Abstract: A controllable stiffness catheter includes a shaft comprising inner and outer sheaths, the sheaths each having proximal and distal ends. The outer surrounds the inner from the proximal to the distal end of the inner sheath, defining an annulus therebetween including a proximal portion having a vacuum connection to which vacuum is applied. The distal ends of the sheaths are longitudinally fixed to one another and sized for neurological vascular procedures. The outer has a substantially constant outer diameter over a distal portion of the annulus proximate to the distal ends. A vacuum device fluidically connects to the vacuum connection and is configured to apply vacuum thereto. Responsive to vacuum, annulus pressure lowers to draw the sheaths toward one another and stiffen the shaft over at least the distal portion to substantially and passively stiffen and maintain a current shape of the shaft over at least the distal portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to minimally invasive, cost-effective, adaptable methods, systems, and devices used to repair anatomical joint conditions. The repair may be necessitated by trauma, disease or other conditions. The anatomical joint may specifically include mammalian joints such as the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, finger, hip, spine, toe and ankle, for example. The methods, systems, and devices disclosed herein include leveraging the significant (and often unappreciated) role the subchondral bone plays in the health status of the afflicted anatomical joint.

Abstract: A method of implanting a replacement mitral valve can include expanding a replacement mitral valve to a first expanded configuration. The replacement mitral valve can include a force-expanding mitral valve lattice and a self-expanding valve trampoline lattice. The mitral valve lattice has an inflow end portion and an outflow end portion, and the valve trampoline lattice is attached to the outflow end portion of the mitral valve lattice. The method can also include rotating a plurality of jack screws connected to the mitral valve lattice. The jack screws can be configured to expand the mitral valve lattice from the first expanded configuration to a second expanded configuration.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a frame, a valve, and an expansion element. The frame is movable between contracted and expanded configurations and includes first struts and second struts non-hingedly coupled together. The second struts are configured to pivot relative to the first struts as the frame moves between the contracted and expanded configurations. The valve is coupled to the frame and includes leaflets. The expansion element extends through a lumen of the first struts. The expansion element is slidable relative to the lumen of the first struts and is configured to move the frame incrementally from the contracted configuration and the expanded configuration and from the expanded configuration to the contracted configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to minimally invasive, cost-effective, adaptable methods, systems, and devices used to repair anatomical joint conditions. The repair may be necessitated by trauma, disease or other conditions. The anatomical joint may specifically include mammalian joints such as the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, finger, hip, spine, toe and ankle, for example. The methods, systems, and devices disclosed herein include leveraging the significant (and often unappreciated) role the subchondral bone plays in the health status of the afflicted anatomical joint.

Abstract: A recapturable external LAA exclusion clip system includes a clip comprising first and second clip struts, at least one of the struts having a connector interface comprising a first portion of a lock, and a delivery device comprising a handle and an end effector. The handle comprises jaw and lock controls. The end effector is connected to the handle and comprises a clevis and first and second jaws. The jaws are connected to the clevis and operatively connected to the jaw control to actively articulate at least one of the jaws with respect to the other. At least one of the jaws has a connector comprising a second portion of the lock operatively connected to the lock control to removably lock with the first portion of the lock. The first and second portions of the lock have a locked state and are configured to unlock the locked state upon actuation of the lock control.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus can include a handle portion and at least one rotatable drive shaft. The handle portion has an actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism includes a motor and one or more actuators. The rotatable drive shaft has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion is coupled to the motor, and the distal end portion is configured to be releasably coupled to a prosthetic heart valve. The actuation mechanism is configured to control and monitor expansion of the prosthetic heart valve. The handle is configured for actuating the actuation mechanism, tracking a response of native tissue when the prosthetic heart valve is in contact with the native tissue, and stopping expansion of the prosthetic heart valve once a rate of change of expansion of the prosthetic heart valve declines below a threshold.

Abstract: A recapturable external LAA exclusion clip system includes a clip comprising first and second clip struts, at least one of the struts having a connector interface comprising a first portion of a lock, and a delivery device comprising a handle and an end effector. The handle comprises jaw and lock controls. The end effector is connected to the handle and comprises a clevis and first and second jaws. The jaws are connected to the clevis and operatively connected to the jaw control to actively articulate at least one of the jaws with respect to the other. At least one of the jaws has a connector comprising a second portion of the lock operatively connected to the lock control to removably lock with the first portion of the lock. The first and second portions of the lock have a locked state and are configured to unlock the locked state upon actuation of the lock control.

Abstract: An LAA exclusion clip includes first and second clip struts and a bias device. The clip struts together define a heart-proximate side, a heart-distal side, bias and open clip ends, each strut having a tissue-contacting surface disposed opposite one another. The bias device includes a first biasing portion connecting the first and second clip struts, disposed on the heart-proximate side of the clip struts, and crossing over from the first clip strut to the second clip strut at the heart-proximate side of the first and second clip struts adjacent the bias clip end. The bias device includes a second biasing portion connecting the first and second clip struts, disposed on the heart-distal side of the first and second clip struts, and crossing over from the first clip strut to the second clip strut at the heart-distal side of the first and second clip struts adjacent the bias clip end.

Abstract: An LAA exclusion system includes a clip comprising first and second separate clip struts, and a bias device comprising spring portions, and a delivery device having clip-contacting ends. The first clip strut has a first proximal end. The second clip strut has a second proximal end adjacent the first proximal end. The clip struts together define a first exterior surface and an opposing second exterior surface. The first spring portion connects the first clip strut to the second clip strut along the first exterior surface and the second spring portion connects the first clip strut to the second clip strut along the second exterior surface. The spring portions define therebetween a strut-securing area at the first and second proximal ends. The clip-contacting ends are configured to removably connect to the proximal ends of the clip struts through the strut-securing area.

Abstract: A surgical device comprising a surgical end effector, an actuation assembly having a part operable to move between a first position and a second position, an electrically-powered motor, a transmission mechanically connecting the motor to the part and being operable to selectively displace the part between the first and second positions when the motor is operated, and a manual release mechanically coupled to the transmission to selectively interrupt the transmission and, during interruption, displace the part towards the first position independent of operation of the motor.

Abstract: An assembly includes a prosthetic heart valve and a delivery apparatus. The prosthetic heart valve has a plurality of pivotably connected struts and one or more adjustable elements rotatably coupled to the struts. Rotating the adjustable elements in a first direction relative to the struts radially expands the prosthetic heart valve. Rotating the adjustable elements in a second direction relative to the struts radially contracts the prosthetic heart valve. The delivery apparatus includes one or more motors, one or more drive wires coupled to the motors, and a memory. The drive wires are coupled to the adjustable elements of the prosthetic heart valve. The motors are configured to rotate the drive wires and the adjustable elements to expand and contract the prosthetic heart valve. The memory is configured for storing one or more characteristics of the motors, the drive wires, or the prosthetic heart valve.

Abstract: A hanging multiple-light string system includes a plug for an electrical mains, an electrical power cord having a first power cord end electrically connected to the plug, a given length, and a second power cord end opposite the first power cord end, and a cord of lights electrically connected to the second power cord end to receive power and illuminate at least one of the lights when the plug is connected to the electrical mains, the lights strung successively along a length less than the given length.

Abstract: A variably-flexible device that comprises a hollow body, a steering element that steers a steerable portion of the hollow body, the steering element being comprised of steering tendons disposed within the hollow body, a torque-transmitting element that extends into the steerable portion of the hollow body, and stiffening element disposed within the hollow body to selectively maintain the hollow body in a relatively stiff condition.

Abstract: A method of surgically cutting tissue with an ultrasonic instrument that comprises an ultrasonic waveguide that is movable along a longitudinal extent of the ultrasonic instrument comprises the steps of temporarily compressing tissue between two opposing jaws disposed at a distal end of the ultrasonic instrument, applying a resonant ultrasonic wave to the ultrasonic waveguide, and moving the ultrasonic waveguide in a distal direction along the longitudinal extent to advance the ultrasonic waveguide between at least a portion of the jaws to cut and seal the tissue temporarily secured between the jaws.

Abstract: A recapturable external LAA exclusion clip system includes a clip comprising first and second clip struts, at least one of the struts having a connector interface comprising a first portion of a lock, and a delivery device comprising a handle and an end effector. The handle comprises jaw and lock controls. The end effector is connected to the handle and comprises a clevis and first and second jaws. The jaws are connected to the clevis and operatively connected to the jaw control to actively articulate at least one of the jaws with respect to the other. At least one of the jaws has a connector comprising a second portion of the lock operatively connected to the lock control to removably lock with the first portion of the lock. The first and second portions of the lock have a locked state and are configured to unlock the locked state upon actuation of the lock control.

Abstract: A method for ameliorating joint conditions and diseases and preventing bone hypertrophy can include facilitating cartilage regrowth and preventing bone overgrowth to a damaged bone at a treatment site within a body joint to promote healing. The method can include providing a device having a first section comprising a joint-ward end having an inner surface and an outer surface and fenestrations between the inner and outer surfaces. A second section can include an opposing leading end and a lateral wall extending between the joint-ward end and the leading end. The leading end can be penetrated into the bone to a depth to substantially position: 1) the joint-ward end in a cartilage zone or at a boundary/transition area; and 2) the second section in the bone. Bone overgrowth into the cartilage zone may be prevented within the body joint when the device is positioned at the treatment site.

Abstract: A variably-flexible, locking insertion device includes a hollow body having a proximal end with an entrance for receiving an instrument, a distal end with a tip for protrusion of the instrument, and a handle to be gripped by an operator. A device transitions the hollow body between a relatively flexible condition and a relatively stiff condition. Tendons are disposed within the hollow body for maintaining the hollow body in the relatively flexible and relatively stiff conditions, the tendons being neither in tension nor compression when the hollow body is in the relatively stiff condition.

Abstract: A clot removal system comprises a catheter, a vacuum source, and a controller. The catheter comprises a proximal end, a distal end, and controller operating parameters and defines a lumen configured to be filled with a liquid column having a proximal portion. The vacuum source is configured to supply vacuum. The controller is configured to carry out a control pattern of turning on and off the vacuum based upon the controller operating parameters and is configured to receive the controller operating parameters in an automatic response to the catheter being operatively connected to at least one of the vacuum source and the controller and, responsive to the connection, to carry out the control pattern to change a level of vacuum at the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: A system for hanging lights includes a multiple-light string comprising a plug, a power cord having a first power cord end electrically connected to the plug, a length of between approximately 5 and 20 meters, and a second power cord end opposite the first power cord end, a cord of lights electrically connected to the second power cord end to receive power and illuminate at least one of the lights when the plug is connected to an electrical mains, the lights strung successively along a length of between approximately 5 and 20 meters, a plug hurler comprising a throwing weight and a hurler cord having a first hurler end connected to the throwing weight and a second hurler end opposite the first hurler end, and a plug-to-hurler connector comprising a connector body connected adjacent the second hurler end and defining a plug capture orifice shaped to removably receive the plug.