Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward catheter-based apparatuses, such as componentry utilized with or as part of catheters, or as catheters or catheter assemblies. As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments, a method and/or apparatus involves a filter having a frame that forms a perimeter of the filter and separates opposing surfaces thereof. An articulated arm is connected to the frame and configured therewith to, when deployed within a tubular organ, engage with opposing inner sidewall portions of the tubular organ and to utilize the inner sidewall portions to seal filter to the inner sidewall by applying force to the frame.

Abstract: A system for non-invasively adjusting the curvature of a spine includes a housing having a first end and a second end, a first rod having a first end telescopically disposed within a cavity of the housing along a first longitudinal axis at the first end of the housing and having a first threaded portion extending thereon, and a second end configured to be coupled to a first portion of a spinal system of a subject, a second rod having a first end telescopically disposed within the cavity along a second longitudinal axis at the second end of the housing and having a second threaded portion extending thereon, and a second end configured to be coupled to a second portion of the spinal system of the subject, a driving member rotatably disposed within the cavity and configured to be activated from a location external to the body of the subject.

Abstract: A system for non-invasively adjusting the curvature of a spine includes a housing having a first end and a second end, a first rod having a first end telescopically disposed within a cavity of the housing along a first longitudinal axis at the first end of the housing and having a first threaded portion extending thereon, and a second end configured to be coupled to a first portion of a spinal system of a subject, a second rod having a first end telescopically disposed within the cavity along a second longitudinal axis at the second end of the housing and having a second threaded portion extending thereon, and a second end configured to be coupled to a second portion of the spinal system of the subject, a driving member rotatably disposed within the cavity and configured to be activated from a location external to the body of the subject.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward catheter-based apparatuses, such as componentry utilized with or as part of catheters, or as catheters or catheter assemblies. As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments, a method and/or apparatus involves a filter having a frame that forms a perimeter of the filter and separates opposing surfaces thereof. An articulated arm is connected to the frame and configured therewith to, when deployed within a tubular organ, engage with opposing inner sidewall portions of the tubular organ and to utilize the inner sidewall portions to seal filter to the inner sidewall by applying force to the frame.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward catheter-based apparatuses, such as componentry utilized with or as part of catheters, or as catheters or catheter assemblies. As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments, a method and/or apparatus involves a filter having a frame that forms a perimeter of the filter and separates opposing surfaces thereof. An articulated arm is connected to the frame and configured therewith to, when deployed within a tubular organ, engage with opposing inner sidewall portions of the tubular organ and to utilize the inner sidewall portions to seal filter to the inner sidewall by applying force to the frame.

Abstract: As may be implemented with various aspects of the present disclosure, a mesh structure is coupled to inner and outer frames that operate with struts to apply pressure to the mesh. Such an approach may involve sealing the mesh around an opening, such as around one or more artery openings along an interior wall of vascular tissue (e.g., in an aortic arch). Accordingly, blood flow can be filtered in a manner that is useful for capturing particulates such as those resulting from surgical operations. In various implementations, the mesh, struts and frames are deployed using a catheter and shaft coupled to the frames. Such an approach can be implemented to apply a spring force from the shaft and through the frames for sealing the mesh.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward catheter-based apparatuses, such as componentry utilized with or as part of catheters, or as catheters or catheter assemblies. As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments, a method and/or apparatus involves a filter having a frame that forms a perimeter of the filter and separates opposing surfaces thereof. An articulated arm is connected to the frame and configured therewith to, when deployed within a tubular organ, engage with opposing inner sidewall portions of the tubular organ and to utilize the inner sidewall portions to seal filter to the inner sidewall by applying force to the frame.

Abstract: An improvement in drug-eluting stents, and method of their making, are disclosed. The surface of a metal stent is roughened to have a surface roughness of at least about 20 ?in (0.5 ?m) and a surface roughness range of between about 300-700 ?in (7.5-17.5 ?m). The roughened stent surface is covered with a polymer-free coating of a limus drug, to a coating thickness greater than the range of surface roughness of the roughened stent surface.

Abstract: A system for non-invasively adjusting the curvature of a spine includes a housing having a first end and a second end, a first rod having a first end telescopically disposed within a cavity of the housing along a first longitudinal axis at the first end of the housing and having a first threaded portion extending thereon, and a second end configured to be coupled to a first portion of a spinal system of a subject, a second rod having a first end telescopically disposed within the cavity along a second longitudinal axis at the second end of the housing and having a second threaded portion extending thereon, and a second end configured to be coupled to a second portion of the spinal system of the subject, a driving member rotatably disposed within the cavity and configured to be activated from a location external to the body of the subject.

Abstract: A system for non-invasively adjusting the curvature of a spine includes a housing having a first end and a second end, a first rod having a first end telescopically disposed within a cavity of the housing along a first longitudinal axis at the first end of the housing and having a first threaded portion extending thereon, and a second end configured to be coupled to a first portion of a spinal system of a subject, a second rod having a first end telescopically disposed within the cavity along a second longitudinal axis at the second end of the housing and having a second threaded portion extending thereon, and a second end configured to be coupled to a second portion of the spinal system of the subject, a driving member rotatably disposed within the cavity and configured to be activated from a location external to the body of the subject.

Abstract: As may be implemented with various aspects of the present disclosure, a mesh structure is coupled to inner and outer frames that operate with struts to apply pressure to the mesh. Such an approach may involve sealing the mesh around an opening, such as around one or more artery openings along an interior wall of vascular tissue (e.g., in an aortic arch). Accordingly, blood flow can be filtered in a manner that is useful for capturing particulates such as those resulting from surgical operations. In various implementations, the mesh, struts and frames are deployed using a catheter and shaft coupled to the frames. Such an approach can be implemented to apply a spring force from the shaft and through the frames for sealing the mesh.

Abstract: As may be implemented with various aspects of the present disclosure, a mesh structure is coupled to inner and outer frames that operate with struts to apply pressure to the mesh. Such an approach may involve sealing the mesh around an opening, such as around one or more artery openings along an interior wall of vascular tissue (e.g., in an aortic arch). Accordingly, blood flow can be filtered in a manner that is useful for capturing particulates such as those resulting from surgical operations. In various implementations, the mesh, struts and frames are deployed using a catheter and shaft coupled to the frames. Such an approach can be implemented to apply a spring force from the shaft and through the frames for sealing the mesh.

Abstract: As may be implemented with various aspects of the present disclosure, a mesh structure is coupled to inner and outer frames that operate with struts to apply pressure to the mesh. Such an approach may involve sealing the mesh around an opening, such as around one or more artery openings along an interior wall of vascular tissue (e.g., in an aortic arch). Accordingly, blood flow can be filtered in a manner that is useful for capturing particulates such as those resulting from surgical operations. In various implementations, the mesh, struts and frames are deployed using a catheter and shaft coupled to the frames. Such an approach can be implemented to apply a spring force from the shaft and through the frames for sealing the mesh.

Abstract: An improvement in drug-eluting stents, and method of their making, are disclosed. The surface of a metal stent is roughened to have a surface roughness of at least about 20 ?in (0.5 ?m) and a surface roughness range of between about 300-700 ?in (7.5-17.5 ?m). The roughened stent surface is covered with a polymer-free coating of a limus drug, to a coating thickness greater than the range of surface roughness of the roughened stent surface.

Abstract: An improvement in drug-eluting stents, and method of their making, are disclosed. The surface of a metal stent is roughened to have a surface roughness of at least about 20 ?in (0.5 ?m) and a surface roughness range of between about 300-700 ?in (7.5-17.5 ?m). The roughened stent surface is covered with a polymer-free coating of a limus drug, to a coating thickness greater than the range of surface roughness of the roughened stent surface.

Abstract: A system for non-invasively adjusting the curvature of a spine includes a housing having a first end and a second end, a first rod having a first end telescopically disposed within a cavity of the housing along a first longitudinal axis at the first end of the housing and having a first threaded portion extending thereon, and a second end configured to be coupled to a first portion of a spinal system of a subject, a second rod having a first end telescopically disposed within the cavity along a second longitudinal axis at the second end of the housing and having a second threaded portion extending thereon, and a second end configured to be coupled to a second portion of the spinal system of the subject, a driving member rotatably disposed within the cavity and configured to be activated from a location external to the body of the subject.

Abstract: Methods of treating a device such as an endoprostheses or a batch thereof include first soaking the device in nitric acid for greater than 1 hour; after first soaking the device, first sonicating the device in deionized water for between about 5 minutes and about 20 minutes; and after first sonicating the device, repeating, at least once, soaking the device in nitric acid for greater than 1 hour, and, after soaking the device in the nitric acid, sonicating the device in deionized water between about 5 minutes and about 20 minutes. Methods may further include soaking in a mild acid for between about 30 minutes and about 45 minutes. The methods may form a protective oxide having a thickness between about 30 ? and about 100 ?.

Abstract: The methods disclosed herein are directed to altering gaseous flow within a lung to improve the expiration cycle of, for instance, an individual having Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. More particularly, these methods produce and maintain collateral openings or channels through the airway wall so that expired air is able to pass directly out of the lung tissue to facilitate both the exchange of oxygen ultimately into the blood and/or to decompress hyper-inflated lungs. Devices and methods apply cryo-energy to maintain the patency of the surgically created openings.

Abstract: An improvement in drug-eluting stents, and method of their making, are disclosed. The surface of a metal stent is roughened to have a surface roughness of at least about 20 ?in (0.5 ?m) and a surface roughness range of between about 300-700 ?in (7.5-17.5 ?m). The roughened stent surface is covered with a polymer-free coating of a limus drug, to a coating thickness greater than the range of surface roughness of the roughened stent surface.

Abstract: A radially expandable, endovascular stent designed for placement at a site of vascular injury, for inhibiting restenosis at the site, a method of using, and a method of making the stent. The stent includes a radially expandable body formed of one or more metallic filaments where at least one surface of the filaments has a roughened or abraded surface. The stent may include a therapeutic agent on the abraded surface.