Abstract: Medical methods and systems are provided for effecting lung volume reduction by selectively ablating segments of lung tissue.

Abstract: Medical methods and systems are provided for effecting lung volume reduction by selectively ablating segments of lung tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition comprising a stent and a polymer scaffold.

Abstract: The lateral flow between adjacent lung segments is occluded by blocking collateral flow channels with particles. A gas flow is established from one lung segment through the flow channels in an intermediate fibrous septum, and out through the adjacent lung segment. Particles entrained in the gas flow become lodged in the collateral flow channels to eventually block flow.

Abstract: A removal tool for an implanted device, including pulmonary stents, occlusive devices, valved devices, and flow-restrictive devices, is provided. The removal tool includes an elongate tube having a central passage, a slideable inner member within the passage, and a coupling member disposed on the distal end of the inner member. The coupling member of the removal tool includes a distal tip configured to pierce a membrane of the implanted device. The coupling member also includes a coil or a hook configured to engage a support element of the implanted device. A method of removing implanted devices is also provided. A removal tool is placed adjacent to the device, the distal end of the tool is moved to pierce its membrane, a portion of the tool engages the support member, and the distal end of the tool is retracted along with the implanted device.

Abstract: Lung conditions are diagnosed and optionally treated using a functional assessment catheter or a functional lung assessment and treatment catheter. A flow restrictive component is initially placed in a bronchus or lung passageway upstream from a diseased lung region. The isolated lung region is then functionally assessed through the catheter, while the flow restrictive component remains in place. If the patient is a good candidate for treatment by occlusive or restrictive treatment techniques, the flow resistive component may be left in place. If the patient is not suitable for such treatment, the flow resistive component may be removed.

Abstract: Lung conditions are treated by implanting a flow restrictor in a passageway upstream from a diseased lung segment. The restrictor will create an orifice at the implantation site which inhibits air exchange with the segment to induce controlled atelectasis and/or hypoxia. Controlled atelectasis can induce collapse of the diseased segment with a reduced risk of pneumothorax. Hypoxia can promote gas exchange with non-isolated, healthy regions of the lung even in the absence of lung collapse.

Abstract: Medical methods and systems are provided for effecting lung volume reduction by selectively ablating segments of lung tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for navigating a subarachnoid space in a vertebrate organism including percutaneously introducing a device into the spinal subarachnoid space at an entry location. Navigation of the spinal subarachnoid space is disclosed for the purpose of reaching a desired location in the subarachnoid space or the intracranial space, including areas in and around the spinal cord and brain. Once a desired location is reached, methods and devices for cooling or heating the desired location to cause physiologic changes are suggested.

Abstract: A variety of devices for use in accessing the subarachnoid space are described. In several embodiments an introducer sheath is disclosed having three main sections, a distal portion, an intermediate portion, and a proximal portion. The distal portion and intermediate portion form a first bend, and the intermediate portion and the proximal portion form a second bend, giving the overall device a general L-shape, S-shape, C-shape, or a three dimensional Z-shape. Apparatuses for attaching an introducer sheath to the skin of a patient are also discussed, as are methods for using, shaping and sizing an introducer sheath.

Abstract: A method of assigning network resources between network endpoints includes providing a session initiation request to an application manager. The application manager is logically and physically decoupled from an application server associated with the network endpoints. This request initiates communication between the network endpoints through the set of network resources. The communication employs an application residing on an application server. The method also includes providing a PCMM message from the application manager to a policy server as a result of the session initiation request. The PCMM message includes at least some information, for example QoS information, embedded in the session initiation request. The method further includes selecting, via the policy server, a set of network resources for creating a path connecting the network endpoints. The policy server selects the set of network assets based on the PCMM message, for example to set QoS for the communication between the two endpoints.

Abstract: A variety of devices for use in accessing the subarachnoid space are described. In several embodiments an introducer sheath is disclosed having three main sections, a distal portion, an intermediate portion, and a proximal portion. The distal portion and intermediate portion form a first bend, and the intermediate portion and the proximal portion form a second bend, giving the overall device a general L-shape, S-shape, C-shape, or a three dimensional Z-shape. Apparatuses for attaching an introducer sheath to the skin of a patient are also discussed, as are methods for using, shaping and sizing an introducer sheath.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for navigating a subarachnoid space in a vertebrate organism including percutaneously introducing a device into the spinal subarachnoid space at an entry location. Navigation of the spinal subarachnoid space is disclosed for the purpose of reaching a desired location in the subarachnoid space or the intracranial space, including areas in and around the spinal cord and brain. Once a desired location is reached, methods and devices for cooling or heating the desired location to cause physiologic changes are suggested.

Abstract: A distributed provisioning system has a central directory server and a number of distributed provisioning servers. The provisioning servers connect to the central directory server for provisioning information, and for provisioning information for user access devices that need provisioning. The central directory server stores the provisioning information for the provisioning servers in uniquely accessible restricted access locations of a database, and maintains provisioning information for user access devices in a globally available location of the database.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for provisioning on a per cable modem level includes associating any customer provided equipment behind a gateway cable modem to the same internet service provider as the cable modem.

Abstract: Intelligent round robin assignment of users to subnets within an internet service provider includes determining an assignment criteria for assigning users to the ISP, and assigning users to the subnet that best fits the assignment criteria. Assignment criteria are determined based on any number of factors including available resources and user history.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing access to configuration files even if a remote server containing configuration profile information is unavailable includes caching known configuration files locally, and using the known configuration files in the event of a remote server failure or overload.

Abstract: A method of dynamic host configuration is provided. The method includes receiving a provisioning request from a media terminal adapter including an identifier, selecting a service provider designated Internet Protocol address for providing telephony service through the media terminal adapter, and generating a unique fully qualified domain name for the media terminal adapter based on the identifier. The method further includes transmitting the unique fully qualified domain name and Internet Protocol address to the media terminal adapter, receiving a provisioning acceptance notice from the media terminal adapter, and providing configuration information to the media terminal adapter including the selected fully qualified domain name and the selected internet protocol address. In another method, a domain name server stores the Internet Protocol address and fully qualified domain name in order to support look-ups based on either the Internet Protocol address or the fully qualified domain name.

Abstract: Subnet pooling by host group type and internet service provider allows filtering of subnet pool and efficient assignment of an incoming host request to an appropriate subnet within a group and ISP of the host request types.

Abstract: A distributed provisioning system has a central database and a number of distributed provisioning servers. The provisioning servers connect to the central database for provisioning information, and for provisioning information for user access devices that need provisioning. The central database stores the provisioning information for the provisioning servers in uniquely accessible restricted access locations of the database, and maintains provisioning information for user access devices in a globally available location of the database.