Abstract: Thrombectomy systems are disclosed that utilize a knowledge base comprising intra-procedural and inter-procedural (i.e., historical) measurement data that is correlated to deterministic events that predicate each measurement. Each thrombectomy procedure is thereby a compendium of cause and effect experimentation; experimental data are retained, in addition to being utilized intra-procedurally to determine future experimental configurations (deterministic events). Herein, experimental data comprise variable measurement data of intensive physical properties of the aspirate within the catheter (e.g., viscosity=10 cP, % thrombus=15%, thrombus load=25%, etc.). Knowledge-based thrombectomy systems engender procedure standardization across multiple thrombectomy systems, facilities and clinicians by standardizing the sequence of intra-procedural, deterministic events.

Abstract: A thrombectomy system incorporates analytical instrumentation to determine the aspirate characteristic (the fluid contents of the thrombectomy catheter) and subsequently selects a thrombectomy operating mode appropriate to the current aspirate characteristic. Aspirate characteristics include: (1) blood, which is slowly aspirated, (2) thrombus which is rapidly aspirated to waste, (3) clot, which is systematically aspirated and (4) clog, which is systematically cleared. A differential viscometer is disclosed for a broad array of applications including thrombectomy, as well as industrial, automotive, environmental and scientific. A variable aperture catheter is disclosed which permits selective aspiration and infusion in either the axial or radial directions.

Abstract: A substance delivery device includes an elongated tubular body having opposing proximal and distal ends, and a diaphragm that is in slideable sealing engagement with an inside wall of the tubular body. The diaphragm is movable in opposite first and second directions within the tubular body. A substance is contained within the tubular body between the diaphragm and the tubular body distal end, and a slave fluid is contained within the tubular body between the diaphragm and the tubular body proximal end. When pressure is exerted on the slave fluid, the slave fluid causes the diaphragm to move and eject the substance through the tubular body distal end.

Abstract: A temporary cardiac-assist device is disclosed. The device includes a pump assembly that is deployed in the ascending aorta or the heart. A torque transmission line couples the pump assembly to an external motor for driving impeller blades within the pump assembly. The pump assembly expands in size at its destination site for operation. In operation, neither the torque transmission line nor elements that support the impeller blades are under axial forces.

Abstract: A substance delivery device includes an elongated tubular body having opposing proximal and distal ends, and a diaphragm that is in slideable sealing engagement with an inside wall of the tubular body. The diaphragm is movable in opposite first and second directions within the tubular body. A substance is contained within the tubular body between the diaphragm and the tubular body distal end, and a slave fluid is contained within the tubular body between the diaphragm and the tubular body proximal end. When pressure is exerted on the slave fluid, the slave fluid causes the diaphragm to move and eject the substance through the tubular body distal end.

Abstract: An article comprising a drive cable suitable for high-speed operation in an anatomy having small-radii bends is disclosed. The drive cables disclosed herein include one or more physical adaptations that enable them to be “tuned” to avoid large amplitude vibrations during operation.

Abstract: An impeller for use in conjunction with a percutaneously-insertable blood pump or other rotatable equipment includes a blade that is segmented into a plurality of overlapping or abutting bladelets. In some embodiments, the bladelets are foldable and one side of each bladelet is concave.

Abstract: An impeller for use in conjunction with a percutaneously-insertable blood pump or other rotatable equipment includes a blade that is segmented into a plurality of overlapping or abutting bladelets. In some embodiments, the bladelets are foldable and one side of each bladelet is concave.

Abstract: An impeller for use in conjunction with a percutaneously-insertable blood pump or other rotatable equipment includes a blade that is segmented into a plurality of overlapping or abutting bladelets. In some embodiments, the bladelets are foldable and one side of each bladelet is concave.

Abstract: An article comprising a drive cable suitable for high-speed operation in an anatomy having small-radii bends is disclosed. The drive cables disclosed herein include one or more physical adaptations that enable them to be “tuned” to avoid large amplitude vibrations during operation.

Abstract: An article comprising a drive cable suitable for high-speed operation in an anatomy having small-radii bends is disclosed. The drive cables disclosed herein include one or more physical adaptations that enable them to be “tuned” to avoid large amplitude vibrations during operation.

Abstract: An impeller for use in conjunction with a percutaneously-insertable blood pump or other rotatable equipment includes a blade that is segmented into a plurality of overlapping or abutting bladelets. In some embodiments, the bladelets are foldable and one side of each bladelet is concave.

Abstract: An article comprising a drive cable suitable for high-speed operation in an anatomy having small-radii bends is disclosed. The drive cables disclosed herein include one or more physical adaptations that enable them to be “tuned” to avoid large amplitude vibrations during operation.

Abstract: MRI/RF compatible leads include at least one conductor, a respective conductor having at least one segment with a multi-layer stacked coil configuration. The lead can be configured so that the lead heats local tissue less than about 10 degrees Celsius (typically about 5 degrees Celsius or less) or does not heat local tissue when a patient is exposed to target RF frequencies at a peak input SAR of at least about 4 W/kg and/or a whole body average SAR of at least about 2 W/kg. Related leads and methods of fabricating leads are also described.

Abstract: A method for deploying a cardiac-assist device is disclosed. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, an introducing tube, such as a catheter, sheath, or the like is inserted into the vascular system and advanced beyond the aortic arch. The cardiac-assist device is then inserted into the tube, advanced through it, and deployed from its distal end. In some embodiments, the diameter of the cardiac-assist device expands when it deploys from the distal end of the tube.

Abstract: A temporary cardiac-assist device is disclosed. The device includes a pump assembly that is deployed in the ascending aorta or the heart. A torque transmission line couples the pump assembly to an external motor for driving impeller blades within the pump assembly. The pump assembly expands in size at its destination site for operation. In operation, neither the torque transmission line nor elements that support the impeller blades are under axial forces.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasing excessive pressure from a cylinder of an internal combustion engine comprises a sealing element inserted into a passageway that extends from an internal surface of the cylinder through the engine block or cylinder head to end at a point of ambient air pressure. The sealing element is thermally responsive and will release to cause the passageway to form a vent passage between the cylinder and the ambient air upon the occurrence of any one of a number of conditions of excessive pressure and temperature in the cylinder.

Abstract: A method for applying a coating to an object comprises the steps of preparing a coating solution comprising a solvent and a solute composition of the desired coating, cooling an object to a temperature that is below the freezing temperature of the coating solution, immersing the object into the coating solution, leaving the object immersed in the coating solution long enough for a frozen layer of solution to form on the object, removing the object from the coating solution, removing any excess liquid from the frozen surface, and allowing the object to cure by placing it in an environment in which the solvent is released from said frozen layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasing excessive pressure from a cylinder of an internal combustion engine comprises a sealing element inserted into a passageway that extends from an internal surface of the cylinder through the engine block or cylinder head to end at a point of ambient air pressure. The sealing element is thermally responsive and will release to cause the passageway to form a vent passage between the cylinder and the ambient air upon the occurrence of any one of a number of conditions of excessive pressure and temperature in the cylinder.

Abstract: A spark plug for venting excessive engine cylinder pressure may be either pressure or temperature activated. A vent passage is created in a conventional spark plug by drilling an air vent through the housing of a conventional spark plug to a point that experiences cylinder pressures. The air vent is then sealed with a mechanical element of known structural strength and temperature response. Upon the development of excessive engine temperature, cylinder pressure, or both, the sealing element gives way, generating an air passage from the combustion chamber to the atmosphere through which cylinder pressure is vented. By venting excessive pressure, the disastrous effects of detonation, hydrolock, and other deleterious engine conditions may be avoided. Prior to the failure of the seal, the spark plug functions identically to a conventional spark plug.