Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing electrocautery on a site of a subject that includes inserting a trocar device into the location of the site of the subject and electro-cauterizing the site of the subject using a diode included with the trocar device. A method and apparatus for performing electrocautery on a site of a subject that includes inserting one or more medical tubes or medical instruments or devices that extends through an expandable sheath; and electro-cauterizing the site of the subject using a diode included with the expandable sheath device.

Abstract: A method of assisting a heart for the operation of a ventricular assist device comprising the steps of implanting a cannula to the heart and deploying a stent within a left ventricle, a right ventricle, a left atrium, or a right atrium of the heart. The stent may be transferable from a first compact configuration to a second open configuration to facilitate implantation. The stent may also have a flared distal end to assist with alignment, positioning, and prevent outgrowth.

Abstract: A guide wire that has an atraumatic and flexible loop that expands within a vessel, with indicators that indicate the degree of expansion. The indicators are used to determine the degree of expansion through the use of radio-opaque markers, hydraulic, and electrical signals. The guide wire enables safe passage into target vessels while providing user feedback on inadvertent passage into side branches and diseased segments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing electrocautery on a site of a subject that includes inserting a trocar device into the location of the site of the subject and electro-cauterizing the site of the subject using a diode included with the trocar device. A method and apparatus for performing electrocautery on a site of a subject that includes inserting one or more medical tubes or medical instruments or devices that extends through an expandable sheath; and electro-cauterizing the site of the subject using a diode included with the expandable sheath device.

Abstract: A method of assisting a heart for the operation of a ventricular assist device comprising the steps of implanting a cannula to the heart and deploying a stent within a left ventricle, a right ventricle, a left atrium, or a right atrium of the heart. The stent may be transferable from a first compact configuration to a second open configuration to facilitate implantation. The stent may also have a flared distal end to assist with alignment, positioning, and prevent outgrowth.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fixing a stent in position in an anatomical lumen. Such systems and methods include an intra-luminal stent and a magnet, implanted, for example, in the subcutaneous layer of the subject. The stent and the magnet are magnetically coupled such that the magnetic forces fix the stent in position. Use of the invention permits fixation of an intra-luminal stent to avoid stent migration while minimizing tissue damage.

Abstract: Aspects of various examples described herein can include using a wearable ultrasound device (e.g., a device wearable or manipulated using a fingertip). The wearable ultrasound device can include an ultrasound transducer element array, and can have a housing providing circuitry to process signals to or from the array, such as digitizing such signals. For example, a channel count of the analog signal channels corresponding to individual sensors in the array can be converted to a single digital channel (e.g., a serial channel), or at least a reduced channel count as compared to a count of transducer elements. In this manner, a wired or wireless coupling between the ultrasound “front end” circuitry in the wearable device and processing or display hardware elsewhere need not accommodate a large number of analog channels, and can instead, for example, have a digital communication interface.

Abstract: Anisotropic reinforcements and synthetic materials are provided in which the fibers, mesh, weave, or otherwise interlaced or networked components thereof are oriented in one direction so as to create greater stiffness and/or tension in the one direction of the patch relative to other directions of the reinforcement. Methods of producing such anisotropic reinforcements are provided. The anisotropic reinforcements are advantageously suitable for the surgical repair of incisions, openings, defects, etc. of the cardiovascular system and allow healing to occur while preserving mechanical function, particularly ventricular function.

Abstract: Anisotropic reinforcements and synthetic materials are provided in which the fibers, mesh, weave, or otherwise interlaced or networked components thereof are oriented in one direction so as to create greater stiffness in the one direction of the patch relative to other directions of the reinforcement. Methods of producing such anisotropic reinforcements are provided. The anisotropic reinforcements are advantageously suitable for the surgical repair of incisions, openings, defects, etc. of the cardiovascular system and allow healing to occur while preserving mechanical function, particularly ventricular function.