Abstract: Systems and methods for closing an aperture in a bodily tissue. In at least one embodiment of a system for closing an aperture in a targeted mammalian tissue, the system comprises a first catheter having a lumen defined therethrough, a coil positioned within the lumen of the first catheter, and a shaft positioned within the lumen of the catheter, the shaft operable to position the coil at the targeted tissue, wherein the coil may be positioned within the aperture of the targeted tissue to close said aperture.

Abstract: Devices and methods for assisting heart function. In at least one embodiment of a device for assisting heart function, the device comprises at least two electromagnetic plates having an inner surface, a cardiac processor electrically coupled to at least one of the at least two electromagnetic plates, a bladder having an inner chamber, the bladder attached to an inner surface of at least one of the at least two electromagnetic plates, a source of gas in communication with the inner chamber of the bladder, and at least one catheter having a proximal end and a distal end and having a lumen therethrough, the at least one catheter defining at least one aperture positioned therethrough at or near the distal end of the at least one catheter and comprising a pericardial balloon coupled to the at least one catheter at or near the distal end of the at least one catheter, the proximal end of the at least one catheter in communication with the inner chamber of the bladder.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for removing fluid from a bodily tissue.

Abstract: Devices for accessing the pericardial space surrounding the heart.

Abstract: Systems and methods for closing a hold in cardiac tissue. In at least one embodiment of a system for closing a hole in cardiac tissue, the system comprises an engagement catheter having a first and second lumen extending therethrough, an elongated wire capable of insertion into the second lumen of the engagement catheter, a plug capable of insertion into the second lumen of the engagement catheter; an elongated shaft capable of insertion into the second lumen of the engagement catheter, wherein the elongated wire is sized for slidable insertion through the lumen of the shaft and the hole of the plug.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for myocardial infarct border zone reinforcement. In at least one embodiment of a suction/infusion catheter for facilitating myocardial infarct border zone reinforcement, the catheter comprises one or more apertures defined along a portion of the catheter at or near a distal end of the catheter, a first configuration when the suction/infusion catheter is at least partially extended from a delivery catheter, and a second configuration when the at least one suction/infusion catheter is positioned within the delivery catheter, the second configuration different from the first configuration, wherein the suction/infusion catheter, when introduced into a pericardial space surrounding a heart at or near a myocardial infarct border zone, is operable to inject a glue-like substance through a lumen of the suction/infusion catheter and out from the one or more apertures to deliver the glue-like substance into the pericardial space at or near the myocardial infarct border zone.

Abstract: Implantable devices for providing tissue and/or organ restriction. Embodiments of an implantable magnetic device are described with respect to restricting gastric capacity while avoiding nutritional deficiencies and other complications. In at least one embodiment, the device comprises first and second bars that are biased to magnetically attract each other and engage a portion of tissue therebetween. In at least one embodiment, the device may comprise at least one strap and one or more pins, the pins configured to provide an amount of space between the first and second bars so that the tissue disposed therebetween is not overly compressed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for navigating a catheter along the epieardial surface of the heart are disclosed. At least some of the embodiments disclosed herein are useful for epieardial ablation, Various embodiments permit ablation of the epieardial surface of the heart using an external ablation catheter in the pericardial space and an internal guide catheter within the heart. Such a configuration allows the clinician to precisely target for ablation specific locations on the cardiac tissue.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for delivering an instrument laparoscopically to a targeted tissue. Embodiments of the device comprise a handle, a lift system and two arms extending therebetween and are capable of achieving the parallel closure of the instrument around the targeted tissue. Further, the methods described can be performed through entirely laparoscopic techniques, including the activation of any pins disposed on the instrument being delivered. Such devices and methods may be used to deliver an instrument to any tissue of a body.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for providing chronic tissue support and/or remodeling that does not require the use of sutures or staples. A magnetic device having one to three components and at least one pin to maintain a prescribed distance between the magnetic components when the same are magnetically engaged is described. Such devices and methods may be used on any tissue of a body and may be delivered through laparoscopic and/or endoscopic procedures.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for the control of blood perfusion pressure within a blood vessel that undergoes arterialization. A cannula is introduced that contains a stenosis that either resorbs or is removed in time, allowing a gradual increase in blood pressure between two blood passages connected at either ends of the cannula. Particular emphasis has been made with the use of the cannula for the vessels in the heart.