Abstract: An annuloplasty band comprising a sheath, and a generally arcuate stiffening element disposed within the sheath. The stiffening element extends from a first end to a second end, and preferably includes eyelets at its first and second ends adapted to receive sutures to secure the annuloplasty band to a valve annulus. The annuloplasty band preferably has a low profile (e.g., a thickness less than 3 mm). In embodiments intended for mitral valve repair, the eyelets are particularly adapted to receive sutures to secure the annuloplasty band to the antero-lateral trigone and postero-medial trigone. A holder and sizer device useful with the annuloplasty band are also provided.

Abstract: A centrifuge system with an externally positioned sensor assembly for detecting the separation of components in a fluid sample, such as platelets in a blood sample. The system includes a centrifuge with a drive portion and a rotor portion with a sample reservoir or centrifuge bag for receiving and containing a fluid sample during rotation of the rotor portion. An external sensor assembly is positioned relative to the centrifuge to direct a radiation beam from a radiation source through the rotor portion and the centrifuge bag and to allow a detector to receive the lower-intensity radiation beams at a location external to the rotor portion. In one embodiment, the rotor portion is fabricated from a transparent material and extends radially outward from the sides of the drive portion to allow the radiation source and detector to be positioned externally on opposing sides of the extending rotor portion.

Abstract: An electrocautery device is disclosed. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the electrocautery electrode/tip is provided with a hollow, conductive tube terminating at its distal end in a ball point type tip. Fluid, preferably conductive fluid, is applied to the proximal end of the hollow electrode/tip, and expelled from the distal end thereof during electrocautery. The ball point distal tip allows the distal tip to be directly applied to the tissue and “rolled” or slid along the tissue. This allows the distal tip to be moved across the tissue without dragging or snagging on the tissue. In addition, the conductive fluid expelled from the distal tip further lubricates the distal tip as it moves across the tissue. If conductive fluid is used, the conductive fluid emanating from the electrode/tip conducts the RF electrocautery energy away from the distal tip so that it is primarily the fluid, rather than the distal tip that actually accomplishes the cauterizing of tissue.

Abstract: A tissue connector assembly comprising a multiple loop fastener movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and a restraining device attached to the fastener for restraining the fastener in its open configuration provides for a self-closing, multiple suture fastener. A needle may be releasably attached to the fastener. A method for connecting tissues is also disclosed. The method includes inserting a fastener through tissue with the fastener being biased in an open position by a restraining device secured to the fastener, threading the fastener through more than one stitch, and removing the restraining device from the fastener.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of platelet gels formed into beneficial geometric shapes. Specifically the present invention provides a simpler way to introduce platelet gel for specific uses, such as into the cavity of a gum left after a tooth extraction. Molds of predetermined shapes are provided for forming the desired shape.

Abstract: A method of thermal ablation using high intensity focused ultrasound energy includes the steps of positioning an ultrasound emitting member, emitting ultrasound energy from the ultrasound emitting member, focusing the ultrasound energy, ablating with the focused ultrasound energy to form an ablated tissue area and removing the ultrasound emitting member.

Abstract: Methods and devices for forming an anastomosis between hollow bodies utilizes magnetic force to couple anastomotic securing components and create a fluid-tight connection between the lumens of the hollow bodies. End-to-side, side-to-side and end-to-end anastomoses can be created without using suture or any other type of mechanical fasteners, although any such attachment means may be used in conjunction with the magnetic attachment. The securing components have magnetic, ferromagnetic or electromagnetic properties and may include one or more materials, for example, magnetic and nonmagnetic materials arranged in a laminated structure. The system of anastomotic securing components may be used in many different applications including the treatment of cardiovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, forming AV shunts for dialysis patients, etc., and may be sized and configured for forming an anastomosis to a specific hollow body, for example, a coronary artery or the aorta.

Abstract: A clip of a self-closing type is used for valve repair. The clip is generally U-shaped with two end points separated from each other when it is constrained to be in an open configuration, but tends to coil up to assume its natural closed configuration if the constraint is removed. At least one end point is connected through a suture to a tissue-penetrating needle. A needle holder has an outer tube and an inner member which has a slit at the front and is slidable inside the outer tube. They are designed such that the slit can grab the needle tightly or release it as the inner member is moved backward or forward with respect to the outer tube. With the needle secured at the front, the needle holder is passed through a cannula inserted through an incision and the needle penetrates the leaflets such that the clip can be positioned with its end points hooked to the pair of leaflets to be stitched together.

Abstract: Clips of a self-closing type are used in annuloplasty procedures. Each clip is generally U-shaped with two end points separated from each other when it is constrained to be in an open configuration, but tends to coil up to assume its naturally closed configuration if the constraint is removed. A plurality of such clips in open configurations penetrate the tissue around the annulus circumferentially and then the constraint keeping them in the open configuration is removed such that they pull the tissue together between their two end points and this tends to reduce the diameter of the annulus. Such clips may be deployed each in the form of a clip assembly, having at least one of its end points connected to a needle through a flexible member and a release mechanism by which the clip can be easily released. The needle is caused to penetrate the tissue at one position and to come out therefrom at another circumferentially separated positions.

Abstract: Clips of a self-closing type are used in annuloplasty procedures. Each clip is generally U-shaped with two end points separated from each other when it is constrained to be in an open configuration, but tends to coil up to assume its naturally closed configuration if the constraint is removed. A plurality of such clips in open configurations penetrate the tissue around the annulus circumferentially and then the constraint keeping them in the open configuration is removed such that they pull the tissue together between their two end points and this tends to reduce the diameter of the annulus. Such clips may be deployed each in the form of a clip assembly, having at least one of its end points connected to a needle through a flexible member and a release mechanism by which the clip can be easily released. The needle is caused to penetrate the tissue at one position and to come out therefrom at another circumferentially separated positions.

Abstract: A tubular suction tool for accessing an anatomic surface or anatomic space and particularly the pericardium to access pericardial space and the epicardial surface of the heart to implant cardiac leads in a minimally invasive manner are disclosed. The suction tool incorporates a suction pad concave wall defining a suction cavity, a plurality of suction ports arrayed about the concave wall, and a suction lumen, to form a bleb of tissue into the suction cavity when suction is applied. The suction cavity extends along one side of the suction pad, so that the suction pad and suction cavity can be applied tangentially against a tissue site. The suction tool can incorporate light emission and video imaging of tissue adjacent the suction pad. A working lumen terminating in a working lumen port into the suction cavity enables introduction of tools, cardiac leads, and other instruments, cells, drugs or materials into or through the tissue bleb drawn into the suction cavity.

Abstract: A self-closing fastener is described that comprises a clip passable through a tissue opening. The fastener is adapted for holding by a mechanism in an open configuration for passing through the tissue, followed by releasing the fastener from the holding mechanism, allowing the clip to remain in the tissue in a shape that can clip two or more locations on the tissue. The fastener and delivery devices are particularly useful for tissue approximation, such as anastomosis. When used for anastomosis, the inventive clips provide intima-to-intima contact with a minimal amount of intraluminal exposure.

Abstract: An electro-stimulation device includes a pair of electrodes for connection to at least one location in the body that affects or regulates the heartbeat. The electro-stimulation device both electrically arrests the heartbeat and stimulates the heartbeat. A pair of electrodes are provided for connection to at least one location in the body that affects or regulates the heartbeat. The pair of electrodes may be connected to an intravenous catheter for transvenous stimulation of the appropriate nerve. A first switch is connected between a power supply and the electrodes for selectively supplying current from the power supply to the electrodes to augment any natural stimuli to the heart and thereby stop the heart from beating. A second switch is connected between the power supply and the electrodes for selectively supplying current from the power supply to the electrodes to provide an artificial stimulus to initiate heartbeating.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for delivering a conductive fluid to a target site for subsequent formation of a virtual electrode to ablate bodily tissue at the target site by applying a current to the delivered conductive fluid. The surgical apparatus includes an elongated device forming a helical needle. The helical needle is configured to engage bodily tissue and is hollow for delivering conductive fluid from a fluid source. Finally, the helical needle terminates in a needle tip. In one preferred embodiment, an electrode is associated with the helical needle for applying a current to conductive fluid delivered from the helical needle. During use, following delivery of conductive fluid, the electrode applies a current to the delivered conductive fluid for creating a virtual electrode. The virtual electrode ablates bodily tissue contacted by the conductive fluid.

Abstract: A system for the production of a blood component composition is provided. The system includes a centrifuge having a blood reservoir for receiving and separating a blood sample into multiple components; a dispenser disposed outside of the centrifuge having a first collection chamber containing an activation agent and a second collection chamber containing one or more medicinal agents; means for removing a first portion at least one separated blood component from the centrifuge to the first container and a second portion to the second collection chamber, wherein the first collection chamber activates the first portion and stores the resulting clot and thrombin; a filter for separating the thrombin from the clot; and a nozzle for entraining and mixing the thrombin with the second portion containing the one or more medicinal components.

Abstract: A vascular prosthesis is constructed from a well-defined pore structure to allow uninterrupted ingrowth of connective tissue into a wall of the prosthesis. Several different methods can be used to produce the prosthesis, including a vacuum impregnation technique, a paste molding technique, a paste extrusion technique, a dip coating technique, and a melt extrusion technique. Furthermore, mechanical properties of the prosthesis are matched with mechanical properties of the host vessel, thereby overcoming problems of compliance mismatch.

Abstract: An implantable sensing device includes a sensing element and a mounting element. The mounting element has a first end and a second end with a longitudinal axis therethrough. The sensing element is positioned at the first end of the mounting element with the mounting element having a length that is adjustable along the longitudinal axis. The mounting element includes a sleeve having a first open end and a second open end with the longitudinal axis therethrough. The sensing element is positioned in the second open end and includes a lead body connected thereto extending through the second open end. The sleeve includes an outer sleeve member coupled for adjustment along the longitudinal axis with respect to an inner sleeve member. Further, the mounting element may include a flexible element about the first open end extending outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis and a flange element extending outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis from at least a portion of the second end.

Abstract: An elongate elastomeric structure having controlled surface texture. Plasma deposition is used to create controlled features, such as ridges, on the external surface of an elongate elastomeric surface, such as the external surface of silicone tubing. The invention has particular applicability in the medical device field, such as the fabrication of implantable leads, catheters, and medical devices incorporating them.

Abstract: A rechargeable implantable medical device with an improved external recharging coil electrical connection resistant to corrosion is disclosed. The electrical connection couples the external recharging coil to a recharge feedthrough. The rechargeable implantable medical device can be a medical device such as a neuro stimulator, drug delivery pump, pacemaker, defibrillator, diagnostic recorder, cochlear implant, and the like. The implantable medical device has a housing, electronics carried in the housing configured to perform a medical therapy, a rechargeable power source, and a recharging coil.

Abstract: A medical device comprising a biomaterial formed from a polymer comprising urethane groups, urea groups, or combinations thereof, and sacrificial moieties that preferentially oxidize relative to other moieties in the polymer.