Abstract: An axial elongate bipolar tissue sealer/cutter and method of use by a surgeon for electrosurgery on tissue. A chassis on a handle extends axially for axial movement. An effector on a distal end of the chassis first contacts tissue with axial movement. The effector provides bipolar electrosurgery. A member extending from the distal end is opposite the patient end of a tube. A part on the member is transverse to the axis to conduct electrosurgery. First and second bipolar electrodes on the effector and part are electrically isolated. A generator for bipolar electrosurgery supplies the electrodes. An activator is movably supported on the handle connects to the tube and/or chassis to axially move the patient end and its effector relative to the part. Tissue and bodily fluid therebetween are sealed or cut through application of compression and bipolar electrosurgery between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for ablating, severing, cutting, shrinking, coagulating, or otherwise modifying a target tissue to be treated. In a method for treating a target tissue, an active electrode of an electrosurgical probe is positioned in at least close proximity to the target tissue in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid. A high frequency voltage is then applied between the active electrode and a return electrode, wherein, the high frequency voltage is sufficient to volumetrically remove (ablate), sever, or modify at least a portion of the target tissue. The probe comprises a multi-lumen shaft having a plurality of internal lumens, and a return electrode coil oriented substantially parallel to the shaft distal end. The active electrode may be in the form of a metal disc, a hook, or an active electrode coil. In the latter embodiment, the active electrode coil is typically arranged substantially orthogonal to the return electrode coil.

Abstract: A device with a functional tip containing at least one active electrode capable of creating a controlled perforation in body tissue through the application of energy (e.g. Radio Frequency (RF)) is described. The position of the tip of the device can be determined in response to ECG measured at the tip and determined by a monitor coupled to the device. The device is useful to remove or perforate unwanted tissue in a controlled manner in any location in the body, particularly in the atrial septum for controlled transseptal puncture. In this application, the device is introduced into the right atrium, and the functional tip is then positioned against the atrial septum. ECG is used to locate the region of the fossa ovalis on the atrial septum. Energy is applied to create the perforation and ECG is monitored to determine if the perforation was created in a desired location.

Abstract: A medical cauterization snare includes a tubular member such as a catheter, a rod or wire disposed at least partially inside the tubular member, and a resilient loop of a first size attached to a distal end of the rod or wire. The loop includes a nose on a side of the loop opposite the wire. The loop further includes two loop sections each extending between the wire and the nose. The loop sections are each formed with a respective notch or dent for enabling a use of the loop in a second size smaller than the first size. Positioning the loop relative to the tubular member so that the notches or dents are disposed at a mouth opening of the tubular member generates this secondary deployment configuration.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with an instrument for sealing vessels and cutting vessels includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members which are movable relative to one another from a first spaced apart position to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes an electrically conductive tissue contacting surface connected to an electrosurgical energy source. At least one of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive cutting element disposed within an insulator defined in the jaw member. A rigid structural support is included which is configured to support the electrically conductive tissue sealing surface and includes at least one flow channel defined therein.

Abstract: A bone fixation system for locking a longitudinal member, such as a spinal rod, to a bone anchor element allowing a variable orientation of the axis of the longitudinal member relative to the axis of the bone anchor. A one-piece body element split along a substantially horizontal plane into upper and lower portions by a slot includes a ball element through which a longitudinal member, such as a spinal rod, may pass. A portion of a bone anchor element passes through an aperture having portions on each of the upper and lower portions of the body element. Tightening a set screw draws the upper and lower portions of the body element together and locks the bone anchor and spinal rod into the desired position.

Abstract: A two piece graft fixation arrangement includes a graft block engageable with a graft and a transverse member engageable with the graft block to fix the graft block in a bone tunnel. Instruments and methods are presented for installing a graft in a bone tunnel and anchoring the graft with a transverse member placed through a transverse bore intersecting the bone tunnel.

Abstract: A device for the manual metering of a medical fluid, such as a hardening resin of the bone cement type, comprises a chamber for the fluid to be metered (2, 102) with an end opening (6), a gripping handle (7, 107), a piston (10, 110) which is housed in the chamber (2, 102) and provided with an operating member (12) for a user, and screw-type actuating means (13) arranged in between the operating member (12) and the piston (10) so as to perform the longitudinal movement thereof and pressurise the fluid to be metered. The screw means (13) may be modified so as to change from an operative configuration, where the piston is fed micrometrically, to an inoperative configuration, where the piston may move freely.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering prostheses to body lumens, such as stents and grafts to blood vessels, utilize a delivery device which carries one or more linearized elements. The linearized elements assume non-linear configurations, particularly helical configurations, when advanced and released from the delivery device. By selectively controlling the length and/or number of elements delivered from the delivery device, extended and disseminated disease within the body lumens may be effectively treated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for placing an epicardial lead over a desired, predetermined location on the left ventricle using a minimally invasive approach. A thoracoscope having a handle portion and a probe tube defining a central opening is placed through an incision in the patient generally aligned with the desired position for the pacing lead. An introducer and pacing lead are placed within the central opening of the thoracoscope and moved into contact with the pericardium at the desired lead location. An attachment member of the pacing lead attaches an electrode of the pacing lead to the pericardium. The pacing lead includes a mesh disk surrounding the electrode to aid in long term attachment of the electrode to the heart. Alternatively, the pericardium can be incised such that the lead is placed directly over the epicardial surface of the left ventricle.

Abstract: A minimally-invasive anastomosis system includes a suspension that connects an anastomosis tool to a stabilizer. The stabilizer may be rigidly connected to a retractor or other structure that is fixed relative to the patient. The suspension facilitates anastomosis of a graft vessel to a target vessel in that tissue, by allowing the anastomosis tool to move relative to the stabilizer so that it can move along with the remaining motion of the heart tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides an implantable device for semiautomatic suturing using a surgical thread, the suturing enabling biological and/or artificial tissues to be united, the device comprising: blocking means enabling two strands of the thread of a suture to be connected together in a blocking zone; a bearing element having a bearing surface for bearing against the tissues to be sutured together; and controlled tensioning means for applying controlled tensioning to said thread, and suitable, after the two strands of said thread have been blocked together using said blocking means, for exerting a tension at a first predetermined tension value, with the junction between said bearing element and said blocking zone of the device being provided by said controlled tensioning means.

Abstract: A knot placer has a rod (10) connecting a handle end (11) to a working end (12). The working end (12) has a closed leg eyelet (15) and a slit leg eyelet (16). A slidable knot (27), formed from a pair of ends of surgical suture (25a) and (25b) is used to join a patient's tissue. The knot (27) can be transferred through an access port (21) and tightened at a surgical site (26) by threading each respective suture end (25a) and (25b) into each eyelet (15) and (16), grasping the handle end (11), and pushing the slidable knot (27) to the surgical site (26) during an endoscopic surgery. Subsequently, the knot placer can be pulled out of the access port (21), and the slit eyelet (16) can release its respective suture end (25a) or (25b) through the slit (19). Another slidable knot (27) can be tied.

Abstract: A microsurgical balloon, with at least one incising component mounted to the surface of the balloon, includes a protective pad to prevent the outer surface of the incising component from coming into contact with and damaging the balloon surface. In particular, the protective pad is positioned on the outer surface of the balloon substantially parallel to and juxtaposed with the incising component. When the balloon is in a deflated configuration, either for insertion into the vasculature system or removal from the patient, the protective pad engages the outer surface of the incising component thereby protecting the balloon from being punctured or damaged by the incising component. The protective pad may be bonded to the outer surface of the balloon, or it may be an integral part of a homogeneous balloon structure.

Abstract: An embolic coil retrieval system for retrieving or repositioning an embolic coil within the vasculature of the human body which is comprised of a very small embolic coil retriever having a jaw member with major and minor teeth which form pockets for grasping an embolic coil when the jaw member is closed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device and method of forming the medical device. In particular, the present invention relates to a medical device having a tubular membrane structure over a radially expandable structural frame, and to a method of forming the tubular membrane on the radially expandable structural frame. In one aspect, a structural frame is placed over a spinning mandrel and a fiber is electro-statically spun over at least a portion of the structural frame forming a membrane. A transfer sheath may be used between the mandrel and structural frame to prevent the electro-statically spun fiber from adhering to the mandrel. In another aspect, a first membrane is spun over the mandrel before the structural frame is placed over the mandrel. In this aspect, at least a portion of the structural frame is sandwiched between the membranes. The membrane or membranes and structural frame form a fiber spun frame assembly. The fiber spun frame assembly may be coated with an elastic polymer.

Abstract: An assembly and method for effecting the condition of a mitral valve annulus of a heart includes a guide wire configured to be fed into the coronary sinus of the heart, and a mitral valve annulus therapy device configured to be slidingly received on the guide wire and advanced into the coronary sinus of the heart on the guide wire. A guide tube may further be employed for guiding the device into the coronary sinus. An introducer which may be employed for pushing the device into or pulling device out of the heart has a mechanism for releasably locking to the device. This enables substitution of the device if needed. Also, the crossover point of the circumflex artery and coronary sinus may be determined and avoided when the device is deployed.

Abstract: A vision prosthesis includes a first detector disposed to detect a polarization state of light reflected from a retina, and a controller in communication with the first detector. The controller is configured to receive, from the detector, a measurement signal indicative of the polarization state. In response thereto, the controller generates a control signal for causing a change to an optical property of an optical system in optical communication with the retina.

Abstract: Surface modified medical devices such as intraocular lens implants formed from one or more functional group-containing materials using reactive, hydrophilic polymers with catalyst functionality for the purpose of reducing or eliminating lens epithelial cell growth thereon, reducing or eliminating silicone oil absorption upon subsequent surgical exposure and/or reducing implantation inserter friction is provided herein. Additionally, a method of making and using surface modified intraocular lens implants is provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to an implantable medical device to treat a patient. The implantable device can be an orthopedic device such as a spinal implant including, but not restricted to, a disc or nucleus pulposus prosthesis, a spinal rod assembly, or a bone fixation plate. The orthopedic device can be formed to include a metal matrix composite that provides enhanced wear and diagnostic imaging techniques. In other forms, the present invention provides an implantable medical device that includes a porous metal matrix composite that can deliver a therapeutic composition to a patient. In still other forms, the present invention provides an implantable electrical device or lead formed to include a metal matrix composite that provides lower polarization and interfacial impedance and allows enhanced sensing of the physiological signals.

Abstract: An intervertebral spacer device having a pair of opposing plates for seating against opposing vertebral bone surfaces, separated by at least one spring mechanism. The preferred spring mechanism is at least one spirally slotted belleville washer having radially extending grooves. In a preferred embodiment there is a single such belleville which is modified to mount onto a ball-shaped head. The lower plate of this embodiment includes a post extending upwardly from the inner surface of the plate, the post including a ball-shaped head. The modified Belleville washer can be rotatably mounted to the head such that the wider portion of the washer seats against the upper plate. The belleville washer has at least one radially extending groove and at least one spiral slot.

Abstract: An articulating spinal implant for intervertebral disc replacement. The articulating spinal implant is formed from two elements, each engaging one of an adjacent pair of vertebra. An articulating mechanism between the two elements resists compression and lateral movement between the vertebra, but allows the adjacent vertebra to articulate about an instantaneous axis of rotation.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant (1), specifically an artificial intervertebral disk, with a central axis (2), and an upper plate-shaped section (10), suitable for laying onto the base plate of a vertebral body lying on top, a lower plate-shaped section (30), suitable for laying onto the cover plate of a vertebral body lying below, wherein a central, plate-shaped section (20) is arranged between the upper and the lower section (10;30), a first circular-cylindrical rod (40) with a longitudinal axle (41) is arranged between the upper section (10) and the central section (20), and a second circular-cylindrical rod (50) with a longitudinal axle (51) is arranged between the lower section (30) and the central section (20).

Abstract: Provided is a hair dye composition to be used as a mixture of a first part containing an alkali agent and a second part containing an oxidizing agent, wherein the composition comprises (a) a triazacyclononane compound (1) or salt thereof, (b) 0.1 to 12 wt. %, in terms of hydrogen peroxide, of an oxidizing agent, and (c) 0.05 to 10 wt. % of an alkali agent, and the mixture has a pH of from 7.5 to 12. (R1 to R4: H or C1-6 alkyl which may be substituted by OH, R5 to R7: H, (substituted) C1-6 alkyl, (substituted) aralkyl, (substituted) heteroarylalkyl, (substituted) aryl, (substituted) heteroaryl, (substituted) C1-6 acyl, or a group (2) (in which R8 to R12 represents H, C1-6 alkyl, aralkyl or aryl and n stands for 2 to 30). The hair dye composition of the present invention has excellent hair bleaching power, can dye the hair into a bright favorable color tone, and moreover has less hair damage and less scalp irritation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for dyeing keratinous fibers, containing at least one azodiazine direct dye corresponding to the following formula (I): The present invention also relates to a method for dyeing keratinous fibers using these direct dyes.

Abstract: Described is a method of reducing transcutaneous passage of an orthodiphenol oxidation dye by adding a catalytic system of Mn(II) or Zn(II) salt or oxide and at least one alkaline or alkaline earth hydrogenocarbonate to the orthodiphenol oxidation dye composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a fuel cell, comprising a step of forming a plurality of holes (10) in at least two substrates (9); each hole is in the seat of an individual fuel cell, the said holes having a particular geometry, such as a shape of a truncated cone or a truncated pyramid shape. The various individual cells are then electrically connected by networks of electrical connections (11, 12) and are supplied via a reactant distribution network, the assembly formed by a substrate (9), the cells and the networks constituting a base module (9?). Finally, at least two base modules (9?) are assembled, the individual cells of each base module being positioned facing the individual cells of the adjacent base module(s).

Abstract: Transportation fuels are provided that have reduced toxics, VOC and NOx emissions, as well as, reduced sulfur content. The transportation fuels provided meet emissions reduction requirements determined by using the EPA Complex Model and for reduced sulfur. Reduction in sulfur content allows the use of components with high concentrations of olefins, while still reducing toxics, hydrocarbon (VOCs) and NOx emissions to acceptable levels.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a multi-step process of converting hydrocarbon fuel to a substantially pure hydrogen gas feed includes a plurality of modules stacked end-to-end along a common axis. Each module includes a shell having an interior space defining a passageway for the flow of gas from a first end of the shell to a second end of the shell opposite the first end, and a processing core being contained within the interior space for effecting a chemical, thermal, or physical change to a gas stream passing axially through the module. The multi-step process includes: providing a fuel processor having a plurality of modules stacked end-to-end along a common axis; and feeding the hydrocarbon fuel successively through each of the modules in an axial direction through the tubular reactor to produce the hydrogen rich gas.

Abstract: A reformer for reacting a raw material gas to be reformed, with an oxidizing agent gas and a reforming agent gas in the presence of an oxidation catalyst and a reforming catalyst to obtain a hydrogen-containing gas, including: a set of catalyst layers consisting of an oxidation catalyst layer and a reforming catalyst layer, and two or more inlets for feeding the oxidizing agent gas to the oxidation catalyst and/or the reforming catalyst in plural stages. The reformer can produce a hydrogen-containing gas without forming a combustion region of a temperature of as high as one thousand and several hundreds centigrade and can be manufactured at a low cost.

Abstract: The separator has a vane assembly made up of a number of corrugated vanes that provide serpentine paths for the gas stream therethrough. As the gas stream flows through the serpentine paths, it changes direction and liquid in the gas stream impacts the surfaces of the vanes. The upstream section of the vane assembly has roughened surfaces to decrease the surface tension of the liquid, thereby causing the liquid to coalesce. The downstream section of the vane assembly has smooth surfaces so as to increase the surface tension of the liquid. The vane assembly is followed by filters, which capture the liquid that passes through the vane assembly. The vane assembly coalesces the liquid to enable the filters to operate more effectively.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, an integrated air processing device includes a housing defining an air inlet, an air outlet, and a pathway from the inlet to the outlet. An air decontamination section, an air conditioning section, and a heating section are provided along the pathway. A blower is also provided along the pathway, to drive air from the inlet to the outlet, along the pathway. In another example, an integrated air processing device includes a housing as above, and an air conditioning section and a heating section along the pathway. An air decontamination section and/or a blower may also be provided along the pathway. In accordance with another embodiment, a portable isolation containment system includes one or more portable containment enclosures coupled to the integrated air processing devices described above. Methods are disclosed, as well.

Abstract: Filter arrangements include a barrier media in the form of fluted media treated with a deposit of fine fibers. The media is particularly advantageous in high temperature (greater than 140 to 240° F.) systems. Such systems may include engine systems, gas turbine systems, and fuel cell systems. Filter arrangements may take the form of media packs having a circular cross-section or a racetrack shaped cross-section, or media packs formed in a panel configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved polymer materials. Also disclosed are fine fiber materials that can be made from the improved polymeric materials in the form of microfiber and nanofiber structures. The microfiber and nanofiber structures can be used in a variety of useful applications including the formation of filter materials.

Abstract: A process comprising: reacting a silver compound with a reducing agent comprising a hydrazine compound in the presence of a thermally removable stabilizer in a reaction mixture comprising the silver compound, the reducing agent, the stabilizer, and an optional solvent, to form a plurality of silver-containing nanoparticles with molecules of the stabilizer on the surface of the silver-containing nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for forming nanosized metal particles. Preferably, nanosized noble metal particles are formed. According to the methods of the invention, a product containing nanosized metal particles in a solvent are formed. Additionally, processing to remove undesirable byproducts created or used during the fabrication process are not necessary.

Abstract: A 3-in-1 photo-electronic air purifying and disinfecting system, which utilizes alternating current, has an activated carbon filter used in the first stage to eliminate impurities, germs and bacteria in the air drawn into the system. The bacteria and germs which are capable of passing through the activated carbon filter are then eliminated by extreme-UV light emitted by extreme-UV light tubes. An anion generator is also included to boost the level of anions in the air before being discharged. These two modes operate in the following manner: the first mode involves high-voltage cathodic output that is discharged via a carbonized fiber. The ionized air is then expelled by a fan. The second mode eliminates bacteria, germs and mold from air as it passes extreme-UV light tubes by exposure to extreme-UV light emitted by these extreme-UV light tubes.

Abstract: Electrostatic precipitators, including wet electrostatic precipitators, having a bank of conductive tubes which receive a gas stream having entrained particulates and an electrode connected to an electric current, wherein the tubes each include an internal restriction creating a hydrostatic pressure more evenly distributing the gas flow between the tubes eliminating the requirement for flow distribution devices, such as air straighteners and perforated plates.

Abstract: The distance between a discharge electrode and a counter electrode of a discharge device is set to not more than 10 mm such that a streamer discharge is caused between the electrodes. The frequency of sound made by the streamer discharge is raised to 6 kHz or higher to exceed the frequency range which is easily perceivable by human hearing.

Abstract: The invention provides an ink set for ink-jet recording that is able to form an image having a sufficient optical density and causing no feathering and intercolor bleed within a short period of time while being excellent in reliability of the maintenance unit. The ink set comprises at least a liquid (a) containing a colorant, water soluble solvent and water; a liquid (b) containing a pH adjusting agent, water soluble solvent and water; and a liquid (c). The ink set satisfies any one of the conditions in the first embodiment: (i) the colorant is anionic, (ii) the liquid (b) has a pH of not higher than 6.5, (iii) the liquid (c) has a pH of not lower than 8.0, and (iv) the mixed liquid of the liquid (b) and the liquid (c) in a mass ratio of 1:1 has a pH of not lower than 7; or the second embodiment: (i) the colorant is cationic, (ii) the liquid (b) has a pH of not lower than 8.5, (iii) the liquid (c) has a pH of not higher than 6.

Abstract: A composition comprising: (a) a compound of Formula (1) wherein: R1, R2, R3 and R4 independently are substituents; m and p independently are 0 to 3; and n and q independently are 0 to 2: provided that the compound of Formula (1) comprises at least one water solubilising group; and (b) a liquid media. Also novel compounds and ink-jet printer inks, processes and cartridges.

Abstract: An ink jet ink is provided with which metallic luster appearing in printing on a recording medium, i.e. the bronze phenomenon is kept from occurring and good images can be obtained. The ink jet ink includes at least a coloring material which is a compound represented by a specific general formula, and further contains a specific amine compound.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a yellow dye compound having a structure of the following formula (I): wherein M is H, Li, NH4 or Na. The dye compound of the present invention is particularly applied to yellow dye compound for paper-printing ink jet ink and can be made into yellow ink jet ink with greenish yellow, wide color gamut, and excellent solubility.

Abstract: To provide a novel phthalocyanine compound, and an inkjet ink and inkjet recording method capable of an image having an excellent hue, fastness to light and ozone gas resistance. To provide various coloring compositions such as an ink sheet for heat-sensitive recording material, color toner for electrophotography, and color filter, and to provide improving method of oxidation resistance of an image. [Means for Resolution] A phthalocyanine compound substituted with —SO2NH—Z (Z represents a heterocyclic group) in at least one combination of 2 and 3, 6 and 7, 10 and 11, and 14 and 15-positions, wherein at least one of the 1 to 16-positions has two or more carbon atoms and the total number of the carbon atom thereof is 8 or more, inkjet ink using the compound, ink sheet, color toner and a color filter composition, which use the compound.

Abstract: The inventive method for producing refractory high-strength spherical granules consists in separately presintering kaolin and bauxite in a rotational furnace, jointly sintering said components in order to produce a charging material, granulating, drying and screening said charging material, sintering said granules in the rotational furnace and screening the sintered granules. Said sintered kaoline is produced by sintering at a temperature ranging from 1400 to 1500 DEG C so far as a water absorption of 5% is attained for kaoline containing 40-45 mass % and a free quartz in a quantity equal to or greater than 60 mass %. The Al2O3:SiO2 ratio in the charging material is equal to 1:1 at the following charging material component ratio: 36-67 mass % sintered kaolin and the rest being sintered bauxite.

Abstract: A method for increasing working time/setting time of monolithic tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) cement paste formed by mixing a TTCP powder with an aqueous solution, which includes heating the TTCP powder, prior to the mixing, so that the TTCP powder is maintained at a temperature of 50-350° C. for a period of time which is greater than one minute, and that a TTCP cement paste formed by mixing the resulting heated TTCP powder with the aqueous solution has a prolonged working time in comparison with that formed by mixing TTCP powder that has not been subjected to such heating with the aqueous solution.

Abstract: A single roll crusher for comminuting high purity materials includes a roll with teeth spaced around the circumference of the roll. The roll is rotatably mounted inside a housing. The housing has a top with an entrance port, sides, and bottom with an exit port. The roll, teeth, and at least the inside surfaces of the top, sides, and bottom are fabricated from a material of construction that minimizes contamination of silicon. The material of construction may be tungsten carbide with a cobalt binder. The single roll crusher is used for processing polycrystalline silicon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparation for diamond, graphite or mixtures of diamond and graphite by reduction of CO or CO2. Said method comprises a step of contacting an active metal capable of reducing a carbon source into elementary carbon with carbon source (such as CO and/or CO2 and/or their origin) under conditions suitable to reduce the carbon source to elementary carbon in the course of a reduction reaction. After the raw diamond or mixtures of diamond and graphite thus obtained are subjected to intensive heat treatment with perchloric acid, pure diamond granules are obtained. The present method employs relatively low reaction temperature and pressure and the facilities needed in the method are simple and easy to operate. Diamond finally obtained has good crystallinity and free of impurities with granule size of several hundred micrometer.

Abstract: A susceptor (10) supporting a semiconductor substrate (W) in a vapor phase growth, wherein a pocket (11) is formed on an upper surface of the susceptor to arrange the semiconductor substrate (W) inside thereof. The pocket (11) has a two-stage structure having an upper stage pocket (11a) for supporting an outer peripheral edge portion of the semiconductor substrate (W) and a lower stage pocket (11b) formed on a lower stage of a center side from the upper stage pocket (11a). A hole (12) penetrated to a rear surface of the susceptor and opened in the vapor phase growth is formed in the lower stage pocket (11b).

Abstract: A precursor and method for filling a feature in a substrate. The method generally includes depositing a barrier layer, the barrier layer being formed from pentakis(dimethylamido)tantalum having less than about 5 ppm of impurities. The method additionally may include depositing a seed layer over the barrier layer and depositing a conductive layer over the seed layer. The precursor generally includes pentakis(dimethylamido)tantalum having less than about 5 ppm of impurities. The precursor is generated in a canister coupled to a heating element configured to reduce formation of impurities.