Abstract: A method is provided that includes providing a first digital representation of a first member and a second digital representation of a second member. The first member and the second member are configured to be joined. The method also includes aligning the first digital representation and the second digital representation in a same coordinate system. Further, the method includes determining, in the coordinate system, a virtual deformation corresponding to at least one of the first digital representation or the second digital representation corresponding to an applied loading. Also, the method includes determining shim dimensions for a shim to be interposed between the first member and the second member based on the virtual deformation. The method further includes fabricating a shim having the shim dimensions.

Abstract: Apparatus for implanting a heart valve and removing debris from a blood vessel, composed of: a collapsible and deployable filter for blocking debris in a blood vessel in a patient's body; a circular cuff coupled to a small diameter end of the filter and defining a through passage extending from the small diameter end, the cuff having, at a first end, an internal diameter coaxial with a circular opening at the small diameter end of the filter; a first sheath for housing the filter in its collapsed state and having a length sufficient to extend out of a patient's body when the filter is at a desired location in a blood vessel; and an assembly for implanting a prosthetic valve in the patient's heart, said assembly comprising a second sheath and a catheter housed in the second sheath and carrying an implantable valve.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a mandrel. A first plurality of transmitting devices is positioned with respect to the mandrel. Signals from a portion of the first plurality of transmitting devices are received at a receiving device. The signals are processed to determine a configuration of the mandrel.

Abstract: Apparatus for carrying out a medical procedure at a site in a patient's blood circulatory system, including a device to be implanted in the circulatory system, a sheath surrounding device and having a first diameter; a hollow tube having a second diameter and having a pressure transducer at its proximal end, and a filter that is collapsible into the sheath and is expandable out of the sheath for blocking debris and passing blood in the circulatory system.

Abstract: Apparatus for carrying out a medical procedure at a site in a patient's blood circulatory system, including a device to be implanted in the circulatory system, a sheath surrounding device and having a first diameter; a hollow tube having a second diameter and having a pressure transducer at its proximal end, and a filter that is collapsible into the sheath and is expandable out of the sheath for blocking debris and passing blood in the circulatory system.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes providing a first digital representation of a first member and a second digital representation of a second member. The first member and the second member are configured to be joined. The method also includes aligning the first digital representation and the second digital representation in a same coordinate system. Further, the method includes determining, in the coordinate system, a virtual deformation corresponding to at least one of the first digital representation or the second digital representation corresponding to an applied loading. Also, the method includes determining shim dimensions for a shim to be interposed between the first member and the second member based on the virtual deformation. The method further includes fabricating a shim having the shim dimensions.

Abstract: A collapsible and deployable filter for blocking debris and passing blood in a blood vessel in a patient's body, the filter including; a framework of a flexible material, constructed to have a radially compressed state, in which the framework is radially compressed by radial deforming forces, and a radially expanded state to obdurate an artery; and a flexible filter material secured to said framework and having pores dimensioned to prevent the passage of debris therethrough while allowing the passage of blood. The filter has, in the radially expanded state of the framework, a generally conical or frustoconical form with a large diameter end, a small diameter end opposite to the large diameter end, and a side surface extending between the ends. The filter has an opening that is free of filter material at the small diameter end or in the side surface.

Abstract: A collapsible and deployable filter for blocking debris and passing blood in a blood vessel in a patient's body, the filter including; a framework of a flexible material, constructed to have a radially compressed state, in which the framework is radially compressed by radial deforming forces, and a radially expanded state to obdurate an artery; and a flexible filter material secured to said framework and having pores dimensioned to prevent the passage of debris therethrough while allowing the passage of blood. The filter has, in the radially expanded state of the framework, a generally conical or frustoconical form with a large diameter end, a small diameter end opposite to the large diameter end, and a side surface extending between the ends. The filter has an opening that is free of filter material at the small diameter end or in the side surface.

Abstract: A kit and a system for providing long term protection for a patient's vascular system against damage from debris produced in the patient's ascending aorta as a result of a medical procedure involving the patient's heart. The kit and the system include an aortic filter assembly constructed to block debris in the patient's aorta while allowing blood flow through the aorta. The kit includes a shunt adapted to be implanted to form a flow path between an artery downstream of the debris removal tube and a vein and a venous filter adapted to be placed in the vein downstream of the shunt to collect debris flowing from said shunt. The system includes a heart-lung machine.

Abstract: Apparatus for implanting a heart valve and removing debris from a blood vessel, composed of: a collapsible and deployable filter for blocking debris in a blood vessel in a patient's body; a circular cuff coupled to a small diameter end of the filter and defining a through passage extending from the small diameter end, the cuff having, at a first end, an internal diameter coaxial with a circular opening at the small diameter end of the filter; a first sheath for housing the filter in its collapsed state and having a length sufficient to extend out of a patient's body when the filter is at a desired location in a blood vessel; and an assembly for implanting a prosthetic valve in the patient's heart, said assembly comprising a second sheath and a catheter housed in the second sheath and carrying an implantable valve.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a mandrel. A first plurality of transmitting devices is positioned with respect to the mandrel. Signals from a portion of the first plurality of transmitting devices are received at a receiving device. The signals are processed to determine a configuration of the mandrel.

Abstract: A package for a micro-electromechanical device (MEMS package) includes an inner enclosure having an inner cavity defined therein, and a fill port channel communicating with the inner cavity and of sufficient length to allow a quantity of adhesive to enter the fill port channel while preventing the adhesive from entering the inner cavity.

Abstract: A collapsible and deployable filter for blocking debris and passing blood in a blood vessel in a patient's body, the filter including; a framework of a flexible material, constructed to have a radially compressed state, in which the framework is radially compressed by radial deforming forces, and a radially expanded state to obdurate an artery; and a flexible filter material secured to said framework and having pores dimensioned to prevent the passage of debris therethrough while allowing the passage of blood. The filter has, in the radially expanded state of the framework, a generally conical or frustoconical form with a large diameter end, a small diameter end opposite to the large diameter end, and a side surface extending between the ends. The filter has an opening that is free of filter material at the small diameter end or in the side surface.

Abstract: An apparatus, a kit and a method for rapidly restoring blood flow through, and removing a clot from, a blood vessel by chemical dissolution. The essential components include an instrument for preventing the flow of debris downstream of the clot, a coronary catheter constructed to be introduced into the blood vessel and a double balloon catheter that has a tapered tip and that can form an enclosed space containing the clot and via which dissolution fluid can be brought into contact with the clot.

Abstract: A collapsible and deployable filter for blocking debris and passing blood in a blood vessel in a patient's body, the filter including; a framework of a flexible material, constructed to have a radially compressed state, in which the framework is radially compressed by radial deforming forces, and a radially expanded state to obdurate an artery; and a flexible filter material secured to said framework and having pores dimensioned to prevent the passage of debris therethrough while allowing the passage of blood. The filter has, in the radially expanded state of the framework, a generally conical or frustoconical form with a large diameter end, a small diameter end opposite to the large diameter end, and a side surface extending between the ends. The filter has an opening that is free of filter material at the small diameter end or in the side surface.

Abstract: A computerized method and a system for marketing program development are provided. In example embodiments, the method may include providing a user interface over a computer network such as the Internet, receiving from the user interface a marketing program proposal including program information. The method may also include facilitating a strategic review process of the marketing program proposal. The method may further include facilitating of a capacity review process of the marketing program.

Abstract: An apparatus, a kit and a method for rapidly restoring blood flow through, and removing a clot from, a blood vessel by chemical dissolution. The essential components include an instrument for preventing the flow of debris downstream of the clot, a coronary catheter constructed to be introduced into the blood vessel and a double balloon catheter that has a tapered tip and that can form an enclosed space containing the clot and via which dissolution fluid can be brought into contact with the clot.

Abstract: A computerized method and a system for marketing planning and marketing program development are provided. In example embodiments, the method may include receiving a marketing program proposal including program information. The method may also include facilitating a strategic review process of the marketing program proposal. The method may further include facilitating of a capacity review process of the marketing program.