Abstract: Devices and methods are described for facilitating passage of a probe or other element across an anatomical boundary. In some embodiments, the probe may be an intracardiac echo (ICE) probe, and the anatomical boundary may be the interatrial septum (IAS). The probe is delivered via transcatheter access from a femoral vein to the right atrium using a moveable guide catheter through which the probe and a wire with a resizable distal loop are advanced. The probe and wire may extend through respective lumens of the guide catheter. The loop may be resized to track, capture, and release a sheath, such that a transcatheter delivered medical device such as a left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion device or other device, may traverse the IAS with the ICE probe via a single puncture site.

Abstract: Surgical devices and methods for excluding the left atrial appendage (LAA) via a thoracoscopic approach or at the time of open heart surgery. The device includes a trocar for accessing the LAA and a delivery system for implantation of the occlusion implant through the trocar. The occlusion implant can be an expandable metal clip or an expandable metal-framed occlusion device that includes a tissue scaffold. The trocar is placed through an opening in the tip of the LAA, then the occlusion implant is delivered through it and placed near the ostium of the LAA to seal it off from the left atrium. The hole in the tip of the LAA is then closed. Other associated surgical devices and methods are described.

Abstract: A method including the steps of providing fluid through an inlet into a vessel at atmospheric pressure. The method further includes passing the fluid through a filtration unit utilizing a downstream pump, the filtration unit creating a flux of less than or equal to about 0.05 gallons per minute per square foot (GPM/ft2), and moving the fluid processed by the filtration unit through an outlet of the vessel.

Abstract: A method including the steps of providing fluid through an inlet into a vessel at atmospheric pressure. The method further includes passing the fluid through a filtration unit utilizing a downstream pump, the filtration unit creating a flux of less than or equal to about 0.05 gallons per minute per square foot (GPM/ft2), and moving the fluid processed by the filtration unit through an outlet of the vessel.

Abstract: A method including the steps of moving fluid through an inlet into a vessel, the vessel being at atmospheric pressure and having at least one side wall and a bottom wall forming an internal chamber within the vessel. The method further includes moving the fluid into and through a filtration unit utilizing a downstream pump, the filtration unit creating a flux of less than or equal to about 0.05 gallons per minute per square foot (GPM/ft2), and moving the fluid processed by the filtration unit to an outlet and out of the vessel.

Abstract: Devices and methods for occluding the left atrial appendage (LAA) with a device having multifunctional capability. The device is delivered via transcatheter delivery into the LAA and anchored using a compliant frame and scaffold, which may be foam. The device further includes one or more electronic systems to provide a multitude of features related to sensing, electrical stimulation, pacing, communication, etc. The device may have an open configuration where an opening in the proximal end of the device allows for delivery of one or more sensors into and/or through the device. The device may be manipulated into a closed configuration to secure the electronic systems therein and close off the proximal end to provide the occlusive effects. The electronic systems therein may then be used for the various electronic and other functions.

Abstract: A method including the steps of moving fluid through an inlet into a vessel, the vessel being at atmospheric pressure and having at least one side wall and a bottom wall forming an internal chamber within the vessel. The method further includes moving the fluid into and through a filtration unit utilizing a downstream pump, the filtration unit creating a flux of less than or equal to about 0.05 gallons per minute per square foot (GPM/ft2), and moving the fluid processed by the filtration unit to an outlet and out of the vessel.

Abstract: A particle separation system may comprise a vessel having at least one side wall and a bottom wall forming an internal chamber within the vessel, a filtration unit positioned within the vessel and including a first filtration pack including a first plurality of filter elements, an inlet for moving pre-separated fluid into the vessel, and an outlet in fluid communication with the filtration pack for moving processed fluid out of the vessel, a rate of pre-separated fluid flow into the vessel and a rate of processed fluid flow out of the vessel each being between about 10 and about 1000 gallons per minute (GPM) and a flux within the filtration unit is less than or equal to about 0.05 gallons per minute per square foot (GPM/ft2).

Abstract: A particle separation system may comprise a vessel having at least one side wall and a bottom wall forming an internal chamber within the vessel, a filtration unit positioned within the vessel and including a first filtration pack including a first plurality of filter elements, an inlet for moving pre-separated fluid into the vessel, and an outlet in fluid communication with the filtration pack for moving processed fluid out of the vessel, a rate of pre-separated fluid flow into the vessel and a rate of processed fluid flow out of the vessel each being between about 10 and about 1000 gallons per minute (GPM) and a flux within the filtration unit is less than or equal to about 0.05 gallons per minute per square foot (GPM/ft2).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a filter vessel including a housing with an inlet and an outlet, a toroidal-shaped inlet manifold, and a plurality of inlet channels. The toroidal-shaped inlet manifold is in fluid communication with the inlet and is positioned along a circumference of the housing, and the plurality of inlet channels are in fluid communication with the toroidal-shaped inlet manifold.

Abstract: The present invention provides environmentally friendly demulsifiers for the breakdown of petroleum oil applications. The demulsification formulations of the present invention are biodegradable and are low in toxicity. The demulsifiers include a poly(tetramethylene glycol) and an alkylene glycol copolymer linked to the poly(tetramethylene glycol) by a difunctional coupling agent.

Abstract: A process for the extraction of an unwanted material from a gas or liquid comprising the steps of introducing an extraction liquid into the fluid having an unwanted liquid therein to form a physical microdispersion comprising a plurality of extraction liquid droplets and the fluid, allowing the plurality of extraction liquid droplets to interact with the unwanted component in the fluid, to cause the extraction liquid droplets to be “wetted out” and captured on a porous medium, where the liquid is further contacted by the gas and simultaneously formed into a plurality of coalesceable droplets, coalescing the coalesceable droplets into larger droplets containing the unwanted liquid, and separating the larger droplets containing the unwanted liquid from the fluid.

Abstract: A process for the extraction of an unwanted material from a gas comprising the steps of introducing an extraction liquid into a fluid having an unwanted liquid therein to form a physical aerosol comprising a plurality of extraction liquid droplets and the fluid, allowing the plurality of extraction liquid droplets to interact with the unwanted liquid in the gas to cause the extraction liquid droplets to be “wetted out” and captured on a porous medium, where the liquid is further contacted by the gas and simultaneously formed into a plurality of coalesceable droplets, coalescing the coalesceable droplets into larger droplets containing the unwanted liquid, and separating the larger droplets containing the unwanted liquid from the fluid.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a filter vessel including a housing with an inlet and an outlet, a toroidal-shaped inlet manifold, and a plurality of inlet channels. The toroidal-shaped inlet manifold is in fluid communication with the inlet and is positioned along a circumference of the housing, and the plurality of inlet channels are in fluid communication with the toroidal-shaped inlet manifold.

Abstract: A process for the extraction of an unwanted material from a gas comprising the steps of introducing an extraction liquid into a fluid having an unwanted liquid therein to form a physical aerosol comprising a plurality of extraction liquid droplets and the fluid, allowing the plurality of extraction liquid droplets to interact with the unwanted liquid in the gas to cause the extraction liquid droplets to be “wetted out” and captured on a porous medium, where the liquid is further contacted by the gas and simultaneously formed into a plurality of coalesceable droplets, coalescing the coalesceable droplets into larger droplets containing the unwanted liquid, and separating the larger droplets containing the unwanted liquid from the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides environmentally friendly demulsifiers for the breakdown of petroleum oil applications. The demulsification formulations of the present invention are biodegradable and are low in toxicity. The demulsifiers include a poly(tetramethylene glycol) and an alkylene glycol copolymer linked to the poly(tetramethylene glycol) by a difunctional coupling agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides environmentally friendly demulsifiers for the break down of petroleum oil applications. The demulsification formulations of the present invention are biodegradable and are low in toxicity. The demulsifiers include a poly(tetramethylene glycol) and an alkylene glycol copolymer linked to the poly(tetramethylene glycol) by a difunctional coupling agent.

Abstract: A process for the extraction of an unwanted material from a gas comprising the steps of introducing an extraction liquid into a fluid having an unwanted liquid therein to form a physical aerosol comprising a plurality of extraction liquid droplets and the fluid, allowing the plurality of extraction liquid droplets to interact with the unwanted liquid in the gas to cause the extraction liquid droplets to be “wetted out” and captured on a porous medium, where the liquid is further contacted by the gas and simultaneously formed into a plurality of coalesceable droplets, coalescing the coalesceable droplets into larger droplets containing the unwanted liquid, and separating the larger droplets containing the unwanted liquid from the fluid.

Abstract: A method or process for reducing the dissolution, or leaching, of trace components from a surface, such as glass, glass fibers, filter media or assembled filters by reaction or adsorption with the surface.

Abstract: A process for the extraction of an unwanted material from a gas or liquid comprising the steps of introducing an extraction liquid into the fluid having an unwanted liquid therein to form a physical microdispersion comprising a plurality of extraction liquid droplets and the fluid, allowing the plurality of extraction liquid droplets to interact with the unwanted component in the fluid, to cause the extraction liquid droplets to be “wetted out” and captured on a porous medium, where the liquid is further contacted by the gas and simultaneously formed into a plurality of coalesceable droplets, coalescing the coalesceable droplets into larger droplets containing the unwanted liquid, and separating the larger droplets containing the unwanted liquid from the fluid.