Abstract: Method and apparatus for non-invasive condition detection using an all fiber portable terahertz imaging system. An imaging system of the present disclosure may comprise a control module comprising a femtosecond pulsed laser configured to generate an output light beam, a dispersion compensation unit configured to receive the output light beam and transmit a laser light beam generated based upon the output light beam, a beam splitter configured to receive the laser light beam and divide the laser light beam into a pump light beam and a reference light beam; and a rapid scanning optical delay line configured to receive the pump light beam and transmit an exit light beam generated based upon the pump light beam, a patch probe comprising a transmitter module, an optics lens, and a detector module.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for treating lymphatic congestion are disclosed. In one method, a balloon is placed at or near the veno-lymph junction. The balloon is inflated and deflation through cycles of slow inflation and rapid deflation. In another embodiment, an arteriovenous fistula is created near the veno-lymph junction. Alternate embodiments may also include axial pumps, stents, or balloons in combination with the fistula. These devices and methods create an acceleration of the blood flow past the lymphatic duct which reduces local pressure via the Venturi effect and according to the Bernoulli principle which facilitates lymph entering into the bloodstream.

Abstract: Impedance systems and methods of use. The impedance systems include only one electrode positioned upon an elongate body, and at least two external electrodes. The only one electrode is configured to both excite an electric field and detect the electric field. The only one electrode works with a first external electrode to generate an electric field and works with a second external electrode to obtain conductance measurements from the electric field. In other embodiments the first external electrode and/or the second external electrode may also be configured to both excite an electric field and detect the electric field. In other embodiments, both the first external electrode and the second external electrode can work with the only one electrode to both generate an electric field and obtain at least one conductance measurement.

Abstract: A device and system are described that are capable of isolating at least one targeted tissue and forming an anastomosis between two internal body structures though a completely endoscopic procedure. Further, the device and system described generally comprise two tubular members that are capable of moving in a telescopic fashion relative to one another. Additionally, a method is described for using the device and/or system to bypass the duodenum from digestion.

Abstract: A portable urine collection device comprising a receiving cup, a discharge tube, and a storage bottle. The device may also comprise snap coupling connectors, an air vent, a one-way valve and a protrusion in the receiving cup for male genitalia. The device may also be used with female genitalia without a protrusion. A support may also be used with the portable urine collection device. Methods of use are also provided.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods to generate a bypass lumen in connection with a chronic total occlusion procedure. An exemplary method comprises introducing at least part of a first elongated body into a lumen of an artery so that a distal tip of the first elongated body is positioned on a first side of an occlusion within the lumen of the artery; inserting the distal tip of the first elongated body into a wall of the artery in between a tunica media and a tunica intima of the artery; advancing the distal tip of the first elongated body in between the tunica media and the tunica intima; and further advancing the distal tip of the first elongated body back into the lumen of the artery to generate a bypass lumen and so that the distal tip is positioned on an opposite second side of the occlusion within the lumen.

Abstract: Devices for testing distal colonic and anorectal function. In at least one embodiment of a device of the present disclosure, the device comprises a flexible central support, a first bag or balloon surrounding at least part of the flexible central support; and a first plurality of sensors positioned upon or embedded within a surface of the first bag or balloon, each of the first plurality of sensors positioned a known distance from each other; wherein the first plurality of sensors are configured to obtain pressure measurements on the surface of the first bag or balloon when the device is operated within a mammalian gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for determining vein geometric and compliance profiles for venous stenting. In one device embodiment, the device comprises an elongated body configured to fit within a mammalian luminal organ, a balloon coupled to the elongated body capable of and configured for inflation and deflation within the mammalian luminal organ, at least two excitation electrodes positioned along the elongated body within the balloon, and a plurality of at least three detection electrodes positioned in between at least two of the at least two excitation electrodes, wherein a first pair of two adjacent detection electrodes of the at least three detection electrodes can detect an electric field generated by the at least two excitation electrodes and obtain a first conductance measurement within the balloon, and a second pair of two adjacent detection electrodes can detect the electric field and obtain a second conductance measurement within the balloon.

Abstract: Luminal organ sizing devices and methods. In a method of the present disclosure, the method includes performing a valve replacement procedure using a valve device positioned within a valve annulus or opening of a luminal organ while a system including a balloon configured for inflation is at least partially introduced into a luminal organ so that the balloon is adjacent to a valve annulus or opening.

Abstract: Arterial system navigation methods and devices and systems to perform the same. In an exemplary embodiment of a method of the present disclosure, the method comprises the steps of inserting at least part of an impedance device into an artery of a patient, the artery selected from the group consisting of a femoral artery and a radial artery, obtaining at least one conductance measurement while navigating a distal end of the impedance device through an arterial vasculature of the patient until the distal end is at or near a left ventricle, and performing at least one medical procedure at a location within the arterial vasculature.

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: Methods of determining an index of vessel and heart function are disclosed. The methods determine the maximum volume and rate of change of volume so that an efficiency of the heart can be determined. Conductance readings indicative of the heart can be taken from a variety of locations such as the lumen of a vessel, the lumen of a heart, the pericardial space, and the epicardial surface. Said conductance readings are then used to determine the efficiency of the heart.

Abstract: A quick-connector for use with an autoretroperfusion and hypothermia system and methods of using the connector. The connector comprises a coolant inlet, a coolant outlet, a coolant reservoir, a blood lumen outlet, a blood lumen inlet, and a blood lumen, whereby the coolant outlet is configured to accept a cooling product from the reservoir, the reservoir is configured to accept cooling product from the coolant inlet. Flowing blood powered by the patient's heart may enter the connector through the blood lumen inlet, travel through the blood lumen while being cooled by cooling product in the reservoir, and leave the connector through the blood lumen outlet. The temperature of blood leaving the connector can be measured at the blood lumen outlet. Catheters can be attached to the blood lumen inlet and blood lumen outlet to receive and send blood, respectively. A cooling system can be attached to the coolant inlet and coolant outlet to provide a source of cooling product.

Abstract: Devices and systems to fit around a tissue or organ and methods of using the same. In at least one embodiment of an implantable device of the present disclosure, the implantable device comprises a first engaging component comprising a first rigid inner plate at least partially surrounded by a first flexible coating, a second engaging component comprising a second rigid inner plate at least partially surrounded by a coating selected from the group consisting of the first flexible coating and the second flexible coating, a first c-ring and a second c-ring coupled to the engaging components, and a cover flap coupled to either the first engaging component or the second engaging component and capable of either further coupling to the second engaging component when initially coupled to the first engaging component or further coupling to the first engaging component when initially coupled to the second engaging component.

Abstract: A wearable support device for use with heavy clothing such as a lead gown or apron is disclosed. The device relieves the shoulders and back of weight by transferring the weight of the lead gown to the waist and hips of the wearers. The device comprises a strap that supports the gown and a bolster disposed on the strap that is located distally. The lead gown is word over the waistband such that it rests upon the bolster. A closure is used to secure the device around the waist of the wearer, and an adjustment can be located on the strap for ensuring a snug fit. The bolster is made of a semi-firm material that is sufficiently firm to support a lead gown and flexible to conform comfortably to the waist of a wearer.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for accessing the internal and external tissues of the heart are disclosed. At least some of the embodiments disclosed herein provide access to the external surface of the heart through the pericardial space for localized delivery of substances to the heart tissue. In addition, various disclosed embodiments provide access to the internal surface of the heart for aspiration and delivery of substances to a targeted region without disturbing or interfering with nearby structures or surfaces.

Abstract: An intestinal device, or a non-constrictive cuff, is configured for placement around an intestine. In the closed position the non-constrictive cuff is configured to be around at least part or all of an intestine, wherein the non-constrictive cuff does not constrict the portion of the intestine when deployed. A first intestinal device can be deployed for placement around a portion of an intestine, wherein a proximal end of the first intestinal device is configured to longitudinally overlap a distal end of a second intestinal device when disposed around an intestine. A method of use for a first intestinal device or non-constrictive cuff is also disclosed.

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: Expandable endograft devices, systems, and methods of using the same to partially or fully occlude a luminal organ. An endograft device described herein may include a stent portion and a wall portion, wherein the wall portion is configured to receive a substance therein.

Abstract: Devices and systems for navigation and positioning a central venous catheter within a patient. In an exemplary embodiment of a system of the present disclosure, the system comprises a first pole and a second pole, the first pole and the second pole configured to generate an electric field within a mammalian body sufficient to obtain a plurality of field measurements therein, and an elongated body configured for at least partial insertion into a blood vessel of the mammalian body and advancement through a vasculature, said advancement dependent upon the plurality of field measurements indicative of one or more locations of a portion of the elongated body within the vasculature. In at least one embodiment, the elongated body is configured as a stylet.