Abstract: Expandable occlusive plugs and methods of using them are disclosed. The devices generally include a tubular body bearing multiple slits defining leaves, which expand radially outward when the ends of the device are brought toward one another.

Abstract: A lock assembly for use in a vehicle includes a key having a key head and a key shaft. The key shaft defines a recess. A lock cylinder defines a slot and a channel. The slot is in communication with a first end of the channel. A switch door is positioned to cover the slot. A light source is positioned at a second end of the channel. The light source is positioned to illuminate through the channel. A sensor is configured to detect the key. The sensor is coupled with the light source. The sensor is configured to actuate the light source based on a location of the key. A luminescent structure is positioned on the key shaft within the recess.

Abstract: An exemplary vehicle outlet assembly includes, among other things, an outlet mounted to a vehicle, a cover moveable between a covering position where the cover conceals the outlet and an accessing position where the cover reveals the outlet. The assembly further includes at least one side shield that extends transversely from the cover to the outlet when the cover is in the accessing position. An exemplary power providing method includes powering a device through an outlet of a vehicle and illuminating an area associated with the device during the powering using at least one light of the vehicle.

Abstract: A device for occluding a target body lumen, comprises a wire structure defining a wire structure lumen extending therethrough and movable between a reduced diameter insertion configuration and an expanded diameter deployed configuration and a basket structure extending across the wire structure lumen and including therein a cell growth promoting agent to promote cell growth across the wire structure lumen to occlude the target body lumen.

Abstract: A system for delivering therapeutic agent to a target location in a body in accordance with one embodiment is provided comprising a plurality of magnetic particles, each magnetic particle carrying a therapeutic agent, and a magnetic device for attracting the magnetic particles to a target location. The magnetic particles may be delivered by a catheter into a blood vessel upstream from the target location so that they travel toward the target location. A method for delivering therapeutic agent to a target location in a body in accordance with another embodiment comprises providing a plurality of magnetic particles, each magnetic particle carrying a therapeutic agent, placing a magnetic device in a position to attract the magnetic particles to a target location, and allowing the magnetic particles to infuse the target location by the attraction of the magnetic particles to the magnetic device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a biodegradable, self-powered medical device for preventing or reducing reperfusion injury, comprising a galvanic cell, the galvanic cell comprising: a first biodegradable electrode member; and a second biodegradable electrode member comprising a biodegradable conductive polymer and an electrode-releasable therapeutic agent, wherein the galvanic cell generates an electric force sufficient to cause the electrode-releasable therapeutic agent to be released from the biodegradable conductive polymer and elute to a target location. The device may further include a reservoir material containing a burst-release therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Catheter devices having an expandable balloon for delivering a therapeutic agent to a body site. In one aspect, one or more sheaths are disposed around the balloon with the therapeutic agent being disposed within the sheath, being disposed over the sheath, being contained in the space between the sheath and the balloon, or being otherwise associated with the sheath. In another aspect, the balloon includes a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) for drug delivery.

Abstract: Therapeutic agent delivery devices and methods for delivering a therapeutic agent to a target location as well as methods for determining the location of a lesion on a vessel wall are disclosed. Various embodiments disclose an expandable member comprising a drug delivery matrix for selectively delivering a therapeutic agent to a lesion on a vessel wall. The drug delivery matrix may comprise one or more sensors and an electroactive polymer for releasing the therapeutic agent. Other embodiments disclose an expandable member comprising a plurality of radially-expanding flexible walls forming a plurality of channels for selectively delivering therapeutic agent to a target area adjacent one or more of the channels. Detecting a lesion may comprise using a plurality of Hall effect sensors disposed on a distal end of a catheter.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a biodegradable, self-powered medical device for preventing or reducing reperfusion injury, comprising a galvanic cell, the galvanic cell comprising: a first biodegradable electrode member; and a second biodegradable electrode member comprising a biodegradable conductive polymer and an electrode-releasable therapeutic agent, wherein the galvanic cell generates an electric force sufficient to cause the electrode-releasable therapeutic agent to be released from the biodegradable conductive polymer and elute to a target location. The device may further include a reservoir material containing a burst-release therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A biodegradable implant for iontophoretic therapeutic agent delivery is provided. The implant comprises a biodegradable battery and at least one biodegradable iontophoresis electrode assembly. The biodegradable battery comprises first and second biodegradable electrodes and a biodegradable polymer electrolyte layer between the first and second biodegradable electrodes. The biodegradable iontophoresis electrode assembly comprises a biodegradable iontophoresis electrode and a charged therapeutic agent. When the biodegradable battery is electrically connected to generate an electric current through the biodegradable iontophoresis electrode assembly, the charged therapeutic agent is delivered by iontophoresis to a target location. The charged therapeutic agent may be a scavenger for reactive oxygen species. The electrical connection of the biodegradable battery may be controlled remotely.

Abstract: A system for delivering therapeutic agent to a target location in a body in accordance with one embodiment is provided comprising a plurality of magnetic particles, each magnetic particle carrying a therapeutic agent, and a magnetic device for attracting the magnetic particles to a target location. The magnetic particles may be delivered by a catheter into a blood vessel upstream from the target location so that they travel toward the target location. A method for delivering therapeutic agent to a target location in a body in accordance with another embodiment comprises providing a plurality of magnetic particles, each magnetic particle carrying a therapeutic agent, placing a magnetic device in a position to attract the magnetic particles to a target location, and allowing the magnetic particles to infuse the target location by the attraction of the magnetic particles to the magnetic device.

Abstract: A device for occluding a target body lumen, comprises a wire structure defining a wire structure lumen extending therethrough and movable between a reduced diameter insertion configuration and an expanded diameter deployed configuration and a basket structure extending across the wire structure lumen and including therein a cell growth promoting agent to promote cell growth across the wire structure lumen to occlude the target body lumen.

Abstract: Catheter devices having an expandable balloon for delivering a therapeutic agent to a body site. In one aspect, one or more sheaths are disposed around the balloon with the therapeutic agent being disposed within the sheath, being disposed over the sheath, being contained in the space between the sheath and the balloon, or being otherwise associated with the sheath. In another aspect, the balloon includes a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) for drug delivery.

Abstract: Devices and methods to cool a target tissue region inside the body are described. Fluid cooled below normal body temperature and blood at a normal body temperature are provided to the tissue region in proportions to cool the tissue region. A system for controlling the temperature of the target tissue region is disclosed. The system includes a catheter and a control system that controls the amount of cool fluid and blood provided to the tissue region. A catheter for providing cool fluid to the tissue region is also provided. The catheter includes a temperature sensor that extends to a location distal to the distal end of the catheter to sense the temperature of the tissue region.

Abstract: Devices and methods to cool a target tissue region inside the body are described. Fluid cooled below normal body temperature and blood at a normal body temperature are provided to the tissue region in proportions to cool the tissue region. A system for controlling the temperature of the target tissue region is disclosed. The system includes a catheter and a control system that controls the amount of cool fluid and blood provided to the tissue region. A catheter for providing cool fluid to the tissue region is also provided. The catheter includes a temperature sensor that extends to a location distal to the distal end of the catheter to sense the temperature of the tissue region.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for altering the configuration of a heart valve. Methods, apparatus, and systems include the use of a cord delivered into the heart by a delivery catheter that can be manipulated by a receiving catheter so as to improve the heart valve function.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for occluding a multiplicity of parallel membranes, such as found in a patent foramen ovale (PFO). Methods, apparatus, and systems include the use of a positioning device that can be seated on the limbus of the septum secundum (SS). The positioning device includes a piercing member that can pierce the SS and septum primum (SP). The positioning device also includes a fastening member that can engage the SS and SP to fasten the tissues and thereby occlude a PFO.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for locating a patent foramen ovale (PFO) with a positioning device that can be configured to occlude the PFO. Methods, apparatus, and systems include the use of a positioning device that can be seated on the limbus of a septum secundum (SS). The positioning device includes a piercing member that can pierce the SS and a septum primum.

Abstract: Devices and methods to cool a target tissue region inside the body are described. Fluid cooled below normal body temperature and blood at a normal body temperature are provided to the tissue region in proportions to cool the tissue region. A system for controlling the temperature of the target tissue region is disclosed. The system includes a catheter and a control system that controls the amount of cool fluid and blood provided to the tissue region. A catheter for providing cool fluid to the tissue region is also provided. The catheter includes a temperature sensor that extends to a location distal to the distal end of the catheter to sense the temperature of the tissue region.

Abstract: Devices and methods to cool a target tissue region inside the body are described. Fluid cooled below normal body temperature and blood at a normal body temperature are provided to the tissue region in proportions to cool the tissue region. A system for controlling the temperature of the target tissue region is disclosed. The system includes a catheter and a control system that controls the amount of cool fluid and blood provided to the tissue region. A catheter for providing cool fluid to the tissue region is also provided. The catheter includes a temperature sensor that extends to a location distal to the distal end of the catheter to sense the temperature of the tissue region.