Abstract: Methods and apparatus for closing a left atrial appendage are described. The methods rely on introducing a closure tool from a location beneath the rib cage, over an epicardial surface, and to the exterior of the left atrial appendage. The closure device may then be used to close the left atrial appendage, preferably at its base, by any one of a variety of techniques. A specific technique using graspers and a closing loop is illustrated.

Abstract: A prosthesis is disclosed for placement across an ostium opening from a main body lumen to a branch body lumen. The prosthesis comprises a radially expansible support at one end, a circumferentially extending link at the other end and at least one spiral frond extending axially therebetween.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a prosthesis for placement at an Os opening from a main body lumen to a branch body lumen. The prosthesis comprises a radially expansible support and at least one frond extending axially from an end of the support. The support is configured to be deployed in at least a portion of a first body lumen, which can be a branch body lumen. At least one frond is extendable into across an ostium, e.g., from the first body lumen into a second body lumen, which may be a main body lumen.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a prosthesis delivery system comprising a delivery catheter having an expandable member and a prosthesis carried over the expandable member. The prosthesis includes a radially expandable scaffold section and at least two anchors extending axially from an end thereof; and means for capturing at least the anchors to prevent the anchors from divaricating from the expandable member as the catheter is advanced through a patient's vasculature.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for closing a left atrial appendage are described. The methods rely on introducing a closure tool from a location beneath the rib cage, over an epicardial surface, and to the exterior of the left atrial appendage. The closure device may then be used to close the left atrial appendage, preferably at its base, by any one of a variety of techniques. A specific technique using graspers and a closing loop is illustrated.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus for lead placement on a surface of the heart are employed using an elongated body having proximal and distal end portions. The body defines a lead receiving passageway extending between a proximal inlet and a distal outlet for receiving a lead therethrough for contact with the heart surface. The elongated body is adapted for insertion between a pericardium and an epicardial surface. At least a portion of the body may have a non-circular cross-sectional shape adapted to retain the body orientation between the pericardium and the epicardial surface.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a prosthesis delivery system comprising a delivery catheter having an expandable member and a prosthesis carried over the expandable member. The prosthesis includes a radially expandable scaffold section and at least two anchors extending axially from an end thereof; and means for capturing at least the anchors to prevent the anchors from divaricating from the expandable member as the catheter is advanced through a patient's vasculature.

Abstract: Devices, systems, methods, and kits for treating the tissue structures of the ear make use of a guide structure that can mechanically register a treatment probe with a target region of a target tissue, the guide structure being fittingly received in an auditory canal and often comprising a conformable body such as a compressible foam, or the like. The guide structure may include an articulating mechanism for selectively orienting the treatment probe toward the target region of, for example, a tympanic membrane. The guide structure may also support a videoscopic image capture device, illumination transmitting optical fibers, an aiming beam transmitter, and the like. Such structures facilitate myringotomy, tympanostomy tube placement, and the like, under local anesthesia in a doctor's office.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a prosthesis for placement at an Os opening from a main body lumen to a branch body lumen. The prosthesis comprises a radially expansible support and at least one frond extending axially from an end of the support. The support is configured to be deployed in at least a portion of a first body lumen, which can be a branch body lumen. At least one frond is extendable into across an ostium, e.g., from the first body lumen into a second body lumen, which may be a main body lumen.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a prosthesis delivery system comprising a delivery catheter having an expandable member and a prosthesis carried over the expandable member. The prosthesis includes a radially expandable scaffold section and at least two anchors extending axially from an end thereof; and means for capturing at least the anchors to prevent the anchors from divaricating from the expandable member as the catheter is advanced through a patient's vasculature.

Abstract: A prosthesis is disclosed for placement across an ostium opening from a main body lumen to a branch body lumen. The prosthesis comprises a radially expansible support at one end, a circumferentially extending link at the other end and at least one spiral frond extending axially therebetween.

Abstract: An access tube is used for accessing an anatomic space, such as a pericardial space between the parietal and visceral pericardia. The access tube is advanced against the parietal pericardium and an anchor structure thereon embedded into the parietal pericardium. The access tube can then be used to separate the parietal and visceral pericardia and enlarge the pericardial space. After such enlargement, a needle or other access device can be introduced through the access tube into the pericardial space to provide access for a wide variety of purposes, including aspiration, infusion, and guidewire placement.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a prosthesis for placement at an Os opening from a main body lumen to a branch body lumen. The prosthesis comprises a radially expansible support and a plurality of fronds extending axially from an end of the support. The support is configured to be deployed in at least a portion of the branch body lumen. At least one of the plurality of fronds is extendable into the main body lumen.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a prosthesis delivery system comprising a delivery catheter having an expandable member and a prosthesis carried over the expandable member. The prosthesis includes a radially expandable scaffold section and at least two anchors extending axially from an end thereof; and means for capturing at least the anchors to prevent the anchors from divaricating from the expandable member as the catheter is advanced through a patient's vasculature.

Abstract: Devices, systems, methods, and kits for treating the tissue structures of the ear make use of a guide structure that can mechanically register a treatment probe with a target region of a target tissue, the guide structure being fittingly received in an auditory canal and often comprising a conformable body such as a compressible foam, or the like. The guide structure may include an articulating mechanism for selectively orienting the treatment probe toward the target region of, for example, a tympanic membrane. The guide structure may also support a videoscopic image capture device, illumination transmitting optical fibers, an aiming beam transmitter, and the like. Such structures facilitate myringotomy, tympanostomy tube placement, and the like, under local anesthesia in a doctor's office.

Abstract: A prosthesis is disclosed for placement across an ostium opening from a main body lumen to a branch body lumen. The prosthesis comprises a radially expansible support at one end, a circumferentially extending link at the other end and at least one spiral frond extending axially therebetween.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus for lead placement on a surface of the heart are employed using an elongated body having proximal and distal end portions. The body defines a lead receiving passageway extending between a proximal inlet and a distal outlet for receiving a lead therethrough for contact with the heart surface. The elongated body is adapted for insertion between a pericardium and an epicardial surface. At least a portion of the body may have a non-circular cross-sectional shape adapted to retain the body orientation between the pericardium and the epicardial surface.

Abstract: A prosthesis includes a radially expansible scaffold in at least two circumferential anchors extending from the scaffold. The prosthesis is placed across an os between a main body lumen and a branch lumen. The scaffold is expanded within the branch lumen and the circumferential anchors deformed outwardly to conform to the wall of the main body lumen. Optionally, a second prosthesis may be placed within the main body lumen after the first prosthesis has been deployed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for closing a left atrial appendage are described. The methods rely on introducing a closure tool from a location beneath the rib cage, over an epicardial surface, and to the exterior of the left atrial appendage. The closure device may then be used to close the left atrial appendage, preferably at its base, by any one of a variety of techniques. A specific technique using graspers and a closing loop is illustrated.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for closing a left atrial appendage are described. The methods rely on introducing a closure tool from a location beneath the rib cage, over an epicardial surface, and to the exterior of the left atrial appendage. The closure device may then be used to close the left atrial appendage, preferably at its base, by any one of a variety of techniques. A specific technique using graspers and a closing loop is illustrated.