Abstract: An implantable ultrasonic vascular sensor for implantation at a fixed location within a vessel, comprising at least one ultrasound transducer, a transducer drive circuit, and means for wirelessly transmitting ultrasound data from the at least one ultrasound transducer.

Abstract: The present technology relates to implantable depots for the local, sustained, controlled release of a therapeutic agent to treat cancer. An implantable depot may comprise a biodegradable polymer mixed with a locally acting chemotherapeutic agent. The depot may be configured to be implanted within a patient proximate cancerous tissue and, while implanted, provide sustained exposure of the chemotherapeutic agent at the treatment site.

Abstract: Pathologies of joints arising from improper force distributions are addressed by displacement of targeted connective and muscle tissues surrounding the joint in order to realign force vectors and alter moment arms loading the joint.

Abstract: Pathologies of joints arising from improper force distributions are addressed by displacement of targeted connective and muscle tissues surrounding the joint in order to realign force vectors and alter moment arms loading the joint.

Abstract: An implant for insertion into a punctum of a patient comprises a body. The body has a distal end, a proximal end, and an axis therebetween. The distal end of the body is insertable distally through the punctum into the canalicular lumen. The body comprises a therapeutic agent included within an agent matrix drug core. Exposure of the agent matrix to the tear fluid effects an effective therapeutic agent release into the tear fluid over a sustained period. The body has a sheath disposed over the agent matrix to inhibit release of the agent away from the proximal end. The body also has an outer surface configured to engage luminal wall tissues so as to inhibit expulsion when disposed therein. In specific embodiments, the agent matrix comprises a non-bioabsorbable polymer, for example silicone in a non-homogenous mixture with the agent.

Abstract: Prostheses and methods for treating canine cruciate ligament disease are disclosed comprising placement of a specifically configured implant on the femur or tibia to displace targeted muscle or connective tissue associated with the stifle joint so as to reduce cranial tibial thrust.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient's joint having opposing joint surfaces includes providing an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end and an expandable member near the distal end. The expandable member is positioned in the joint between the joint surfaces and expanded so as to separate the joint surfaces away from one another into a distracted position. The joint is manipulated while in the distracted position so that the joint is distracted and in flexion. A diagnostic or therapeutic procedure is then performed on the joint while maintaining the joint in the flexed and distracted position.

Abstract: An implant for insertion into a punctum of a patient comprises a body. The body has a distal end, a proximal end, and an axis therebetween. The distal end of the body is insertable distally through the punctum into the canalicular lumen. The body comprises a therapeutic agent included within an agent matrix drug core. Exposure of the agent matrix to the tear fluid effects an effective therapeutic agent release into the tear fluid over a sustained period. The body has a sheath disposed over the agent matrix to inhibit release of the agent away from the proximal end. The body also has an outer surface configured to engage luminal wall tissues so as to inhibit expulsion when disposed therein. In specific embodiments, the agent matrix comprises a non-bioabsorbable polymer, for example silicone in a non-homogenous mixture with the agent.

Abstract: The present technology relates to depots for the treatment of select symptoms via sustained, controlled release of a therapeutic agent. In some embodiments, the depot may comprise a therapeutic region comprising the therapeutic agent, and a control region comprising a bioresorbable polymer and a releasing agent mixed with the polymer. The releasing agent may be configured to dissolve when the depot is placed in vivo to form diffusion openings in the control region. The depot may be configured to be implanted at a treatment site in vivo and, while implanted, release the therapeutic agent at the treatment site for an extended period of time.

Abstract: The present technology relates to implantable depots for the local, sustained, controlled release of a therapeutic agent to treat cancer. An implantable depot may comprise a biodegradable polymer mixed with a locally-acting therapeutic agent configured to treat cancer. The depot may be configured to be implanted within a patient proximate cancerous tissue and, while implanted, provide sustained exposure of the therapeutic agent at the treatment site for a period of time that is no less than 5 days.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient's joint having opposing joint surfaces includes providing an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end and an expandable member near the distal end. The expandable member is positioned in the joint between the joint surfaces and expanded so as to separate the joint surfaces away from one another into a distracted position. The joint is manipulated while in the distracted position so that the joint is distracted and in flexion. A diagnostic or therapeutic procedure is then performed on the joint while maintaining the joint in the flexed and distracted position.

Abstract: A method for impacting a suture anchor into bone comprises providing an implantable suture anchor and providing an impactor device for impacting the suture anchor into the bone. The suture anchor is coupled to a distal portion of the impactor device. Positioning the suture anchor engages the anchor with the bone at an implantation site, and powering the impactor device impacts the suture anchor thereby implanting the suture anchor into the bone. The frequency of impaction is less than 20 KHz. The impactor device is then decoupled from the suture anchor, and the impactor device may be removed from the implantation site.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for treating native heart valves are disclosed herein. A system for delivering a prosthetic device into a heart of a patient includes an elongated catheter body and a delivery capsule. The delivery capsule can be hydraulically driven to deploy at least a portion of a prosthetic heart valve device. The delivery capsule can release the prosthetic heart valve device at a desired treatment site in a patient.

Abstract: The present technology relates to depot assemblies for the controlled, sustained release of a therapeutic agent. The assembly can include a depot having a therapeutic region comprising an analgesic, and a control region comprising a bioresorbable polymer and a releasing agent mixed with the polymer. The releasing agent may be configured to dissolve when the depot is placed in vivo to form diffusion openings in the control region. The depot may be configured to be implanted at a treatment site in vivo and, while implanted, release the therapeutic agent at the treatment site for no less than 3 days. The assembly further includes a fixation portion coupled to the depot and configured to facilitate attachment of the depot assembly to tissue at or adjacent to the treatment site.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed herein for accessing the hip joint. A first device can be securely attached to the capsule of a joint. The first device can tent the capsule to increase the volume of the peripheral compartment. A second device can be biased against the first device to pierce the tented capsule and create a portal. Devices and methods are also disclosed herein for distending the capsule of a joint. A distention device may access a portal established within the capsule. The distention device can expand the capsule by applying an expansive force within the peripheral compartment. The distention device can maintain distention of the peripheral compartment while other devices access the joint.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for treating native heart valves are disclosed herein. A system for delivering a prosthetic device into a heart of a patient includes an elongated catheter body and a delivery capsule. The delivery capsule can be hydraulically driven to deploy at least a portion of a prosthetic heart valve device. The delivery capsule can release the prosthetic heart valve device at a desired treatment site in a patient.

Abstract: An implant for insertion through a punctum and into a canalicular lumen of a patient. The implant includes a matrix of material, a therapeutic agent dispersed in the matrix of material, a sheath disposed over a portion of the matrix of material and configured to inhibit the therapeutic agent from being released from the matrix of material into the canalicular lumen and to allow the therapeutic agent to be released from a surface of the matrix of material to a tear film, and a retention structure configured to retain the implant within the canalicular lumen.

Abstract: Prosthetic heart valve devices for percutaneous replacement of native heart valves and associated systems and method are disclosed herein. A prosthetic heart valve device configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology can include an anchoring member having a first portion configured to engage with tissue on or near the annulus of the native heart valve and to deform in a non-circular shape to conform to the tissue. The device can also include a valve support coupled to a second portion of the anchoring member, configured to support a prosthetic valve and having a cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the first portion of the anchoring member is mechanically isolated from the valve support such that the cross-sectional shape of the valve support remains sufficiently stable that the prosthetic valve remains competent when the anchoring member is deformed in the non-circular shape.

Abstract: Various devices, systems and methods for knotless suturing of tissue are disclosed. These devices allow sutures to be anchored to bone, and more specifically provide a suture anchor which eliminates the need for knotting the suture. Thus, damaged tissue may be re-attached to a substrate tissue. The anchors have a minimum of moving parts may be suited to being a single molded polymer construction. The anchors will find particular utility in hip and shoulder arthroscopy, e.g. labral re-attachment and similar procedures.

Abstract: Prosthetic heart valve devices for percutaneous replacement of native heart valves and associated systems and method are disclosed herein. A prosthetic heart valve device configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology can include an anchoring member having a first portion configured to engage with tissue on or near the annulus of the native heart valve and to deform in a non-circular shape to conform to the tissue. The device can also include a valve support coupled to a second portion of the anchoring member, configured to support a prosthetic valve and having a cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the first portion of the anchoring member is mechanically isolated from the valve support such that the cross-sectional shape of the valve support remains sufficiently stable that the prosthetic valve remains competent when the anchoring member is deformed in the non-circular shape.