Abstract: A computer-implemented method of operating a user-searchable database system of curated, themed digital content data, which method includes operating a Connects function to process and store heterogeneous digital content comprising topic data as curated topic data and identified connections between each topic and other topics, and operating a user interface to enable users to search the curated topics and present a search results page in a way that invites further investigation of topics searched, including a list or compilation of topics matching terms defining the search. The method also includes displaying topic elements corresponding to the list or compilation of matching topics in prioritized order based on each topic's relatedness to the search.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of operating a user-searchable database system of curated, themed digital content data, which method includes operating a Connects function to process and store heterogeneous digital content comprising topic data as curated topic data and identified connections between each topic and other topics, and operating a user interface to enable users to search the curated topics and present a search results page in a way that invites further investigation of topics searched, including a list or compilation of topics matching terms defining the search. The method also includes displaying topic elements corresponding to the list or compilation of matching topics in prioritized order based on each topic's relatedness to the search.

Abstract: A method for the deployment and retrieval of a tubular member. The method is achieved by first introducing a tubular member having a first diameter to a preselected treatment site, wherein said tubular member exhibits shape memory characteristics. The tubular member is then expanded to a second diameter at the treatment site and deployed at the treatment site. After a predetermined time, the tubular member is retrieved from the treatment site by causing the tubular member to return to its first diameter and withdrawing the tubular member from the treatment site. A tubular member with shape memory characteristics for use in accordance with the method is also provided.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention is for treating a blood vessel stenosis region in a subject. The method comprises the steps of inserting a catheter into a subject until a balloon located at a distal end portion of the catheter is within a treatment region of a blood vessel. The catheter comprises an elongated tubular body member having first and second axially extending passages. The balloon is located at a distal end portion of the tubular body member and is in fluid communication with the first and second passages. A mechanism supplies fluid under pressure through the first passage to a first axial end portion of the balloon to inflate the balloon. A heater located within the balloon elevates the temperature of the fluid to a first temperature. The first temperature is maintained for a predetermined time interal. A thermocouple senses the temperature of the fluid within the balloon.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided an intravascular catheter and thrombectomy procedure utilizing the catheter. The catheter comprises a flexible jacket with a distal working head having a canalizing tip rotatable at high speeds for removing thrombus from the lumen of a vessel. A flexible drive assembly extends through the jacket to rotate the tip and a plurality of infusion ports are formed adjacent the distal end of the jacket, capable of delivering a fluid contrast media at relatively high volumetric flow rates into the lumen of the vessel to locate the site of the thrombus. The canalizing tip is then rotated at high speed to homogenize and remove the thrombus from the lumen.

Abstract: A tool for the intraluminal insertion and deployment of a tubular graft within a blood vessel includes a flexible insertion shaft with a tapered distal end, a tubular sheath, a deployment slider and a safety locking tube. The deployment slider and the graft are slideably mounted, end to end, on a cylindrical portion of the shaft. A tubular sheath, which is slideably mounted to cover the graft and a distal portion of the deployment slider, includes a tapered distal end portion with tabs extending into a circumferential groove in the shaft. The graft is deployed, or released, by first removing the safety lock tube and then the tubular sheath is withdrawn over the proximal end of the shaft, exposing the graft from the outside and from the distal end of the tool. Then the shaft is then withdrawn as the deployment slider is held in place to prevent the withdrawal of the graft.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided an intravascular catheter and thrombectomy procedure utilizing the catheter. The catheter comprises a flexible jacket with a distal working head having a canalizing tip rotatable at high speeds for removing thrombus from the lumen of a vessel. A flexible drive assembly extends through the jacket to rotate the tip and a plurality of infusion ports are formed adjacent the distal end of the jacket, capable of delivering a fluid contrast media at relatively high volumetric flow rates into the lumen of the vessel to locate the site of the thrombus. The canalizing tip is then rotated at high speed to homogenize and remove the thrombus from the lumen.

Abstract: A transvenous lead for defibrillation and pacing of the heart includes a single defibrillating coil electrode adapted to be introduced into the right ventricle of the heart. The coil constitutes a relatively long flexible large surface area electrode conformable to the shape of the ventricle and thereby readily disposed along the entire length of the vertricle for use in delivering defibrillating shocks. A pacing electrode at the tip of the lead is used both in stimulating the heart with pacing pulses and in sensing the response of the heart to the pulses and to shocks. The coil electrode is multi-filar, composed of a plurality of wires tightly wound side by side, each wire composed of copper-zirconium alloy wrapped with tantalum, and is flared from the diameter at its ends to a lager diameter intermediate its ends to increase the exposed surface area thereof in the ventricle.

Abstract: A pair of defibrillation patch electrodes is adapted for close fitting placement over the ventricles of the heart, either epicardially or pericardially. One of the patches is contoured to fit over the right ventricle, and the other is contoured to fit over the left ventricle in spaced relationship to the first patch to form a substantially uniform gap between confronting borders of the two. The gap is sufficiently wide to avoid the shunting of current between edges of the patches upon delivery of defibrillation shocks, as well as to accommodate the ventricular septum and the major coronary arteries therein. The size and shape of the patches is such that they encompass most of the ventricular myocardium within and between their borders, to establish a nearly uniform potential gradient field throughout the entire ventricular mass when a defibrillation shock is delivered to the electrodes. Flat versions of the two electrodes provide ease of manufacture.