Abstract: Various configurations of systems that employ leadless electrodes to provide pacing therapy are provided. In one example, a system that provides multiple sites for pacing of myocardium of a heart includes wireless pacing electrodes that are implantable at sites proximate the myocardium using a percutaneous, transluminal, catheter delivery system. Each of the electrodes contains a source of electrical energy for pacing the myocardium and is adapted to receive electromagnetic energy from a source outside the myocardium. The system also includes a source adapted for placement outside the myocardium and that uses locally measured electrocardiograms to synchronize pacing of the heart by sending electromagnetic commands to the electrodes to pace the myocardium surrounding the electrodes. Also disclosed is various configurations of such systems, wireless electrode assemblies, and delivery catheters for delivering and implanting the electrode assemblies.

Abstract: Some embodiments of pacing systems employ wireless electrode assemblies to provide pacing therapy. The wireless electrode assemblies may wirelessly receive energy via an inductive coupling so as to provide electrical stimulation to the surrounding heart tissue. In certain embodiments, the wireless electrode assembly may include one or more biased tines that shift from a first position to a second position to secure the wireless electrode assembly into the inner wall of the heart chamber.

Abstract: Various configurations of systems that employ leadless electrodes to provide pacing therapy are provided. In one example, a system that provides multiple sites for pacing of myocardium of a heart includes wireless pacing electrodes that are implantable at sites proximate the myocardium using a percutaneous, transluminal, catheter delivery system. Each of the electrodes contains a source of electrical energy for pacing the myocardium and is adapted to receive electromagnetic energy from a source outside the myocardium. The system also includes a source adapted for placement outside the myocardium and that uses locally measured electrocardiograms to synchronize pacing of the heart by sending electromagnetic commands to the electrodes to pace the myocardium surrounding the electrodes. Also disclosed is various configurations of such systems, wireless electrode assemblies, and delivery catheters for delivering and implanting the electrode assemblies.

Abstract: Medical devices that are visible by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and optionally, other imaging techniques, are described. In some embodiments, a medical device adapted for insertion into the body includes an elongated shaft and an electrically conductive path extending spirally about a portion of the shaft. The conductive path is capable of being connected to a current source. The medical device can further include one or more contrast agents (such as MRI contrast agents, radiopaque materials, and/or ultrasound visible materials), which can be arranged in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: Medical devices as well as methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a system for nerve modulation. The system may include an elongate shaft having a proximal end region and a distal end region. A helical inflatable balloon may be coupled to the shaft. The balloon may have a proximal end, a distal end, and an outer surface. The balloon may be disposed adjacent to the distal end region of the elongate shaft. A first nerve modulation element may be attached to the balloon.

Abstract: A moxa burning bowl is provided for application of heat treatment to body portions of a user, with the bowl having a flexible ring-shaped base member of a flexible cloth-like exterior and granular material therein, shaped in a ring-like or torus-like configuration, and having a generally concave shaped upper dish-like member and an open bottom, defining a zone therebetween when the bowl is placed on an exterior surface of a patient/user, for treatment. Moxa sticks or cones are carried by the dish-like member, projecting upwardly therefrom, and situated in sockets of the dish-like member, with the dish-like member having an upstanding periphery, enabling the dish-like member to catch fallen ash from burning moxa sticks or cones carried by the bowel.

Abstract: A high performance guide wire with a pressure sensor for measuring blood pressure, may utilize a single electrical lead connected to the guide wire. An integrated circuit, powered by the single electrical connection on the guide wire, may interface with the pressure sensor, and may convert pressure information to an encoded signal. The encoded signal may be detectable in the electrical circuit, and can be used to display a pressure waveform as detected by the pressure sensor. For example, when utilized for percutaneous coronary interventions, such a guide wire can provide high quality blood pressure measurements (e.g., for fractional flow reserve), while also possessing excellent steerability and handling characteristics for navigating tortuous anatomy.

Abstract: A medical device having a segmented construction. In at least some embodiments, a medical device including a plurality of conductive elongated members that are of such a length and are connected together in such a manner to impart a degree of MRI compatibility to the device. In some embodiments, the elongated members can include a series of solid elongate members and tubular elongate members, which construction provides one way to control at least some properties of the device, for example, stiffness, torque transmission, flexibility, shape retention, and the like. In yet some additional embodiments, at least one of the elongated members has a recess into which a protrusion of another elongated member may fit.

Abstract: Various configurations of systems that employ leadless electrodes to provide pacing therapy are provided. In one example, a system that provides multiple sites for pacing of myocardium of a heart includes wireless pacing electrodes that are implantable at sites proximate the myocardium using a percutaneous, transluminal, catheter delivery system. Each of the electrodes contains a source of electrical energy for pacing the myocardium and is adapted to receive electromagnetic energy from a source outside the myocardium. The system also includes a source adapted for placement outside the myocardium and that uses locally measured electrocardiograms to synchronize pacing of the heart by sending electromagnetic commands to the electrodes to pace the myocardium surrounding the electrodes. Also disclosed is various configurations of such systems, wireless electrode assemblies, and delivery catheters for delivering and implanting the electrode assemblies.

Abstract: A medical device delivery system, having a rolling retractable sheath covering a medical device mounting region on the system is disclosed. The rolling retractable sheath comprises an inner wall and an outer wall and may be formed of one or more materials, optionally porous. Optionally, a lubricant may be applied selectively to the interior and exterior walls of the stent.

Abstract: Various configurations of systems that employ leadless electrodes to provide pacing therapy are provided. In one example, a system that provides multiple sites for pacing of myocardium of a heart includes wireless pacing electrodes that are implantable at sites proximate the myocardium using a percutaneous, transluminal, catheter delivery system. Each of the electrodes contains a source of electrical energy for pacing the myocardium and is adapted to receive electromagnetic energy from a source outside the myocardium. The system also includes a source adapted for placement outside the myocardium and that uses locally measured electrocardiograms to synchronize pacing of the heart by sending electromagnetic commands to the electrodes to pace the myocardium surrounding the electrodes. Also disclosed is various configurations of such systems, wireless electrode assemblies, and delivery catheters for delivering and implanting the electrode assemblies.

Abstract: A plication clip comprises a first end portion; a second end portion; and a central portion connecting the first end portion to the second end portion. The first end portion is curved toward the second end portion, and the second end portion is curved toward the first end portion. The central portion has a curvilinear profile such that when the clip is deployed, a shorter length between the first end portion and the second end portion is formed. A delivery catheter and methods for deploying the plication clip are also provided.

Abstract: A positioning device and method of using are provided herein. The positioning device includes an expandable cage through which blood can flow. The expandable cage is insertable into a bodily organ, for example a heart, and expanded to temporarily secure the positioning device within the organ. Then, the cage can be used to steady the implantation of an annuloplasty device, for example. Alternatively, the expanded cage can be used to locate a desired area or feature of the body organ in which it is inserted by way of fluoroscopy.

Abstract: A drug eluting stent comprising a multilayer tubular structure which includes at least one intermediate layer having reservoirs therein for deposition of a drug, the intermediate layer eluting drug in a lateral direction, and methods of making the same.

Abstract: A moxa burning bowl is provided for application of heat treatment to body portions of a user, with the bowl having a flexible ring-shaped base member of a flexible cloth-like exterior and granular material therein, shaped in a ring-like or torus-like configuration, and having a generally concave shaped upper dish-like member and an open bottom, defining a zone therebetween when the bowl is placed on an exterior surface of a patient/user, for treatment. Moxa sticks or cones are carried by the dish-like member, projecting upwardly therefrom, and situated in sockets of the dish-like member, with the dish-like member having an upstanding periphery, enabling the dish-like member to catch fallen ash from burning moxa sticks or cones carried by the bowel.

Abstract: A drug eluting stent comprising a multilayer tubular structure which includes at least one intermediate layer having reservoirs therein for deposition of a drug, the intermediate layer eluting drug in a lateral direction, and methods of making the same.

Abstract: Anchoring mechanisms for releasably securing an intravascular device along an elongated member such as a guidewire or catheter. The anchoring mechanism may include an object that can be actuated between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the unlocked position, the anchoring mechanism is slidably and rotationally disposed about the elongated member. In the locked position, the anchoring mechanism is releasably secured to the elongated member, preventing movement thereon. A placement mechanism such as a tubular member can be utilized to actuate the anchoring mechanism between the unlocked and locked positions.

Abstract: A covered stent comprises a coiled sheet stent having at least a portion with open cell geometry and a graft material covering at least a portion of the coiled sheet stent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an elongate intravascular device adapted to be advanced through a vessel of a subject. The present invention further includes an antenna which is disposed on an inflatable member such that the antenna can be increased or decreased in size to more accurately tune the system in which it is employed.

Abstract: This disclosure pertains to controllably bioabsorbable devices, particularly anchors for vascular closure plugs and to methods of use thereof.