Abstract: A system for enabling the insertion and removal of an embolic protection device, for capturing and retaining embolic debris which can be created during the performance of a therapeutic interventional procedure in a stenosed or occluded region of a blood vessel. The system, in an embodiment thereof, is capable of enabling at least one operator to control the delivery and removal of an embolic protection device to a position in a patient's vasculature distal to an interventional procedure site, to enable the exchange of the delivery and recovery system. The system, in another embodiment thereof, includes a delivery system and a recovery system which are capable of enabling the delivery and recovery of an embolic protection device so as to maintain a clinically acceptable profile and flexibility through the patient's vasculature.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel polymers derivatized with at least one —NOx group per 1200 atomic mass unit of the polymer. X is one or two. In one embodiment, the polymer is an S-nitrosylated polymer and is prepared by reacting a polythiolated polymer with a nitrosylating agent under conditions suitable for nitrosylating free thiol groups. The polymers of the present invention can be used to coat medical devices to deliver nitric oxide in vivo to treatment sites.

Abstract: A system for accessing the interior of a vertebral body or the intervertebral disc space above or below the vertebral body is disclosed. The system comprises a steerable cutting means for creating a path within or through the vertebral body to allow access for other devices to deliver a therapy, and may be housed within a flexible catheter shaft. The steerable cutting means may create a path to allow access to a device for removing tissue, and/or additional a devices for delivering a therapy, such as, for example, a filling material and/or a prosthesis. A method of accessing the interior of a vertebral body or the intervertebral disc space using the system, and a method of treatment of spinal disorders using the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for enabling the insertion and removal of an embolic protection device, for capturing and retaining embolic debris which may be created during the performance of a therapeutic interventional procedure in a stenosed or occluded region of a blood vessel. The system, in an embodiment thereof, is capable of enabling at least one operator to control the delivery and removal of an embolic protection device to a position in a patient's vasculature distal to an interventional procedure site, to enable the exchange of the delivery and recovery system. The system, in another embodiment thereof, includes a delivery system and a recovery system which are capable of enabling the delivery and recovery of an embolic protection device so as to maintain a clinically acceptable profile and flexibility through the patient's vasculature.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are described for retaining a medical implant within a body cavity. According to one aspect, one or more plications are formed and the medical device is coupled to or seated against the plication(s). A patch may be positioned between tissue layers forming the plication so as to reinforce the tissue adhesion forming between the tissue layers.

Abstract: A deformable sheath is attached to a catheter and introduced intravascularly to be expanded against an arterial wall and entrap plaque therebetween. A stent is subsequently deployed within the expanded sheath and the sheath is then withdrawn from within the vasculature to leave the stent expanded against the arterial wall with the plaque entrapped therebetween.

Abstract: A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis self-expandable from a collapsed position in which the prosthesis has a first diameter to an expanded position in which the prosthesis has a second, larger, diameter. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed in the collapsed position and inserted into a stomach of a patient. The prosthesis is allowed to self-expand from the collapsed position to the expanded position and into contact with the walls of the stomach, where it induces feelings of satiety and/or inhibits modulation of satiety-controlling factors such as Ghrelin.

Abstract: An optical device has a mating piece constructed to accept and mate with a commercially available optical connector, an optical module, and a spacer located between the mating piece and the optical module, the spacer maintaining the mating piece and the optical module in alignment relative to each other in at least the Z direction and one other direction.

Abstract: A method of packaging an optical chip or an optical chip with an electronic chip that allows for close connections between the two chips. The method reduces parasitic capacitance and inductance, and provides unobstructed optical access while allowing for connection of a heat sink to the electronic chip for cooling.

Abstract: An optical device has a mating piece constructed to accept and mate with a commercially available optical connector, an optical module, and a spacer located between the mating piece and the optical module, the spacer maintaining the mating piece and the optical module in alignment relative to each other in at least the Z direction and one other direction.

Abstract: A method of packaging an optical chip or an optical chip with an electronic chip that allows for close connections between the two chips. The method reduces parasitic capacitance and inductance, and provides unobstructed optical access while allowing for connection of a heat sink to the electronic chip for cooling.

Abstract: A device integration method involves attaching two components together using a first material having a first melting point, then creating a unit by attaching the two components to a third component, using a second material having a second melting point lower than the first melting point, and then attaching the unit to another component, using a third material, having a third melting point lower than the second melting point. A device having multiple components attached together using a process described herein.

Abstract: A printed circuit board having a signal plane with increased channel width for enhanced wireability. The printed circuit board has a top plane having component lands arranged in a grid, wherein the component lands include a first grouping arranged in a first diagonal, and a second grouping arranged in a second diagonal where the second diagonal is parallel and adjacent to the first diagonal, a plurality of offset lands placed within the first diagonal between the component lands therein, and a plurality of electrical connectors electrically coupling component lands in the second diagonal to adjacent offset lands in the first diagonal.