Abstract: A sanitization station including a fluid source and one or more plasma generators for generating non-thermal plasma is disclosed. One or more nozzles spray a mist or stream of fluid through plasma generated by the one or more plasma generators to activate the fluid. The fluid is then used to sterilize an object. Another sanitization station includes a chamber for holding a fluid and a plasma generator in fluid communication with the chamber for generating plasma. A circulating source moves the fluid in the chamber past plasma generated by the plasma generator to activate the fluid and one or more spray nozzles coat the surface of an object with fluid that is activated by plasma.

Abstract: A catheter assembly comprises a first branch body having a first axis, a second branch body extending in a non-parallel relationship with respect to the first axis, and at least one electrode carried by the second branch body. In use, the first branch body can be located within a pulmonary vein within the left atrium, while the electrode carried by the second branch body is located in contact with endocardial tissue outside the pulmonary vein. Ablation energy can be transmitted from the electrode to contacted endocardial tissue while the first branch body is located within the pulmonary vein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchanger with an indentation pattern, and specifically a heat exchanger with heat exchanger plates (1) provided with a special pattern instead of the traditional herringbone pattern. The pattern comprises at least one section with bulges (2) and hollows (3), said bulges and hollows having flat tops and bottoms intended to be placed against respective hollows and bulges of a heat exchanger plate of a corresponding design. The surface area of said tops and bottoms is such in relation to the distance between the tops and bottoms that channels (6) for the flow of a medium are formed between the bulges.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plate heat exchanger (9), comprising a plurality of heat exchanger plates (1, 13), comprising at least one section showing indentations (2, 3, 14, 15), intended to be placed against corresponding indentations (2, 3, 14, 15) of a heat exchanger plate (1, 13) of a corresponding design. At least a first type of indentations (2, 14) and at least a second type of indentations (3, 15) is provided, wherein said first type of indentations (2, 14) and said second type of indentations (3, 15) are of a different design.

Abstract: A plate heat exchanger (10) of the double plate type having a plurality of stacked plate elements, each comprising a first plate (1) and a second plate (9). At least the first plate (1) is provided with a surface pattern with a plurality of dimples (5) defining a first distance to a plate plane (8), and a plurality of canal parts (6) defining a second, smaller, distance to the plate plane (8). The first plate (1) and the second plate (9) are joined in such a manner that the protruding areas (5, 6) in combination form flow paths (11) being fluidly connected to rim portions (3) of the plates (1, 9). The heat exchanger (10) provides efficient leakage detection via the flow paths (11) while ensuring a good thermal contact between heat exchanging fluids through the plates (1, 9) via flat portions (7) between the protruding parts (5, 6).

Abstract: Devices for insertion into an atrial appendage of stasis reducing components such as mesh members, chemical bonding agents or expandable anchors are disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter assembly comprises a first branch body having a first axis, a second branch body extending in a non-parallel relationship with respect to the first axis, and at least one electrode carried by the second branch body. In use, the first branch body can be located within a pulmonary vein within the left atrium, while the electrode carried by the second branch body is located in contact with endocardial tissue outside the pulmonary vein. Ablation energy can be transmitted from the electrode to contacted endocardial tissue while the first branch body is located within the pulmonary vein.

Abstract: A method of ablating tissue in the heart to treat atrial fibrillation introduces into a selected atrium an energy emitting element. The method exposes the element to a region of the atrial wall and applies ablating energy to the element to thermally destroy tissue. The method forms a convoluted lesion pattern comprising elongated straight lesions and elongated curvilinear lesions. The lesion pattern directs electrical impulses within the atrial myocardium along a path that activates the atrial myocardium while interrupting reentry circuits that, if not interrupted, would cause fibrillation. The method emulates the surgical maze procedure, but lends itself to catheter-based procedures that do not require open heart surgical techniques. A composite structure for performing the method is formed using a template that displays in planar view a desired lesion pattern for the tissue. An array of spaced apart element is laid on the template.

Abstract: A heat exchanger and a method for drying a humid medium. In the heat exchanger an internal cross-over passage, allowing a humid medium to double back on itself in a zone delimited by a barrier, is provided. In a first step the heat exchanger cools itself and in a final step the heat exchanger heats itself. Separation areas allow condensation and collection of water within the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger and method enable drying of compressed air within one and the same heat exchanger package.

Abstract: A method of ablating tissue in the heart to treat atrial fibrillation introduces into a selected atrium an energy emitting element. The method exposes the element to a region of the atrial wall and applies ablating energy to the element to thermally destroy tissue. The method forms a convoluted lesion pattern comprising elongated straight lesions and elongated curvilinear lesions. The lesion pattern directs electrical impulses within the atrial myocardium along a path that activates the atrial myocardium while interrupting reentry circuits that, if not interrupted, would cause fibrillation. The method emulates the surgical maze procedure, but lends itself to catheter-based procedures that do not require open heart surgical techniques. A composite structure for performing the method is formed using a template that displays in planar view a desired lesion pattern for the tissue. An array of spaced apart element is laid on the template.

Abstract: A heat exchanger with a leakage vent. A fully brazed heat exchanger has an arrangement preventing the two media inside the heat exchanger from mixing in case of leakage. The heat exchanger includes plates having a pattern of grooves and inlet and outlet connections. The plates are placed in a pack and brazed together so as to form separate channels for two media between alternating pairs of plates. A separation zone is created around the connection so as so block off the medium that is not to reach the respective connection. The other medium can flow on by. A leakage vent to the exterior is provided in the separation zone so as to allow detection of any leakage.

Abstract: An evaporator including an evaporating chamber equipped with a drainage. The drainage drains accumulated liquid from the evaporator's lower parts and includes an external expansion driven injector and/or an external pump. The evaporator can be used e.g. in a heat exchanger, e.g. in a heat pump system or air condition system, and the vacuum driven injector can be integrated with an expansion device of the heat exchanger. A condenser can be used together with the evaporator in a heat exchanger of the plate type realizing an integrated superheater/supercooler. This is accomplished by the definition and use of delimited interacting zones through which the cooling medium circulates under heat exchange with itself.

Abstract: A device for creating the lesions in body tissue includes a support element having an electromagnetic energy emitting region. When caused to emit electromagnetic energy, the region creates a single continuous lesion that is long and thin, having a length that is substantially greater than its width.

Abstract: Devices for insertion into an atrial appendage of stasis reducing components such as mesh members, chemical bonding agents or expandable anchors are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchanger with an indentation pattern, and specifically a heat exchanger with heat exchanger plates (1) provided with a special pattern instead of the traditional herringbone pattern. The pattern comprises at least one section with bulges (2) and hollows (3), said bulges and hollows having flat tops and bottoms intended to be placed against respective hollows and bulges of a heat exchanger plate of a corresponding design. The surface area of said tops and bottoms is such in relation to the distance between the tops and bottoms that channels (6) for the flow of a medium are formed between the bulges.

Abstract: A heat exchanger including plates with a pattern of grooves and connections for inlets and outlets. The plates are placed in a pack and brazed so that separate channels for two media area are formed between alternating pair of plates. A set of holes is arranged in the plates around the connections, and a reinforcement mechanism is arranged through the holes.

Abstract: A method of ablating tissue in the heart to treat atrial fibrillation introduces into a selected atrium an energy emitting element. The method exposes the element to a region of the atrial wall and applies ablating energy to the element to thermally destroy tissue. The method forms a convoluted lesion pattern comprising elongated straight lesions and elongated curvilinear lesions. The lesion pattern directs electrical impulses within the atrial myocardium along a path that activates the atrial myocardium while interrupting reentry circuits that, if not interrupted, would cause fibrillation. The method emulates the surgical maze procedure, but lends itself to catheter-based procedures that do not require open heart surgical techniques. A composite structure for performing the method is formed using a template that displays in planar view a desired lesion pattern for the tissue. An array of spaced apart element is laid on the template.

Abstract: An evaporator including an evaporating chamber equipped with a drainage. The drainage drains accumulated liquid from the evaporator's lower parts and includes an external expansion driven injector and/or an external pump. The evaporator can be used e.g. in a heat exchanger, e.g. in a heat pump system or air condition system, and the vacuum driven injector can be integrated with an expansion device of the heat exchanger. A condenser can be used together with the evaporator in a heat exchanger of the plate type realizing an integrated superheater/supercooler. This is accomplished by the definition and use of delimited interacting zones through which the cooling medium circulates under heat exchange with itself.

Abstract: A catheter assembly having a sheath, which includes a side wall enclosing an interior bore, and a distal region. The assembly also has a bendable catheter tube, which is carried for sliding movement in the interior bore. A pull wire also runs through the interior bore of the sheath, preferably within a lumen. The catheter tube has a distal portion with a coupling which joins the distal portion of the catheter tube and the distal portion of the pull wire. Relative movement of the pull wire and the sheath causes bending of the catheter tube outwardly through the opening, in response to sliding movement of the catheter tube within the interior bore toward the distal region of the sheath.

Abstract: A surgical method and apparatus for positioning a diagnostic or therapeutic element within the body. The apparatus may be catheter-based or a probe including a relatively short shaft.