Abstract: An ablation system comprises: an ablation catheter and a console. The ablation catheter comprises: a shaft including a proximal end, a distal portion and a distal end; an ablation element configured to deliver energy to tissue; and a force maintenance assembly comprising a force maintenance element and configured to control and/or assess contact force between the ablation element and cardiac tissue. The console is configured to operably attach to the ablation catheter and comprises: an energy delivery assembly configured to provide energy to the ablation element. Methods of ablating tissue are also provided.

Abstract: A system for treating a patient comprises a delivery device and injectate. The delivery device comprises an elongate shaft with a distal portion and at least one delivery element positioned on the elongate shaft distal portion. The delivery device is constructed and arranged to deliver the injectate through the at least one delivery element and into tissue to create a therapeutic restriction in the gastrointestinal tract. Methods of creating a therapeutic restriction are also provided.

Abstract: A stimulation apparatus for a patient is provided, the apparatus comprising an external system configured to transmit transmission signals and an implantable system configured to receive the transmission signals from the external system. The implantable system comprises at least one implantable lead, a first implantable device for connecting to the implantable lead during a first time period and a second implantable device for subsequently connecting to the implantable lead for a second time period.

Abstract: An oral retraction device comprises a tongue depressor blade, an articulation assembly constructed and arranged to articulate the tongue depressor blade with at least three degrees of freedom, and a support element constructed and arranged to provide a stabilizing force to the articulation assembly during articulation of the tongue depressor blade.

Abstract: In an articulating probe system, an articulating probe is constructed and arranged to articulate in at least one degree of motion and to transition between a flexible state and a rigid state, the articulating probe comprising a plurality of links between a proximal link and a distal link. The distal link of the articulating probe includes a side port constructed and arranged to receive a distal end of an elongate tool. A tool support is in communication with the articulating probe for supporting the elongate tool, the tool support including a tool tube that extends from the tool support at an intermediate portion to the side port of the distal link at a distal portion, the tool tube having a first flexibility in the intermediate portion and having a second flexibility in the distal portion; the second flexibility being greater in flexibility than the first flexibility.

Abstract: Provided is a method of treating cardiac arrhythmia in a patient. The method comprises selecting a patient suffering from a cardiac arrhythmia and creating a flow pathway between a first vascular location and a second vascular location. The first vascular location comprises a source of arterial blood and the second vascular location comprises a source of venous blood. Systems and devices for creating a flow pathway are also provided.

Abstract: A medical appliance for the treatment of one or more sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea in a patient, the appliance comprising: a biasing member for inserting behind and exerting a force upon the patient's soft palate or tongue, wherein the biasing member is inserted in a reduced or minimized form and then expanded or firms once in place to exert the force. The appliance may be nasally inserted or be placed through the mouth. In a particular configuration, both the soft palate and tongue are biased to prevent obstruction of the flow of air in the nasopharyngeal airway.

Abstract: A highly articulated robotic probe comprises an outer sleeve and an inner core. The outer sleeve and inner core include a plurality of links. The links of the outer sleeve and inner core are configured to pivot relative to one another. Various characteristics of the links determine the overall pivot angle of the articulated probe. Each of the plurality of links may have one or more channels. The channels form a semi-continuous passage from link to link and are configured to receive an elongated member such as an inner core, tool or cable. One or more cables may be used to control the outer links of the outer sleeve and the inner links of the inner core. Various characteristics of the cables determine the overall performance of the articulated probe.

Abstract: A tool positioning system for performing a medical procedure on a patient includes an articulating probe having a distal portion and a stereoscopic imaging assembly for providing an image of a target location. The stereoscopic imaging assembly comprises: a first camera assembly comprising a first lens and a first sensor, wherein the first camera assembly is constructed and arranged to provide a first magnification of the target location; and a second camera assembly comprising a second lens and a second sensor, wherein the second camera assembly is constructed and arranged to provide a second magnification of the target location. In some embodiments, the second magnification is greater than the first magnification.

Abstract: A system for producing a graft device for a patient may comprise: an imaging device configured to produce image data of a tubular conduit; and a processing unit configured to receive the image data from the imaging device. The processing unit may comprise an algorithm configured to process the image data, and produce a construction signal based on the image data. A material delivery device may be configured to receive the construction signal from the processor, and deliver material to produce a 3D covering based on the construction signal. The graft device may comprise the 3D covering positioned about the tubular conduit. Graft devices and methods of producing graft devices may also be provided.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the formation of an arteriovenous fistula in the limb of the patient. Embodiments include an apparatus for the creation, modification and maintenance of a fistula, including the modification of an existing dialysis fistula; and a method of supplying oxygenated blood to the venous circulation of a patient. A kit of anastomotic implants is described which supports a broad base of patient anatomies and fistula locations. The devices, systems and methods can be used to treat patients with one or more numerous ailments including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, hypotension, respiratory failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension, lung fibrosis and adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Abstract: A system for treatment target tissue comprises an ablation device and an energy delivery unit. The ablation device comprises an elongate tube with an expandable treatment element. The system delivers a thermal dose of energy to treat the target tissue. Methods of treating target tissue are also provided.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are described for visualizing the anatomy of a patient. An expanding portion is configured to expand towards the tissue walls of a body space and be visible with one or more visualization instruments. Systems and methods are described which advance a probe from a first vessel toward a target in a second vessel.

Abstract: A fluid flow system for a patient is disclosed. A fluid drive module includes a fluid drive element, a housing, and a chamber located between the housing and the fluid drive element. A controller or control module modifies the speed of the fluid drive element during use, such as to prevent thrombus or otherwise improve flow conditions. Methods of alternating fluid flow are also provided.

Abstract: A system for performing a medical procedure includes an articulating probe including inner and outer sleeves, and a surgical tool including a functional element positioned at a distal end of a tool shaft, the tool shaft having an articulation region. The articulating probe and the surgical tool are independently controllable.

Abstract: Provided is a flex-PCB catheter device that is configured to be inserted into a body lumen. The flex-PCB catheter comprises an elongate shaft, an expandable assembly, a flexible printed circuit board (flex-PCB) substrate, a plurality of electronic components and a plurality of communication paths. The elongate shaft comprises a proximal end and a distal end. The expandable assembly is configured to transition from a radially compact state to a radially expanded state. The plurality of electronic elements are coupled to the flex-PCB substrate and are configured to receive and/or transmit an electric signal. The plurality of communication paths are positioned on and/or within the flex-PCB substrate. The communication paths selectively couple the plurality of electronic elements to a plurality of electrical contacts configured to electrically connect to an electronic module configured to process the electrical signal. The flex-PCB substrate can have multiple layers, including one or more metallic layers.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for treating a patient include providing a tissue treatment element constructed and arranged to deliver energy to tissue and treating tissue of the gastrointestinal tract by causing the tissue treatment element to deliver energy to an energy delivery zone. Treatment results in a reduction in the luminal surface area of at least a portion of the gastrointestinal tract. In particular embodiments, the methods, systems and devices are used to treat diabetes.

Abstract: A shunt rivet for implantation between a first body space and a second body space in a patient, such as to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Abstract: A system for modifying behavior of a subject is provided. The system comprises: an input assembly configured to receive input data; a data analyzer configured to receive the input data from the input assembly, analyze the input data and produce a behavioral modification regimen based on the input data; and an output assembly configured to receive the behavioral modification regimen from the data analyzer and produce output data based on the behavioral modification regimen. The output data is configured to modify behavior of the subject. Methods of modifying behavior of a subject are also provided.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The devices include an expandable spacer having an undeployed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the spacer has axial and radial dimensions for positioning between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae. The systems include one or more spacers and a mechanical actuation means for delivering and deploying the spacer. The methods involve the implantation of one or more spacers within the interspinous space.