Abstract: Two renal delivery members have two distal ports that are adapted to be positioned within two renal arteries via their corresponding renal ostia at unique locations along an abdominal aortic wall. A proximal coupler assembly is outside the body and is coupled to deliver material to the two distal ports for bi-lateral renal therapy. One or both of the delivery members may be self-cannulating into the corresponding renal ostium, or may be controllably steered into the respective ostium. Non-occlusive anchors may be coupled with one or both of the delivery members at anchoring positions in the renal artery or abdominal aorta to secure the renal delivery member within the renal artery. Renal-active fluid agents are coupled to the bi-lateral delivery system. Another renal therapy system cannulates a renal vein from the vena cava and controls a retrograde delivery of agents to the respective kidney.

Abstract: A local renal delivery system includes a flow isolation assembly and a local injection assembly. The flow isolation assembly in one mode is adapted to isolate only a partial flow region along the outer circumference along the aorta wall such that fluids inject there are maintained to flow substantially into the renal arteries. Various types of flow isolation assemblies and local injection assemblies are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for local renal delivery of agents to subjects that are at risk for congestive heart failure and other conditions. The invention encompasses devices for renal drug delivery and methods of use.

Abstract: A renal flow system injects a volume of fluid agent into a location within an abdominal aorta in a manner that flows bi-laterally into each of two renal arteries via their respectively spaced ostia along the abdominal aorta wall. A local injection assembly includes two injection members, each having an injection port that couples to a source of fluid agent externally of the patient. The injection ports may be positioned with an outer region of blood flow along the abdominal aorta wall perfusing the two renal arteries. A flow isolation assembly may isolate flow of the injected agent within the outer region and into the renals. The injection members are delivered to the location in a first radially collapsed condition, and bifurcate across the aorta to inject into the spaced renal ostia. A delivery catheter for upstream interventions is used as a chassis to deliver a bilateral local renal injection assembly to the location within the abdominal aorta.

Abstract: A dual lumen introducer sheath provides access to at least one renal artery and at least one peripheral blood vessel of a patient. The introducer sheath includes a proximal hub comprising first and second ports, a first lumen, and a second lumen. The first lumen extends from the first port to a first distal aperture and has sufficient length such that when the first port is positioned outside the patient the first distal aperture is positionable in the abdominal aorta at or near origins of the patient's renal arteries. The second lumen extends from the second port to a second distal aperture, has a shorter length than the length of the first lumen, and is configured to allow passage of a catheter device through the second lumen and into or through an iliac artery contralateral to an insertion point of the introducer sheath into the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing the top of an optical waveguide draw furnace is disclosed. The apparatus includes an assembly constructed and arranged to removably cover the top of the draw furnace while mating with the downfeed handle. The apparatus includes an elongated sleeve having a base and a sealing mechanism positioned on the sleeve at a location remote from the base. The sleeve defines a chamber for receiving the downfeed handle, and the sealing mechanism is arranged with respect to the sleeve to mate with the downfeed handle received in the chamber. In one aspect of the invention, the apparatus further includes an inert gas purge for providing an inert atmosphere within the chamber. A method of sealing the top of an optical waveguide draw furnace is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing the top of an optical waveguide draw furnace is disclosed. The apparatus includes an assembly constructed and arranged to removably cover the top of the draw furnace while mating with the downfeed handle. The apparatus includes an elongated sleeve having a base and a sealing mechanism positioned on the sleeve at a location remote from the base. The sleeve defines a chamber for receiving the downfeed handle, and the sealing mechanism is arranged with respect to the sleeve to mate with the downfeed handle received in the chamber. In one aspect of the invention, the apparatus further includes an inert gas purge for providing an inert atmosphere within the chamber. A method of sealing the top of an optical waveguide draw furnace is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing the bottom of an optical waveguide draw furnace is disclosed. The apparatus includes an assembly constructed and arranged to mate with the bottom of the draw furnace to form a seal, and a leak detection system communicating with the assembly to signal the forming of a proper or an improper seal. The covering plate of the assembly is selectively seated on the sealing plate of the draw furnace to form the seal, and an inert gas is delivered between the covering plate and the bottom of the draw furnace. The flow of the inert gas is detected to determine if the seal has been properly formed. An assembly including a covering plate having at least two radially spaced gaskets circumferentially positioned on the top surface of the covering plate for engagement with the sealing plate at the bottom of the draw furnace, and a method for sealing the bottom of a draw furnace are also disclosed.