Abstract: Surgical methods and related medical devices for treating ocular disorders are disclosed. Some methods relate to delivering an implant within an eye, and involve providing an elongate guide device, such as, a flexible guide member or a guide wire. A distal end of the guide device can be advanced into an anterior chamber of an eye, or through at least a portion of a site of resistance along a physiologic outflow pathway of the eye, or from an anterior chamber of the eye to a location proximate a physiologic outflow pathway of the eye. The implant is advanced along the guide device toward the guide device distal end, and is positioned to conduct aqueous humor between the anterior chamber and the physiologic outflow pathway.

Abstract: An inserter for treating glaucoma can comprise a housing, a needle, a plunger, a slider component, and a drive component. The drive component is disposed within a cavity of the housing and rotatable within the cavity to result in movement along a longitudinal axis of the inserter to the needle and the plunger upon rotation of the drive component. The slider component is coupled to the housing and slidable along an elongate groove of the drive component such that movement of the slider component along the axis rotates the drive component within the housing.

Abstract: Lacrimal implants for treating diseases or disorders are disclosed. More particularly, lacrimal implants, methods of making such implants, and methods of treating ocular, respiration, inner ear or other diseases or disorders using such implants are disclosed.

Abstract: A gastroplasty method involves a staple line that terminates prior to reaching the gastroesophageal junction such that the bypassed portion of the stomach does not require resection. Additionally, bougies are taught that assist a physician in following the improved staple line of the present invention.

Abstract: A device for forming a fistula between blood vessels includes a tubular body having a central lumen, a flange attached to the tubular body and projecting outwardly from an outer body surface, and one or more vanes projecting inwardly into the lumen so as to induce helical flow in blood passed through the lumen between first and second vessels joined via the fistula.

Abstract: An ocular implant is provided. In some embodiments, the ocular implant includes a body that is curved about a longitudinal central axis and a distal body portion that defines a longitudinal channel including a channel opening. The implant is sized and configured such that the ocular implant assumes an orientation in which the channel opening is adjacent a major side of Schlemm's canal when the ocular implant is disposed in Schlemm's canal. Methods for delivering ocular implants into Schlemm's canal are also provided. Some methods include covering openings in the ocular implant, advancing the implant into Schlemm's canal while at least some of the openings are covered, and uncovering the openings while the distal portion of the implant is disposed in Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: Devices, methods and kits are described for reducing intraocular pressure. The devices include a support that is implantable within Schlemm's canal and maintains the patency of the canal without substantially interfering with transmural fluid flow across the canal. The devices utilize the natural drainage process of the eye and can be implanted with minimal trauma to the eye. Kits include a support and an introducer for implanting the support within Schlemm's canal. Methods include implanting a support within Schlemm's canal, wherein the support is capable of maintaining the patency of the canal without substantial interference with transmural fluid flow across the canal.

Abstract: The multi-material stent includes a renal portion and a bladder portion with respective, different hardness. A valve is disposed within the stent to guide liquid from the renal portion of the stent to the bladder portion of the stent. The present invention relates towards systems and method for stents. More particularly, the invention relates to a stent designed to increase patient comfort by minimizing irritation and reflux through the use of a stent that incorporates one or more flexible elements, which may involve materials with varying degrees of hardness, and a valve disposed therein.

Abstract: A shunt catheter system and method of use thereof. The system generally includes an open-ended ventricular catheter with drainage apertures and safety flap valves, a reservoir with inline filter, and a peritoneal catheter. After insertion, for example into the ventricles of the brain, cerebrospinal fluid would pass into the ventricular catheter, through the inline filter in the reservoir, and into the peritoneal catheter, subsequently exiting the shunt catheter system. During insertion of the ventricular catheter, a catheter stylet or wire/string and plug stylet can be positioned therein to occlude the open end. The ventricular catheter may be positioned perpendicular to the peritoneal catheter and can be coupled to one another through the reservoir and inline filter or valve.

Abstract: A system for reduced scarring of wounds; said system comprising: means (1) for creating an enclosed volume (3) over a wound site (2). The system further comprises: means (6, 10, 11, 12) for actively reducing the oxygen concentration within the enclosed volume at the surface of the wound to a first oxygen concentration level while maintaining an environment within the enclosed volume which is healthy for wound healing, means (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) for ensuring that the oxygen concentration of the gas composition of the gas within the enclosed volume at the surface of the wound is maintained below a second oxygen concentration level and above a third oxygen concentration level, and where said system is arranged such that said first, second and third oxygen concentration levels are between 1 and 16 volume percent.

Abstract: Methods and devices for providing a gas pathway between the nasopharynx and the Eustachian tube are provided. One device may include a lumen with a valve. A portion of the valve may be tethered to adjacent muscle. Another portion of the valve may be tethered to adjacent cartilage. When the muscle contracts the valve may open through movement of the tethers, and provide a gas pathway between the nasopharynx and the Eustachian tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connection stent and a method of manufacturing the stent. The connection stent includes: a body configured to form a plurality of cells through the intersection of wires, and provided in a hollow cylindrical shape; an upper head formed to extend from one end of the body to have a diameter larger than that of the body; and a lower head formed to extend from a remaining end of the body to have a diameter larger than that of the body. The upper head and the lower head are respectively placed to come into contact with insides of heterogeneous tissues. Accordingly, according to the present invention, there can be manufactured a stent which can connect heterogeneous tissues and form a bypass and which can provide sufficient expansion force and minimum axial force for the maintenance of the bypass formed as described above.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing/stabilizing intraocular pressure is provided. A tube extends from an inlet end in fluid communication with an anterior chamber of the eye, to direct an aqueous humor flow from the anterior chamber to an outlet end in fluid communication with a cavity, defined by a housing, for receiving the aqueous humor. A flow control device is operably engaged with the housing, and is configured to control the flow of the aqueous humor, via a conduit defined thereby and extending from the cavity, to a location away from the anterior chamber. The conduit is dilatable in response to the intraocular pressure being above a preselected pressure, to increase the flow or to decrease resistance to flow of the aqueous humor through the conduit to the drainage site and to reduce the intraocular pressure to no greater than the preselected pressure. Associated apparatuses and methods are also provided.

Abstract: An intestinal barrier sleeve and corresponding treatments using the sleeve are provided herein. The sleeve generally includes an expanding section coupled to a tubular section at an interface there between. The expanding section is expandable from at least a first collapsed position to at least one expanded position, where the expanding section has a conical shape that when expanded retains the sleeve in the subject gastrointestinal tract. The expanding section may further include a plurality of petal-like elements extending radially from the narrow end of the conical shape and the petal-like elements may be interconnected with a webbing to form the conical shape.

Abstract: An implant container for containing an ocular implant is described herein. The implant container can releasably couple to an implant delivery device and provide at least partial alignment of the delivery device with an ocular implant during loading of the ocular implant onto the delivery device.

Abstract: Devices, methods and kits are described for reducing intraocular pressure. The devices include a support that is implantable within Schlemm's canal and maintains the patency of the canal without substantially interfering with transmural fluid flow across the canal. The devices utilize the natural drainage process of the eye and can be implanted with minimal trauma to the eye. Kits include a support and an introducer for implanting the support within Schlemm's canal. Methods include implanting a support within Schlemm's canal, wherein the support is capable of maintaining the patency of the canal without substantial interference with transmural fluid flow across the canal.

Abstract: Methods for treating hydrocephalus using a shunt, the shunt having one or more CSF intake openings in a distal portion, a valve disposed in a proximal portion of the shunt, and a lumen extending between the one or more CSF intake openings and the valve, the method comprises deploying the shunt in a body of a patient so that the distal portion of the shunt is at least partially disposed within a CP angle cistern, a body of the shunt is at least partially disposed within an IPS of the patient, and the proximal portion of the shunt is at least partially disposed within or proximate to a JV of the patient, wherein, after deployment of the shunt, CSF flows from the CP angle cistern to the JV via the shunt lumen at a flow rate in a range of 5 ml per hour to 15 ml per hour.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implanting an endovascular shunt in a patient is disclosed. The system having an expandable anchor configured for being deployed in a dural venous sinus of a patient at a location distal to a curved portion of a wall of an inferior petrosal sinus (IPS) of the patient; an elongate guide member coupled to, and extending proximally from, the anchor; a shunt delivery catheter having a first lumen configured to receive the guide member, and a second lumen extending between respective proximal and distal openings in the shunt delivery catheter, the shunt delivery catheter further having a penetrating element coupled to a distal end of the catheter; and the system further having a guard at least partially disposed over, and movable relative to, the penetrating element.

Abstract: Described here are systems and methods for accessing Schlemm's canal and for delivering an ocular device, tool, or fluid composition therein. The ocular devices may maintain the patency of Schlemm's canal without substantially interfering with transmural fluid flow across the canal. The fluid composition may be a viscoelastic fluid that is delivered into the canal to facilitate drainage of aqueous humor by disrupting the canal and surrounding trabeculocanalicular tissues. Some systems described here may be configured to cut or tear the trabecular meshwork with the body of an elongate member located within Schlemm's canal. Other tools for disrupting these tissues and minimally invasive methods for treating medical conditions associated with elevated intraocular pressure, including glaucoma, are also described.

Abstract: According to aspects described herein, there is disclosed an improved hot balloon catheter delivery system for shape memory tubular stents. An outer sheath is provided on the delivery system that facilitates stent placement on a balloon during delivery through an endoscope. In one embodiment, the stent may be positioned between radiopaque markers/electrodes and the balloon may be heated. The stent may be prevented from moving proximally relative to the catheter as the delivery system is tracked through the patient's anatomical passageways. The outer sheath may be positioned to ride over the proximal cone of the hot balloon catheter and abut the proximal end of the stent to facilitate proper alignment of the balloon for deployment. Upon deployment of the stent in an appropriate position, the sheath may be pulled away from the stent to expose the proximal cone of the balloon and thereby allow balloon and stent expansion.

Abstract: A reaction vessel for a vertical operating position geometrically bits into a standard receiving vessel providing an outer volume, for example a centrifuge tube, microplates and deep well plates. The reaction vessel including at least one upper opening with a seal element for reversible sealing for typical liquid handling techniques for filling, emptying mixing and gassing; at least one upper opening for pressure balancing and overrun; and a form stable body which forms at least one non capillary reaction cavity as an inner volume with at least one semipermeable membrane as a side wall. The at least one upper opening with the seal element for reversible sealing for standard liquid handling for filling, emptying, mixing and gassing leads through at least one capillary channel in the form stable body vertically into a lower portion of the reaction vessel and forms an opening at this location.

Abstract: Provided, among other things, is a method of treating cerebral spinal fluid comprising: (a) utilizing a channel of a pump to draw CSF from a subject's subarachnoid space of the subject's brain or spinal column; (b) subjecting the drawn CSF to membrane dialysis against a dialysate fluid to reduce immune or inflammatory mediators; and (c) utilizing a second channel of the synchronized dual channel pump to return the dialyzed CSF to the subarachnoid space of the subject's brain or spinal column. For example, the pump can be a synchronized dual channel pump. In one embodiment, the method further comprises: (d) removing cellular matter from the CSF to produce reduced cell content CSF, wherein the reduced cell content CSF is subjected to membrane dialysis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implanting an endovascular shunt in a patient is disclosed. The system having an expandable anchor configured for being deployed in a dural venous sinus of a patient at a location distal to a curved portion of a wall of an inferior petrosal sinus (IPS) of the patient; an elongate guide member coupled to, and extending proximally from, the anchor; a shunt delivery catheter having a first lumen configured to receive the guide member, and a second lumen extending between respective proximal and distal openings in the shunt delivery catheter, the shunt delivery catheter further having a penetrating element coupled to a distal end of the catheter; and the system further having a guard at least partially disposed over, and movable relative to, the penetrating element.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a qualitative predictive method, to a method, use and kit applied to the early differential diagnosis of the most prevalent forms of bacterial and viral meningitis, enabling to detect and distinguish the different forms of meningitis. The invention uses a qualitative predictive method based on combined detection and sequential analysis of the presence/absence of at least three out of four specific biomarkers.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting operation data associated with a medical apparatus including an internal device implanted in a subject and an external device that is magnetically-coupled to and drives the internal device. The medical apparatus may be monitored to obtain raw data associated with the operation of the medical apparatus and one or more calculations may be performed on the raw data, wherein the raw data and/or calculated values may be associated with voiding frequency and voiding volume of the subject. A report may be generated from the raw data and/or calculated values. In addition, one or more signals may be sent to the external device and/or a docking station, or communicated by other means, to indicate to the subject that the operation of the medical apparatus should be altered.

Abstract: A shunt rivet for implantation between a first body space and a second body space in a patient, such as to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods of treating an ocular disorder including forming a self-sealing incision in a cornea into an anterior chamber of an eye; introducing through the incision a fluid drainage tube having a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal, internal lumen extending through the fluid drainage tube, wherein at least the proximal end passes through the anterior chamber; and implanting the distal end of the fluid drainage tube in fluid communication with the suprachoroidal space such that the proximal end of the fluid drainage tube remains in fluid communication with the anterior chamber.

Abstract: An adjustable height tool for locating a magnetically readable and settable valve which includes a wall having a first perimeter. A platform can be disposed within the first perimeter. A valve cut-out can disposed within the platform and receive at least a portion of the valve. A movable foot can be disposed below the platform by which a displacement element moves the foot at least one of toward or away from the platform, in fixed increments of about 1.5 mm, upon rotation of the displacement element. This movement increases or decreases the distance between the platform and the skin/valve.

Abstract: Methods and devices for increasing flow in the left atrial appendage (LAA) include a conduit directing blood flow from a pulmonary artery into the LAA and/or a conduit drawing blood from the LAA by a Bernoulli effect. In one embodiment, a method comprises implanting a conduit in a pulmonary vein, expanding an inlet portion such that the conduit becomes anchored within the vein and directs blood through an outlet portion of the conduit into or toward the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: An intraocular drainage device may include a monolithic silicone body having a flap, a rigid bottom plate having a portion configured to contact a corresponding portion of the flap, and a tube having a proximal end disposed between the flap and the rigid bottom plate. The corresponding portion of the flap may be configured to separate from the portion of the rigid bottom plate responsive to a fluid pressure in aqueous humor received from the tube. A plurality of parallel microgrooves may be formed on one or more portions of one or more outer surfaces of the intraocular drainage device.

Abstract: A method, device, or system for treating eye disorders or conditions, comprising restoring or increasing blood flow or blood flow rate in an artery that supplies blood to or in the eye, thereby increasing the amount of nutrient(s) that reaches the eye or a portion thereof. The invention also includes methods, devices, or systems for treating eye disorders or conditions which use reverse flow or retrograde flow structures and systems during the treatment of the eye disease.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal implant device (2800) comprises a planar proximal element (220) configured to reside in a stomach to resist distal migration, a distal element (222) configured to reside in an intestine to resist proximal migration and one or more tethers (224) coupling the planar proximal element to the distal element.

Abstract: A prosthesis and a method for directing flow through a passageway formed between a first bodily lumen and a second bodily lumen are provided. The prosthesis includes a body having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a lumen extending therethrough. The prosthesis also includes a sleeve operably connected to the body at a connected portion. The sleeve has a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a sleeve lumen extending therethrough. At least a portion of the body is positioned within at least a portion of the sleeve lumen and the distal portion of the sleeve is free from connection to the distal portion of the body and extendable away from the body to contact a wall of the first bodily lumen. The sleeve is configured to allow fluid flow through the sleeve lumen from the first bodily lumen to the second bodily lumen.

Abstract: Drug delivery devices include a flexible elongate body having a bladder end portion, a kidney end portion, and a drug lumen extending therebetween; and a drug reservoir which is located at the bladder end portion, contains a drug, and is defined at least in part by a semi-permeable wall. Methods include inserting the device into the ureter of a patient and permitting water in the bladder to diffuse through the semi-permeable wall to create an osmotic pressure to pump the drug through the drug lumen and out of the device at the kidney end portion and into the renal pelvis.

Abstract: An intraocular shunt deployment device can release an intraocular shunt into an eye using a deployment mechanism that coordinates action between a pusher component, a shaft component, and a housing of the device. The deployment mechanism causes axial movement of the components in response to a rotational input force.

Abstract: An elongated medical device includes a core element, a polymer member, a closure element, and a permanent magnetic element. The core element may have a distal region including a first region with a diameter greater than a diameter of a second region, the second region distal of the first region and terminating at a core element distal end. The polymer member may be circumferentially disposed about an entire length of the core element and extending distal of the core element distal end. The closure element may be affixed to a distal end of the polymer member. The permanent magnetic element may be disposed along the second region proximal to the core element distal end, and may include a plurality of permanent magnetic elements spaced apart along the second region.

Abstract: Surgical methods and related medical devices for treating ocular disorders are disclosed. Some methods relate to delivering an implant within an eye, and involve providing an elongate guide device, such as, a flexible guide member or a guide wire. A distal end of the guide device can be advanced into an anterior chamber of an eye, or through at least a portion of a site of resistance along a physiologic outflow pathway of the eye, or from an anterior chamber of the eye to a location proximate a physiologic outflow pathway of the eye. The implant is advanced along the guide device toward the guide device distal end, and is positioned to conduct aqueous humor between the anterior chamber and the physiologic outflow pathway.

Abstract: The system includes a number of flexible fluid containment structures, or tubes, for storing fluids used in or produced during fracking. The tubes may be filled to store water prior to introduction into the well or drilling waste expunged from the well. A series of valves and pumps control the flow of fluids to and from the tubes, well, and purification equipment. A backflow preventer including a primary port, forward port, and return port supports bi-directional fluid transfer with the well. Drilling fluids are piped into the forward port and exit the primary port to the well. A flow meter may be coupled to the forward port to determine the volume of fluid flowing through the forward port to the well. Drilling waste may also return from the well via the primary port and exit the return port, which may also include a flow meter.

Abstract: An electrode device having an insertion part (12) adapted to be inserted into the suprachoroidal space of an eye so as to reach a service position, and an handling part (14) for manipulation of the electrode device, said electrode device comprising: —a support (25) having a distal part (31); —a set of wires (20) supported by said support and mobile between a retracted position in which said wires substantially extend along the support, and a deployed position in which respective parts of said wires, called “outside parts”, project from said distal part (31) of the support; —an electrically conductive element forming at least a portion of a said outside part or supported by a said outside part; —an electrical conductor (60) enabling, in said deployed position, an electrical connection between said electrically conductive element and an electrical generator; and —an actuator (16, 60) adapted for an operator to move the set of wires from said retracted position to said deployed position in said service position.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds of Formula (1), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, formula (1), where R, R1, and G are as described herein; methods of preparing the compounds; and use of the compounds to treat pain and/or inflammation associated with arthritis or osteoarthritis.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating intraocular pressure are disclosed. The devices include shunts for draining aqueous humor from the anterior chamber to the uveoscleral outflow pathway, including the supraciliary space and the suprachoroidal space. The shunts are preferably implanted by ab interno procedures.

Abstract: Embodiments of the claimed invention are directed to the treatment of glaucoma (or conditions of elevated intraocular pressure) using a novel ab interno trabeculotomy procedure that uses a flexible device. At least one advantage of the present method is that it does not require a conjunctival or scleral incision, which in turn improves patient recovery time and healing.

Abstract: Devices and methods for regulating and directing bodily fluids from one region of a patient to another region are disclosed. In general, an apparatus is provided that can include an implantable shunt system and a system controller. The implantable shunt system can have an adjustable valve for regulating the flow of fluid, a sensor element for measuring a physiological characteristic of a patient, and an electromechanical valve actuator that can be adapted to adjust a resistance of the valve. The implantable shunt system can be in electrical communication with the system controller. The system controller can generally be adapted to receive a physiological characteristic of the patient and operate the electromechanical valve actuator to adjust a resistance of the valve. The apparatus can also include an external programming device that is in communication with the system controller.

Abstract: An implant device is configured to be implanted in a fistula to fluidly connect the lacrimal apparatus and a paranasal sinus. A surgical tool has an implant the implant device mounted on a carrier. Various methods involve a fistula between the lacrimal apparatus and a paranasal sinus. A kit includes an entry device for use to form a fistula and an implant tool for use to implant an implant device following formation of a fistula.

Abstract: In one aspect, an arteriovenous access valve system may generally include a first valve configured to be positioned at or adjacent to an end of an arteriovenous graft and a second valve configured to be positioned at or adjacent to an opposite end of the arteriovenous graft. In addition, the system may include an actuator assembly in fluid communication with the first and second valves. The actuator assembly may include a housing, a driver assembly positioned within the housing and a drive magnet positioned within the housing. The drive magnet may be rotatably coupled to the driver assembly such that, when the drive magnet is rotated, the driver assembly is configured to be rotatably driven so as to supply fluid to the first and second valves or to draw fluid out of the first and second valves depending on a rotational direction of the driver assembly.

Abstract: A surgical kit includes at least one instrument and at least one implant device. The instrument has a needle body used to form a surgical passage through ocular tissue. The device includes a flexible tube that defines a duct for diverting aqueous humor with an outer surface having a maximal cross-sectional dimension that is less than the maximal cross-sectional dimension of the needle body. The device incorporates a seal that defines a maximal cross-sectional dimension that is greater that the maximal cross-sectional dimension of the needle body and is operably disposed within the surgical passage and forms a seal between the surrounding ocular tissue. The kit (and devices thereof) can be used as part of a surgical method to divert aqueous humor to a space formed in ocular tissue.

Abstract: Shunt devices and a method for continuously decompressing elevated intraocular pressure in eyes affected by glaucoma by diverting excess aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye into Schlemm's canal where post-operative patency can be maintained with an indwelling shunt device which surgically connects the canal with the anterior chamber. The shunt devices provide uni- or bi-directional flow of aqueous humor into Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to an ocular drainage device that includes a stability system. The stability system includes a plate, and can further include a material comprising collagen covering at least a portion of a top surface of the plate, and/or a viscoelastic substance covering at least a portion of the plate's top surface. The plate is formed of a flexible material and includes a tube retaining structure integrally formed therewith, wherein the tube retaining structure is configured to hold a tube that is at least partially surrounded by the tube retaining structure to the plate when the tube is moved. The tube retaining structure can include a low profile ridge, and/or a channel having an undercut or horseshoe shape. The plate has at least one plate channel, including a plate channel configured for carrying the tube. The plate can further include a reservoir.

Abstract: A cerebral catheter device for draining fluid from the brain of a patient is described. The device may be used as part of a ventricular shunt system. The device includes an elongate tube for insertion into the brain of a patient to a vicinity of a desired target. A head is attached to the elongate tube that has a passageway in fluid communication with a lumen of the elongate tube. Formations are provided on the external surface of the head for securing the head in a hole formed in the skull of a patient. The head further includes a first fluid connector portion that is attachable to an associated drainage catheter device. This allows fluid communication to be established between the lumen of the elongate tube and a drainage catheter device via the passageway of the head.

Abstract: Disclosed are cardiac shunts and method of delivery, and in particular, to a shunt to reduce elevated left atrial pressure (LAP). The methods include forming a puncture hole between the left atrium and the coronary sinus, widening the puncture hole, and placing an expandable shunt within the widened puncture hole. A first catheter having a side-extending needle may be used to form a puncture into the left atrium. A second catheter extends along a guidewire and an expandable shunt with distal and proximal flanges is expelled therefrom into the puncture. The shunt defines a blood flow passage therethrough that permits shunting of blood from the left atrium to the coronary sinus when the LAP is elevated. The shunt is desirable formed of a super-elastic material and manipulated with control rods. The shunt defines a tilted flow tube that facilitates collapse into the catheter.