deployment. A filler retention membrane according to the invention may comprise one or more partitions to define one or more chambers and may comprise one or more valves for selectively permitting the flow of material within the nuclear region and annular region of the filler retention membrane. | 04-23-2009 |
20090157076 | DEVICES AND SYSTEMS FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGICAL PROCEDURES - A system for minimally invasive medical procedures includes an elongate tubular access cannula comprising an elongate tubular member having a rigid proximal portion and an articulating portion. The tubular member has a first branch and a tubular bifurcation extending from the first branch, allowing simultaneous use of multiple instruments. A dissector suitable for use with the access cannula, or other access devices, for implantation of gastric bands or for other procedures includes a pre-curved distal portion having a dissection element such as a monopolar RF conductor and/or a dissection balloon, as well as a snare. In one method, the dissector is advanced around the posterior side of the stomach to form a tunnel in the connective tissue, and the snare is then extended from the dissector to engage a portion of the band and withdraw it through the tunnel. | 06-18-2009 |
20090177215 | SATIATION POUCHES AND METHODS OF USE - A method for controlling appetite by means of a satiation device is disclosed. The device, which includes a flexible webbing defining proximal and distal openings and a biasing structure, is attached to the patient's stomach with the proximal opening positioned adjacent and below the patient's gastro-esophageal junction. The biasing structure imparts pressure against the wall of the patient's stomach adjacent the gastro-esophageal junction. | 07-09-2009 |
20090216104 | USE OF ACID DERIVATIVES OF FLUOROPOLYMERS FOR FOULING-RESISTANT SURFACES - The presently disclosed subject matter describes acid-derivatized perfluoropolyether (PFPE) materials and their use as coatings, sealants, and flexible fillers for devices, apparatuses, and structural parts for a variety of medical applications, and as coatings, sealants, flexible fillers, and structural parts for vessels, structures, and machinery exposed to a marine environment. | 08-27-2009 |
20090281521 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RETAINING MEDICAL IMPLANTS WITHIN BODY VESSELS - The present application describes a retention device for anchoring a medical device within the vasculature. The device may include expandable member coupled to an intravascular medical device and proportioned for receipt within a vessel. At least a portion of the expandable member is expandable to radially engage a vessel wall and to thereby retain the medical device within the vessel. The system is suitable for a variety of intravascular devices, including but not limited to ICD's, pacemakers, and intravascular drug delivery systems. | 11-12-2009 |
20100023088 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSVASCULARLY STIMULATING CONTENTS OF THE CAROTID SHEATH - Methods and systems are disclosed for stimulating contents of the carotid sheath using an intravascular pulse generator and lead. The lead carries an energy delivery device such as an electrode, which is anchor within the portion of the internal jugular vein that is disposed within the carotid sheath. The energy delivery device is energized to transvenously direct energy to target contents of the carotid sheath external to the internal jugular vein. Such target contents may include nervous system elements associated with the carotid sinus baroreceptors, the carotid sinus nerve and associated nerve branches, and or the vagus nerve and associated nerve branches. The system may be used to control blood pressure and/or to lower heart rate and may be suitable for treatment of hypertension, heart failure, or other conditions. | 01-28-2010 |
20100100109 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MODIFYING THE EXIT ORIFICE OF A SATIATION POUCH - A prosthetic device is described that is positionable within the gastro-esophageal junction region of a patient. The prosthetic device includes a proximal opening and a distal orifice that is adjustable in size prior to and/or following implantation. During use, the prosthetic device is attached to tissue of the gastro-esophageal junction region of the patient, with the device positioned such that food ingested by the patient passes from the esophagus through the proximal opening into the interior of the prosthetic device, and eventually exits the prosthetic device via the distal opening. | 04-22-2010 |
20100171394 | ENERGY HARVESTING FOR IMPLANTED MEDICAL DEVICES - An energy harvesting device positionable within a blood vessel for use in generating energy for powering all or a portion of the functions of a diagnostic or therapeutic medical implant. The energy harvesting device includes piezoelectric elements arranged to generate a voltage in response to mechanical blood vessel activity such as bending, expansion or contraction of the blood vessel, or flow of blood through the blood vessel. The electrical energy generated by the piezoelectric elements may be used to recharge a battery, stored in a capacitor, and/or used in real time to generate the energy used for operation of the implant. | 07-08-2010 |
20100211131 | INTRAVASCULAR SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROL - An intravascular lead is used to deliver energy for stimulating nervous system targets using energy delivery elements (e.g. electrodes) that are in direct contact with the nervous system targets. The lead may be positioned within the internal jugular vein and the nervous system targets may include the carotid artery/carotid sinus bulb and/or associated baroreceptor afferents, and/or surrounding nervous system targets in the region of the internal jugular vein, such as the carotid sinus nerve and/or associated nerve branches and/or the vagus nerve and/or associated nerve branches. Stimulation energy travels along a conductive bridge that extends from the intravascular lead to the nervous system target, or is relayed from the intravascular lead to another device disposed within or surrounding the target structure. | 08-19-2010 |
20100298631 | SATIATION DEVICES AND METHODS - A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis positionable at the gastro-esophageal junction region, preferably below the z-line. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed such that an opening at its proximal end receives masticated food from the esophagus, and such that the masticated food passes through the pouch and into the stomach via an opening in its distal end. | 11-25-2010 |
20110038913 | Polymeric endoprostheses with modified erosion rates and methods of manufacture - An erodible prosthesis comprising alternate rates of erosion is disclosed, wherein said alternate rates of erosion can be selectively initiated. Some embodiments according to the invention may comprise an agent for initiating an alternative rate of erosion, such as, for example, a sensitizer, dissolution inhibitor, photo-acid generator, biochemically active additive, thermally activated catalyst, light activated catalyst, electromagnetic radiation activated catalyst, hydration activated catalyst, pH activated catalyst, low melting agent, and/or enzyme activated catalyst. One or more of the foregoing agents may be dispersed within one or more layers. | 02-17-2011 |
20110054555 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RETAINING MEDICAL IMPLANTS WITHIN BODY VESSELS - The present application describes a retention device for anchoring a medical device within the vasculature. The device may include expandable member coupled to an intravascular medical device and proportioned for receipt within a vessel. At least a portion of the expandable member is expandable to radially engage a vessel wall and to thereby retain the medical device within the vessel. The system is suitable for a variety of intravascular devices, including but not limited to ICD's, pacemakers, and intravascular drug delivery systems. | 03-03-2011 |
20110066173 | PROCEDURAL CANNULA AND SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL PROCEDURES - A system for performing minimally invasive medical procedures includes an elongate support advanceable into a body cavity. The elongate support supports a frame that carries a pair of tool cannulas, each of which has a lumen for receiving a tool useable to perform a procedure in the body cavity. The frame is expandable to orient the tool cannulas such that they allow the tools to be used in concert to carry out a procedure at a common location in the body cavity. | 03-17-2011 |
20110112371 | MULTI-INSTRUMENT ACCESS DEVICES AND SYSTEMS - A multi-instrument access device includes a base positionable within a percutaneous opening formed in a body. Ports are positioned on the base for receiving instruments to be inserted into the body for use in a procedure. Tubular instrument tubes having steerable distal ends may be insertable through the ports for receiving the instruments and for orienting the operative ends of the instruments toward a target site. | 05-12-2011 |
20110118545 | System and method for multi-instrument surgical access - A system for performing multi-tool minimally invasive medical procedures through a single instrument port into a body cavity includes a rigid tube carried by a mount. Cannulas having instrument channels and steerable distal ends extend distally from the rigid tube. During a procedure using the system, the mount is supported by an operating room fixture, and instruments are advanced through the steerable instrument channels. Manipulation of the instrument handles engages actuators positioned on the mount, which steer the distal ends of the cannulas through the action of pull cables. The distal ends of the instruments may thus be steered within the body by the distal ends of the steerable cannulas. | 05-19-2011 |
20110118824 | Intraluminal Prostheses and Carbon Dioxide-Assisted Methods of Impregnating Same with Pharmacological Agents - Intraluminal prostheses and methods of impregnating same with pharmacological agents for delivery within a body of a subject are provided. An intraluminal prosthesis comprising polymeric material is immersed in a mixture of carrier fluid and pharmacological agent(s). The mixture of carrier fluid and pharmacological agent is pressurized for a time sufficient to cause the polymeric material of the intraluminal prosthesis to swell such that the carrier fluid and pharmacological agent at least partially penetrate the swollen polymeric material. Pressure is then removed such that the carrier fluid diffuses out of the swollen polymeric material and such that a predetermined amount of the pharmacological agent remains elutably trapped within the polymeric material. | 05-19-2011 |
20110166482 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSVASCULARLY STIMULATING CONTENTS OF THE CAROTID SHEATH - Methods and systems are disclosed for stimulating contents of the carotid sheath using an intravascular pulse generator and lead. The lead carries an energy delivery device such as an electrode, which is anchor within the portion of the internal jugular vein that is disposed within the carotid sheath. The energy delivery device is energized to transvenously direct energy to target contents of the carotid sheath external to the internal jugular vein. Such target contents may include nervous system elements associated with the carotid sinus baroreceptors, the carotid sinus nerve and associated nerve branches, and or the vagus nerve and associated nerve branches. The system may be used to control blood pressure and/or to lower heart rate and may be suitable for treatment of hypertension, heart failure, or other conditions. | 07-07-2011 |
20110169198 | Intraluminal Prostheses Having Polymeric Material with Selectively Modified Crystallinity and Methods of Making Same - Methods of manufacturing polymeric intraluminal prostheses include annealing the polymeric material to selectively modify the crystallinity thereof. Annealing may be utilized to selectively modify various properties of the polymeric material of an intraluminal prosthesis, including: selectively increasing the modulus of the polymeric material; selectively increasing the hoop strength of the intraluminal prosthesis; selectively modifying the elution rate (increase or decrease) of a pharmacological agent subsequently disposed on or within the annealed polymeric material; selectively increasing/decreasing stress in the intraluminal prosthesis; and selectively modifying the polymeric material such that it erodes at a different rate. | 07-14-2011 |
20110251661 | LEAD FIXATION AND EXTRACTION - A device for implantation in the vasculature of a patient can include a fixation mechanism for anchoring the device in place while allowing for easy removal of the device. The fixation mechanism can include a detachable and/or biodegradable portion that can allow for removal from the bulk of the device in order to allow for the bulk to simply be pulled from the body without likelihood of injury. These devices also can include electrode assemblies that do not promote fibrous ingrowth, further reducing the likelihood for injury upon extraction of the device. | 10-13-2011 |
20120004590 | SATIATION POUCHES AND METHODS OF USE - A method for controlling appetite by means of a satiation device is disclosed. The device, which includes a flexible webbing defining proximal and distal openings and a biasing structure, is attached to the patient's stomach with the proximal opening positioned adjacent and below the patient's gastro-esophageal junction. The biasing structure imparts pressure against the wall of the patient's stomach adjacent the gastro-esophageal junction. | 01-05-2012 |
20120059431 | Intravascular Device for Neuromodulation - The present disclosure describes intravascular systems that may be used for a variety of functions. The elements of the disclosed systems include at least one device body implanted within the vasculature. Electrodes on a lead and/or on the device body itself are used to direct electrical energy to neurological targets. These systems may additionally include one or more fluid reservoirs housing drugs or other agents to be delivered to tissue. | 03-08-2012 |
20120116286 | INTESTINAL SLEEVES AND ASSOCIATED DEPLOYMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - An intestinal implant includes a proximal anchor self-expandable from a radially compressed position to a radially expandable position for engagement with a wall of the intestinal lumen and a flexible sleeve coupled to the anchor. The sleeve is implanted with the anchor downstream from the pylorus and the sleeve extending further downstream through the intestinal lumen. | 05-10-2012 |
20120221014 | TRANSVASCULAR ELECTRODE SYSTEM AND METHOD - A transvascular electrode system includes an expandable electrode-carrying anchor. The anchor is intravascularly advanced in a compressed position to a first site in a blood vessel. A first portion of the anchor expands to position an electrode against the vessel wall, while a second portion remains is compressed. Mapping is performed by delivering stimulation energy from the electrode and measuring the response (e.g. blood pressure, heart rate, and/or related parameters). The first portion is at least partially collapsed and the electrode system is moved to a second site. The first portion is expanded to position the electrode into against the vessel wall, while the second portion remains compressed. Additional mapping is performed. The process is repeated until the anchor electrode position is optimized, at which point the second portion of the anchor is expanded to chronically retain the electrode in the vessel. | 08-30-2012 |
20130018247 | INTRAVASCULAR ELECTRODES AND ANCHORING DEVICES FOR TRANSVASCULAR STIMULATION - An intravascular electrode device for use in neuromodulation includes an anchor expandable from a radially compressed position to a radially expanded position. A lead extends from the anchor and has at least one conductor extending through it. A flex circuit is coupled to the anchor and comprises a flexible insulative substrate, a plurality of electrodes carried by the substrate, and a plurality of conductive traces carried by the substrate, each trace electrically coupled to an electrode and a conductor. Expansion of the anchor within a blood vessel biases the electrodes into contact with the surrounding blood vessel wall. An exemplary anchor includes a first portion having expansion forces sufficient to bias the electrodes against the vessel wall for mapping and chronic stimulation, and a second portion having greater radial expansion forces sufficient to chronically engage the vessel wall once an optimal electrode location has been selected. | 01-17-2013 |
20130018444 | INTRAVASCULAR ELECTRODES FOR TRANSVASCULAR STIMULATIONAANM Glenn; Richard A.AACI Santa RosaAAST CAAACO USAAGP Glenn; Richard A. Santa Rosa CA USAANM Smith; Jeffrey A.AACI PetalumaAAST CAAACO USAAGP Smith; Jeffrey A. Petaluma CA USAANM Orth; Geoffrey A.AACI SebastopolAAST CAAACO USAAGP Orth; Geoffrey A. Sebastopol CA USAANM Williams; Michael S.AACI Santa RosaAAST CAAACO USAAGP Williams; Michael S. Santa Rosa CA USAANM Holbrook; KevinAACI Santa RosaAAST CAAACO USAAGP Holbrook; Kevin Santa Rosa CA US - An intravascular electrode device for use in neuromodulation includes an anchor expandable from a radially compressed position to a radially expanded position. A lead extends from the anchor and has at least one conductor extending through it. A flex circuit is coupled to the anchor and comprises a flexible insulative substrate, a plurality of electrodes carried by the substrate, and a plurality of conductive traces carried by the substrate, each trace electrically coupled to an electrode and a conductor. Expansion of the anchor within a blood vessel biases the electrodes into contact with the surrounding blood vessel wall. | 01-17-2013 |
20130150882 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DIVERTING EMBOLIC MATERIAL - An embolic deflection device includes an anchor engageable with a lumen of a branch vessel extending from an aortic arch and a deflection device, the deflection device having a first end coupled to the anchor and an elongate member extending from the deflection device. A method of deflecting embolic material away from a branch vessel extending from an aortic arch includes providing a deflection device comprising a anchor and an elongate member extending from the anchor. The anchor is engaged with a lumen of the branch vessel and positioned such that the elongate member extends within the aortic arch in proximity to ostia of at least two branch vessels. Embolic material flowing from the ascending aorta to the aortic arch is diverted by the elongate member away from the branch vessels and into the descending aorta. | 06-13-2013 |
20130166006 | Neuromodulation Systems and Methods for Treating Epilepsy - A neuromodulation system for treating epilepsy provides therapeutic elements for modulating nerve activity to prevent or diminish (e.g. through reduced intensity or shortened duration) epileptic seizures. The therapeutic elements may be positioned in the vasculature of the patient and are energized to modulate nerve fibers positioned outside the vascular walls. Electrode positions may include the maxillary vein, inferior alveolar vein, lingual vein, retromandibular or facial vein, or the emissary vein of the foramen ovale. Target nerves include the mandibular branch (V | 06-27-2013 |
20140074148 | EMBOLIC PROTECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USE IN AN AORTIC ARCH - A device temporarily positionable within an aortic arch for deflecting embolic particles released during a therapeutic or diagnostic procedure comprises a resilient frame defining an opening and a barrier disposed in the opening. The barrier has a plurality of openings, which may be pores, proportioned to allow passage of blood therethrough but to prevent passage of embolic particles. The barrier has a concave shape having a convex surface positionable in contact with a wall of an aorta to cover at least a brachiocephalic ostium. The frame may include an upstream end including a pair of lobes and an apex between the lobes, and has a generally tapered downstream end. | 03-13-2014 |
20140148883 | Intravascular Electrode System and Method - An intravascular electrode system includes an expandable anchor and a flexible substrate which carries at least one electrode. The anchor is positioned in a blood vessel and expanded to an expanded position to bias the electrode in contact with the vessel wall. The flexible substrate may be longitudinally withdrawn from its position between the anchor and the vessel wall without removing the anchor from the blood vessel. A second flexible substrate may be longitudinally inserted into position between the anchor and vessel wall as replacement for the first substrate. | 05-29-2014 |
20140172006 | SYSTEM FOR FACILITATING TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE PROCEDURES USING FEMORAL ACCESS - A device for facilitating use of instruments disposed through an aortic arch includes an embolic deflector having a first surface positionable in contact with a wall of an aortic arch such that a porous barrier portion of the embolic deflector covers ostia of at least the brachiocephalic and left common carotid arteries. A second surface is disposed on an opposite face from the first surface. A lubricious guide track is disposed on the second surface and extends longitudinally on the embolic deflector. The deflector and/or guide track is supported by a shaft that is extendable through a femoral artery and descending aorta to position the guide within the aortic arch. During use, the device is percutaneously introduced via the femoral artery and advanced into the aorta. The porous barrier portion of the deflector is positioned over the target ostia, and the guide track thus faces into the aortic arch. An instrument passed through the aortic arch, such as an aortic valve delivery system introduced via a femoral artery, is advanced along the lubricious guide track towards a target site (e.g. the aortic valve), minimizing contact between the instrument and the wall of the aorta. | 06-19-2014 |
20140222031 | DIRECT AORTIC ACCESS SYSTEM FOR TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE PROCEDURES - Disclosed are a system and method for performing a medical procedure using direct percutaneous access of an aorta. A main sheath is introduced through an incision formed in proximity to the sternum, and positioned along (and preferable against) a posterior portion of the sternum. Instruments passed through the main sheath are used to form a purse-string suture in an exterior wall of the aorta. An opening is formed in the wall of the aorta in a region encircled by the purse-string suture, and a distal end of an introducer sheath is advanced through the opening into the aorta. A medical procedure, which may be a transcatheter aortic valve replacement, is performed using instruments passed through the introducer sheath into the aorta. After the medical procedure, the introducer sheath is withdrawn from the aorta and, as the introducer sheath is withdrawn, the purse-string suture is tightened to close the opening. | 08-07-2014 |
20140222125 | Intravascular Electrodes for Transvenous Stimulation - An intravascular electrode device for use in neuromodulation includes an anchor expandable from a radially compressed position to a radially expanded position. A lead extends from the anchor and has at least one conductor extending through it. A flex circuit is coupled to the anchor and comprises a flexible insulative substrate, a plurality of electrodes carried by the substrate, and a plurality of conductive traces carried by the substrate, each trace electrically coupled to an electrode and a conductor. Expansion of the anchor within a blood vessel biases the electrodes into contact with the surrounding blood vessel wall. | 08-07-2014 |
20150051533 | SATIATION POUCHES AND METHODS OF USE - A method for controlling appetite by means of a satiation device is disclosed. The device, which includes a flexible webbing defining proximal and distal openings and a biasing structure, is attached to the patient's stomach with the proximal opening positioned adjacent and below the patient's gastro-esophageal junction. The biasing structure imparts pressure against the wall of the patient's stomach adjacent the gastro-esophageal junction. | 02-19-2015 |
20150066133 | Intraluminal Prostheses Having Polymeric Material With Selectively Modified Crystallinity - Methods of manufacturing polymeric intraluminal prostheses include annealing the polymeric material to selectively modify the crystallinity thereof. Annealing may be utilized to selectively modify various properties of the polymeric material of an intraluminal prosthesis, including: selectively increasing the modulus of the polymeric material; selectively increasing the hoop strength of the intraluminal prosthesis; selectively modifying the elution rate (increase or decrease) of a pharmacological agent subsequently disposed on or within the annealed polymeric material; selectively increasing/decreasing stress in the intraluminal prosthesis; and selectively modifying the polymeric material such that it erodes at a different rate. | 03-05-2015 |