Abstract: Apparatus and Methods are provided for a microfabricated fluorescence activated cell sorter based on a switch for rapid, active control of cell routing through a microfluidic channel network. This sorter enables low-stress, highly efficient sorting of populations of small numbers of cells (i.e., 1000-100,000 cells). The invention includes packaging of the microfluidic channel network in a self-contained plastic cartridge that enables microfluidic channel network to macro-scale instrument interconnect, in a sterile, disposable format. Optical and/or fluidic switching forces are used alone or in combination to effect switching.

Abstract: A system for delivering an implant device to a vascular site in a patient a delivery pusher apparatus, an implant device detachably connected to the delivery pusher apparatus by a tether having a distal end connected to a proximal end of the implant device, wherein the tether is substantially non-tensioned when connecting the implant device to the delivery pusher, and an electrical heating element configured coaxially around at least a portion of the tether, wherein heat generated by the heating element severs the tether at a point near the proximal end of the implant device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for sequentially starting USB peripherals in order to optimise the supply of electrical power. Using current profiles corresponding to the start-up of peripherals, the connected peripherals are started one after the other. The delay between each start-up corresponds to the time necessary for the current consumption stabilisation of the peripheral being started. The profiles are stored by the device. During the start-up, the invention identifies the connected peripheral and searches for its start-up profile in the stored profiles, in order to determine the start-up delay to apply to the next peripheral.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering a prosthetic device through the vasculature of a patient includes a radially expandable member coupled to the distal end of an elongate shaft. The expandable member has an open frame configuration and an outer mounting surface for mounting the prosthetic device in a collapsed state thereon. The expandable member expands radially outwards from a first configuration to a second configuration to expand a prosthetic device mounted thereon.

Abstract: A system for delivering an implant device to a vascular site in a patient a delivery pusher apparatus, an implant device detachably connected to the delivery pusher apparatus by a tether having a distal end connected to a proximal end of the implant device, wherein the tether is substantially non-tensioned when connecting the implant device to the delivery pusher, and an electrical heating element configured coaxially around at least a portion of the tether, wherein heat generated by the heating element severs the tether at a point near the proximal end of the implant device.

Abstract: Mechanisms and methods for forming a tubular braid are described. The mechanism for braiding includes a disc, a mandrel, a plurality of catch mechanisms, a plurality of actuators, and a computer program. The disc defines a plane and a circumferential edge. The mandrel extends from a center of the disc and is adapted to hold a plurality of filaments extending radially from the mandrel toward the circumferential edge of the disc. The plurality of catch mechanisms are positioned circumferentially around the edge of the disc and are adapted to engage a filament. The plurality of actuators are configured to move relative to one another and are adapted to move the plurality of catch mechanisms in a substantially radial direction relative to the circumferential edge of the disc.

Abstract: A braiding machine and methods of braiding are described. The braiding machine includes first and second annular members having inclined surfaces, the second annular member being concentric with the first annular member. The inclined surfaces are inclined at a non-zero angle formed between an axis of the outer ring and a horizontal axis that lies perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mandrel. Each of the annular members has a plurality of tubular guide wires slideably mounted thereon and a plurality of wires extend from the mandrel through each of the tubular wire guides. One of the first and second annular members rotates circumferentially relative to the other. The first plurality of tubular wire guides slides radially inward so as to align with the second annular member, and the second plurality of tubular wire guides slides radially outward so as to align with the first annular member.

Abstract: Devices and methods for forming a tubular braid comprising a plurality of filaments. The braiding machine includes a circular array of filament guiding members defining a plane; a mandrel defining an axis and adapted to carry one or more filaments extending from the mandrel to the circular array; a plurality of filaments extending from the mandrel in a radial array; a plurality of actuator mechanisms disposed operably about the disc; and a rotating mechanism adapted to rotate one or more filaments. The actuator mechanisms and rotating mechanism are configured to move each of the one or more filaments about the mandrel axis in a path comprising a series of arcs and radial movements. The braiding machine may alternately first and second annular members, a mandrel, first and second plurality of tubular wire guides, and a plurality of wires extending from the mandrel.

Abstract: A tubular braid and mechanisms for forming the braid are described. The mechanism for braiding includes a disc, a mandrel, a plurality of catch mechanisms, and a plurality of actuators. The disc defines a plane and a circumferential edge. The mandrel extends from a center of the disc and is adapted to hold a plurality of filaments extending radially from the mandrel toward the circumferential edge of the disc. The plurality of catch mechanisms are positioned circumferentially around the edge of the disc and are adapted to engage a filament. The plurality of actuators are configured to move relative to one another and are adapted to move the plurality of catch mechanisms in a substantially radial direction relative to the circumferential edge of the disc.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering a prosthetic device through the vasculature of a patient includes a radially expandable member coupled to the distal end of an elongate shaft. The expandable member has an open frame configuration and an outer mounting surface for mounting the prosthetic device in a collapsed state thereon. The expandable member expands radially outwards from a first configuration to a second configuration to expand a prosthetic device mounted thereon.

Abstract: A system for delivering an implant device to a vascular site in a patient a delivery pusher apparatus, an implant device detachably connected to the delivery pusher apparatus by a tether having a distal end connected to a proximal end of the implant device, wherein the tether is substantially non-tensioned when connecting the implant device to the delivery pusher, and an electrical heating element configured coaxially around at least a portion of the tether, wherein heat generated by the heating element severs the tether at a point near the proximal end of the implant device.

Abstract: Apparatus and Methods are provided for a microfabricated fluorescence activated cell sorter based on a switch for rapid, active control of cell routing through a microfluidic channel network. This sorter enables low-stress, highly efficient sorting of populations of small numbers of cells (i.e., 1000-100,000 cells). The invention includes packaging of the microfluidic channel network in a self-contained plastic cartridge that enables microfluidic channel network to macro-scale instrument interconnect, in a sterile, disposable format. Optical and/or fluidic switching forces are used alone or in combination to effect switching.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a delivery apparatus for delivering a prosthetic heart valve to a native valve site via the human vasculature without the need for a separate introducer sheath. The delivery apparatus is particularly well-suited for advancing a prosthetic valve through the aorta (i.e., in a retrograde approach) for replacing a stenotic aortic valve.

Abstract: A thermal treatment medical system including an umbilical having a first portion and a second portion, and a connector including a male coupling body connected to the first portion, the male coupling body having a central shank defining first and second lumens, a female coupling body connected to the second portion, the female coupling body, matable with the male coupling body and defining third and fourth lumens matable to be in fluid communication with the first and second lumens, respectively, to define first and second fluid flow pathways, respectively, through the connector when the male coupling body is mated with the female coupling body. The second fluid flow pathway is co-axially disposed about a central axis coincident with the first fluid flow pathway. The connector includes a mating mechanism for spatially locking the male and female coupling bodies with respect to each other.

Abstract: A system for delivering an implant device to a vascular site in a patient a delivery pusher apparatus, an implant device detachably connected to the delivery pusher apparatus by a tether having a distal end connected to a proximal end of the implant device, wherein the tether is substantially non-tensioned when connecting the implant device to the delivery pusher, and an electrical heating element configured coaxially around at least a portion of the tether, wherein heat generated by the heating element severs the tether at a point near the proximal end of the implant device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering a prosthetic device through the vasculature of a patient includes a radially expandable member coupled to the distal end of an elongate shaft. The expandable member has an open frame configuration and an outer mounting surface for mounting the prosthetic device in a collapsed state thereon. The expandable member expands radially outwards from a first configuration to a second configuration to expand a prosthetic device mounted thereon.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a delivery apparatus for delivering a prosthetic heart valve to a native valve site via the human vasculature. The delivery apparatus is particularly well-suited for advancing a prosthetic valve through the aorta (i.e., in a retrograde approach) for replacing a stenotic aortic valve.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treatment of a patient's vasculature with some embodiments configured for delivery with a microcatheter for treatment of the cerebral vasculature of a patient. Some embodiments may include a permeable shell configured to occlude blood flow therethrough.

Abstract: A tubular braid and mechanisms for forming the braid are described. The mechanism for braiding includes a disc, a mandrel, a plurality of catch mechanisms, and a plurality of actuators. The disc defines a plane and a circumferential edge. The mandrel extends from a center of the disc and is adapted to hold a plurality of filaments extending radially from the mandrel toward the circumferential edge of the disc. The plurality of catch mechanisms are positioned circumferentially around the edge of the disc and are adapted to engage a filament. The plurality of actuators are configured to move relative to one another and are adapted to move the plurality of catch mechanisms in a substantially radial direction relative to the circumferential edge of the disc.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a prosthetic device through the vasculature of a patient includes a radially expandable member coupled to the distal end of an elongate shaft. The expandable member has an open frame configuration and an outer mounting surface for mounting the prosthetic device in a collapsed state thereon. The expandable member expands radially outwards from a first configuration to a second configuration to expand a prosthetic device mounted thereon.