Abstract: Described are aspects and embodiments directed to systems for tapping into the breathing system to generate pressure in a sustained space with pulsating frequency to aid the pumping functions of cardiac muscle. In some embodiments, the generated energy can also be transferred to other forms of energy (e.g., electricity to power certain devices (e.g., pacemaker batteries). In further embodiments, the system utilizes air entrapment in a closed space to generate mechanical force with valves and timed release frequency to control power generation and mechanical movements that assist blood flow.

Abstract: Described are aspects and embodiments directed to systems for tapping into the breathing system to generate pressure in a sustained space with pulsating frequency to aid the pumping functions of cardiac muscle. In some embodiments, the generated energy can also be transferred to other forms of energy (e.g., electricity to power certain devices (e.g., pacemaker batteries). In further embodiments, the system utilizes air entrapment in a closed space to generate mechanical force with valves and timed release frequency to control power generation and mechanical movements that assist blood flow.

Abstract: Various aspects and embodiments solve at least some of the problems associated with conventional LAA closure approaches. Example devices and methods are disclosed for closing the LAA that can be used under direct visual guidance and in a short time period. Various embodiments employ a transesophageal barrier to provide a sealable opening through a patient's esophagus. The sealable opening allows surgical devices and in particular LAA closure devices to pass through the patient's esophagus into the patient's thoracic cavity. In one embodiment, an LAA closure device includes a snare wire having engagement members for maintaining and/or decreasing a circumference of a loop of the snare wire. The loop of the snare wire can be used like a noose to strangle the LAA to achieve closure. In other examples, wire traction devices can be used to close or obliterate the LAA.

Abstract: Provided are wearable devices that are compact, potable, and wearable or able to attach to a body part. The devices are configured to securely mate with body structures become one unit with the underlying body tissue to provide a relatively stable working surface. In one example, the sides of the device are constructed of a semi-rigid material with borders that conform to a body part. The semi-rigid wall can also conform (at least partially) to the working surface of a target body part and/or area to achieve a tight junction. The devices can also operate on non-uniform surfaces. Skin is not flat, thus the topography of said irregular surface can be scanned to provide a zero depth reference over the entire irregular surface. The zero depth reference enables management of surgical tools, print heads, etc. along the Z axis to provide precise operations regardless of the shape of the surface.

Abstract: Described are aspects and embodiments directed to systems for tapping into the breathing system to generate pressure in a sustained space with pulsating frequency to aid the pumping functions of cardiac muscle. In some embodiments, the generated energy can also be transferred to other forms of energy (e.g., electricity to power certain devices (e.g., pacemaker batteries). In further embodiments, the system utilizes air entrapment in a closed space to generate mechanical force with valves and timed release frequency to control power generation and mechanical movements that assist blood flow.

Abstract: Provides are lift assist systems and methods that employ the angular momentum generated by drive bodies travelling along curvilinear guide tracks to provide a lifting force. The tracks and bodies can be positioned on heavy objects to provide lift reducing an energy requirement associated with moving such heavy objects. The system can use a plurality of connected curved guide portions positioned to maximize lift generated by the track. In various embodiments, one or more drive bodies are moveably connected to the guide track. The drive bodies are configured to accelerate along the guide track increasing the lift generated as the drive bodies traverse the guide track. In some embodiments, the guide track includes a plurality of magnetic sections that operate on magnetic sections of the drive bodies. In one embodiment, the polarity of the track sections can manipulated between positive, negative, and none to manage movement of the drive bodies.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for switching fluid flow through a body part, such as all or portions of an organ or extremity. In general, fluid inflow and fluid outflow vessels to at least a portion of a body part can be switched such that all fluid in at least a portion of the inflow and outflow vessels flows in an opposite direction. In other words, the fluid inflow vessel (or at least a portion thereof) becomes the fluid outflow vessel that receives fluid from a body part, and the fluid outflow vessel (or at least a portion thereof) becomes the fluid inflow vessel that delivers fluid to a body part.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a transesophageal cardiovascular procedure includes an elongated tubular main access device having a first lumen with an open proximal end and a distal side opening, and a second lumen with a rigid outer wall and a collapsible inner wall. The second lumen is adapted to receive an elongated probe or surgical device. The apparatus further includes an inflatable sealing means on the outside of the main access device above and below the side opening, and a first fluid conduit extending along the main access device for inflating the sealing means so that when the main access device is inserted into a patient's esophagus and the sealing means are inflated. The portion of the esophagus opposite the side opening is isolated from the remainder of the esophagus above and below the side opening.

Abstract: Provided are minimally invasive approaches to perform translumenal surgery, including transesophageal surgery. In some embodiments, barrier devices and methodologies are provided to manage translumenal access to internal anatomy and surrounding structures to perform a body of surgical procedures (e.g., orthopedic, and neurosurgical procedures in the mediastinum, cervical, and thoracic cavities). In one embodiment, a translumenal barrier is used to demarcate a surgical access point within a patient's lumen (e.g., esophagus). In one example, the barrier is constructed of an elastic material (e.g., rubber) that includes a pre-defined opening biased to remain closed. The barrier covers a portion of the patient's lumen and manages access to the lumen at the pre-defined opening. In one example, surgical devices can be configured to deform the barrier to enter the pre-defined opening, and upon removal, the barrier returns to a closed position covering the body lumen and closing any opening the lumen.

Abstract: According to various aspects, systems and methods for delivering a surgical module to a surgical field are provided. According to one embodiment, magnetic fields provided by at least one of the surgical module and a guide wire are manipulated to move the surgical module relative to the guide wire. In some examples, the guide wire is placed specifically to deliver surgical modules having a variety of surgical instruments to a target area with a patient. Once positioned, the surgical modules can execute a variety of surgical procedures.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for managing fluid flow through a body part, such as all or portions of an organ or extremity. In general, fluid inflow and fluid outflow vessels to at least a portion of a body part can be managed such that blood flow characteristics can be changed while maintaining, reducing, or increasing pressure of the associated flow. In some embodiments, pressure can be controlled while all fluid in at least a portion of the inflow and outflow vessels flows in an opposite direction.

Abstract: The current invention describes methods of transesophageal access to the neck and thorax to perform surgical interventions on structures outside the esophagus in both the cervical and the thoracic cavity. It describes a liner device made of a complete or partial tubular structure, or a flat plate, the liner having means to facilitate creation of a side opening, which may include a valve. The liner with its side opening form a port structure inside the esophageal lumen. The port structure allows elongated surgical devices to pass through a perforation across the full thickness of the esophageal wall to outside location, in a controlled way. The elongated surgical devices can be diagnostic scopes, therapeutic scopes, manual elongated surgical devices, robotic arms or the like. After being deployed outside the esophagus, the surgical devices can access structures outside the esophagus, in the neck and thorax in 360 degrees of freedom around the esophageal circumference.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a transesophageal cardiovascular procedure includes an elongated tubular main access device having a first lumen with an open proximal end and a distal side opening, and a second lumen with a rigid outer wall and a collapsible inner wall. The second lumen is adapted to receive an elongated probe or surgical device. The apparatus further includes an inflatable sealing means on the outside of the main access device above and below the side opening, and a first fluid conduit extending along the main access device for inflating the sealing means so that when the main access device is inserted into a patient's esophagus and the sealing means are inflated. The portion of the esophagus opposite the side opening is isolated from the remainder of the esophagus above and below the side opening.

Abstract: The current invention describes methods of transesophageal access to the neck and thorax to perform surgical interventions on structures outside the esophagus in both the cervical and the thoracic cavity. It describes a liner device made of a complete or partial tubular structure, or a flat plate, the liner having means to facilitate creation of a side opening, which may include a valve. The liner with its side opening form a port structure inside the esophageal lumen. The port structure allows elongated surgical devices to pass through a perforation across the full thickness of the esophageal wall to outside location, in a controlled way. The elongated surgical devices can be diagnostic scopes, therapeutic scopes, manual elongated surgical devices, robotic arms or the like. After being deployed outside the esophagus, the surgical devices can access structures outside the esophagus, in the neck and thorax in 360 degrees of freedom around the esophageal circumference.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a transesophageal cardiovascular procedure includes an elongated tubular main access device having a first lumen with an open proximal end and a distal side opening, and a second lumen with a rigid outer wall and a collapsible inner wall. The second lumen is adapted to receive an elongated probe or surgical device. The apparatus further includes an inflatable sealing component on the outside of the main access device above and below the side opening, and a first fluid conduit extending along the main access device for inflating the sealing component so that when the main access device is inserted into a patient's esophagus and the sealing component is inflated. The portion of the esophagus opposite the side opening is isolated from the remainder of the esophagus above and below the side opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a transesophageal cardiovascular procedure includes an elongated tubular main access device having a first lumen with an open proximal end and a distal side opening, and a second lumen with a rigid outer wall and a collapsible inner wall. The second lumen is adapted to receive an elongated probe or surgical device. The apparatus further includes an inflatable sealing means on the outside of the main access device above and below the side opening, and a first fluid conduit extending along the main access device for inflating the sealing means so that when the main access device is inserted into a patient's esophagus and the sealing means are inflated. The portion of the esophagus opposite the side opening is isolated from the remainder of the esophagus above and below the side opening.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for switching fluid flow through a body part, such as all or portions of an organ or extremity. In general, fluid inflow and fluid outflow vessels to at least a portion of a body part can be switched such that all fluid in at least a portion of the inflow and outflow vessels flows in an opposite direction. In other words, the fluid inflow vessel (or at least a portion thereof) becomes the fluid outflow vessel that receives fluid from a body part, and the fluid outflow vessel (or at least a portion thereof) becomes the fluid inflow vessel that delivers fluid to a body part.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a transesophageal cardiovascular procedure includes an elongated tubular main access device having a first lumen with an open proximal end and a distal side opening, and a second lumen with a rigid outer wall and a collapsible inner wall. The second lumen is adapted to receive an elongated probe or surgical device. The apparatus further includes an inflatable sealing means on the outside of the main access device above and below the side opening, and a first fluid conduit extending along the main access device for inflating the sealing means so that when the main access device is inserted into a patient's esophagus and the sealing means are inflated. The portion of the esophagus opposite the side opening is isolated from the remainder of the esophagus above and below the side opening.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for switching fluid flow through a body part, such as all or portions of an organ or extremity. In general, fluid inflow and fluid outflow vessels to at least a portion of a body part can be switched such that all fluid in at least a portion of the inflow and outflow vessels flows in an opposite direction. In other words, the fluid inflow vessel (or at least a portion thereof) becomes the fluid outflow vessel that receives fluid from a body part, and the fluid outflow vessel (or at least a portion thereof) becomes the fluid inflow vessel that delivers fluid to a body part.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a transesophageal cardiovascular procedure includes an elongated tubular main access device having a first lumen with an open proximal end and a distal side opening, and a second lumen with a rigid outer wall and a collapsible inner wall. The second lumen is adapted to receive an elongated probe or surgical device. The apparatus further includes an inflatable sealing means on the outside of the main access device above and below the side opening, and a first fluid conduit extending along the main access device for inflating the sealing means so that when the main access device is inserted into a patient's esophagus and the sealing means are inflated. The portion of the esophagus opposite the side opening is isolated from the remainder of the esophagus above and below the side opening.