Abstract: An apparatus for forming a wave form for a stent from a wire includes a pair of tension wires configured to rotate about an axis. The tension wires and axis are substantially orthogonal to the stent wire disposed in a gap between the tension wires. When the tension wires are rotated, a bend is formed in the portion of the stent wire disposed between the tension wires. The tension wires may be controlled such that the axis of rotation is aligned with the particular tension wire around which the stent wire is to be bent for each particular bend formed in the stent wire, thereby preventing the particular tension wire from translating during rotation such that the tension wire behaves like a rotary pipe bending die around which the stent wire is bent. A feed assembly feeds the stent wire into the forming area between the tension wires.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing and assessing neuromodulation therapy are disclosed herein. One method for assessing the efficacy of neuromodulation therapy includes positioning a neuromodulation catheter at a target site within a renal blood vessel of a human patient and delivering neuromodulation energy at the target site with the neuromodulation catheter. The method can further include obtaining a measurement related to a dimension of the renal blood vessel via a sensing element of the neuromodulation catheter. The measurement can be compared to a baseline measurement related to the dimension of the renal blood vessel to assess the efficacy of the neuromodulation therapy. In some embodiments, the baseline measurement is obtained via the sensing element of the neuromodulation catheter prior to delivering the neuromodulation energy.

Abstract: Neuromodulation catheter systems with controlled irrigation capabilities and methods for using such systems are disclosed herein. One such method includes, for example, positioning an irrigated neuromodulation catheter at a treatment site within a renal blood vessel of a human patient, delivering neuromodulation energy at the treatment site, and delivering irrigation fluid to the treatment site having characteristics coordinated with the delivered energy. The characteristics can be adjusted to maintain an energy delivery element and/or tissue of the blood vessel at a constant temperature as power is increased. The method can further include monitoring at least one parameter of the tissue and/or of the energy delivery element, and adjusting the neuromodulation energy and/or the characteristics of the irrigation fluid if the at least one parameter falls outside of a treatment range of values.

Abstract: Systems and methods for neuromodulation therapy are disclosed herein. A method in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, positioning a plurality of reference electrodes at the skin of a human patient and intravascularly positioning a plurality of ablation electrodes within a blood vessel lumen at a treatment site. The method can include obtaining impedance measurements between different combinations of the reference electrodes and the ablation electrodes and, based on the impedance measurements, identifying two or more electrode groups for treatment, where at least two of the electrode groups include a different one of the reference electrodes and a different one of the ablation electrodes.

Abstract: Devices and systems for the selective positioning of an intravascular neuromodulation device are disclosed herein. Such systems can include, for example, an elongated shaft and a therapeutic assembly carried by a distal portion of the elongated shaft. The therapeutic assembly is configured for delivery within a blood vessel. The therapeutic assembly can include one or more energy delivery elements configured to deliver therapeutic energy to nerves proximate a vessel wall.

Abstract: Devices and systems for the selective positioning of an intravascular neuromodulation device are disclosed herein. Such systems can include, for example, an elongated shaft and a therapeutic assembly carried by a distal portion of the elongated shaft. The therapeutic assembly is configured for delivery within a blood vessel. The therapeutic assembly can include a pre-formed shape and can be transformable between a substantially straight delivery configuration; and a treatment configuration having the pre-formed helical shape to position the therapeutic assembly in stable contact with a wall of the body vessel. The therapeutic assembly can also include a mechanical decoupler operably connected to the therapeutic assembly that is configured to absorb at least a portion of a force exerted on the therapeutic assembly by the shaft so that the therapeutic assembly maintains a generally stationary position relative to the target site.

Abstract: Flexible radiopaque filaments coupled to and extending from a distal end of a guide catheter are disclosed that aid a clinician in locating an ostium of a branch vessel. The filaments are at least partially formed of a radiopaque material and are designed to move with the blood flow. In a method of locating an ostium of a branch vessel or a fenestration of an implanted graft, at least some of the filaments enter the ostium or fenestration when the distal end of the guide catheter is placed proximal thereto. The filaments provide an accurate and quick indication of the ostium location without the need for a contrast agent.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a wave form for a stent from a wire includes a pair of tension wires configured to rotate about an axis. The tension wires and axis are substantially orthogonal to the stent wire disposed in a gap between the tension wires. When the tension wires are rotated, a bend is formed in the portion of the stent wire disposed between the tension wires. The tension wires may be controlled such that the axis of rotation is aligned with the particular tension wire around which the stent wire is to be bent for each particular bend formed in the stent wire, thereby preventing the particular tension wire from translating during rotation such that the tension wire behaves like a rotary pipe bending die around which the stent wire is bent. A feed assembly feeds the stent wire into the forming area between the tension wires.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a wave form for a stent from a wire includes a pair of tension wires configured to rotate about an axis. The tension wires and axis are substantially orthogonal to the stent wire disposed in a gap between the tension wires. When the tension wires are rotated, a bend is formed in the portion of the stent wire disposed between the tension wires. The tension wires may be controlled such that the axis of rotation is aligned with the particular tension wire around which the stent wire is to be bent for each particular bend formed in the stent wire, thereby preventing the particular tension wire from translating during rotation such that the tension wire behaves like a rotary pipe bending die around which the stent wire is bent. A feed assembly feeds the stent wire into the forming area between the tension wires.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a wave form for a stent from a wire includes a pair of tension wires configured to rotate about an axis. The tension wires and axis are substantially orthogonal to the stent wire disposed in a gap between the tension wires. When the tension wires are rotated, a bend is formed in the portion of the stent wire disposed between the tension wires. The tension wires may be controlled such that the axis of rotation is aligned with the particular tension wire around which the stent wire is to be bent for each particular bend formed in the stent wire, thereby preventing the particular tension wire from translating during rotation such that the tension wire behaves like a rotary pipe bending die around which the stent wire is bent. A feed assembly feeds the stent wire into the forming area between the tension wires.

Abstract: Flexible radiopaque filaments coupled to and extending from a distal end of a guide catheter are disclosed that aid a clinician in locating an ostium of a branch vessel. The filaments are at least partially formed of a radiopaque material and are designed to move with the blood flow. In a method of locating an ostium of a branch vessel or a fenestration of an implanted graft, at least some of the filaments enter the ostium or fenestration when the distal end of the guide catheter is placed proximal thereto. The filaments provide an accurate and quick indication of the ostium location without the need for a contrast agent.

Abstract: A drug coating is formed by vaporizing a drug in a deposition chamber having an implantable medical device such as a stent loaded therein. A vacuum is utilized to lower the pressure within the deposition chamber, thereby reducing the temperature necessary to vaporize the drug. The drug is then deposited onto the implantable medical device while in a vapor phase to form the drug coating.

Abstract: A drug coating is formed by vaporizing a drug in a deposition chamber having an implantable medical device such as a stent loaded therein. A vacuum is utilized to lower the pressure within the deposition chamber, thereby reducing the temperature necessary to vaporize the drug. The drug is then deposited onto the implantable medical device while in a vapor phase to form the drug coating.

Abstract: An electric starter for an internal combustion engine comprises a switch (1) connectable to the starter motor of the engine, an actuator (3) for actuating the switch, and a removable operating element (4) for operating the actuator. The actuator (4) is a push-button actuator.

Abstract: The present invention is coping for use in a swimming pool, said coping oriented along a longitudinal direction, and comprises a web disposed along said longitudinal direction, including a means for attaching said web to a side wall of a pool; wherein said web including a strip section integrally part of said web; a strip section being preferably irreversibly removable by shearing off a longitudinal strip section from said cap web for irreversibly removing said strip section from a facia of said web to expose an accessory slot defined behind said removed strip section, wherein said accessory slot adapted for attaching accessories to said coping.

Abstract: The present invention is a vessel floatation aid for vessels of the type including a water line and laterally spaced gunwales. The floatation aid includes an inflatable bladder including an outer membrane attached to a backer strap and the space there between defining said inflatable portion, such that said backer strap and outer membrane together oriented along said longitudinal direction for temporarily providing increased buoyancy; and including upper tabs and lower tabs connected to a backer strap, said tabs adapted for receiving cords for temporarily lashing said floatation aid to a vessel for releasably and temporarily attaching said buoyancy means below and adjacent a gunwale of a vessel, and proximate a waterline.

Abstract: The finished product is a globe, which has been modified/remanufactured to house a light source in the interior of the globe.

Abstract: The present invention is coping for use in a swimming pool, said coping oriented along a longitudinal direction, and comprises a web disposed along said longitudinal direction, including a means for attaching said web to a side wall of a pool; wherein said web including a strip section integrally part of said web; a strip section being preferably irreversibly removable by shearing off a longitudinal strip section from said cap web for irreversibly removing said strip section from a facia of said web to expose an accessory slot defined behind said removed strip section, wherein said accessory slot adapted for attaching accessories to said coping.

Abstract: The present invention is a vessel floatation aid for vessels of the type including a water line and laterally spaced gunwales. The floatation aid includes an inflatable bladder including an outer membrane attached to a backer strap and the space there between defining said inflatable portion, such that said backer strap and outer membrane together oriented along said longitudinal direction for temporarily providing increased buoyancy; and including upper tabs and lower tabs connected to a backer strap, said tabs adapted for receiving cords for temporarily lashing said floatation aid to a vessel for releasably and temporarily attaching said buoyancy means below and adjacent a gunwale of a vessel, and proximate a waterline.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved cap for swimming pool coping of the type incorporating a bead retainer for a circumscribing bead of a pool cover. The cap comprises a longitudinally extending body having securing means to releasably secure the cap to the coping. A groove longitudinally extends in the front of the cap for releasably securing the pool cover bead and means on the entrance to the groove for releasably retaining therein a plug strip whereby water and debris are blocked from entering the groove. The groove may alternatively releasably receive the bead of the pool cover, or hold therein a plug a strip means or a strip light means, the latter preferably made of fibre optic cable to light the periphery of the pool for safety at night.