Abstract: A heart valve repair device, comprising an atrial-fixation member having an expandable mesh configured to have oval or circular shape in a deployed configuration, the atrial-fixation member defining a central lumen; and a baffle extending from a portion of the atrial-fixation member, the baffle having an anterior portion with a smooth, atraumatic surface configured to coapt with at least a portion of one or more native leaflets of a native heart valve, a posterior portion configured to engage and displace at least a portion of another native leaflet of the native heart valve, wherein the baffle extends radially inward from the atrial-fixation member into the central lumen to approximate a closed position of the displaced native leaflet.

Abstract: The methods, devices, and systems are provided for performing endovascular repair of atrioventricular and other cardiac valves in the heart. Regurgitation of an atrioventricular valve, particularly a mitral valve, can be repaired by modifying a tissue structure selected from the valve leaflets, the valve annulus, the valve chordae, and the papillary muscles. These structures may be modified by suturing, stapling, snaring, or shortening, using interventional tools which are introduced to a heart chamber. The tissue structures can be temporarily modified prior to permanent modification. For example, opposed valve leaflets may be temporarily grasped and held into position prior to permanent attachment. In one aspect, a structure is deployed in a gutter region of the valve annulus to modify the shape of the valve.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that provide for regular, periodic or continuous monitoring of fluid volume based on direct measurement of an inferior vena cava (IVC) physical dimension using a wireless measurement sensor implanted in the IVC. By basing diagnostic decisions and treatments on changes in an IVC physical dimension, information on patient fluid state is available across the entire euvolemic range of fluid states, thus providing earlier warning of hypervolemia or hypovolemia and enabling the modulation of patient treatments to permit more stable long-term fluid management.

Abstract: An implant for insertion through a punctum and into a canalicular lumen of a patient. The implant includes a matrix of material, a therapeutic agent dispersed in the matrix of material, a sheath disposed over a portion of the matrix of material and configured to inhibit the therapeutic agent from being released from the matrix of material into the canalicular lumen and to allow the therapeutic agent to be released from a surface of the matrix of material to a tear film, and a retention structure configured to retain the implant within the canalicular lumen.

Abstract: Disclosed is an accommodating intraocular lens device for treatment of an eye including a stabilization haptic (120) configured to be positioned within a region of an eye and a lens body having a sealed chamber containing a fixed volume of optical fluid. The lens body includes a shape changing membrane (145) configured to outwardly bow in a region surrounding the optical axis of the eye; a shape deformation membrane configured to undergo displacement relative to the first shape changing membrane; and a static element (150). An inner surface of the shape changing membrane, an inner surface of the shape deformation membrane and an inner surface of the static element collectively form the sealed chamber. The lens device also includes a force translation arm (115) having a first end configured to contact an outer surface of the shape deformation membrane of the lens body and a second end configured to engage a ciliary structure of the eye.

Abstract: A solid drug core insert can be manufactured by injecting a liquid mixture comprising a therapeutic agent and a matrix precursor into a sheath body. The injection can be conducted at subambient temperatures. The mixture is cured to form a solid drug-matrix core. The therapeutic agent can be a liquid at about room temperature that forms a dispersion of droplets in the matrix material. A surface of the solid drug core is exposed, for example by cutting the tube, and the exposed surface of the solid drug core releases therapeutic quantities of the therapeutic agent when implanted into the patient. In some embodiments, the insert body inhibits release of the therapeutic agent, for example with a material substantially impermeable to the therapeutic agent, such that the therapeutic quantities are released through the exposed surface, thereby avoiding release of the therapeutic agent to non-target tissues.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for applying an fragment of a neurotoxin such as the active light chain (LC) of the botulinum toxin (BoNT), such as one of the serotype A, B, C, D, E, F or G botulinum toxins, via permeabilization of targeted cell membranes to enable translocation of the botulinum neurotoxin light chain (BoNT-LC) molecule across the targeted cell membrane to the cell cytosol where a therapeutic response is produced in a mammalian system. The methods and apparatus include use of catheter based delivery systems, non-invasive delivery systems, and transdermal delivery systems.

Abstract: Wireless, variable inductance and resonant circuit-based vascular monitoring devices, systems, methodologies, and techniques are disclosed that can be used to assist healthcare professionals in predicting, preventing, and diagnosing various heart-related and other health conditions.

Abstract: An implant for insertion into a punctum of a patient comprises a body. The body has a distal end, a proximal end, and an axis therebetween. The distal end of the body is insertable distally through the punctum into the canalicular lumen. The body comprises a therapeutic agent included within an agent matrix drug core. Exposure of the agent matrix to the tear fluid effects an effective therapeutic agent release into the tear fluid over a sustained period. The body has a sheath disposed over the agent matrix to inhibit release of the agent away from the proximal end. The body also has an outer surface configured to engage luminal wall tissues so as to inhibit expulsion when disposed therein. In specific embodiments, the agent matrix comprises a non-bioabsorbable polymer, for example silicone in a non-homogenous mixture with the agent.

Abstract: An implant for insertion through a punctum and into a canalicular lumen of a patient. The implant includes a matrix of material, a therapeutic agent dispersed in the matrix of material, a sheath disposed over a portion of the matrix of material and configured to inhibit the therapeutic agent from being released from the matrix of material into the canalicular lumen and to allow the therapeutic agent to be released from a surface of the matrix of material to a tear film, and a retention structure configured to retain the implant within the canalicular lumen.

Abstract: Systems, delivery devices, and methods to treat to ablate, damage, or otherwise affect tissue. The treatment systems are capable of delivering a coolable ablation assembly that ablates targeted tissue without damaging non-targeted tissue. The coolable ablation assembly damages nerve tissue to temporarily or permanently decrease nervous system input. The system, delivery devices, and methods can damage tissue and manage scarring and stenosis.

Abstract: Implantable devices for continuously monitoring vascular lumen dimensions, in particular in the inferior vena cava (IVC) for determining heart failure status of a patient. Related therapy systems as well as monitoring and therapy methods are also disclosed. Devices include active or passive marker elements placed in contact with, adhered to or injected into the vessel wall to generate or reflect signals from which lumen diameter may be determined. Disclosed devices may be fully implantable and self-contained including capabilities for wirelessly communication monitored parameters.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed herein for accessing the hip joint. A first device can be securely attached to the capsule of a joint. The first device can tent the capsule to increase the volume of the peripheral compartment. A second device can be biased against the first device to pierce the tented capsule and create a portal. Devices and methods are also disclosed herein for distending the capsule of a joint. A distention device may access a portal established within the capsule. The distention device can expand the capsule by applying an expansive force within the peripheral compartment. The distention device can maintain distention of the peripheral compartment while other devices access the joint.

Abstract: A therapeutic device to release a therapeutic agent comprises a porous structure coupled to a container comprising a reservoir. The reservoir comprises a volume sized to release therapeutic amounts of the therapeutic agent for an extended time when coupled to the porous structure and implanted in the patient. The porous structure may comprise a first side coupled to the reservoir and a second side to couple to the patient to release the therapeutic agent. A plurality of interconnecting channels can extend from the first side to the second side so as to connect a first a plurality of openings on the first side with a second plurality of openings on the second side.

Abstract: Catheter-based devices and methods for continuously monitoring vascular lumen dimensions, in particular in the inferior vena cava (IVC) for determining heart failure and/or fluid status of a patient. Related therapy systems and methods for integrated monitoring and therapy are also disclosed.

Abstract: Pathology of the human knee can arise from excessive and/or uneven loading of regions within the joint. Methods and apparatus are disclosed that enable displacement of soft tissue around the knee, without displacing or severing bone thereby altering the mechanical load distribution within the joint in a less invasive manner than previous techniques.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for applying an fragment of a neurotoxin such as the active light chain (LC) of the botulinum toxin (BoNT), such as one of the serotype A, B, C, D, E, F or G botulinum toxins, via permeabilization of targeted cell membranes to enable translocation of the botulinum neurotoxin light chain (BoNT-LC) molecule across the targeted cell membrane to the cell cytosol where a therapeutic response is produced in a mammalian system. The methods and apparatus include use of catheter based delivery systems, non-invasive delivery systems, and transdermal delivery systems.

Abstract: A therapeutic lens for the treatment of an epithelial defect comprises a layer of therapeutic material disposed over the stroma and/or Bowman's membrane to inhibit water flow from the tear liquid to the stroma and/or Bowman's membrane, such that corneal deturgescence can be restored to decrease corneal swelling and light scattering. The layer may cover and protect nerve fibers to decrease pain. The layer may comprise an index of refraction to inhibit light scatter from an anterior surface of the stroma and/or Bowman's membrane. The lens may comprise a curved anterior surface that provides functional vision for the patient when the epithelium regenerates. The layer of therapeutic material can be positioned on the eye in many ways, for example with a spray that is cured to adhere the layer to the exposed surface of the stroma and/or Bowman's membrane.

Abstract: Implantable devices for continuously monitoring vascular lumen dimensions, in particular in the inferior vena cava (IVC) for determining heart failure status of a patient. Related therapy systems as well as monitoring and therapy methods are also disclosed. Devices include active or passive marker elements placed in contact with, adhered to or injected into the vessel wall to generate or reflect signals from which lumen diameter may be determined. Disclosed devices may be fully implantable and self-contained including capabilities for wirelessly communication monitored parameters.

Abstract: An implant for insertion through a punctum and into a canalicular lumen of a patient. The implant includes a matrix of material, a therapeutic agent dispersed in the matrix of material, a sheath disposed over a portion of the matrix of material and configured to inhibit the therapeutic agent from being released from the matrix of material into the canalicular lumen and to allow the therapeutic agent to be released from a surface of the matrix of material to a tear film, and a retention structure configured to retain the implant within the canalicular lumen.