Abstract: Disclosed herein are inflators and methods of using the inflators for inflating inflatable devices, such as balloons, used in medical procedures. Such procedures include angioplasty and the transcatheter delivery of prosthetic heart valves and stents. The inflators overcome the resistances typically generated during such procedures and reduces the force required to fully inflate the balloon.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are inflators and methods of using the inflators for inflating inflatable devices, such as balloons, used in medical procedures. Such procedures include angioplasty and the transcatheter delivery of prosthetic heart valves and stents. The inflators overcome the resistances typically generated during such procedures and reduces the force required to fully inflate the balloon.

Abstract: Described embodiments include an apparatus that includes a plurality of flaps configured to fold over each other in a folded configuration. Each one of the flaps includes one or more ultrasound transducer elements. One or more balloons are coupled to the flaps, the balloons being configured to, upon being inflated, unfold the flaps from the folded configuration. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Catheterization employing a cable extending from the catheter to a fixed point of attachment is performed by providing a sensor to detect rotation of the catheter about its longitudinal axis, the rotation causing the cable to form a twist. The cable extends through a cable arranger that operates to remove the twist. A controller receives signals from the sensor and generates control signals to actuate the cable arranger responsively to the signals from the sensor.

Abstract: Catheterization employing a cable extending from the catheter to a fixed point of attachment is performed by providing a sensor to detect rotation of the catheter about its longitudinal axis, the rotation causing the cable to form a twist. The cable extends through a cable arranger that operates to remove the twist. A controller receives signals from the sensor and generates control signals to actuate the cable arranger responsively to the signals from the sensor.

Abstract: A self-leveling mechanism for a mobility device, the mobility device including a chassis configured to propel the mobility device on a surface, includes a leveling structure on which is mounted a user support for supporting a user of the mobility device. The leveling structure is connected to the chassis by a swivel connection that enables the leveling structure to swivel about the connection, and by two linearly displaceable connections that are laterally displaced from one another. Two linear actuators are each configured to displace one of the displaceable connections to adjust a distance between each displaceable connection and the chassis. A sensor for senses a tilt of the leveling structure and a controller is configured to operate the linear actuators in accordance with the sensed tilt.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are inflators and methods of using the inflators for inflating inflatable devices, such as balloons, used in medical procedures. Such procedures include angioplasty and the transcatheter delivery of prosthetic heart valves and stents. The inflators overcome the resistances typically generated during such procedures and reduces the force required to fully inflate the balloon.

Abstract: A self-leveling mechanism for a mobility device, the mobility device including a chassis configured to propel the mobility device on a surface, includes a leveling structure on which is mounted a user support for supporting a user of the mobility device. The leveling structure is connected to the chassis by a swivel connection that enables the leveling structure to swivel about the connection, and by two linearly displaceable connections that are laterally displaced from one another. Two linear actuators are each configured to displace one of the displaceable connections to adjust a distance between each displaceable connection and the chassis. A sensor for senses a tilt of the leveling structure and a controller is configured to operate the linear actuators in accordance with the sensed tilt.

Abstract: Described embodiments include an apparatus that includes a plurality of flaps configured to fold over each other in a folded configuration. Each one of the flaps includes one or more ultrasound transducer elements. One or more balloons are coupled to the flaps, the balloons being configured to, upon being inflated, unfold the flaps from the folded configuration. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Catheterization employing a cable extending from the catheter to a fixed point of attachment is performed by providing a sensor to detect rotation of the catheter about its longitudinal axis, the rotation causing the cable to form a twist. The cable extends through a cable arranger that operates to remove the twist. A controller receives signals from the sensor and generates control signals to actuate the cable arranger responsively to the signals from the sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for applying one or more patches to a tubular structure in a body of a patient. The apparatus includes an applicator, which is configured to removably hold the one or more patches, and to place the one or more patches at least partially around the tubular structure. The applicator includes one or more patch supports. Each of the patch supports includes a yielding pad, which is removably coupleable to one of the patches; and a stiff back support structure, to which the yielding pad is fixed. Each of the patch supports is shaped so as to define at least one chamber that itself has a volume of at least 0.5 ml when the patch supports are in respective resting states. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for applying one or more patches to a tubular structure in a body of a patient. The apparatus includes an applicator, which is configured to removably hold the one or more patches, and to place the one or more patches at least partially around the tubular structure. The applicator includes one or more patch supports. Each of the patch supports includes a yielding pad, which is removably coupleable to one of the patches; and a stiff back support structure, to which the yielding pad is fixed. Each of the patch supports is shaped so as to define at least one chamber that itself has a volume of at least 0.5 ml when the patch supports are in respective resting states. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method for producing valves for blood flow control having an outer sleeve and a plurality of flexible leaflets fixed to an inner surface of the sleeve, including: molding the valve to a first shape, in which the valve leaflets are in a closed position; holding the valve in a second desired shape, in which the valves are in an open position; and immersing the valve in a hot liquid while holding it in the second shape.

Abstract: A one-way valve for use in a heart-assist device, said valve comprising:an outer sheath, defining an enclosing a lumen therein, and comprising a first radial opening;an inner sleeve, rotatably held inside the outer sheath, and comprising a second radial opening, which is alignable with the first radial opening by rotation of the sleeve, such that when the first and second radial openings are mutually aligned, the valve is open; anda torque coupling device, coupled to the inner sleeve,wherein in response to flow of a fluid in the lumen in a first flow direction, the torque coupling device causes the sleeve to rotate in a first rotational direction, thereby altering the alignment of the first and second radial openings.

Abstract: A cardiac assist device includes a cannula with intake and outflow valve in the distal end portion is positioned in a bloodstream. A diaphragm in the proximal portion of the cannula, powered by external pressure-producing mechanism, forms a reservoir to exert pressure on the cannula volume at the valves to effect blood flow assistance to the patient's heart.