Abstract: A delivery system for an implantable medical device includes an outer shaft and an inner shaft translatable within the outer shaft. An internally exposed coil is disposed within the inner shaft and is electrically coupled to an externally exposed coil that can be used to inductively transmit a current flowing through the internally exposed coil. An actuation member extends within the inner shaft and includes a coupler, a force translation rod that extends proximally from the coupler and a plurality of push pull rods that extend distally from the coupler and that releasably couple to the implantable medical device. As the force translation rod moves relative to the internally exposed coil, an impedance varies in accordance with relative position.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a multilayer circuit, a first magnetic field sensor, and a second magnetic field sensor. The multilayer circuit extends between a proximal end and a distal end along a longitudinal axis. The multilayer circuit includes a plurality of electrical pads positioned at the proximal end. The first magnetic field sensor is coupled to the multilayer circuit and has a primary sensing direction aligned with the longitudinal axis. The second magnetic field sensor is coupled to the multilayer circuit and oriented with respect to the first magnetic field sensor such that the second magnetic field sensor has a primary sensing direction aligned with an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A system comprises first and second rotating magnetic field transmitter assemblies positioned in a planar arrangement. The first and second rotating magnetic field transmitter assemblies are each configured to generate a rotating magnetic field. In certain embodiments, the system further comprises a housing assembly and the first and second rotating magnetic field transmitter assemblies are positioned within the housing.

Abstract: A system includes a magnetic field transmitter assembly. The magnetic field transmitter assembly includes an enclosure, a magnet positioned within the enclosure, and a plurality of coils wrapped around the enclosure. The plurality of coils are configured to be energized to rotate the magnet In certain embodiments, the plurality of coils include a first set of windings and a second set of windings where the first set of windings is configured to generate a first magnetic field in a first direction and where the second set of windings is configured to generate a second magnetic field in a second direction different than the first direction.

Abstract: A tissue modification apparatus includes at least a first plurality of grippers aligned in a plane adapted to secure a first edge of a patch of tissue. The plurality of grippers are each secured to a first force actuator. The first plurality of grippers are each adapted to pivot relative to the first force actuator about an axis perpendicular to the plane. In some cases, a plurality of grippers are attached to a force actuator by a passive force transfer mechanism. In some cases, individual force actuators are attached by pivoted connections to individual grippers. Methods of treating tissue can secure tensioned tissue to a frame to retain the tension during a treatment (e.g., cross-linking the tissue with a chemical cross-linker).

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example system for delivering an implantable medical device includes a handle member including a seal assembly, wherein the seal assembly includes a turnbuckle assembly including a stationary member and a cap coupled to the stationary member. Further, the stationary member is coupled to an inner member and the cap is coupled to an exoskeleton disposed along an outer surface of the inner member. Additionally, the cap is designed to shift relative to the stationary member such that the exoskeleton is put in compression.

Abstract: Medical devices and method for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example method for treating a blood vessel may include disposing a medical device within the blood vessel at a position adjacent to a lesion. The medical device may comprise an elongate shaft having a distal end region, a balloon coupled to the distal end region, and a force transmitting member at least partially disposed at least partially within the balloon. The force transmitting member may be designed to transmit energy to the lesion. The method may also include inflating the balloon to a first pressure, actuating the force transmitting member to at least partial break apart the lesion, and inflating the balloon to a second pressure greater than the first pressure.

Abstract: Medical devices and method for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example method for treating a blood vessel may include disposing a medical device within the blood vessel at a position adjacent to a lesion. The medical device may include an elongate shaft having a distal end region, a balloon coupled to the distal end region, and a cavitation member disposed within the balloon. The method may also include inflating the balloon to a first pressure, activating the cavitation member, and inflating the balloon to a second pressure greater than the first pressure.

Abstract: Medical devices and method for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example method for treating a blood vessel may include disposing a medical device within the blood vessel at a position adjacent to a lesion. The medical device may include an elongate shaft having a distal end region, a balloon coupled to the distal end region, and an iron-containing fluid disposed within the balloon. The method may also include inflating the balloon to a first pressure, delivering a plurality of electromagnetic pulses to the iron-containing fluid, and inflating the balloon to a second pressure greater than the first pressure.

Abstract: Implantable leads of a cardiac stimulus system are disclosed, as well as methods for implanting leads of a cardiac stimulus system. The lead may be comprised of a proximal portion having a coupler for coupling to an implantable pulse generator, an intermediate portion comprising a plurality of electrodes disposed thereon, and a distal portion. The intermediate portion may have a first diameter and the distal portion may have a second diameter. The distal portion may also have an attachment feature for attaching to a lead pulling tool for delivery to an ITV and an intercostal vein. Methods may include pulling a lead from a first position to a second position within the vasculature, exiting the vasculature at the second location, and attaching a portion of the lead that exits the vasculature to an electrode or implantable device for use with the lead.

Abstract: A catheter system includes a catheter. The catheter includes a catheter tip and an ultrasound assembly at least partially positioned within the catheter tip. The ultrasound assembly includes a first optical fiber coupled to an optical-to-ultrasound transducer and a second optical fiber coupled to an ultrasound-to-optical transducer. The optical-to-ultrasound transducer is configured to generate an ultrasound signal in response to a pulsed optical signal. The ultrasound-to-optical transducer is configured to generate an optical signal in response to a received ultrasound signal.

Abstract: A tissue modification apparatus includes at least a first plurality of grippers aligned in a plane adapted to secure a first edge of a patch of tissue. The plurality of grippers are each secured to a first force actuator. The first plurality of grippers are each adapted to pivot relative to the first force actuator about an axis perpendicular to the plane. In some cases, a plurality of grippers are attached to a force actuator by a passive force transfer mechanism. In some cases, individual force actuators are attached by pivoted connections to individual grippers. Methods of treating tissue can secure tensioned tissue to a frame to retain the tension during a treatment (e.g., cross-linking the tissue with a chemical cross-linker).

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example delivery system for an implantable medical device includes an inner shaft having a proximal end region, a distal end region, a non-circular lumen extending therethrough. The delivery system also includes a tension resistance member extending at least partially between the proximal end region and the distal end region, a deployment catheter disposed along the outer surface of the shaft, and an actuation shaft disposed within the non-circular lumen. Further, the actuation shaft is coupled to the implantable medical device and translation of the actuation shaft shifts the implantable medical device from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example system for delivering an implantable medical device includes an outer shaft having a proximal end, a distal portion and a lumen extending therein. The system includes an inner catheter, wherein the inner catheter extends within at least a portion of the lumen of the outer shaft. The system also includes an actuation shaft extending within a portion of the lumen of the inner shaft, wherein a distal end of the actuation shaft is coupled to a coupling member. The system also includes a plurality of translation members coupled to the implantable medical device and the coupling member. The system also includes a grouping coil wound around at least a portion of each of the plurality of translation members.

Abstract: Implantation of a cardiac stimulus system using the ITV. Superior, intercostal, and inferior access methods are discussed and disclosed. Superior access may be performed using the brachiocephalic vein to access the ITV, with access to the brachiocephalic vein achieved using subclavian vein, using standard visualization techniques. A positioning mechanism may be advanced to the ITV, a location of the positioning mechanism may then be obtained, and an external access may then be established. Inferior external access may be accomplished inferior to the lower rib margin via the superior epigastric or musculophrenic vein. Intercostal external access may be accomplished via an intercostal vein between two ribs. A lead may then be attached to the positioning mechanism and drawn into the ITV.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a substrate including a first portion, a second portion, and a rolled section positioned between the first portion and the second portion. The sensor assembly further includes a first magnetic field sensor coupled to the first portion. The first magnetic field sensor has a primary sensing direction aligned with a longitudinal axis of the sensor assembly. The sensor assembly further includes a second magnetic field sensor coupled to the second portion. The rolled section is shaped such that the second magnetic field sensor is oriented with respect to the first magnetic field sensor so that the second magnetic field sensor has a primary sensing direction aligned with an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A sensor assembly comprising a base member extending along a longitudinal axis and including a first portion, a second portion, and a twist section positioned between the first portion and the second portion. The sensor assembly further includes a first magnetic field sensor coupled to the first portion, wherein the first magnetic field sensor has a primary sensing direction aligned with the longitudinal axis, and a second magnetic field sensor coupled to the second portion, wherein the second magnetic field sensor is oriented with respect to the first magnetic field sensor such that the second magnetic field sensor has a primary sensing direction aligned with an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An implantable lead includes a lead body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The lead body includes an insulative member having a lumen extending longitudinally between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion. The lead body also includes a generally tubular helical liner disposed coaxially with the lumen within the insulative member. A pitch of the helical liner varies along the length of the lead. The implantable lead also includes an electrode disposed along the lead body in the distal end portion thereof, and a conductor disposed within the lumen and electrically coupled to the electrode. A terminal connector is coupled to the proximal end portion of the lead body and to the conductor.

Abstract: IMD devices and implantation methods are discussed and disclosed. Electrode structures may be employed to allow electrical stimulation to heart tissue and/or sense a physiological condition. Devices may be used for the placement of the electrode structures in a patient and facilitate the degree of contact between the electrode structures and the tissue of the patient.

Abstract: Implantation of a cardiac stimulus system using the intercostal veins. Superior, intercostal, and inferior access methods are discussed and disclosed. Superior access may be performed by entering the brachiocephalic vein from a jugular, subclavian, or other vein, and then accessing the internal thoracic vein, traversing a portion of the internal thoracic vein and then accessing an intercostal vein therefrom. Inferior access may be accomplished inferior to the lower rib margin via the superior epigastric vein, advancing superiorly into the internal thoracic vein and then accessing an intercostal vein therefrom. Intercostal access may include creating an opening in an intercostal space between two ribs and advancing a needle using ultrasound guidance to enter the intercostal vein directly.