Abstract: A device and method is provided for localized agent delivery through a coronary vessel. In one configuration, the device includes an elongated member having a first and second end with a tip and an aperture positioned near the second end. An injection lumen places the first end of the elongated member in fluid communication with the aperture, permitting fluids such as contrast agent or therapeutic agents to be delivered therebetween. In an exemplary method, the device is tracked through a bend in the coronary anatomy, forcing the tip of the device toward the greater curve and through the vessel wall. The aperture may advanced to the desired location and agents may be delivered through the device into target tissue or space. Other configurations and embodiments of the device and method are presented.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a closure element can include a splittable carrier tube and a splitter to split the tube. The carrier tube can have an outer surface retaining a closure element in a tubular configuration and can be split into radially-expandable flaps. A closure element can have a shape-memory body having a relaxed configuration with a planar-annular body defining a lumen with tines directed inwardly from the body. The clip can be held in a retaining configuration having a substantially asymmetrically-elongated tubular shape with a trapezoidal longitudinal cross-sectional profile and a proximal end having the tines being longitudinally directed with a first tine being more distally oriented compared to a substantially opposite second tine being more proximal, and retracting to a deploying configuration having a tubular shape with a rectangular longitudinal cross-sectional profile with the first tine being even with the second tine when being delivered.

Abstract: An introducer sheath is described. The introducer sheath may include a tubular body. The tubular body may extend from a distal end toward a proximal end. The tubular body may include a lumen. The lumen may at least partially be defined by a wall. A channel may be disposed within the wall. The channel may be configured to receive a guidewire. The tubular body may include an expandable portion expandable to increase a cross-sectional area of the lumen.

Abstract: An anchor for using a closure device includes a body being configured to move from a pre-deployed state to a deployed state. In the pre-deployed state, the body has a first width aspect relative to a direction of deployment and a second width aspect in the deployed state relative to the direction of deployment, the second width aspect being greater than the first width aspect and wherein the body is formed from a rapidly eroding material configured to erode through dissolution within a body lumen.

Abstract: A device for closing an opening in a wall of a body lumen includes a closure element with a first flange and a second flange. Both the first flange and the second flange may have a delivery cross-sectional dimension and a deployed cross-sectional dimension. The device for closing an opening further includes a first coupler element disposed on the first flange and a second coupler element disposed on the second flange, the first and second coupler elements cooperating to couple the first flange to the second flange.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for localized agent delivery through a coronary vessel. In one configuration, the device includes an elongated member having a first and second end with a tip and an aperture positioned near the second end. An injection lumen places the first end of the elongated member in fluid communication with the aperture, permitting fluids such as contrast agent or therapeutic agents to be delivered therebetween. In an exemplary method, the device is tracked through a bend in the coronary anatomy, forcing the tip of the device toward the greater curve and through the vessel wall. The aperture may advanced to the desired location and agents may be delivered through the device into target tissue or space.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing cardiac support provide a cannula body having an inlet and an outlet. The cannula includes a preformed bend sized and configured to extend within the heart chamber between the inlet and the outlet. The cannula is inserted through a first valve into a heart chamber and through a second valve out of the heart chamber. Blood is drawn into the cannula through the inlet and discharged from the cannula through the outlet, thereby bypassing the heart chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for transporting fluid between different locations within a body cavity and, in one particular application, systems and methods for transporting fluids to maintain at least partial blood flow through a protected blood flow path within the right and/or left side of the heart during surgery. The protected blood flow path may be established by positioning one or more conduits within at least a portion of the right and/or left sides(s) of the heart. At least partial blood flow may be maintained through the protected blood flow path by the pumping action of a blood pump disposed within the conduit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing cardiac support provide a cannula body having an inlet and an outlet. The cannula includes a preformed bend sized and configured to extend within the heart chamber between the inlet and the outlet. The cannula is inserted through a first valve into a heart chamber and through a second valve out of the heart chamber. Blood is drawn into the cannula through the inlet and discharged from the cannula through the outlet, thereby bypassing the heart chamber.

Abstract: A cannula assembly (120) provides access to an interior body region (22). The cannula assembly defines a lumen (24) having a distal region (30). The lumen includes a bend in the distal region to guide deployment in the body region. A closure assembly (44, 46, 48) can be provided to open, and close the cannula assembly to fluid flow.

Abstract: A cannula is provided with one or more pressure transducers for measuring fluid pressure interiorly or exteriorly of the cannula. The pressure transducers may be mounted integrally with the tubular wall defining the main lumen of the cannula, or they may comprise differential pressure transducers mounted in dedicated lumens in communication with the main lumen. The pressure measurements from the transducers is used to determine fluid flow rate.

Abstract: A blood pump for use in CPB and other heart surgeries includes a reusable motor stator element which is enclosed in a disposable, sterile pump housing. The reusable, non-sterilized motor stator element is completely encased by the pump housing so that the motor stator can be reused without sterilization. The sterile housing allows the blood pump to be placed closed to the patient and within the sterile surgical field. The placement of the blood pump close to the heart during heart surgery greatly reduces the priming volume of the system thereby reducing the amount of saline or drugs which are introduced the patient's blood. The sterile housing may be evacuated to reduce the risk of emboli which may occur due to the failure of a seal.