Abstract: A method of removing an implanted vessel filter by a femoral approach comprising the steps of providing a catheter with a curved tip, inserting a straightening device into the catheter to move the catheter tip from a curved position to a more straightened position, advancing the catheter tip through the femoral vein and past a cranial end of the filter, withdrawing the straightening device to enable the catheter tip to return to the curved condition, and inserting a filter grasping device though the catheter and a curved catheter tip to exit a distal portion to grasp the filter.

Abstract: A vessel filter comprising a first distal region terminating at a first end and a second proximal region terminating at a second end of the filter and movable between a collapsed position for delivery to the vessel and an expanded position for placement within the vessel. The first region has a filter portion having a converging region to direct particles toward the center of the filter. The second region is flared in the expanded position to have a transverse dimension increasing toward a second end portion opposite the filter portion and includes a vessel engaging portion at the second end portion. The first region has a retrieval hook and a spacer forming a looped region extending radially from the first region.

Abstract: A vessel filter comprising a first region and a second region wherein the filter is movable between a collapsed position for delivery to the vessel and an expanded position for placement within the vessel. A first region has a filter portion having a converging region to direct particles toward the center of the filter and having a plurality of spaced apart elongated struts and, a plurality of connecting struts extending at an angle from the elongated struts to form closed geometric shapes. The second region is flared in the expanded position to have a transverse dimension increasing toward a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The second region includes vessel engaging hooks at the second end portion. The first region has a plurality of closed looped spacer struts extending radially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the filter when the filter is in the expanded position.

Abstract: A method of implanting a vessel filter by a femoral approach comprising the steps of providing a delivery sheath with a substantially straight distal tip and inserting a curved device into the sheath to move the sheath to a second configuration. In the second position, the distal tip of the sheath is curved at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the sheath. The method further comprises the step of rotating the sheath and pusher so a distal opening of the sheath has a more centered position within the vessel.

Abstract: A device for closing the left atrial appendage of a patient comprising a retention member composed of a shape memory material and a mesh material supported by the retention member. The retention member has a first elongated configuration for delivery and a second expanded configuration for placement within the left atrial appendage. The mesh is configured to block blot clot migration from the appendage. In the second configuration the retention member moves toward a shape memory position. The retention member has a plurality of appendage wall engagement members to secure the retention member to the appendage.

Abstract: A device for occluding the fallopian tube comprising a retention member and a mesh material supported by the retention member. The retention member has a first lower profile configuration for delivery and a second expanded configuration for placement within the fallopian tube. The mesh material is configured to block passage of an egg through the tube. The member has a plurality of tube engagement members to secure the retention member to the fallopian tube.

Abstract: A vessel filter comprising a first region and a second region wherein the filter is movable between a collapsed position for delivery to the vessel and an expanded position for placement within the vessel. A first region has a filter portion having a converging region to direct particles toward the center of the filter and the second region is flared in the expanded position to have a transverse dimension increasing toward a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The second region includes a vessel engaging portion at the second end portion. The first region includes a plurality of spaced apart elongated struts with adjacent struts being joined and a spacer extending radially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the filter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating an orthodontic patient include processing that begins by generating digital information regarding the orthodontic patient by a site orthodontic system. The site orthodontic system then transmits the digital information to an orthodontic server, which creates an electronic patient record therefrom. The orthodontic server then generates an initial treatment from the electronic patient record, wherein the initial treatment plan includes precise steps to obtain a desired orthodontic structure. The orthodontic server then transmits a digital version of the initial treatment plan to the site orthodontic system. Upon confirmation from the site orthodontic system, the orthodontic server designs an orthodontic apparatus for one of the precise steps based on the treatment plan. The orthodontic apparatus is then fabricated and provided to the site orthodontic system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating an orthodontic patient include processing that begins by generating digital information regarding the orthodontic patient by a site orthodontic system. The site orthodontic system then transmits the digital information to an orthodontic server, which creates an electronic patient record therefrom. The orthodontic server then generates an initial treatment from the electronic patient record, wherein the initial treatment plan includes precise steps to obtain a desired orthodontic structure. The orthodontic server then transmits a digital version of the initial treatment plan to the site orthodontic system. Upon confirmation from the site orthodontic system, the orthodontic server designs an orthodontic apparatus for one of the precise steps based on the treatment plan. The orthodontic apparatus is then fabricated and provided to the site orthodontic system.