Abstract: Devices and methods for placing a conduit in fluid communication with a target vessel to communicate the target vessel with a source of blood. A conduit is coupled to the target vessel by first and second securing components that compress or sandwich the vessel wall. The conduit may be preshaped to assume a desired orientation when in an unbiased state, for example, to allow the conduit to be deformed during delivery and then regain its desired orientation once which is regained when deployed. The first and second securing components may be any shape but are preferably elongated in the direction of the vessel axis, e.g., elliptical or rectangular, such that a minimum amount of material is present at the outlet to closely approximate the cross-sectional area of the native target vessel. The securing components do not significantly occlude the target vessel lumen, may be secured to the vessel wall in non-penetrating fashion, and provides a fluid-tight seal around the attachment site.

Abstract: Systems for suturing a tissue layer having two sides with a suture be releasably retaining at least a portion of the suture in a stationary position on one side of the tissue layer. The portion of the suture is retrieved through the tissue layer from the opposite side whereby the suture is drawn from one side to the opposite side. Systems for suturing the wall of a tubular graft having two sides is also provided using a suture by releasably retaining at least a portion of the suture on one side of the wall. the portion of the length of suture is retrieved through the wall of the graft to the opposite side of the wall.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and devices providing transmyocardial blood flow or coronary revascularization for the treatment of coronary atherosclerosis and resulting myocardial ischemia by increasing the flow of blood from one or more oxygenated blood sources within the patient to one or more sites selected in the arterial vascular system of the heart using a channel for maintaining and regulating blood flow therebetween. A valved conduit or a self-maintained channel is created between the left ventricle reservoir of oxygenated blood and the coronary artery distal to an area of obstruction by surgical and percutaneous methods. Preferably, the conduit or self-maintained channel integrally regulates the flow of blood between the oxygenated blood source and the site selected in the arterial vascular system of the heart wherein an increase in blood flow is desired.

Abstract: Methods and devices for placing a target vessel in fluid communication with a source of blood and a target vessel. A conduit includes first portion adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a source of blood, such as a heart chamber, and a second portion adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a target vessel having a lumen, such as coronary artery. The first and second conduit portions are transverse to each other such that the conduit is generally T-shaped. The conduit lies on an exterior of the heart between the blood source and the target vessel and is configured to deliver blood in multiple directions into the lumen of the target vessel. For example, in an occluded coronary artery, blood flows both toward and away from the occlusion. The conduit may be flexible, rigid, collapsible or non-collapsible, and may be formed of synthetic vascular graft material, tissue, or a combination of the two.

Abstract: Methods and devices using magnetic force to form an anastomosis between hollow bodies. End-to-side, side-to-side and end-to-end anastomoses can be created without using suture or any other type of mechanical fasteners, although such attachment means may be used in practicing some aspects of the invention. Magnetic anastomotic components may be attached to the exterior of a vessel, e.g., by adhesive, without extending into the vessel lumen. Various magnetic component configurations are provided and may have different characteristics, for example, the ability to match the vessel curvature or to frictionally engage the vessel.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and devices providing transmyocardial blood flow or coronary revascularization for the treatment of coronary atherosclerosis and resulting myocardial ischemia by increasing the flow of blood from one or more oxygenated blood sources within the patient to one or more sites selected in the arterial vascular system of the heart using a channel for maintaining and regulating blood flow therebetween. A valved conduit or a self-maintained channel is created between the left ventricle reservoir of oxygenated blood and the coronary artery distal to an area of obstruction by surgical and percutaneous methods. Preferably, the conduit or self-maintained channel integrally regulates the flow of blood between the oxygenated blood source and the site selected in the arterial vascular system of the heart wherein an increase in blood flow is desired.

Abstract: A nipple feeder arrangement 10 employed as a low cost substitute for a prior art supplemental breast feeding system 100 wherein the nipple feeder arrangement 10 can be employed with a variety of conventional liquid feeding components such as a hollow feeding tube 40 a feeder tube connector 50 a liquid supply container 110 and a nipple locking collar member 30 and comprises an integrally formed flexible nipple member 20 having an upper end provided with a nipple extension element 23 an intermediate portion provided with a recess 25 having a vent aperture 26 that can be sealingly engaged with the liquid supply container 110.

Abstract: A supplemental feeding cup 10 for infants wherein the feeding cup 10 comprises a main receptacle member 20 having an internal channel 27 formed in the front wall 25 of the receptacle member 20. The internal channel 27 is in open fluid communication with an auxiliary reservoir member 30 projects outwardly from the front wall 25 of the receptacle member 20.

Abstract: A braiding extruder for making braided products from extrusible material. The braiding extruder includes a first rotatable member, a second rotatable member, a rotatable member driving system, and an orifice blocking arrangement. The rotatable members each include a pair of orifices for extruding a strands of extrusible material therethrough. The orifices are fluidly coupled to a source of pressurized extrusible material. The driving system rotates the first rotatable member clockwise about a first axis of rotation, and rotates the second rotatable member counter-clockwise about a second axis of rotation, parallel to the first axis of rotation. The orifice blocking arrangement selectively permits and prevents the extrusion of the extrusible material from the orifices. The orifices, the driving system, and the orifice blocking arrangement extrude and braid at least three strands of extrusible material.

Abstract: A process for forming extruded multi-strand products. The process providing a braiding extruder which includes a first rotatable member, a second rotatable member, a rotatable member driving system, and an orifice blocking arrangement. The rotatable members each include a pair of orifices for extruding a strands of extrusible material therethrough. The orifices are fluidly coupled to a source of pressurized extrusible material. The process includes (i) blocking unblocked orifices, (ii) preventing the extrusion of extrusible material from each blocked orifice, (iii) unblocking blocked orifices, (iv) extruding a strand of extrusible material from each unblocked orifice, and (v) alternately rotating the adjacent rotatable members in opposite directions. The process automatically forms a visually attractive product which reaps the benefits of the "hand made" appeal normally associated with braiding.