Abstract: A catheter-based device for determining the radial expansion force required to displace an occlusion in a vessel located in a subject. The device comprises an elongate body defining proximal and distal termini. The body comprises a sheath that encloses a hollow lumen within, which extends along substantially the full length of the body. The proximal terminal region of the body comprises: a user-interfacing hub, the hub comprising a handle for maneuvering the body and configured for handling by an operator; a control interface for controlling the device; and a sensor configured to measure one or more parameters relevant to a force applied to the vessel by the device. The distal terminal region of the body comprises an expandable member movable between a retracted position, in which the expandable member is within the hollow lumen, and a deployed position, in which the expandable member is disposed beyond the distal terminus, and controllable via the control interface to expand radially.

Abstract: A stent system is provided comprising a primary stent for location in a lumen of a target vessel, such as a vein or artery that may be fully or partially occluded. The primary stent contacts a vessel wall and at least one secondary stent element is deployed wholly within the primary stent and configured to engage with the interior surface of the primary stent. The secondary stent element is configured to apply a chronic outward radial force to the interior surface of the primary stent so as to effect modification of or to resist change to an aspect ratio of the lumen of the target vessel at the location where the secondary stent element is deployed. In this way the secondary stent element cooperates with the primary stent to restore patency to the target vessel. Various configurations of the stent system are provided as well as deployment devices and methods of treating fully or partially occluded vessels.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an ambulatory system for determining a cardiac parameter at a fixed location within the cardiovascular system of a subject. The system comprises a wearable sensor including an ultrasound transducer. The wearable sensor can contact the skin of the subject and be positioned proximate to the fixed location. The system comprises a data collection module that is in communication with the ultrasound transducer. The ultrasound transducer is configured to detect a pressure wave passing through the fixed location. The data collection module is configured to collect data relating to the pressure wave passing through the fixed location, analyse the pressure wave, and determine at least one cardiac parameter based on the analysis.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide a self-expanding stent device. The device comprises: an elongated body that defines a lumen within. The body has a first and a second terminus and a longitudinal axis located therebetween. The body comprises a first zone and a second zone along the longitudinal axis. When the device is in an expanded configuration the first zone has a first radial strength that is resistant to an external compressive force, and the second zone has a second radial strength that is resistant to an external compressive force. The radial strength of the first zone is greater than that of the second zone. The diameter of the body lumen proximal to the first terminus is greater than that of the lumen proximal to the second terminus.

Abstract: A method of measuring bioelectric signals of a patient having an axis extending from the patient's head to the patient's feet includes attaching a patch to the patient's skin. The patch may include a first electrode and a second electrode spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the patch. The patch may be attached such that the longitudinal axis of the patch is generally aligned with the axis of the patient. The method may also include attaching a third electrode to the patient's skin, and measuring bioelectric signals of the patient using the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode.

Abstract: Provided are controllers, methods and systems for monitoring cardiac data for the presence of arrhythmia. A controller as provided comprises input means arranged to receive first cardiac data corresponding to a time period, processing means and output means. The processing means is arranged to identify, within the first cardiac data, a plurality of events corresponding to ventricular contraction, and a time associated with each event; determine a plurality of intervals between the times associated with chronologically successive events; and produce second cardiac data in dependence on the determined intervals. The output means is arranged to transmit an output signal to a display means based on the second cardiac data, for displaying a beat-to-beat display plot corresponding to at least a part of the time period on the display means. A system as provided may comprise such a controller and a display means for displaying the beat-to-beat display plot corresponding to at least a part of the time period.

Abstract: There is provided an ambulatory system, comprising at least first and second wearable sensors, for determining pulse transit time (PTT) between at least a first and at least a second fixed location within the cardiovascular system of a subject. The system comprises at least a first device, wherein the first device can contact the skin of the subject, the first device being positioned proximate to the first fixed location; and also comprises at least a second device, wherein the second device can contact the skin of the subject, the second device being positioned proximate to the second fixed location. The system further comprises a data collection module that is in communication with the first and second devices. The first device is configured to detect a timing cue within the cardiac cycle of the subject, and the second device is configured to detect a pulse pressure wave passing through the second fixed location.

Abstract: A method of measuring bioelectric signals of a patient having an axis extending from the patient's head to the patient's feet includes attaching a patch to the patient's skin. The patch may include a first electrode and a second electrode spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the patch. The patch may be attached such that the longitudinal axis of the patch is generally aligned with the axis of the patient. The method may also include attaching a third electrode to the patient's skin, and measuring bioelectric signals of the patient using the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode.

Abstract: A method of measuring bioelectric signals of a patient having an axis extending from the patient's head to the patient's feet includes attaching a patch to the patient's skin. The patch may include a first electrode and a second electrode spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the patch. The patch may be attached such that the longitudinal axis of the patch is generally aligned with the axis of the patient. The method may also include attaching a third electrode to the patient's skin, and measuring bioelectric signals of the patient using the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode.

Abstract: A method of measuring bioelectric signals of a patient having an axis extending from the patient's head to the patient's feet includes attaching a patch to the patient's skin. The patch may include a first electrode and a second electrode spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the patch. The patch may be attached such that the longitudinal axis of the patch is generally aligned with the axis of the patient. The method may also include attaching a third electrode to the patient's skin, and measuring bioelectric signals of the patient using the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode.