Abstract: An extravascular nerve cuff that is configured to hold a leadless, integral, implantable microstimulator. The nerve cuff may include a cuff body having a pocket or pouch for removably receiving the implantable device within. The nerve cuff can be secured around the nerve such that the electrodes of the device are stably positioned relative to the nerve. Furthermore, the nerve cuff drives the majority of the current from the stimulation device into the nerve, while shielding surrounding tissues from unwanted stimulation.

Abstract: A catheter or other elongated member can include an elongated inner portion, an elongated outer portion, a flex circuit ribbon comprising at least one conductor, and an electrical contact. The flex circuit ribbon can be situated between the inner portion and the outer portion. The inner portion and the outer portion can be (1) affixed together between portions of the flex circuit ribbon or (2) integrally formed such that masses of the inner and outer portions are joined together between portions of the flex circuit ribbon. The electrical contact can be configured to be exposed during use. The electrical contact can be situated at, or connected to, the at least one conductor of the flex circuit ribbon.

Abstract: An anastomotic connector comprises a generally tubular access port having a first end and a second end and a main body portion in fluid communication with the second end of the access port that is structured to be deployed within a fluid passageway. The main body portion includes an expandable mesh frame defining a pair of flanges extending outwardly from the second end of the access port and a retention strap extending across the second end of the access port. The pair of flanges and the retention strap are structured to exert a radial force on an internal surface of a fluid passageway when the mesh frame of the main body portion is expanded within the fluid passageway. Furthermore, the pair of flanges and the retention strap allow the passage of fluid to the distal tissues that the native fluid passageway is supplying.

Abstract: An arterial anchor device and a venous anchor device operably coupled by graft material to form an anastomotic convector is provided. The arterial anchor device comprises a generally tubular main body including a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end defining a plurality of flanges integrally formed with the tubular main body and being movable from a first loaded position to a second expanded position. The venous anchor device includes a tubular main body having a metal frame structure and including a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end including a plurality of barbs thereon wherein said distal end has an outer diameter greater than the proximal end. The arterial anchor device and venous devices are fluidly connected by a graft to form an anastomotic connector.

Abstract: An extravascular nerve cuff that is configured to hold a leadless, integral, implantable microstimulator. The nerve cuff may include a cuff body having a pocket or pouch for removably receiving the implantable device within. The nerve cuff can be secured around the nerve such that the electrodes of the device are stably positioned relative to the nerve. Furthermore, the nerve cuff drives the majority of the current from the stimulation device into the nerve, while shielding surrounding tissues from unwanted stimulation.

Abstract: An extravascular nerve cuff that is configured to hold a leadless, integral, implantable microstimulator. The nerve cuff may include a cuff body having a pocket or pouch for removably receiving the implantable device within. The nerve cuff can be secured around the nerve such that the electrodes of the device are stably positioned relative to the nerve. Furthermore, the nerve cuff drives the majority of the current from the stimulation device into the nerve, while shielding surrounding tissues from unwanted stimulation.

Abstract: An extravascular nerve cuff that is configured to hold a leadless, integral, implantable microstimulator. The nerve cuff may include a cuff body having a pocket or pouch for removably receiving the implantable device within. The nerve cuff can be secured around the nerve such that the electrodes of the device are stably positioned relative to the nerve. Furthermore, the nerve cuff drives the majority of the current from the stimulation device into the nerve, while shielding surrounding tissues from unwanted stimulation.

Abstract: An anastomotic connector comprises a generally tubular access port having a first end and a second end and a main body portion in fluid communication with the second end of the access port that is structured to be deployed within a fluid passageway. The main body portion includes an expandable mesh frame defining a pair of flanges extending outwardly from the second end of the access port and a retention strap extending across the second end of the access port. The pair of flanges and the retention strap are structured to exert a radial force on an internal surface of a fluid passageway when the mesh frame of the main body portion is expanded within the fluid passageway. Furthermore, the pair of flanges and the retention strap allow the passage of fluid to the distal tissues that the native fluid passageway is supplying.

Abstract: Various systems for advancing medical devices within a subject's body are provided that configured to engage the outer surface of the medical device at a number of points about the circumference of the medical device, to thereby grip the medical device for enabling advancement of the device. The advancing systems include engaging portions configured to engage the outer surface of a medical device at a number of points about the circumference of the medical device. The engaging portions preferably engage opposing sides of the medical device's outer surface over a predetermined longitudinal length, to clamp against a longitudinal portion of the medical device that provides improved surface contact with the medical device over conventional roller guides. Various methods for performing medical procedures utilizing various medical devices and advancer systems are also provided.

Abstract: A splittable occlusion balloon sheath includes a splittable sheath onto which an occlusion balloon has been secured near the distal end of the splittable sheath. A splittable hemostasis valve or a partitioned hemostasis valve system may also be secured within or to the splittable occlusion balloon sheath. This splittable occlusion balloon sheath is utilized to introduce a medical device, such as electrode leads, into the coronary sinus of the human heart. A dilator may also be used with the splittable occlusion balloon sheath for introduction of the medical devices. The splittable occlusion balloon sheath and/or the dilator may be precurved with a particular shape to assist in the introduction of the splittable occlusion balloon sheath and/or dilator into the coronary sinus. Also disclosed is a process of use of the splittable occlusion balloon system within the coronary sinus.

Abstract: A coronary sinus catheter includes a distal electrode portion with optimally-spaced and sized ring electrodes and a proximal electrode portion with at least one optimally-spaced and sized larger surface electrode. The catheter has all or some of the following features. First, at least one ring electrode of the distal electrode portion includes a first diameter less than a second diameter of at least one, more proximally disposed, ring electrode of the distal electrode portion. Second, at least one ring electrode of the distal electrode portion includes a first width less than a second width of at least one, more proximally disposed, ring electrode of the distal electrode portion. Third, the distal electrode portion includes at least two ring electrodes and the proximal shock electrode includes at least two larger surface coil electrodes. Fourth, the catheter further includes a collapsible section, adjacent the proximal electrode portion, to facilitate positioning of the catheter within the right atrium.

Abstract: A coronary sinus catheter includes a distal electrode portion with optimally-spaced and sized ring electrodes and a proximal electrode portion with at least one optimally-spaced and sized larger surface electrode. The catheter has all or some of the following features. First, at least one ring electrode of the distal electrode portion includes a first diameter less than a second diameter of at least one, more proximally disposed, ring electrode of the distal electrode portion. Second, at least one ring electrode of the distal electrode portion includes a first width less than a second width of at least one, more proximally disposed, ring electrode of the distal electrode portion. Third, the distal electrode portion includes at least two ring electrodes and the proximal shock electrode includes at least two larger surface coil electrodes. Fourth, the catheter further includes a collapsible section, adjacent the proximal electrode portion, to facilitate positioning of the catheter within the right atrium.

Abstract: A coronary sinus catheter includes a distal electrode portion with optimally-spaced and sized ring electrodes and a proximal electrode portion with at least one optimally-spaced and sized larger surface electrode. The catheter has all or some of the following features. First, at least one ring electrode of the distal electrode portion includes a first diameter less than a second diameter of at least one, more proximally disposed, ring electrode of the distal electrode portion. Second, at least one ring electrode of the distal electrode portion includes a first width less than a second width of at least one, more proximally disposed, ring electrode of the distal electrode portion. Third, the distal electrode portion includes at least two ring electrodes and the proximal shock electrode includes at least two larger surface coil electrodes. Fourth, the catheter further includes a collapsible section, adjacent the proximal electrode portion, to facilitate positioning of the catheter within the right atrium.

Abstract: A catheter includes a torque transmission assembly coupled to an elongate body and an electrical connector wherein the torque transmission assembly can transmit torque and electrical current along the elongate body.

Abstract: A lead or catheter for implantation in a body for conducting electrical current between an electrical device and a location in the body, including an elongate tubular insulating material, a first portion of electrically conductive braid forming a closely fitting sheath around a portion of the insulating material, an electrical coupling means for coupling the device to the lead and an electrically insulated connection means for electrically connecting the braid and the coupling means. A part of the electrically conductive braid is exposed for providing the electrical energy to the body. Preferably the electrically insulated connection means includes an integral portion of the braid surrounded by a tubular insulating member. The lead may be configured as an endocardial catheter, or may be used elsewhere in the body and have one or more fingers, each with a respective exposed portion of braid.