Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for performing a renal denervation procedure using an ablation catheter are described. An ablation catheter system may include an ablation catheter including at least one electrode, a generator, and a pulse rate detector and feedback mechanism in electrical connection with the generator. In one embodiment, a method for controlling the temperature of a lesion created inside of a patient includes determining the pulse rate of the patient prior to, and optionally during, a renal denervation procedure and adjusting the amount of energy distributed to an ablation catheter electrode based at least in part on the pulse rate of the patient so as to control the temperature of the lesion being created. By controlling the temperature of the lesion during the ablation process, more consistent patient outcomes may be provided.

Abstract: The cove base roll dolly is adapted for use in transporting objects. The cove base roll dolly is adapted for use in the transporting of cove base rolls. The cove base roll is further defined with as a spool of material loaded on the drum of a spool. The cove base roll is adapted for use in the distribution of the cove base. Wherein the cove base roll is distributed by unrolling the material off the spool. The cove base roll dolly receives the cove base roll for use in the distribution of the cove base off the cove base roll. The cove base roll dolly is a wheeled device. The cove base roll dolly further comprises a transport base, a slew bearing, a turntable, and a plurality of casters.

Abstract: A tissue closure system includes a sheath and a tissue closure device. The sheath includes a tensioner assembly. The tissue closure device is insertable through and connected to the sheath, and includes an expandable member positionable distal of a distal end of the sheath. Operating the tensioner assembly applies a biasing force to the tissue closure device that withdraws the expandable member.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for sealing a puncture or incision formed percutaneously in tissue separating two internal portions of the body of a living being with an anchor, a sealing plug and a filament connecting the anchor and sealing plug. The methods and apparatus provide for a compaction device or a tamping device that improves control of the amount of force exerted upon the sealing plug. Further, the compaction tube or tamping device can deform upon application of excessive compaction force, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the sealing plug, anchor, or artery.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for sealing a puncture or incision formed percutaneously in tissue separating two internal portions of the body of a living being with an anchor, a sealing plug and a filament connecting the anchor and sealing plug. The methods and apparatus provide for a compaction mechanism that is expandable and tamps the sealing plug into place.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for performing a renal denervation procedure using an ablation catheter are described. An ablation catheter system may include an ablation catheter including at least one electrode, a generator, and a pulse rate detector and feedback mechanism in electrical connection with the generator. In one embodiment, a method for controlling the temperature of a lesion created inside of a patient includes determining the pulse rate of the patient prior to, and optionally during, a renal denervation procedure and adjusting the amount of energy distributed to an ablation catheter electrode based at least in part on the pulse rate of the patient so as to control the temperature of the lesion being created. By controlling the temperature of the lesion during the ablation process, more consistent patient outcomes may be provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for sealing a puncture or incision formed percutaneously in tissue separating two internal portions of the body of a living being with an anchor, a sealing plug and a filament connecting the anchor and sealing plug. The methods and apparatus provide for a compaction mechanism that is expandable and tamps the sealing plug into place.

Abstract: A tissue closure system includes a sheath and a tissue closure device. The sheath includes a tensioner assembly. The tissue closure device is insertable through and connected to the sheath, and includes an expandable member positionable distal of a distal end of the sheath. Operating the tensioner assembly applies a biasing force to the tissue closure device that withdraws the expandable member.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for sealing a puncture or incision formed percutaneously in tissue separating two internal portions of the body of a living being with an anchor, a sealing plug and a filament connecting the anchor and sealing plug. The methods and apparatus provide for a compaction device or a tamping device that improves control of the amount of force exerted upon the sealing plug. Further, the compaction tube or tamping device can deform upon application of excessive compaction force, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the sealing plug, anchor, or artery.

Abstract: A balloon catheter may be used to access side branch arteries such as the iliac artery. The catheter includes a guidewire configured to carry a balloon and deploy directly in a branch leg without traversing acute bends.

Abstract: A steerable guide wire includes a core wire having a proximal end and a distal end. A braided filament is affixed to the distal end of the core wire. An outer coil surrounds at least a portion of the core wire and the braided filament. A proximal end of the braided filament is secured to a distal end of the coil. By locating the braided filament in the distal tip portion of the guide wire, a guide wire is provided that is highly flexible, has a high degree of tensile integrity, and is highly steerable, even in tortuous vasculature. Filter and balloon catheters having braided filaments at the distal end are also described.

Abstract: A roof support for an underground mine which has a hydraulic cylinder positioned between a roof engaging support and a ground engaging base and has a flexible gas barrier or enclosure surrounding surfaces of said hydraulic cylinder which are subject to corrosion by gases present in the underground mine. Continuous flowing non-corrosive gas such as nitrogen is supplied to a space between the gas barrier and said hydraulic cylinder for preventing corrosion of cylinder surfaces by corrosive gases present in the mine which may include hydrogen sulfide.

Abstract: A method for detecting loss of SF6 gas from electrical utility apparatus determines a molar ratio of gas in a container at an initial time and of gas in the container at a subsequent time. Measurement of temperature is determined by averaging ambient temperature and temperature of the surface of the container.

Abstract: A roof support for an underground mine which has a hydraulic cylinder positioned between a roof engaging support and a ground engaging base and has a flexible gas barrier or enclosure surrounding surfaces of said hydraulic cylinder which are subject to corrosion by gases present in the underground mine. Continuous flowing non-corrosive gas such as nitrogen is supplied to a space between the gas barrier and said hydraulic cylinder for preventing corrosion of cylinder surfaces by corrosive gases present in the mine which may include hydrogen sulfide.

Abstract: A catheter comprising an elongate tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end, and a deflectable tip at the distal end of the elongate tubular member. The deflectable tip comprises a first helical coil having a first diameter and a second helical coil having a second diameter, the first diameter being larger than the second diameter. The first and second helical coils are arranged in the manner of a double helix. When viewed in cross-section, the first helical coil and the second helical coil are aligned at a first point on a circumference of each coil and misaligned at a second point on the circumference of each coil, where the second point is approximately 180 degrees from the first point. In certain embodiments the catheter further includes a dilatation balloon. Methods of use for crossing a chronic total occlusion are also described.

Abstract: A balloon catheter may be used to access side branch arteries such as the iliac artery. The catheter includes a guidewire configured to carry a balloon and deploy directly in a branch leg without traversing acute bends.