Abstract: Improved methods, systems and apparatuses for extracting devices implanted within the vasculature of a patient are provided, including a method of extracting an intravascular device anchored in a vasculature of a patient, the device including a device body and a lead coupled to the device body, the lead having a distal end including an electrode, the distal end being fixed in a heart of the patient, the method comprising forming an incision in the vasculature, disconnecting the lead from the device body, removing the distal end of the lead from the heart, withdrawing the lead from the patient, disconnecting the device body from an anchor, and withdrawing the device body from the patient via the incision.

Abstract: The present application describes an intravascular implantable pacing and/or defibrillation system. The described system includes a pulse generator that is implantable within a blood vessel and proportioned to blood flow through the blood vessel, and at least one electrode attachable to the pulse generator. During implantation, the pulse generator is introduced into a patient's vasculature, advanced to a desired vessel and anchored in place within the vessel. The electrode or electrodes are placed within the heart or surrounding vessels as needed to deliver electrical pulses to the appropriate location.

Abstract: A system for performing minimally invasive medical procedures through a natural orifice includes an elongate support advanceable in a flexible state through a natural orifice and through an incision in a body organ into a body cavity. The elongate support is convertible to a rigid state within the body cavity. The elongate support supports a frame that carries a pair of tool cannulas, each of which has a lumen for receiving a tool useable to perform a procedure in the body cavity. The frame is expandable to orient the tool cannulas such that they allow the tools to be used in concert to carry out a procedure at a common location in the body cavity.

Abstract: In a first embodiment of a system for treating diseased bowel, a pair of incisions are formed on opposite ends of a diseased section of bowel. A tubular bypass implant is positioned in the bowel such that its ends are anchored within the bowel and such that an intermediate section of the implant is positioned external to the bowel such that bowel contents flow through the implant and thus around the diseased bowel section. In a second embodiment, the diseased section of bowel is removed and a system is implanted for joining limbs of the resected bowel together to form an anastomosis. In the preferred anastomosis system, the limbs of the resected bowel are positioned between a tubular sleeve extending through the bowel and a tubular cuff positioned around the bowel.

Abstract: A system for performing multi-tool minimally invasive medical procedures through a single instrument port into a body cavity includes an expandable frame that carries a pair of tool cannulas, each of which has a lumen for receiving a tool useable to perform a procedure in the body cavity. The frame is expandable to orient the tool cannulas such that they allow the tools to be used in concert to carry out a procedure at a common location in the body cavity.

Abstract: Intravascular devices are delivered to the aorta percutaneously via the femoral artery. The devices are anchored within the vasculature in the region of the renal artery ostia. These embodiments function to increase the flow of blood from the aorta to the renal arteries, thus delivering a higher relative percentage of the blood flowing through the aorta to the kidneys. The elevation in blood low to the kidneys improves the natural removal of excess fluids from the body. In one embodiment, the device is a diverter element positionable upstream of the renal artery ostia. In another embodiment, the device is a flow restrictor positionable downstream of the ostia to cause an elevation is pressure upstream of the ostia.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes intravascular systems that may be used for a variety of functions. The elements of the disclosed systems include at least one device body implanted within the vasculature. Electrodes on a lead and/or on the device body itself are used to direct electrical energy to neurological targets. These systems may additionally include one or more fluid reservoirs housing drugs or other agents to be delivered to tissue.

Abstract: Embodiments of surgical access cannulas and access systems for use in gaining access to a body cavity of a patient via a natural orifice are disclosed. A distal end of an access cannula is advanced through a natural orifice into a hollow organ. Instruments passed through the cannula are used to form an incision in the wall of the hollow organ. The access cannula is anchored in the incision with its distal opening giving access to a body cavity outside the hollow organ. Surgical instruments are passed through the access cannula and used to perform procedures in the body cavity.

Abstract: A device for implantation in the vasculature of a patient can include a fixation mechanism for anchoring the device in place while allowing for easy removal of the device. The fixation mechanism can include a detachable and/or biodegradable portion that can allow for removal from the bulk of the device in order to allow for the bulk to simply be pulled from the body without likelihood of injury. These devices also can include electrode assemblies that do not promote fibrous in growth, further reducing the likelihood for injury upon extraction of the device.

Abstract: A device for implantation in the vasculature of a patient can include discrete but electrically connected electrodes that, along with the device body, form a substantially smooth exterior surface that allows for easy insertion and removal. Any interstices between the electrodes can be back-filled with a flexible elastomer such as silicone to ensure a smooth surface. The individual electrode segments, such as ring or disc segments, can be connected by an appropriate conductive connection, such as a flexible u-joint, thru-cable, or end-to-end connection including a coupler spring.

Abstract: The stent (120) with an eccentric coating (130) of the present invention provides a coating having a different coating thickness on the stent outer diameter and stent inner diameter, i.e., an eccentric coating. The eccentric coating can be the primary carrier for a drug or other therapeutic agent. The eccentric coating can be thicker on the stent outer diameter to supply more drug to the vessel wall in which the coated stent is deployed and less drug to the vessel lumen. In one embodiment, a cap coating (125) can be disposed on the eccentric coating to protect the eccentric coating, control the elution rate from the eccentric coating, provide an additional drug carrier, or provide combinations thereof. The eccentric coating can be applied by spraying a coating liquid on the stent outer diameter with a fixture mandrel interior to the stent to regulate the spray to the stent inner diameter.

Abstract: The present application describes an intravascular implantable pacing and/or defibrillation system. The described system includes a pulse generator that is implantable within a blood vessel and proportioned to blood flow through the blood vessel, and at least one electrode attachable to the pulse generator. During implantation, the pulse generator is introduced into a patient's vasculature, advanced to a desired vessel and anchored in place within the vessel. The electrode or electrodes are placed within the heart or surrounding vessels as needed to deliver electrical pulses to the appropriate location.