Abstract: An assembly for preforming a reinforced fabric sheet may have at least one frame and a plurality of gripping devices. Each gripping device of the plurality of gripping devices may be suitable for gripping an edge portion of the reinforced fabric sheet. The assembly may have a moving system with a plurality of first moving devices. The movement of each first moving device may be independent of the other first moving devices. Each gripping device of the plurality of gripping devices may be associated with a first moving device. The first moving device may be suitable for moving each gripping device of the plurality of gripping devices independently of the others.

Abstract: An assembly for preforming a reinforced fabric sheet may have at least one frame and a plurality of gripping devices. Each gripping device of the plurality of gripping devices may be suitable for gripping an edge portion of the reinforced fabric sheet. The assembly may have a moving system with a plurality of first moving devices. The movement of each first moving device may be independent of the other first moving devices. Each gripping device of the plurality of gripping devices may be associated with a first moving device. The first moving device may be suitable for moving each gripping device of the plurality of gripping devices independently of the others.

Abstract: A self-sealing catheter for use in non-conformable tissue is provided. In an embodiment, the catheter includes a tube with an expandable portion that comprises nitinol. Upon an increase in temperature, the expandable portion of the tube expands to conform to the surrounding non-conformable tissue such that the expandable portion in the expanded state provides a seal between an exterior of the catheter and the non-conformable tissue. In a specific embodiment, the nitinol is embedded in the wall of the expandable portion of the tube in a braided mesh configuration, and provides a radial force that substantially prevents the expandable portion of the tube from collapsing when bent. Additionally, the catheter can include one or more radiopaque markers to assist in X-ray guided placement of the catheter in a patient's tissue. In another embodiment, the catheter includes an expandable coating surrounding the expandable portion of the tube, wherein the expandable coating comprises a hydrogel polymer.

Abstract: A shunt for draining cerebral spinal fluid from the brain is provided. In an embodiment, the shunt includes a master control unit that is located in the abdomen, which interconnects a ventricular catheter and a second catheter, typically located in the peritoneal cavity. In a specific embodiment, the master control unit includes a variety of ‘smart’ features including at least one access port to allow the injection of solutions for the prevention or removal of blockages in the catheter, and/or antibiotics. The access port can have other uses, such as allowing a point of access for physical navigation of a catheter or the like within the shunt, thereby providing another option for breaking-up blockages, and/or allowing an access point for repairing the shunt's components. Additionally, the master control unit includes a diagnostic unit that transmits, either wirelessly or through a wired connection via the access port, diagnostic information about the status of the patient and/or the shunt.

Abstract: A shunt for draining cerebral spinal fluid from the brain and an access port for use therein is provided. In an embodiment, the shunt includes a master control unit that is located in the abdomen, which interconnects a ventricular catheter and a second catheter, typically located in the peritoneal cavity. In a specific embodiment, the master control unit includes a variety of ‘smart’ features including at least one access port to allow the injection of solutions for the prevention or removal of blockages in the catheter, and/or antibiotics. The access port can have other uses, such as allowing a point of access for physical navigation of a catheter or the like within the shunt, thereby providing another option for breaking-up blockages, and/or allowing an access point for repairing the shunt's components.

Abstract: A shunt for draining cerebral spinal fluid from the brain is provided. In an embodiment, the shunt includes a master control unit that is located in the abdomen, which interconnects a ventricular catheter and a second catheter, typically located in the peritoneal cavity. In a specific embodiment, the master control unit includes a variety of ‘smart’ features including at least one access port to allow the injection of solutions for the prevention or removal of blockages in the catheter, and/or antibiotics. The access port can have other uses, such as allowing a point of access for physical navigation of a catheter or the like within the shunt, thereby providing another option for breaking-up blockages, and/or allowing an access point for repairing the shunt's components. Additionally, the master control unit includes a diagnostic unit that transmits, either wirelessly or through a wired connection via the access port, diagnostic information about the status of the patient and/or the shunt.

Abstract: A shunt for draining cerebral spinal fluid from the brain is provided. In an embodiment, the shunt includes a master control unit that is located in the abdomen, which interconnects a ventricular catheter and a second catheter, typically located in the peritoneal cavity. In a specific embodiment, the master control unit includes a variety of ‘smart’ features including at least one access port to allow the injection of solutions for the prevention or removal of blockages in the catheter, and/or antibiotics. The access port can have other uses, such as allowing a point of access for physical navigation of a catheter or the like within the shunt, thereby providing another option for breaking-up blockages, and/or allowing an access point for repairing the shunt's components. Additionally, the master control unit includes a diagnostic unit that transmits, either wirelessly or through a wired connection via the access port, diagnostic information about the status of the patient and/or the shunt.

Abstract: A shunt for draining cerebral spinal fluid from the brain is provided. In an embodiment, the shunt includes a master control unit that is located in the abdomen, which interconnects a ventricular catheter and a second catheter, typically located in the peritoneal cavity. In a specific embodiment, the master control unit includes a variety of ‘smart’ features including at least one access port to allow the injection of solutions for the prevention or removal of blockages in the catheter, and/or antibiotics. The access port can have other uses, such as allowing a point of access for physical navigation of a catheter or the like within the shunt, thereby providing another option for breaking-up blockages, and/or allowing an access point for repairing the shunt's components. Additionally, the master control unit includes a diagnostic unit that transmits, either wirelessly or through a wired connection via the access port, diagnostic information about the status of the patient and/or the shunt.