Abstract:
A shaped polymeric material having a three-dimensional configuration with one or more angular displacements is provided. The polymeric material is formed from a thermoplastic composition containing a continuous phase that includes a matrix polymer. A microinclusion additive and nanoinclusion additive are dispersed within the continuous phase in the form of discrete domains, and a porous network is defined in the material.
Abstract:
Catheters and methods are provided for performing medical procedures. The catheter comprises an elongated flexible integrated catheter body having proximal and distal shaft portions, a central support positioned inside the distal shaft and at least one operative element carried by the distal shaft portion. The distal shaft portion has a proximal section configured to be internally actuated to form a simple curve with an apex that can be inserted into the vessel ostium, an intermediate section pre-shaped to form a curve that bends opposite the simple curve, and a distal section configured to be placed into a non-radial relationship with the vessel ostium when the apex of the simple curve is inserted into the vessel ostium.
Abstract:
A catheter with ablation and potential sensing capabilities is adapted for outer circumferential contact with an opening of a tubular region and inner circumferential contact within the tubular region. The catheter has a proximal electrode assembly and a distal electrode assembly for ablation of an ostium and potential sensing inside the pulmonary vein so that it is possible to obtain ECG signals inside a pulmonary vein when ablating around the ostium. The distal electrode assembly has an elongated member defining a longitudinal axis and a plurality of spines surrounding the member and converging at their proximal and distal ends, where each spine has at least one electrode and a curvature so that the spine bows radially outwardly from the member. The proximal electrode assembly has a proximal electrode assembly has an elongated member configured with a generally radial portion and a generally circular portion generally transverse to the catheter axis, where the generally circular portion comprising a plurality of electrodes. The control handle advantageously allows a user to manipulate a tensile member for changing the curvature of the spine.
Abstract:
Reusable quick-release fastener systems include fasteners composed of a neat polymer such as an elastomer or a shape memory polymer. The fasteners may be of any number of geometrical shapes, with each pair of fastening devices having mating geometries that are compatible with one another. The fastening devices provide an easy and nearly silent closure mechanism. The fastener systems can be used to attach one part to another or to act as the closure mechanism for an article comprising the fastener system, such as a pocket, a box, or a container, for example.
Abstract:
Catheters and methods are provided for performing medical procedures, such as tissue ablation, adjacent the ostia of anatomical vessels, such as pulmonary veins. The catheter comprises an elongated flexible integrated catheter body having proximal and distal shaft portions and at least one operative element carried by the distal shaft portion. The distal shaft portion has a proximal section configured to be internally actuated (e.g., using a steering mechanism or pre-shaping the proximal section) to form a simple curve with an apex that can be inserted into the vessel ostium, an intermediate section pre-shaped to form a curve that bends opposite the simple curve, and a distal section configured to be placed into a non-radial relationship (tangential or oblique) with the vessel ostium when the apex of the simple curve is inserted into the vessel ostium. By this arrangement, the operative element is configured to be placed firmly in contact with tissue at a predefined radial location relative to the vessel ostium when the apex of the simple curve is inserted into the vessel ostium.
Abstract:
A method of making a shape memory structure includes, commingling elastic material with viscoelastic material, and forming a structure with the commingled materials. Altering a shape of the structure, altering an environment the structure is exposed to, to lock in the altered shape of the structure via hardening of the viscoelastic material until the structure is exposed to another environment that softens the viscoelastic material.
Abstract:
A wire used in the medical field for guiding purposes, as well as in other fields, such as in the field of orthodontics for teeth aligning purposes. The wire, when prepared for use in such applications, exhibits an innovative blend of advantageous properties, including enhanced kink resistance over stainless steel wires and enhanced stiffness over Nitinol wires, which enhance its use as a medical guidewire or stylet, and further, as an arch wire in orthodontia applications.
Abstract:
One variation includes a method including using a reversible dry adhesive system to reversibly couple a first substrate to a second substrate. One variation includes a method including using a reversible dry adhesive system to reversibly couple a first substrate to a second substrate during building or reconfiguring a product.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a shape memory polyamide, produced by adding a polyvalent carboxylic acid and a polyvalent amine when polyamide is polymerized from e-caprolactam or hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid, and having an aromatic component which is introduced by one or more among the polyvalent carboxylic acid and the polyvalent amine and has a total amount ranging from 0.4 mol % to 10 mol % based on the amount of the raw material for polyamide. Also, a method of producing a shape memory polyamide fabric using the shape memory polyamide is provided. The polyamide fabric produced using the shape memory polyamide is a highly functional fabric which does not easily wrinkle and easily recovers its original shape even when wrinkled, and thus may be applied as material for various kinds of clothing.
Abstract:
Cardiac ablation catheters and methods of use. In some embodiments the catheter includes at least one camera inside an expandable membrane for visualizing an ablation procedure.