Abstract: A catheter-based device for determining the radial expansion force required to displace an occlusion in a vessel located in a subject. The device comprises an elongate body defining proximal and distal termini. The body comprises a sheath that encloses a hollow lumen within, which extends along substantially the full length of the body. The proximal terminal region of the body comprises: a user-interfacing hub, the hub comprising a handle for maneuvering the body and configured for handling by an operator; a control interface for controlling the device; and a sensor configured to measure one or more parameters relevant to a force applied to the vessel by the device. The distal terminal region of the body comprises an expandable member movable between a retracted position, in which the expandable member is within the hollow lumen, and a deployed position, in which the expandable member is disposed beyond the distal terminus, and controllable via the control interface to expand radially.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an ambulatory system for determining a cardiac parameter at a fixed location within the cardiovascular system of a subject. The system comprises a wearable sensor including an ultrasound transducer. The wearable sensor can contact the skin of the subject and be positioned proximate to the fixed location. The system comprises a data collection module that is in communication with the ultrasound transducer. The ultrasound transducer is configured to detect a pressure wave passing through the fixed location. The data collection module is configured to collect data relating to the pressure wave passing through the fixed location, analyse the pressure wave, and determine at least one cardiac parameter based on the analysis.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide a self-expanding stent device. The device comprises: an elongated body that defines a lumen within. The body has a first and a second terminus and a longitudinal axis located therebetween. The body comprises a first zone and a second zone along the longitudinal axis. When the device is in an expanded configuration the first zone has a first radial strength that is resistant to an external compressive force, and the second zone has a second radial strength that is resistant to an external compressive force. The radial strength of the first zone is greater than that of the second zone. The diameter of the body lumen proximal to the first terminus is greater than that of the lumen proximal to the second terminus.

Abstract: Provided are controllers, methods and systems for monitoring cardiac data for the presence of arrhythmia. A controller as provided comprises input means arranged to receive first cardiac data corresponding to a time period, processing means and output means. The processing means is arranged to identify, within the first cardiac data, a plurality of events corresponding to ventricular contraction, and a time associated with each event; determine a plurality of intervals between the times associated with chronologically successive events; and produce second cardiac data in dependence on the determined intervals. The output means is arranged to transmit an output signal to a display means based on the second cardiac data, for displaying a beat-to-beat display plot corresponding to at least a part of the time period on the display means. A system as provided may comprise such a controller and a display means for displaying the beat-to-beat display plot corresponding to at least a part of the time period.

Abstract: There is provided an ambulatory system, comprising at least first and second wearable sensors, for determining pulse transit time (PTT) between at least a first and at least a second fixed location within the cardiovascular system of a subject. The system comprises at least a first device, wherein the first device can contact the skin of the subject, the first device being positioned proximate to the first fixed location; and also comprises at least a second device, wherein the second device can contact the skin of the subject, the second device being positioned proximate to the second fixed location. The system further comprises a data collection module that is in communication with the first and second devices. The first device is configured to detect a timing cue within the cardiac cycle of the subject, and the second device is configured to detect a pulse pressure wave passing through the second fixed location.

Abstract: Provided is a method of treating cardiac arrhythmia in a patient. The method comprises selecting a patient suffering from a cardiac arrhythmia and creating a flow pathway between a first vascular location and a second vascular location. The first vascular location comprises a source of arterial blood and the second vascular location comprises a source of venous blood. Systems and devices for creating a flow pathway are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a system for creating an arteriovenous flow pathway in a patient, comprising: a vessel-to-vessel guidewire; a needle delivery device constructed and arranged to place the vessel-to-vessel guidewire from a starting vessel to a target vessel; a flow creation device constructed and arranged to be advanced over the vessel-to-vessel guidewire and to create a flow pathway between the starting vessel and the target vessel; and a stent for positioning in a vessel. At least one of the starting vessel or the target vessel is a vein, and the other of the starting vessel or the target vessel is an artery. The stent is constructed and arranged to be positioned in the vein and to at least one of prevent or treat venous stenosis.

Abstract: Provided is a method of treating orthostatic intolerance in a patient. The method comprises selecting a patient suffering from orthostatic intolerance and creating a flow pathway between a first vascular location and a second vascular location. The first vascular location comprises a source of arterial blood and the second vascular location comprises a source of venous blood. Systems and devices for creating a flow pathway are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are methods, systems and devices for treating erectile dysfunction in a patient. A patient is selected that exhibits erectile dysfunction. A flow pathway is created between a first vascular location comprising a source of arterial blood and a second vascular location comprising a source of venous blood.

Abstract: Provided is a method of treating cardiac arrhythmia in a patient. The method comprises selecting a patient suffering from a cardiac arrhythmia and creating a flow pathway between a first vascular location and a second vascular location. The first vascular location comprises a source of arterial blood and the second vascular location comprises a source of venous blood. Systems and devices for creating a flow pathway are also provided.