Abstract: Embodiments provide for partially cured, preformed pieces of PVA capable of later being formed into more specific models. The partially cured, pre-made pieces of PVA can take on many forms and shapes. For example, the shape may be a flat, tubular, cone, spherical, or other similar shape. In fact, more complex shapes such as full organs are also contemplated herein. Nevertheless, such pre-molded components are considered common or general shaped in that the particular shape is produced using standard or common molds, and then later formed into a more specific or desired shape. As such, the preformed pieces of PVA are only partially cured or cross-linked such that they can later be formed into the more specific models that then have additional processing (e.g., freeze-thaw cycle) to retain the new shape.

Abstract: Anatomical models are provided with simulated plaque, lesion, chronic total occlusion, as well as other vascular diseases that more accurately replicate these abnormalities. In such embodiment, the vascular disease may be formed separate from the structured anatomical model. The formed vascular disease material may then be bonded to or within a PVA material in a separate process from forming this simulated vascular disease, thus providing a replicated specific anatomy structure with an abnormality for demonstrating, testing, and/or developing medical functions and/or devices.

Abstract: Models are made through a process that provides for a bonding mechanism of pre-made PVA parts to create more complex structures. The components are bonded together by wetting the surfaces to be connected with a PVA solution. The components are then adjoined together and bonded through an additional processing or curing, e.g., freeze-thaw cycle. This process can be repeated multiple times to create more complex structures or models. In another embodiment, a textile or fabric type material is used to increase the radial strength of the models. In such an embodiment, a usually thin piece of textile material, such as a nylon fabric, may be placed within the core molding. Liquid PVA then flows through the nylon hosiery or textile material and one or more curing process are then applied, which allows the PVA solution to bond or otherwise adhere with the material.

Abstract: A catheter device and method, in which a first lumen coupled to a balloon, a second lumen coupled to the first lumen, the second lumen having a distal opening to dispense an oxygenated infusate, and a third lumen coupled to the second lumen and coupled to a second balloon. The second balloon restricts the flow of the oxygenated infusate, and the oxygenated infusate provides oxygen to tissue at a distal end of said catheter device.

Abstract: A medical device for treating a heart having a faulty heart valve is disclosed. The medical device comprises a ligature including a first anchoring member and a second anchoring member is used. The ligature is percutaneously deployable into a patient with a faulty heart valve wherein the first anchoring member to anchor to a first tissue area of the heart and the second anchoring member to anchor to a second tissue area of the heart.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for locating a catheter, or other medical international devices are described herein. In one aspect of the invention, an exemplary method includes providing a pressure sensitive device attached to a body of a catheter, providing a resonant circuit coupled to the pressure sensitive device in the catheter, the resonant circuit having an oscillating frequency, generating a magnetic field, the magnetic field inducing and causing the resonant circuit to oscillate, applying a pressure on the pressure sensitive device, the pressure applied on the pressure sensitive device changing the frequency of the resonant circuit, detecting the oscillation of the resonant circuit, and determining location of the catheter based on the oscillation of the resonant circuit. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: A medical device for treating a heart having a faulty heart valve is disclosed. The medical device comprises a ligature including a first anchoring member and a second anchoring member is used. The ligature is percutaneously deployable into a patient with a faulty heart valve wherein the first anchoring member to anchor to a first tissue area of the heart and the second anchoring member to anchor to a second tissue area of the heart.

Abstract: A medical device for treating a defective heart valve. The medical device comprises a distal anchoring member for disposing in a blood vessel. A proximal anchoring member for disposing in or at an entrance of the blood vessel. A telescoping assembly coupling at a first end to the distal anchoring member and at a second end to the proximal anchoring member. The telescoping assembly is deployable into the blood vessel. The telescoping assembly reduces a distance between the distal anchoring member and the proximal anchoring member, wherein the telescoping assembly comprises of at least two members capable of sliding into each other giving the telescoping assembly adjustable lengths.