Abstract: An elongate resilient tube of a mesh of shape memory alloy is used to therapeutically occlude an opening in body tissue. The tube is compressible so that it can be delivered to the opening in the body within a catheter. The tube self-expands as it is released from the catheter to contiguously form, sequentially an outer perimeter structure and an inner perimeter structure disposed within the outer perimeter structure to conformingly engage an inner side of the outer perimeter structure, a plate shaped structure, and a flexible connector between them. J-shaped hooks extend from the perimeter structure to flexibly engage tissue of the body opening without piercing the tissue.

Abstract: In some implementations, a first computing device can send notifications at times that the first computing device is not in an expected location. A user of a second computing device can remotely configure an expected location for the first computing device, which may be a particular location for a certain period of time. During that time, the first computing device can monitor its own location and check whether it is within the expected location. If the first computing device unexpectedly leaves or fails to enter the expected location, the first computing device may transmit a notification to the second computing device. Similarly, if the first computing device loses connectivity with other devices, a server device may notify the second computing device that the location of the first computing device cannot be determined.

Abstract: An elongate resilient tube of a mesh of shape memory alloy is used to therapeutically occlude an opening in body tissue. The tube is compressible so that it can be delivered to the opening in the body within a catheter. The tube self-expands as it is released from the catheter to contiguously form, sequentially, the following shapes: an outer bell-shaped structure; an inner bell-shaped structure disposed within the outer bell-shaped structure to conformingly engage an inner side of the outer bell-shaped structure; a tubular connector having a diameter substantially smaller than the inner bell-shaped structure, the tubular connector extending away from an apex of the inner bell-shaped structure; an inner plate-shaped structure; an outer plate-shaped structure; and a releasable connector. The bell shape is placed on one side of the opening, and the plate shape is placed on the other side of the opening, the connector passing through the opening.

Abstract: In some implementations, a first computing device can send notifications at times that the first computing device is not in an expected location. A user of a second computing device can remotely configure an expected location for the first computing device, which may be a particular location for a certain period of time. During that time, the first computing device can monitor its own location and check whether it is within the expected location. If the first computing device unexpectedly leaves or fails to enter the expected location, the first computing device may transmit a notification to the second computing device. Similarly, if the first computing device loses connectivity with other devices, a server device may notify the second computing device that the location of the first computing device cannot be determined.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering a therapeutic agent such as filler materials, biocompatible gels, and other substances through a catheter. The therapeutic agent can be a single component or multiple components that are delivered separately or mixed just prior to delivery or at the delivery site. The system and method use an automated delivery mechanism to maximize delivery of the therapeutic agent to the target tissue and minimize loss of the therapeutic agent within the catheter. The system and method are particularly useful for interventional approaches that deliver therapeutic agents to the wall of the heart.

Abstract: The device includes a braided component formed from a network of wires having at least two different diameters. The outer surface of the braided component has roughness from about 30 microns to about 90 microns and the wires of different diameters provide the desired porosity to the device. The network of wires includes a biocompatible shape memory alloy and a noble metal as a coating material.

Abstract: In some implementations, a first computing device can send notifications at times that the first computing device is not in an expected location. A user of a second computing device can remotely configure an expected location for the first computing device, which may be a particular location for a certain period of time. During that time, the first computing device can monitor its own location and check whether it is within the expected location. If the first computing device unexpectedly leaves or fails to enter the expected location, the first computing device may transmit a notification to the second computing device. Similarly, if the first computing device loses connectivity with other devices, a server device may notify the second computing device that the location of the first computing device cannot be determined.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention a device for treating a vascular defect is provided. The device includes a braided component. The braided component includes a network of wires having at least two different diameters, and wherein the network of wires includes a biocompatible shape memory alloy and a noble metal. Also provided is a method of making the device.

Abstract: An elongate resilient tube of a mesh of shape memory alloy is used to therapeutically occlude an opening in body tissue. The tube is compressible so that it can be delivered to the opening in the body within a catheter. The tube self-expands as it is released from the catheter to contiguously form, sequentially, the following shapes: an outer bell-shaped structure; an inner bell-shaped structure disposed within the outer bell-shaped structure to conformingly engage an inner side of the outer bell-shaped structure; a tubular connector having a diameter substantially smaller than the inner bell-shaped structure, the tubular connector extending away from an apex of the inner bell-shaped structure; an inner plate-shaped structure; an outer plate-shaped structure; and a releasable connector. The bell shape is placed on one side of the opening, and the plate shape is placed on the other side of the opening, the connector passing through the opening.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering a therapeutic agent such as filler materials, biocompatible gels, and other substances through a catheter. The therapeutic agent can be a single component or multiple components that are delivered separately or mixed just prior to delivery or at the delivery site. The system and method use an automated delivery mechanism to maximize delivery of the therapeutic agent to the target tissue and minimize loss of the therapeutic agent within the catheter. The system and method are particularly useful for interventional approaches that deliver therapeutic agents to the wall of the heart.

Abstract: Materials, devices and methods for the treatment of congestive heart failure are disclosed. In these methods, the volume of the left ventricle is reduced, thereby increasing the efficiency of the pumping action of the heart. Volume reduction is accomplished by introduction of biocompatible materials into the wall of the left ventricle, or into the ventricle itself. Suitable biocompatible materials include those that undergo a phase transition within the ventricle or within the wall of the ventricle, and are thereby converted from a substantially liquid state to a substantially solid state. Such materials also include those which increase in volume during the transition from the liquid state to the solid state. Also disclosed is a method for ventricular geometry reduction wherein flexible, elastic bands are attached to the external surface of the heart to effect a decrease in the volume of the left ventricle.

Abstract: The invention provides a balloon catheter formed with a plurality of depressions. The balloon is coated with a matrix incorporating a therapeutic substance, which fills the depressions. When the balloon is expanded within a body lumen, the therapeutic substance may diffuse into the lumen wall, or all or a portion of the coating transfers to the lumen wall. A lattice frame may surround the balloon, applied prior to coating if the coating is to transfer, operative to maintain a more linear balloon profile during inflation, promoting more even transfer pressure. A contrast dye is incorporated into the transferred coating, enabling ready location and inspection of the treated lumen area.

Abstract: The invention provides a balloon catheter formed with a plurality of depressions. The balloon is coated with a matrix incorporating a therapeutic substance, which fills the depressions. When the balloon is expanded within a body lumen, the therapeutic substance may diffuse into the lumen wall, or all or a portion of the coating transfers to the lumen wall. A lattice frame may surround the balloon, applied prior to coating if the coating is to transfer, operative to maintain a more linear balloon profile during inflation, promoting more even transfer pressure. A contrast dye is incorporated into the transferred coating, enabling ready location and inspection of the treated lumen area.

Abstract: A balloon catheter is formed with a plurality of depressions. The balloon is coated with a matrix incorporating a therapeutic substance, which additionally fills the depressions. When the balloon is expanded within a body lumen, the therapeutic substance may diffuse into the lumen wall, or all or a portion of the coating transfers to the lumen wall. A lattice frame may surround the balloon, applied prior to coating if the coating is to transfer, operative to maintain a more linear balloon profile during inflation, promoting more even transfer pressure. A contrast dye is incorporated into the transferred coating, enabling ready location and inspection of the treated lumen area. Projections may alternately be formed in the balloon surface, operative to urge the coating and therapeutic substance between cells, or past cell layers of the lumen, to the interior of the lumen wall.

Abstract: A balloon catheter is formed with a plurality of depressions. The balloon is coated with a matrix incorporating a therapeutic substance, which additionally fills the depressions. When the balloon is expanded within a body lumen, the therapeutic substance may diffuse into the lumen wall, or all or a portion of the coating transfers to the lumen wall. A lattice frame may surround the balloon, applied prior to coating if the coating is to transfer, operative to maintain a more linear balloon profile during inflation, promoting more even transfer pressure. A contrast dye is incorporated into the transferred coating, enabling ready location and inspection of the treated lumen area. Projections may alternately be formed in the balloon surface, operative to urge the coating and therapeutic substance between cells, or past cell layers of the lumen, to the interior of the lumen wall.

Abstract: Materials, devices and methods for the treatment of congestive heart failure are disclosed. In these methods, the volume of the left ventricle is reduced, thereby increasing the efficiency of the pumping action of the heart. Volume reduction is accomplished by introduction of biocompatible materials into the wall of the left ventricle, or into the ventricle itself. Suitable biocompatible materials include those that undergo a phase transition within the ventricle or within the wall of the ventricle, and are thereby converted from a substantially liquid state to a substantially solid state. Such materials also include those which increase in volume during the transition from the liquid state to the solid state. Also disclosed is a method for ventricular geometry reduction wherein flexible, elastic bands are attached to the external surface of the heart to effect a decrease in the volume of the left ventricle.

Abstract: Materials, devices and methods for the treatment of congestive heart failure are disclosed. In these methods, the volume of the left ventricle is reduced, thereby increasing the efficiency of the pumping action of the heart. Volume reduction is accomplished by introduction of biocompatible materials into the wall of the left ventricle, or into the ventricle itself. Also disclosed is a method for ventricular geometry reduction wherein flexible, elastic bands are attached to the external surface of the heart to affect a decrease in the volume of the left ventricle. Other disclosed devices include catheters and elastic bands that are usable in these treatments. Finally, disclosed is a device having an anchor disposed proximate the heart's apex, a plurality of petals, and a tensioning band secured to at least one of the petals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vascular filter including a coiled wire formed of a shape memory material for implantation into a vessel. The vascular filter captures particulates within the blood flow in the vessel, without substantially interfering with the normal blood flow. Prior to implantation, the coiled wire is generally elongated and thereafter it reverts to a predetermined shape that is suitable for filtering the blood flow. The predetermined shape of the vascular filter includes a plurality of loops coaxially disposed about a longitudinal axis and has a conical portion and a cylindrical portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stent including a tubular body having a plurality of reservoirs disposed therein and a therapeutic agent located in the reservoirs or located in the reservoirs and on a surface portion of the tubular body, wherein the stent is free of polymeric material. The invention also provides a drug-eluting stent made from the process of providing a polymer-free stent body having a plurality of reservoirs disposed therein, diluting a therapeutic agent in a polymer-free solvent to form an agent-solvent mixture, coating the stent with the agent-solvent mixture, and allowing the solvent to dissipate from the stent thereby leaving the agent disposed on the stent.

Abstract: A coated filter bag for use in cold or hot drinks, in particular, a novel method for administration of pharmaceutical actives, supplemental nutrients, genetically derived materials, or other beneficial agents using a coated filter bag that includes at least one agent that solubilizes when in contact with liquid and is dispersed in the proper dosage amount into the liquid for oral consumption.