Abstract: A method of cutting tissue for use as an implantable medical device employs a laser cutting system. The laser cutting system is computer controlled and includes a laser combined with a motion system. The laser precisely cuts segments out of source tissue according to predetermined pattern as designated by the computer. The cutting energy of the laser is selected so that the cut edges of the tissue segments are fused, melted or welded to discourage delamination or fraying, but communication of thermal energy into the segment beyond the edge is minimized to avoid damaging the tissue adjacent the edge.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the providing oxygenated blood to venous circulation. Embodiments include a femoral access approach to the creation of an Aorta-caval fistula at the bifurcation of the Aorta and the Inferior Vena Cava; an apparatus for the creation, modification and maintenance of a fistula; and a method of supplying oxygenated blood to the venous circulation of a patient. The devices, systems and methods can be used to treat patients with one or more numerous ailments including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, hypotension, respiratory failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension, lung fibrosis and adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Abstract: An intraocular lens for implantation in a capsular bag of an eye includes an optic disposed about an optical axis and a haptic including a protruding portion disposed inside the optic. The optic has an anterior face and an opposing posterior face that are configured to provide a lens power. In response to an ocular force of the eye, the haptic transmits a force that alters one or more of a shape of the optic and an axial thickness of the optic. The protruding portion of the haptic has a refractive index that is equal to a refraction index of the optic for at least one a wavelength within the visible spectrum.

Abstract: An intraocular lens is disclosed, with an optic that changes shape in response to a deforming force exerted by the zonules of the eye. A haptic supports the optic around its equator and couples the optic to the capsular bag of the eye. The region of contact between the optic and the haptic extends into the edge of the optic, similar to the interface between a bicycle tire and the rim that holds it in place. The haptic may be stiffer than the optic. The haptic may have the same refractive index as the optic. The haptic may include a saddle-shaped portion in contact with the adjustable optic, with a convex profile along an optical axis; and a concave profile in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis.

Abstract: A method of cutting tissue for use as an implantable medical device employs a laser cutting system. The laser cutting system is computer controlled and includes a laser combined with a motion system. The laser precisely cuts segments out of source tissue according to predetermined pattern as designated by the computer. The cutting energy of the laser is selected so that the cut edges of the tissue segments are fused, melted or welded to discourage delamination or fraying, but communication of thermal energy into the segment beyond the edge is minimized to avoid damaging the tissue adjacent the edge.

Abstract: A method of cutting material for use in an implantable medical device employs a plotted laser cutting system. The laser cutting system is computer controlled and includes a laser combined with a motion system. The laser precisely cuts segments out of source material according to a predetermined pattern as designated by the computer. The segments are used in constructing implantable medical devices. The cutting energy of the laser is selected so that the cut edges of the segments are melted to discourage delamination or fraying, but communication of thermal energy into the segment beyond the edge is minimized to avoid damaging the segment adjacent the edge.

Abstract: A method of cutting material for use in an implantable medical device employs a plotted laser cutting system. The laser cutting system is computer controlled and includes a laser combined with a motion system. The laser precisely cuts segments out of source material according to predetermined pattern as designated by the computer. The segments are used in constructing implantable medical devices. The cutting energy of the laser is selected so that the cut edges of the segments are melted to discourage delamination or fraying, but communication of thermal energy into the segment beyond the edge is minimized to avoid damaging the segment adjacent the edge.

Abstract: An intraocular lens for providing accommodative visions to a subject includes an adjustable optic and a haptic that is operably coupled to the optic. The adjustable optic comprises an optical axis, a central zone disposed about the optical axis, and an annular zone surrounding the central zone. The optic may also comprise additional annular zones disposed about the central zone and the first annular zone. The haptic comprises a transparent portion protruding into the adjustable optic. The intraocular lens has a disaccommodative configuration in which the central zone has a base optical power and an accommodative configuration in which the central zone has an add optical power that is at least about 1 Diopter greater than the base optical power, preferably at least about 2 Diopters greater than the base optical power. In some embodiments, the add optical power is at least 3 Diopters, or even 4 Diopters, greater than the base optical power.

Abstract: An intraocular lens is disclosed, with an optic that changes shape in response to a deforming force exerted by the zonules of the eye. A haptic supports the optic around its equator and couples the optic to the capsular bag of the eye. The region of contact between the optic and the haptic extends into the edge of the optic, similar to the interface between a bicycle tire and the rim that holds it in place. The haptic may be stiffer than the optic. The haptic may have the same refractive index as the optic. The haptic may include a saddle-shaped portion in contact with the adjustable optic, with a convex profile along an optical axis; and a concave profile in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis.

Abstract: A method of cutting material for use in an implantable medical device employs a plotted laser cutting system. The laser cutting system is computer controlled and includes a laser combined with a motion system. The laser precisely cuts segments out of source material according to a predetermined pattern as designated by the computer. The segments are used in constructing implantable medical devices. The cutting energy of the laser is selected so that the cut edges of the segments are melted to discourage delamination or fraying, but communication of thermal energy into the segment beyond the edge is minimized to avoid damaging the segment adjacent the edge.

Abstract: An improved prosthetic mitral valve is provided having advantageous hemodynamic performance, nonthrombogenicity, and durability. The valve includes a valve body having an inflow annulus and an outflow annulus. Commissural attachment locations are disposed adjacent the outflow annulus. An anterior leaflet and a posterior leaflet of the valve are shaped differently from one another. The inflow annulus preferably is scalloped so as to have a saddle-shaped periphery having a pair of relatively high portions separated by a pair of relatively low portions. The anterior high portion preferably is vertically higher than the posterior high portion.

Abstract: A method of cutting material for use in an implantable medical device employs a plotted laser cutting system. The laser cutting system is computer controlled and includes a laser combined with a motion system. The laser precisely cuts segments out of source material according to a predetermined pattern as designated by the computer. The segments are used in constructing implantable medical devices. The cutting energy of the laser is selected so that the cut edges of the segments are melted to discourage delamination or fraying, but communication of thermal energy into the segment beyond the edge is minimized to avoid damaging the segment adjacent the edge.

Abstract: A method of cutting material for use in an implantable medical device employs a plotted laser cutting system. The laser cutting system is computer controlled and includes a laser combined with a motion system. The laser precisely cuts segments out of source material according to a predetermined pattern as designated by the computer. The segments are used in constructing implantable medical devices. The cutting energy of the laser is selected so that the cut edges of the segments are melted to discourage delamination or fraying, but communication of thermal energy into the segment beyond the edge is minimized to avoid damaging the segment adjacent the edge.

Abstract: A method of cutting material for use in an implantable medical device employs a plotted laser cutting system. The laser cutting system is computer controlled and includes a laser combined with a motion system. The laser precisely cuts segments out of source material according to a predetermined pattern as designated by the computer. The segments are used in constructing implantable medical devices. The cutting energy of the laser is selected so that the cut edges of the segments are melted to discourage delamination or fraying, but communication of thermal energy into the segment beyond the edge is minimized to avoid damaging the segment adjacent the edge.