Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for epicardial navigation.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the treatment of obesity. A magnetic device is provided that enables the creation of a Roux limb without the use of staples or sutures. Additionally, a magnetic device is described for extending the length of the Roux limb such that tension in the stomach and/or the intestines is prevented. Further, a system and method are described for achieving the reversible restriction of gastric capacity and bypass of the duodenum without the use of sutures or staples.

Abstract: Methods for occluding an atrial appendage. The steps of an exemplary method include introducing at least a portion of the first device in a heart, introducing at least a portion of a second device into a pericardial space surrounding the heart, positioning the balloon of the first device at least partially within an atrial appendage cavity, inflating the balloon to displace blood present within the atrial appendage cavity, positioning the loop of the second device around the atrial appendage, tightening the loop around the atrial appendage, deflating the balloon to allow for ultimate removal of the first device from the atrial appendage cavity, and separating the loop from the second device so that the loop remains positioned and tightened around the atrial appendage.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for auto-retroperfusion of the cerebral venous system. In an exemplary embodiment of a catheter for controlling blood perfusion pressure of the present disclosure, the catheter comprises a body having a proximal open end, a distal end, a lumen extending between the proximal open end and the distal end, and a plurality of orifices disposed thereon, each of the orifices in fluid communication with the lumen, at least one expandable balloon, each of the at least one expandable balloons coupled with the body, having an interior that is in fluid communication with the lumen and adapted to move between an expanded configuration and a deflated configuration, and at least one sensor coupled with the distal end of the body, each of the at least one sensors adapted to gather data relating to a fluid flowing through the lumen, wherein the catheter is configured to be coupled to a flow unit for regulating the flow and pressure of a fluid.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for providing tissue support within the body. A metallic component and a magnetic component are used and allowed to interact through the body of the tissue such that the attractive forces between these components provides the external support needed by that tissue to properly function within its position. Such a technique is described with respect to the particular example of correction of aneurysms.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for leadlessly stimulating the heart. Through a magnetic signal generator positioned outside or inside the thoracic cavity, a magnetic signal is transmitted through the chest to stimulate electrical activity within the myocardial muscles. The magnetic signal may function as a pacemaker, cardioverter or defibrillator. Advantages of magnetic stimulation include, without limitation, non invasiveness, a reduction or even elimination in pain, and access to tissues covered by poorly conductive structures.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for accessing tissue, including the internal and external tissues of the heart, are disclosed. At least some of the embodiments disclosed herein provide access to the internal and external tissues of the heart to assist heart function. In at least one embodiment, a suction/infusion catheter is used to deliver gas to a pericardial space surrounding a heart.

Abstract: Devices and methods for securing a catheter within a heart. In at least one embodiment of an apparatus for securing a catheter within a heart, the apparatus comprises a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end and at least one lumen defined therethrough, the catheter defining at least one aperture positioned therethrough at or near the distal end of the catheter, at least one balloon coupled to the catheter and positioned externally to the catheter, and a conduit having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the conduit coupled to the at least one balloon, wherein when the catheter is positioned within an aperture in an atrial wall and when the at least one balloon is positioned at or near the aperture in the atrial wall, inflation of the at least one balloon causes the catheter to be held in place at the atrial wall.

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, systems, and methods for inverting and closing the left atrial appendage. In at least one embodiment of a method for closing a left atrial appendage of the present disclosure, the method comprises the steps of inverting a distal portion of a left atrial appendage, and constraining the inverted distal portion of the left atrial appendage using a device configured to fit within an interior of the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: Various embodiments of devices useful to provide access to the tissues surrounding the heart to facilitate myocardial infarct healing are disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, a suction/infusion catheter is used to provide localized suction to an area of myocardial infarct. In another embodiment, a system comprising a suction/infusion catheter is used to provide localized suction to an area of myocardial infarct.

Abstract: Methods for delivering a bridge retroperfusion therapy are disclosed such that, after the onset of a stroke or other adverse cerebral event, the brain cells' window of viability may be extended and other treatments, including pharmaceutical and neuroprotective therapies, may be more effectively utilized. Kits comprising devices and systems for delivering such retroperfusion and autoretroperfusion methods are also disclosed. In certain embodiments, the kits comprise a catheter and a flow unit configured to adjust the flow rate and pressure of the arterial blood used for perfusion of the venous system.

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 and systems for providing retroperfusion and autoretroperfusion therapies to a brain. In certain embodiments, the devices and systems disclosed herein comprise a flow unit configured to adjust the flow rate and pressure of the arterial blood used for perfusion of the venous system. Methods for delivering a bridge retroperfusion therapy are also disclosed such that, after the onset of a stroke or other adverse cerebral event, the brain cells' window of viability may be extended and other treatments, including pharmaceutical and neuroprotective therapies, may be more effectively utilized.

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.

Abstract: A device, system and method for providing tissue and organ restriction. A device is described with respect to restricting gastric capacity while avoiding nutritional deficiencies and other complications. Additionally, a system and method are described for using the device to restrict gastric capacity to perform a non surgical gastric procedure.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for accessing the internal and external tissues of the heart are disclosed. At least some of the embodiments disclosed herein provide access to the external surface of the heart through the pericardial space for localized delivery of leads to the heart tissue. In addition, various disclosed embodiments provide devices, systems, and methods for closing a hole in cardiac tissue.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for closing an aperture in a bodily tissue. In at least one exemplary embodiment of an aperture closure device of the present disclosure, the aperture closure device comprises an elongated body extending from a proximal end to a distal end, and a closure portion coupled to the elongated body, the closure portion configured to fit within an aperture of a bodily tissue and comprising a material capable of autoexpansion within said aperture.

Abstract: A device, system and method for providing tissue and organ restriction. Embodiments of an implantable magnetic device are described with respect to restricting gastric capacity while avoiding nutritional deficiencies and other complications. Further, a delivery device is described for facilitating the delivery of the magnetic device to a targeted site. Additionally, methods are described for delivering the magnetic devices to a stomach.

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.