Abstract: Described here are devices and methods for treating hypertension by forming a fistula between two blood vessels to reduce blood pressure of a patient. The fistula may be formed using a catheter having an electrode that is placed in a first blood vessel. In some instances, a desired amount of blood pressure is determined. In other instances, the hypertension is drug resistant hypertension.

Abstract: A delivery system for delivering an implant to a first space within a body of a patient including an elongate delivery member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, a lumen and a receiving area, the receiving area dimensioned for receipt of the implant. A deforming member is movable with respect to the delivery member from a first position to a second position to apply a force to the implant to deform the implant positioned in the receiving area of the delivery member.

Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for forming a fistula between two blood vessels. Generally, the systems may comprise a first catheter and a second catheter, which may comprise one or more fistula-forming elements. The first and second catheters may comprise one or more magnets, which may be used to assist in bringing the first and catheters in closer proximity to facilitate fistula formation. In some variations, the magnet may have a plurality of magnetic domains each characterized by a magnetic flux vector, with the magnetic flux vectors of the magnet passing through a common magnetic origin.

Abstract: A system for coupling a first space within a body of a patient with a second space within the body of the patient including a flow connector insertable into the first and second spaces within the body and having a conduit having a wall forming a lumen therein and first and second orifices. A first retention member is engageable with a first portion of the first space within the body and has a first opening, and the flow connector is positioned within the first opening. A second retention member is engageable with the second space within the body, the second retention member has a second opening and the flow connector is positioned within the second opening. The second retention member interlocks with the first retention member.

Abstract: A system for coupling a first space within a body of a patient with a second space within the body of the patient including a flow connector insertable into the first and second spaces within the body and having a conduit having a wall forming a lumen therein and first and second orifices. A first retention member is engageable with a first portion of the first space within the body and has a first opening, and the flow connector is positioned within the first opening. A second retention member is engageable with the second space within the body, the second retention member has a second opening and the flow connector is positioned within the second opening. The second retention member interlocks with the first retention member.

Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for cannulating a vessel. Generally, the method may comprise advancing a stent into a first vessel and deploying the stent in the first vessel to hold open one or more valves. This may permit retrograde blood flow through the blood vessel in peripheral vasculature and aid in cannulation of the blood vessel.

Abstract: Described here are devices, systems and methods for forming a fistula between two blood vessels. Generally, the systems may comprise a first catheter which may comprise a fistula-forming element. The fistula-forming element may comprise one or more electrodes, mechanical cutting elements, laser sources, or combinations thereof, and may be used to assist in fistula formation. In some instances, a system may comprise a second catheter, which may comprise a fistula-forming element. One or more of the catheters may comprise one or more markers, magnetic alignment elements, and/or one shape-changing elements.

Abstract: Described here are devices, systems and methods for forming a fistula between two blood vessels. Generally, the systems may comprise a first catheter which may comprise a fistula-forming element. The fistula-forming element may comprise one or more electrodes, mechanical cutting elements, laser sources, or combinations thereof, and may be used to assist in fistula formation. In some instances, a system may comprise a second catheter, which may comprise a fistula-forming element. One or more of the catheters may comprise one or more markers, magnetic alignment elements, and/or one shape-changing elements.

Abstract: Described here are devices and methods for forming a fistula between two vessels. In some instances, the fistula may be formed between a proximal ulnar artery and a deep ulnar vein. The fistula may be formed using an electrode, and may be formed with a first catheter placed in a first blood vessel and a second catheter placed in a second blood vessel. In some instances, access to the proximal ulnar artery may be achieved through a brachial artery, and access to the deep ulnar vein may be achieved through a brachial vein.

Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for forming a fistula between two blood vessels. Generally, the systems may comprise a first catheter and a second catheter, which may comprise one or more fistula-forming elements. The first and second catheters may comprise one or more magnets, which may be used to assist in bringing the first and catheters in closer proximity to facilitate fistula formation. In some variations, the magnet may have a plurality of magnetic domains each characterized by a magnetic flux vector, with the magnetic flux vectors of the magnet passing through a common magnetic origin.

Abstract: Described here are devices, systems and methods for forming a fistula between two blood vessels. Generally, the systems may comprise a first catheter which may comprise a fistula-forming element. The fistula-forming element may comprise one or more electrodes, mechanical cutting elements, laser sources, or combinations thereof, and may be used to assist in fistula formation. In some instances, a system may comprise a second catheter, which may comprise a fistula-forming element. One or more of the catheters may comprise one or more markers, magnetic alignment elements, and/or one shape-changing elements.

Abstract: Described here are devices, systems and methods for forming a fistula between two blood vessels. Generally, the systems may comprise a first catheter which may comprise a fistula-forming element. The fistula-forming element may comprise one or more electrodes, mechanical cutting elements, laser sources, or combinations thereof, and may be used to assist in fistula formation. In some instances, a system may comprise a second catheter, which may comprise a fistula-forming element. One or more of the catheters may comprise one or more markers, magnetic alignment elements, and/or one shape-changing elements.

Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for forming a fistula between two blood vessels. Generally, the systems may comprise a first catheter and a second catheter, which may comprise one or more fistula-forming elements. The first and second catheters may comprise one or more magnetic elements, which may be used to assist in bringing the first and catheters in closer proximity to facilitate fistula formation. In some variations, the magnetic elements may have magnetization patterns such that the flux generated by the magnetic elements is locally concentrated. In some instances, the system may comprise a magnetic control device, which may comprise a magnet, and may be used to increase or create an attractive force between the first and second catheters.

Abstract: Described here are devices and methods for forming a fistula between two vessels. In some instances, the fistula may be formed between a proximal ulnar artery and a deep ulnar vein. The fistula may be formed using an electrode, and may be formed with a first catheter placed in a first blood vessel and a second catheter placed in a second blood vessel. In some instances, access to the proximal ulnar artery may be achieved through a brachial artery, and access to the deep ulnar vein may be achieved through a brachial vein.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus comprising a central disc driven by a rotating shaft. A number of mixing plates are stacked above and/or below the central disc. The mixing plates are spaced from and parallel to the central disc. Each plate has a central aperture and the diameter of the central aperture increases progressively away from the central disc to define a space coaxial with the rotating shaft. In operation, fluid is drawn into the space and directed out through the space between the plates. When placed near the surface of a fluid, air is drawn in and the fluid is aerated as well as mixed.

Abstract: Controlled-pressure casting of molten metals using a die with an extractable punch and a fixed die, includes positioning and stopping the punch within the die so as to define a casting cavity with a volume greater that that of the part to be obtained. A metered amount of liquid metal is then poured into the casting cavity through a duct which leads into the cavity, and the punch is moved to close inside the die so as to create a pressure suitable for distributing the metal throughout the cavity. A high-pressure compression is then exerted on the metal contained in the cavity and, maintained until the molten metal solidifies, the punch is partially removed from the die, with separation of the punch from the formed part, before finally removing the punch from the die and extracting the part from the die.

Abstract: The chuck includes a structure supporting a table provided with first sliding seats and with second sliding seats which extend radially from the center of the table and respectively accommodate means for centering the workpiece and means for locking the workpiece; the centering means are controllably movable towards or away from the center of the table, while the locking means are controllably movable from a first position spaced from the workpiece to a second position proximate to the workpiece and are also controllably movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the face of the table directed towards the workpiece from a release position, in which the locking means are disengaged with the workpiece, to an engagement position, in which the locking means are engaged from the workpiece. The chuck also includes control means which act on the centering means and on the locking means; means are furthermore provided for the connection of the control means to the locking means in the second position.