Abstract: An electrical connector is described. In one implementation, the connector includes a female portion including one or more electrical contacts and a male portion including one or more electrical contacts. The female portion and the male portion each have a self-orientating geometry that allows the male portion to be mated with the female portion in any rotational position along 360 degrees of rotation. When mated, the electrical contacts of the female portion mate with corresponding one or more electrical contacts of the male portion to form one or more electrical connections between two electronic components.

Abstract: The present invention provides self-aligning rotational connectors. In an non-limiting embodiment, a catheter system comprises a catheter connectable to a drive unit. The catheter includes a rotator, and at least one orientating feature extending proximally from the rotator, and configured to be inserted into an orienting slot of a shaft connector of the drive unit. When the orienting feature is inserted into the slot of the shaft connector, the slot transmits torque from the shaft connector to the orientating feature, and therefore the rotator of the catheter. Electrical contacts are provided on the rotator and the shaft connector, wherein the contacts of the rotator are properly aligned with and engage the contacts of the shaft connector. Further, the shaft connector has a slopping surface that slops downward into the slot for automatically aligning the rotator rotationally with the shaft connector during insertion of the catheter into the drive unit.

Abstract: An atherectomy device comprising cannula systems having lumens adapted for insertion of a blood filter and an atherectomy catheter useful for performing atherectomy directly on a patient's cardiovascular tissue. Other embodiments include alumen for arterial perfusion useful in providing oxygenated blood to the aorta during cardiopulmonary bypass. The distal end of the atherectomy catheter includes an assembly that comprises a pincer, a loop with or without a mesh, laser, hydraulics, or other suitable mechanism adapted for removing atheroma from a cardiac or vascular tissue. Methods of using the systems for vascular atherectomy are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: An atherectomy device comprising cannula systems having lumens adapted for insertion of a blood filter and an atherectomy catheter useful for performing atherectomy directly on a patient's cardiovascular tissue. Other embodiments include a lumen for arterial perfusion useful in providing oxygenated blood to the aorta during cardiopulmonary bypass. The distal end of the atherectomy catheter includes an assembly that comprises a pincer, a loop with or without a mesh, laser, hydraulics, or other suitable mechanism adapted for removing atheroma from a cardiac or vascular tissue. Methods of using the systems for vascular atherectomy are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating internal tissue defects, such as septal defects, with clip-based devices are provided. An exemplary clip-based device includes a tubular body having at least a first and a second deflectable member coupled thereto. The first and second members are coupled on opposite ends of the tubular body and configured to deflect between an undeployed configuration and a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, each member extends outwardly away from the tubular body in a position configured to abut a tissue surface. The first and second members are preferably configured to maintain a tissue wall therebetween and at least partially close any opening in the tissue wall.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating internal tissue defects, such as septal defects, with clip-based devices are provided. An exemplary clip-based device includes a tubular body having at least a first and a second deflectable member coupled thereto. The first and second members are coupled on opposite ends of the tubular body and configured to deflect between an undeployed configuration and a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, each member extends outwardly away from the tubular body in a position configured to abut a tissue surface. The first and second members are preferably configured to maintain a tissue wall therebetween and at least partially close any opening in the tissue wall.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating internal tissue defects, such as septal defects, with clip-based devices are provided. An exemplary clip-based device includes a tubular body having at least a first and a second deflectable member coupled thereto. The first and second members are coupled on opposite ends of the tubular body and configured to deflect between an undeployed configuration and a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, each member extends outwardly away from the tubular body in a position configured to abut a tissue surface. The first and second members are preferably configured to maintain a tissue wall therebetween and at least partially close any opening in the tissue wall.

Abstract: A recessed luminaire includes a housing with one or more vents. The one or more vents may be coupled to a ventilation system so that the luminaires can provide ventilation as well as illumination. The housing supports a potentially flammable diffuser with one or more fusible links. When subjected to elevated temperatures, at least a portion of the one or more fusible links will soften so the diffuser may drop down.

Abstract: Methods and devices for surgical repair of an aortic aneurysm are described. The devices comprise an elongate member having one or more expandable filters or membranes mounted at a distal end. In certain embodiments, the devices also include aspiration and flushing capability to assist in removal of embolic debris. In use, the filter is inserted and expanded downstream of an aortic aneurysm. The aneurysm is repaired and the filter captures emboli dislodged during the repair. The filter is then collapsed and removed from the aorta.

Abstract: A medical device for filtering embolic material. The device comprises a cannula having a lumen, the lumen communicating with a port at the distal end. A port is located on an outer surface of the cannula adjacent a distal region of the cannula, the port having a passage extending distally and communicating with a distal opening in the port. A filter is removably insertable through the passage of the port, the filter comprising a flexible tubular member, a flexible shaft extending through the tubular member, and an expansion frame mounted on the distal end of the shaft. A filter mesh attached to the expansion frame. The expansion frame may optionally include a cantilever beam to support the far end of the frame, and in certain cases the cantilever beam is flexible to avoid scraping the vessel wall during use. Methods of use are also described.

Abstract: An intravascular device for venting an inflatable chamber and methods for using the device are disclosed. The intravascular device generally includes three components, namely a catheter or cannula, an inflatable member, and a selective degassing element. The inflatable member is typically a balloon. The catheter or cannula is typically hollow with a first lumen extending between an inflation port and the interior of the inflatable member and a second lumen extending between the interior of the inflatable member and an exhaust port. The selective degassing element is typically positioned between the inflatable member and the exhaust port and occupies the entire cross-sectional area of the second lumen. When in a closed position, the selective element prevents the passage of liquid from the interior of the inflatable member, through the exhaust port. When in an open position, the selective element permits gas entrained within the inflatable member to be expelled from the device, via the exhaust port.

Abstract: Methods and devices for surgical repair of an aortic aneurysm are described. The devices comprise an elongate member having one or more expandable filters or membranes mounted at a distal end. In certain embodiments, the devices also include aspiration and flushing capability to assist in removal of embolic debris. In use, the filter is inserted and expanded downstream of an aortic aneurysm. The aneurysm is repaired and the filter captures emboli dislodged during the repair. The filter is then collapsed and removed from the aorta.

Abstract: A shunt and method of use for maintaining distal blood flow during an arteriotomy procedure is disclosed. The shunt includes first and second tubular members having proximal ports, distal ports, and lumens therebetween. The distal port of the second tubular member is adapted for releasable attachment to the proximal port of the first tubular member. A second lumen merges and communicates at its distal end with the lumen of the first tubular member and includes a hemostatic valve attached to its proximal end. In using the apparatus for performing open endarterectomy, a filter device is inserted into the vessel and deployed downstream the region of interest in the internal carotid artery. The distal end of the shunt is advanced over the filter device and secured onto the artery. The proximal end of the shunt is inserted upstream the region of interest, typically in the common carotid artery.

Abstract: An intravascular device for venting an inflatable chamber and methods for using the device are disclosed. The intravascular device generally includes three components, namely a catheter or cannula, an inflatable member, and a selective degassing element. The inflatable member is typically a balloon. The catheter or cannula is typically hollow with a first lumen extending between an inflation port and the interior of the inflatable member and a second lumen extending between the interior of the inflatable member and an exhaust port. The selective degassing element is typically positioned between the inflatable member and the exhaust port and occupies the entire cross-sectional area of the second lumen. When in a closed position, the selective element prevents the passage of liquid from the interior of the inflatable member, through the exhaust port. When in an open position, the selective element permits gas entrained within the inflatable member to be expelled from the device, via the exhaust port.

Abstract: An intravascular device for venting an inflatable chamber and methods for using the device are disclosed. The intravascular device generally includes three components, namely a catheter or cannula, an inflatable member, and a selective degassing element. The inflatable member is typically a balloon. The catheter or cannula is typically hollow with a first lumen extending between an inflation port and the interior of the inflatable member and a second lumen extending between the interior of the inflatable member and an exhaust port. The selective degassing element is typically positioned between the inflatable member and the exhaust port and occupies the entire cross-sectional area of the second lumen. When in a closed position, the selective element prevents the passage of liquid from the interior of the inflatable member, through the exhaust port. When in an open position, the selective element permits gas entrained within the inflatable member to be expelled from the device, via the exhaust port.

Abstract: A cannula possessing a distal region and a proximal region, a slider mounted on the cannula, and a manipulator wire connecting the distal region and the slider, is articulated by proximal and distal displacements of the slider with respect to the distal end of the cannula.

Abstract: An intravascular device for venting an inflatable chamber and methods for using the device are disclosed. The intravascular device generally includes three components, namely a catheter or cannula, an inflatable member, and a selective degassing element. The inflatable member is typically a balloon. The catheter or cannula is typically hollow with a first lumen extending between an inflation port and the interior of the inflatable member and a second lumen extending between the interior of the inflatable member and an exhaust port. The selective degassing element is typically positioned between the inflatable member and the exhaust port and occupies the entire cross-sectional area of the second lumen. When in a closed position, the selective element prevents the passage of liquid from the interior of the inflatable member, through the exhaust port. When in an open position, the selective element permits gas entrained within the inflatable member to be expelled from the device, via the exhaust port.

Abstract: A cannula possessing a distal region and a proximal region, a slider mounted on the cannula, and a manipulator wire connecting the distal region and the slider, is articulated by proximal and distal displacements of the slider with respect to the distal end of the cannula.

Abstract: A steerable catheter comprising a resilient body member, a manipulation handle attached to the proximal end of the body member, a control wire extending from the handle to the distal end of the catheter for deflection control, and a pulley mechanism for controlling the movement of the control wire. Longitudinal movement of a slide element in the handle causes movement of the control wire and control over the deflection of the distal end of the catheter. The pulley mechanism is connected between the slide element and the control wire to provide greater mechanical advantage to effect deflection of the body member while enhancing deflection control resolution. A stiffening member is also disposed in the catheter body member and its position is controlled by the rotational motion of the slide element. The position of the pulley mechanism is not affected by rotational motion of the slide element.