Abstract: Systems and methods of use involving sensors having a signal-to-noise ratio that is substantially unaffected by non-constant noise are provided for continuous analyte measurement in a host. In some embodiments, a continuous analyte measurement system is configured to be wholly, transcutaneously, intravascularly or extracorporeally implanted.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for a continuous analyte sensor, such as a continuous glucose sensor. One such system utilizes first and second working electrodes to measure analyte or non-analyte related signal, both of which electrode include an interference domain.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to membranes utilized with implantable devices, such as devices for the detection of analyte concentrations in a biological sample. More particularly, the invention relates to novel silicone-hydrophilic polymer blend membranes, and to devices and implantable devices including these membranes.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for treating an aneurysm. The method includes providing a biocompatible polymeric string or hollow tube and transporting the string or hollow tube to the aneurysm. The aneurysm is filled with the string. The string is cut when the aneurysm is substantially filled.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to biointerface membranes utilized with implantable devices, such as devices for the detection of analyte concentrations in a biological sample. More particularly, the invention relates to novel biointerface membranes, to devices and implantable devices including these membranes, methods for forming the biointerface membranes on or around the implantable devices, and to methods for monitoring glucose levels in a biological fluid sample using an implantable analyte detection device.

Abstract: Biointerface membranes are provided which can be utilized with implantable devices, such as devices for the detection of analyte concentrations in a biological sample. More particularly, methods for monitoring glucose levels in a biological fluid sample using an implantable analyte detection device incorporating such membranes are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to biointerface membranes utilized with implantable devices, such as devices for the detection of analyte concentrations in a biological sample. More particularly, the invention relates to novel biointerface membranes, to devices and implantable devices including these membranes, methods for forming the biointerface membranes on or around the implantable devices, and to methods for monitoring glucose levels in a biological fluid sample using an implantable analyte detection device.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to biointerface membranes utilized with implantable devices, such as devices for the detection of analyte concentrations in a biological sample. More particularly, the invention relates to novel biointerface membranes, to devices and implantable devices including these membranes, methods for forming the biointerface membranes on or around the implantable devices, and to methods for monitoring glucose levels in a biological fluid sample using an implantable analyte detection device.

Abstract: Membrane systems incorporating silicone polymers are described for use in implantable analyte sensors. Some layers of the membrane system may comprise a blend of a silicone polymer with a hydrophilic polymer, for example, a triblock poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) polymer. Such polymeric blends provide for both high oxygen solubility and aqueous analyte solubility.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to devices for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to devices for measurement of glucose in a host that incorporate a cellulosic-based interference domain.

Abstract: A vertebral lift device including an expandable member made of a bio-compatible material and having a plurality of interconnected structural members, with the expandable member having a first dimension for insertion thereof into a damaged vertebral body having a damaged dimension, the interconnected structural members of the expandable member being expandable to a second dimension substantially corresponding to dimensions of the vertebral body prior to its damage, wherein the expandable member defines a void area within a periphery defined by the structural members when the expandable member is expanded to the second dimension for receiving a restoration agent; and a covering configured to substantially cover the exterior of the expandable member to inhibit leakage of the restoration agent received within the void area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for occluding vessels or ducts in a living being. The device includes a frame for anchoring the device in a vessel and a expandable core connected to the frame for occluding the vessel.

Abstract: A composite implant is provided for repairing a tissue defect in a patient. In one embodiment, the implant is a porous tissue scaffold having at least one pocket formed therein and adapted to contain a viable tissue. The tissue scaffold can have a variety of configurations, and in one embodiment it includes top and bottom portions that can be at least partially mated to one another, and in an exemplary embodiment that are heated sealed to one another around a perimeter thereof to form an enclosed pocket therebetween. The pocket is preferably sealed with a viable tissue disposed therein. In another embodiment, the tissue scaffold is substantially wedge-shaped and the pocket comprises a hollow interior formed in the tissue scaffold, and/or at least one lumen extending into the tissue scaffold. The tissue scaffold can also optionally include at least one surface feature formed thereof to promote blood vessel formation.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for extracting and macerating tissue, and optionally for depositing the tissue onto a tissue scaffold. The device generally includes an outer tube having a substantially open distal end that is adapted to be placed on and preferably to form a seal with a tissue surface, and a shaft rotatably disposed within the outer tube and movable between a first, proximal position in which the shaft is fully disposed within the outer tube, and a second, distal position in which a portion of a distal end of the shaft extends through the opening in the distal end of the outer tube. The device also includes a tissue harvesting tip formed on the distal end of the shaft that is effective to excise a tissue sample when the shaft is moved to the distal position, and a cutting member that is coupled to the shaft at a position proximal to the tissue harvesting tip. The cutting member is effective to macerate a tissue sample excised by the tissue harvesting tip.

Abstract: A suture anchor is provided including an elongate shank defining a longitudinal axis and having at least one bone-engaging thread formed thereon, and a drive head having a proximal end and a distal end mated to the elongate shank. The drive head has a substantially oval shape and includes at least one suture attachment member formed in a portion of the drive head. The configuration of the drive head is particularly advantages in that it provides a suture anchor having improved physical properties, including a high failure torque and a high stripping strength.

Abstract: A system for delivering a flowable substance capable of changing from liquid to solid for use as implants and surgical sealants includes a first reservoir containing a first flowable substance including a bulking agent, a second reservoir containing a second flowable substance including a reacting agent, and a cannula. A method of delivering flowable substance that changes from liquid to solid for use as implants and surgical sealants includes introducing a cannula having first and second lumens into the body, passing a flowable substance including a bulking agent through the first lumen, passing a second flowable substance including a reacting agent through the second lumen, mixing the first and second flowable substances in the cannula so that the bulking agent reacts with the reacting agent to form a flexible elongated fiber in the cannula, and moving the fiber through the opening in the cannula and into the body to form at least one of an implant and surgical seal.

Abstract: The present invention includes a clot disrupting wire/catheter assembly. The clot disrupting wire/catheter assembly comprises an annular sleeve and a core wire that is positioned within the annular sleeve. The assembly also includes a distal end wire that is attached to the annular sleeve and the core wire.

Abstract: A method and device for clot maceration and removal, including inserting a shaft having two lumens into an occluded blood vessel, the shaft having: a guidewire/drug delivery lumen defined partially by a first wall and a thrombus removal lumen defined partially by a second wall. The thrombus removal lumen further defines a skived section where a thrombus may be trapped for removal. A portion of the first wall is coextensive with a portion of the second wall, and the coextensive portion defines at least one hole whereby a drug delivered through the guidewire/drug delivery lumen may pass to the thrombus removal lumen. A maceration device is also disclosed which may be used independently or may be inserted within the guidewire/drug delivery lumen. The maceration device includes: a base wire; a capping plug attached to a distal end of the base wire; a pressure translator slidably attached to the base wire; and a means for maceration coupled between the pressure translator and the capping plug.

Abstract: The present invention includes a clot disrupting wire/catheter assembly. The clot disrupting wire/catheter assembly comprises an annular sleeve and a core wire that is positioned within the annular sleeve. The assembly also includes a distal end wire that is attached to the annular sleeve and the core wire.

Abstract: The present invention includes a guidewire with a distal end capable of boring into a thrombus. The guidewire comprises a serration element and may further comprise a distal end that includes a loop.