Abstract: A prosthetic device for use as an artificial meniscus is disclosed. The prosthetic device restores stress distribution, stability, and function to the knee joint after removal of the damaged natural meniscus. In some embodiments, the prosthetic device includes an anti-migration feature that inhibits extreme movement within the joint while permitting free floating over a significant range. In one aspect, the anti-migration feature is an enlarged anterior structure or a posterior meniscus remnant engaging channel while in another aspect, the anti-migration feature includes a tethering member. Still further, removable radiopaque features are provided to enhance trialing of the implant prior to final implantation within the joint.

Abstract: A medical system and device for use in delivering RF energy to a tissue opening and a method for determining an RF dose is disclosed. In one embodiment, the medical device includes an electrode or anchor and one or more devices, such as an impedance electrode, RF electrode and/or thermocouple. The electrode or anchor can be deployed from a delivery shaft inside the left atrium, for example, of a heart and substantially conform to the tissue proximate the tissue opening. Tissue characteristics, such as temperature and/or impedance, can be measured, before, during and after application of RF energy to the tissue, by one or more devices to determine an RF dose. After energy is applied to the tissue between the left and right electrodes, the left electrode can be removed from the left atrium by being received back into the delivery shaft and the delivery shaft thereafter removed from the opening.

Abstract: A medical system and device for use in delivering RF energy to a tissue opening and a method for determining an RF dose is disclosed. In one embodiment, the medical device includes an electrode or anchor and one or more devices, such as an impedance electrode, RF electrode and/or thermocouple. The electrode or anchor can be deployed from a delivery shaft inside the left atrium, for example, of a heart and substantially conform to the tissue proximate the tissue opening. Tissue characteristics, such as temperature and/or impedance, can be measured, before, during and after application of RF energy to the tissue, by one or more devices to determine an RF dose. After energy is applied to the tissue between the left and right electrodes, the left electrode can be removed from the left atrium by being received back into the delivery shaft and the delivery shaft thereafter removed from the opening.

Abstract: A medical system for treating an internal tissue opening can include a closure device and associated delivery device. The closure device can include a multi-cellular body portion operatively associated with a first anchor and a second anchor. The closure device can be configured to apply lateral force to tissue of the internal tissue opening for tissue approximation. The closure device can also include an ingrowth material. The delivery device can include an actuating assembly configured to partially deploy the closure device by a first movement, and deploy a second portion of the closure device by a second movement.

Abstract: A medical system for treating an internal tissue opening can include a closure device and associated delivery device. The closure device can include a body portion operatively associated with a first anchor and a second anchor. The body portion can include a plurality of segments defining a multi-cellular structure. The closure device can be configured to apply lateral force to tissue of the internal tissue opening to bring tissue together. The closure device can have a substantially flat aspect, and can include a member adapted to induce tissue growth. The anchors can extend from the body portion and return back to the body portion to define a closed periphery. The anchors can include undulations and can include multiple segments. A method of forming a closure device can include positioning a material on a working surface and cutting a closure device from the material.

Abstract: A medical system for treating an internal tissue opening can include a closure device and associated delivery device. The closure device can include a body portion operatively associated with a first anchor and a second anchor. The body portion can include a plurality of segments defining a multi-cellular structure. The closure device can be configured to apply lateral force to tissue of the internal tissue opening to bring tissue together. The closure device can have a substantially flat aspect, and have a depth thickness that is substantially greater than the thickness or width of a majority of the members forming the closure device to reduce out of plane bending. The closure device can also include a member adapted to induce tissue growth.

Abstract: A medical system for treating an internal tissue opening can include a closure device and associated delivery device. The closure device can include a body portion operatively associated with a first anchor and a second anchor. The body portion can include a plurality of segments defining a multi-cellular structure. A segment can define a variable width along a length of the segment to have a substantially equal stress level along the length when deflected. The closure device can be configured to apply lateral force to tissue of the internal tissue opening to bring tissue together for closure. The closure device can have a substantially flat aspect, and have a depth thickness that is substantially greater than the thickness or width of a majority of the members forming the closure device. The closure device can also include a member adapted to induce tissue growth.

Abstract: A medical system for treating an internal tissue opening can include a closure device and associated delivery device. The delivery device can include an actuating assembly configured to partially deploy the closure device by a first movement, and deploy a second portion of the closure device by a second movement. The delivery device can also include a release assembly to selectively release or disconnect the closure device from the delivery device. The delivery device can include a tip member coupled to the distal end of a catheter. The tip member can include a first passageway and a second passageway being in a spaced apart arrangement. A guidewire can be received into the first passageway to facilitate positioning of the delivery device. The second passageway can house and facilitate delivery of the closure device.

Abstract: A medical system for treating an internal tissue opening can include a closure device and associated delivery device. The closure device can include a multi-cellular body portion operatively associated with a first anchor and a second anchor. The delivery device can include an actuating assembly configured to partially deploy the closure device by a first movement, and deploy a second portion of the closure device by a second movement. The delivery device can also include a release assembly to selectively release or disconnect the closure device from the delivery device. A method of measuring a characteristic of a PFO or verifying placement of the closure device can include positioning the closure device in the PFO and utilizing two or more indicators to determine a characteristic of the PFO, such as tunnel width, or estimating placement of the closure device.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed that can include a first atrial anchor, a first delivery shaft linked to the first atrial anchor, wherein the first delivery shaft is adapted to move the first atrial anchor, a second atrial anchor, a second delivery shaft linked to the second atrial anchor, wherein the second delivery shaft is adapted to move the second atrial anchor, and a biasing member linking either (i) the first atrial anchor to the first delivery shaft or (ii) the second atrial anchor to the second delivery shaft. The medical device can include an insulation material coupled to one or more of the first or second atrial anchors, or the first or second delivery shaft. A method for treating an internal tissue opening is also disclosed wherein a first and second electrode can be operated between unipolar and bipolar modes to initiate tissue damage, thereby inducing tissue regrowth.

Abstract: A booth with a plurality of spray nozzles for the application of sunscreen, insect repellent, aloe lotion, skin care products, or similar lotions or liquids to substantial portions of the human body. One or more spray nozzles are oriented to avoid opposing air or spray flows that may cause inefficient or uneven application of the lotion or liquid. Spray nozzles may be fixed or adjustable. The invention may include means for rinsing the body prior to application of the lotion or liquid to promote even and unobstructed application to the body, as well as means for washing down the booth between or after use is provided. Power may be provided by electrical power sources, a battery, or solar panel(s).

Abstract: A filter device is adapted to function as a guidewire, an exchange guidewire, and provide embolic protection during a procedure. The filter device includes a filter assembly that is either integral with or coupled to a guide member. The filter assembly includes a plurality of struts that expand outwardly to deploy a filter that collects or captures material flowing along the blood vessel within which the filter device is deployed. The plurality of struts are constrained by a restraining member or mechanism that prevents the plurality of struts from expanding or extending outwardly to deploy the filter. Cooperating with the restraining member or mechanism is an actuating assembly that is adapted to release the restraining member or mechanism and enable the filter to be deployed from the guide member. A capture catheter is cooperates with the filter device and substantially surrounds the filter during removal of the filter device.

Abstract: A filter device is adapted to function as a guidewire, an exchange guidewire, and provide embolic protection during a procedure. The filter device includes a filter assembly that is either integral with or coupled to a guide member. The filter assembly includes a plurality of struts that expand outwardly to deploy a filter that collects or captures material flowing along the blood vessel within which the filter device is deployed. The plurality of struts are constrained by a restraining member or mechanism that prevents the plurality of struts from expanding or extending outwardly to deploy the filter. Cooperating with the restraining member or mechanism is an actuating assembly that is adapted to release the restraining member or mechanism and enable the filter to be deployed from the guide member. A capture catheter that cooperates with the filter device and substantially surrounds the filter during removal of the filter device.

Abstract: A filter device is adapted to function as a guidewire, an exchange guidewire, and provide embolic protection during a procedure. The filter device includes a filter assembly that is either integral with or coupled to a guide member. The filter assembly includes a plurality of struts that expand outwardly to deploy a filter that collects or captures material flowing along the blood vessel within which the filter device is deployed. The plurality of struts are constrained by a restraining member or mechanism that prevents the plurality of struts from expanding or extending outwardly to deploy the filter. Cooperating with the restraining member or mechanism is an actuating assembly that is adapted to release the restraining member or mechanism and enable the filter to be deployed from the guide member. A capture catheter that cooperates with the filter device and substantially surrounds the filter during removal of the filter device.

Abstract: Filters and method of manufacturing filters are disclosed herein. The filter has a substantially sack-like shape having a closed distal end and an open proximal end. The filter can be constructed from thin film. The filter material can be an organic or inorganic polymer. In one embodiment, the filter material is a polyurethane film having a thickness of les than 25 ?m. The filter can be constructed from one or more sections of filter material. In the two-section embodiment, the outer edges of the first and second sections are overlapped and bonded using solvent, heat or other bonding process. In the single-section embodiment, the outer edges of the first section are overlapped and bonded using bonding agents, such as solvent or adhesive, heat or other bonding process. Filters of the present invention have a reduced amount of hysteresis so as to reform to its original shape when deployed.

Abstract: A stent delivery device comprises a guide member having a proximal end and a distal end, and a stent mounted to the guide member. A restraining member positioned about the stent comprises two or more portions that are held together by one or more actuating members. The one or more actuating members can be positioned by a user in a proximal direction, since the one or more actuating members extend to the proximal end, or handle, of the guide member. When a user moves the one or more actuating members in a proximal direction, the one or more actuating members slide away from the two or more portions, allowing the stent to expand. The stent delivery device can further be configured to include an embolic protection component.

Abstract: An embolic protection device includes a guide member having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending from the distal end to the proximal end. Additionally, the embolic protection device includes a filter assembly having a plurality of struts extending from the distal end of the guide member. The filter assembly further includes a filter media adapted to filter material from a blood stream coupled to at least two of the plurality of struts. The filter media can have an open proximal end and a closed distal end. The device can also include a sleeve at least partially surrounding the plurality of struts and the filter media for restraining the filter device in a collapsed position during an insertion procedure. The embolic protection device can also include additional loops of material surrounding the struts and a tether wire securing the sleeve and loops in the collapsed position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a constraining mechanism that enhances the strength of a medical device, while also preventing over expansion of the device, during a procedure. The medical device includes a plurality of biased struts to which a constraining mechanism is coupled. The constraining mechanism includes a spine, which couples to one of the plurality of struts, and one or more branches extending from the spine. The branches have a curvature enabling the branches to substantially surround the plurality of struts while at the same time avoiding contact with the wall of the blood vessel of the patient when the medical device is deployed.