Abstract: Assemblies and methods for capturing a guidewire advanced through a blood vessel in a retrograde direction are disclosed. An assembly can include a constraining catheter and a capture catheter. The constraining catheter can include a first longitudinal member and a tubular member; the tubular member can be eccentrically coupled with a distal end portion of the first longitudinal member. The capture catheter can include a second longitudinal member and a funnel member; the funnel member can be eccentrically coupled with a distal end portion of the second longitudinal member. The funnel member can be moved between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration through relative movement between the first and second longitudinal members. In the collapsed configuration, at least a portion of the funnel member is disposed within a lumen of the tubular member. In the expanded configuration, the portion of the funnel member projects from an end of the tubular member.

Abstract: Instrumentation for percutaneous delivery of blood filtration devices to atrial appendages includes a curved access sheath and a delivery tube. The curved access sheath is coursed through the patient's vasculature to gain transseptal access to a left atrial appendage. A compressed filter device attached to a tether wire is loaded in the delivery tube. The loaded delivery tube is advanced through the pre-positioned access sheath to place the device in a deployment position. The access sheath and the delivery tube can be mechanically locked and moved together to place the device in a suitable deployment position. The device is deployed by expelling it from the delivery tube either by retracting the delivery tube over the tether wire, or by moving the tether wire forward through the delivery tube. The expelled device, which is not constrained by the delivery tube walls, self expands to its useful size in the subject atrial appendage.

Abstract: Implant devices for filtering blood flowing through the ostium of an atrial appendage have component structures one or more of which are expandable. Devices with component structures in their unexpanded state have a compact size suitable for intra-cutaneous delivery to an atrial appendage situs. The expandable component structures are expanded in situ to deploy the devices. A device may have sufficiently short axial length so that most or almost all of the device length may fit within the ostium region.

Abstract: Implant devices for filtering blood flowing through the ostium of an atrial appendage have component structures one or more of which are expandable. Devices with component structures in their unexpanded state have a compact size suitable for intra-cutaneous delivery to an atrial appendage situs. The expandable component structures are expanded in situ to deploy the devices. A device may have sufficiently short axial length so that most or almost all of the device length may fit within the ostium region.

Abstract: A secure VPN connection is provided based on user identify and a hardware identifier. A client application may initiate the VPN connection. A client device user may provide identification information to the application, which then sends a VPN connection request to a remote VPN gateway. The VPN gateway may require an equipment identifier to establish the secure VPN gateway. If the hardware ID is registered, the secure VPN connection is established. If the hardware ID is not registered with the VPN gateway, the connection may be denied. In some instances, a connection may be established with an unregistered equipment ID based on settings at the VPN gateway.

Abstract: Catheter assemblies, kits and methods allowing for the drainage or administration of fluid or small particles are disclosed. A catheter assembly can include a shaft with a lumen, an expandable retention member, an elongate actuation member and a locking mechanism. The expandable retention member can be positioned at a shaft distal end portion and can include one or more filaments forming a plurality of drainage or administration interstices of variable or uniform size. The elongate actuation member can include an actuation member distal end, directly or indirectly engaged with the expandable retention member, and an actuation member proximal end. Movement of the actuation member proximal end relative to a proximal end of the shaft can cause the expandable retention member to change from a lower-profile configuration to a higher-profile configuration. A moved position of the elongate actuation member can be secured by rotating, sliding or otherwise manipulating the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A secure VPN connection is provided based on user identify and a hardware identifier. A client application may initiate the VPN connection. A client device user may provide identification information to the application, which then sends a VPN connection request to a remote VPN gateway. The VPN gateway may require an equipment identifier to establish the secure VPN gateway. If the hardware ID is registered, the secure VPN connection is established. If the hardware ID is not registered with the VPN gateway, the connection may be denied. In some instances, a connection may be established with an unregistered equipment ID based on settings at the VPN gateway.

Abstract: Implant devices for filtering blood flowing through the ostium of an atrial appendage have component structures one or more of which are expandable. Devices with component structures in their unexpanded state have a compact size suitable for intra-cutaneous delivery to an atrial appendage situs. The expandable component structures are expanded in situ to deploy the devices. A device may have sufficiently short axial length so that most or almost all of the device length may fit within the ostium region.

Abstract: Techniques for assessing a resiliency level in an information technology system and architecting the information technology system in accordance with the resiliency level are disclosed. An estimated resiliency level may be estimated from different system characteristics to obtain an estimated resiliency level for the information technology system. The cost and the degree of effort to design for the information technology system may be estimated from the estimated resiliency level. The resiliency level may be further determined from different system factors. Consequently, a specification for a resiliency feature is obtained by accessing a set of resiliency guidelines based on the resiliency level and a technology theme. The resiliency feature may then be applied to the information technology system.

Abstract: Implant devices for filtering blood flowing through the ostium of an atrial appendage have component structures one or more of which are expandable. Devices with component structures in their unexpanded state have a compact size suitable for intra-cutaneous delivery to an atrial appendage situs. The expandable component structures are expanded in situ to deploy the devices. A device may have sufficiently short axial length so that most or almost all of the device length may fit within the ostium region.

Abstract: Implant devices for filtering blood flowing through the ostium of an atrial appendage have component structures one or more of which are expandable. Devices with component structures in their unexpanded state have a compact size suitable for intra-cutaneous delivery to an atrial appendage situs. The expandable component structures are expanded in situ to deploy the devices. A device may have sufficiently short axial length so that most or almost all of the device length may fit within the ostium region.

Abstract: A device for retaining a user's foot on a motorcycle footboard is disclosed, such as a footboard having an upper surface and a perimeter edge. The device comprises a frame configured to mount on the footboard. The frame forms a perimeter to extend about a portion of the upper surface of the footboard. The frame defines an aperture that is configured such that the portion of the upper surface of the footboard is exposed when the frame is mounted on the footboard. The frame comprises a main portion, the main portion having a front end for positioning toward a front of the footboard and a back for positioning toward a back end of the footboard. The frame also comprises an extension portion extending from the main portion. The extension portion extends forwardly from the main portion. The device includes a securing structure for removably securing the frame to the footboard.

Abstract: Implant devices for filtering blood flowing through the ostium of an atrial appendage have component structures one or more of which are expandable. Devices with component structures in their unexpanded state have a compact size suitable for intra-cutaneous delivery to an atrial appendage situs. The expandable component structures are expanded in situ to deploy the devices. A device may have sufficiently short axial length so that most or almost all of the device length may fit within the ostium region. An expandable component structure in the device may include a blood-permeable filter element. The device may be deployed so that this component structure covers the ostium so as to direct the blood flow to pass through the filter element. The filter elements used in the devices may have hole size distributions selected to filter out harmful-size emboli. The filter elements may be embedded in elastic material so that hole-size distributions remain substantially unaffected by expansion of the device structures.

Abstract: A guidewire converter for use in intravascular procedures along with a guidewire. The guidewire converter includes an elongate tubular structure defining a lumen having an inner diameter and a first outer diameter. The inner diameter of the lumen is sized to receive the guidewire for intravascular procedures. The guidewire converter includes a locking mechanism coupled to the elongate tubular structure that has a second outer diameter that is less than or substantially equal to the first outer diameter. Operation of the locking mechanism releasably secures the elongate tubular structure to the guidewire.

Abstract: A catheter to be passed over a guidewire, including a screw portion with a cylindrical hollow shaft and a helical thread portion extending outwardly from the hollow shaft. The screw portion is secured coaxially to a tubular portion formed from a substantially rigid material. The tubular portion has, along a portion of its length, at least two slits having a pattern geometry that limits torsional displacement. The catheter also includes a hub having a lumen joined substantially coaxially to the tubular portion.

Abstract: A saw comprises a blade configured to perform a cut on a work piece at a cutting position. The saw includes a measurement device configured to determine a distance. The measurement device includes a laser generator configured to emit a laser beam. A laser interference member is provided on the work piece with a portion of the laser interference member in the path of the laser beam. The laser interference member comprises a reflective surface configured to reflect the laser beam and an adhesive surface configured to adhere to the work piece. A digital display provides an indication of the determined distance. In another embodiment, the measurement device is provided as a sensor wheel associated with the engagement surface. The sensor wheel is configured to rotate when the work piece is moved along the engagement surface and determine a distance the work piece has moved along the engagement surface.

Abstract: A non-motorized scooter is provided with a base and front and rear wheels mounted on the base. A seat is mounted on the base for folding between an upright riding position and a folded storage position. Handlebars are pivotally mounted on the base for movement between an upright riding position and a folded storage position. The seat and handlebars fold toward one another in a side-by-side position for storage. Outrigger wheels on the rear of the scooter maintain the scooter in an upright position without touching by a person. The height of the seat and handlebars can be adjusted for both the riding position and the storage position, such that the scooter can be used as a crutch or cane when the seat and handlebars are folded downwardly. Optional accessories may be provided for the scooter, including a light, a water bottle holder, and a storage basket.

Abstract: Spherical storage containers for radioactive materials, such as plutonium oxides and salts, are comprised of coupled hemispheres joined by helical threads or bayonet connections. The spherical storage containers are supported in a barrel by a vertical strut and laterally extending straps or are supported in cylindrically configured frames.

Abstract: A guidewire converter for use in intravascular procedures along with a guidewire. The guidewire converter includes an elongate tubular structure defining a lumen having an inner diameter and a first outer diameter. The inner diameter of the lumen is sized to receive the guidewire for intravascular procedures. The guidewire converter includes a locking mechanism coupled to the elongate tubular structure that has a second outer diameter that is less than or substantially equal to the first outer diameter. Operation of the locking mechanism releasably secures the elongate tubular structure to the guidewire.