Abstract: A consumable cartridge for a plasma arc torch includes a cartridge frame having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first and second ends defining a longitudinal axis, the second end including a plurality of discrete retaining features. The consumable cartridge includes an electrically conductive contact element secured to the cartridge frame by the plurality of discrete retaining features and translatable up to a predetermined distance within the cartridge frame along the longitudinal axis at the second end, the contact element having a core, a proximal surface, and a distal surface. The proximal surface is shaped to contact a torch plunger of the plasma arc torch upon installation into the plasma arc torch and the distal surface is shaped to contact an electrode of the plasma arc torch during an operation of the plasma arc torch.

Abstract: A stabilizer for use with a delivery system is provided. The stabilizer receives a delivery system, such as a handle portion, and prevents unwanted movement of the delivery system during a medical procedure. The stabilizer desirably includes an elongate rail that is adapted to be secured to a base or table. A rail dock is adapted to releasably couple to the delivery system. The rail dock is slidably mounted along an upper surface of the rail and includes a brake assembly. The brake assembly preferably includes a toggle member with at least one push button, wherein actuation of the push button may release or lock the brake assembly. Components of the stabilizer are provided for allowing the stabilizer to be used with different delivery systems and the stabilizer is capable of being secured to different sized tables.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for prosthetic valves. An implantation site may comprise a native heart valve or another implantation site in examples. Examples may be utilized for improved anchoring and sealing of flow (e.g., paravalvular leakage) with a native heart valve having calcification. Examples may reduce the possibility of obstruction of a left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) of a heart, whether resulting from implantation of a prosthetic valve or otherwise.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides rolling release launching system that is operative to receive and retain a drone or other payload in a protected launcher. The launcher helps to reduce the drag of the payload and to protect the payload from environmental factors. The payload is launched when a rotating door opens to expose the payload in a bay area. The rotating door may be parallel or concentric to a longitudinal axis of the body portion of the device. The payload may be launched using a biasing and fastening mechanism, which may include detachably coupling bracket, to induce an angular moment and releasing force on the payload during launch.

Abstract: A translatable electrode for use in a cartridge assembly for a contact start plasma arc torch including an electrode body having a longitudinal axis and including a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end including a spiral groove and a contact surface at a proximal end face shaped to electrically communicate with a cathodic element. The translatable electrode also including at least one emissive insert disposed within the distal end of the electrode body and proximate a distal end face. The translatable electrode including at least one baffle disposed between the proximal and distal end of the electrode body. The translatable electrode also including a gas flow dampening region disposed circumferentially about the distal end and adjacent the distal end face and positioned between the at least one baffle and the distal end face.

Abstract: A lead connector is provided for connecting a plasma torch lead of a plasma arc torch to a power supply of a plasma cutting system. The lead connector includes a base portion, a central conduit disposed in the base portion, where the central conduit is configured to carry a gas and a torch current to the plasma arc torch, and multiple pins disposed radially about a center of the central conduit. The pins are located at a radius of between about 0.4 inches and about 0.65 inches from the center of the central conduit on a radial plane of the base portion. The pins include one or more pilot carrying pins and one or more control signal pins located from about 27 degrees to about 64 degrees and from about 120 degrees to about 170 degrees, respectively, about the center of the central conduit on the radial plane.

Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure may be directed to reducing a tension force or a compression force in one or more shafts of the delivery system. An elongate catheter may include the one or more shafts. The tension force or compression force may result from residual tension or compression in a shaft resulting from movement of the shaft. The tension force or compression force may alternatively or in combination result from interacting forces across a plurality of the shafts. The tension force or compression force may hinder the operation of the delivery system and in instances may damage the delivery system. Systems, devices, and methods for reducing the tension force or compression force are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A lead connector is provided for connecting a plasma torch lead of a plasma arc torch to a power supply of a plasma cutting system. The lead connector includes a base portion, a central conduit disposed in the base portion, where the central conduit is configured to carry a gas and a torch current to the plasma arc torch, and multiple pins disposed radially about a center of the central conduit. The pins are located at a radius of between about 0.4 inches and about 0.65 inches from the center of the central conduit on a radial plane of the base portion. The pins include one or more pilot carrying pins and one or more control signal pins located from about 27 degrees to about 64 degrees and from about 120 degrees to about 170 degrees, respectively, about the center of the central conduit on the radial plane.

Abstract: An implantable device includes one or more anchors. The anchors are configured to capture one or more leaflets of a native heart valve. The one or more anchors are configured to draw native valve leaflets into the device. The anchor portion can be extendable and retractable. The one or more anchors can be closed to secure the implantable device to the native valve leaflets.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods relate to implants, such as prosthetic valves for replacing native heart valves. Delivery systems for delivering the implants to an implantation site are also disclosed herein. A prosthetic valve may include a valve body supporting a plurality of prosthetic valve leaflets and one or more adjustable anchors coupled to the valve body for anchoring the prosthetic valve to leaflets of a native heart valve, wherein at least one of the adjustable anchors is axially slidable relative to the valve body for conforming to the native anatomy of the native heart valve.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve delivery system having one or more features which facilitate access to a target annulus and improve maneuverability. The system may have a flexible access sheath having an inner lumen and a proximal handle attached to an elongated flexible catheter extending distally therefrom and having an outer diameter sized to fit through the access sheath. An expandable prosthetic heart valve is crimped and positioned in an inner lumen and near the distal end of the delivery catheter. A distal tapered nose cone attaches to the delivery catheter and facilitates passage through the patient's vasculature. An inner tube extends from the proximal handle through the delivery catheter inner lumen, through the prosthetic heart valve, and attaches to the nose cone. Finally, the system has a guidewire that extends through the proximal handle along the delivery catheter and projects distally from the nose cone. The system is especially useful for transfemoral atrioventricular valve replacements.

Abstract: This disclosure pertains to the field of nanotechnology. The disclosure provides methods of preparing nanostructures with fluoride passivation. The disclosure also provides methods of preparing nanostructures with fluoride and amine passivation. The nanostructures have high quantum yield, narrow emission peak width, tunable emission wavelength, and colloidal stability. Also provided are nanostructures prepared using the methods. And, nanostructure films and molded articles comprising the nanostructures are also provided.

Abstract: A steerable delivery system is provided for delivering a replacement heart valve to a native heart valve location. The steerable delivery system includes an outer sheath assembly having a capsule along a distal end portion for retaining the replacement heart valve in a compressed configuration. The capsule is constructed to provide both compression resistance and flexibility. The capsule may be formed with an outer polymer layer, a metal middle layer located on a radially inner surface of the outer polymer layer, and an inner liner located on a radially inner surface of the metal middle layer. A fluoroelastomer layer is provided for bonding the inner liner to the metal middle layer. The metal middle layer is preferably a metal hypotube.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are described herein to provide improved steerability for delivering a prosthesis to a body location, for example, for delivering a replacement mitral valve to a native mitral valve location. The steerable delivery system can contain a steerable rail configured for multi-plane bending to direct a distal end of the delivery system.

Abstract: A delivery system includes a suture attachment mechanism for maintaining a connection to a heart valve after initial deployment, thereby allowing recapture of the heart valve if desired. A plurality of suture portions is provided along a distal end portion of the delivery system, each suture portion having a first end fixed to the delivery system and a second end releasably coupled to a retention member on the delivery system. A knob on a handle of the delivery system is actuated for causing the second end of each suture portion to be released from its respective retention member, thereby allowing the suture portions to be decoupled from the heart valve. The suture portions are located only along a distal end portion of the delivery system for improving reliability and consistency.

Abstract: This disclosure pertains to the field of nanotechnology. The disclosure provides methods of preparing nanostructures with fluoride passivation. The disclosure also provides methods of preparing nanostructures with fluoride and amine passivation. The nanostructures have high quantum yield, narrow emission peak width, tunable emission wavelength, and colloidal stability. Also provided are nanostructures prepared using the methods. And, nanostructure films and molded articles comprising the nanostructures are also provided.

Abstract: In some aspects, electrodes can include a front portion shaped to matingly engage a nozzle of the plasma cutting system, the front portion having a first end comprising a plasma arc emitter disposed therein; and a rear portion thermally connected to a second end of the front portion, the rear portion shaped to slidingly engage with a complementary swirl ring of the plasma cutting system and including: an annular mating feature extending radially from a proximal end of the rear portion of the electrode to define a first annular width to interface with the swirl ring, the annular mating feature comprising a sealing member configured to form a dynamic seal with the swirl ring to inhibit a flow of a gas from a forward side of the annular mating feature to a rearward side of the annular mating feature.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of delivery systems for delivery of replacement heart valves. This can include mitral, aortic, tricuspid, and pulmonary valves. The delivery systems can include one or more different components and configurations that advantageously improve placement of the replacement heart valves during the operation of the delivery system.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for loading and deploying implants from delivery apparatuses. The apparatuses in certain embodiments may comprise crimping devices for compressing an implant for insertion into a portion of a delivery apparatus. The apparatuses in certain embodiments may comprise features of delivery apparatuses allowing for improved loading and deployment of an implant from the delivery apparatuses.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are described herein to provide improved treatment of a tricuspid valve. Such treatment may include tricuspid valve replacement, which may include providing a prosthetic tricuspid valve within the tricuspid valve annulus. Delivery systems for delivering the prosthetic tricuspid valve to the tricuspid valve annulus are disclosed herein. Treatment may also include repair of the tricuspid valve.