Abstract: Compositions, methods, and systems for analyzing the protein corona are described herein, as well as its application in the discovery of advanced diagnostic tools as well as therapeutic targets.

Abstract: Delivery systems for implanting cardiac valve repair devices are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a delivery system for implanting a valve repair device includes a delivery catheter, an implant shaft, a drive shaft, a clip cable, and a cinching line. The delivery catheter can hold the device in a compressed configuration. The implant shaft can have a hub assembly releasably coupled to a portion of the device, and the drive shaft can be actuated to release the portion of the device from the hub assembly. The clip cable can be releasably coupled to a clip of the device for opening and closing the clip to capture and secure a portion of a native leaflet. The cinching line can extend around a portion of the device for cinching the device to a compressed position when deployed from within the delivery catheter.

Abstract: Delivery systems for placing an implantable cardiac device at a native comprising a delivery catheter and an attachment assembly. The delivery catheter can include a proximal portion and a distal portion, and the attachment assembly can be at the distal portion of the delivery catheter. The attachment assembly can include arm pairs in which individual arm pairs include a first arm with connector and a second arm with a retainer. Each first arm extends along a corresponding second arm, and the first arm and/or the second arm in each arm pair moves relative to the other from a locked position to a released position. In the locked position, the retainer interfaces with the connector to maintain engagement between the implantable device and the connector. In the released position, the retainer is positioned relative to the connector such that the implantable device can disengage the connector.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and systems for analyzing the protein corona are described herein, as well as its application in the discovery of advanced diagnostic tools as well as therapeutic targets.

Abstract: Systems for delivering prosthetic heart valve devices and associated methods are disclosed herein. A delivery system configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, an elongated catheter body, a delivery capsule carried by the elongated catheter body, and two fluid chambers within the delivery capsule. The delivery capsule can be hydraulically driven between a containment configuration for holding the prosthetic heart valve device and a deployment configuration for at least partially deploying the prosthetic heart valve device. For example, the delivery capsule can be urged towards the deployment configuration when fluid is removed from the first chamber and fluid is delivered into the second chamber, whereas the delivery capsule can be urged towards the containment configuration to resheathe the prosthetic heart valve device when fluid is removed from the second chamber and delivered into the first chamber.

Abstract: Traveling-wave tube amplifiers for high-frequency signals, including terahertz signals, and methods for making a slow-wave structure for the traveling-wave tube amplifiers are provided. The slow-wave structures include helical conductors that are self-assembled via the release and relaxation of strained films from a sacrificial growth substrate.

Abstract: System for determining relative positions and/or relative motions between objects (103, 602, 604). Disclosed systems include a target tracking device (110, 620, 622) on a first object (602) and an optical target on a second object (604). The target tracking device comprises a camera to take images of the optical targets which is configured to track the optical target. The system comprises an onshore crane (601), a ship system (700), an aviation system (800) or an offshore crane (100). A controller (115, 615, 715, 815) controls the crane, a ship (701) or a helicopter (801) using the data from the tracking device.

Abstract: Cardiac valve repair devices with coaptation members and multiple clip mechanisms and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A cardiac valve repair device configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, an optional fixation member configured to engage tissue within a left atrium proximate to a native mitral valve, a coaptation member depending from the fixation member, and a plurality of clip mechanisms extending from a downstream portion of the coaptation member. The coaptation member can be positioned between the native leaflets and at least partially fill a space between the native leaflets. A first clip mechanism can engage a first portion of one of the native leaflets, and a second clip mechanism can engage another portion of the same native leaflet or an opposing native leaflet.

Abstract: Cardiac valve repair devices with coaptation members and multiple clip mechanisms and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A cardiac valve repair device configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, an optional fixation member configured to engage tissue within a left atrium proximate to a native mitral valve, a coaptation member depending from the fixation member, and a plurality of clip mechanisms extending from a downstream portion of the coaptation member. The coaptation member can be positioned between the native leaflets and at least partially fill a space between the native leaflets. A first clip mechanism can engage a first portion of one of the native leaflets, and a second clip mechanism can engage another portion of the same native leaflet or an opposing native leaflet.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and systems for analyzing the protein corona are described herein, as well as its application in the discovery of advanced diagnostic tools as well as therapeutic targets.

Abstract: Systems for delivering prosthetic heart valve devices and associated methods are disclosed herein. A delivery system configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, an elongated catheter body, a delivery capsule carried by the elongated catheter body, and two fluid chambers within the delivery capsule. The delivery capsule can be hydraulically driven between a containment configuration for holding the prosthetic heart valve device and a deployment configuration for at least partially deploying the prosthetic heart valve device. For example, the delivery capsule can be urged towards the deployment configuration when fluid is removed from the first chamber and fluid is delivered into the second chamber, whereas the delivery capsule can be urged towards the containment configuration to resheathe the prosthetic heart valve device when fluid is removed from the second chamber and delivered into the first chamber.

Abstract: Coaptation assist device for repairing cardiac valves and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A coaptation assist device configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, a fixation member configured to press against cardiac tissue proximate to a native valve annulus, and a stationary coaptation structure extending away from the fixation member. The coaptation structure can include an anterior surface configured to coapt with a first native leaflet during systole and a posterior surface configured to displace at least a portion of a second native leaflet. The device also includes at least one sensor configured to detect parameters associated with at least one of cardiac function and device functionality. The sensors can be pressure sensors configured to detect left atrial pressure and/or left ventricular pressure.

Abstract: Systems for delivering prosthetic heart valve devices and associated methods are disclosed herein. A delivery system configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, an elongated catheter body, a delivery capsule carried by the elongated catheter body, and two fluid chambers within the delivery capsule. The delivery capsule can be hydraulically driven between a containment configuration for holding the prosthetic heart valve device and a deployment configuration for at least partially deploying the prosthetic heart valve device. For example, the delivery capsule can be urged towards the deployment configuration when fluid is removed from the first chamber and fluid is delivered into the second chamber, whereas the delivery capsule can be urged towards the containment configuration to resheathe the prosthetic heart valve device when fluid is removed from the second chamber and delivered into the first chamber.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure include apparatus for and methods of facilitating transfer of objects using a crane. Disclosed apparatuses include a target tracking device mounted on or near a crane at a first location, and a target located near a landing location for the object. The target tracking device and the target facilitate real time determination of relative motion between the two locations. Methods of using the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and associated method for manipulating tissues and anatomical or other structures in medical applications for the purpose of treating diseases or disorders or other purposes. In one aspect, the system includes a delivery device including a flexible portion that is suited to access target anatomy. The flexibility of an elongate portion of the delivery device can be varied. Additionally, the delivery device can include structure that maintains the positioning of the delivery device in patient anatomy.

Abstract: Cardiac valve repair devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A cardiac valve repair device configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, a coaptation member and an atrial-fixation member. The coaptation member can comprise an inner portion having a coaptation surface configured to coapt with a first native leaflet during systole and an outer portion configured to displace at least a portion of a second native leaflet. The atrial-fixation member can comprise a plurality of interconnected struts having a circumferential U-like shape about a flow axis of the cardiac valve and defining a brim portion and a pair of connection portions. The connection portions can be coupled to the coaptation member, and the brim portion can be configured to press against cardiac tissue above the first native leaflet proximate to a native valve annulus of the cardiac valve.

Abstract: Coaptation assist device for repairing cardiac valves and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A coaptation assist device configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, a fixation member configured to press against cardiac tissue proximate to a native valve annulus, and a stationary coaptation structure extending away from the fixation member. The coaptation structure can include an anterior surface configured to coapt with a first native leaflet during systole and a posterior surface configured to displace at least a portion of a second native leaflet. The device also includes at least one sensor configured to detect parameters associated with at least one of cardiac function and device functionality. The sensors can be pressure sensors configured to detect left atrial pressure and/or left ventricular pressure.

Abstract: A flow diversion device configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology may include, for example, a housing including openings to channels that intersect at a junction. The flow diversion device may also include, for example, a flow control component disposed at the junction and movable to selectively form pathways for fluid communication based on a position of the flow control component. For example, when the flow control component is in a first position, a first pathway may allow fluid flow causing deployment of the prosthetic heart valve device and, when the flow control component is in a second position, a second pathway may allow fluid flow causing recapture of the prosthetic heart valve device. The flow diversion device may include a handle movable to position the flow control component in the first or second positions thereby selectively controlling fluid flow of the delivery system.

Abstract: Traveling-wave tube amplifiers and methods for making slow-wave structures for the amplifiers are provided. The SWSs include helical conductors that are self-assembled via the release of stressed electrically conductive strips from a sacrificial material. The helical conductors can be electroplated post-self-assembly to fortify the helix, reduce losses, and tailor the dimensions and operating parameters of the helix.

Abstract: Cardiac valve repair devices with annuloplasty features and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A cardiac valve repair device configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, an atrial fixation member configured to engage tissue within a left atrium proximate to a native mitral valve and a spring mechanism coupled to an inferior edge portion of the atrial fixation member. The spring mechanism has an extended state with a first length corresponding to a dimension of the atrial fixation member in a deployed state and a relaxed state with a shorter length corresponding to a desired dimension of the native valve annulus. When implanted, the spring mechanism contracts the atrial fixation member such that the native mitral annulus anchored to the atrial fixation member reduces in a cross-sectional dimension.