Abstract: This document provides methods and materials (e.g., systems) related to assessing sleep conditions (e.g., sleep apnea).

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: 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: Methods, kits, and compositions for treating dry eye disorders and other related eye diseases are provided, wherein the methods, kits, and compositions utilize a JAK inhibitor.

Abstract: The invention describes a steerable sheath for percutaneous epicardial access. The invention also describes a novel lead to facilitate left ventricular pacing and efficient defibrillation.

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: 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: This document relates to materials and methods for circulatory bypass of a ventricle in the heart of a mammal. For example, materials and methods for bypassing a permanently or temporarily impaired left ventricle in the heart of a mammal (e.g., a human) are provided.

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: Intracardiac devices that can provide a plurality of functions (e.g., pacing, defibrillation, cardiac assist, or valve replacement) via a single support member and control means.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials related to minimally invasive techniques for reducing the volume of and/or occluding left atrial appendages.

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 aqueous non-flammable release composition for use in food preparation comprising water; de-oiled, powdered lecithin; and less than about 10% oil. The de-oiled, powdered lecithin is water miscible which facilitates the use of less or no oil in a release composition, and allows the use of a non-flammable propellant. The non-flammable release composition may be applied to cooking utensils, such as baking and frying pans, and especially grills and the like, in order to prevent or inhibit food from sticking during cooking and to facilitate cleaning; which may be safely applied while a utensil, pan, or grill is hot; near an open flame or heating element; or while food is being cooked.

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: Methods, kits, and compositions for treating dry eye disorders and other related eye diseases are provided, wherein the methods, kits, and compositions utilize a JAK inhibitor.

Abstract: The invention describes a steerable sheath for percutaneous epicardial access. The invention also describes a novel lead to facilitate left ventricular pacing and efficient defibrillation.

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.

Abstract: By combining lecithin and oil as the principal ingredients, a highly effective, uniform, widely dispersed, pan release spray product is achieved with the lecithin comprising a de-oiled powdered lecithin. The liquid lecithin and/or combinations thereof is blended with the vegetable oil, water and/or alcohol to form a stable emulsion that exhibits superior pan release properties. Furthermore, the lecithin emulsions of the present invention are easily formulated with a variety of blending agents to make flavorful salad dressings, marinades, and pet flavor enhancing products, as a non-aerosol, finger pump based product or as an aerosol product.

Abstract: The invention describes a steerable sheath for percutaneous epicardial access. The invention also describes a novel lead to facilitate left ventricular pacing and efficient defibrillation.