Abstract:
A device for sealing an opening in a vessel includes an anchor (20) attached to a suture (30). The anchor is inserted through the opening into the vessel, and the suture pulls the anchor against the vessel wall, forming a seal. A plug (40) is inserted over the suture and is axially compressed toward the anchor, locking the elements in place. The suture is braided or woven outside of the anchor so that it may be stored and handled easily, and is unbraided, unwoven and/or untangled at its distal end inside the anchor, so that individual filaments within the suture may extend laterally within the anchor. The laterally extending filaments subtend a larger footprint within the anchor than a comparable footprint if the suture were to remain braided or tied into a knot within the anchor, which may more effectively distribute the retaining forces within the anchor. In some cases, the plug material is formed from fibers of a mechanically strong material blended into a quick-dissolving material.
Abstract:
In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a biodegradable, self-powered medical device for preventing or reducing reperfusion injury, comprising a galvanic cell, the galvanic cell comprising: a first biodegradable electrode member; and a second biodegradable electrode member comprising a biodegradable conductive polymer and an electrode-releasable therapeutic agent, wherein the galvanic cell generates an electric force sufficient to cause the electrode-releasable therapeutic agent to be released from the biodegradable conductive polymer and elute to a target location. The device may further include a reservoir material containing a burst-release therapeutic agent.
Abstract:
Methods, apparatus, and systems for altering the configuration of a heart valve. Methods, apparatus, and systems include the use of a cord delivered into the heart by a delivery catheter that can be manipulated by a receiving catheter so as to improve the heart valve function.
Abstract:
Improved methods and apparatus for capturing emboli and subsequently removing or immobilizing the captured emboli are described. Emboli can be captured within a blood vessel and can be withdrawn to a position exterior to the blood vessel. Some filters can remain within a blood vessel yet direct emboli to a position exterior to the blood vessel.
Abstract:
A system for delivering therapeutic agent to a target location in a body in accordance with one embodiment is provided comprising a plurality of magnetic particles, each magnetic particle carrying a therapeutic agent, and a magnetic device for attracting the magnetic particles to a target location. The magnetic particles may be delivered by a catheter into a blood vessel upstream from the target location so that they travel toward the target location. A method for delivering therapeutic agent to a target location in a body in accordance with another embodiment comprises providing a plurality of magnetic particles, each magnetic particle carrying a therapeutic agent, placing a magnetic device in a position to attract the magnetic particles to a target location, and allowing the magnetic particles to infuse the target location by the attraction of the magnetic particles to the magnetic device. The therapeutic agent may comprises a therapeutic agent for preventing or treating reperfusion injury, and the step of providing the plurality of magnetic particles may comprise delivering the plurality of magnetic particles through a blood vessel.
Abstract:
Methods, apparatus, and systems for occluding a multiplicity of parallel membranes, such as found in a patent foramen ovale (PFO) . Methods, apparatus, and systems include the use of a positioning device (222,422) that can be seated on the limbus(114) of the septum secundum (SS). The positioning device includes a piercing member (27-0) that can pierce the SS and septum premium (SP). The positioning device also includes a fastening member (272) that can engage the SS and SP to fasten the tissues and thereby occlude a PFO.
Abstract:
Systems and methods are provided and adapted to engage and pull (e.g., pull up) or reposition urethral support tissue, such as the portion of the perineal membrane above or below the urethra. The perineal membrane intersects the urethra and vagina at the midurethra or distal location and can thus be stabilized or controlled in a manner that helps restore continence.
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates generally to devices, systems, and methods for use with tissue, more particularly the present disclosure relates to a device including a frame with a surface defining a pinch point region with a predefined shape. The device also includes a tab with an opening defining an anchor attachment on the frame. The frame can elastically deform under a stress to alter the predefined shape of the pinch point region.
Abstract:
A system for delivering therapeutic agent to a target location in a body in accordance with one embodiment is provided comprising a plurality of magnetic particles, each magnetic particle carrying a therapeutic agent, and a magnetic device for attracting the magnetic particles to a target location. The magnetic particles may be delivered by a catheter into a blood vessel upstream from the target location so that they travel toward the target location. A method for delivering therapeutic agent to a target location in a body in accordance with another embodiment comprises providing a plurality of magnetic particles, each magnetic particle carrying a therapeutic agent, placing a magnetic device in a position to attract the magnetic particles to a target location, and allowing the magnetic particles to infuse the target location by the attraction of the magnetic particles to the magnetic device. The therapeutic agent may comprises a therapeutic agent for preventing or treating reperfusion injury, and the step of providing the plurality of magnetic particles may comprise delivering the plurality of magnetic particles through a blood vessel.
Abstract:
A composite biomaterial having a continuous metal sheet with arcuate members that define a first fenestration pattern, and a polymer layer over at least one surface of the continuous metal sheet. The arcuate members elastically stretch to allow the continuous metal sheet to bend in more than one axis without buckling or wrinkling.