Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching tissue to bone in a shifted position without requiring surgical detachment of muscle or connective tissue joining the tissue layer to the bone layer. The skin layer is gently pulled in a non-surgical manner and a fastener of the invention is driven through the skin layer into the bone layer to effect a “skin tightening” procedure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching tissue to bone in a shifted position without requiring surgical detachment of muscle or connective tissue joining the tissue layer to the bone layer. The skin and/or soft tissue layer is displaced in a surgical or non-surgical manner and a fastener of the invention is driven through the skin and/or soft tissue layer into the periosteum or bone layer to affect a tissue repositioning procedure. The method and apparatus may also be used to attach tissue to tissue an a shifted position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching tissue to bone in a shifted position without requiring surgical detachment of muscle or connective tissue joining the tissue layer to the bone layer. The skin layer is gently pulled in a non-surgical manner and a fastener of the invention is driven through the skin layer into the bone layer to effect a “skin tightening” procedure.

Abstract: Methods and devices that treat the left atrial appendage by bringing the distal wall of the appendage to a position where the tissue of the wall blocks the ostium, thereby preventing blood from flowing into the appendage. The methods and devices are adapted to create a separation between the distal wall of the appendage and the adjacent pericardium such that the risk of rupturing the pericardium are minimized.

Abstract: A second stent having a wall thickness of 0.002 inches or less or a second stent having a tubular surface with openings therethrough where the ratio of the area of the surface to the area of the openings is at least 3:7 may be implanted in a first stent which has been previously implanted in a bodily vessel.

Abstract: A stent delivery catheter that comprises a central shaft having a distal tip extending therefrom, at least one guide wire, and a retractable sheath. The distal tip includes a proximal ridge which has a diameter larger than the central shaft. The guide wire includes at least one stent disposed about a portion thereof. The at least one guide wire being movable relative to the central shaft. The retractable sheath being disposed about the central shaft and the at least one guide wire. The retractable sheath having a distal edge removably engaged to the distal tip. The proximal ridge of the distal tip overlapping the distal edge of the retractable sheath. The retractable sheath being proximally retractable from the distal tip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of a bodily vessel. The apparatus comprising a catheter having a means for heating a desired location of the bodily vessel. The method comprising delivering a distal portion of the catheter to the desired location in a bodily vessel and activating the means for heating in order to heat the vessel at the desired location. A stent may be delivered and implanted to the bodily vessel at the desired location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of a bodily vessel. The apparatus comprising a catheter having a means for heating a desired location of the bodily vessel. The method comprising delivering a distal portion of the catheter to the desired location in a bodily vessel and activating the means for heating in order to heat the vessel at the desired location. A stent may be delivered and implanted to the bodily vessel at the desired location.

Abstract: A stent delivery catheter that comprises a central shaft having a distal tip extending therefrom, at least one guide wire, and a retractable sheath. The distal tip includes a proximal ridge which has a diameter larger than the central shaft. The guide wire includes at least one stent disposed about a portion thereof. The at least one guide wire being movable relative to the central shaft. The retractable sheath being disposed about the central shaft and the at least one guide wire. The retractable sheath having a distal edge removably engaged to the distal tip. The proximal ridge of the distal tip overlapping the distal edge of the retractable sheath. The retractable sheath being proximally retractable from the distal tip.

Abstract: A second stent having a wall thickness of 0.002 inches or less or a second stent having a tubular surface with openings therethrough where the ratio of the area of the surface to the area of the openings is at least 3:10 may be implanted in a first stent which has been previously implanted in a bodily vessel.