Abstract: A high aspect ratio biopsy needle achieves reliable performance with large solid sample size by means of a variety of features and combinations thereof, including support to prevent bending, reinforcement of the needle, and cutting edges arranged to resist deformation.

Abstract: An intracorporeal marker for marking a site within living tissue of a host having a body of porous hydroxyapatite whose physical properties permit the body to be distinguished from human soft tissue under visualization using ultrasonic and radiation imaging modalities.

Abstract: A biopsy marker having radio-opaque properties that are derived in situ, based on a natural a biological response, such as for example, calcification, accumulation or tissue-concentration of a chemical agent so as to provide an imaging contrast. A biodegradable foam such as collagen foam or gelatin foam is embedded with a biological tissue that is susceptible to the calcification. Initially the marker can be imaged using ultrasound, but over time, the embedded material calcifies causing it to become visible under radiation imaging.

Abstract: An embolic protection filter assembly and method of making the same. In at least some embodiments, the present invention relates to embolic protection filters having at least one radiopaque component.

Abstract: Intravascular device for matching impedances of portions of an intravascular circuit and limiting RF signal-induced heating of intravascular conductors. An intravascular device includes alternating conductive and dielectric layers and an electrically conductive coil in a configuration that effects an impedance-matching circuit. Another embodiment of an intravascular device has cylindrical inner and outer walls formed of an expandable, electrically conductive material, the inner and outer walls being separated by a compressible dielectric material. Varying the pressure in the lumen defined by the inner wall changes the spacing between the inner and outer walls, thereby changing the capacitance between the inner and outer wall. Another embodiment of an intravascular device includes one or more coaxial chokes for limiting heating caused by currents induced by RF signals. A conductive shield of the choke is formed of a conductive polymer to further reduce heating effects.

Abstract: Described herein is a medical device, such as a catheter or guidewire, which comprises an elongate body, a MRI imaging sensor and a contrast medium contained within the medical device, the contrast medium enhancing the MRI image of body tissue. The contrast medium may be contained or encapsulated in the elongate body, the imaging sensor, or a reservoir(s) in the elongate body or imaging sensor. The contrast medium may be, for example, gadolinium or a superparamagnetic contrast medium.

Abstract: An embolic protection filter assembly and method of making the same. In at least some embodiments, the present invention relates to embolic protection filters having at least one radiopaque component.

Abstract: Described herein is a medical device, such as a catheter or guidewire, which comprises an elongate body, a MRI imaging sensor and a contrast medium contained within the medical device, the contrast medium enhancing the MRI image of body tissue. The contrast medium may be contained or encapsulated in the elongate body, the imaging sensor, or a reservoir(s) in the elongate body or imaging sensor. The contrast medium may be, for example, gadolinium or a superparamagnetic contrast medium.

Abstract: A therapeutic agent is delivered to heart tissue in a body. The therapeutic agent is introduced to a first side of the heart tissue. An electrode is percutaneously located on a second side of the heart tissue. The electrode is energized to induce migration of the therapeutic agent into the heart tissue.

Abstract: Intravascular device for matching impedances of portions of an intravascular circuit and limiting RF signal-induced heating of intravascular conductors. An intravascular device includes alternating conductive and dielectric layers and an electrically conductive coil in a configuration that effects an impedance-matching circuit. Another embodiment of an intravascular device has cylindrical inner and outer walls formed of an expandable, electrically conductive material, the inner and outer walls being separated by a compressible dielectric material. Varying the pressure in the lumen defined by the inner wall changes the spacing between the inner and outer walls, thereby changing the capacitance between the inner and outer wall. Another embodiment of an intravascular device includes one or more coaxial chokes for limiting heating caused by currents induced by RF signals. A conductive shield of the choke is formed of a conductive polymer to further reduce heating effects.

Abstract: Described herein is a medical device, such as a catheter or guidewire, which comprises an elongate body, a MRI imaging sensor and a contrast medium contained within the medical device, the contrast medium enhancing the MRI image of body tissue. The contrast medium may be contained or encapsulated in the elongate body, the imaging sensor, or a reservoir(s) in the elongate body or imaging sensor. The contrast medium may be, for example, gadolinium or a superparamagnetic contrast medium.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for relieving stress on a heart muscle tissue in a wall of a heart having a chamber. A plurality of biocompatible and implantable elongate strips are configured to be connected to the heart wall and disposed about the chamber such that the elongate strips are arranged in spaced relation to one another. The elongate strips are bendable and are sufficiently resistant to elongation such that natural stretching of the heart wall does not cause elongation of the plurality of strips.

Abstract: A therapeutic agent is delivered to heart tissue in a body. The therapeutic agent is introduced to a first side of the heart tissue. An electrode is percutaneously located on a second side of the heart tissue. The electrode is energized to induce migration of the therapeutic agent into the heart tissue.

Abstract: A system is provided for regulating blood flow to a portion of the vasculature, such as the renal system, in order to treat heart disease. A regulator maintains blood flow so as to control physiological feedback responses in order to relieve overload conditions on the heart.

Abstract: A cardiac assist device and method of use for assisting the function of a heart. The assist device includes a compressor positioned against the epicardial wall of the heart and a field generator for driving a fluid coupled to the compressor to exert pressure on the heart. The field generator may be a magnetic field generator and the fluid coupled to the compressor may be a ferrofluid. The compressor may include two containment regions containing ferrofluid on opposite sides of the heart, and a pair of compression portions coupled to the containment regions. The filled generator may be electromagnetic which includes two electromagnets having corresponding core portions and corresponding coils. The electromagnets may be disposed with their north and south poles in alignment and separated by a gap to allow relative movement. The electromagnets may be external or internal to the body.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for relieving stress on a heart muscle tissue in a wall of a heart having a chamber. A plurality of biocompatible and implantable elongate strips are configured to be connected to the heart wall and disposed about the chamber such that the elongate strips are arranged in spaced relation to one another. The elongate strips are bendable and are sufficiently resistant to elongation such that natural stretching of the heart wall does not cause elongation of the plurality of strips.

Abstract: A system is provided for regulating blood flow to a portion of the vasculature, such as the renal system, in order to treat heart disease. A regulator maintains blood flow so as to control physiological feedback responses in order to relieve overload conditions on the heart.

Abstract: A guide wire that is capable of sensing the phasic pressure at the distal end of the guide wire. The guide wire has a central lumen which provides a non-compliant fluid path from the distal end of the guide wire to a pressure transducer at the proximal end of the guide wire.