Abstract: Support frames and medical devices are described. An example medical device comprises an expandable support frame with first and second leaflets attached to the support frame. Each of the first and second leaflets defines a domed radius that is equal to or less than the radius of the expandable support frame when the expandable support frame is in an expanded configuration and the leaflets are subjected to fluid pressure sufficient to affect closure of the valve orifice.

Abstract: Support frames and medical devices are described. An example medical device comprises an expandable support frame with first and second leaflets attached to the support frame. Each of the first and second leaflets defines a domed radius that is equal to or less than the radius of the expandable support frame when the expandable support frame is in an expanded configuration and the leaflets are subjected to fluid pressure sufficient to affect closure of the valve orifice.

Abstract: A method of treatment for a body vessel is provided. The body vessel includes a dissection flap formed from a wall of the body vessel, which longitudinally separates a natural body vessel lumen into a true lumen and a false lumen. One or more cuts are formed in the dissection flap with a cutting device or system. An expandable device is inserted within the true lumen, and expanded to reappose the dissection flap against the wall of the body vessel where the dissection flap was detached from the wall such that the false lumen is closed. A variety of cut patterns are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of treating diverticulosis and medical devices suitable for use in such methods are described herein. In an embodiment, a method of treating diverticulosis in an animal comprises clearing the lumen of the colon of the animal of solid matter, isolating a treatment portion of the colon, applying suction at a point within the lumen of the colon to depressurize the treatment portion, applying a material to the external surface across at least one diverticulum of the diverticula on the colon, and removing the suction. In some embodiments, the material comprises an adhesive. A step of applying a second material across at least one diverticulum of the diverticula on the colon can also be included.

Abstract: A method and system for treatment for a body vessel having a dissection flap formed from a wall of the body vessel, which longitudinally separates a natural body vessel lumen into a true lumen and a false lumen. One or more cuts are formed in the dissection flap with the cutting device or system including cutting blades. An expandable device is inserted within the true lumen, and expanded to reappose the dissection flap against the wall of the body vessel where the dissection flap was detached from the wall such that the false lumen is closed. A variety of cut patterns are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of treatment for a body vessel is provided. The body vessel includes a dissection flap formed from a wall of the body vessel, which longitudinally separates a natural body vessel lumen into a true lumen and a false lumen. One or more cuts are formed in the dissection flap with a cutting device or system. An expandable device is inserted within the true lumen, and expanded to reappose the dissection flap against the wall of the body vessel where the dissection flap was detached from the wall such that the false lumen is closed. A variety of cut patterns are disclosed.

Abstract: Tissue cutting systems and methods of tissue cutting are provided. In one example, the tissue cutting system includes a first device and a second device adapted for coupling to a power supply. The first device includes a conductive probe. The second device includes a conductive material, for example, as part of an expandable structure, having an outer surface area of conductive material that may be larger than a surface area of the conductive probe. The conductive probe and the conductive material are deployed along opposite sides of a body tissue, such as an aortic dissection flap. Selective electrical power is applied to the conductive probe and the conductive material to cut the body tissue.

Abstract: Animal models useful in the evaluation of medical devices, such as intraluminal medical devices, including intraluminal valve prostheses, are described. An example animal model comprises an animal in which a chordae tendineae attached to at least one of the leaflets of the tricuspid valve has been cut during an interventional procedure. Methods of evaluating intraluminal medical devices are also described. An example methods comprises cutting chordae tendineae attached to a leaflet of a tricuspid valve of an animal; allowing the animal to recover from the step of cutting the chordae tendineae; implanting an intraluminal medical device at a target site within a body vessel of the animal; allowing the animal to recover from the step of implanting an intraluminal medical device; and monitoring in vivo performance of the intraluminal medical device.

Abstract: Support frames and medical devices are described. An example medical device comprises an expandable support frame with first and second leaflets attached to the support frame. Each of the first and second leaflets defines a domed radius that is equal to or less than the radius of the expandable support frame when the expandable support frame is in an expanded configuration and the leaflets are subjected to fluid pressure sufficient to affect closure of the valve orifice.

Abstract: Animal models useful in the evaluation of medical devices, such as intraluminal medical devices, including intraluminal valve prostheses, are described. An example animal model comprises an animal in which a chordae tendineae attached to at least one of the leaflets of the tricuspid valve has been cut during an interventional procedure. Methods of evaluating intraluminal medical devices are also described. An example methods comprises cutting chordae tendineae attached to a leaflet of a tricuspid valve of an animal; allowing the animal to recover from the step of cutting the chordae tendineae; implanting an intraluminal medical device at a target site within a body vessel of the animal; allowing the animal to recover from the step of implanting an intraluminal medical device; and monitoring in vivo performance of the intraluminal medical device.

Abstract: Devices and methods for assisting valve function, replacing venous valves, and predicting valve treatment successes. In at least one exemplary embodiment of an endograft body configured for expansion within a luminal organ of the present disclosure, the endograft body comprises (a) a first portion having a proximal end defining a proximal end aperture and a distal end defining a distal end aperture, the first portion configured to increase a velocity of fluid flowing therethrough, (b) a second portion having a second portion proximal end defining a second portion proximal end aperture and a second portion distal end defining a second portion distal end aperture.

Abstract: Support frames and medical devices are described. An example medical device comprises an expandable support frame with first and second leaflets attached to the support frame. Each of the first and second leaflets defines a domed radius that is equal to or less than the radius of the expandable support frame when the expandable support frame is in an expanded configuration and the leaflets are subjected to fluid pressure sufficient to affect closure of the valve orifice.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for controlling local blood pressure. In an exemplary embodiment of a device for exposing a blood vessel to increased pressure of the present disclosure, the device comprises an anchor configured for placement into a blood vessel and to expand independently from a particle held from flowing away by the anchor, the particle configured to gradually expand due to exposure to blood flow.

Abstract: Thrombus removal systems and devices and methods of using the same. In an exemplary embodiment of a thrombus removal system of the present disclosure, the thrombus removal system comprises an umbrella catheter comprising an umbrella catheter tube and an umbrella positioned at least partially within the umbrella catheter tube when in a compressed configuration and positioned external to the umbrella catheter tube when in a deployed configuration, and a balloon catheter configured to fit around at least part of the umbrella catheter, the balloon catheter comprising a balloon catheter tube and a balloon coupled thereto, the balloon capable of inflation within a lumen of a mammalian vessel to substantially or completely occlude the lumen of the mammalian vessel, wherein the thrombus removal system is configured to disrupt and/or dissolve and remove at least a portion of a thrombus positioned within the lumen of the mammalian vessel.

Abstract: A device, system and method for providing tissue and organ restriction. Embodiments of an implantable magnetic device are described with respect to restricting gastric capacity while avoiding nutritional deficiencies and other complications. Further, a delivery device is described for facilitating the delivery of the magnetic device to a targeted site. Additionally, methods are described for delivering the magnetic devices to a stomach.

Abstract: An apparatus for modifying the annulus of a cardiac valve to reduce regurgitation of blood flow through the cardiac valve includes a first annuloplasty ring having a first diameter and being disposed about a first aspect of the annulus of the cardiac valve. The apparatus also includes an elongate flexible body having proximal and distal end portions and being insertable into the first annuloplasty ring. The elongate flexible body has an adjustable mechanism for selectively adjusting the elongate flexible body from a first relaxed configuration to a second tensioned configuration. The first annuloplasty ring is adaptable to obtain a second smaller diameter and to cause the annulus of the cardiac valve to be modified and reduce regurgitation of blood flow through the cardiac valve when the elongate flexible body obtains the second tensioned configuration.

Abstract: The invention comprises a system, catheter and method for measuring the cross-sectional areas and pressure gradients in any hollow organ, such as, for example, blood vessels. One embodiment of such a system includes: an impedance catheter capable of being introduced into a targeted site; a solution delivery source; a constant current source; a balloon inflation control device; and a data acquisition and processing system that receives conductance and/or pressure gradient data from the catheter and calculates the cross-sectional area of the targeted site. In one embodiment, the catheter has an inflatable balloon along its longitudinal axis, thereby enabling the breakup of any materials causing stenosis at the targeted site and/or distention and delivery of an optional stent into the targeted site.

Abstract: Methods and pharmaceutical preparations for treating heart failure by administering to a human or animal subject a therapeutically effective amount of at least one substance selected from the group consisting of a) SOD mimics (e.g., Tempol), b) NADPH oxidase inhibitors (e.g., Apocynin) and c) other substance that inhibit or reduce the amount of superoxide present in the affected tissues (e.g., the subjects heart and/or blood vessels) and/or increase levels of nitric oxide.

Abstract: An apparatus for modifying the annulus of a cardiac valve to reduce regurgitation of blood flow through the cardiac valve includes a first annuloplasty ring having a first diameter and being disposed about a first aspect of the annulus of the cardiac valve. The apparatus also includes an elongate flexible body having proximal and distal end portions and being insertable into the first annuloplasty ring. The elongate flexible body has an adjustable mechanism for selectively adjusting the elongate flexible body from a first relaxed configuration to a second tensioned configuration. The first annuloplasty ring is adaptable to obtain a second smaller diameter and to cause the annulus of the cardiac valve to be modified and reduce regurgitation of blood flow through the cardiac valve when the elongate flexible body obtains the second tensioned configuration.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for determining the composition of a plaque at a plaque site, which could be inside a blood vessel. Through a combination of fluid injection with different conductivities and measurement of the resultant conductances, a parallel tissue conductance measure is obtained that assists in determining the composition of the site plaque. Lower parallel conductance levels are determinative of a higher lipid and/or fatty plaque, which is a type that may break out of its position and cause organ injury or death.