Abstract: Aspects of an expandable sheath can be used in conjunction with a catheter assembly to introduce a prosthetic device, such as a heart valve, into a patient. Such aspects can minimize trauma to the vessel by allowing for temporary expansion of a portion of the introducer sheath to accommodate the delivery apparatus, followed by a return to the original diameter once the prosthetic device passes through. Some aspects can include a sheath comprising an inner layer comprising a reinforcing layer rolled into a spiral slidable configuration and encapsulated within a polymer layer comprising a tether portion and an outer layer disposed over the inner layer. The disclosed sheath is configured to locally expand from a predetermined first diameter d1 to an expanded second diameter d2 during application of a radial outward force by passage of the medical device through the sheath.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an expandable sheath that can be used in conjunction with a catheter assembly to introduce a prosthetic device, such as a heart valve, into a patient. The disclosed herein sheath can minimize trauma to the vessel by allowing for temporary expansion of a portion of the introducer sheath to accommodate the delivery apparatus, followed by a return to the original diameter once the prosthetic device passes through. Some aspects can include a sheath comprising an inner layer comprising a reinforcing layer comprising a plurality of struts that can be encapsulated within a polymer layer comprising a tether portion and an outer layer disposed over the inner layer. The disclosed sheath is configured to locally expand from a predetermined first diameter d1 to an expanded second diameter d2 during application of a radial outward force by passage of a medical device through the sheath.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for performing medical procedures in the intestine of a patient are provided. A medical device for performing a treatment and/or a diagnostic procedure can include an elongate shaft assembly comprising at least a shaft assembly first section comprising a distal section of the shaft assembly, and a shaft assembly second section proximal to the first section, and a functional assembly positioned on the shaft assembly first section. Additional sections of the shaft assembly can be included, and each section can comprise a different construction, such as to achieve a different stiffness as described herein. Variable stiffness along the length of the shaft assembly can be provided to aid in translation of the device through the patient's GI tract (e.g. through the stomach and into the small intestine), as described herein.

Abstract: ISEs comprising a substrate layer; a carbon nanotube layer disposed on the substrate layer; a conductive metal layer on a portion of the carbon nanotube layer; a conductive polymer disposed on the portion; and an ion-selective membrane disposed on the conductive polymer and methods of making them are provided. A system is also provided for detecting a plurality of analyte ions in a sample comprising a housing; a plurality of ISEs associated with the housing, each electrode comprising an ion-selective membrane to a different analyte ion; a reference electrode associated with the housing; a fluid sample receptacle associated with the housing and in fluid communication with the plurality of ion-selective electrodes and reference electrode.

Abstract: ISEs comprising a substrate layer; a carbon nanotube layer disposed on the substrate layer; a conductive metal layer on a portion of the carbon nanotube layer; a conductive polymer disposed on the portion; and an ion-selective membrane disposed on the conductive polymer and methods of making them are provided. A system is also provided for detecting a plurality of analyte ions in a sample comprising a housing; a plurality of ISEs associated with the housing, each electrode comprising an ion-selective membrane to a different analyte ion; a reference electrode associated with the housing; a fluid sample receptacle associated with the housing and in fluid communication with the plurality of ion-selective electrodes and reference electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed is a decorative structure and system including a flexible ceiling panel maintained in a flexed configuration. The flexed configuration may be arranged in various configurations having different degrees of flex or curvature in the individual decorative structures. The system includes a flexible panel supported by a frame. The frame can be configured such that the flexible panel takes on a wave-like appearance which is imparted by the curved structure of the frame.