Abstract: An embolic filter positioning system includes a vascular delivery sheath, a filter catheter, a self-expanding embolic filter attached to a distal end of the filter catheter, and an elongate dilator having a tapered dilator tip. The elongate dilator is slidably received in a central lumen of the filter catheter, and the filter catheter is slidably received in the open lumen of the vascular delivery sheath. The tapered dilator tip is positioned distally of the distal end of the vascular delivery sheath, and the self-expanding embolic filter is radially constrained in a proximal portion of the open lumen of the vascular delivery sheath. The tapered dilator tip has an expanded configuration where it covers the open distal end of the vascular delivery sheath and facilitates entry though an arteriotomy and a contracted configuration where it can be retracted through the central lumen of the filter catheter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, apparatus, systems, methods and kits for collecting and storing a fluid sample from a subject. A device for collecting the fluid sample can include a housing comprising a recess having an opening, a vacuum chamber in the housing and in fluidic communication with the recess, and one or more piercing elements that are extendable through the opening to penetrate skin of the subject. The vacuum chamber can be configured for having a vacuum that draws the skin into the recess. The recess can be configured having a size or shape that enables an increased volume of the fluid sample to be accumulated in the skin drawn into the recess.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve delivery catheter includes an embolic filter to provide integrated embolic protection to inhibit the release of emboli into the aorta, the aortic arch or branch vessels, and other vasculature during transvascular heart valve replacement procedures. The embolic filter will usually be fixedly or movably attached to a shaft of the delivery catheter proximal of the prosthetic heart valve.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve delivery catheter includes an embolic filter to provide integrated embolic protection to inhibit the release of emboli into the aorta, the aortic arch or branch vessels, and other vasculature during transvascular heart valve replacement procedures. The embolic filter will usually be fixedly or movably attached to a shaft of the delivery catheter proximal of the prosthetic heart valve.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, apparatus, systems, methods and kits for collecting and storing a fluid sample from a subject. A device for collecting the fluid sample can include a housing comprising a recess having an opening, a vacuum chamber in the housing and in fluidic communication with the recess, and one or more piercing elements that are extendable through the opening to penetrate skin of the subject. The vacuum chamber can be configured for having a vacuum that draws the skin into the recess. The recess can be configured having a size or shape that enables an increased volume of the fluid sample to be accumulated in the skin drawn into the recess.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, apparatus, systems, methods and kits for collecting and storing a fluid sample from a subject. A device for collecting the fluid sample can include a housing comprising a recess having an opening, a vacuum chamber in the housing and in fluidic communication with the recess, and one or more piercing elements that are extendable through the opening to penetrate skin of the subject. The vacuum chamber can be configured for having a vacuum that draws the skin into the recess. The recess can be configured having a size or shape that enables an increased volume of the fluid sample to be accumulated in the skin drawn into the recess.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, apparatus, systems, methods and kits for collecting and storing a fluid sample from a subject. A device for collecting the fluid sample can include a housing comprising a recess having an opening, a vacuum chamber in the housing and in fluidic communication with the recess, and one or more piercing elements that are extendable through the opening to penetrate skin of the subject. The vacuum chamber can be configured for having a vacuum that draws the skin into the recess. The recess can be configured having a size or shape that enables an increased volume of the fluid sample to be accumulated in the skin drawn into the recess.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve delivery catheter includes an embolic filter to provide integrated embolic protection to inhibit the release of emboli into the aorta, the aortic arch or branch vessels, and other vasculature during transvascular heart valve replacement procedures. The embolic filter will usually be fixedly or movably attached to a shaft of the delivery catheter proximal of the prosthetic heart valve.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, apparatus, systems, methods and kits for collecting and storing a fluid sample from a subject. A device for collecting the fluid sample can include a housing comprising a recess having an opening, a vacuum chamber in the housing and in fluidic communication with the recess, and one or more piercing elements that are extendable through the opening to penetrate skin of the subject. The vacuum chamber can be configured for having a vacuum that draws the skin into the recess. The recess can be configured having a size or shape that enables an increased volume of the fluid sample to be accumulated in the skin drawn into the recess.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, apparatus, systems, methods and kits for collecting and storing a fluid sample from a subject. A device for collecting the fluid sample can include a housing comprising a recess having an opening, a vacuum chamber in the housing and in fluidic communication with the recess, and one or more piercing elements that are extendable through the opening to penetrate skin of the subject. The vacuum chamber can be configured for having a vacuum that draws the skin into the recess. The recess can be configured having a size or shape that enables an increased volume of the fluid sample to be accumulated in the skin drawn into the recess.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, apparatus, systems, methods and kits for collecting and storing a fluid sample from a subject. A device for collecting the fluid sample can include a housing comprising a recess having an opening, a vacuum chamber in the housing and in fluidic communication with the recess, and one or more piercing elements that are extendable through the opening to penetrate skin of the subject. The vacuum chamber can be configured for having a vacuum that draws the skin into the recess. The recess can be configured having a size or shape that enables an increased volume of the fluid sample to be accumulated in the skin drawn into the recess.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, apparatus, systems, methods and kits for collecting and storing a fluid sample from a subject. A device for collecting the fluid sample can include a housing comprising a recess having an opening, a vacuum chamber in the housing and in fluidic communication with the recess, and one or more piercing elements that are extendable through the opening to penetrate skin of the subject. The vacuum chamber can be configured for having a vacuum that draws the skin into the recess. The recess can be configured having a size or shape that enables an increased volume of the fluid sample to be accumulated in the skin drawn into the recess.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, apparatus, systems, methods and kits for collecting and storing a fluid sample from a subject. A device for collecting the fluid sample can include a housing comprising a recess having an opening, a vacuum chamber in the housing and in fluidic communication with the recess, and one or more piercing elements that are extendable through the opening to penetrate skin of the subject. The vacuum chamber can be configured for having a vacuum that draws the skin into the recess. The recess can be configured having a size or shape that enables an increased volume of the fluid sample to be accumulated in the skin drawn into the recess.

Abstract: Treatment devices having a self-expandable member with one or more of a proximal end portion, a main body portion and a distal portion. According to some implementations a self-expandable member is provided with proximal end portion comprising a peripheral rail having a first substantially straight segment and a second substantially straight segment that extends distally to the first substantially straight segment with the angular orientation of the second substantially straight segment being different than the angular orientation of the first substantially straight segment, the angular orientation of the second substantially straight segment being similar to a helix angle of at least some of the cell structures in the main body portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for confining a plasma are provided herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus for confining a plasma includes a substrate support and a magnetic field forming device for forming a magnetic field proximate a boundary between a first region disposed at least above the substrate support, where a plasma is to be formed, and a second region, where the plasma is to be selectively restricted. The magnetic field has b-field components perpendicular to a direction of desired plasma confinement that selectively restrict movement of charged species of the plasma from the first region to the second region dependent upon the process conditions used to form the plasma.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for confining a plasma are provided herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus for confining a plasma includes a substrate support and a magnetic field forming device for forming a magnetic field proximate a boundary between a first region disposed at least above the substrate support, where a plasma is to be formed, and a second region, where the plasma is to be selectively restricted. The magnetic field has b-field components perpendicular to a direction of desired plasma confinement that selectively restrict movement of charged species of the plasma from the first region to the second region dependent upon the process conditions used to form the plasma.