Abstract:
The present invention provides devices, instruments, systems, and methods to navigate medical instruments within the thoracic cavity. More specifically, the present invention provides a navigation system comprising medical instruments having electromagnetic tracking functionality and the integration of previously acquired imaging into a user interface of the navigation system.
Abstract:
A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system utilizes an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. A robust business model provides support for realistic activities and allows a user to experience real world consequences for their actions and decisions and entails realtime decision-making and synthesis of the educational material. The system is architectured around a table of components to manage and control the system.
Abstract:
A system for ablating tissue and electrically interfacing with a heart including an electrosurgical instrument, an energy source, and a controller. The instrument includes a shaft maintaining first and second electrodes at a distal section. The electrodes are electrically isolated from one another. The controller controls delivery of energy from the energy source, and monitors electrical signals at the electrodes. The controller is programmed to operate in a monopolar mode and a bipolar mode. In the monopolar mode, the first and second electrodes are electrically uncoupled, and energy from the energy source is delivered to the first electrode in performing an ablation procedure. In the bipolar mode, first and second electrodes are electrically coupled and serve as opposite polarity poles to apply energy to a tissue target site, detect electrical signals at a tissue target site, or both.
Abstract:
Some embodiments of the invention provide a system for occluding a left atrial appendage of a patient. Some embodiments of the system can include a ring occluder that can be positioned around the left atrial appendage and a ring applicator to position the ring occluder with respect to the left atrial appendage. One embodiment discloses a method of accessing endocardial surfaces of the heart through the atrial appendage. Additional embodiments of the invention provide a clip occluder that can be positioned around the left atrial appendage. A clip applicator can position the clip occluder with respect to the left atrial appendage.
Abstract:
A solid concentrate is provided having a combination of a transition metal present in an amount ranging from 1000 to 40,000 ppm (weight by metal) and a polyester polymer present in an amount of at least 40 wt. % based on the weight of the concentrate. Concentrates made with highly modified polyester polymers are easy to compound with transition metals forming less brittle polymer upon melt extrusion. Bottle preforms and oxygen scavenging bottles can be made from these concentrates by combining solid polyester particles, solid polyamide particles, and solid these concentrate particles c into an melt processing zone, forming a melt, and forming an article directly from the melt. The b* color and the L* color and the haze levels of the preforms are improved over the preforms made with liquid carriers instead of solid concentrates. The particles are also advantageously simultaneously dried in a drying zone under conditions effective to at least partially remove moisture from the blend to thereby further improve the b* color and L* color.
Abstract:
A device for dissecting tissue and/or guidance of a second device to a desired physiological location, the device comprising: an elongate shaft comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion comprises a plurality of segments that articulate with respect to one another; and a handle attached to the proximal portion of the shaft, wherein the handle comprises controls for articulating the plurality of segments of the distal portion of the shaft with respect to one another. A system for dissecting tissue and/or guiding a medical device to a desired physiological location.
Abstract:
A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system utilizes an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. Multiple “correct” answers are integrated into the learning system to allow individualized learning experiences in which navigation through the system is at a pace controlled by the learner. A robust business model provides support for realistic activities and allows a user to experience real world consequences for their actions and decisions and entails realtime decision-making and synthesis of the educational material. The system provides student controls that guide a student through a presentation in a manner designed to optimize the learning experience.
Abstract:
Disclosed are oxygen-scavenging polymer compositions having high transparency and low haze comprising immiscible blends of one or more thermoplastic polymers selected from polyesters, polycarbonates, and polyarylates, a copolyamide or a transamidized, homogeneous blend of a least two polyamides, and a metal catalyst. The components of the immiscible blend which have refractive indices which differ by about 0.006 to about −0.0006. The small difference in the refractive indices enable the incorporation of regrind into the polymer composition to produce transparent shaped articles. The blends of the present invention are useful in producing shaped articles such as, for example, sheeting, films, tubes, bottles, preforms and profiles. These articles may have one or more layers and can exhibit improved excellent barrier properties and good melt processability while retaining excellent mechanical properties.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a process for the preparation of shaped articles such as, for example, sheeting, films, tubes, bottles, preforms and profiles, having high transparency and low haze comprising immiscible blends of one or more thermoplastic polymers selected from polyesters, polycarbonates, and polyarylates, and a copolyamide or a transamidized, homogeneous blend of a least two polyamides. The components of the immiscible blend which have refractive indices which differ by about 0.006 to about −0.0006. The small difference in the refractive indices enable the incorporation of regrind into the polymer composition to produce transparent shaped articles. These articles may have one or more layers and can exhibit improved excellent barrier properties and good melt processability while retaining excellent mechanical properties. Metal catalysts can be incorporated into the compositions to produce shaped articles having oxygen-scavenging properties.