Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods of imaging a portion of a body vessel using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), methods of performing interventional medical treatment under MRI, interventional medical devices, such as wire guides, useful in performing treatment under MRI, and methods of making interventional medical devices. A method of imaging a portion of a body vessel of a patient using MRI includes advancing through a body vessel an end of a wire guide comprising a continuous metal core member and a continuous jacket disposed over the entire core member through a body vessel and scanning the portion of the patient that is positioned within an MRI scanner and that includes a portion of the body vessel within which the end of the wire guide is disposed. A secondary medical device, such as a catheter, can be disposed over the wire guide and manipulated in the method.

Abstract: Among other things, there are disclosed embodiments of belts or bands that can be used in treatments for tricuspid valve regurgitation. In some embodiments, such belts may be heat-set in a particular configuration to effectively decrease tricuspid annulus when deployed around the atrioventricular groove. Embodiments include one or more tensioning sutures for applying cinching or tightening to belts when deployed, and structure for effectively distributing force during such tightening.

Abstract: Described are methods and systems and system components useful for percutaneously delivering or retrieving vascular implant devices, such as filters, utilizing intravenous ultrasound (IVUS) imaging alone or in combination with external (e.g. transabdominal) ultrasound or other imaging technology. Implants deliverable by such systems, such as vena cava or other vascular filters, can have two or more echogenic markers spaced at such a distance that they are separately discernible by IVUS and/or external ultrasound imaging.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides positional aid devices useful in imaging procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures. In certain embodiments the positional aid devices comprise a flexible layer structure having a first side and a second side opposite the first side; and the flexible layer structure defining a plurality of thru-passages demarked by material that is visible in images produced by the imaging procedure. Medical products such as kits and combination products including the positional aid devices, and methods of manufacture and use, are also described. MRI systems and related methods are also described.

Abstract: Example medical devices and systems for performing treatment under magnetic resonance imaging and related kits and methods are described. An example medical system includes a first medical device, a second medical device, and a marker. The first medical device is formed of a first material. The first material has a first magnetic susceptibility. The second medical device is formed of a second material. The second material has a second magnetic susceptibility. The marker is disposed on the second medical device and is formed of a third material. The third material has a third magnetic susceptibility that is different than the first magnetic susceptibility and the second magnetic susceptibility.

Abstract: Differential pressure material processing systems, apparatus, methods, and products are described. An example embodiment of a differential pressure material processing system includes a tank, a holding member, and a sheet of tissue disposed within the holding member. The holding member defines a first holding member chamber and a second holding member chamber. The first holding member chamber has a first pressure when a fluid is disposed within the first holding member chamber. The second holding member chamber has a second pressure when a fluid is disposed within the second holding member chamber. The second pressure is different than the first pressure.

Abstract: Described are methods and systems and system components useful for percutaneously delivering or retrieving vascular implant devices, such as filters, utilizing intravenous ultrasound (IVUS) imaging alone or in combination with external (e.g. transabdominal) ultrasound or other imaging technology. Implants deliverable by such systems, such as vena cava or other vascular filters, can have two or more echogenic markers spaced at such a distance that they are separately discernible by IVUS and/or external ultrasound imaging.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to medical devices, methods of performing an interventional medical treatment under MRI, and methods of making a medical device. An example medical device includes an elongate member, a reinforcement member, and a marker. The elongate member has a proximal end, a distal end, and a circumferential wall having an outer surface and an inner surface that defines a lumen. The reinforcement member is disposed within the circumferential wall, extends along a length of the elongate member, is formed of a first material, and has a first susceptibility. The marker is attached to the elongate member, is formed of a second material, and has a second susceptibility that is different from the first susceptibility.

Abstract: Material processing apparatus, systems, methods, and products are described. An example of a material processing apparatus includes a holding member, a base, a tensioning member, an actuator, and a first inner member. The holding member defines a holding member passageway. The base is attached to the holding member. The tensioning member is partially disposed within the holding member passageway. The tensioning member defines a tensioning member passageway. The tensioning member is moveable relative to the holding member between a first position and a second position. The actuator is attached to the tensioning member and is moveable in a first direction and a second direction. Movement of the actuator results in movement of the tensioning member between its first position and second position. The first inner member is adapted to be disposed within the tensioning member passageway.

Abstract: Among other things, there are disclosed embodiments of belts or bands that can be used in treatments for tricuspid valve regurgitation. In some embodiments, such belts may be heat-set in a particular configuration to effectively decrease tricuspid annulus when deployed around the atrioventricular groove. Embodiments include one or more tensioning sutures for applying cinching or tightening to belts when deployed, and structure for effectively distributing force during such tightening. Embodiments of tensioning members, protective members, and devices and methods for open-surgical placement (e.g. around a heart for annuloplasty) are also disclosed.

Abstract: Among other things, there is disclosed structure and methods for maintaining access to a location in the body while reducing or eliminating the potential for pulling an access device (e.g. a catheter) back through an opening. An introducer sheath includes a distal indented portion and a balloon, so that once placed in a desired location through tissue, the balloon can be inflated to anchor the sheath against retraction. In particular embodiments, structure and methods for accessing the pericardial cavity via the right atrial appendage are shown.

Abstract: Among other things, there are disclosed embodiments of belts or bands that can be used in treatments for tricuspid valve regurgitation. In some embodiments, such belts may be heat-set in a particular configuration to effectively decrease tricuspid annulus when deployed around the atrioventricular groove. Embodiments include one or more tensioning sutures for applying cinching or tightening to belts when deployed, and structure for effectively distributing force during such tightening. Embodiments of tensioning members, protective members, and devices and methods for open-surgical placement (e.g. around a heart for annuloplasty) are also disclosed.

Abstract: Example access devices, treatment devices, and kits useful in performing treatment under magnetic resonance imaging and related methods are described. An example access device includes an elongate tubular member formed of an MRI compatible material and moveable between a first, unexpanded configuration and a second, expanded configuration. The elongate tubular member has a central lengthwise axis, a proximal end, a distal end, an axial length, and a main body that defines a circumferential wall, a lumen, a proximal opening, a distal opening, and a main body opening. The main body opening is arranged in a spiral relative to the lengthwise axis and extends circumferentially along the circumferential wall. The main body opening extends along the entire axial length of the elongate tubular member from the proximal end to the distal end.

Abstract: Storage devices, loading devices, delivery systems, kits, and associated methods for implantable medical devices are described. An example embodiment of a storage device includes a storage member, a first cap, and a second cap. The storage member has a first end, a second end, and a main body that defines a first opening, a second opening, a passageway, a separating wall, and a plurality of holes. The passageway has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion extends from the first end of the storage member to the separating wall and the second portion extends from the second end of the storage member to the separating wall. Each hole of the plurality of holes extends through the separating wall and provides access between the first portion and the second portion. Each of the first and second caps is releasably attached to the storage member.

Abstract: Described are methods, cell growth substrates, and devices that are useful in preparing cell-containing graft materials for administration to patients. Tubular passages can be defined in cell growth substrates to promote distribution of cells into the substrates. Also described are methods and devices for preparing cell-seeded graft compositions, methods and devices for preconditioning cell growth substrates prior to application of cells, and cell seeded grafts having novel substrates, and uses thereof.

Abstract: Among other things, there is disclosed structure and methods for maintaining access to a location in the body while reducing or eliminating the potential for pulling an access device (e.g. a catheter) back through an opening. An introducer sheath includes a distal indented portion and a balloon, so that once placed in a desired location through tissue, the balloon can be inflated to anchor the sheath against retraction. In particular embodiments, structure and methods for accessing the pericardial cavity via the right atrial appendage are shown.

Abstract: Storage devices, loading devices, delivery systems, kits, and associated methods for implantable medical devices are described. An example embodiment of a storage device includes a storage member, a first cap, and a second cap. The storage member has a first end, a second end, and a main body that defines a first opening, a second opening, a passageway, a separating wall, and a plurality of holes. The passageway has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion extends from the first end of the storage member to the separating wall and the second portion extends from the second end of the storage member to the separating wall. Each hole of the plurality of holes extends through the separating wall and provides access between the first portion and the second portion. Each of the first and second caps is releasably attached to the storage member.

Abstract: There are shown and described embodiments of a closure device for closing holes in tissue, for example in the right atrial appendage. The closure device in particular embodiments includes first and second mesh closure members and a tether or stem connecting them. Embodiments of a delivery device for the closure device are also described.

Abstract: There are shown and described embodiments of a closure device for closing holes in tissue, for example in the right atrial appendage. The closure device in particular embodiments includes first and second mesh closure members and a tether or stem connecting them. Embodiments of a delivery device for the closure device are also described.

Abstract: Among other things, there are shown embodiments of locking mechanisms for holding sutures in tension. Such devices may be used with implants that use or require sutures, and are easily locked remotely. In particular embodiments, a lock includes a housing member, a pin member at least partially within the housing member, and a spring biasing the pin member into the housing member. The pin member includes a gripping portion, and has a retracted condition and a locked condition. When retracted, a suture can move through the housing member and around the gripping portion of the pin member. When locked, the gripping portion of the pin member engages the suture and presses it against the interior of the housing member.