Abstract: Systems and methods capture and/or occlusion of selected body tissue using various tissue characteristics and/or techniques are described. In the context of left atrial appendage closure, the systems and methods can be used to capture the left atrial appendage while a closure instrument (suture, clip, ring, etc.) is placed over the appendage and tightened down or a closure method (ablation, cryogenic procedures, stapling, etc.) is performed to close the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: Navigation and tissue capture systems and methods for navigation to and/or capture of selected tissue using the innate electrical activity of the selected tissue and/or other tissue are described. In the context of left atrial appendage closure, the systems and methods can be used to navigate to the left atrial appendage and capture/control the appendage while a closure instrument (suture, clip, ring) is placed over the appendage and tightened down or a closure method (ablation, cryogenic procedures, stapling, etc.) is performed to close the left atrial appendage. The use of innate electrical activity for navigating devices may be used in connection with other tissues and/or areas of the body.

Abstract: Multifunctional occlusion crossover devices include features to improve the crossover balloon occlusion technique used during transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedures, for example. The devices include a compliant balloon incorporated with a highly flexible and lubricous sheath system. The balloon is capable of safely occluding from the common iliac artery and down to an access site in the femoral artery. The devices can simplify the CBOT technique and replace multiple devices currently used for the procedure.

Abstract: Systems and methods capture and/or occlusion of selected body tissue using various tissue characteristics and/or techniques are described. In the context of left atrial appendage closure, the systems and methods can be used to capture the left atrial appendage while a closure instrument (suture, clip, ring, etc.) is placed over the appendage and tightened down or a closure method (ablation, cryogenic procedures, stapling, etc.) is performed to close the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: Cognitive orthotics. More specifically, assistive ambulation systems and methods, including systems that can detect a person who uses an assistive ambulation device (such as a walker) and produce a signal in response to the detection, which signal is designed to encourage or motivate the person to use the device. They system may also stop the signal when the person engages the device and/or produce an additional signal or a different signal when the person engages the device.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials involved in disrupting electrical activity in the stomach. For example, methods and materials involved in delivering one or more electrical shocks to the stomach (e.g., the muscularis propria) in a manner that disrupts the normal electrical activity of the stomach (e.g., defibrillating the stomach) are provided.

Abstract: Navigation and tissue capture systems and methods for navigation to and/or capture of selected tissue using the innate electrical activity of the selected tissue and/or other tissue are described. In the context of left atrial appendage closure, the systems and methods can be used to navigate to the left atrial appendage and capture/control the appendage while a closure instrument (suture, clip, ring) is placed over the appendage and tightened down or a closure method (ablation, cryogenic procedures, stapling, etc.) is performed to close the left atrial appendage. The use of innate electrical activity for navigating devices may be used in connection with other tissues and/or areas of the body.

Abstract: An electrical lead for a cardiac device includes a body having a distal end sized for insertion through a catheter, first and second electrodes extending through the body, with each electrode terminating in a tip having proximal and distal ends and arranged to extend to an area of cardiac tissue. The tips include a fully insulated portion on the proximal and distal ends measuring in a range between 5 percent and 40 percent of the lengths of the tips, and further include an uninsulated intermediate section. The tip of the second electrode includes a helical section surrounding the first electrode and has an insulated portion on an inwardly facing portion surface facing toward the first electrode. The tip of the second electrode also includes a fully insulated portion on the proximal and distal ends measuring in the same or similar percentage range.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials related to the non-invasive measurement of analytes in blood.

Abstract: Devices and methods for ligating structures where the loop of the ligation element can be temporarily pre-tightened without locking the loop. This pre-tightening without locking allows the loop of the ligation element to be loosened and repositioned, if necessary, before locking the loop around the anatomical structure.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials related to the non-invasive measurement of analytes in blood.

Abstract: Devices and methods for ligating anatomical structures are provided herein. In particular, the devices and methods provided herein can be used to ligate, the left atrial appendage. The ligating devices (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) comprise a ligating element (30, 130, 230, 330, 430) and a control element (40, 140, 240, 340, 430) which controls the opening of the ligating element in a loop or lariat shape. Some embodiments comprise also a positioning element (50, 150) which help position the ligating element. In some embodiments a conduit (250) is provided for deploying the ligating element by inflating control.

Abstract: A system for determining a demographic data comprises an input interface configured to receive a location data of a device or group of devices, a processor configured to determine a user characterization data associated with the device or group of devices and to determine a probability that the device or group of devices is associated with a location of interest, and an output interface configured to provide an aggregated characterization data associated with the location of interest.

Abstract: A system for displaying a demographic data comprises an input interface, a processor, and an output interface. The input interface is configured to receive a location data of a device and to receive a display type. The processor is configured to determine a user characterization data associated with the device and to determine a probability that the device is associated with a location of interest. The output interface is configured to provide an aggregated characterization data associated with the location of interest for display according to the display type. In some embodiments, the system for determining a demographic data comprises a memory coupled to the processor and configured to provide the processor with instructions. In various embodiments, the device is one of a plurality of devices whose data is received and manipulated in order to determine probabilistic demographic data associated with a location.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a mapping device may be capable of passing through cerebral veins and other cerebrovascular spaces to provide electrophysiological mapping of the brain. These embodiments of the device may also be capable of providing, simultaneously or separately, ablation energy or other treatments to targeted brain tissue. In such circumstances, a user may be enabled to analyze an electrophysiological map of a patient's brain and, at the same time or within a short time period before or after the mapping process, may be enabled to apply ablation energy for treatment of a central nervous system disorder. Such treatment may be accomplished without the use of invasive surgery in which the brain is accessed through an opening in the patient's cranium.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a mapping device may be capable of passing through cerebral veins and other cerebrovascular spaces to provide electrophysiological mapping of the brain. These embodiments of the device may also be capable of providing, simultaneously or separately, ablation energy or other treatments to targeted brain tissue. In such circumstances, a user may be enabled to analyze an electrophysiological map of a patient's brain and, at the same time or within a short time period before or after the mapping process, may be enabled to apply ablation energy for treatment of a central nervous system disorder. Such treatment may be accomplished without the use of invasive surgery in which the brain is accessed through an opening in the patient's cranium.

Abstract: A method for hydrating yeast comprises several steps. A package comprising a thermochromic ink and an indicator is provided. A liquid is provided. The temperature of the liquid is measured by placing the package in contact with the liquid. The liquid is heated or cooled until the thermochromic ink indicates the liquid is within the predetermined temperature range. The liquid and yeast are combined. The package comprises a pouch, a thermochromic ink, and an indicator. The pouch is formed from one or more films sealed together to create an internal space. The thermochromic ink and indicator are arranged relative to each other to indicate when the liquid is within a predetermined temperature range. The thermochromic ink changes color when the liquid is within the predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: Cognitive orthotics. More specifically, assistive ambulation systems and methods, including systems that can detect a person who uses an assistive ambulation device (such as a walker) and produce a signal in response to the detection, which signal is designed to encourage or motivate the person to use the device. They system may also stop the signal when the person engages the device and/or produce an additional signal or a different signal when the person engages the device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to methods for assessing and/or improving contact between an electrophysiology catheter and tissue, and catheters for performing the methods. One embodiment relates to a catheter comprising a braided conductive member coupled to the distal end of a shaft, wherein the braided conductive member comprises a plurality of pressure sensitive wires. Another embodiment relates to a catheter comprising a braided conductive member having a plurality of sectors and coupled to the distal end of a shaft, and a balloon assembly constructed and arranged to selectively apply distal pressure to one or more sectors of the braided conductive member.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials related to the non-invasive measurement of analytes in blood.