Abstract: Sensing devices and methods of implanting sensing devices within an anatomical vessel network of a patient are provided. In one method, a fixation element (e.g., a stent or coil) of the sensing device is expanded into firm contact with a wall of a main anatomical vessel (e.g., a right pulmonary artery), and a stabilization element of the sensing device is placed into contact with a wall of an anatomical vessel branch of the main anatomical vessel. In another method, a first fixation element of the sensing device is expanded into firm contact with the wall of the main anatomical vessel (e.g., a right pulmonary artery) at a longitudinal location proximal to the anatomical vessel branch, and a second fixation element of the sensing device is expanded into firm contact with the wall of the main anatomical vessel at a longitudinal location distal to the anatomical vessel branch.

Abstract: Vasculature closure devices, and systems and methods for their use, are provided. In one or more embodiments, a vasculature closure device (200) includes an expandable support frame (210) deployable within a vessel (10), and a sealing membrane (205) at least partially supported by the support frame (210). Upon expanding the support frame (210) within the vessel (10), the device is configured to intraluminally position the sealing membrane (205) against a puncture site existing in a wall of the vessel. The sealing membrane includes an area of excess membrane (245) configured to facilitate coupling of the sealing membrane to the wall of the vessel.

Abstract: Vasculature closure device delivery systems and methods are provided. In one or more embodiments, a vasculature closure device delivery system for intraluminally positioning a vasculature closure device against a puncture site existing in a wall of a vessel includes a loading tube configured to receive the vasculature closure device therein, a push rod configured to extend through the loading tube and to push the vasculature closure device out of the loading tube and into a lumen of the vessel, and an automatic deployment mechanism configured to detect when the vasculature closure device is positioned at the puncture site and to automatically deploy the vasculature closure device thereabout.

Abstract: Vasculature closure devices, and systems and methods for their use, are provided. In one or more embodiments, a vasculature closure device (200) includes an expandable support frame (210) deployable within a vessel (10), and a sealing membrane (205) at least partially supported by the support frame (210). Upon expanding the support frame (210) within the vessel (10), the device is configured to intraluminally position the sealing membrane (205) against a puncture site existing in a wall of the vessel. The sealing membrane includes an area of excess membrane (245) configured to facilitate coupling of the sealing membrane to the wall of the vessel.

Abstract: Apparatus for positioning at least one sensor in a body lumen, the apparatus including a fixation element, a sensor, and a connecting element that connects the sensor to the fixation element, the connecting element extending at least partially into the lumen so that the sensor is located radially inward from a wall of the lumen.

Abstract: Vasculature closure devices, and systems and methods for their use, are provided. In one embodiment, the vasculature closure device includes an expandable support frame deployable into a vessel through a puncture site and a sealing membrane at least partially supported by the expandable support frame. The support frame is positioned along a periphery of the sealing membrane. Upon expanding the support frame within the vessel, the support frame is configured to intraluminally push the sealing membrane against the puncture site.

Abstract: Vasculature closure devices, and systems and methods for their use, are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes deploying a vasculature closure device including a support frame and a sealing membrane into a vessel through a puncture site, wherein the support frame is in a collapsed configuration during deployment, and expanding the support frame into an expanded configuration within the vessel such that the sealing membrane is pushed against the puncture site.

Abstract: Vasculature closure devices, and systems and methods for their use, are provided. In one embodiment, the vasculature closure device includes an expandable support frame deployable within a vessel, a sealing membrane at least partially supported by the support frame, and a cross-member support extending across at least a portion of the sealing membrane. Upon expanding the support frame, the device is configured to intraluminally position the sealing membrane against a puncture site existing in a wall of the vessel. The cross-member support includes a flexible wire coupled to the sealing membrane at an intermediate portion of the flexible wire and configured to maintain the sealing membrane against the puncture site.

Abstract: Vasculature closure devices, and systems and methods for their use, are provided. In one embodiment, the vasculature closure device includes an expandable support frame deployable within a vessel and a sealing membrane at least partially supported by the expandable support frame. Upon expanding the support frame, the vasculature closure device is configured to intraluminally position the sealing membrane against a puncture site existing in a vessel wall.

Abstract: Vasculature closure devices, and systems and methods for their use, are provided. In one embodiment, the vasculature closure device includes an expandable support frame deployable within a vessel and a sealing membrane at least partially supported by the expandable support frame. Upon expanding the support frame, the vasculature closure device is configured to intraluminally position the sealing membrane against a puncture site existing in a vessel wall.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided which include access port devices for implantation through a tissue wall of a lumen of patient's body and for containing electrical leads therein. An implantable port device includes a body with a first end having a first opening and an opposed second end having a second opening, and a channel extending from between and operably connecting the first opening and the second opening; a first retaining member extending radially from the first end of the body; and a second retaining member spaced apart from the first retaining member, the second retaining member being closer than the first retaining member to the second end of the body, and extending radially from the second end of the body. The first retaining member and the second retaining member are configured to cooperatively engage opposing sides of the tissue wall about edges of an aperture through the tissue wall to secure the body within the aperture.

Abstract: Apparatus for positioning at least one sensor in a body lumen, the apparatus including a fixation element, a sensor, and a connecting element that connects the sensor to the fixation element, the connecting element extending at least partially into the lumen so that the sensor is located radially inward from a wall of the lumen.

Abstract: Apparatus for positioning at least one sensor in a body lumen, the apparatus including a fixation element, a sensor, and a connecting element that connects the sensor to the fixation element, the connecting element extending at least partially into the lumen so that the sensor is located radially inward from a wall of the lumen.

Abstract: Sensing devices and methods of implanting sensing devices within an anatomical vessel network of a patient are provided. In one method, a fixation element (e.g., a stent or coil) of the sensing device is expanded into firm contact with a wall of a main anatomical vessel (e.g., a right pulmonary artery), and a stabilization element of the sensing device is placed into contact with a wall of an anatomical vessel branch of the main anatomical vessel. In another method, a first fixation element of the sensing device is expanded into firm contact with the wall of the main anatomical vessel (e.g., a right pulmonary artery) at a longitudinal location proximal to the anatomical vessel branch, and a second fixation element of the sensing device is expanded into firm contact with the wall of the main anatomical vessel at a longitudinal location distal to the anatomical vessel branch.

Abstract: A medical device includes a catheter and a stent mounted on the catheter, the stent having a hollow, cylindrical body made with a plurality of rings. The rings each extend circumferentially around the cylindrical body and include an undulating series of peaks and valleys. The rings are joined together by a series of links which are shaped and arranged to promote longitudinal flexibility as the stent is delivered on the catheter and effective scaffolding after deployment. In one aspect of the invention, the rings are provided with inflection points on some portions of the rings which extend in a generally circumferential direction for a short distance. A link is joined at one end at the inflection point on one ring and also joined at a second end at a second inflection point on an adjacent ring. This construction allows the crimped stent to flex longitudinally when it is subjected to bending forces such as those encountered during delivery of the stent and catheter through a tortuous coronary artery.

Abstract: Apparatus for positioning at least one sensor in a body lumen, the apparatus including a fixation element, a sensor, and a connecting element that connects the sensor to the fixation element, the connecting element extending at least partially into the lumen so that the sensor is located radially inward from a wall of the lumen.

Abstract: A stent graft includes a tubular prosthetic graft, a support structure expandable between contracted and enlarged conditions, and a biosensor attached thereto. The biosensor may be directly attached to an outer surface of the graft, to struts defining the support structure, or by one or more filaments configured to dispose the biosensor beyond an outer surface of the stent graft. When the biosensor is attached by one or more filaments, the stent graft is mounted in a contracted profile on a delivery apparatus with the biosensor disposed adjacent to the stent graft thereon. The stent graft is introduced into a blood vessel in the contracted profile, and advanced endolumenally until it is positioned across an aneurysm.

Abstract: An implant includes a pressure sensor, a controller for acquiring pressure data from the sensor, and an acoustic transducer for converting energy between electrical energy and acoustic energy. A capacitor is coupled to the acoustic transducer for storing electrical energy converted by the transducer and/or for providing electrical energy to operate the implant. The acoustic transducer may operate alternatively or simultaneously as an energy exchanger or an acoustic transmitter. During use, the implant is implanted within a patient's body, and an external transducer transmits a first acoustic signal into the patient's body, to energize the capacitor. The implant then obtains pressure data, and transmits a second acoustic signal to the external transducer, the second acoustic signal including the pressure data.

Abstract: A biosensor for monitoring pressure or other physical parameters at an aneurysm site is mountable to a tubular prosthesis that is expandable between contracted and enlarged conditions. A loop, having the biosensor attached thereto, is securable around the prosthesis. An apparatus is used to deliver the loop to an aneurysm site that includes a catheter having a connector on its distal end for detachably securing the loop thereto. The prosthesis is advanced in a contracted state to the aneurysm, and the apparatus, with the loop connected thereto, is advanced to the aneurysm site. The loop and the prosthesis are positioned coaxially with respect to one another, and the prosthesis is expanded towards its enlarged condition, thereby engaging the loop around the prosthesis and engaging the prosthesis with a wall of the blood vessel at the treatment site.

Abstract: An implant includes a pressure sensor, a controller for acquiring pressure data from the sensor, and an acoustic transducer for converting energy between electrical energy and acoustic energy. A capacitor is coupled to the acoustic transducer for storing electrical energy converted by the transducer and/or for providing electrical energy to operate the implant. The acoustic transducer may operate alternatively or simultaneously as an energy exchanger or an acoustic transmitter. During use, the implant is implanted within a patient's body, and an external transducer transmits a first acoustic signal into the patient's body, to energize the capacitor. The implant then obtains pressure data, and transmits a second acoustic signal to the external transducer, the second acoustic signal including the pressure data.