Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for using catheters to increase the accuracy of anatomical maps in the setting of patient movement.

Abstract: PATENT Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for placing pacing leads or other devices within a patient's heart. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a tubular member comprising a flexible distal portion defining a curvilinear shape in a relaxed state including a curved first region defining a first radius lying within a first plane, a substantially straight second region extending from the first curved region defining a first length, and a curved third region extending from the second region defining a second radius smaller than the first radius.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for inhibiting mouth breathing and/or improving nasal breathing, e.g., for PAP users or users with other sleeping problems. In an exemplary embodiment, an adhesive device is provided that includes an elongate membrane comprising first and second ends and side edges extending between the first and second ends, a first surface comprising an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer may be a low tack adhesive that is adherent to skin, yet is also easily removable without leaving significant residue. Optionally, the device may include one or more valves to provide one-way flow across the membrane, one or more weakened regions in the membrane, and/or one or more tabs to facilitate removal of the membrane from over a user's mouth.

Abstract: Catheters, sheaths, or other tubular devices are provided that include a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a patient's body, and a steerable distal portion. The tubular device includes a primary lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends; an auxiliary lumen adjacent the primary lumen; and one or more reinforcement members including windings extending helically along at least the distal portion, at least some of the windings passing between the primary and steering element lumens and at least some of the windings surrounding both the primary and steering element lumens. In one embodiment, a steering element is slidably disposed within the auxiliary lumen. Apparatus and methods for making such tubular devices are also provided.

Abstract: Bonded void valves are provided for a sheath, catheter, or other tubular device that include a central valve portion comprising central mating surfaces opposite one another and a passage extending between the central mating surfaces along a valve axis; and first and second outer valve portions, each outer valve portion comprising an outer valve portion mating surface, an outer face opposite the outer valve portion mating surface, and a slit extending substantially parallel to the valve axis between the outer valve portion mating surface and the outer face, the outer valve portion mating surface of the first and second outer valve portions attached to respective central mating surfaces of the central valve portion such that the slits are aligned with the passage on opposite sides of the central valve portion.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for placing pacing leads or other devices within a patient's heart. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a tubular member comprising a flexible distal portion defining a curvilinear shape in a relaxed state including a curved first region defining a first radius lying within a first plane, a substantially straight second region extending from the first curved region defining a first length, and a curved third region extending from the second region defining a second radius smaller than the first radius.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for inhibiting mouth breathing and/or improving nasal breathing, e.g., for PAP users or users with other sleeping problems. In an exemplary embodiment, an adhesive device is provided that includes an elongate membrane comprising first and second ends and side edges extending between the first and second ends, a first surface comprising an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer may be a low tack adhesive that is adherent to skin, yet is also easily removable without leaving significant residue. Optionally, the device may include one or more valves to provide one-way flow across the membrane, one or more weakened regions in the membrane, and/or one or more tabs to facilitate removal of the membrane from over a user's mouth.

Abstract: A valve is provided for a sheath, catheter, or other tubular device that includes a first face, a second face opposite the first face and an axis extending between the first and second faces. A first slit extends substantially parallel to the axis from the first face towards the second face to a first intermediate location within the valve body, a second slit extends substantially parallel to the axis from the second face towards the first face to a second intermediate location within the valve body, and a bore extends along the axis between the first intermediate location and the second intermediate location.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for using catheters to increase the accuracy of anatomical maps in the setting of patient movement.

Abstract: Catheters, sheaths, or other tubular devices are provided that include a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a patient's body, and a steerable distal portion. The tubular device includes a primary lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends; an auxiliary lumen adjacent the primary lumen; and one or more reinforcement members including windings extending helically along at least the distal portion, at least some of the windings passing between the primary and steering element lumens and at least some of the windings surrounding both the primary and steering element lumens. In one embodiment, a steering element is slidably disposed within the auxiliary lumen. Apparatus and methods for making such tubular devices are also provided.

Abstract: System and methods are provided for harvesting one or more organs, e.g., a lung from a donor body. In one embodiment, a distal end of a tubular member is introduced into the donor body's vasculature via a percutaneous access site, and the tubular member is manipulated until the distal end of the tubular member is disposed within the thoracic duct. Fluid is removed from the thoracic duct through the tubular member to a location exterior to the patient's body, and one or more organs are removed from the donor body. Optionally, one or more parameters within the thoracic duct or other parameters of the donor body may be monitored and fluid removal may be adjusted to reduce fluid accumulation within the one or more organs.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for inhibiting mouth breathing and/or improving nasal breathing, e.g., for PAP users or users with other sleeping problems. In an exemplary embodiment, an adhesive device is provided that includes an elongate membrane comprising first and second ends and side edges extending between the first and second ends, a first surface comprising an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer may be a low tack adhesive that is adherent to skin, yet is also easily removable without leaving significant residue. Optionally, the device may include one or more valves to provide one-way flow across the membrane, one or more weakened regions in the membrane, and/or one or more tabs to facilitate removal of the membrane from over a user's mouth.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for delivering fluids into a patient's body that includes a tubular member including a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a patient's body, and a fluid delivery lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends; and a flexible pad on the distal end including a tissue contacting surface, a passage communicating with the fluid delivery lumen, and plurality of capillary channels in the tissue contact surface communicating with the passage, the capillary channels configured to deliver fluid from the fluid delivery lumen and passage to tissue contacted by the tissue contact surface.

Abstract: A valve is provided for a sheath, catheter, or other tubular device that includes a first face, a second face opposite the first face and an axis extending between the first and second faces. A first slit extends substantially parallel to the axis from the first face towards the second face to a first intermediate location within the valve body, a second slit extends substantially parallel to the axis from the second face towards the first face to a second intermediate location within the valve body, and a bore extends along the axis between the first intermediate location and the second intermediate location.

Abstract: A hub is provided for a sheath, catheter, or other tubular device that includes a tubular body comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a hub passage extending between the proximal end and the distal end; a valve mounted in the tubular body adjacent the proximal end comprising a proximal surface adjacent the proximal end and a distal surface adjacent an intermediate region of the hub passage; a side port comprising a first end coupled to an outer surface of the tubular body adjacent the intermediate region, a second outer end, and a port passage extending between the second end and the first end and communicating with the intermediate region of the hub passage; and a guide element in the side port adjacent the first end for directing fluid introduced into the second end through the port passage towards the distal surface of the valve.

Abstract: System and methods are provided for harvesting one or more organs, e.g., a lung from a donor body. In one embodiment, a distal end of a tubular member is introduced into the donor body's vasculature via a percutaneous access site, and the tubular member is manipulated until the distal end of the tubular member is disposed within the thoracic duct. Fluid is removed from the thoracic duct through the tubular member to a location exterior to the patient's body, and one or more organs are removed from the donor body. Optionally, one or more parameters within the thoracic duct or other parameters of the donor body may be monitored and fluid removal may be adjusted to reduce fluid accumulation within the one or more organs.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for optically sensing position within body lumens within a patient's body, e.g., in blood-filled vessels and chambers. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a tubular member including a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a patient's body, and one or more lumens extending between the proximal and distal ends; a distal tip on the distal end for contacting tissue; and one or more optical elements on the distal tip configured to transmit illumination beyond the distal tip and capture optical signals from tissue or fluids adjacent the distal tip. The distal tip may be positioned within a body lumen, and the optical elements may be used to detect the proximity of the distal tip relative to tissue adjacent the body lumen.

Abstract: Devices and methods for draining excess lymph fluid are disclosed. The device can be fixed to the blood vessel adjacent to the thoracic duct. The device can have a port for withdrawing lymph fluid exiting the thoracic duct. The device can have a cannula and/or subcutaneous port to draw the lymph fluid away from the thoracic duct and reduce hemostatic pressure in the lymphatic system.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for placing pacing leads or other devices within a patient's heart. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a tubular member comprising a flexible distal portion defining a curvilinear shape in a relaxed state including a curved first region defining a first radius lying within a first plane, a substantially straight second region extending from the first curved region defining a first length, and a curved third region extending from the second region defining a second radius smaller than the first radius.

Abstract: Catheters, sheaths, or other tubular devices are provided that include a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a patient's body, and a steerable distal portion carrying a plurality of electrodes. The tubular device includes a primary lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends; a steering element lumen adjacent the primary lumen; a plurality of wires extending proximally from the electrodes, and reinforcement members including windings extending helically along at least the distal portion, at least some of the windings passing between the primary and steering element lumens and wires, and at least some of the windings surrounding the primary lumen and one or both of the steering element lumen and the wires. In one embodiment, a steering element is slidably disposed within the auxiliary lumen. Apparatus and methods for making such tubular devices are also provided.