Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for implanting objects, such as a marker, in the lungs of patients. In one embodiment, a bronchoscopic catheter assembly for implanting an object in the lung of a patient includes a handle, a delivery catheter projecting outwardly from the handle, and a push wire contained within the catheter. In one aspect of this embodiment, the catheter can be configured to releasably hold a plurality of markers at a distal end. In another aspect of this embodiment, the push wire can be operably connected to the handle and axially moveable within the delivery catheter to eject the marker out of the catheter within the bronchi of the patient. In a further aspect of this embodiment, the marker can further include an anti-migration device associated with the marker for holding the marker in place once the marker is deployed in the bronchi. The anti-migration device can be integral with the marker or positioned proximate to the marker to prevent migration of the marker.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for implanting objects, such as a marker, in the lungs of patients. In one embodiment, a bronchoscopic catheter assembly for implanting an object in the lung of a patient includes a handle, a delivery catheter projecting outwardly from the handle, and a push wire contained within the catheter. In one aspect of this embodiment, the catheter can be configured to releasably hold a plurality of markers at a distal end. In another aspect of this embodiment, the push wire can be operably connected to the handle and axially moveable within the delivery catheter to eject the marker out of the catheter within the bronchi of the patient. In a further aspect of this embodiment, the marker can further include an anti-migration device associated with the marker for holding the marker in place once the marker is deployed in the bronchi. The anti-migration device can be integral with the marker or positioned proximate to the marker to prevent migration of the marker.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for implanting objects, such as a marker, in the lungs of patients. In one embodiment, a bronchoscopic catheter assembly for implanting an object in the lung of a patient includes a handle, a delivery catheter projecting outwardly from the handle, and a push wire contained within the catheter In one aspect of this embodiment, the catheter can be configured to releasably hold a plurality of markers at a distal end. In another aspect of this embodiment, the push wire can be operably connected to the handle and axially moveable within the delivery catheter to eject the marker out of the catheter within the bronchi of the patient. In a further aspect of this embodiment, the marker can further include an anti-migration device associated with the marker for holding the marker in place once the marker is deployed in the bronchi. The anti-migration device can be integral with the marker or positioned proximate to the marker to prevent migration of the marker.

Abstract: Implantable devices and methods for external beam radiation treatments are disclosed. One embodiment of an implantable device for guided radiation therapy comprises an active marker configured to be positioned within the patient and to transmit a non-ionizing wireless signal in response to a non-ionizing wirelessly transmitted source energy. The device further includes a fastening unit coupled to the active marker and configured to (a) hold the marker within a desired distance of a target in the tissue and (b) inhibit deformation of tissue from moving the active marker relative to the target.

Abstract: Methods and devices provide for temporary partial aortic occlusion to achieve diversion of blood flow to the brain in patients suffering from cerebral ischemia. The device can include an expandable frame with a membrane mounted on a first portion of the frame. The membrane can have at least one opening. In some embodiments, the membrane has an outer region and an inner region, and an opening in the inner region. In use, the frame can expand to conform to the inner walls of the aorta and the membrane can at least partially occlude the aorta thereby increasing cerebral perfusion. The frame can include one or more anchors to aid in maintaining the device in position against the arterial blood flow pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for external beam radiation treatments of resection cavities are described. One embodiment of such an apparatus comprises a stabilization device having an expandable member configured to (a) be implanted in a patient and (b) move from a first position for insertion into a resection cavity within the patient to a second position for stabilizing tissue of the cavity. The apparatus further includes an active marker coupled to the stabilization device and an electrically conductive line connected to the active marker. The active marker is configured to transmit a signal. The electrically conductive line has an internal portion coupled to the stabilization device and an external portion configured to be coupled to a signal generator and/or a signal processor located outside of the patient.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for implanting objects, such as a marker, in the lungs of patients. In one embodiment, a bronchoscopic catheter assembly for implanting an object in the lung of a patient includes a handle, a delivery catheter projecting outwardly from the handle, and a push wire contained within the catheter In one aspect of this embodiment, the catheter can be configured to releasably hold a plurality of markers at a distal end. In another aspect of this embodiment, the push wire can be operably connected to the handle and axially moveable within the delivery catheter to eject the marker out of the catheter within the bronchi of the patient. In a further aspect of this embodiment, the marker can further include an anti-migration device associated with the marker for holding the marker in place once the marker is deployed in the bronchi. The anti-migration device can be integral with the marker or positioned proximate to the marker to prevent migration of the marker.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing percutaneous myocardial revascularization (PMR) are disclosed. A PMR system in accordance with the present invention includes a first electrode disposed proximate the end of a catheter, a second electrode adapted for connection to the body of a patient, and an ablation current source for providing an ablation current. The ablation current source includes a first output coupled to the first electrode and a second output coupled to the second electrode. In a preferred embodiment, the ablation current source has an enabled state in which an ablation current may be passed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a disabled state in which the passage of an ablation current between the first electrode and the second electrode is prevented.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing percutaneous myocardial revascularization (PMR) are disclosed. A PMR system in accordance with the present invention includes a first electrode disposed proximate the end of a catheter, a second electrode adapted for connection to the body of a patient, and an ablation current source for providing an ablation current. The ablation current source includes a first output coupled to the first electrode and a second output coupled to the second electrode. In a preferred embodiment, the ablation current source has an enabled state in which an ablation current may be passed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a disabled state in which the passage of an ablation current between the first electrode and the second electrode is prevented.

Abstract: A radiation delivery system including a catheter shaft having a distal head. A fixed or removable radiation source is disposed adjacent the distal head. The distal head includes a radiation shield having a window and an ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic transducer provides a signal indicative of relative position, tissue geometry and/or tissue characteristics, which may be utilized to determine the appropriate placement of the radiation shield window such that only selected portions of the treatment site are exposed to radiation. The radiation delivery system may include a drive means coupled to the distal head to facilitate rotation thereof. The rotatable head may be rotated at a constant velocity or at a velocity which varies as a function of the signal (e.g., distance from the vascular wall and/or stenotic thickness).