Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorptive heat pump circulation systems and heating method. According to the present invention, an absorption heat pump circulation system comprises: a generator, equipped with a heat exchanger; an evaporator, equipped with a driving heat source; an absorber, equipped with a heat exchanger; and an absorbent crystallizer. An absorption solution entrance of the crystallizer is connected to an absorption solution exit of the absorber and a crystallized absorption solution exit of the crystallizer is connected to an absorption solution entrance of the generator, and a crystal output of the crystallizer is connected to an absorption solution Entrance of the absorber; The heat exchanger of the generator and the heat exchanger of the absorber are connected to form a thermal cycling loop, which transfers the absorption heat generated by the absorber to the generator.

Abstract: A delivery/recovery system to allow an operator to deploy and recover a medical implant, such as an occluder for closing a patent foramen ovale (PFO). In one embodiment, the system includes a delivery mandrel for preventing the occluder from moving in the proximal direction, a delivery wire for securing the occluder to the delivery mandrel and preventing unwanted movement in the distal direction, and a sheath for enveloping the delivery wire, mandrel and occluder. By moving the sheath relative to the occluder in a series of steps, the occluder opens first on a distal side and then on a proximal side, in a manner that holds the occluder in place.

Abstract: Devices are provided for closing septal defects such as PFOs. The devices generally include a proximal anchor member, a distal anchor member, and a flexible center joint connecting the two anchor members.

Abstract: An implant for occluding a septal defect, such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO), and methods of delivering the implant are described. The implant includes a scaffold, at least one channel, and an injection port in fluid communication with the channels for inflating the scaffold.

Abstract: An occluder that has a coil on one or both sides of a medical defect, particularly a septal defect such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO). Each coil can be formed as a tube that is hollow, with or without a closed end. The tube can be delivered over a wire. For occluding a PFO, the coils can be designed to provide a compressive force to one or both of septum primum and septum secundum.

Abstract: An opening other than the ostium of a left atrial appendage (LAA) is provided to allow blood flow between the LAA and another portion of the body. The opening has a conduit that helps to increase blood flow through an LAA by adding at least one other flow path to the ostium, thereby reducing the risk of stasis and the formation of thrombi.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for occluding or closing a patent foramen ovale of a patient (PFO). The invention includes a catheter carrying an energy delivery element. The catheter introduces the energy delivery element into the patent foramen ovale of a patient's heart. Once appropriately positioned, the energy delivery element applies energy, such as radiofrequency energy, to the tissues surrounding the patent foramen ovale. The application of energy causes the tissues to join together, occluding the patent foramen ovale. The energy delivery element may be removable or permanently implanted in the patent foramen ovale.

Abstract: A gas lift production apparatus is provided for use in flushing and snubbing well operation. The apparatus comprises upper production string and lower production string. The upper production string includes at least one side pocket mandrel carrying a gas lift valve, tubular strings connected with every side pocket mandrel, a sliding sleeve installed as part of the production string below side pocket mandrels and a latch seal assembly threaded in the tubular string below the sliding sleeve. The lower production string includes a single bore packer below the latch seal assembly, tubular strings, a landing nipple and a bell mouth at the bottom of the production string. The upper production string are run in and removed as a single unit from the packer which is anchored within the well casing. It is emphasized that this apparatus is provided with three functions such as producing a gas lift well, flushing well and snubbing well operation.

Abstract: An introducer sheath or catheter can be formed in two or more layers with an inner layer made of a higher durometer material and an outer layer made of a lower durometer material. The inner layer can have one or a combination of the following: one or more longitudinal slits, overlapping portions, monolithic hinges, or other formations to allow for radial expansion.

Abstract: A device for closing a defect, such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or an atrial septal defect (ASD), has first and second sides on either side of the defect, a center joint that passes through the defect, and end pieces at the outer ends of the sides. One or both sides of the device have a plurality of petals. At least one petal on each side extends away from the center joint, and at least one petal on each side extends away from an end piece. Adjacent petals are coupled together with hinges.