Abstract: A computer-implemented method for scheduling appointments including a provider servicing a consumer is disclosed. The method identifies geographic regions. The method schedules, for each of the regions, the appointments for a subset of the consumers subject to a first predefined constraint. Each of the appointments describes a provider associated with one region servicing a consumer of that region. The method determines a remaining subset of the consumers from each of the regions that cannot be scheduled without violating the constraint. The method combines the appointments from each of the regions to determine a partial schedule and schedules the appointments for the remaining subset subject to a second predefined constraint and the partial schedule. At least one of the appointments includes a provider associated with one region servicing a consumer of another region. The method determines a complete schedule based on the partial schedule and the appointments for the remaining subset.

Abstract: A smart chair and logging/warning assembly are disclosed. In some implementations, the smart chair includes a base arranged to receive a sitter, a sensor, and a transmitter. The sensor can be located within the base. Additionally, the sensor can take initial readings relating to the sitter on the chair for reference. Further, the sensor can take readings of the sitter while they are sitting and transmit information relating to the sitter's sitting to a computational device.

Abstract: A stent comprising a serpentine portion extending about the circumference of the stent, the serpentine portion having a first end and a second end, the serpentine portion having a plurality of turns at the first end and a plurality of turns at the second end and struts extending therebetween, at least one of the turns at the first end, at least one of the turns at the second end, at least one of the struts therebetween, or some combination thereof having a plurality of shaped recesses thereon.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing a foreign object from a body lumen are disclosed. An embolectomy device can include a filter basket having a plurality of filter struts forming a cage-like structure that can be expanded to circumferentially surround the incoming foreign object. A support frame including a proximal hoop and one or more rail members may be employed to support the filter basket. The support frame and filter basket can be coupled to a pusher wire that can be used to manipulate the device within the body. In certain embodiments, the filter struts may vary in thickness to impart a desired flexibility characteristic to the device. Methods of manufacturing such devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing a foreign object from a body lumen are disclosed. An embolectomy device can include a filter basket having a plurality of filter struts forming a cage-like structure that can be expanded to circumferentially surround the incoming foreign object. A support frame including a proximal hoop and one or more rail members may be employed to support the filter basket. The support frame and filter basket can be coupled to a pusher wire that can be used to manipulate the device within the body. In certain embodiments, the filter struts may vary in thickness to impart a desired flexibility characteristic to the device. Methods of manufacturing such devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes a flexible small-diameter guide wire provided with an enlarged-diameter distal end portion, and a flexible elongated tubular shaft with at least one dual-function fluid-conducting lumen adapted to both receive the guide wire extending therethrough, and to communicate pressurized inflation fluid to a distal balloon of the catheter. A distal orifice of the catheter communicates with the balloon and is provided with selective valving means for releasably engaging sealingly with the enlarged distal end portion of the guide wire. Apparatus is disclosed for axially moving the guide wire to effect engagement and disengagement of the enlarged distal end portion with the selective valving means of the catheter shaft. A torquer device is also provided by means of which the guide wire may be rotated relative to the catheter shaft for steering of the guide wire along a vascular pathway.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes a flexible small-diameter guide wire provided with an enlarged-diameter distal end portion, and a flexible elongated tubular shaft with at least one dual-function fluid-conducting lumen adapted to both receive the guide wire extending therethrough, and to communicate pressurized inflation fluid to a distal balloon of the catheter. A distal orifice of the catheter communicates with the balloon and is provided with selective valving means for releasably engaging sealingly with the enlarged distal end portion of the guide wire. Apparatus is disclosed for axially moving the guide wire to effect engagement and disengagement of the enlarged distal end portion with the selective valving means of the catheter shaft. A torquer device is also provided by means of which the guide wire may be rotated relative to the catheter shaft for steering of the guide wire along a vascular pathway.