Abstract: Tissue fasteners carried on a tissue piercing deployment wire fasten tissue layers of a mammalian body together. The fasteners include a first member, a second member, and a connecting member extending between the first and second members. The first and second members are substantially parallel to each other. The fasteners may be deployed in limited spaces and in various applications including the restoration of a gastroesophageal flap valve.

Abstract: A circuit for use with a pulse width modulated integrated circuit having a soft-start reset function comprising a diode having a first terminal connected to a soft-start reset terminal of the integrated circuit, a voltage divider coupled between a voltage reference and a common terminal for the integrated circuit, the diode having a second terminal coupled to a tap of the voltage divider and a soft-start capacitor coupled between the second terminal of the diode and the common terminal whereby upon power startup of the integrated circuit, the soft-start capacitor is charged by the tap of the voltage divider and wherein in the event of a single event upset condition, when the soft-start reset terminal of the integrated circuit is reduced to a level at or near the level of the common terminal of the integrated circuit, the diode prevents the soft-start capacitor from discharging through the integrated circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing a vessel using a multicapsule catheter having first, second and third capsules for releasably retaining each terminal end of a bifurcated graft. The method for repairing the vessel includes the steps of performing a surgical technique to gain remote access to the vessel, advancing the multicapsule catheter within the vessel and releasing the bifurcated graft within the vessel to thereby repair the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catheter or cannula system that facilitates cardiopulmonary bypass surgeries and enables prolonged circulatory support of the heart. More specifically, the present invention provides an aortic catheter system including a porous aortic root balloon capable of occluding the aorta, delivering cardioplegia and providing tactile feedback and helping to maintain the competency of regurgitant aortic valves.

Abstract: A circuit for use with a pulse width modulated integrated circuit having a soft-start reset function comprising a diode having a first terminal connected to a soft-start reset terminal of the integrated circuit, a voltage divider coupled between a voltage reference and a common terminal for the integrated circuit, the diode having a second terminal coupled to a tap of the voltage divider and a soft-start capacitor coupled between the second terminal of the diode and the common terminal whereby upon power startup of the integrated circuit, the soft-start capacitor is charged by the tap of the voltage divider and wherein in the event of a single event upset condition, when the soft-start reset terminal of the integrated circuit is reduced to a level at or near the level of the common terminal of the integrated circuit, the diode prevents the soft-start capacitor from discharging through the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A method of handling vehicle window warranty claims, and replacing vehicle windows accordingly, is provided in order to reduce the amount of improper warranty costs realized by vehicle manufacturer(s). In certain example embodiments, a glass expert and/or technician at a retailer location analyzes damaged vehicle windows and makes a determination as to the likely cause of the damage (i.e., whether or not it is covered by the warranty). The warranty claim is processed based upon the result of the glass expert's determination.

Abstract: A circulatory support system and method for circulatory support are described for performing cardiopulmonary bypass using differential perfusion and/or isolated segmental perfusion of the circulatory system. The circulatory support system includes one or more venous cannulae for draining blood from the venous side of the patient's circulatory system, one or more arterial cannulae for perfusing the arterial side of the patient's circulatory system, and one or more blood circulation pumps connected between the venous cannulae and the arterial cannulae. The arterial cannulae and the venous cannulae of the circulatory support system may take one of several possible configurations. The circulatory support system is configured to segment a patient's circulatory system into one or more isolated circulatory loops.

Abstract: A circulatory support system and method for circulatory support are described for performing cardiopulmonary bypass using differential perfusion and/or isolated segmental perfusion of the circulatory system. The circulatory support system includes one or more venous cannulae for draining blood from the venous side of the patient's circulatory system, one or more arterial cannulae for perfusing the arterial side of the patient's circulatory system, and one or more blood circulation pumps connected between the venous cannulae and the arterial cannulae. The arterial cannulae and the venous cannulae of the circulatory support system may take one of several possible configurations. The circulatory support system is configured to segment a patient's circulatory system into one or more isolated circulatory loops.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catheter or cannula system that facilitates cardiopulmonary bypass surgeries and enables prolonged circulatory support of the heart. More specifically, the present invention provides an aortic catheter system including a porous aortic root balloon capable of occluding the aorta, delivering cardioplegia and providing tactile feedback and helping to maintain the competency of regurgitant aortic valves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catheter or cannula system that facilitates cardiopulmonary bypass surgeries and enables prolonged circulatory support of the heart. More specifically, the present invention provides an aortic catheter system including a porous aortic root balloon capable of occluding the aorta, delivering cardioplegia and providing tactile feedback and helping to maintain the competency of regurgitant aortic valves.

Abstract: A photo-control apparatus comprising a photo-control circuit that includes two or more photo-cells connected in parallel that respond to ambient light. The circuit includes a switch that connects a power source to a load. When the photo-cells are exposed to ambient light, current flows through the parallel photo-cells operating the switch which disengages the load from the source. The plural parallel photo-cells in the photo-control circuit provide for improved reliability and have the potential to cost less to manufacture than a single photo-cell as used in a conventional photo-control circuit.