Abstract: Baroreflex activation is achieved by providing suitable control signals to a baroreflex activation device. A method comprises establishing a therapy interval within the therapy interval, establishing a plurality of dose intervals, and generating an electrical output signal. The electrical output signal has a time dependence such that the average electrical power applied to the baroreflex activation device differs between first and second portions of at least some dose intervals. Another method comprises establishing a series of therapy interval portions, during at least some therapy intervals, establishing a plurality of burst intervals, and generating an electrical output signal. The electrical output signal has a time dependence such that the average electrical power applied to the baroreflex activation device differs between first and second portions of the therapy intervals and also differs between first and second portions of at least some burst intervals.

Abstract: The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to implantable devices for the treatment of syndesmosis injuries. More specifically, the various embodiments include systems, devices, and methods for implantation of an implantable device having at least one bone anchor for treating such injuries.

Abstract: The various aspects of the invention pertain to devices and related methods for treating heart conditions, including, for example, dilatation, valve incompetencies, including mitral valve leakage, and other similar heart failure conditions. The devices and related methods of the present invention operate to assist in the apposition of heart valve leaflets to improve valve function. According to one aspect of the invention, a method improves the function of a valve of a heart by placing an elongate member transverse a heart chamber so that each end of the elongate member extends through a wall of the heart, and placing first and second anchoring members external the chamber. The first and second anchoring members are attached to first and second ends of the elongate member to fix the elongate member in a position across the chamber so as to reposition papillary muscles within the chamber.

Abstract: The various aspects of the invention pertain to devices and related methods for treating heart conditions, including, for example, dilatation, valve incompetencies, including mitral valve leakage, and other similar heart failure conditions. The devices and related methods of the present invention operate to assist in the apposition of heart valve leaflets to improve valve function. According to one aspect of the invention, a method improves the function of a valve of a heart by placing an elongate member transverse a heart chamber so that each end of the elongate member extends through a wall of the heart, and placing first and second anchoring members external the chamber. The first and second anchoring members are attached to first and second ends of the elongate member to fix the elongate member in a position across the chamber so as to reposition papillary muscles within the chamber.

Abstract: A monitoring device is provided to monitor a patient. The monitoring device includes at least one lead having an electrode. The lead is positioned proximate a location within the patient's body, and the lead is adapted to sense cardiac electrical activity. The monitoring device also includes a control system coupled to the at least one lead to receive a signal representative of the cardiac electrical activity.

Abstract: A method of treating a constricted sinus passageway in a frontal sinus of a patient includes forming an artificial passageway into the frontal sinus of the patient with a tool. An elongate member having an inflation member thereon is inserted through the passageway. The inflation member is positioned with the constricted sinus passageway and the inflation member is expanded so as to expand at least a portion of the constricted sinus passageway.

Abstract: A balloon catheter for treating a constricted sinus passageway of a patient includes an elongate flexible shaft defining a lumen therein, the elongate flexible shaft having a proximal end and distal region. The elongate flexible shaft may include a kink-resistant coil in the distal region. A hub is affixed to the proximal end of the elongate flexible shaft, the hub including a port in communication with the lumen. An expandable member is disposed on the distal region of the elongate flexible shaft, wherein an interior portion of the expandable member is in communication with the lumen.

Abstract: A method of remodeling the uncinate process associated with a paranasal sinus includes positioning at least one shim member in the infundibulum, the shim member deforming the uncinate process and widening at least a portion of the infundibulum. The infundibulum space may be dilated with a dilating member. Dilation may occur prior to delivery of the at least one shim. The dilation member may be delivered into the sinus cavity via an access passageway formed in the canine fossa.

Abstract: A method of confirming the location of an elongate member configured for placement within a patient's sinus cavity comprises introducing the elongate member through a nasal passageway to place a distal tip of the elongate member in a test position, the elongate member configured to emit illuminating light via the distal end of the elongate member. The location of the light is then viewed through the patient's skin to confirm the positioning of the elongate member.

Abstract: A system for manipulating a guide catheter within a patient's nasal passages or sinus cavities includes a guide catheter formed from an elongate flexible member having a lumen passing there through. A wire guide is slidably disposed within the lumen of the guide catheter. The system further includes a steering member fixedly secured to a proximal end of the wire guide and a proximal hub secured to a proximal end of the guide catheter. The system further includes a recessed handle having a first recess for fixedly receiving the proximal hub of the guide catheter and a second recess for receiving the steering member, the second recess being dimensioned to permit axial and rotational movement of the steering member while disposed in the second recess.

Abstract: An evacuation sheath assembly and method of treating occluded vessels which reduces the risk of distal embolization during vascular interventions is provided. A method of treating a blood vessel, includes providing an elongate member having proximal and distal ends, a lumen therebetween, the distal end having a braided sheath expandable between a reduced and expanded diameter, and a fluid-tight covering. The elongate member is advanced into a blood vessel that supplies blood to the heart. The braided sheath is expanded to engage the endoluminal surface of the blood vessel and stop antegrade flow.

Abstract: A method of treating a constricted sinus passageway of a patient includes traversing the canine fossa region of the patient so as to form a passageway in the sinus cavity. An elongate member is inserted through the passageway, the elongate member having an inflation member such as a balloon disposed thereon. The inflation member is positioned within the constricted passageway. The inflation member is expanded so as to expand at least a portion of the constricted sinus passageway.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating a damaged intervertebral disc to reduce or eliminate associated back pain. The present invention provides disc reinforcement therapy (DRT) which involves implanting one or more reinforcement members in and preferably around the annulus of the disc. The reinforcement members may be used to stabilize the annulus and/or compresses a portion of the annulus so as to reduce a bulge and/or close a fissure. The implantable devices and associated delivery tools may incorporate heating capabilities to thermally treat the annular tissue. Alternatively or in combination, other devices may be specifically employed for such thermal treatment.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating a damaged intervertebral disc to reduce or eliminate associated back pain. The present invention provides disc reinforcement therapy (DRT) which involves implanting one or more reinforcement members in and preferably around the annulus of the disc. The reinforcement members may be used to stabilize the annulus and/or compresses a portion of the annulus so as to reduce a bulge and/or close a fissure. The implantable devices and associated delivery tools may incorporate heating capabilities to thermally treat the annular tissue. Alternatively or in combination, other devices may be specifically employed for such thermal treatment.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating a damaged intervertebral disc to reduce or eliminate associated back pain. Dynamic bias devices and reinforcement devices are disclosed, which may be used individually or in combination, to eliminate nerve impingement associated with the damaged disc, and/or to reinforce the damaged disc, while permitting relative movement of the vertebrae adjacent the damaged disc.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating a damaged intervertebral disc to reduce or eliminate associated back pain. The present invention provides disc reinforcement therapy (DRT) which involves implanting one or more reinforcement members in and preferably around the annulus of the disc. The reinforcement members may be used to stabilize the annulus and/or compresses a portion of the annulus so as to reduce a bulge and/or close a fissure. The implantable devices and associated delivery tools may incorporate heating capabilities to thermally treat the annular tissue. Alternatively or in combination, other devices may be specifically employed for such thermal treatment.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating a damaged intervertebral disc to reduce or eliminate associated back pain. The present invention provides disc reinforcement therapy (DRT) which involves implanting one or more reinforcement members in and preferably around the annulus of the disc. The reinforcement members may be used to stabilize the annulus and/or compresses a portion of the annulus so as to reduce a bulge and/or close a fissure. The implantable devices and associated delivery tools may incorporate heating capabilities to thermally treat the annular tissue. Alternatively or in combination, other devices may be specifically employed for such thermal treatment.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are described by which the blood pressure, nervous system activity, and neurohormonal activity may be selectively and controllably reduced by activating baroreceptors. A baroreceptor activation device is positioned near a baroreceptor, preferably a baroreceptor located in the carotid sinus. A control system may be used to modulate the baroreceptor activation device. The control system may utilize an algorithm defining a stimulus regimen which promotes long term efficacy and reduces power requirements/consumption. The baroreceptor activation device may utilize electrodes to activate the baroreceptors. The electrodes may be adapted for connection to the carotid arteries at or near the carotid sinus, and may be designed to minimize extraneous tissue stimulation.

Abstract: Devices and methods for controlling the baroreflex system for the treatment and/or management of cardiovascular, renal, and neurological disorders.

Abstract: Methods are provided for partial aortic obstruction for cerebral perfusion augmentation in patients suffering from global or focal cerebral ischemia. Alternatively, the methods can be used to partially obstruct aortic blood flow to condition the spinal cord to secrete neuroprotective agents prior to abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Partial obstruction of a vessel can be accomplished by a device comprising an elongate catheter and a distally mounted expandable member. The expandable member may comprise one or two balloons. Other medical devices, such as an angioplasty, stent, or atherectomy catheter, can be inserted distal the expandable member to provide therapeutic intervention.