Abstract: A neuromodulation system including a catheter having a balloon along its distal end is disclosed in several embodiments. An ultrasound transducer positioned within an interior of the balloon can be selectively activated to emit acoustic energy radially outwardly in order to target nerve tissue and other portions of the subject anatomy. In some embodiments, the system is configured to be delivered over a guidewire.

Abstract: A neuromodulation system including a catheter having a balloon along its distal end is disclosed in several embodiments. An ultrasound transducer positioned within an interior of the balloon can be selectively activated to emit acoustic energy radially outwardly in order to target nerve tissue and other portions of the subject anatomy. In some embodiments, the system is configured to be delivered over a guidewire.

Abstract: An ablation device, including a catheter and an ablation element incorporating one or more balloons at the distal end of the catheter, has a continuous passageway extending through it from the proximal end of the catheter to the distal side of the expandable ablation element. The ablation device ablates tissue by subjecting it to ultrasound energy, cryogenic energy, chemical, laser beam, microwave, or radiation energy. A probe carrying electrodes is introduced through this passageway and deploys, under the influence of its own resilience, to a structure incorporating a loop which is automatically aligned with the axis of the expandable ablation device, so that minimal manipulation is required to place the probe. Pulmonary vein potential is monitored in real time via the electrodes. The probe may have an atraumatic tip with a ball formed at the leading edge. The atraumatic tip prevents any tissue damage such as perforation of heart wall.

Abstract: A cardiac ablation device treats atrial fibrillation by directing and focusing ultrasonic waves into a ring-like ablation region (A). The device desirably is steerable and can be moved between a normal disposition, in which the ablation region lies parallel to the wall of the heart for ablating a loop-like lesion, and a canted disposition, in which the ring-like focal region is tilted relative to the wall of the heart, to ablate only a short, substantially linear lesion. The ablation device desirably includes a balloon reflector structure (18, 1310) and an ultrasonic emitter assembly (23, 1326), and can be steered and positioned without reference to engagement between the device and the pulmonary vein or ostium. A contrast medium (C) can be injected through the ablation device to facilitate imaging, so that the device can be positioned based on observation of the images.

Abstract: The invention includes a drinking straw with an inverted funnel-shaped net retained near a lower end of the straw. The net traps ice at the lower end of the straw to cool liquid drawn into the lower end of the straw.

Abstract: A cardiac ablation device treats atrial fibrillation by directing and focusing ultrasonic waves into a ring-like ablation region (A). The device desirably is steerable and can be moved between a normal disposition, in which the ablation region lies parallel to the wall of the heart for ablating a loop-like lesion, and a canted disposition, in which the ring-like focal region is tilted relative to the wall of the heart, to ablate only a short, substantially linear lesion. The ablation device desirably includes a balloon reflector structure (18, 1310) and an ultrasonic emitter assembly (23, 1326), and can be steered and positioned without reference to engagement between the device and the pulmonary vein or ostium. A contrast medium (C) can be injected through the ablation device to facilitate imaging, so that the device can be positioned based on observation of the images.

Abstract: An ablation device, including a catheter and an ablation element incorporating one or more balloons at the distal end of the catheter, has a continuous passageway extending through it from the proximal end of the catheter to the distal side of the expandable ablation element. The ablation device ablates tissue by subjecting it to ultrasound energy, cryogenic energy, chemical, laser beam, microwave, or radiation energy. A probe carrying electrodes is introduced through this passageway and deploys, under the influence of its own resilience, to a structure incorporating a loop which is automatically aligned with the axis of the expandable ablation device, so that minimal manipulation is required to place the probe. Pulmonary vein potential is monitored in real time via the electrodes. The probe may have an atraumatic tip with a ball formed at the leading edge. The atraumatic tip prevents any tissue damage such as perforation of heart wall.

Abstract: A balloon catheter is provided with a sleeve and a flexible material where, upon inflation of the balloon, the sleeve is slid over a ball joint, preventing the flexible material and tube from moving through a range of motion in order to prevent the tube from kinking and misaligning.

Abstract: A steerable catheter has a steering portion incorporating a spear cut junction of catheter material, thereby providing for a gradual change in flexibility in the steering portion. A guide tube and spring may be located inside a pull wire lumen of the catheter, with the spring distal to the guide tube so that the spring is disposed at least partially within steering section. A steering mechanism moves the pull wire linearly in order to steer the catheter.

Abstract: A cardiac ablation device treats atrial fibrillation by directing and focusing ultrasonic waves into a ring-like ablation region (A). The device desirably is steerable and can be moved between a normal disposition, in which the ablation region lies parallel to the wall of the heart for ablating a loop-like lesion, and a canted disposition, in which the ring-like focal region is tilted relative to the wall of the heart, to ablate only a short, substantially linear lesion. The ablation device desirably includes a balloon reflector structure (18, 1310) and an ultrasonic emitter assembly (23, 1326), and can be steered and positioned without reference to engagement between the device and the pulmonary vein or ostium. A contrast medium (C) can be injected through the ablation device to facilitate imaging, so that the device can be positioned based on observation of the images.

Abstract: The ICE-TRAP is an invention that makes the drinking process a much more enjoyable and profitable experience. This is because the ICE-TRAP adds quality to existing drinking products, while at the same time making them more efficient for the consumer and the producer. The effectiveness of the ice trap can be seen not only in its design but also in the simplicity of the principles the ICE-TRAP is based on. Ice floats in liquid because of its density, ice cools the liquid, liquid comes through the end of the straw. The ICE-TRAP utilizes the buoyancy of the ice to trap it at the end of the straw where the liquid flows through. The effect of this product will be seen in the fact that drinks will last for a longer period of time, people will not have to sacrifice their drink with too much ice. And the temperature of their drink will be much cooler for a longer period of time.

Abstract: Compounds that provide protection against excitotoxic neuronal damage are selected from the group consisting of Arg-rich oligopeptides and compounds of formula 1: where R1 is alkyl, alkenyl, or hydroxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, or alkoxy-alkyl; and R2 and R3 are each natural or artificial amino acid side chains.