Abstract: Systems and methods for navigation and positioning a central venous catheter within a patient. The system may include a first pole and a second pole designed to generate an electric field sufficient to obtain a plurality of field measurements. The system may include a stylet inserted into a medical device. The stylet may include a magnetic assembly configured to produce a magnetic field positioned along a distal portion of the stylet, and a stylet electrode positioned distal of the magnetic assembly. The stylet electrode may be designed to function as both an interior excitation electrode and an interior detection electrode. Advancement of the medical device in the patient may include using a conductance curve generated from the plurality of field measurements to identify an obstruction or malposition in the patient.

Abstract: Methods and systems for inverting and closing a left atrial appendage. The system can include a vacuum tube, closed-end needle, and tissue glue. The vacuum tube may have a plunger-like end for attachment to the left atrial appendage and may also be capable of attaching to a vacuum source. The method can comprise the steps of attaching the vacuum tube to the left atrial appendage, advancing a closed-end needle through the left atrial appendage, retracting the vacuum tube to invert the left atrial appendage, and injecting tissue glue through the closed-end needle so that the exterior sides of the left atrial appendage are glued together and the appendage will fibrous and atrophy over time, thereby eliminating formation of a thrombus within the apex of the atrial appendage.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for generating and displaying large bowel information. In at least one embodiment of a method of generating a gastrointestinal model, comprising the steps of obtaining size data within a mammalian gastrointestinal tract using a device configured to fit within the mammalian gastrointestinal tract, and modifying a model colon using the obtained size data to generate a patient-specific colon model.

Abstract: Devices for detecting organ contents using impedance and methods of using the same to provide various therapies. In an exemplary embodiment of a device for detecting organ contents of the present disclosure, the device comprises a body having a detector coupled thereto, the device configured for placement at or near an outside of an organ and operable to detect contents on an inside of the organ using impedance.

Abstract: Methods and devices for controlling blood perfusion pressure along with regional mild hypothermia. In at least one embodiment of a device for controlling blood perfusion pressure within a vessel of the present disclosure, the device comprises an elongated body having a lumen, a proximal end configured for placement in a first area having a first blood pressure, and a distal end configured for placement in a second area having a second blood pressure, a partial occluder positioned within the lumen of the elongated body between the proximal end and the distal end, the partial occluder configured so not to fully occlude a blood vessel and to equalize the first blood pressure at the first area with the second blood pressure at the second area, and a regional hypothermia system operably coupled thereto, the regional hypothermia system operable to reduce and/or regulate a temperature of a bodily fluid flowing therethrough.

Abstract: Systems and methods for navigation and positioning a central venous catheter within a patient. The system may include a first pole and a second pole designed to generate an electric field sufficient to obtain a plurality of field measurements. The system may include a stylet inserted into a medical device. The stylet may include a magnetic assembly configured to produce a magnetic field positioned along a distal portion of the stylet, and a stylet electrode positioned distal of the magnetic assembly. The stylet electrode may be designed to function as both an interior excitation electrode and an interior detection electrode. Advancement of the medical device in the patient may include using a conductance curve generated from the plurality of field measurements to identify an obstruction or malposition in the patient.

Abstract: Methods, products and uses of or relating to biological tissues for various stent and other medical applications are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment of a method of processing a tissue of the present disclosure, the method comprises the steps of acquiring a tissue comprising at least a portion of parietal pleura, selecting a sample of mediastinal pleura tissue from the parietal pleura tissue, and fixing the sample of mediastinal pleura tissue using a fixative, resulting in a fixed sample. Furthermore, in an embodiment of a tissue product of the present disclosure, the tissue product comprises a frame configured to retain mediastinal pleura tissue thereon and such tissue coupled to the frame.

Abstract: A method of determining the diameter of a luminal organ. The method utilizing the introduction of two different frequencies into the lumen of the organ via an impedance catheter/guidewire to obtain conductance measurements and not requiring a separate fluid injection. The method utilizes the presence of a fluid native to the luminal organ.

Abstract: Endoprosthesis assemblies and methods for using the same. In at least one embodiment, the endoprosthesis assembly comprises an endoprosthesis comprising an impermeable inner wall defining an endoprosthesis lumen sized and shaped to permit fluid to flow therethrough, a distal balloon positioned at or near a distal end of the endoprosthesis and capable of inflation to anchor the distal end of the endoprosthesis within a luminal organ, and a proximal balloon positioned at or near a proximal end of the endoprosthesis and capable of inflation to anchor the proximal end of the endoprosthesis within the luminal organ, wherein when the endoprosthesis assembly is positioned within the luminal organ at or near an aneurysm sac, inflation of the distal balloon and the proximal balloon effectively isolates the aneurysm sac and prevents fluid within the aneurysm sac from flowing past the distal balloon and the proximal balloon.

Abstract: Luminal grafts and methods of making and using the same. An exemplary luminal graft of the present disclosure is configured as a generally tubular element configured for nerve cells to grow therethrough and comprises at least one sheet of biological tissue having elastin fibers and collagen fibers, with the elastin fibers being a dominant component thereof; and a plurality of microchannels formed on a surface of the at least one sheet of biological tissue, each of the microchannels extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end of the at least one sheet of biological tissue and configured to provide intraluminal structural guidance to nerve cells proliferating therethrough.

Abstract: A method of detecting injury to the brain such as stroke, concussion and cognitive dysfunction using a contrast agent and light source. The blood ocular barrier is disrupted when said injury occurs, allowing the entry of contrast agent into the aqueous and vitreous humor. An exemplary method comprises injecting a contrast agent into a peripheral location and then testing for leakage of contrast agent into the eye cavity by observing for light reflection, when a beam of light incidents on the contrast agent in the eye.

Abstract: The invention comprises a substance suitable for external marking of a patient's skin during a radiographic procedure, such as angiography and endovascular procedures. The substance comprises a volume of radiopaque marking substance suitable for creating a rapidly stable and precise image on a radiographic medical device when said material is placed externally on a patient and imaged by the radiographic medical device. The substance comprises a volume of forming material for combination with the radiopaque material. An associated dispenser is also disclosed.

Abstract: Needle devices for accessing lymph nodes and thoracic ducts. A needle device for insertion into a lymph node and secured after access to the lymph node is described. The needle can aspirate or introduce fluids through a needle aperture in the needle sidewall. The needle may be curved. The needle device may also have a channel for fluids. The channel can have an aperture in the sidewall or be a separate channel alongside the lumen and have a distal aperture. Securing the needle can be accomplished via a hook, spiraling element, balloon or glue, which can be introduced via an open needle tip or a channel aperture. The spiraling element may be attached to a drive configured to rotate the spiraling element.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for the localization of body lumen junctions and other intraluminal structure are disclosed. Various embodiments permit clinicians to identify and locate lesions and/or anatomical structures within a lumen and accurately place leads and/or devices within a lumen, through determining the intralumen conductance and/or cross-sectional area at a plurality of locations within the body lumen.

Abstract: Thrombectomy systems and devices and methods of using the same. In an exemplary embodiment of a thrombectomy system of the present disclosure, the thrombectomy system comprises a thrombectomy sheath, comprising a circumferential outer wall reinforced with a reinforcement, configured as an elongated tube having a lumen therethrough; and a sonovisible element positioned at or near a distal end of the circumferential outer wall; wherein the thrombectomy sheath is sized and shaped to be at least partially positioned within a vein proximal to a thrombus or other item within the vein and further configured to expand to contact the vein to secure the thrombectomy sheath within the vein; and wherein the lumen is sized and shaped to receive a device selected from the group consisting of a balloon catheter and a snare having a loop.

Abstract: A pellet for testing intestinal and anorectal function.

Abstract: A pellet for testing distal colonic and anorectal function. In one embodiment the pellet comprises a bag comprising the exterior of the pellet wherein the bag is comprised of a polymer that is reactive with a catalyst to form a more solid-like substance. In another embodiment, the pellet may comprise one of a grapheme layer, a wavelength transducer, or a magnetically attractive element. In another embodiment the pellet may comprise a telescopic extender and further comprise a telescope bad coupled to the telescopic extender.

Abstract: Impedance devices with integrated circuit modules and method of using the same to obtain luminal organ information. In one embodiment, a device comprises an elongated body for at least partial insertion into a mammalian luminal organ and having a first conductor extending therethrough, a proximal electrical unit connected to the elongated body to deliver power along the first conductor, and a sensor substrate located at or near a distal end of the elongated body and comprising a circuit module operable and/or configured to direct the sizing portion to obtain sizing data and the pressure sensor to obtain pressure data, and facilitate transmission of the sizing data and/or the pressure data to the proximal electrical unit.

Abstract: Stimulation devices and methods of using the same that provide stimulation to the skin of a patient to activate the somatosensory system in skin, thereby increasing the contraction of innervated lymphatic vessels in extremities to drain more volume of lymph and aid lymph drainage in extremities. The devices of the present disclosure include a body having at least one wheel thereon configured to engage the skin of a patient, the at least one wheel wheels to rotate and stimulate the skin. Methods for using such device for stimulating skin to increase lymphatic flow are also provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods for assisting valve function, replacing venous valves, and predicting valve treatment successes. In an exemplary embodiment of an endograft body configured for expansion within a luminal organ, the endograft body comprises (a) a first portion having a proximal end defining a proximal end aperture and a distal end defining a distal end aperture, the first portion configured to increase a velocity of fluid flowing therethrough, (b) a second portion having a second portion proximal end defining a second portion proximal end aperture and a second portion distal end defining a second portion distal end aperture, wherein the distal end of the first portion is adjacent to the second portion proximal end, and (c) a valve portion positioned at or near the second portion proximal end, the valve portion configured to receive the fluid flowing through the distal end aperture of the first portion.