Abstract: Described here are devices, systems and methods for forming a fistula between two blood vessels. Generally, the systems may comprise a first catheter which may comprise a fistula-forming element. The fistula-forming element may comprise one or more electrodes, mechanical cutting elements, laser sources, or combinations thereof, and may be used to assist in fistula formation. In some instances, a system may comprise a second catheter, which may comprise a fistula-forming element. One or more of the catheters may comprise one or more markers, magnetic alignment elements, and/or one shape-changing elements.

Abstract: A method for inducing weight loss in a patient, the method comprising: intentionally occluding a blood vessel so as to create hypoperfusion in a gastrointestinal organ serviced by the blood vessel, whereby to interfere with normal gastrointestinal function and thereby induce weight loss in a patient.

Abstract: A system and method for joining an end of a tubular prosthesis to the wall of a vessel wherein an anvil is inserted into the vessel through an opening in the vessel wall produced by a cutting surface on the anvil. The anvil is operated via an anvil handle which may extend through the tubular prosthesis. The tubular prosthesis is guided to the opening in the vessel wall whereupon jaws clamp the prosthesis around the anvil. Staples mounted on the jaws engage the anvil and are bent to thereby staple the end of the tubular prosthesis to the vessel wall. A cutting edge may be mounted to the anvil and utilized to create an enlarged hole to permit blood flow into the tubular prosthesis and to permit removal of the anvil from the vessel.

Abstract: A method for inducing weight loss in a patient, the method comprising: intentionally occluding a blood vessel so as to create hypoperfusion in a gastrointestinal organ serviced by the blood vessel, whereby to interfere with normal gastrointestinal function and thereby induce weight loss in a patient.

Abstract: A heart size measuring tool includes a tubular body, a flexible measuring cord having length indicia, a measuring cord support mechanism movable between retracted and extended states with respect to the body, and an actuating mechanism to move the measuring cord support mechanism. When in the retracted state the measuring cord support mechanism is positioned within the tubular body with the measuring cord in a collapsed position. When the measuring cord support mechanism is in the extended state the measuring cord extends around a portion of a heart to be measured. A scale on the body can be used in connection with the indicia on the measurement cord to provide a reading of the heart size.

Abstract: Devices and methods for providing localized pressure to a region of a patient's heart to improve heart functioning, including: (a) a jacket made of a flexible biocompatible material, the jacket having an open top end that is received around the heart and a bottom portion that is received around the apex of the heart; and (b) at least one inflatable bladder disposed on an interior surface of the jacket, the inflatable bladder having an inelastic outer surface positioned adjacent to the jacket and an elastic inner surface such that inflation of the bladder causes the bladder to deform substantially inwardly to exert localized pressure against a region of the heart.

Abstract: A magnet assisted surgical device, system, and method employs magnetic sections, catheters, and guidewires to modify tubular stentgrafts in-situ. One example application provides a more reliable way for surgeons to modify stentgrafts insitu to allow blood flow to continue to branching blood vessels that would otherwise be blocked by the stentgraft itself. One such method includes placing a tip section of the device in the desired location, deploying a stentgraft, placing a magnetic device inside the stentgraft, connecting the magnetic device to the tip section, and excising the portion of the stentgraft held between the magnet and the tip section.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides aortic valve prosthetic devices that are constructed in a non-axisymmetric shape, or are expandable to a non-axisymmetric shape for improved results in the repair of defective aortic valves. The devices can be surgically implanted, or they can be implanted percutaneously through an insertion catheter. The expandable devices can be self-expanding or expanded by an inflatable balloon to a non-axisymmetric cross-section geometry.

Abstract: A novel catheter-based system which ligates the left atrial appendage (LAA) on the outside of the heart, preferably using a combination of catheters and/or instruments, e.g., a guide catheter positioned inside the left atrial appendage which may assist in locating the left atrial appendage and/or assist in the optimal placement of a ligature on the outside of the appendage, and a ligating catheter and/or instrument outside the heart in the pericardial space to set a ligating element at the neck of the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: A heart size measuring tool includes a tubular body, a flexible measuring cord having length indicia, a measuring cord support mechanism movable between retracted and extended states with respect to the body, and an actuating mechanism to move the measuring cord support mechanism. When in the retracted state the measuring cord support mechanism is positioned within the tubular body with the measuring cord in a collapsed position. When the measuring cord support mechanism is in the extended state the measuring cord extends around a portion of a heart to be measured. A scale on the body can be used in connection with the indicia on the measurement cord to provide a reading of the heart size.

Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for forming a fistula between two blood vessels. The systems may comprise a first catheter including a housing and an electrode having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is fixed relative to the housing and the distal end is longitudinally slidable within the housing.

Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for improving blood flow in a vessel. Generally, the method may comprise advancing a catheter into a first vessel proximal to an occlusion in the first vessel and forming a fistula between the first vessel and a second vessel. This may deliver blood flow around an occlusion to ischemic tissues located in the peripheral vasculature.

Abstract: Described here are devices and methods for forming a fistula between two vessels. In some instances, the fistula may be formed between a proximal ulnar artery and a deep ulnar vein. The fistula may be formed using an electrode, and may be formed with a first catheter placed in a first blood vessel and a second catheter placed in a second blood vessel. In some instances, access to the proximal ulnar artery may be achieved through a brachial artery, and access to the deep ulnar vein may be achieved through a brachial vein.

Abstract: A system, device and method for insertion of a penetrating member into tissue is disclosed, which may be handheld and automated. A detector obtains data regarding subdermal locations of tissue structures, including cavities such as blood vessels. A processor calculates the distance between a preselected target point below the tissue surface, such as within a blood vessel, and the tissue surface, and adjustment data for vertical, angular and extension adjustment of the penetrating member. Vertical, angular and extension actuators carry out the adjustments in real-time as calculated and directed by the processor. Changes in the location of the target point result in automatic recalculation and adjustment by the processor and various actuators. A vibrational actuator induces vibration to the penetrating member during insertion, overcome tissue deformation and vein rolling. A guidewire may be inserted through or by the device, for dilator and catheter insertion once the penetrating member is removed.

Abstract: A novel catheter-based system that ligates the left atrial appendage (LAA) on the outside of the heart, preferably using a combination of catheters and/or instruments, e.g., a guide catheter inserted into the interior of the left atrial appendage that may assist in locating the left atrial appendage and/or assist in the optimal placement of a ligature or constricting element on the outside of the appendage, and a ligating catheter and/or instrument outside the heart in the pericardial space to set the ligature or constricting element at the neck of the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to methods and kits for treating wounds, comprising the step of introducing into said wound a composition comprising at least one optionally purified inverse thermosensitive polymer, wherein said at least one optionally purified inverse thermosensitive polymer forms a gel in said wound, thereby temporarily occluding said wound. In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned method wherein a wound to a blood vessel or a segment of the GI tract is occluded, thereby preventing exsanguination and/or septicemia. In other embodiments, the inventive methods and kits described herein may be used to ameliorate (e.g., fill) temporarily a defect in a biological lumen, thereby strengthening said defect, preventing rupture of, or maintaining, improving or optimizing fluid flow through said lumen.

Abstract: Devices and methods for providing localized pressure to a region of a patient's heart to improve heart functioning, including: (a) a jacket made of a flexible biocompatible material, the jacket having an open top end that is received around the heart and a bottom portion that is received around the apex of the heart; and (b) at least one inflatable bladder disposed on an interior surface of the jacket, the inflatable bladder having an inelastic outer surface positioned adjacent to the jacket and an elastic inner surface such that inflation of the bladder causes the bladder to deform substantially inwardly to exert localized pressure against a region of the heart.

Abstract: A heart size measuring tool includes a tubular body, a flexible measuring cord having length indicia, a measuring cord support mechanism movable between retracted and extended states with respect to the body, and an actuating mechanism to move the measuring cord support mechanism. When in the retracted state the measuring cord support mechanism is positioned within the tubular body with the measuring cord in a collapsed position. When the measuring cord support mechanism is in the extended state the measuring cord extends around a portion of a heart to be measured. A scale on the body can be used in connection with the indicia on the measurement cord to provide a reading of the heart size.

Abstract: A medical device comprises a pump adapted to fit within an atrium of a heart, said pump comprising an inlet and an outlet. The device further comprises a flexible outflow conduit coupled to said outlet. A method of assisting ventricular function of a heart of a patient comprises: a) inserting a continuous flow pump having an inlet and an outlet into the heart via a subclavian or jugular vein; b) attaching the outlet of the continuous flow pump to an atrial septum, wherein the inlet of the continuous flow pump is directed into a heart atrium; c) attaching the distal end of the outflow conduit to an artery; and d) operating the pump at a volumetric rate ranging from about 2 L/min to about 3 L/min.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to catheters that can be placed in or around bodily conduits to occlude or widen a biological lumen without imparting significant trauma to the lumen. In certain embodiments, the invention particularly relates to the use of a polymer composition which can be made to gel upon insertion into said balloon or skirt. In certain embodiments, the inflating viscous polymer composition is a liquid at room temperature and a gel at mammalian physiological temperature. In certain embodiments, the inflating viscous polymer composition comprises an optionally purified inverse thermosensitive polymer.