Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved leadless pacemakers. In one embodiment, the leadless pacemaker includes an implantable pulse generator releasably coupled to a collapsible anchoring device. The collapsible anchoring device includes at least one pacing electrode configured to contact tissue at a target site.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved leadless pacemakers. In one embodiment, the leadless pacemaker includes an implantable pulse generator releasably coupled to a collapsible anchoring device. The collapsible anchoring device includes at least one pacing electrode configured to contact tissue at a target site.

Abstract: An LED underwater light, which can be hand-held or mounted on an underwater camera housing, is switchable between two light modes. A first embodiment of the dive light is a focus light, used for initial focusing with a still underwater camera. Incorporated in the focus light is a red light source to which the focus light can be switched from initially projected white light. The switch is used to switch off a series of white LEDs while switching on a series of red LEDs. In another embodiment, the dive light is a flood/spot light, or with another two types of selectable LED arrays, and enables a diver to quickly switch between two types of light projection. Another feature is a laser beam projecting device within the housing, with a momentary switch on the housing to power the laser, as for pointing out underwater objects of interest, the laser beam being projected to the same area as the spot beam.

Abstract: A bicycle light system has front and rear (white and red) lights with mounting brackets to secure on a bicycle helmet. A battery is contained in the rear light casing, with an electrical cord extending between the front and rear light casings. The front light casing has controls for both front and rear lights, which can include different power levels and preferably a flash mode for the front light. Helmet or headstrap mountings for the front and rear light casings have a quick-release feature enabling the lights to be easily and quickly removed from the helmet or headstrap, such as for recharging. Multiple selectable lights can be included in the front light assembly. In an embodiment, any of a series of different front light assemblies can be plugged into the rear assembly. For marine use appropriate light colors can be provided.

Abstract: An implant structure for use in pulling two soft body tissue areas closer together in a patient (e.g., two points along or adjacent to the patient's mitral valve annulus) includes at least two tissue anchor structures that are respectively implantable into the two tissue areas. A tether structure links the two tissue anchors and can be shortened and held in that condition by a cinch structure. Bracing structures are used between the anchors and the tether to help keep the longitudinal axes of the anchors transverse to the tether axis even when the tether is under tension. The tether may be sheathed in a cushioning sleeve to help protect adjacent tissue from erosion by the tether.

Abstract: Improved component placement inspection and verification is performed by a pick and place machine. Improvements include stereovision imaging of the intended placement location; enhanced illumination to facilitate the provision of relatively high-power illumination in the restricted space near the placement nozzle(s); optics to allow image acquisition device to view the placement location from an angle relative to a plane of the placement location, thereby reducing the possibility of such images being obstructed by the component; techniques for rapidly acquiring images with commercially available CCD arrays such that acquisition of before and after images does not substantially impact system throughput; and image processing techniques to provide component inspection and verification information.

Abstract: Improved component placement inspection and verification is performed by a pick and place machine. Improvements include stereovision imaging of the intended placement location; enhanced illumination to facilitate the provision of relatively high-power illumination in the restricted space near the placement nozzle(s); optics to allow image acquisition device to view the placement location from an angle relative to a plane of the placement location, thereby reducing the possibility of such images being obstructed by the component; techniques for rapidly acquiring images with commercially available CCD arrays such that acquisition of before and after images does not substantially impact system throughput; and image processing techniques to provide component inspection and verification information.

Abstract: Improved component placement inspection and verification is performed by a pick and place machine. Improvements include stereovision imaging of the intended placement location; enhanced illumination to facilitate the provision of relatively high-power illumination in the restricted space near the placement nozzle(s); optics to allow image acquisition device to view the placement location from an angle relative to a plane of the placement location, thereby reducing the possibility of such images being obstructed by the component; techniques for rapidly acquiring images with commercially available CCD arrays such that acquisition of before and after images does not substantially impact system throughput; and image processing techniques to provide component inspection and verification information.

Abstract: Soft body tissue structure can be remodeled by shortening the distance between first and second portions of that tissue structure. First and second anchor structures are respectively implanted in the first and second portions of the tissue structure. These anchor structures are linked by a linking structure, the length of which between the anchor structures can be shortened to pull the tissue structure portions toward one another. Each of the anchor structures may include two screw structures that are driven into the associated tissue structure portion transverse to the linking structure and with a spacer between the two screws. The entire prosthesis can be implanted percutaneously if desired. An illustrative use of the prosthesis is to shorten the annulus of a patient's mitral valve, with at least a portion of the prosthesis implanted in the patient's coronary sinus.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided that can be delivered through a catheter to a remote location in a patient's body. The apparatus may include a first structure that can be positioned in all dimensions in a controlled manner and stabilized in that desired position, a second structure that can then position a lumen axis at a desired angle relative to the first structure, and a third member that can pass through the lumen and approach and engage with force (e.g., penetrate) a desired location on the anatomy without compromising maintaining the desired position. The apparatus effectively separates the forces needed for positioning and the forces needed for tissue engagement (e.g., penetration).

Abstract: A structure that can be used to provide an anchor in or adjacent to a patient's soft body tissue (rather than bone) includes an annular array of flexible members that extend between two axially spaced but aligned tubular members. The space between the tubular members can be selectively changed to affect the amount by which portions of the flexible members between the tubular member project radially outward relative to the tubular members. When the flexible members project radially out, the structure resists axial movement relative to adjacent tissue and therefore acts as an anchor. When the flexible members do not project radially out, they permit axial movement of the structure through adjacent tissue.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided that gather a patient's body tissue and then secure the gathered tissue in a reduced area utilizing a securing structure. The securing structure mainly resides on one side of the tissue to minimize or eliminate both foreign material and the amount of manipulation or activity on the other side of the tissue. The securing device is matched to the desired amount of tissue manipulation to minimize the structure. The gathered and secured tissue can surround a septal defect to obstruct or close the defect itself.