Abstract: An example system includes a collar; a first stimulating electrode array positioned on the collar and configured to delivery stimulation therapy to a patient; a second stimulating electrode array being positioned on the collar and configured to deliver stimulation therapy to the patient; a sensor array being positioned on the collar and configured to detect one or more features indicative of laryngeal muscle activity of the patient; and a controller configured to control stimulation therapy to be delivered via the first stimulating electrode array and the second stimulating electrode array.

Abstract: In some examples, an endovascular device includes an elongated body configured to be introduced in a blood vessel of a patient and a plurality of electrodes disposed along the elongated body. The plurality of electrodes includes a first group of electrodes and a second group of electrodes. The endovascular device further includes a plurality of conductors including a first conductor electrically coupled to each electrode of the first group of electrodes and a second conductor electrically coupled to each electrode of the second group of electrodes. Each electrode of the first group of electrodes faces a first direction and each electrode of the second group of electrodes faces a second direction different from the first direction. The plurality of electrodes is configured to deliver electrical stimulation to tissue of a brain of the patient or sense a patient parameter from a location within the blood vessel.

Abstract: In some examples, an endovascular medical device includes an elongated body configured to be introduced in a cranial blood vessel of a patient and an expandable element on the elongated body. The expandable element includes a plurality of loops, wherein each loop includes one or more electrodes. The expandable element is configured to expand radially outwards from a relatively low-profile delivery configuration to a deployed configuration to position the one or more electrodes to deliver electrical stimulation to tissue of a brain of a patient or sense a patient parameter from a location within the cranial blood vessel.

Abstract: A surgical instrument (10) is adapted to contact tissue of a patient, and to provide traction with the tissue in order to inhibit migration of the instrument relative to the tissue. The instrument may include a pair of opposing jaws (16, 18) with at least one of the jaws (16, 18) comprising a substrate having a particular surface facing the tissue, and a plurality of discrete elements (26, 28) disposed on the particular surface for increasing the traction of the instrument relative to the tissue. These discrete elements (26, 28) may include a multiplicity of granules, bristles, or projections, and may be formed of materials having various properties such as hydrophilic characteristics. The discrete elements in the form of bristles can be oriented too so that the column strength of each bristle provides increased traction in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is adapted to contact tissue of a patient and to provide traction with the tissue in order to inhibit migration of the instrument relative to the tissue. The instrument may include a pair of opposing jaws with at least one of the jaws comprising a substrate having a particular surface facing the tissue, and a plurality of discrete elements disposed on the particular surface for increasing the traction of the instrument relative to the tissue. These discrete elements may include a multiplicity of granules, bristles, or projections and may be formed of materials having various properties such as hydrophilic characteristics. The discrete elements in the form of bristles can be oriented too so that the column strength of each bristle provides increased traction in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A surgical clip includes a first jaw and a second jaw relatively movable in a first direction between a first relatively proximate position and a second relatively spaced position. The jaws in the second position have a predetermined dimension in the first direction. The clip has an overall maximum dimension in the first direction which is not greater than about the predetermined dimension of the jaws in the second position. A spring under tension is housed in a telescoping barrel and coupled between the first and second jaws for biasing the jaws to the first position.

Abstract: An adjustable surgical clamp having an axis that is adapted to releasably engage the outer surface of a cylindrical instrument such as a trocar. An elastomeric sleeve has an outer surface and an inner surface which is sized to frictionally engage the instrument. A constriction member forming a ring around the sleeve is operable between a first position wherein the ring has a first diameter and a second position wherein the ring has a second diameter. A pair of tabs attached to the constriction member are movable relative to each other to operate the constriction member between the first and second positions. A tube extending axially of the constriction member includes a protrusion which may be in the form of a helix, a plurality of annuli or an inflatable balloon enhances the fixed relationship with a body wall.

Abstract: A valvulotome for disrupting valve cusps in the vein of a patient includes a shaft and a cutting member which extends along an axis that defines an axial direction as well as an angular direction. First and second portions of the cutting member define respective cutting edges which extend outwardly of the axis in an angular relationship and an axial relationship with each other. The first and second cutting edges engage and disrupt different cusps of the valve when the shaft is withdrawn axially from the vein. Each of the cutting edges is protected by a proximate shoulder which inhibits the engagement of sidebranches by the associated cutting edge. The cutting member may be formed as a helical blade, a wire or a cylinder and may be provided with a swivel coupling as well as a sheath operable to cover or expose the cutting member.

Abstract: A surgical guidewire having a distal section and a proximal section includes a core with a first end and a second end. A longitudinal spring disposed circumferentially of the core has a first end coupled to the second end of the core and a second end which extends distally of the core. A sheath has a spaced sliding relationship with at least a portion of the spring and a frictional fixed relationship with at least a portion of the core. An associated method of manufacture includes the step of selecting from a group of sheaths having different characteristics but a common inside diameter, a particular sheath desired for the guidewire.

Abstract: The multiple lumen catheter of this invention has a tubular member with a flexible cylindrical wall, the member comprising an outer and inner tubular body forming multiple lumens within the tubular member, an opening in the wall of the outer tubular body, an inflatable member attached to the distal end portion of the tubular member and covering the opening in the outer tubular body, and a bushing disposed between the outer and inner tubular bodies within the outer lumen in the tubular member, said bushing having an aperture surrounding the opening, and said aperture creating a channel from the outer lumen through the bushing, through the outer tubular body, and to the interior surface of the inflatable member. Also disclosed is a method of constructing the catheter. The bushing used in the construction of the catheter is also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter includes a hub and a stylet extending through the hub to a distal end of the catheter. A balloon fixed at its proximal end to the hub and at its distal end to the stylet is axially extendible by operation of the stylet. Inserting the catheter, in its extended state, into an arterial conduit enables the balloon to be inflated and to exert only radial forces against the interior of the vessel. This apparatus and procedure overcomes spasms normally associated with preparation of an arterial conduit, such as the internal mammary artery, for bypass surgery. Extension of the balloon to as much as six times its initial length can be accomplished by positioning a separation spring between the stylet and the balloon.

Abstract: A valvulotome for disrupting a valve in a vein includes an elongate control member and a cutting head disposed at the distal end of the control member. The cutting head includes an elongate section extending generally along the length of the cutting head and a return section extending beside the elongate section also along the length of the cutting head. A cutting section included in the cutting head extends between the elongate section and the return section at a particular angle to the length of the control member. Portions of this cutting section form a proximally facing cutting edge for disrupting the valve. The valvulotome can be used with an endoscope in a method wherein the cutting head is tied to the endoscope with a suture, or a method wherein the valvulotome is back-loaded into the working channel of the endoscope.

Abstract: A catheter includes a hub and a stylet extending through the hub to a distal end of the catheter. A balloon fixed at its proximal end to the hub and at its distal end to the stylet is axially extendible by operation of the stylet. Inserting the catheter, in its extended state, into an arterial conduit enables the balloon to be inflated and to exert only radial forces against the interior of the vessel. This apparatus and procedure overcomes spasms normally associated with preparation of an arterial conduit, such as the internal mammary artery, for bypass surgery. Extension of the balloon to as much as six times its initial length can be accomplished by positioning a separation spring between the stylet and the balloon.

Abstract: A cornice for the headrail of a window covering has an elongated front panel with grooves on a front surface for receiving decorative slats and a pair of longitudinal slots on the back surface. Clips hanging on the headrail have parts received within the front panel. Adjustable length side plates are assembled to the front panel by end pieces.