Abstract: Several unique intra-cardiac pressure devices, placement catheters, methods of placement and methods of treating heart failure are presented. The intra-cardiac pressure devices presented allow sufficient flow from the left atrium to the right atrium to enable the relief of elevated left atrial pressure and resulting patient symptoms. The intra-cardiac pressure devices are made of a non-braided material.

Abstract: Several unique intra-cardiac pressure devices, placement catheters, methods of placement and methods of treating heart failure are presented. The intra-cardiac pressure devices presented allow sufficient flow from the left atrium to the right atrium to enable the relief of elevated left atrial pressure and resulting patient symptoms. The intra-cardiac pressure devices are made of a non-braided material.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to improved capabilities for stabilizing and regulating atrial pressure with a shunt in the atrial septum or a stent in the coronary sinus. The disclosure also includes sensing, monitoring, drug therapy and control capabilities to provide improved treatment of patients with heart disease and other cardiac related conditions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for implanting a prosthesis into a heart of a mammal, such as a person. The disclosure includes a prosthesis that acts as a pressure vent between the left and right atria of the heart. The intracardiac pressure vents disclosed allow sufficient flow from the left atrium to the right atrium to relieve elevated left atrial pressure and resulting patient symptoms. The devices also limit the amount of flow from the right atrium to the left atrium to minimize the potential for thrombi or other embolic material from entering arterial circulation.

Abstract: Several unique intra-cardiac pressure devices, placement catheters, methods of placement and methods of treating heart failure are presented. The intra-cardiac pressure devices presented allow sufficient flow from the left atrium to the right atrium to enable the relief of elevated left atrial pressure and resulting patient symptoms. The intra-cardiac pressure devices are made of a non-braided material.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for implanting a prosthesis into a heart of a mammal, such as a person. The disclosure includes a prosthesis that acts as a pressure vent between the left and right atria of the heart. The intracardiac pressure vents disclosed allow sufficient flow from the left atrium to the right atrium to relieve elevated left atrial pressure and resulting patient symptoms. The devices also limit the amount of flow from the right atrium to the left atrium to minimize the potential for thrombi or other embolic material from entering arterial circulation.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to catheters and related systems and methods. In some embodiments, a catheter defines a lumen and an aperture extending from an outer surface of the catheter to the lumen, and a waveguide is disposed within the lumen of the catheter.

Abstract: A valve for use in a chest drainage device is disclosed, the chest drainage device is adapted to receive liquid and air from a patient's chest cavity via an inlet and to permit air to escape through an outlet for air to leave the chest drain, the inlet and outlet define a flow path and the valve is disposed along the flow path. The valve has a valve element that separates an upstream chamber from a downstream chamber and has a first and second sealing surface that are opposed so that when the first and second sealing surfaces are in contact, air pressure below a predetermined value will be prevented from moving from the downstream location to the upstream location. The valve element allows air to move from the upstream chamber to the downstream chamber at a low pressure differential.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system (178) for delivering a therapeutic agent in combination with an implantable device (2) to maximize a therapeutic benefit offered by each. Preferably, the therapeutic agent is contained within a solid matrix form such as a pellet or gel to facilitate its handling and to regulate its rate of dissipation into the tissue after delivery. The implant device (2) is specially configured to receive and retain the matrix but permit blood to interact with the matrix so that the agent can be released to the blood in and around the device and the surrounding tissue. A delivery system (178) comprises an implant delivery device having an obturator (180) capable of piercing the tissue and an agent matrix delivery device (210) to place a matrix form, such as a pellet, into the interior of the implant (2) after it has been implanted.

Abstract: Implants and associated delivery systems for promoting angiogenesis in ischemic tissue are provided. The implants may be delivered percutaneously, thoracically or surgically and are particularly well suited for implantation into the myocardium of the heart. The implants are configured to be flexible so that they compress and expand with corresponding movement of the surrounding tissue into which they are implanted. The flow of blood into the implant and pooling of the blood in and around the implant leads to thrombosis and fibrin growth, a healing process that leads to angiogenesis in the tissue surrounding the implant. Additionally, the implants may contain an angiogenic substance or a thrombus of blood, preloaded or injected after implantation to aid in initiating angiogenesis.

Abstract: The invention includes systems and methods for stimulating intramuscular angiogenesis by placing a biocompatible device within the tissue of a muscle. The biocompatible device is dimensionally adapted for placement within the tissue of a muscle. Placement of the biocompatible device within the muscle can take place according to the method of the invention by using techniques familiar to those of ordinary skill in the art. Illustrative techniques for placement of the device within the myocardium comprise one practice of the method of the invention.

Abstract: The invention includes systems and methods for stimulating intramuscular angiogenesis by placing a biocompatible device within the tissue of a muscle. The biocompatible device is dimensionally adapted for placement within the tissue of a muscle. Placement of the biocompatible device within the muscle can take place according to the method of the invention by using techniques familiar to those of ordinary skill in the art. Illustrative techniques for placement of the device within the myocardium comprise one practice of the method of the invention.