| Patent application number | Description | Published |
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| 20080234658 | Device and Methods for Controlling Blood Perfusion Pressure Using a Retrograde Cannula - Devices and methods are disclosed for the control of blood perfusion pressure within a blood vessel that undergoes arterialization. A cannula is introduced that contains a stenosis that either resorbs or is removed in time, allowing a gradual increase in blood pressure between two blood passages connected at either ends of the cannula. Particular emphasis has been made with the use of the cannula for the vessels in the heart. | 09-25-2008 |
| 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 |
| 20080300672 | Devices and Methods for Magnetic Tissue Support - Devices and methods are disclosed for providing tissue support within the body. A metallic component and a magnetic component are used and allowed to interact through the body of the tissue such that the attractive forces between these components provides the external support needed by that tissue to properly function within its position. Such a technique is described with respect to the particular example of correction of aneurysms. | 12-04-2008 |
| 20090082698 | DEVICES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS FOR SIZING OF A GASTRIC POUCH - Devices, methods, and systems for measuring the size of gastric pouches. At least some embodiments include a catheter comprising an outer elongate tube, an inner elongate tube disposed within the outer elongate tube, a proximal balloon attached to the outer elongate tube, a distal balloon having a first end attached to the outer elongate tube and a second end attached to the inner elongate tube, at least two detection electrodes positioned on the outer elongate tube relative to at least two excitation electrodes, and a pressure transducer positioned on the outer elongate tube. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090099211 | TREATMENTS FOR CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE - Methods and pharmaceutical preparations for treating heart failure by administering to a human or animal subject a therapeutically effective amount of at least one substance selected from the group consisting of a) SOD mimics (e.g., Tempol), b) NADPH oxidase inhibitors (e.g., Apocynin) and c) other substance that inhibit or reduce the amount of superoxide present in the affected tissues (e.g., the subjects heart and/or blood vessels) and/or increase levels of nitric oxide. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090177211 | HOMEOSTATIC TISSUE APPARATUS - A device for supporting a tissue, the device has a shaft having a longitudinal axis and at least two atraumatic clamps coupled to the shaft. Each atraumatic clamp may have at least two oppositely polarized magnets. An atraumatic clamp may also have a mounting structure for the magnets. In at least one embodiment, the atraumatic clamps are mounted along the shaft so that when the shaft is positioned relative to a tissue having a length, the clamps may clamp the tissue so that the length of tissue positioned between the clamps is maintained substantially constant. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090204029 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING PHASIC CARDIAC CYCLE MEASUREMENTS - The disclosure of the present application provides for systems and methods for determining a phasic change in a vessel and vessel compliance. In at least one exemplary method for determining a phasic change in a vessel, the method comprises the steps of introducing a device into a site within a vessel, operating the device in connection with two or more fluid injections in the vessel to obtain two or more conductance values, calculating a parallel conductance value and a total conductance value, and calculating a phasic change in at least one vessel parameter based in part upon the calculated parallel conductance value and the calculated total conductance value. In an exemplary method for determining vessel compliance, the method comprises, in part, the steps of calculating a first vessel parameter and a second vessel parameter based on at least two conductance values, calculating a change in vessel parameter based upon the first and second vessel parameters, and calculating vessel compliance based upon the relationship between the change in vessel parameter and a change in pressure during a cardiac cycle. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090204134 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR REMOVING STENOTIC LESIONS FROM VESSELS - The present application provides various devices, systems, and methods for removing stenotic lesions from vessels. In at least one embodiment of an exemplary device, the device comprises at least one sizing portion and at least one treatment portion. Such a device may be useful to, for example, remove a stenotic lesion from a vessel by positioning the device within a vessel lumen, operating the sizing portion to obtain luminal size parameter data, operating the treatment portion at a location within the vessel lumen at or near a stenotic lesion, and ceasing operation of the treatment portion when the luminal size parameter data indicates a preferred luminal size parameter. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090216133 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING VESSEL COMPLIANCE - The disclosure of the present application provides for systems and methods for determining a phasic change in a vessel and vessel compliance. In at least one exemplary method for determining a phasic change in a vessel, the method comprises the steps of introducing a device into a site within a vessel, operating the device in connection with two or more fluid injections in the vessel to obtain two or more conductance values, calculating a parallel conductance value and a total conductance value, and calculating a phasic change in at least one vessel parameter based in part upon the calculated parallel conductance value and the calculated total conductance value. In an exemplary method for determining vessel compliance, the method comprises, in part, the steps of calculating a first vessel parameter and a second vessel parameter based on at least two conductance values, calculating a change in vessel parameter based upon the first and second vessel parameters, and calculating vessel compliance based upon the relationship between the change in vessel parameter and a change in pressure during a cardiac cycle. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090240268 | MAGNETIC DEVICES FOR ORGAN REMODELING - A device, system and method for providing tissue and organ restriction. A magnetic device is described with respect to restricting gastric capacity while avoiding nutritional deficiencies and other complications. Additionally, a system is described for the automate restriction of gastric capacity using a magnetic device and a sensor | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090281650 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DESIGNING ENERGY EFFICIENT MICROFLUIDIC CHANNEL DEVICES - In at least one embodiment, a method for diagnosing vascular disease is provided, the method comprising the steps of obtaining a vessel image showing a vasculature of a vessel identifying at least two measurements from the vasculature of the vessel, the measurements relating to at least two parameters, calculating a relationship between the at least two parameters from the at least two measurements to generate one or more vasculature data points, and comparing the one or more vasculature data points to data relative to a model vasculature to determine the extent of vascular disease. In an another embodiment, a method for diagnosing vascular disease in a patient's vascular tree is provided, the method comprising the steps of generating a model vascular tree from a minimum energy hypothesis calculation, and comparing the patient's vascular tree with the model vascular tree to determine the extent of vascular disease. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090312789 | MAGNETIC DEVICES AND METHODS FOR SEPTAL OCCLUSION - A magnetic device and method are disclosed for providing a safer and more reliable technique for closing a hole or rupture in the septum of the heart. A device is disclosed with proximal and distal occluders that are connected to one another via a catheter and are inserted on either side of the hole or rupture. Also disclosed are two patches that are placed on either side of the hole or rupture with at least one of the patches being composed of magnetic material with the other being magnetic or metallic. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090319020 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR PROMOTING ENDOTHELIALIZATION - Devices, systems, and methods for promoting endothelialization and preventing restenosis are disclosed. At least some of the embodiments disclosed herein promote endothelialization and prevent restenosis by reducing local blood flow turbulence. At least some of the embodiments disclosed herein promote endothelialization and prevent restenosis by directing endothelial progenitor cells to a targeted site using magnetic and other means. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090322749 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EXTRACTING A CURVE-SKELETON FROM A VOLUMETRIC IMAGE OF A VESSEL - An accurate analysis of the spatial distribution and intravascular pattern of blood flow in any organ must be based on detailed morphometry (diameters, lengths, vessel numbers, branching pattern, branching angles, etc.) of the organ vasculature. Despite the significance of detailed morphometric data, there is relative scarcity of database on vascular anatomy, mainly because the process is extremely labor intensive. Novel methods in the form of a segmentation algorithm for semi-automation of morphometric data extraction are provided. The extraction algorithm is based on a topological analysis of a vector field generated by the normal vectors of the extracted vessel wall. With this approach, special focus is made on achieving the highest accuracy of the measured values, with excellent results when compared to manual measurements of the main trunk of the coronary arteries with microscopy. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20100010355 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR MAPPING ORGAN PROFILES - Devices, systems, and methods for the localization of body lumen junctions and other intraluminal structure are disclosed. Various embodiments permit clinicians to identify and locate lesions and/or anatomical structures within a lumen and accurately place leads and/or devices within a lumen, through determining the intralumen conductance and/or cross-sectional area at a plurality of locations within the body lumen. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100010368 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING AORTIC LESIONS - Devices, systems, and methods for the localization of body lumen junctions and other intraluminal structure are disclosed. Various embodiments permit clinicians to identify and locate lesions and/or anatomical structures within a lumen and accurately place leads and/or devices within a lumen, through determining the intralumen conductance and/or cross-sectional area at a plurality of locations within the body lumen. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100010488 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EPICARDIAL NAVIGATION - Systems and methods for navigating a catheter along the epieardial surface of the heart are disclosed. At least some of the embodiments disclosed herein are useful for epieardial ablation, Various embodiments permit ablation of the epieardial surface of the heart using an external ablation catheter in the pericardial space and an internal guide catheter within the heart. Such a configuration allows the clinician to precisely target for ablation specific locations on the cardiac tissue. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100010503 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PLACING HEART LEADS - Devices, systems, and methods for the localization of body lumen junctions and other intraluminal structure are disclosed. Various embodiments permit clinicians to identify and locate lesions and/or anatomical structures within a lumen and accurately place leads and/or devices within a lumen, through determining the intralumen conductance and/or cross-sectional area at a plurality of locations within the body lumen. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100022946 | ENDOVASCULAR PERIAORTIC MAGNETIC GLUE DELIVERY - The disclosure of the present application includes assemblies, systems, and methods for preventing endoleak and migration. In an embodiment of an assembly for delivering a magnetic glue-like substance, the assembly comprises a catheter defining a catheter, a needle positioned within the catheter, and a needle wire, whereby a magnetic glue-like substance may be injected through a needle wire to a target site. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100030055 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS TO EVALUATE CARDIOVASCULAR FUNCTION - Devices and methods are disclosed which relate to the detection of cardiovascular efficiency and risk of disease. The rate of volumetric change of the heart can be determined by measuring the parallel conductance across electrodes attached to the heart. Measurements from a lumen would consider the total conductance. The rate of volumetric or lumen cross-section area change can then be compared to an average model to determine the health of a patient. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100041981 | APPLICATIONS OF SCALING LAWS OF TREE STRUCTURES - In at least one embodiment, a method for diagnosing vascular disease is provided, the method comprising the steps of obtaining a vessel image showing a vasculature of a vessel, identifying at least two measurements from the vasculature of the vessel, the measurements relating to at least two parameters, calculating a relationship between the at least two parameters from the at least two measurements to generate one or more vasculature data points, and comparing the one or more vasculature data points to data relative to a model vasculature to determine the extent of vascular disease. In an another embodiment, a method for diagnosing vascular disease in a patient's vascular tree is provided, the method comprising the steps of generating a model vascular tree from a minimum energy hypothesis calculation, and comparing the patient's vascular tree with the model vascular tree to determine the extent of vascular disease. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100082050 | DEVICES FOR ORGAN RESTRICTION - Implantable devices for providing tissue and/or organ restriction. Embodiments of an implantable magnetic device are described with respect to restricting gastric capacity while avoiding nutritional deficiencies and other complications. In at least one embodiment, the device comprises first and second bars that are biased to magnetically attract each other and engage a portion of tissue therebetween. In at least one embodiment, the device may comprise at least one strap and one or more pins, the pins configured to provide an amount of space between the first and second bars so that the tissue disposed therebetween is not overly compressed. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100082058 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING LOCAL BLOOD PRESSURE - A device for exposing a blood vessel to increased pressure, the device comprising an anchor capable of being positioned within a lumen of a blood vessel, and a particle capable of expanding, said particle in contact with the anchor. In at least one embodiment, the anchor is further capable of expanding so that the expanded anchor spans across a cross-sectional area of the lumen of the blood vessel. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100087919 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VALVE ANNULUS REMODELING - Systems and methods for remodeling the annulus of a valve are disclosed. At least some embodiments disclosed herein are useful for resizing the mitral valve annulus in a safe and effective way. Such remodeling can be used to treat mitral valve regurgitation. At least some of the disclosed embodiments adjust the size of a valve annulus using magnetic forces. Other embodiments may include mechanisms for the manual adjustment of the annulus. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100094256 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR LOCALIZED DRUG DELIVERY - Devices, systems, and methods for localized drug delivery. In at least one embodiment of a method of localized drug delivery, the method comprises the steps of placing a resorbable device within a tube, introducing the tube within a mammalian body at or near a tissue and/or organ within the mammalian body, and anchoring the resorbable device to the tissue and/or organ. Devices and systems useful for performing such a method are also disclosed herein, wherein an exemplary device comprises at least one drug release portion having at least one drug to be released over time and a binder intermixed with the at least one drug, and at least one resorbable anchor portion coupled to the at least one drug release portion. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100106185 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR ENDOSCOPIC GASTRIC MAGNETIC RESTRICTION - A device, system and method for providing tissue and organ restriction. A device is described with respect to restricting gastric capacity while avoiding nutritional deficiencies and other complications. Additionally, a system and method are described for using the device to restrict gastric capacity to perform a non surgical gastric procedure. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100152607 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR MEASURING PARALLEL TISSUE CONDUCTANCE, LUMINAL CROSS-SECTIONAL AREAS, FLUID VELOCITY, AND/OR DETERMINING PLAQUE VULNERABILITY USING TEMPERATURE - Devices, systems, and methods for measuring parallel tissue conductance, luminal cross-sectional areas, fluid velocity, and/or determining plaque vulnerability using temperature. In at least one embodiment of a device to obtain a parallel tissue conductance within a luminal organ, the device comprises an elongated body having a longitudinal axis extending from a proximal end to a distal end, a pair of excitation electrodes located on the elongated body at or near the distal end, a pair of detection electrodes located on the elongated body in between the pair of excitation electrodes, and a thermistor positioned along the longitudinal axis, located near the distal end and positioned proximal to the first excitation electrode and the second excitation electrode. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100160719 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR PERICARDIAL ACCESS - Devices, systems, and methods for accessing tissue, including the internal and external tissues of the heart, are disclosed. At least some of the embodiments disclosed herein provide access to the external surface of the heart through the pericardial space for localized delivery of leads to the heart tissue. At least some of the embodiments disclosed herein provide access to the pericardial space for removal of accumulated fluid. In addition, various disclosed embodiments provide devices, systems, and methods for engaging a tissue, for removing fluid from a space within a body, and for the delivery of substances to a targeted site for therapeutic purposes. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100168651 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR MYOCARDIAL INFARCT BORDER ZONE REINFORCEMENT - Devices, systems, and methods for myocardial infarct border zone reinforcement. In at least one embodiment of a suction/infusion catheter for facilitating myocardial infarct border zone reinforcement, the catheter comprises one or more apertures defined along a portion of the catheter at or near a distal end of the catheter, a first configuration when the suction/infusion catheter is at least partially extended from a delivery catheter, and a second configuration when the at least one suction/infusion catheter is positioned within the delivery catheter, the second configuration different from the first configuration, wherein the suction/infusion catheter, when introduced into a pericardial space surrounding a heart at or near a myocardial infarct border zone, is operable to inject a glue-like substance through a lumen of the suction/infusion catheter and out from the one or more apertures to deliver the glue-like substance into the pericardial space at or near the myocardial infarct border zone. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100168655 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR REMOVING FLUID FROM A BODILY TISSUE - Devices, systems, and methods for removing fluid from a bodily tissue. In at least one embodiment of a catheter for use with a vacuum source for removing fluid from a mammalian tissue, the catheter comprises an elongated tube comprising a proximal end, a distal end, an outer wall positioned circumferentially along a length of the tube, and an inner wall positioned circumferentially along the length of the tube and defining a lumen within the tube, wherein the inner wall defines at least one suction channel along the length of the tube, one or more apertures defined along the tube, wherein the one or more apertures extend from the outer wall of the tube to the inner wall of the tube, the one or more apertures present at or near the distal end of the tube, wherein at least one of the one or more apertures is/are in communication with the at least one suction channel, and a vacuum port in communication with the proximal end of the tube, the vacuum port being operatively connected to the at least one suction channel and capable of operative connection to a vacuum source. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100168761 | DEVICES FOR ACCESSING THE PERICARDIAL SPACE SURROUNDING THE HEART - Devices for accessing the pericardial space surrounding the heart. In at least one embodiment of a delivery catheter for use in accessing a pericardial space surrounding the external surface of a heart, the delivery catheter comprises comprising an elongated tube comprising a wall extending from a proximal end of the tube to a distal end of the tube, a first lumen, and a steering channel extending from a proximal end of the tube to a distal end of the tube, the steering channel forming an orifice at the distal end of the tube, and a steering wire system at least partially located in the steering channel, the steering wire system comprising at least two steering wires attached to the wall of the tube within the steering channel and a controller attached to a proximal end of each of the at least two steering wires, wherein the first lumen extends from approximately the proximal end of the tube to or near the distal end of the tube, the first lumen having a bend, relative to the tube, at or near the distal end of the tube and an outlet through the wall of the tube at or near the distal end of the tube. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100168791 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CLOSING A HOLE IN CARDIAC TISSUE - Systems and methods for closing a hold in cardiac tissue. In at least one embodiment of a system for closing a hole in cardiac tissue, the system comprises an engagement catheter having a first and second lumen extending therethrough, an elongated wire capable of insertion into the second lumen of the engagement catheter, a plug capable of insertion into the second lumen of the engagement catheter; an elongated shaft capable of insertion into the second lumen of the engagement catheter, wherein the elongated wire is sized for slidable insertion through the lumen of the shaft and the hole of the plug. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100168836 | BALLOON SIZING OF VALVE ANNULUS FOR PERCUTANEOUS VALVES - Balloon sizing of valve annulus for percutaneous valves. In at least one embodiment of a device to size a valve annulus of the present disclosure, the device comprises an elongated body extending from a proximal end to a distal end and having a lumen therethrough, a balloon positioned along the elongated body at or near the distal end, a detector and a pressure transducer positioned along the elongated body within the balloon, and a suction/infusion port defined within the elongated body within the balloon. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100168840 | METHODS FOR REMOVING A VALVE FROM A VESSEL - Methods for removing a valve from a bodily vessel. In at least one method for removing a valve from a bodily vessel, the method comprises the steps of introducing an umbrella device into a vessel, positioning the umbrella device within an aperture within the valve, deploying a first umbrella of the umbrella device on a first side of the valve to engage the valve at the first side of the valve, deploying a second umbrella of the umbrella device on a second side of the valve to engage the valve at the second side of the valve, operating a mechanical drill of the umbrella device to grind the valve, collapsing the first umbrella and the second umbrella to facilitate withdrawal of the umbrella device from the vessel, and withdrawing the umbrella device from the vessel. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100172554 | IMAGE-BASED EXTRACTION FOR VASCULAR TREES - An accurate analysis of the spatial distribution and intravascular pattern of blood flow in any organ must be based on interpolated gradient located within back plane detailed morphometry (diameters, lengths, of cube defined by neighboring voxels vessel numbers, branching pattern, branching angles, etc.) of the organ vasculature. Despite the significance of detailed morphometric data, there is relative scarcity of database on vascular anatomy, mainly because the process is extremely labor intensive. Novel methods in the form of a segmentation algorithm for semi-automation of morphometric data extraction are provided. The extraction algorithm is based on a topological analysis of a vector field generated by the normal vectors of the extracted vessel wall. With this approach, special focus is made on achieving the highest accuracy of the measured values, with excellent results when compared to manual measurements of the main trunk of the coronary arteries with microscopy. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100174271 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR REMOVING CONTRAST FROM LUMINAL ORGANS - Devices, systems, and methods for removing contrast from luminal organs. In at least one embodiment of a device for removing contrast from luminal organs of the present disclosure, the device comprises an elongated body having at least one lumen extending therethrough and an aperture defined along the elongated body, said aperture configured to facilitate withdrawal of contrast from a mammalian luminal organ, a first detector for detecting a contrast present within the mammalian luminal organ, the detector positioned at or near a distal end of the elongated body, an inflatable balloon coupled to the elongated body proximal to the detector, and a second detector for detecting balloon inflation, the second detector positioned along the elongated body within the balloon. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100174295 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR ORGAN RESTRICTION - A device, system and method for providing tissue and organ restriction. Embodiments of an implantable magnetic device are described with respect to restricting gastric capacity while avoiding nutritional deficiencies and other complications. Further, a delivery device is described for facilitating the delivery of the magnetic device to a targeted site. Additionally, methods are described for delivering the magnetic devices to a stomach. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100179376 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR DEFORMING A BODY CHANNEL - Devices, system and methods for deforming body channels are disclosed herein. At least some embodiments described may be used to deform a body channel so as to decrease or prevent the normal intrachannel flow of material within the body channel. Such deformation may be used to treat such maladies as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100185044 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ASSISTING HEART FUNCTION - Devices and methods for assisting heart function. In at least one embodiment of a device for assisting heart function, the device comprises at least two electromagnetic plates having an inner surface, a cardiac processor electrically coupled to at least one of the at least two electromagnetic plates, a bladder having an inner chamber, the bladder attached to an inner surface of at least one of the at least two electromagnetic plates, a source of gas in communication with the inner chamber of the bladder, and at least one catheter having a proximal end and a distal end and having a lumen therethrough, the at least one catheter defining at least one aperture positioned therethrough at or near the distal end of the at least one catheter and comprising a pericardial balloon coupled to the at least one catheter at or near the distal end of the at least one catheter, the proximal end of the at least one catheter in communication with the inner chamber of the bladder. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100185140 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR PROMOTION OF INFARCT HEALING AND REINFORCEMENT OF BORDER ZONE - Devices, systems, and methods for accessing tissue, including the internal and external tissues of the heart, are disclosed. At feast some of the embodiments disclosed herein provide access to the tissues surrounding the heart to facilitate myocardial infarct healing and border zone reinforcement. In at least one embodiment, a suction/infusion catheter is used to provide localized suction to an area of myocardial infarct. In another embodiment, a suction infusion catheter is used to deliver a glue-like substance and magnetic cells to a myocardial infarct border zone. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100185141 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR SECURING A CATHETER WITHIN A HEART - Devices and methods for securing a catheter within a heart. In at least one embodiment of an apparatus for securing a catheter within a heart, the apparatus comprises a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end and at least one lumen defined therethrough, the catheter defining at least one aperture positioned therethrough at or near the distal end of the catheter, at least one balloon coupled to the catheter and positioned externally to the catheter, and a conduit having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the conduit coupled to the at least one balloon, wherein when the catheter is positioned within an aperture in an atrial wall and when the at least one balloon is positioned at or near the aperture in the atrial wall, inflation of the at least one balloon causes the catheter to be held in place at the atrial wall. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100185235 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CLOSING AN APERTURE IN A BODILY TISSUE - Systems and methods for closing an aperture in a bodily tissue. In at least one embodiment of a system for closing an aperture in a targeted mammalian tissue, the system comprises a first catheter having a lumen defined therethrough, a coil positioned within the lumen of the first catheter, and a shaft positioned within the lumen of the catheter, the shaft operable to position the coil at the targeted tissue, wherein the coil may be positioned within the aperture of the targeted tissue to close said aperture. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100191264 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DIAGNOSING AND DELIVERING THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS IN THE PERITONEAL CAVITY - A device and system are described that are capable of isolating at least one targeted tissue and forming an anastomosis between two internal body structures though a completely endoscopic procedure. Further, the device and system described generally comprise two tubular members that are capable of moving in a telescopic fashion relative to one another. Additionally, a method is described for using the device and/or system to bypass the duodenum from digestion. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100198211 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR VALVE REMOVAL - Devices, systems, and methods for percutaneous and mini-invasive valve removal are provided. In at least one embodiment of a device for removing a valve, said device comprises a catheter, two mesh umbrellas coupled thereto, a cauterizing mechanism operable to excise a valve from a vessel, and a mechanical drill operable to grind said excised valve to allow for removal of the ground excised valve by way of an enclosure created by the two mesh umbrellas. In another embodiment, a temporary stent valve is positioned near the valve to be excised to avoid aortic insufficiency during valve excision. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100198329 | ENDOGRAFT DEVICES AND METHODS FOR USING THE SAME - Various endograft assemblies and methods for using the same. In at least one embodiment of an endograft assembly of the present disclosure, the endograft assembly comprises an endograft and a tube defining one or more tube openings coupled to said endograft. In another embodiment of an endograft assembly of the present disclosure, the endograft assembly comprises an endograft, a sponge sheath coupled to the endograft, and a reservoir bag coupled to the sponge sheath, said reservoir bag capable of receiving fluid from the sponge sheath. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100222651 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING ISOMETRIC AND ISOTONIC ACTIVITY OF LUMINAL ORGANS - Devices, systems, and methods for determining isometric and isotonic activity of luminal organs. In an exemplary method for detecting a luminal organ response to mechanical stimulation of the present disclosure, the method comprises the steps of maintaining a luminal organ at a first internal pressure, increasing the first internal pressure of the luminal organ, and measuring a first organ parameter change in response to the increase in internal pressure. In an exemplary system for detecting a luminal organ response to mechanical stimulation of the present disclosure, the system comprises a first conduit having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therethrough, the distal end sized and shaped to fit within a luminal organ, a pressure transducer, and at least one pressurized vessel capable of introducing a fluid into the lumen of the first conduit, wherein the first conduit, the pressure transducer, and the at least one pressurized vessel are either directly or indirectly coupled to one another so that a pressure of a fluid present within the first conduit can be measured using the pressure transducer. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100222786 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR REMOVING TARGETED LESIONS FROM VESSELS - Devices, systems, and methods for removing targeted lesions from vessels. In at least one embodiment of a device for removing a stenotic lesion from a vessel, the device comprises a sizing portion capable of measuring a luminal size parameter when at least part of the device is positioned within a lumen of a luminal organ, a typing portion, wherein at least part of the at least one typing portion is capable of physically touching a portion of the luminal organ or a structure therein, and a treatment portion capable of removing at least part of a stenotic lesion from the luminal organ. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100286718 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR PERCUTANEOUS TRANS-SEPTAL LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE OCCLUSION - Systems and methods for occluding an atrial appendage are provided herein. In an exemplary embodiment of a system for occluding an atrial appendage, the system comprises a first device comprising a tube and a balloon and a second device comprising a tube, a loop, and optionally a shaft coupled to the loop. In an exemplary method for occluding an atrial appendage, the method comprises the steps of introducing at least a portion of a first device into a heart, introducing at least a portion of a second device into a pericardial space surrounding the heart, positioning the balloon of the first device at least partially within an atrial appendage cavity, inflating the balloon to displace blood present within the atrial appendage cavity, positioning the loop of the second device around the atrial appendage, tightening the loop around the atrial appendage, deflating the balloon to allow for ultimate removal of the first device from the atrial appendage cavity, and separating the loop from the second device so that the loop remains positioned and tightened around the atria appendage. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100299077 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR APPLYING SCALING LAWS OF TREE STRUCTURES - In at least one embodiment, a method for determining the resistance of a flow within at least a portion of a vessel is provided, with the method comprising the steps of obtaining a biological tree image showing a structure of at least part of a biological tree, identifying a length of a vessel portion and a diameter of a stem vessel proximal to the vessel crown from the biological tree image, and calculating resistance based upon at least the length of a vessel portion and a diameter of a stem vessel proximal to the vessel crown. In another embodiment, a method for determining vessel volume is provided, with the method comprising the steps of obtaining a biological tree image showing a structure of at least part of a biological tree, identifying a diameter of a stem segment and a length of a stem segment from the biological tree image, and calculating cumulative crown volume based upon at least the diameter of the stem segment and the length of the stem segment. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20110046437 | TISSUE RESTORATION DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - Tissue restoration devices, systems, and methods. In at least one embodiment, an implantable restraining device of the present disclosure comprises a first engaging component and a second engaging component, each component configured for laparoscopic insertion into a body cavity, a first swivel arm defining a first bend and a second swivel arm defining a second bend, the first swivel arm coupled to the first engaging component at a first pivot point and coupled to the second engaging component at a second pivot point, and the second swivel arm coupled to the first engaging component at a third pivot point and coupled to the second engaging component at a fourth pivot point, and a first interconnection arm and a second interconnection arm, the first interconnection arm connected to the first swivel arm relative to the first bend, and the second interconnection arm connected to the second swivel arm relative to the second bend. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110046641 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TISSUE RESTORATION - Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for providing chronic or temporary tissue support and/or restoration that does not require that the targeted tissue be severed and/or punctured. A device having two components and at least one connector for maintaining a prescribed distance between the two components is described. Such devices, systems and methods may be used on any tissue of a body and may be delivered through laparoscopic and/or endoscopic procedures. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110060182 | SYSTEMS FOR ENGAGING A BODILY TISSUE AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - Systems for engaging a bodily tissue and methods of using the same. In at least one embodiment of an exemplary system for use with a vacuum source for engaging a tissue of the present disclosure, the system comprises an engagement catheter comprising a proximal end, a distal end, first and second lumens extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and a skirt operatively connected to the distal end, an inducer sheath having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a lumen extending therethrough, the inducer sheath configured so that it is capable of insertion into the second lumen of the engagement catheter, a dilator comprising a tapered tip at a distal end and a hollow channel extending therethrough, the dilator sized and shaped for insertion into the lumen of the inducer sheath, and a vacuum port located at the proximal end of the engagement catheter, the vacuum port being operatively connected to the first lumen of the engagement catheter and capable of operative connection to a vacuum source. In various embodiments, the systems further comprise an inflatable balloon at or near the distal portion of the inducer sheath. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110130744 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR ACCESSING THE EPICARDIAL SURFACE OF THE HEART - Devices, systems, and methods for accessing the internal and external tissues of the heart are disclosed. At least some of the embodiments disclosed herein provide access to the external surface of the heart through the pericardial space for localized delivery of leads to the heart tissue. In addition, various disclosed embodiments provide devices, systems, and methods for closing a hole in cardiac tissue. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110144572 | STEERING ENGAGEMENT CATHETER DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - Steering engagement catheter devices, systems, and methods of using the same for accessing tissue, including the internal and external tissues of the heart, are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, a steering engagement catheter is provided, comprising an elongated tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a first wall positioned circumferentially along a length of the elongated tube, the elongated tube configured such that a delivery catheter is capable of at least partial insertion into the elongated tube, at least one steering wire having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the steering wire coupled to the first wall of the elongated tube at or near the distal end of the elongated tube, and a controller operably coupled to the at least one steering wire at or near the proximal end of the at least one steering wire. | 06-16-2011 |
