Abstract: An implantable stent for treating hypertension, the stent having a non-circular cross-section so as to reshape the artery in which the implant is deployed so as to increase strain in the arterial walls to amplify strain signals in the arterial walls by the baroreceptors of the artery. The stent can further include pulsatility enhancing windows of the implantable frame to enhance pulsatility of the vessel wall subsequent implantation.

Abstract: An implantable frame comprises a plurality of corner structures configured to decrease pressure to the vessel wall and define pulsatility enhancing windows of the implantable frame. The corner structures may comprise plurality of neighboring longitudinal struts that extend in a longitudinal direction of the blood vessel when placed to form the vessel wall to a substantially polygonal cross-section and distribute pressure loading of the corner structure among the plurality of neighboring longitudinal struts to improve biocompatibility. The corner structures also allow increased forming of the vessel wall and can provide stretching of the vessel wall to enhance pulsatility of the vessel wall.

Abstract: An implantable frame comprises a plurality of corner structures configured to decrease pressure to the vessel wall and define pulsatility enhancing windows of the implantable frame. The corner structures may comprise plurality of neighboring longitudinal struts that extend in a longitudinal direction of the blood vessel when placed to form the vessel wall to a substantially polygonal cross-section and distribute pressure loading of the corner structure among the plurality of neighboring longitudinal struts to improve biocompatibility. The corner structures also allow increased forming of the vessel wall and can provide stretching of the vessel wall to enhance pulsatility of the vessel wall.

Abstract: Systems and methods for screening a subject for a therapy are described. A mechanical stimulation device positioned near at target location of a blood vessel to provide a mechanical stimulus to the blood vessel. The mechanical stimulus increases strain in one or more regions of the blood vessel, such as by modifying the cross-sectional geometry and/or area of the blood vessel to have different regions of different curvature A baroreflex or related physiological response in response to the mechanical stimulation is detected. In response to the detected response, it is determined whether the subject is appropriate for the therapy and/or which of a plurality of implants with different geometries and/or cross-sectional areas is most optimally suited for deployment in the subject.

Abstract: Systems and methods for screening a subject for a therapy are described. A mechanical stimulation device positioned near at target location of a blood vessel to provide a mechanical stimulus to the blood vessel. The mechanical stimulus increases strain in one or more regions of the blood vessel, such as by modifying the cross-sectional geometry and/or area of the blood vessel to have different regions of different curvature A baroreflex or related physiological response in response to the mechanical stimulation is detected. In response to the detected response, it is determined whether the subject is appropriate for the therapy and/or which of a plurality of implants with different geometries and/or cross-sectional areas is most optimally suited for deployment in the subject.

Abstract: An implantable frame comprises a plurality of corner structures configured to decrease pressure to the vessel wall and define pulsatility enhancing windows of the implantable frame. The corner structures may comprise plurality of neighboring longitudinal struts that extend in a longitudinal direction of the blood vessel when placed to form the vessel wall to a substantially polygonal cross-section and distribute pressure loading of the corner structure among the plurality of neighboring longitudinal struts to improve biocompatibility. The corner structures also allow increased forming of the vessel wall and can provide stretching of the vessel wall to enhance pulsatility of the vessel wall.

Abstract: Stimulation of a stretch receptor response to the cardiac cycle is enhanced by constraining a region of a blood vessel wall upstream and/or downstream of a baroreceptor. The constraint may be external or internal and will typically be effected using a circumferential restraint placed over or within the blood vessel.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, devices and systems for collecting breast ductal fluid comprising cellular material and other useful markers for analysis. The methods typically comprise access of at least one breast duct and collecting materials from that duct separate from all other ducts in the breast. The devices comprise ductal access devices that provide the opportunity to collect fluid from a single duct separate from all the other ducts in the breast. The systems employ the methods and devices that used together provide systems for analysis of a breast condition in a patient specific to accessed breast ducts. The methods, devices and systems are particularly useful for indentification of breast precancer or cancer in patient.

Abstract: An extraction device for the removal of clots and foreign bodies from vasculature. The extractor device is connected to an elongate mandrel and is located within a longitudinally extending lumen defined by a catheter. A clot or foreign material extracted from a vessel by moving the extraction device and catheter proximally until the clot or foreign material does not perfuse a critical organ.

Abstract: A device for delivering an occlusion element, or other medical device, which includes a fluid dissolvable bond. The occlusion element is coupled to the delivery element with the fluid dissolvable bond. The bond may be dissolved by delivering a fluid through the delivery element either through the delivery element itself or through a tube positioned in the delivery element.

Abstract: A device for delivering an occlusion element, or other medical device, which includes a fluid dissolvable bond. The occlusion element is coupled to the delivery element with the fluid dissolvable bond. The bond may be dissolved by delivering a fluid through the delivery element either through the delivery element itself or through a tube positioned in the delivery element.

Abstract: A vasoocclusive helical coil having a proximal end that carries a coupling member for attaching the coil to the distal end of a wire and a proximal winding that has a smaller diameter than adjacent windings whereby the proximal end of the coil is positioned radially inwardly of the main body of the coil.

Abstract: This invention is a surgical device. In particular, it is a low profile, single lumen catheter preferably having a movable seal or seat that allows the balloon to be inflated by sealing against the movable guidewire or against itself. An additional variation of the invention includes a non-removable guidewire situated in the catheter body in such a way to provide or add stiffness to the otherwise flexible distal section of the catheter during a procedure. An enhanced strain relief transition joint between significantly stiffer proximal section and the more flexible distal section is provided. Finally, methods of using the inventive balloon catheter are also shown.

Abstract: A device for delivering an occlusion element, or other medical device, which includes a fluid dissolvable bond. The occlusion element is coupled to the delivery element with the fluid dissolvable bond. The bond may be dissolved by delivering a fluid through the delivery element either through the delivery element itself or through a tube positioned in the delivery element.