Abstract: A clip and a clip deployment and delivery system. The clip may be engaged with a clip spreader such that simple relative movement, such as sliding movement, between the clip and clip spreader causes the clip and clip spreader to disengage from each other. A clip spreader actuator may be coupled to one arm of the clip spreader, extend distally around a distal end of the clip spreader, proximally along the other clip spreader arm, and to a proximal end at which the actuator may be controlled to open or close the clip spreader. The clips may be leaflet clips having teeth on one arm thereof and bumps on another arm thereof. The arms of the leaflet clip may be biased into a closed configuration by a flex zone which has an expanded portion extending laterally away from only one of the clip arms.

Abstract: A catheter for ablating cardiac tissue through irreversible electroporation includes a tubular shaft and an electrode assembly extending distally from a tubular shaft. The electrode assembly defines a distally located flexible central hub portion and flexible splines. A distal ablation electrode includes a hub portion and ablation electrode radial segments. Each ablation electrode radial segment includes a first series of gaps and a second series of gaps. The first series of gaps are spaced from one another along a length of the ablation electrode radial segment and extend partially across the width of the ablation electrode radial segment from a first longitudinal side toward a second longitudinal side. The second series of gaps are spaced from one another along the length of the ablation electrode radial segment and extend partially across the width of the ablation electrode radial segments from the second longitudinal side toward the first longitudinal side.

Abstract: A spring element for a contact force sensing medical catheter. The spring element includes a first ring, a second ring spaced apart from the first ring, a plurality of struts connecting the first ring to the second ring, and a plurality of interlocking features. The second ring and the first ring are coaxially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the spring element. The plurality of struts is configured to permit elastic, relative axial and radial displacement between the first ring and the second ring. The plurality of interlocking features is configured to limit the relative axial and radial displacement between the first ring and the second ring.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices for treating heart disease. In particular, the present disclosure relates to medical devices, systems, and methods for delivering artificial chordae tendineae in a patient. A system for delivering a chordae tendineae into a heart may include a delivery catheter. A clamp catheter may be configured to translate through the delivery catheter. A spreader may be disposed on the clamp catheter. A first clamp may be at least partially contained in the spreader in a closed configuration and may be attached to the chordae tendineae. An anchor catheter may be configured to translate through the delivery catheter and may have an anchor attached to the chordae tendineae. A sheath may be extended over the anchor catheter and anchor and may be configured to restrain an arm of the anchor.

Abstract: This disclosure teaches determining a recommended LAA closure device size based on simulations of deployment of multiple closure devices with the LAA anatomy. Input images of the patient's LAA anatomy are received. Multiple simulations are run providing options of device interaction, closure, and anchoring for multiple anchoring sites and device sizes. Gaps between the simulated deployed devices are analyzed based on leak paths and a recommended closure device size determined based on the simulated gaps.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices for treating heart disease. In particular, the present disclosure relates to medical devices, systems, and methods for delivering artificial chordae tendineae in a patient. A system for delivering a chordae tendineae into a heart may include a delivery catheter. A clamp catheter may be configured to translate through the delivery catheter. A spreader may be disposed on the clamp catheter. A first clamp may be at least partially contained in the spreader in a closed configuration and may be attached to the chordae tendineae. An anchor catheter may be configured to translate through the delivery catheter and may have an anchor attached to the chordae tendineae. A sheath may be extended over the anchor catheter and anchor and may be configured to restrain an arm of the anchor.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes an expandable frame moveable between a collapsed configuration for delivery, an expanded configuration for deployment, and a distended configuration. The expandable frame includes a first frame apex and a second frame apex, a distance between the first frame apex and the second frame apex while within the expanded configuration defining an expanded configuration apex distance, a distance between the first frame apex and the second frame apex while in the distended configuration defining a distended configuration apex distance. A support member extends between the first frame apex and the second frame apex, the support member including a first end secured to the first frame apex and a second end releasably securable relative to the second frame apex, the adjustable support adapted to limit the distended configuration apex distance relative to the expanded configuration apex distance.

Abstract: A clip and a clip deployment and delivery system. The clip may be engaged with a clip spreader such that simple relative movement, such as sliding movement, between the clip and clip spreader causes the clip and clip spreader to disengage from each other. A clip spreader actuator may be coupled to one arm of the clip spreader, extend distally around a distal end of the clip spreader, proximally along the other clip spreader arm, and to a proximal end at which the actuator may be controlled to open or close the clip spreader. The clips may be leaflet clips having teeth on one arm thereof and bumps on another arm thereof. The arms of the leaflet clip may be biased into a closed configuration by a flex zone which has an expanded portion extending laterally away from only one of the clip arms.

Abstract: A tissue anchor and an anchor delivery and deployment system. The tissue anchor is shiftable between a delivery configuration when housed in anchor garage of the anchor delivery and deployment system, and a deployment configuration when deployed outside the anchor garage. The anchor has a plurality of talons which may be formed from a laser cut tube. The talons may taper, such as widthwise.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices for treating heart disease. In particular, the present disclosure relates to medical devices, systems, and methods for delivering artificial chordae tendineae in a patient. A system for delivering a chordae tendineae into a heart may include a delivery catheter. A clamp catheter may be configured to translate through the delivery catheter. A spreader may be disposed on the clamp catheter. A first clamp may be at least partially contained in the spreader in a closed configuration and may be attached to the chordae tendineae. An anchor catheter may be configured to translate through the delivery catheter and may have an anchor attached to the chordae tendineae. A sheath may be extended over the anchor catheter and anchor and may be configured to restrain an arm of the anchor.

Abstract: A spring element for a contact force sensing medical catheter. The spring element includes a first ring, a second ring spaced apart from the first ring, a plurality of struts connecting the first ring to the second ring, and a plurality of interlocking features. The second ring and the first ring are coaxially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the spring element. The plurality of struts is configured to permit elastic, relative axial and radial displacement between the first ring and the second ring. The plurality of interlocking features is configured to limit the relative axial and radial displacement between the first ring and the second ring.

Abstract: A reverse-acting pressure relief device (10) is provided comprising buckling-control structures, namely pocket regions (20, 22) and belt regions (24) having differing material thicknesses. The pocket regions (20, 22) generally comprise areas of reduced material thicknesses and serve to weaken the structural integrity of the bulged section (12) of device (10) so that reversal can be initiated at lower pressures. Belt regions (24) generally comprise areas of enhanced mechanical properties that assist with reversal control and opening of bulged section (12) thereby ensuring complete opening of the device (10).

Abstract: A medical device lead includes a tubular conductive element disposed over a lead body. The tubular conductive element includes at least one segment having one or more kerfs formed radially therethrough in a predetermined configuration so as to affect at least one electrical property, e.g., electrical impedance, of the segment. The segment may form a shocking conductor of the medical device lead. The tubular conductive element may alternatively include proximal, intermediate and distal segments each having one or more kerfs formed radially therethrough, where the one or more kerfs in each of the proximal and intermediate segments are configured so that these segments each have a higher electrical impedance than the distal segment. A layer of insulative material is disposed over the proximal and intermediate segments, so that the proximal and intermediate segments of the tubular conductive element are operable to filter electromagnetic energy from an external source.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods of using the apparatus are included herein which apparatus includes a longitudinally extending bar body having an exterior surface and extending from a gripping end on a first bar section thereof to a second end comprising a hammer portion; wherein the hammer portion comprises a hammer head and the bar body comprises a second bar section extending from the hammer head at least partially along the bar body configured for receiving at least one weight positioned adjacent the hammer head. The apparatus is useful, for example, as a strength training fitness apparatus, a construction or demolition tool capable of supporting variable weight, and/or a strength training device for training workers.

Abstract: A medical device lead includes a tubular conductive element disposed over a lead body. The tubular conductive element includes at least one segment having one or more kerfs formed radially therethrough in a predetermined configuration so as to affect at least one electrical property, e.g., electrical impedance, of the segment. The segment may form a shocking conductor of the medical device lead. The tubular conductive element may alternatively include proximal, intermediate and distal segments each having one or more kerfs formed radially therethrough, where the one or more kerfs in each of the proximal and intermediate segments are configured so that these segments each have a higher electrical impedance than the distal segment. A layer of insulative material is disposed over the proximal and intermediate segments, so that the proximal and intermediate segments of the tubular conductive element are operable to filter electromagnetic energy from an external source.

Abstract: A medical device lead includes a tubular conductive element disposed over a lead body. The tubular conductive element includes at least one segment having one or more kerfs formed radially therethrough in a predetermined configuration so as to affect at least one electrical property, e.g., electrical impedance, of the segment. The segment may form a shocking conductor of the medical device lead. The tubular conductive element may alternatively include proximal, intermediate and distal segments each having one or more kerfs formed radially therethrough, where the one or more kerfs in each of the proximal and intermediate segments are configured so that these segments each have a higher electrical impedance than the distal segment. A layer of insulative material is disposed over the proximal and intermediate segments, so that the proximal and intermediate segments of the tubular conductive element are operable to filter electromagnetic energy from an external source.

Abstract: Various embodiments concern shielding an implantable lead from RF energy associated with MRI scans. The lead can include a distal region, a proximal region, an intermediate region between the distal region and the proximal region, at least one electrode disposed on the distal region, and at least one conductor extending from the proximal region to the at least one electrode. Implanting of the lead can include coiling a portion of the intermediate region to define one or more loops and selectively shielding the one or more loops of the lead with a RF shield. The RF shield can comprise metallic material and can be configured to reduce RF signal coupling to the at least one conductor along the one or more loops.

Abstract: A web-based matching system for potential candidates to be matched with employers based in part on the cultural similarities between the working environment and the candidate's nature. Candidates and employers are required to answer questions designed to quantify their cultural bent. A Matching Algorithm calculates matches as a function of the quantified cultural preferences. When the calculated match rate exceeds the threshold, the filtered results are depicted on an annular radar diagram and arranged with the highest match rates closest to the diagram center. The system automatically generates affinity groups based on the unique answer combinations to the cultural questions. Both candidates and employers are placed in sufficiently matching affinity groups to facilitate networking. Connections may be provided to the candidate and employer pre-existing social media accounts.

Abstract: An active fixation lead may have a lead body formed at least in part from an inner member and an outer sheath. The inner member may include a pace/sense lumen and one or more cable lumens. The inner member may include one or more longitudinally extending crumple zones that are configured to reduce stress within the pace/sense lumen that could otherwise be caused by compressive forces applied to the lead.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are to isolated polynucleotide sequences encoding modified phytochrome polypeptides wherein the modified phytochrome polypeptide has at least one of an altered thermal reversion rate, an altered photoconversion rate, an altered absorption spectrum, or an altered signal output compared to the unmodified phytochrome polypeptide. Also disclosed are transgenic plants comprising said modified phytochrome polypeptides and methods of producing said transgenic plants.