Abstract: Several embodiments are set forth of devices, systems and methods for modifying an atrial appendage such as a left atrial appendage (LAA). In one embodiment, a device includes a body that is collapsible and self-expanding. The body includes a textured surface with protruding portions and recessed portions. The body may be formed of a reticulated foam material and may exhibit a substantially spherical geometry or a truncated spherical geometry. The body may be substantially hollow. In one embodiment, portions of the textured surface may be metalized or have a coating placed thereon to enhance frictional engagement of the body with the atrial appendage wall. In another embodiment, a mesh bag is disposed within an LAA and one or more self-expanding bodies are disposed within the mesh bag. The mesh bag is then secured to retain the self-expanding bodies within the bag and the LAA.

Abstract: A medical system for treating an internal tissue opening can include a closure device and associated delivery device. The closure device can include a multi-cellular body portion operatively associated with a first anchor and a second anchor. The closure device can be configured to apply lateral force to tissue of the internal tissue opening for tissue approximation. The closure device can have a substantially flat aspect, and have a depth that is substantially greater than the thickness of a majority of the members forming the closure device. The closure device can also include an in-growth material. The delivery device can include an actuating assembly configured to partially deploy the closure device by a first movement, and deploy a second portion of the closure device by a second movement. The delivery device can also include a release assembly to selectively release or disconnect the closure device from the delivery device.

Abstract: A medical device configured to navigate through anatomy that may be used as a guidewire, or both. Embodiments may navigate like a guidewire, but once in place, perform many or all of the functions that a catheter may perform. The device generally has a body which may be nitinol, with a plurality of pairs of slots cut into the body to make it more flexible in bending while maintaining adequate torsional stiffness. Each longitudinally adjacent pair may be rotated an angle around the axis from the previous pair, and the angle may be less than 89 degrees and greater than 31 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle may be in the range of 70-90 degrees and the average of the angles, computed over 10 adjacent sets of cuts, may be less than 89 degrees and greater than 70 degrees.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit for boring earth formations is provided which includes a main body portion of a hard metal matrix material and at least one protrusion or shoulder formed of the same matrix material. On the protrusion is mounted a cutting element. Means for reinforcing the protrusion are provided and extend between the main body portion of the bit and the protrusion. The reinforcements add impact strength to the bit and increase the resistance of the bit to cracking in areas supporting the cutting element.