Abstract: A device and system are described that are capable of isolating at least one targeted tissue and forming an anastomosis between two internal body structures though a completely endoscopic procedure. Further, the device and system described generally comprise two tubular members that are capable of moving in a telescopic fashion relative to one another. Additionally, a method is described for using the device and/or system to bypass the duodenum from digestion.

Abstract: Devices and methods for assisting heart function. In at least one embodiment of a device for assisting heart function, the device comprises at least two electromagnetic plates having an inner surface, a cardiac processor electrically coupled to at least one of the at least two electromagnetic plates, a bladder having an inner chamber, the bladder attached to an inner surface of at least one of the at least two electromagnetic plates, a source of gas in communication with the inner chamber of the bladder, and at least one catheter having a proximal end and a distal end and having a lumen therethrough, the at least one catheter defining at least one aperture positioned therethrough at or near the distal end of the at least one catheter and comprising a pericardial balloon coupled to the at least one catheter at or near the distal end of the at least one catheter, the proximal end of the at least one catheter in communication with the inner chamber of the bladder.

Abstract: Devices and methods for securing a catheter within a heart. In at least one embodiment of an apparatus for securing a catheter within a heart, the apparatus comprises a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end and at least one lumen defined therethrough, the catheter defining at least one aperture positioned therethrough at or near the distal end of the catheter, at least one balloon coupled to the catheter and positioned externally to the catheter, and a conduit having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the conduit coupled to the at least one balloon, wherein when the catheter is positioned within an aperture in an atrial wall and when the at least one balloon is positioned at or near the aperture in the atrial wall, inflation of the at least one balloon causes the catheter to be held in place at the atrial wall.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for accessing tissue, including the internal and external tissues of the heart, are disclosed. At feast some of the embodiments disclosed herein provide access to the tissues surrounding the heart to facilitate myocardial infarct healing and border zone reinforcement. In at least one embodiment, a suction/infusion catheter is used to provide localized suction to an area of myocardial infarct. In another embodiment, a suction infusion catheter is used to deliver a glue-like substance and magnetic cells to a myocardial infarct border zone.

Abstract: Systems and methods for closing an aperture in a bodily tissue. In at least one embodiment of a system for closing an aperture in a targeted mammalian tissue, the system comprises a first catheter having a lumen defined therethrough, a coil positioned within the lumen of the first catheter, and a shaft positioned within the lumen of the catheter, the shaft operable to position the coil at the targeted tissue, wherein the coil may be positioned within the aperture of the targeted tissue to close said aperture.

Abstract: A device, system and method for providing tissue and organ restriction. Embodiments of an implantable magnetic device are described with respect to restricting gastric capacity while avoiding nutritional deficiencies and other complications. Further, a delivery device is described for facilitating the delivery of the magnetic device to a targeted site. Additionally, methods are described for delivering the magnetic devices to a stomach.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for myocardial infarct border zone reinforcement. In at least one embodiment of a suction/infusion catheter for facilitating myocardial infarct border zone reinforcement, the catheter comprises one or more apertures defined along a portion of the catheter at or near a distal end of the catheter, a first configuration when the suction/infusion catheter is at least partially extended from a delivery catheter, and a second configuration when the at least one suction/infusion catheter is positioned within the delivery catheter, the second configuration different from the first configuration, wherein the suction/infusion catheter, when introduced into a pericardial space surrounding a heart at or near a myocardial infarct border zone, is operable to inject a glue-like substance through a lumen of the suction/infusion catheter and out from the one or more apertures to deliver the glue-like substance into the pericardial space at or near the myocardial infarct border zone.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for removing fluid from a bodily tissue.

Abstract: Devices for accessing the pericardial space surrounding the heart.

Abstract: Systems and methods for closing a hold in cardiac tissue. In at least one embodiment of a system for closing a hole in cardiac tissue, the system comprises an engagement catheter having a first and second lumen extending therethrough, an elongated wire capable of insertion into the second lumen of the engagement catheter, a plug capable of insertion into the second lumen of the engagement catheter; an elongated shaft capable of insertion into the second lumen of the engagement catheter, wherein the elongated wire is sized for slidable insertion through the lumen of the shaft and the hole of the plug.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for leadlessly stimulating the heart. Through a magnetic signal generator positioned outside or inside the thoracic cavity, a magnetic signal is transmitted through the chest to stimulate electrical activity within the myocardial muscles. The magnetic signal may function as a pacemaker, cardioverter or defibrillator. Advantages of magnetic stimulation include, without limitation, non invasiveness, a reduction or even elimination in pain, and access to tissues covered by poorly conductive structures.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for accessing tissue, including the internal and external tissues of the heart, are disclosed. At least some of the embodiments disclosed herein provide access to the external surface of the heart through the pericardial space for localized delivery of leads to the heart tissue. At least some of the embodiments disclosed herein provide access to the pericardial space for removal of accumulated fluid. In addition, various disclosed embodiments provide devices, systems, and methods for engaging a tissue, for removing fluid from a space within a body, and for the delivery of substances to a targeted site for therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: A device, system and method for providing tissue and organ restriction. A device is described with respect to restricting gastric capacity while avoiding nutritional deficiencies and other complications. Additionally, a system and method are described for using the device to restrict gastric capacity to perform a non surgical gastric procedure.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for localized drug delivery. In at least one embodiment of a method of localized drug delivery, the method comprises the steps of placing a resorbable device within a tube, introducing the tube within a mammalian body at or near a tissue and/or organ within the mammalian body, and anchoring the resorbable device to the tissue and/or organ. Devices and systems useful for performing such a method are also disclosed herein, wherein an exemplary device comprises at least one drug release portion having at least one drug to be released over time and a binder intermixed with the at least one drug, and at least one resorbable anchor portion coupled to the at least one drug release portion.

Abstract: Implantable devices for providing tissue and/or organ restriction. Embodiments of an implantable magnetic device are described with respect to restricting gastric capacity while avoiding nutritional deficiencies and other complications. In at least one embodiment, the device comprises first and second bars that are biased to magnetically attract each other and engage a portion of tissue therebetween. In at least one embodiment, the device may comprise at least one strap and one or more pins, the pins configured to provide an amount of space between the first and second bars so that the tissue disposed therebetween is not overly compressed.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for remotely monitoring physiologic cardiovascular data are disclosed. At least some of the embodiments disclosed herein provide access to the external surface of the heart through the pericardial space for the delivery of the sensor to the epicardial surface of the heart. In addition, various disclosed embodiments provide for a memory device capable of receiving the physiologic cardiovascular data collected by the sensors and transmitting such data wirelessly to a remote location.

Abstract: A magnetic device and method are disclosed for providing a safer and more reliable technique for closing a hole or rupture in the septum of the heart. A device is disclosed with proximal and distal occluders that are connected to one another via a catheter and are inserted on either side of the hole or rupture. Also disclosed are two patches that are placed on either side of the hole or rupture with at least one of the patches being composed of magnetic material with the other being magnetic or metallic.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for delivering an instrument laparoscopically to a targeted tissue. Embodiments of the device comprise a handle, a lift system and two arms extending therebetween and are capable of achieving the parallel closure of the instrument around the targeted tissue. Further, the methods described can be performed through entirely laparoscopic techniques, including the activation of any pins disposed on the instrument being delivered. Such devices and methods may be used to deliver an instrument to any tissue of a body.

Abstract: A device, system and method for providing tissue and organ restriction. A magnetic device is described with respect to restricting gastric capacity while avoiding nutritional deficiencies and other complications.

Abstract: A device for supporting a tissue, the device has a shaft having a longitudinal axis and at least two atraumatic clamps coupled to the shaft. Each atraumatic clamp may have at least two oppositely polarized magnets. An atraumatic clamp may also have a mounting structure for the magnets. In at least one embodiment, the atraumatic clamps are mounted along the shaft so that when the shaft is positioned relative to a tissue having a length, the clamps may clamp the tissue so that the length of tissue positioned between the clamps is maintained substantially constant.