Abstract: A fastening assembly includes a fastener having a head with an underside and an elongated shaft extending therefrom. The fastener constructed of at least one of a refractory metal and a superalloy. A washer includes a body with an upper surface and an opposing lower surface which defines opening portion for receiving the elongated shaft of the fastener therethrough. The upper surface of the washer forms diffusion bonds with the underside of the head of the fastener when the washer and the fastener are held in contact at temperatures in excess of 500° C.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the formation of an arteriovenous fistula in the limb of the patient. Embodiments include an apparatus for the creation, modification and maintenance of a fistula, including the modification of an existing dialysis fistula; and a method of supplying oxygenated blood to the venous circulation of a patient. A kit of anastomotic implants is described which supports a broad base of patient anatomies and fistula locations. The devices, systems and methods can be used to treat patients with one or more numerous ailments including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, hypotension, respiratory failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension, lung fibrosis and adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Abstract: A shunt rivet for implantation in the aorta and inferior vena cava to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and a method of treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the formation of an arteriovenous fistula in the limb of the patient. Embodiments include a device for the creation, modification and maintenance of a fistula that includes an integral fistula creation assembly near its distal end that passes through the skin of the patient, through a first vessel such as an artery, and into a second vessel such as a vein. The fistula creation assembly preferably includes an anastomotic implant that is placed within the fistula to maintain long-term blood flow therethrough. The devices, systems and methods can be used to treat patients with one or more numerous ailments including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, hypotension, respiratory failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension, lung fibrosis and adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Abstract: Methods for treating a cerebral aneurysm are described. The method includes providing an expandable wire body support structure having a low profile radially constrained state, an expanded relaxed state with a substantially spherical or globular configuration having a smooth outer surface, and a porous permeable layer comprising a braided wire occlusive mesh disposed over at least a portion of the expandable wire body support structure at a first end, which is configured to cover an aneurysm opening. The support structure is advanced in the low profile radially constrained state within a microcatheter to a region of interest within a cerebral artery. The support structure is then deployed within the cerebral aneurysm, and the support structure expands to the expanded relaxed state within the cerebral aneurysm.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the formation of an arteriovenous fistula in the limb of the patient. Embodiments include a device for the creation, modification and maintenance of a fistula that includes an integral fistula creation assembly near its distal end that passes through the skin of the patient, through a first vessel such as an artery, and into a second vessel such as a vein. The fistula creation assembly preferably includes an anastomotic implant that is placed within the fistula to maintain long-term blood flow therethrough. The devices, systems and methods can be used to treat patients with one or more numerous ailments including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, hypotension, respiratory failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension, lung fibrosis and adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treatment of a patient's vasculature with some embodiments configured for delivery with a microcatheter for treatment of the cerebral vasculature of a patient. Some embodiments include thin permeable membranes configured to occlude blood flow therethrough.

Abstract: An expandable support structure and methods of use for treatment of a patient's cerebral aneurysm are described. The support structure includes a fixed diameter ring and a plurality of elongate support members that are everted. The ring is secured to the plurality of elongate support members at a first end of the support structure. The support structure has a low profile, radially constrained state with an elongated tubular configuration having a low profile suitable for delivery from a microcatheter. The support structure also has an expanded relaxed state that defines a substantially globular hollow shape.

Abstract: An expandable support structure and methods of use for treatment of a patient's cerebral aneurysm are described. The support structure includes a plurality of elongate support members each having first and second ends that are both gathered at the first end of the support structure. Each elongate support member starts at the first end of the support structure, extends to an apex at the second end of the support structure, and extends back to the first end of the support structure. The support structure has a low profile, radially constrained state having a low profile suitable for delivery from a microcatheter. The support structure also has an expanded relaxed state that defines a substantially globular shape. In the expanded relaxed state, the apices of the elongate support members are arranged to define an open distal end.

Abstract: An expandable support structure and methods of use for treatment of a patient's cerebral aneurysm are described. The support structure includes a plurality of elongate support members each having first and second ends that are gathered at the first end of the support structure. Each elongate support member starts at the first end of the support structure, extends to an apex at the second end of the support structure, and extends back to the first end of the support structure. The support structure has a low profile, radially constrained state with an elongated tubular configuration having a low profile suitable for delivery from a microcatheter. The support structure also has an expanded relaxed state that defines a substantially globular shape.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to off-focal X-ray radiation attenuation within X-ray tubes, for example X-ray tubes used in CT imaging. In one embodiment, an X-ray tube for off-focal X-ray radiation attenuation is provided. The X-ray tube includes a cathode, a target, and a magnetic focal spot control unit having at least one electromagnet encased in a resin loaded with X-ray attenuating material.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to off-focal X-ray radiation attenuation within a connector. In one embodiment, a connector X-ray shielding capabilities is provided. The connector includes a housing with openings for an electrical cable as well as an electrical connection. The connector further includes an X-ray shielding liner made of moldable synthetic material doped with an X-ray attenuating material. The X-ray shielding liner is disposed within the housing, and also includes openings for the electrical cable and electrical connection.

Abstract: A shunt rivet for implantation in the aorta and inferior vena cava to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and a method of treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the formation of an arteriovenous fistula in the limb of the patient. Embodiments include an apparatus for the creation, modification and maintenance of a fistula, including the modification of an existing dialysis fistula; and a method of supplying oxygenated blood to the venous circulation of a patient. A kit of anastomotic implants is described which supports a broad base of patient anatomies and fistula locations. The devices, systems and methods can be used to treat patients with one or more numerous ailments including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, hypotension, respiratory failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension, lung fibrosis and adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Abstract: A vaso-occlusive device includes a microcoil formed into a minimum energy state secondary configuration comprising a plurality of curved segments, each defining a discrete axis, whereby the device, in its minimum energy state configuration, defines multiple axes. Confinement of the device within an aneurysm causes it to assume a three-dimensional configuration with a higher energy state than the minimum energy state. Because the minimum energy state configuration of the device is larger (in at least one dimension) than the aneurysm, the deployed device is constrained by its contact with the walls of the aneurysm from returning to its minimum energy state configuration. The engagement of the device with the aneurysm wall minimizes shifting or tumbling due to blood flow.

Abstract: A shunt rivet for implantation in the aorta and inferior vena cava to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and a method of treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to off-focal X-ray radiation attenuation within X-ray tubes, for example X-ray tubes used in CT imaging. In one embodiment, an X-ray tube for off-focal X-ray radiation attenuation is provided. The X-ray tube includes a cathode, a target, and a magnetic focal spot control unit having at least one electromagnet encased in a resin loaded with X-ray attenuating material.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to off-focal X-ray radiation attenuation within a connector. In one embodiment, a connector X-ray shielding capabilities is provided. The connector includes a housing with openings for an electrical cable as well as an electrical connection. The connector further includes an X-ray shielding liner made of moldable synthetic material doped with an X-ray attenuating material. The X-ray shielding liner is disposed within the housing, and also includes openings for the electrical cable and electrical connection.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treatment of a patient's vasculature with some embodiments configured for delivery with a microcatheter for treatment of the cerebral vasculature of a patient. Some embodiments include thin permeable membranes configured to occlude blood flow therethrough.

Abstract: Methods and Devices for treating airway openings and breathing disorders including obstructive sleep apnea are disclosed. Structures and methods disclosed herein maintain and preserve airway openings against posterior collapse of the tongue.