Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for verifying a purported composition of material in a solid metal object based on heat transfer characteristics. Embodiments include determining, using a group of temperature sensors included in a heat sink, a heat transfer profile for the heat sink when connected to the solid metal object. One or more embodiments include comparing the heat transfer profile for the solid metal object to a baseline heat transfer profile determined based on dimensions of the solid metal object and the purported composition. One or more embodiments include determining, based on the comparing, a difference between the heat transfer profile and the baseline heat transfer profile. And one or more embodiments include indicating that the purported composition is verified in response to determining that the difference between the heat transfer profile and the baseline heat transfer profile is within a threshold.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for verifying a purported composition of material in a solid metal object based on heat transfer characteristics. Embodiments include determining, using a group of temperature sensors included in a heat sink, a heat transfer profile for the heat sink when connected to the solid metal object. One or more embodiments include comparing the heat transfer profile for the solid metal object to a baseline heat transfer profile determined based on dimensions of the solid metal object and the purported composition. One or more embodiments include determining, based on the comparing, a difference between the heat transfer profile and the baseline heat transfer profile. And one or more embodiments include indicating that the purported composition is verified in response to determining that the difference between the heat transfer profile and the baseline heat transfer profile is within a threshold.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accurate temperature modification of a patient, or selected regions thereof, including inducing hypothermia. The temperature modification is accomplished using an in-dwelling heat exchange catheter within which a fluid heat exchange medium circulates. A heat exchange cassette attached to the circulatory flow lines of the catheter, the heat exchange cassette being sized to engage a cavity within a control unit. A temperature measurement scheme for obtaining body core temperature is provided, including methods of obtaining and analyzing temperature data to provide feedback to the control unit for use in controlling the heating and cooling of the heat exchange medium so as to heat or cool a patient to a desired target temperature.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accurate temperature modification of a patient, or selected regions thereof, including inducing hypothermia. The temperature modification is accomplished using an in-dwelling heat exchange catheter within which a fluid heat exchange medium circulates. A heat exchange cassette attached to the circulatory flow lines of the catheter, the heat exchange cassette being sized to engage a cavity within a control unit. A temperature measurement scheme for obtaining body core temperature is provided, including methods of obtaining and analyzing temperature data to provide feedback to the control unit for use in controlling the heating and cooling of the heat exchange medium so as to heat or cool a patient to a desired target temperature.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accurate temperature modification of a patient, or selected regions thereof, including inducing hypothermia. The temperature modification is accomplished using an in-dwelling heat exchange catheter within which a fluid heat exchange medium circulates. A heat exchange cassette attached to the circulatory flow lines of the catheter, the heat exchange cassette being sized to engage a cavity within a control unit. A temperature measurement scheme for obtaining body core temperature is provided, including methods of obtaining and analyzing temperature data to provide feedback to the control unit for use in controlling the heating and cooling of the heat exchange medium so as to heat or cool a patient to a desired target temperature.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accurate temperature modification of a patient, or selected regions thereof, including inducing hypothermia. The temperature modification is accomplished using an in-dwelling heat exchange catheter within which a fluid heat exchange medium circulates. A heat exchange cassette attached to the circulatory flow lines of the catheter, the heat exchange cassette being sized to engage a cavity within a control unit. A temperature measurement scheme for obtaining body core temperature is provided, including methods of obtaining and analyzing temperature data to provide feedback to the control unit for use in controlling the heating and cooling of the heat exchange medium so as to heat or cool a patient to a desired target temperature.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accurate temperature modification of a patient, or selected regions thereof, including inducing hypothermia. The temperature modification is accomplished using an in-dwelling heat exchange catheter within which a fluid heat exchange medium circulates. A heat exchange cassette attached to the circulatory flow lines of the catheter, the heat exchange cassette being sized to engage a cavity within a control unit. A temperature measurement scheme for obtaining body core temperature is provided, including methods of obtaining and analyzing temperature data to provide feedback to the control unit for use in controlling the heating and cooling of the heat exchange medium so as to heat or cool a patient to a desired target temperature.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accurate temperature modification of a patient, or selected regions thereof, including inducing hypothermia. The temperature modification is accomplished using an in-dwelling heat exchange catheter within which a fluid heat exchange medium circulates. A heat exchange cassette attached to the circulatory flow lines of the catheter, the heat exchange cassette being sized to engage a cavity within a control unit. A temperature measurement scheme for obtaining body core temperature is provided, including methods of obtaining and analyzing temperature data to provide feedback to the control unit for use in controlling the heating and cooling of the heat exchange medium so as to heat or cool a patient to a desired target temperature.

Abstract: Systems and methods of visibly marking a reproductive tract, e.g., at least one ostium of the Fallopian tubes accessed transvaginally and transcervically, to indicate delivery of an occlusion device into the corresponding at least one Fallopian tube to effect contraception are disclosed. Marking is effected by delivery of a dye that stains the ostium and/or extension of the marking member from the delivered occlusion device into view in the uterine cavity or ostium. A catheter (or catheters) preferably introduced through a hysteroscope that illuminates and provides visualization of the uterine cavity and the ostia of the Fallopian tubes is employed to insert each contracted, stent-like, occluding device into each Fallopian tube and to mechanically expand or release to self-expand the occluding device.

Abstract: A delivery system for delivering an occluding device to a body lumen comprises an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a delivery means for delivering the occluding device to a desired location within the body lumen, and a flexible atraumatic tip on the distal end of the elongated shaft. The distal end of the elongated shaft is insertable into the body lumen. The atraumatic tip is configured to guide the elongated shaft through the body lumen while avoiding perforation of the body lumen.

Abstract: An introducer sheath/temperature probe assembly that is insertable into a blood vesel of a human or veterinary patent to measure the temperature of blood flowing through that blood vessel. The introducer sheath/temperature probe assembly may be used in conjunction with an indwelling heat exchange catheter system to warm or cool all or a portion of the patient's body to a desired target temperature and to maintain such target temperature for a desired period of time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accurate temperature modification of a patient, or selected regions thereof, including inducing hypothermia. The temperature modification is accomplished using an in-dwelling heat exchange catheter within which a fluid heat exchange medium circulates. A heat exchange cassette attached to the circulatory flow lines of the catheter, the heat exchange cassette being sized to engage a cavity within a control unit. A temperature measurement scheme for obtaining body core temperature is provided, including methods of obtaining and analyzing temperature data to provide feedback to the control unit for use in controlling the heating and cooling of the heat exchange medium so as to heat or cool a patient to a desired target temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, methods and systems for the occlusion of various lumens in a body of a patient including devices and methods for enhancing tissue ingrowth, particularly endothelial tissue growth within an occlusive device. The system includes an occlusive device and a delivery device for placing the occlusive device in a body lumen. The occlusive device is generally a tubular member with a mesh member disposed thereon. The occlusive device is configured to be radially expandable along a longitudinal axis of the tubular member and implantable with a delivery catheter such that the occlusive device is in a collapsed state when positioned in the delivery catheter and in an expanded state when positioned in a lumen of a patient. The mesh member of the occlusive device is configured to promote epithelial tissue ingrowth.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an endoscopic assembly having an endoscope, particularly a flexible hysteroscope and an outer sheath disposed about a length of the shaft of the hysteroscope which has an expandable member such as an inflatable balloon for sealing the assembly within a body lumen or cavity. Specifically, the endoscope assembly is configured for delivery of an occlusive contraceptive member to the patient's fallopian tube. The invention is also directed to an endoscope having a driving member for movement of a medical device within the working lumen of an endoscope. In one embodiment the driving member is a friction wheel which engages an elongated medical device disposed within the working channel of the endoscope to effect longitudinal movement of the medical device.

Abstract: A device for occluding a body lumen, and particularly contraceptive or sterilization device for occluding a reproductive tract or lumen to prevent the passage of reproductive cells through the tract or lumen, generally comprising a tubular member, and a mesh member, transversely disposed on the tubular member lumen. The mesh member is permeable to allow for tissue ingrowth, which produces a tissue impregnated mesh occluding the body lumen. The occluding device of the invention can be used in the fallopian tubes of a female patient, the vas deferens of a male patient, or other body lumen.

Abstract: This invention is directed to occluding devices and methods of using such devices for occluding a patient's body lumen, such as a reproductive lumen for contraceptive purposes. The occluding device generally has an occluding component, a first metallic element associated with the occluding component, a second metallic element associated with the occluding component. The first and second metallic elements are configured to generate electrical activity which enhances tissue growth into and/or onto the occluding component to aid in lumen occlusion. In one embodiment the first and second metallic elements are formed of different metallic materials and generate galvanic activity. In a second embodiment electrical power is applies to the first and second metallic elements to generate electrical activity that enhances tissue growth.

Abstract: An device for occluding a body lumen such as a reproductive lumen which includes an occluding component having an impervious barrier to provide initial occlusion of the body lumen and a permeable body to facilitate tissue ingrowth which provides long term occlusion of the body lumen. The device and the method of using the device is particularly suitable for contraception.

Abstract: The invention described is directed to an intracorporeal occluding device having at least one spider segment with at least two, preferably dog-leg shaped expansive elements which are secured to a central location. The occluding device preferably has a plurality of spider segments which are axially aligned and preferably secured together by connecting elements such as beams, S-shaped or Z-shaped connecting elements. The spider segments or connecting elements may be provided with fibrous strands or other elements which facilitate tissue growth.

Abstract: A device and method of using the device for contraception or sterilization and particularly for reversible contraception by occluding a reproductive lumen to prevent the passage of reproductive cells through the lumen for a desired period of time until the patient wishes to become fertile again and then be reopened. The occluding member preferably comprises a tubular framework formed from a shape memory material configured to be implanted in a reproductive lumen. The occluding member is implanted within a body lumen, secured to the wall of the reproductive lumen and then collapsed to collapse the wall and occlude the lumen. Alternatively, the occluding member may be collapsed upon a solid plug. The closure of the reproductive lumen may be reversed by introducing a balloon catheter and by a series of inflations of the balloon reexpanding the collapsed occluding member or by removing the plug.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for occluding the lumens of anatomical passageways and/or for delivering drugs or other substances to the bodies of human or animal subjects.