Abstract: An anastomosis device has first and second components which each having first and second parts. The first and second components are magnetically attracted to one another. The device forms a throughhole when in use. The first parts of the first and second components are positioned radially outward from the second parts relative to the longitudinal axis with the first parts of the first and second components contacting one another and being magnetically attracted to one another. The second parts of the first and second components also being magnetically attracted to one another and are separated by the vessel walls.

Abstract: Methods and devices for placing a target vessel in fluid communication with a source of blood and a target vessel. A conduit includes first portion adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a source of blood, such as a heart chamber, and a second portion adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a target vessel having a lumen, such as coronary artery. The first and second conduit portions are transverse to each other such that the conduit is generally T-shaped. The conduit lies on an exterior of the heart between the blood source and the target vessel and is configured to deliver blood in multiple directions into the lumen of the target vessel. For example, in an occluded coronary artery, blood flows both toward and away from the occlusion. The conduit may be flexible, rigid, collapsible or non-collapsible, and may be formed of synthetic vascular graft material, tissue, or a combination of the two.

Abstract: Methods and devices for placing a conduit in fluid communication with a target vessel and a source of blood, such as the aorta or a heart chamber. The device may be actuated using one hand to place the conduit. The invention allows air in the conduit to be removed prior to placement of the conduit. The invention deploys the conduit in the target vessel by moving a sheath in a distal direction and then in a proximal direction. A conduit is provided with a reinforcing member to prevent kinking of the conduit, and a structure for preventing blockage of the conduit by tissue. A vessel coupling may be used to secure a conduit to a target vessel so as to preserve native blood flow through the vessel, and the conduit may be placed in fluid communication with a target vessel via a laparoscopic or endoscopic procedure.

Abstract: Methods and devices for forming an anastomosis between hollow bodies utilize magnetic force to couple anastomotic securing components and connect the lumens of the hollow bodies. End-to-side, side-to-side and end-to-end anastomoses can be created without using suture or any other type of mechanical fasteners, although such attachment means may be used in practicing some aspects of the invention. The securing components have the ability to produce a magnetic field and may include materials or assemblies. A component may also be used to form a port into the lumen of a vessel, the component being attached to the vessel by mechanical and/or magnetic means. Magnetic components may include means for concentrating the magnetic flux between respective components to increase the attraction force, thereby enhancing the security of the anastomosis.

Abstract: Methods and devices for manufacturing a conduit for placing a target vessel in fluid communication with a source of blood, such as a heart chamber containing blood. The conduit includes first and second portion adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a heart chamber and a target vessel. The conduit lies on the exterior of the myocardium between the blood source and the target vessel and delivers blood in multiple directions within the lumen of the target vessel. The conduit, which may be formed of any suitable synthetic vascular graft material, is generally T-shaped with the leg having two free ends disposed in the target vessel, preferably being secured thereto via a suture-free attachment. The conduit comprises vascular graft material and may be manufactured various ways, such as molding a conduit from any suitable biocompatible material or fabricating a conduit from one or more pieces of vascular graft material.

Abstract: Methods and devices for manufacturing a conduit for placing a target vessel in fluid communication with a source of blood, such as a heart chamber containing blood. The conduit includes first and second portion adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a heart chamber and a target vessel. The conduit lies on the exterior of the myocardium between the blood source and the target vessel and delivers blood in multiple directions within the lumen of the target vessel. The conduit, which may be formed of any suitable synthetic vascular graft material, is generally T-shaped with the leg having two free ends disposed in the target vessel, preferably being secured thereto via a suture-free attachment. The conduit comprises vascular graft material and may be manufactured various ways, such as molding a conduit from any suitable biocompatible material or fabricating a conduit from one or more pieces of vascular graft material.

Abstract: Methods and devices for placing a conduit in fluid communication with a target vessel and a source of blood, such as the aorta or a heart chamber. The device may be actuated using one hand to place the conduit. The invention allows air in the conduit to be removed prior to placement of the conduit. The invention deploys the conduit in the target vessel by moving a sheath in a distal direction and then in a proximal direction. A conduit is provided with a reinforcing member to prevent kinking of the conduit, and a structure for preventing blockage of the conduit by tissue. A vessel coupling may be used to secure a conduit to a target vessel so as to preserve native blood flow through the vessel, and the conduit may be placed in fluid communication with a target vessel via a laparoscopic or endoscopic procedure.

Abstract: An electrolytic capacitor with a polymeric housing in the form of a pocket defining a chamber, with an opening along a selected edge. The opening has opposed sides that are sealed together to provide a seam. A number of conductive layers are positioned within the chamber, and a feed-through conductor element has a first end electrically connected to the layers. An intermediate portion of the feed through passes through the seam, and an external portion extends from the housing. The housing may be vacuum formed high density polyethylene, with the feed-through contained in an elastomeric sleeve having a flattened cross section to be readily received in the seam, and to accommodate thermal expansion differences between the housing and the feedthrough. The device may be manufactured by inserting a stack of layers in the pocket, and thermally welding across the opening of the pocket on a single weld line.

Abstract: An electrolytic capacitor with a polymeric housing in the form of a pocket defining a chamber, with an opening along a selected edge. The opening has opposed sides that are sealed together to provide a seam. A number of conductive layers are positioned within the chamber, and a feed-through conductor element has a first end electrically connected to the layers. An intermediate portion of the feed through passes through the seam, and an external portion extends from the housing. The housing may be vacuum formed high density polyethylene, with the feed-through contained in an elastomeric sleeve having a flattened cross section to be readily received in the seam, and to accommodate thermal expansion differences between the housing and the feedthrough. The device may be manufactured by inserting a stack of layers in the pocket, and thermally welding across the opening of the pocket on a single weld line.

Abstract: Methods and devices for forming magnetic anastomoses between hollow bodies. End-to-side, side-to-side and end-to-end anastomoses can be created with or without a mechanical connection between the components. The anastomotic components may have various constructions and may be secured to a vessel in various manners, for example, magnetically, mechanically or adhesively. Also provided are alternative delivery devices, as well as devices for checking the position of a component on a loaded delivery device, and for checking the seal between a vessel and an anastomotic component secured thereto.

Abstract: Methods and devices for placing a target vessel in fluid communication with a source of blood and a target vessel. A conduit includes first portion adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a source of blood, such as a heart chamber, and a second portion adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a target vessel having a lumen, such as coronary artery. The first and second conduit portions are transverse to each other such that the conduit is generally T-shaped. The conduit lies on an exterior of the heart between the blood source and the target vessel and is configured to deliver blood in multiple directions into the lumen of the target vessel. For example, in an occluded coronary artery, blood flows both toward and away from the occlusion. The conduit may be flexible, rigid, collapsible or non-collapsible, and may be formed of synthetic vascular graft material, tissue, or a combination of the two.

Abstract: Methods and devices for manufacturing a conduit for placing a target vessel in fluid communication with a source of blood, such as a heart chamber containing blood. The conduit includes first and second portion adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a heart chamber and a target vessel. The conduit lies on the exterior of the myocardium between the blood source and the target vessel and delivers blood in multiple directions within the lumen of the target vessel. The conduit, which may be formed of any suitable synthetic vascular graft material, is generally T-shaped with the leg having two free ends disposed in the target vessel, preferably being secured thereto via a suture-free attachment. The conduit comprises vascular graft material and may be manufactured various ways, such as molding a conduit from any suitable biocompatible material or fabricating a conduit from one or more pieces of vascular graft material.

Abstract: Methods and devices for placing a conduit in fluid communication with a target vessel and a source of blood, such as the aorta or a heart chamber. The device may be actuated using one hand to place the conduit. The invention allows air in the conduit to be removed prior to placement of the conduit. The invention deploys the conduit in the target vessel by moving a sheath in a distal direction and then in a proximal direction. A conduit is provided with a reinforcing member to prevent kinking of the conduit, and a structure for preventing blockage of the conduit by tissue. A vessel coupling may be used to secure a conduit to a target vessel so as to preserve native blood flow through the vessel, and the conduit may be placed in fluid communication with a target vessel via a laparoscopic or endoscopic procedure.

Abstract: Methods and devices for forming an anastomosis between hollow bodies utilize magnetic force to couple anastomotic securing components and connect the lumens of the hollow bodies. End-to-side, side-to-side and end-to-end anastomoses can be created without using suture or any other type of mechanical fasteners, although such attachment means may be used in practicing some aspects of the invention. The securing components have the ability to produce a magnetic field and may include materials or assemblies. A component may also be used to form a port into the lumen of a vessel, the component being attached to the vessel by mechanical and/or magnetic means. Magnetic components may include means for concentrating the magnetic flux between respective components to increase the attraction force, thereby enhancing the security of the anastomosis.

Abstract: Methods and devices for manufacturing a conduit for placing a target vessel in fluid communication with a source of blood, such as a heart chamber containing blood. The conduit includes first and second portion adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a heart chamber and a target vessel. The conduit lies on the exterior of the myocardium between the blood source and the target vessel and delivers blood in multiple directions within the lumen of the target vessel. The conduit, which may be formed of any suitable synthetic vascular graft material, is generally T-shaped with the leg having two free ends disposed in the target vessel, preferably being secured thereto via a suture-free attachment. The conduit comprises vascular graft material and may be manufactured various ways, such as molding a conduit from any suitable biocompatible material or fabricating a conduit from one or more pieces of vascular graft material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of impregnating electrolytic capacitor stacks or wound rolls with a polymer based electrolyte, such as a hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) or hydroxyethylacrylate (HEA) based electrolyte, to render them suitable for use in electrolytic capacitors, and to such electrolytic capacitors. The initiator to promote the polymerization of the polymer based electrolyte and a surface active wetting agent are deposited on the foil or in the stack or wound roll prior to impregnation of the stack or wound roll with a polymer based electrolyte, allowing the polymer based electrolyte solution to be warmed prior to impregnation to a temperature suitable for easy impregnation into the anode and cathode foil and paper. Polymerization does not begin until impregnation of the capacitor with the polymer based electrolyte and the surfactant allows the polymer based electrolyte to more fully incorporate itself into the microscopic features of the anode foil.

Abstract: Processes for forming magnetic anastomotic components subject suitable stock material to a series of steps to produce a biocompatible device for implantation in a patient's body. The processes treat the exterior of the material to form a smooth outer surface free of irregularities and discontinuities. The anastomotic component may undergo additional processing, for example, applying one or more coatings, changing the surface configuration of the component or creating one or more areas of concentrated magnetic flux. According to another aspect of the invention, the anastomotic component is magnetized after it has been packaged. Finally, the exterior of the component may be rendered smooth after initial forming by an acid etching process that is carried out pursuant to principles of the invention.

Abstract: An intravenous cardiac lead having a lumen for delivering a contrast agent as an aid in placement within the coronary sinus or a coronary vein. Also disclosed is a method for advancing such a lead through the right atrium and into the coronary sinus.

Abstract: Methods and devices for placing a conduit in fluid communication with a target vessel and a source of blood, such as the aorta or a heart chamber. The device may be actuated using one hand to place the conduit. The invention allows air in the conduit to be removed prior to placement of the conduit. The invention deploys the conduit in the target vessel by moving a sheath in a distal direction and then in a proximal direction. A conduit is provided with a reinforcing member to prevent kinking of the conduit, and a structure for preventing blockage of the conduit by tissue. A vessel coupling may be used to secure a conduit to a target vessel so as to preserve native blood flow through the vessel, and the conduit may be placed in fluid communication with a target vessel via a laparoscopic or endoscopic procedure.

Abstract: Anastomotic methods and devices for placing a target vessel in fluid communication with a target vessel. A conduit includes an attachment portion adapted to be secured to a target vessel in fluid communication with the lumen of the vessel. The target vessel wall is sandwiched between first and second components of the attachment portion to provide both a secure and sealed connection. One component is placed in the vessel lumen against the interior surface of the wall and has an outlet that directs blood into the target vessel. This component is elongated, e.g., elliptical or rectangular, such that a minimum amount of material is present at the outlet. This results in the outlet having a diameter that substantially maintains much of the cross-sectional area of the native target vessel.