Abstract: The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to implantable devices for the treatment of a structural bone and deformity. More specifically, the various embodiments include systems, devices, and methods for implantation of a flexible or tension band for treating such a deformity, including hallux valgus.

Abstract: A device for sealing a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in the heart is provided. The device includes a left atrial anchor adapted to be placed in a left atrium of the heart, a right atrial anchor adapted to be placed in a right atrium of the heart, and an elongate member adapted to extend through the passageway and connect the left and right atrial anchors. The right atrial anchor preferably includes a plurality of arms and a cover attached to the arms. The left atrial anchor also includes a plurality of arms and preferably does not include a cover. Preferably, the elongate member has a first end of fixedly connected to the left atrial anchor and a portion, proximal to the first end, releasably connected to the right atrial anchor. Preferably, the elongate member is flexible.

Abstract: An evacuation sheath assembly and method of reducing or removing a blockage within a vessel without permitting embolization of particulate matter is provided. The evacuation sheath assembly includes a first elongate tubular member, having proximal and distal ends and a main lumen configured to be placed in fluid communication with a blood vessel. An expandable member is provided on a distal portion of the tubular member. The evacuation assembly further includes a second elongate tubular member having an inflation lumen configured to be placed in fluid communication with the expandable member and a fluid inflator. The fluid inflator is configured to be placed in fluid communication with the inflation lumen in order to provide a regulated pressure fluid source for inflating the expandable member.

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: A method and implantation tools for repairing a heart include a delivery catheter and implant. The method includes gaining access to the patient's heart and identifying implantation points for the implant. The method may include marking those locations and delivering implant, which may be a tension member. Anchors for the implant may also be delivered. The length of the tension member may be measured and the walls of the heart drawn together. Pads may be secured to the tension member and the tension member trimmed to length. The pads may be secured to the heart surface.

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: The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to implantable devices for the treatment of structural bone and joint deformity, including hallux valgus. More specifically, the various embodiments include systems, devices, and methods for implantation of a flexible or tension band for treating such deformity.

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: 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: 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 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, systems and methods are disclosed by which the blood pressure, nervous system activity, and neurohormonal activity may be selectively and controllably reduced by activating baroreceptors. An intravascularly implantable medical device may include a sleeve formed at least in part of an expandable member configured to be movably attachable about at least a portion of an outer surface of an expandable intravascular stent, and one or more electrodes disposed on the sleeve and coupled to a control system and configured to selectively activate baroreceptors within a wall of a vessel when the expandable intravascular stent is implanted within the vessel.

Abstract: An external heart wall stress reduction apparatus is provided to create a heart wall shape change. The device is generally disposed to the exterior of a heart chamber to reshape the chamber into a lower stress configuration.

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: 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.

Abstract: A method and implantation tools for placing a transventricular splint including a tension member. The method includes gaining access to the patient's hearts and identifying entry or exit points for the tension member, marking those locations and delivering the tension member. Anchors for the tension member are also delivered. The length of the tensions member is measured and the walls of the heart drawn together. The pads are secured to the tension member and the tension member is trimmed to length. The pads are secured to the heart surface.

Abstract: A high performance guide wire with a pressure sensor for measuring blood pressure, may utilize a single electrical lead connected to the guide wire. An integrated circuit, powered by the single electrical connection on the guide wire, may interface with the pressure sensor, and may convert pressure information to an encoded signal. The encoded signal may be detectable in the electrical circuit, and can be used to display a pressure waveform as detected by the pressure sensor. For example, when utilized for percutaneous coronary interventions, such a guide wire can provide high quality blood pressure measurements (e.g., for fractional flow reserve), while also possessing excellent steerability and handling characteristics for navigating tortuous anatomy.

Abstract: An embolic protection system and method of treating occluded vessels which reduces the risk of distal embolization during vascular interventions is provided. The embolic protection system includes a guide catheter, a multi-lumen tube having a sealing surface on the distal end and an interventional device. A method of treating a blood vessel includes providing a guide catheter and a multi-lumen elongate member having proximal and distal ends, evacuation and inflation lumens extending therebetween and a sealing surface on the distal end. The elongate member is advanced through the guide catheter into a blood vessel that supplies blood to the heart proximal a lesion. The sealing surface is expanded to engage the endoluminal surface of the blood vessel and stop antegrade flow. An interventional device is advanced through the evacuation lumen to treat the lesion.

Abstract: A steerable guide wire includes a core wire having a proximal end and a distal end. A braided filament is affixed to the distal end of the core wire. An outer coil surrounds at least a portion of the core wire and the braided filament. A proximal end of the braided filament is secured to a distal end of the coil. By locating the braided filament in the distal tip portion of the guide wire, a guide wire is provided that is highly flexible, has a high degree of tensile integrity, and is highly steerable, even in tortuous vasculature. Filter and balloon catheters having braided filaments at the distal end are also described.

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.