Abstract: Dynamically generating data tests includes: receiving test templates and metadata for a plurality of data objects and, on a trigger condition: based on at least the metadata and the test templates, determining a current set of templated data tests, wherein determining the current set of templated data tests comprises: determining at least one templated data test, from a prior set of templated data tests, to cease using; determining at least one templated data test to add to the current set of templated data tests; and determining, within the current set of templated data tests, at least one templated data tests to regenerate; generating the at least one templated data test to add to the current set of templated data tests; regenerating the least one templated data test to regenerate; and executing templated data tests, within the set of current templated data tests, on the plurality of data objects.

Abstract: A method for treating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or chronic bronchitis to alleviate the discomforts of breathing by using non-thermal electroporation energy to ablate diseased portions of the lung including the bronchus, airways and alveoli which, in effect, opens the restrictive diseased portions thereby maximizing the overall surface area thereof causing improved airflow and uninhibited breathing.

Abstract: A method for treating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or chronic bronchitis to alleviate the discomforts of breathing by using non-thermal electroporation energy to ablate diseased portions of the lung including the bronchus, airways and alveoli which, in effect, opens the restrictive diseased portions thereby maximizing the overall surface area thereof causing improved airflow and uninhibited breathing.

Abstract: A paint brush with a modified handle features a handle that is elongated in comparison to a conventional paint brush, and provides hooks for hanging the brush on the rim of a paint can. The lower end of the handle provides a threaded socket for affixing the brush on the end of a painting pole, enabling quick and easy touch-ups of any spots high above the floor or scaffold that were missed.

Abstract: A paint brush with a modified handle features a handle that is elongated in comparison to a conventional paint brush, and provides hooks for hanging the brush on the rim of a paint can. The lower end of the handle provides a threaded socket for affixing the brush on the end of a painting pole, enabling quick and easy touch-ups of any spots high above the floor or scaffold that were missed.

Abstract: An energy delivery device for treating a patient includes a probe body and a plurality of elongate electrode elements that extend radially away from the probe body when deployed into tissue of the patient. The electrode elements are adapted to receive electrical treatment energy such as irreversible electroporation (IRE) pulses from an energy source. In one embodiment, each electrode element has a longitudinally varying electrical resistance at the electrode-tissue interface along the electrode so as to provide a uniform electric field along the length of the electrode. The uniform electric field allows a more uniform ablation of tissue within a treatment zone.

Abstract: A method for treating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or chronic bronchitis to alleviate the discomforts of breathing by using non-thermal electroporation energy to ablate diseased portions of the lung including the bronchus, airways and alveoli which, in effect, opens the restrictive diseased portions thereby maximizing the overall surface area thereof causing improved airflow and uninhibited breathing.

Abstract: A method for treating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or chronic bronchitis to alleviate the discomforts of breathing by using non-thermal electroporation energy to ablate diseased portions of the lung including the bronchus, airways and alveoli which, in effect, opens the restrictive diseased portions thereby maximizing the overall surface area thereof causing improved airflow and uninhibited breathing.

Abstract: A method for treating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or chronic bronchitis to alleviate the discomforts of breathing by using non-thermal electroporation energy to ablate diseased portions of the lung including the bronchus, airways and alveoli which, in effect, opens the restrictive diseased portions thereby maximizing the overall surface area thereof causing improved airflow and uninhibited breathing.

Abstract: A system for manipulating a heart during cardiac surgery permits coronary surgery on a beating heart while maintaining cardiac output unabated and uninterrupted. Circumflex coronary artery surgery can be performed using the system. A component of the system engages the heart with a heart positioning device, repositions the heart into a displaced position and maintains it in the displaced position while the heart continues to beat with substantially unabated and uninterrupted cardiac output. One form of the system can be used in minimally invasive surgery.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for actuating and/or articulating a circular stapler. In one exemplary embodiment, a circular stapler is provided having an elongate shaft with a stapling apparatus coupled thereto. An electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, can be used to pivotally or angularly adjust a position of the stapling apparatus relative to the elongate shaft by delivering energy to the electroactive polymer actuator. In another embodiment, an electroactive polymer actuator can be used to actuate the stapling apparatus, thereby driving one or more staples, preferably in a substantially curved pattern, into tissue. The actuator can alternatively or additionally drive a blade distally to cut tissue being stapled.

Abstract: An energy delivery device for treating a patient includes a probe body and a plurality of elongate electrode elements that extend radially away from the probe body when deployed into tissue of the patient. The electrode elements are adapted to receive electrical treatment energy such as irreversible electroporation (IRE) pulses from an energy source. In one embodiment, each electrode element has a longitudinally varying electrical resistance at the electrode-tissue interface along the electrode so as to provide a uniform electric field along the length of the electrode. The uniform electric field allows a more uniform ablation of tissue within a treatment zone.

Abstract: A suction cup adapted to engage a surface of a beating heart with sufficient force to move the beating heart to an unnatural position upon moving the suction cup, while the suction cup maintains engagement with the surface of the heart and the heart continues to heat. Various suction cups are described each including at least a first chamber having a flexible rim and configured to engage the surface of the beating heart and a second chamber smaller than the first chamber and fluidly connected therewith. A suspension device configured to engage a beating heart and maintain engagement via suction while moving the suspension device to move the beating heart to an unnatural position and maintain the beating heart in the unnatural position to perform a surgical procedure, while the heart continues to beat, includes a suction cup and a support arm connected thereto.

Abstract: Valve repair apparatus and methods for ensuring proper coaptation and operation of the leaflets of a heart valve. Main aspects of the disclosure relate to devices including a support member configured for attachment to the heart valve annulus, a post extending from the support member away from the plane of the annulus and a connector coupled with the post and configured for attachment to at least one of the leaflets. The various embodiments may include a replacement heart valve connected with the support member for facilitating full replacement as opposed to near repair of an existing native heart valve. Various other devices include support structure and one or more posts connected to opposite sides of the support structure and extending from one side of the valve annulus to another to modify the shape of the annulus.

Abstract: Various methods and devices for dilating strictures in a lumen are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a stricture dilation device is provided having an elongate shaft with at least one electrically expandable actuator coupled thereto and adapted to radially expand to dilate a stricture in a lumen.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for effecting movement of one or more components of a multifire device, such as a clip applier, hernia tacker, or skin stapler. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical fastening instrument is provided having an elongate shaft with an end effector coupled thereto and adapted to apply one or more surgical fasteners to tissue. An electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, can be used to drive a fastener advancing or forming assembly through the elongate shaft, thereby driving a surgical fastener into tissue. In another embodiment, an electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, can be used to effect movement of an articulation joint formed between the elongate shaft and the end effector.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for actuating and/or articulating a grasping device. In one exemplary embodiment, a grasping device is provided having a shaft with an end effector having opposed jaws coupled to the shaft. An electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, can be used to actuate the end effector to open and close the opposed jaws to grasp tissue or other objects. In another embodiment, an electroactive polymer actuator can be used to pivotally or angularly adjust a position of the end effector relative to the shaft by delivering energy to the electroactive polymer actuator.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for actuating and/or articulating a grasping device. In one exemplary embodiment, a grasping device is provided having a shaft with an end effector having opposed jaws coupled to the shaft. An electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, can be used to actuate the end effector to open and close the opposed jaws to grasp tissue or other objects. In another embodiment, an electroactive polymer actuator can be used to pivotally or angularly adjust a position of the end effector relative to the shaft by delivering energy to the electroactive polymer actuator.

Abstract: A heart valve can be replaced using minimally invasive methods which include a sutureless sewing cuff that and a fastener delivery tool that holds the cuff against the patient's tissue while delivering fasteners to attach the cuff to the tissue from the inside out. The tool stores a plurality of fasteners and is self-contained whereby a fastener is delivered and placed all from inside a vessel. The fasteners are self-forming whereby they do not need an anvil to be formed. Anchor elements are operated from outside the patient's body to cinch a prosthesis to an anchoring cuff of the valve body. The cuff is releasably mounted on the tool and the tool holds the cuff against tissue and drives the fastener through the cuff and the tissue before folding over the legs of the fastener whereby secure securement between the cuff and the tissue is assured. Fasteners are placed and formed whereby fasteners are located continuously throughout the entire circumference of the cuff.