Abstract: Hearing aid devices, methods of manufacture, methods of use, and kits are provided. In certain aspects, the hearing aid devices comprise an apparatus having a transducer and a retention structure comprising a shape profile corresponding to a tissue of the user, and a layer of elastomer.

Abstract: A stent having a substantially tubular body is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the stent provides a scaffold having a plurality of interconnected struts forming a plurality of radial axial rows of radial support cells and a plurality of flexible axial rows of flexible support cells. The plurality of radial axial rows and flexible axial rows are disposed in an alternating pattern along a circumferential axis of the stent. A center axis of each radial axial row and flexible axial row is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the stent. Each radial axial row is arranged so as to be offset along the longitudinal axis of the stent from each adjacent radial axial row. Each radial support cell is formed from four of the interconnected struts of the scaffold which are arranged so as to be symmetrical along both the longitudinal axis and the circumferential axis of the stent.

Abstract: A stent device is described. The stent device includes a stent and a stent delivery system. The stent includes a cylindrical portion forming a stent frame having an outer lattice network of a plurality of interconnecting segments configured to exert a radial force against an inner wall of a blood vessel. The stent delivery system includes a locking mechanism configured to engage with the proximal end of the stent frame when covered in a sheath, and a push wire. The locking mechanism includes a proximal retention disk and a distal retention disk, the distal retention disk having a plurality of slots configured to engage with an equal plurality of struts formed on a proximal end of the stent.

Abstract: The deflectable tip catheters can be used with a primary delivery system (e.g., a bronchoscope, endoscope, or other surgical access device) to access a certain target tissue, such as a tumor (e.g., a lung tumor). The primary access device provides initial access and the deflectable tip catheter can be passed through the primary access device to reach the target tissue which is not otherwise accessible by the primary access device. The deflectable tip catheters have an internal bore free of obstructions such that a drug delivery device (e.g., a needle) or a diagnostic tool can be passed therethrough to directly access the target tissue.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a thrombectomy device comprising a cylindrical proximal portion and one or more radiopaque segments. The cylindrical proximal portion forms a stent frame having an outer lattice network of an outer plurality of interconnecting segments. The outer plurality of interconnecting segments are configured to exert a radial force against an inner wall of a blood vessel. The radiopaque segment is formed from a plurality of radiopaque wires extending from the outer stent frame to a central axis of the thrombectomy device along a length of the stent frame. The radiopaque segment converges to a tip along with the central axis.

Abstract: Various exemplary steerable needles, methods of using steerable needles, and methods of manufacturing steerable needles are provided. In general, a needle configured to be advanced through soft tissue can be configured to be passively steered in a desired direction through the soft tissue. The needle can include a distal tip configured to facilitate the steering. The needle's distal tip can include a beveled or chamfered edge on one side thereof. The distal tip of the needle can be configured to bend relative to a remainder of the needle in a direction opposite to the side of the distal tip that includes the chamfered edge. The soft tissue can provide resistance to the distal tip being advanced therein such that the distal tip automatically bends in a direction away from the chamfered edge. The needle can also include a bendable portion that is proximal to the distal tip.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a thrombectomy device comprising a cylindrical proximal portion and one or more radiopaque segments. The cylindrical proximal portion forms a stent frame having an outer lattice network of an outer plurality of interconnecting segments. The outer plurality of interconnecting segments are configured to exert a radial force against an inner wall of a blood vessel. The radiopaque segment is formed from a plurality of radiopaque wires extending from the outer stent frame to a central axis of the thrombectomy device along a length of the stent frame. The radiopaque segment converges to a tip along with the central axis.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a thrombectomy device comprising a cylindrical proximal portion, a dome-shaped distal portion, a transition portion, and a coil. The cylindrical proximal portion forms a stent frame having a first lattice network of a first plurality of interconnecting segments. The first plurality of interconnecting segments is configured to exert a first radial force against an inner wall of a blood vessel. The dome-shaped distal portion forms a protection cage having a second lattice network of a second plurality of interconnecting segments. The second plurality of interconnecting segments is configured to exert a second radial force against the inner wall of the blood vessel. The transition portion is arranged between the stent frame and the protection cage. The coil is formed at a distal end of the protection cage.

Abstract: A hybrid stationary power generator is provided. The system is fueled from natural gas and based on SOFCs and high efficiency, internal combustion (IC) engine technologies is conceived to generate electric power at 100-kW scale with an efficiency of 71% and a capital cost of <900 $/kW. This novel system integrates a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack with a high efficiency stationary engine and balance-of-plant (BOP) equipment to create a hybrid power system.

Abstract: Mechanisms for pulling a tensile member a predetermined distance from a medical device having an intracorporeal end and an extracorporeal end are disclosed. Such mechanisms may be safely operated using a robot, two hands, or in some embodiments, only one hand. Such mechanisms may include one or more cams, drums, or pulley-like members and a lever, and may be physically coupled to an extracorporeal portion of the medical device.

Abstract: A work tool of a work vehicle can be monitored using a vision system. In some examples, the vision system can include a camera for capturing images of an area that includes at least a portion of the work tool of the work vehicle. The camera can then transmit the images to a display that is positioned so as to be viewable by an operator of the work vehicle. The display can receive the images and display the images. The operator can view the images on the display and take corrective action to avoid unintentionally damaging the work vehicle or other objects.

Abstract: A hybrid stationary power generator is provided. The system is fueled from natural gas and based on SOFCs and high efficiency, internal combustion (IC) engine technologies is conceived to generate electric power at 100-kW scale with an efficiency of 71% and a capital cost of <900 $/kW. This novel system integrates a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack with a high efficiency stationary engine and balance-of-plant (BOP) equipment to create a hybrid power system.

Abstract: A work tool of a work vehicle can be monitored using a vision system. In some examples, the vision system can include a camera for capturing images of an area that includes at least a portion of the work tool of the work vehicle. The camera can then transmit the images to a display that is positioned so as to be viewable by an operator of the work vehicle. The display can receive the images and display the images. The operator can view the images on the display and take corrective action to avoid unintentionally damaging the work vehicle or other objects.

Abstract: This invention concerns expandable intraluminal medical devices for use within a body passageway or duct, wherein the devices exhibit differing degrees of flexibility around the circumference of the device.

Abstract: Described are method and device for closing a passageway in a body, for example a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in a heart, and related methods of using such closure devices for closing the passageway. The method includes locating a distal end of a closure device adjacent to the passageway. The closure device may include a closure line with proximal and distal ends, an expandable tissue anchor located along the distal end of the closure line, and an expandable occluder member located along the proximal end of the closure line. The expandable tissue anchor is deployed into tissue adjacent to the passageway. The expandable occluder member is deployed adjacent to the passageway such that the expandable occluder member substantially covers the second opening to the passageway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a delivery system for delivering a device for closing a passageway in a body, for example a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in a heart. The delivery system has an elongate member having a proximal and distal end. A deflectable needle assembly having luminal and abluminal surfaces is slideably engaged within the elongate member. An actuator is slideabley engaged within the elongate member and attached to the needle tip assembly such that translational movement of the actuator causes deflection of the deflectable needle assembly.

Abstract: A device and method for deploying a mechanical closure device for closing a passageway in a body, for example a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in a heart. The deployment device has a first tubular structure having proximal and distal ends. A second tubular structure is substantially coaxial to and slideably engaged within the first tubular structure. The second tubular structure has a first substantially linear shape when constrained within the first tubular structure, and a second curvilinear shape when telescopically extended from the distal end of the first tubular structure. A third tubular structure is substantially coaxial to and slideably engaged within the second tubular structure. The third tubular structure is configured to provide sufficient rigidity to push the mechanical closure device from the distal end of the second tubular structure, and provide sufficient flexibility to assume a curvilinear shape when deflected by the second tubular structure.

Abstract: A device for deploying a mechanical closure device for closing a passageway in a body, for example a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in a heart. The deployment device has a first tubular structure having proximal and distal ends. A second tubular structure is substantially coaxial to and slideably engaged within the first tubular structure. The second tubular structure has a first substantially linear shape when constrained within the first tubular structure, and a second curvilinear shape when telescopically extended from the distal end of the first tubular structure. A third tubular structure is substantially coaxial to and slideably engaged within the second tubular structure. The third tubular structure is configured to provide sufficient rigidity to push the mechanical closure device from the distal end of the second tubular structure, and provide sufficient flexibility to assume a curvilinear shape when deflected by the second tubular structure.

Abstract: A device and method for deploying a mechanical closure device for closing a passageway in a body, for example a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in a heart. The deployment device has a first tubular structure having proximal and distal ends. A second tubular structure is substantially coaxial to and slideably engaged within the first tubular structure. The second tubular structure has a first substantially linear shape when constrained within the first tubular structure, and a second curvilinear shape when telescopically extended from the distal end of the first tubular structure. A third tubular structure is substantially coaxial to and slideably engaged within the second tubular structure. The third tubular structure is configured to provide sufficient rigidity to push the mechanical closure device from the distal end of the second tubular structure, and provide sufficient flexibility to assume a curvilinear shape when deflected by the second tubular structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a delivery system for delivering a medically useful payload through the vasculature to a site of interest in the patient's body. The medically useful payload may be a therapeutic device, such as a stent, and it may be a diagnostic tool, such as an imaging device. Owing to its structural attributes, the presently-inventive delivery system is well suited for carrying medical payload to and through vessel curvature and to branched regions (i.e., bifurcations) in same. Also, the device is well-suited to traveling through a vessel over a guiding element, such as a guidewire, which itself exhibits curvature.