Abstract: Implantable hermetically sealed structures and methods for making the same are provided. Also provided are devices, systems and kits including the hermetically sealed structures, as well as methods of using such devices and systems.

Abstract: Implantable addressable segmented electrode devices, as well as methods for making and using the same, are provided. The subject devices include segmented electrode structures made up of an integrated circuit electrically coupled to two or more electrodes, where each electrode can be individually activated. Also provided are implantable devices and systems, as well as kits containing such devices and systems or components thereof, which include the segmented electrode structures.

Abstract: Methods of highly selective cardiac tissue stimulation and devices for practicing the same, e.g., implantable segmented electrode devices, are provided. The methods and devices provide a previously unavailable high phrenic nerve capture voltage paired with a low pacing capture voltage threshold. The subject methods and devices provide a number of benefits. For example, patients who previously would have been required to have their resynchronization device turned off due to phrenic nerve capture will now be able to reap the benefits of resynchronization therapy.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for occluding blood flow within a blood vessel. In a first series of embodiments, the present invention comprises a plurality of embolic devices deployable through the lumen of a conventional catheter such that when deployed, said embolic devices remain resident and occlude blood flow at a specific site within the lumen of the blood vessel. Such embolic devices comprise either mechanical embolic devices that become embedded within or compress against the lumen of the vessel or chemical vaso-occlusive agents that seal off blood flow at a given site. A second embodiment of the present invention comprises utilization of a vacuum/cauterizing device capable of sucking in the lumen of the vessel about the device to maintain the vessel in a closed condition where there is then applied a sufficient amount of energy to cause the tissue collapsed about the device to denature into a closure.

Abstract: Distally distributed multi-electrode leads are provided. The leads have a distally distributed electrode satellite which includes a processor and at least one individually addressable electrode positioned on the lead distal to the processor, e.g., in a tapered distal end of the lead. Also provided are implantable pulse generators that include the inventive leads, as well as systems and kits having components thereof, and methods of using the subject devices.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for occluding blood flow within a blood vessel. In a first series of embodiments, the present invention comprises a plurality of embolic devices deployable through the lumen of a conventional catheter such that when deployed, said embolic devices remain resident and occlude blood flow at a specific site within the lumen of the blood vessel. Such embolic devices comprise either mechanical embolic devices that become embedded within or compress against the lumen of the vessel or chemical vaso-occlusive agents that seal off blood flow at a given site. A second embodiment of the present invention comprises utilization of a vacuum/cauterizing device capable of sucking in the lumen of the vessel about the device to maintain the vessel in a closed condition where there is then applied a sufficient amount of energy to cause the tissue collapsed about the device to denature into a closure.

Abstract: Tapered pacing lead tip shapes and fixation devices, as well as methods for making and using the same, are provided. The inventive leads include features which optimize placement and retention of the leads, as well as features which improve function of the lead. Also provided are implantable devices and systems, as well as kits containing such devices and systems or components thereof, which include the inventive dilating lead tip designs and segmented electrode structures.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for direct coronary revascularization wherein a transmyocardial passageway is formed between a chamber of the heart and a coronary blood vessel to permit blood to flow therebetween. In some embodiments, the transmyocardial passageway is formed between a chamber of the heart and a coronary vein. The invention includes unstented transmyocardial passageways, as well as transmyocardial passageways wherein protrusive stent devices extend from the transmyocardial passageway into an adjacent coronary vessel or chamber of the heart. The apparatus of the present invention include protrusive stent devices for stenting of transmyocardial passageways, intraluminal valving devices for valving of transmyocardial passageways, intracardiac valving devices for valving of transmyocardial passageways, endogenous tissue valves for valving of transmyocardial passageways, and ancillary apparatus for use in conjunction therewith.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for direct coronary revascularization wherein a transmyocardial passageway is formed between a chamber of the heart and a coronary blood vessel to permit blood to flow therebetween. In some embodiments, the transmyocardial passageway is formed between a chamber of the heart and a coronary vein. The invention includes unstented transmyocardial passageways, as well as transmyocardial passageways wherein protrusive stent devices extend from the transmyocardial passageway into an adjacent coronary vessel or chamber of the heart. The apparatus of the present invention include protrusive stent devices for stenting of transmyocardial passageways, intraluminal valving devices for valving of transmyocardial passageways, intracardiac valving devices for valving of transmyocardial passageways, endogenous tissue valves for valving of transmyocardial passageways, and ancillary apparatus for use in conjunction therewith.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for direct coronary revascularization wherein a transmyocardial passageway is formed between a chamber of the heart and a coronary blood vessel to permit blood to flow therebetween. In some embodiments, the transmyocardial passageway is formed between a chamber of the heart and a coronary vein. The invention includes unstented transmyocardial passageways, as well as transmyocardial passageways wherein protrusive stent devices extend from the transmyocardial passageway into an adjacent coronary vessel or chamber of the heart. The apparatus of the present invention include protrusive stent devices for stenting of transmyocardial passageways, intraluminal valving devices for valving of transmyocardial passageways, intracardiac valving devices for valving of transmyocardial passageways, endogenous tissue valves for valving of transmyocardial passageways, and ancillary apparatus for use in conjunction therewith.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for occluding blood flow within a blood vessel. In a first series of embodiments, the present invention comprises a plurality of embolic devices deployable through the lumen of a conventional catheter such that when deployed, said embolic devices remain resident and occlude blood flow at a specific site within the lumen of the blood vessel. Such embolic devices comprise either mechanical embolic devices that become embedded within or compress against the lumen of the vessel or chemical vaso-occlusive agents that seal off blood flow at a given site. A second embodiment of the present invention comprises utilization of a vacuum/cauterizing device capable of sucking in the lumen of the vessel about the device to maintain the vessel in a closed condition where there is then applied a sufficient amount of energy to cause the tissue collapsed about the device to denature into a closure.

Abstract: This invention is methods and apparatus for occluding blood flow within a blood vessel (22). In a first series of embodiments, the present invention comprises a plurality of embolic devices (16) deployable through the lumen (12) of a conventional catheter (10) such that when deployed, said embolic devices (16) remain resident and occlude blood flow at a specific site within the lumen of the blood vessel (22). Such embolic devices (16) comprise either mechanical embolic devices that become embedded within or compress against the lumen of the vessel or chemical vaso occlusive agents that seal off blood flow at a given site. A second embodiment of the present invention comprises utilization of a vacuum/cauterizing device capable of sucking in the lumen of the vessel about the device to maintain the vessel in a closed condition where there is then applied a sufficient amount of energy to cause the tissue collapsed about the device to denature into a closure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for direct coronary revascularization wherein a transmyocardial passageway is formed between a chamber of the heart and a coronary blood vessel to permit blood to flow therebetween. In some embodiments, the transmyocardial passageway is formed between a chamber of the heart and a coronary vein. The invention includes unstented transmyocardial passageways, as well as transmyocardial passageways wherein protrusive stent devices extend from the transmyocardial passageway into an adjacent coronary vessel or chamber of the heart. The apparatus of the present invention include protrusive stent devices for stenting of transmyocardial passageways, intraluminal valving devices for valving of transmyocardial passageways, intracardiac valving devices for valving of transmyocardial passageways, endogenous tissue valves for valving of transmyocardial passageways, and ancillary apparatus for use in conjunction therewith.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for direct coronary revascularization wherein a transmyocardial passageway is formed between a chamber of the heart and a coronary blood vessel to permit blood to flow therebetween. In some embodiments, the transmyocardial passageway is formed between a chamber of the heart and a coronary vein. The invention includes unstented transmyocardial passageways, as well as transmyocardial passageways wherein protrusive stent devices extend from the transmyocardial passageway into an adjacent coronary vessel or chamber of the heart. The apparatus of the present invention include protrusive stent devices for stenting of transmyocardial passageways, intraluminal valving devices for valving of transmyocardial passageways, intracardiac valving devices for valving of transmyocardial passageways, endogenous tissue valves for valving of transmyocardial passageways, and ancillary apparatus for use in conjunction therewith.

Abstract: A mapping and ablating catheter having a short distal tip electrode comprising a bio-compatible outer surface and a thermal dissipating mass for dissipating heat received by the electrode. The outer surface may be formed by plating a thin layer of gold or platinum on the dissipating mass, or the entire electrode may be formed of a homogenous material such as a gold alloy that is bio-compatible thereby forming the outer surface with the mass itself. An alloy having a thermal conductivity greater than pure platinum is used so that the ablation procedure can be completed before exceeding the temperature limits. In one case, the entire electrode was formed of a 88% gold 12% nickel alloy. The electrical feed to the electrode is oversized to also dissipate heat received by the electrode. The electrode is no greater than five mm in length yet produces an ablation volume equal to or greater than longer electrodes. One or more band electrodes may also include thermal dissipating masses.

Abstract: A catheter adapted to perform electrophysiological procedures comprises a body member, a manipulation handle attached to the proximal end of the body member for applying torque to the body member, the handle having a control knob adapted for control movements in a first plane and in a second plane simultaneously. A deflection control line is attached at its distal end to the distal portion of the catheter and its proximal end attached to the control device of the handle so that tension applied to the control line by sliding the control knob causes deflection of the distal portion of the catheter. A stiffening member is disposed within the body member of the catheter and is slidable, said stiffening member providing increased rigidity to the portion of the body member in which the stiffening member is located. Rotation of the control knob controls the position of the stiffening member in the body member.