Abstract: A stent is disclosed that has an elongated body composed of a bioabsorbable polymer having a proximal end, a distal end, two open spiral channels formed on the exterior surface of the body to provide fluid communication between the proximal end and the distal end. The stent also has a central lumen open at the proximal and distal ends of the stent for the passage of a guide wire. A method for using the stent and a kit containing the stent are also disclosed.

Abstract: A disposable device for treating a condition of a ureter or kidney having a cylindrical body about 1-2 mm in diameter by about 5 to 10 mm in length and having a top and bottom end. The body is made of absorbent material that expands upon contact with pharmaceutical agent and bodily fluids and includes a string connected to the bottom end of the body for removing the device. The device can be used to treat a condition of the ureter or kidney by inserting into the ureter or kidney, delivering a pharmaceutical agent, and removing the device after it has been impregnated with fluid. The device can be included in a kit with an insertion device and/or appropriate pharmaceutical agents.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to a ureteral stent having two stent bodies and a tether. The stent can minimize or prevent migration of the device out of the bladder of the patient while also reducing patient discomfort associated with such stents.

Abstract: Methods and devices that prevent stasis in the LAA by either increasing the flow through the LAA or by closing off or sealing the LAA. Increasing the flow is accomplished through shunts, flow diverters, agitators, or by increasing the size of the ostium. Closing off the LAA is accomplished using seals or by cinching the LAA.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw, a second jaw rotatable relative to the first jaw, and a closure system for closing the second jaw is disclosed. The closure system comprises a multi-stage closure system. In at least one instance, the closure system comprises a first closure member which closes the second jaw quickly, but with low force, and a second closure member which closes the second jaw more slowly, but with a higher force.

Abstract: Glaucoma treatment systems are disclosed. In various example, the glaucoma treatment systems include a body and a fluid conduit configured to facilitate an evacuation of fluid, such as aqueous humor, from a fluid-filled body cavity, such as an anterior chamber of an eye. In some examples, the fluid conduit is soft and compliant, and the glaucoma treatment system includes one or more stiffening members coupled with the fluid conduit to temporarily stiffen the fluid conduit and help aid in the delivery of the glaucoma treatment device. In some examples, the stiffening members are removable from the fluid conduit after the glaucoma treatment system has been implanted.

Abstract: Delivery devices, systems and methods are provided for inserting an implant into an eye. The delivery or inserter devices or systems can be used to dispose or implant an ocular stent or implant, such as a shunt, in communication with a suprachoroidal space of the eye. The implant can drain fluid from an anterior chamber of the eye to a physiologic outflow path of the eye, such as, the suprachoroidal space or other portion of the uveoscleral outflow path. The delivery or inserter devices or systems can be used in conjunction with other ocular surgery, for example, but not limited to, cataract surgery through a preformed corneal incision, or independently with the inserter configured to make a corneal incision. The implant can be preloaded with or within the inserter to advantageously provide a sterile, easy-to-use package for use by an operator.

Abstract: In general, medical sheath systems that include a curved support sheath are described. In one embodiment, the support sheath includes a curved tube includes a distal portion fixed in an orientation perpendicular to the proximal end during advancement of an interventional tool through the support sheath.

Abstract: An adjustable length medical device, such as a drainage stent, and delivery device for placing within the body, having an elongate tube and retention members at each end portion for anchoring the device in the body. The proximal portion of the device including the proximal retention member may be segmented in incremental portions so that the length of the device can be adjusted for placement.

Abstract: A method may include positioning a first device within an internal carotid artery of a subject and impeding antegrade blood flow in the internal carotid artery. Additionally, the method may include delivering a pharmaceutical agent through an external carotid artery for passage into an ophthalmic artery of the subject.

Abstract: Described here are systems and methods for accessing Schlemm's canal and for delivering an ocular device or fluid composition therein. The ocular devices may maintain the patency of Schlemm's canal without substantially interfering with transmural fluid flow across the canal. The fluid composition may be a viscoelastic fluid that is delivered into the canal to facilitate drainage of aqueous humor by disrupting the canal and surrounding trabeculocanalicular tissues. Tools for disrupting these tissues and minimally invasive methods for treating medical conditions associated with elevated intraocular pressure, including glaucoma, are also described.

Abstract: A shunt system used to treat excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulation is described. In some embodiments, the system utilizes various mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical concepts designed to either clean a portion of the shunt system, or customize CSF drainage.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a nephrostomy tube and a nephrostomy tube with curved drainage. The nephrostomy tube with curved drainage includes a bending head, a balloon element, and an elongated main body integrally connected with each other, wherein the nephrostomy tube with curved drainage has an guiding channel adapted for a guiding member to penetrate through, wherein the bending head has a first inner channel and at least two drainage bending channels located on the outer side of the first inner channel, wherein the balloon element has an air chamber and a second inner channel, wherein the at least two drainage bending channels are communicated with the second inner channel, wherein the elongated main body has a third inner channel communicated with the second inner channel of the balloon element, wherein the first inner channel, the second inner channel and the third inner channel from the guiding channel.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a lead that includes metallic traces sandwiched between layers of polymers to form a ribbon (e.g., similar to a flex circuit). In an illustrative example, areas on both ends of the traces may be exposed, forming stimulation electrodes on one end and electrical contacts on the other. The ribbon may be formed such that it fits down a small diameter needle. When the needle is removed, the formed ribbon may relax and engage the tissue providing a means of retention. The lead may advantageously: (1) be minimally invasive to implant, (2) be inexpensive, (3) stay in place a temporary/trial medical procedure setting, and (4) be easy to remove.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods for using electrical stimulation to treat a mammal having a proteinopathy (e.g., neurodegenerative diseases) or at risk of developing a proteinopathy are provided. For example, the present invention provides materials and methods for modulating glymphatic clearance (e.g., enhancing glymphatic clearance) of pathogenic proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a deformable, insertable device for relieving intraocular pressure comprising a body portion composed of a biocompatible porous material with pores throughout to permit drainage of fluid from the anterior chamber to the scleral tissue without collapse of the anterior chamber. The invention also includes a method for inserting the device into the eye and for using ultrasound intraoperatively to determine the position of surgical tools and devices within the sclera. The invention also includes a device excising sclera in an eye to create a chamber for insertion of the insertable device into the eye.

Abstract: A hemodynamic flow assist device includes a miniature pump, a basket-like cage enclosing and supporting the pump, and a motor to drive the pump. The device is implanted and retrieved in a minimally invasive manner via percutaneous access to a patient's artery. The device has a first, collapsed configuration to assist in implantation and a second, expanded configuration once deployed and active. The device is deployed within a patient's aorta and is secured in place via a self-expanding cage which engages the inner wall of the aorta. The device includes a helical screw pump with self-expanding blades, sensors, and anchoring structures. Also disclosed is a retrieval device to remove the hemodynamic flow assist device once it is no longer needed by the patient and an arterial closure device to close the artery access point after implantation and removal of the hemodynamic flow assist device.

Abstract: A stent (100) comprising a stent wall (102), the stent wall (102) having a plurality of side holes (110) extending therethrough, each side hole (110) having an upstream end (116) and a downstream end (118). The stent wall (102) tapers in thickness in a direction towards the side hole (110) at the upstream (116) and/or downstream (118) end of at least one of the side holes (110). Also disclosed are methods for making side holes (110) in stents (100) by milling and making stents (100) having side holes (110) by injection moulding.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a sleeve, a seal, and an anchor assembly. The sleeve is flexible and non-permeable and is configured to fit in a duodenum. The seal is positioned at the proximal end of the sleeve and is configured to seal the proximal end of the sleeve against the stomach mucosa, the pylorus, or the duodenum mucosa. The anchor assembly comprises a pair of atraumatic anchor ends and a resilient member positioned between the anchor ends. At least a portion of the resilient member extends along at least a portion of the length of the sleeve. The resilient member is configured to bias the anchor ends generally toward each other, to thereby substantially anchor the sleeve in the duodenum. The sleeve is configured to prevent chyme from contacting the mucosa of the duodenum; and to prevent enzymes excreted in the duodenum from mixing with chyme in the duodenum.

Abstract: An everting balloon system is disclosed that can be used for the placement of an IUD within the uterine cavity of a female patient. The everting balloon system with IUD can be used to access a uterine cavity at specific locations in the fundus. A one-handed IUD delivery system for placement with an everting catheter is disclosed. An IUD loading system for placement within an everting catheter is disclosed. The everting catheter with an IUD can simplify the process of IUD placement within the uterine cavity.

Abstract: An ocular implant configured for implantation into the eye of a subject comprising an elongate outer shell (54), an internal plug (210) including a hydrogel and a drug reservoir including a drug (62) wherein the drug is configured to pass through at least a portion of the internal plug to control elution of the drug through the outer shell. The implant is made of biodegradable materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cannula comprising a tip and an outlet, the cannula having a reduction in the internal diameter, which reduction is designed as a conically tapering tip the end of which has a length that is shorter than the internal diameter of the adjoining portion of the cannula.

Abstract: An asymmetric device for regulating blood volume distribution across a patient's atrial septum having a first expandable end region and a second expandable end region. The first expandable end region is transitionable from a contracted delivery state to an expanded deployed state in which the first expandable end region extends into the patient's left atrium and an inlet end of the first expandable end region is in a first plane. The second expandable end region is transitionable from a contracted delivery state to an expanded deployed state in which the second expandable end region extends into the patient's right atrium and an outlet end of the second expandable end region is in a second plane, such that the first plane intersects the second plane. The device further includes a neck region joining the first expandable end region to the second expandable end region, wherein the neck region is sized and shaped for placement in the patient's atrial septum.

Abstract: Implantable shunt devices and methods for draining cerebrospinal fluid from a patient's subarachnoid space include a shunt having opposed first and second ends, the second end being constructed to penetrate a wall of a sigmoid, transverse, straight, or sagittal sinus of the patient, a one-way valve, a hollow passageway extending between the second end and the one-way valve such that cerebrospinal fluid can be drained through the second end and out through the valve, and a mechanism coupled to the shunt and configured to anchor the shunt at a desired location proximal to the subarachnoid space.

Abstract: An endovascular anastomotic connector and method of using the same. The endovascular anastomotic connector includes a vascular conduit and a supply conduit. The vascular conduit has proximal and distal ends that reside within a vascular structure. The supply conduit extends at an angle from the vascular conduit. The proximal end of the supply conduit is configured to be attached to an auxiliary device.

Abstract: A cochlear implant device is disclosed, comprising an inductive antenna, a stimulation unit, an electrode array, and an energy harvesting apparatus. The inductive antenna is configured to receive energy to operate the cochlear implant and to receive signals for a stimulation of a cochlea via an electrode array comprising a plurality of electrodes. The stimulation unit is configured to process the signals received by the inductive antenna to be usable for the electrodes of the electrode array. The electrode array is configured to apply the signals processed by the stimulation unit to the cochlea for the stimulation thereof. The energy harvesting apparatus is connected to the stimulation unit or to the electrode array, and is configured to harvest energy based on at least one of thermal, biochemical, biophysical, and mechanical processes/phenomena pertaining to the cochlea, and is configured to provide harvested energy to the stimulation unit or the electrode array, respectively.

Abstract: A lacrimal drug delivery device includes a reservoir configured to hold a drug. The reservoir is moveable between a relaxed state and an expanded state. A connector is fluidly coupled to the reservoir and a lumen is formed in the connector wherein the drug is configured to flow from the reservoir to an delivery site through the lumen. A hydrogel is within the lumen and configured to absorb the drug from the reservoir and deliver the drug from the lumen at the delivery site. The hydrogel includes a first section which absorbs the drug at a first rate of absorption. A delivery guide is detachably coupled to the reservoir to deliver the reservoir into a lacrimal sac of a patient.

Abstract: A shunt rivet for implantation between a first body space and a second body space in a patient, such as to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis is provided for repairing a fistula, such as an anal fistula. The prosthesis or fistula repair device may include a body with a shape configured for placement in the fistula. The prosthesis may also include an anchor or base that is located at one or both ends of the body to facilitate anchoring the prosthesis in position. The prosthesis may include one or more channels to create one or more pathways for drainage and/or irrigation of the fistula. The channel may have a relatively uniform dimension along its length or a tapered shape that increases along its length. The prosthesis may have an adjustable length for accommodating fistula tracts of varying lengths. The prosthesis may include elongated body segments that provide a wicking or capillary function to facilitate drainage of the fistula tract.

Abstract: An implantable body fluid drainage system includes a metering shunt having a housing with an internal chamber. A movable barrier divides the chamber into a first section and a second section, and the barrier can be displaced by a differential pressure. A first powered inlet valve providing a fill path to the first section of the chamber, and a first powered drain valve providing a drain path from the first section of the chamber. A CSF inlet conduit connects a CSF space to the first powered inlet valve. A CSF outlet conduit connects the first powered outlet valve to a discharge location. A controller opens the first powered inlet valve and close the first powered drain valve to fill the first section to a volume defined by the barrier and chamber geometry and closes the first powered inlet valve and opens the first powered drain valve to discharge the filled volume from the first section through the outlet conduit.

Abstract: An implantable intracardiac device to prevent systolic anterior motion of the anterior mitral valve leaflet into the left ventricular outflow tract is described. The device comprises a blocking member configured for implantation within the left ventricle of the heart and in-situ blocking of systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve into the left ventricular outflow tract when anchored into the left ventricle of the heart. The device may be configured for radial expansion from a contracted orientation suitable for transluminal delivery to the left ventricle of the heart within a suitable delivery vehicle and an expanded orientation suitable for deployment within the left ventricle of the heart. The device comprises anchors configured for anchoring the device in-situ within the left ventricle to a wall of the left ventricle.

Abstract: A bypass device may include an elongate member extending from a proximal end toward a distal end, and a proximal opening and a distal opening coupled to one another by a lumen disposed through the elongate member. The bypass device also may include at least one port extending through a side surface of the elongate tubular member, wherein at least a portion of the bypass device may be bioabsorbable.

Abstract: Described here are systems and methods for accessing Schlemm's canal and for delivering an ocular device, tool, or fluid composition therein. The ocular devices may maintain the patency of Schlemm's canal without substantially interfering with transmural fluid flow across the canal. The fluid composition may be a viscoelastic fluid that is delivered into the canal to facilitate drainage of aqueous humor by disrupting the canal and surrounding trabeculocanalicular tissues. Some systems described here may be configured to cut or tear the trabecular meshwork with the body of an elongate member located within Schlemm's canal. Other tools for disrupting these tissues and minimally invasive methods for treating medical conditions associated with elevated intraocular pressure, including glaucoma, are also described.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic valve assembly, according to one embodiment, comprises a frame assembly including a plurality of struts and a prosthetic valve secured inside the frame assembly by sutures. The sutures are inward of the outermost surface of an outer periphery of the frame assembly. In certain embodiments the struts contain recesses in which sutures can be disposed. In other embodiments, the struts can have holes through them which the sutures pass through. The implantable prosthetic valve assembly can also be collapsed within a catheter such that an outermost surface of a periphery of the frame assembly touches the catheter but the sutures are spaced apart from the catheter or are flush with the outer surface of the frame.

Abstract: Medical devices for closing anatomical apertures, such as atrial or ventricular septal defects, are disclosed. The medical devices can include a plug body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis. The plug body can include an exterior surface, an interior surface defining an interior lumen, and a seal which can be located within the interior lumen. The medical devices can also include at least one arm member extending through the plug body between the exterior surface and the interior surface of the plug body. In certain embodiments, the medical device can include a distal loop and a proximal loop extending through the plug body. In certain embodiments, the proximal loop can be smaller than the distal loop, such that a top end and a bottom end of the proximal loop can fit within a top end and a bottom end of the distal loop.

Abstract: A plug for occluding an ocular canaliculus comprises a cylindrical body member having a first outer diameter. The cylindrical body member is provided along an external surface with at least one outwardly extending projection having a second outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter and larger than an inner diameter of an ocular canaliculus. The first outer diameter of the plug is typically less than and approximately equal to the inner diameter of the canaliculus.

Abstract: An implantable ocular drug delivery system can include inserting an implantable device into an eye, where the device contains therapeutics intended to be released for local or systemic effects. In some implantable device embodiments, the device includes a microchannel intended to reduce intraocular pressure. In some implantable device embodiments, the device includes a microchannel intended to treat dry eye.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus. The apparatus includes a solid wire and a delivery catheter. The solid wire being provided with one or more retention mechanisms at a proximal end, a distal end, or both. The delivery catheter being capable of maintaining the one or more retention mechanisms in a delivery configuration. The one or more retention mechanisms are configured to expand to a deployed configuration upon removal of the delivery catheter.

Abstract: The present invention provides gastrointestinal devices for limiting transfer and contact of material across luminal walls along a segment of the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., at the duodenum and/or upper jejunum). Devices of the invention include a gastrointestinal sleeve, an anchor, and a flange for attachment to a luminal wall proximal to the pyloric orifice. The invention also provides methods of use associated with such gastrointestinal devices, including methods for delivery, removal, and treatment of metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, and related comorbidities thereof by implanting gastrointestinal devices.

Abstract: An ocular implant adapted to be disposed within Schlemm's canal of a human eye with a body extending along a curved longitudinal central axis in a curvature plane, a first strut on one side of the implant and a second strut on an opposite side of the implant, the circumferential extent of the first strut with respect to the plane of curvature being greater than the circumferential extent of the second strut with respect to the plane of curvature. The invention also includes methods of using the implant.

Abstract: Connectors interfacing a mechanical circulatory system with a patient's natural vasculature are provided herein. Such connectors include aortic connectors that facilitate fluid coupling of an outflow graft tube from an implanted blood pump with a patient's aorta. Aortic connectors can include a substantially planar portion configured for sealed attachment with a wall of the aorta and a tubular connector portion extending from an inlet opening to an outlet opening. The substantially planar portion can include a flexible membrane for attachment to an outer surface of the aorta and/or a flange for engagement with an inner surface of the aorta. The tubular connector can extend from the substantially planar portion at a pre-determined angle and include one or more attachment features to facilitate rapid fluidly sealed attachment to the outflow graft tube.

Abstract: A patient may be treated by implanting a combined arterial venous fistula graft implant in a limb of the patient. The combined implant includes a body with a vessel segment in contact with an artery and a first tubular segment for attachment to an end of a vein to form an arterial venous fistula, and a second tubular segment with an attached segment of artificial tubing for attachment to the vein at a second location to form an arterial venous graft. The arterial venous graft may be exclusively used to form hemodialysis for a period of time after the implanting step, while the arterial venous fistula matures.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal implant device (2800) comprises a planar proximal element (220) configured to reside in a stomach to resist distal migration, a distal element (222) configured to reside in an intestine to resist proximal migration and one or more tethers (224) coupling the planar proximal element to the distal element.

Abstract: Intraocular drainage devices, intraocular implantation procedures, and inserter devices for intraocular implantation procedures are disclosure. A disclosed intraocular drainage device includes a tube having a distal end and a body disposed proximal to the tube. An inlet port is disposed on the distal end of the tube and configured to receive an influent fluid from an anterior chamber of an eye. An inlet fluid pathway is coupled to the inlet port and extends at least partially through the tube. A plurality of outlet fluid pathways extend at least partially through the body and branch from the inlet fluid pathway. A plurality of outlet ports are disposed on the body and coupled to the plurality of outlet fluid pathways. A disclosed inserter device for an ocular implantation procedure includes a handle, a needle, and a plunger. The needle is disposed on a distal end of the handle and configured to hold an intraocular drainage device. The plunger is coupled to the needle and disposed in the handle.

Abstract: Methods are provided for using an intraocular shunt deployment device to deploy an intraocular shunt from the device and into an eye.

Abstract: Methods for performing certain medical procedures wherein a steerable endoluminal punch is used to not only gain access but to create a channel or punch through tissue, thus facilitating follow-up therapeutic procedures. The distal end of the steerable endoluminal punch is controllably articulated by the operator using a control device at the proximal end.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to magnetic puncture access and delivery systems and methods, including creating a passageway, such as a fistula, between two vessels or segments of a vessel. A system can include two catheters, each carrying a plurality of magnets along a longitudinal axis of each catheter.

Abstract: Medical devices and related method for improving blood flow to regions of a patient are described herein. Some medical devices may include a first graft portion, a second graft portion, and a catheter portion disposed between the first graft portion and the second graft portion. The medical device may be implanted into a patient to establish a non-natural flow path.

Abstract: Extra-urethral implants and methods of use are disclosed. Implants can treat disorders or diseases of the prostate by, for example, enlarging the lumen of the prostatic urethra.

Abstract: Articulation devices, systems, methods for articulation, and methods for fabricating articulation structures make use of balloon arrays, with inflation of the balloons locally altering articulation. Inflation fluid may be directed toward the balloons from an inflation fluid source via a series of channels, the balloons and channels included in a helical multi-balloon assembly. The balloons may be supported by encasing the helical balloon assembly in a polymer matrix, such as by winding the balloon assembly onto a mandrel and dip-coating some or all of the assembly in an elastomer such as a silicone, a urethane, or the like. The balloons may be supported by one or more spring, with loops of the spring(s) optionally being inward of the balloons, outward of the balloons, or interspersed between the balloons, and/or a mesh tube, braid, or other compliant materials may be included.