Abstract: A system for providing post-operative instructions to patients for discharge from a medical facility comprising a repository of instructions consisting of patient-anonymous data and a graphical user interface, the graphical user interface operative for selecting at least one instruction from the repository to assemble a tutorial. The system includes a memory for storing the tutorial, each tutorial associated with a particular user profile and a display, the display presenting the tutorial to the patient. The system further includes a questionnaire to assess patient comprehension of the tutorial, and a calendar module, the calendar module configured to schedule reminder notifications for communication to the patient. An analytics module is also provided, the analytics module configured to analyze patient questionnaire responses and determine optimal tutorial content.
Abstract: A pre-assembled kit for administering ischemic postconditioning comprising a catheter and a handle having a fluid circuit to control and modulate flow of inflation fluid to and from a balloon wherein the catheter is free from additional assembly and preparation procedures such that it is ready-to-use within a variety of vessel sizes.
Abstract: Guide wire devices and methods for their manufacture. The guide wire devices described herein include an elongate guide wire member that includes at least one section fabricated from a nickel-titanium (Ni—Ti) alloy that exhibits an elevated plateau stress and a narrowed stress hysteresis profile (e.g., a plateau stress of about 500 MPa to about 820 MPa and a stress hysteresis width in a range from about 250 MPa to about 80 MPa). Raising the plateau stress and narrowing the stress hysteresis width of Ni—Ti used in a guide wire device can significantly improve the steerability of the guide wire device while maintaining the flexibility, durability, and kink resistance that is typical of superelastic Ni—Ti alloys.
Abstract: Shapeable guide wire devices and methods for their manufacture. Guide wire devices include an elongate shaft member having a shapeable distal end section that is formed from a linear pseudoelastic nickel-titanium (Ni—Ti) alloy that has linear pseudoelastic behavior without a phase transformation or onset of stress-induced martensite. Linear pseudoelastic Ni—Ti alloy, which is distinct from non-linear pseudoelastic (i.e., superelastic) Ni—Ti alloy, is highly durable, corrosion resistant, and has high stiffness. The shapeable distal end section is shapeable by a user to facilitate guiding the guide wire through tortuous anatomy. In addition, linear pseudoelastic Ni—Ti alloy is more durable tip material than other shapeable tip materials such as stainless steel.
Abstract: A tissue engaging device and a corresponding deployment apparatus. The tissue engaging device has a generally annular-shaped body disposed about a central axis. The body has a plurality of inwardly protruding members separated by corresponding intermember spaces. The body is movable between a first position where the body is substantially convex before engagement with the tissue and a second position where the body is substantially concave when the body is engaged with the tissue. The tissue engaging device may be bioabsorbable. The deployment apparatus has a sheath and a tissue eversion apparatus for everting the tissue and positioning the everted tissue within the tissue engaging device.
Abstract: A balloon catheter having a soft distal tip member having a non-tacky inner (liner) layer material and a soft flexible outer layer material, with both materials being readily thermally bondable to the catheter balloon.