Abstract: A system and a method for disrupting an occlusion within a blood vessel is provided The system includes an elongated catheter body having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a first lumen. The system further includes an ultrasound transmitter extending longitudinally through the first lumen of the catheter body and having a proximal end and a distal end. The system further includes a positioning mechanism located at a distal end of the catheter body. The positioning mechanism has a first retracted position and a second deployed position, and the positioning mechanism is radially expandable from the first retracted position to the second deployed position to position the catheter in the blood vessel.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a modular stent assembly for deployment within a lumen. The assembly may include primary and secondary stent portions. Each stent portion includes a sheet having an incomplete annular profile. The sheet includes a graft material disposed on a wire matrix. Each stent portion further includes an aperture positioned in the sheet, and first and second side walls. The first side wall extends between the aperture and a first longitudinal edge of the sheet. The second side wall extends between the aperture and a second longitudinal edge of the sheet, which is spaced apart from the first edge. The stent portions mate to define an interior space in which is positioned an expandable securement stent. An outer wall of the securement stent is sized to compress the side walls of the stent portions between the body of the securement stent and a wall defining the lumen.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a MEMS-fabricated variable capacitor. In one embodiment the capacitor is a comb drive comprising a plurality of plates interdigitated with a corresponding blades. As the plates move relative to the blades, the capacitance of the sensor changes. The capacitor is sufficiently sensitive to measure respiratory pressure in an animal.

Abstract: A system and a method for disrupting an occlusion within a blood vessel is provided The system includes an elongated catheter body having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a first lumen. The system further includes an ultrasound transmitter extending longitudinally through the first lumen of the catheter body and having a proximal end and a distal end. The system further includes a positioning mechanism located at a distal end of the catheter body. The positioning mechanism has a first retracted position and a second deployed position, and the positioning mechanism is radially expandable from the first retracted position to the second deployed position to position the catheter in the blood vessel.

Abstract: A guide catheter assembly includes an outer sheath and an inner catheter disposed, at least partially, within the outer sheath. A tether tethers the inner catheter to the outer sheath. The guide catheter assembly has a first configuration where the tether is untensioned and distal ends of the outer sheath and inner catheter are pointing in a first direction. In a second configuration of the guide catheter assembly, the tether is tensioned, the distal end of the outer sheath is pointing in the first direction, the distal end of the inner catheter is pointing in a second direction that is different from the first direction, and the tether is oriented at an angle different from both the first direction and the second direction.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a MEMS-fabricated variable capacitor. In one embodiment the capacitor is a comb drive comprising a plurality of plates interdigitated with a corresponding blades. As the plates move relative to the blades, the capacitance of the sensor changes. The capacitor is sufficiently sensitive to measure respiratory pressure in an animal.

Abstract: Stents including a cylindrical body having a distal portion, a skirt having an apex coupled to the distal portion, and an extension mechanism adapted to expand the skirt are disclosed. Methods of inserting such stents are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a MEMS-fabricated variable capacitor. In one embodiment the capacitor is a comb drive comprising a plurality of plates interdigitated with a corresponding blades. As the plates move relative to the blades, the capacitance of the sensor changes. The capacitor is sufficiently sensitive to measure respiratory pressure in an animal.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) includes obtaining nerve recordings from a subject using electrodes implanted to acquire signals from arteries or veins associated with sympathetic nerve activity of the subject and comparing the nerve recordings against at least one of pre-operative nerve recordings and post-operative nerve recordings to detect residual nerve activity of the subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a modular stent assembly for deployment within a lumen. The assembly may include primary and secondary stent portions. Each stent portion includes a sheet having an incomplete annular profile. The sheet includes a graft material disposed on a wire matrix. Each stent portion further includes an aperture positioned in the sheet, and first and second side walls. The first side wall extends between the aperture and a first longitudinal edge of the sheet. The second side wall extends between the aperture and a second longitudinal edge of the sheet, which is spaced apart from the first edge. The stent portions mate to define an interior space in which is positioned an expandable securement stent. An outer wall of the securement stent is sized to compress the side walls of the stent portions between the body of the securement stent and a wall defining the lumen.

Abstract: A guide catheter assembly includes an outer sheath and an inner catheter disposed, at least partially, within the outer sheath. A tether tethers the inner catheter to the outer sheath. The guide catheter assembly has a first configuration where the tether is untensioned and distal ends of the outer sheath and inner catheter are pointing in a first direction. In a second configuration of the guide catheter assembly, the tether is tensioned, the distal end of the outer sheath is pointing in the first direction, the distal end of the inner catheter is pointing in a second direction that is different from the first direction, and the tether is oriented at an angle different from both the first direction and the second direction.

Abstract: An electrode for monitoring nerve activity has been developed. The electrode includes an array of electrically conductive projections extending from a surface of an electrical contact that enable the electrical contact to be connected directly to the nerve.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a MEMS-fabricated variable capacitor. In one embodiment the capacitor is a comb drive comprising a plurality of plates interdigitated with a corresponding blades. As the plates move relative to the blades, the capacitance of the sensor changes. The capacitor is sufficiently sensitive to measure respiratory pressure in an animal.