Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a catheter system comprising an introducer having a main body, an introducer sheath projecting from the main body, and a first seal supported within the introducer and a catheter having a main body, an outer sheath projecting from the main body, a second seal supported within the catheter, and an inner core configured to be advanced axially through the main body, the second seal, and the outer sheath. The introducer can be configured to be selectively engageable with the catheter so that the catheter can be selectively and removably linked with the introducer in the axial direction. The catheter system can also be configured such that, when the introducer and the catheter are linked, the catheter can be rotatable relative to the introducer. The introducer can be configured to radially restrain an endoluminal prosthesis.

Abstract: A mill dried colloidal microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is obtained in a process comprising the steps of a) providing colloidal MCC having a moisture content of from 20 to 75 percent, based on the total weight of the moist colloidal MCC; and b) mill-drying the moist colloidal MCC in a single device capable of milling and drying in combination. The process can provide mill-dried colloidal microcrystalline cellulose having similar particle size distribution (LEFI, DIFI and EQPC), and a similar or higher tapped/untapped bulk density, a similar or lower Carr index, a similar or higher viscosity and a similar moisture content as the corresponding spray-dried colloidal microcrystalline cellulose.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a hub including a front port, a side port, and a back port including a hemostasis valve. The apparatus further includes a sheath extending from the hemostasis valve through the front port and shaped to define one or more lateral openings within the hub. The sheath is configured for insertion into a blood vessel such that, subsequently to the insertion, a rate of flow of blood between the side port and the blood vessel via the lateral openings is controllable using an instrument passing through the hemostasis valve and into the sheath such that the instrument closes at least a portion of the lateral openings. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: The present technology relates to intracardiac pressure monitoring devices, and associated systems and methods. In some embodiments, the present technology includes an intracardiac pressure monitoring device including a pressure sensor configured to measure pressure within a heart chamber of a patient. The device further includes a barrier structure operably coupled to the pressure sensor and configured to prevent tissue overgrowth over the pressure sensor.

Abstract: Methods for treatment of aneurysms using a sequential manifold console to deploy multiple filling structures are provided herein. In one aspect, aneurysms are treated by simultaneously filling two double-walled filling structure using a sequential manifold console to guide a user in the steps to be followed in the procedure and to reliably achieve a consistent and durable aneurysmal treatment using a curable medium. The structures may be delivered over balloon deployment mechanisms in order to shape and open tubular lumens therethrough. Pairs of filling structures delivered to the aneurysm from different access openings of a patient can be simultaneously prepared and pressurized from a single treatment console when treating abdominal aortic aneurysms using the described systems and methods.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to heart valve prostheses with the reduced need of pacemaker implantation and improved means for positioning the replacement heart valve.

Abstract: The present technology relates to intracardiac pressure monitoring devices, and associated systems and methods. In some embodiments, the present technology includes a device for monitoring pressure within a patient's heart. The device can include a pressure sensor configured to reside within a first chamber of a heart of a patient, and a pressure transmission element configured to extend from the first chamber through a septal wall to a second chamber of the heart of the patient. When the device is implanted in the patient's heart, the pressure transmission element is configured to transmit pressure from the second chamber to the pressure sensor residing within the first chamber.

Abstract: The present technology relates to intracardiac pressure monitoring devices, and associated systems and methods. In some embodiments, the present technology includes a device for monitoring pressure within a patient's heart. The device can include a pressure sensor configured to reside within a first chamber of a heart of a patient, and a pressure transmission element configured to extend from the first chamber through a septal wall to a second chamber of the heart of the patient. When the device is implanted in the patient's heart, the pressure transmission element is configured to transmit pressure from the second chamber to the pressure sensor residing within the first chamber.

Abstract: The present technology relates to interatrial shunting systems and methods. In some embodiments, the present technology includes interatrial shunting systems that include a shunting element having a lumen extending therethrough that is configured to fluidly couple the left atrium and the right atrium when the shunting element is implanted in a patient. The system can also include an anchoring mechanism coupled to the shunting element and configured to secure the shunting element within the patients heart.

Abstract: The present disclosure presents a trajectory array guide system for defining a trajectory to a target location in the brain of a subject and for guiding an elongated tool along the trajectory. The trajectory array guide system can comprise: a base, an array guide, an imaging unit, and an elongated handle configured for connection with a stereotaxic navigation system. The present disclosure presents a method of using a trajectory array guide system for defining a trajectory to a target location in the brain of a subject and for guiding an elongated tool along the trajectory.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first stent graft that is at least partially insertable into a first blood vessel. The first stent graft has a first end, a second end, an inside surface, and an outside surface. The apparatus also includes an inflatable fill structure fixed to a portion of the outside surface of the first stent graft. The inflatable fill structure includes an outer membrane that is configured to extend beyond the first end of the first stent graft when the inflatable fill structure is in a filled state.

Abstract: A method for forming a material in an in situ medical device by initiating polymerization of water soluble polymer precursors in an aqueous solution during or after transport of the polymerizable solution from its storage container to a space inside the in situ medical device is described. The stored aqueous solution with water soluble precursors lacks a free radical initiator which, in a powder form, is introduced into the aqueous solution during or after its transport into the space inside the in situ medical device. This storage and delivery system provides greater stability to the stored aqueous solution, allowing it to be stored at ambient temperature and providing extended shelf life over the solutions used in existing in situ polymerization systems. The flexibility to store and deliver/transport only one aqueous solution, instead of requiring the use of two different solutions, is also a benefit.

Abstract: The present technology is generally directed to interatrial shunting systems and associated devices and methods. For example, a system configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include a shunting element implantable into a patient at or adjacent a septal wall. The shunting element can have a lumen that fluidly connects a left atrium and a right atrium of the patient to facilitate blood flow therebetween when the shunting element is implanted. In some embodiments, the system further includes a flow control element to selectively control blood flow between the left atrium and the right atrium.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to heart valve prostheses with the reduced need of pacemaker implantation and improved means for positioning the replacement heart valve. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the stent scaffold of the valve prosthesis includes axially extending locators. The locators may be positioned within the cusp of the native aortic valve. Placement of the locators within the cusps may prevent further proximal movement of the stent scaffold into the left ventricle. By adjusting the location of the proximal end of the locators with respect to the proximal end of the stent scaffold, infra-annular placement of the stent scaffold in the aortic annulus may be assured. In another aspect, means for visualizing the positioning of replacement heart valves at an implant site inside an individual's body is disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a delivery catheter and the stepwise release of a stent from the catheter into the vasculature of a patient, as well as a loading device for a transcatheter heart valve (THV) prosthesis.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a delivery catheter and the stepwise release of a stent from the catheter into the vasculature of a patient, as well as a loading device for a transcatheter heart valve (THV) prosthesis.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis for replacing a native atrioventricular valve of the heart. The prosthesis includes a housing component that is configured to be radially expandable and compressible between a radially compressed state and a radially expanded state to engage structure of the native atrioventricular valve to fix the housing component relative to the native atrioventricular valve. The housing component includes a housing body and an annular sealing element connected to an atrial end of the housing body. The annular sealing element is made of polyester and is reinforced with wire. A valve component is configured to be radially expandable and compressible between a radially compressed state and a radially expanded state within the housing component. The valve component includes a valve body having a valve passage extending therethrough and three leaflets made from pericardium secured to the valve body.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a stent graft comprising a first stent graft having a first and a second stent and a first and a second inner graft supported by the first stent, and an outer graft. The second inner graft can be spaced apart from the first inner graft so that a portion of the first stent is not covered by either the first inner graft or the second inner graft. A first and second portion of the outer graft can be attached to the first stent, the outer graft being unsupported by the stent between the first and second portions so as to form a fillable space between the outer graft, the first inner graft, and the second inner graft. Some embodiments further comprise a second stent graft deployable within the inside of the first stent graft to sealingly cover the uncovered portion of the first stent.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to heart valve prostheses with the reduced need of pacemaker implantation and improved means for positioning the replacement heart valve.

Abstract: A method of treating a heart includes radially expanding a housing component within a native atrioventricular valve. The housing component includes an atrial anchoring mechanism for deployment in the left atrium and ventricular prongs for engagement with native tissue in the left ventricle. The housing component also includes an interior passageway sized for receiving a valve component. After the housing component has been deployed, the valve component is radially expanded within the passageway of the housing component. The valve component includes three leaflets configured for allowing blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. After expansion within the housing component, the valve component may have an inflow end portion that protrudes above the housing component into the left atrium. The housing component and valve component are preferably collapsible for advancement through a patient's vasculature using one or more catheters.