Abstract: An implantable medical device configured to selectively permit access to a medicament reservoir or fluid pathway by way of at least one contactless key, including an implantable medical device having a medicament reservoir fluidly coupled to an access port via a first conduit and a second conduct via an access valve, and at least one contactless key configured to impart a magnetic field upon a portion of the implantable medical pump to manipulate the access valve between a first position fluidly coupling the medicament reservoir to the access port via the first conduit, and a second position fluidly coupling the medicament reservoir to the access port via the second conduit, and a third position isolating the medicament reservoir from the access port.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention advantageously leverage the expansion, dilation or by-pass of the Schlemm's canal using adjustable reversible self-expanding eye stents (SES) or eye tension rings (ETRs) of desired sizes to control and improve aqueous flow throughout the range of the uveolymphatic canal. As such, some embodiments include tension ring(s) or cylinders that sits either inside or outside the Schlemm's canal wall and is at least partially within the canal and/or is partially or fully anchored, attached, adhered, or otherwise held in place with respect to the wall and/or elsewhere in the canal. The partial or complete expansion of the canal can be pre-configured based on pre-operative metrology of the Schlemm's canal to a customized and adjustable fit across the various zones within the uveolymphatic canal and based on the patient specific and evolving needs.

Abstract: The present application relates to novel intraocular devices and their use in surgical techniques, as well as the novel surgical methodology achieved from their use.

Abstract: A device for use in pressure sensing has a housing enclosing a chamber and having at least one port that communicates with the chamber. A pressure sensor receives fluid pressure from the chamber. The chamber has a compliance that exhibits a marked change in volumetric stiffness repeatably at a fixed pressure.

Abstract: A subcutaneous arteriovenous graft system includes an arteriovenous graft having an arterial end, a venous end opposite to the arterial end and an internal volume between the arterial end and the venous end, and a valve device that can be arranged in an open state, in which fluid flow through the graft is possible and a closed state in which the fluid flow through the arteriovenous graft is blocked. The valve device is constructed to decrease, in the closed state of the valve device, the internal volume of the complete graft to substantially zero.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system including a flow control assembly. The system may include a flow regulating shunt system, for various purposes. The flow control assembly may be controlled according to selected parameters and methods.

Abstract: Provided herein is a glaucoma drainage implant assembly. The assembly may include a drainage implant tube defining a lumen there through defining a fluid channel between an anterior chamber of an eye and a region outside of the sclera of the eye; a closure disposed at a position outside the anterior chamber of the eye, the closure configured to preclude fluid flow from the anterior chamber of the eye to the region outside of the sclera of the eye; and a shunt received within the drainage implant tube, between the end of the drainage implant tube in the anterior chamber of the eye and the closure, where the shunt is configured to permit fluid flow from the anterior chamber of the eye, through the drainage implant tube, and out of the drainage implant tube external to the sclera of the eye through the shunt.

Abstract: A method of providing retrograde perfusion of a patient's brain includes occluding a jugular vein of a subject at a jugular occlusion location, and passively shunting arterial blood from an artery of the subject to a location in the jugular vein distal to the jugular occlusion location.

Abstract: An ocular electrolysis device is described that may include a diverting tube configured for insertion into an eye. The ocular electrolysis device may include an electrolysis chamber mechanically attached to the diverting tube such that aqueous from the eye enters the electrolysis chamber through the diverting tube. The ocular electrolysis device may include a pressure sensor located in the electrolysis chamber. The ocular electrolysis device may include a pair of electrodes located in the electrolysis chamber. The ocular electrolysis device may include a controller electrically connected to the pair of the electrodes and the pressure sensor, where the controller regulates electrolysis of the aqueous in the electrolysis chamber based on input from the pressure sensor through power levels at the pair of the electrodes.

Abstract: An endovascular shunt implantation system includes a guide member configured for being deployed in an inferior petrosal sinus, and a delivery catheter movably coupled to the guide member, wherein a distal end of the delivery catheter includes a tissue penetrating element. A guard is disposed over the tissue penetrating element, the guard having an open distal end portion including an inner surface feature configured to deflect the tissue penetrating element away from the guide member when the tissue penetrating element is translated distally relative to the guard. A shunt delivery shuttle is positioned within, and is movable relative to, the delivery catheter, the shunt delivery shuttle having a distal portion configured to collapse around an elongate shunt body to thereby transport the shunt body through the delivery catheter, wherein the distal portion self-expands to release the shunt body when the distal shuttle portion is advanced out of the delivery catheter.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes devices, systems, and methods for intravascularly delivering an implantable device to a targeted anatomical site such as the mitral annulus. A delivery system includes a delivery member coupled to a handle assembly and extending distally from the handle assembly. A delivery catheter is concentrically positioned within an outer member and configured to advance the intravascular device relative to the outer member. The delivery catheter includes a distal can structure configured to house at least a portion of the intravascular device in a compressed, pre-deployed position.

Abstract: The present invention discloses indicator fluids, reference indicator fluid, and usage thereof, and systems and methods for assessing movement of molecular substances within, to or from a cerebrospinal fluid, brain or spinal cord compartment of a human cranio-spinal cavity. Indicator fluid moving from the cerebrospinal fluid compartment enables measurements of levels of indicator fluid in blood or urine and assessment of the cranio-spinal cavity's ability to remove molecular substances. The indicator fluids may be contrast agents used for imaging, such as by computed tomography imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging, or imaging utilizing radioactive substances by positron emission tomography, single-photon emission computed tomography or scintigraphy.

Abstract: An arteriovenous graft (AV graft) and method of using the AV graft to facilitate dialysis is described. The AV graft includes a tube having two or more embedded reinforcing elements that each extend along a length of the tube and extends circumferentially along a portion of the tube. The reinforcing element is positioned in the patent distal to the skin and assists by minimizing slippage of a hemodialysis needle that might happen to attempt to pierce the back side of the AV graft. The method includes providing the AV graft to the patient and providing hemodialysis to a patient provided with the AV graft.

Abstract: Disclosed is a valve assembly operable to selectively control a flow or passage of a fluid. The valve assembly may be applied to any appropriate mechanism such as a hydrocephalus shunt, fluid draining sewage system, or tank holding system. The valve assembly disclosed may include a selected profile for various applications.

Abstract: An ocular implant having an inlet portion and a Schlemm's canal portion distal to the inlet portion, the inlet portion being disposed at a proximal end of the implant and sized and configured to be placed within an anterior chamber of a human eye, the Schlemm's canal portion being arranged and configured to be disposed within Schlemm's canal of the eye when the inlet portion is disposed in the anterior chamber.

Abstract: An implantable medical pump system configured to selectively permit access to a medicament reservoir by way of at least one contactless key, including an implantable medical pump having an medicament reservoir fluidly couple to an access port via a conduit including an access valve, and at least one contactless key configured to impart a magnetic field upon a portion of the implantable medical pump to manipulate the access valve between a closed position isolating the medicament reservoir from the access port, and an open position fluidly coupling the medicament reservoir to the access port.

Abstract: The application relates to a hydrocephalus valve for draining CSF from the ventricle systems of patients. The valve has a housing with a housing interior and at least one first passage for admission and/or discharge. The valve has at least one body provided in the housing interior. The body is designed to move in at least one direction. At least one adjusting unit is provided. The application aims to improve tried-and-tested existing valves. To achieve this, the adjusting unit is designed to adjust at least one drainage rate in the passage, and to allow the drainage rate to be adjusted between 1 ml per hour and 1000 ml per hour at a pressure at the hydrocephalus valve of 20 cm water column, in order to slow or accelerate, by means of this adjustment, a change in pressure in the ventricle system that results from the drainage.

Abstract: A device (100) is provided for treating diseases that produce elevated intraocular pressures, such as glaucoma, wherein the device (100) includes a housing shell (101) defining a cavity (107) between a first end (102) and a second end (104) of the housing shell (101), and an elastic membrane (110) disposed within the cavity (107) to divide the cavity (107) into a fluidic channel (106) that permits a flow of fluid from the first end (102) to the second (104) end and a sealed cavity (112). The elastic membrane (110) deforms to change the volume of the sealed cavity (107) responsive to pressure fluctuations between the first and second ends (102, 104), thereby varying the fluidic resistance of the flow of fluid through the fluidic channel (106).

Abstract: A device for regulating blood pressure in a heart chamber is provided. The device includes a shunt positionable within a septum of the heart. The shunt is designed for enabling blood flow between a loft heart chamber and a right heart chamber, wherein the flow rate capacity of the device is mostly a function of pressure in the left heart chamber.

Abstract: Systems, catheters, and methods for accessing and treating along the central nervous system are disclosed. An example method may control operation of a pump of pump/filtration system to facilitate removing cerebrospinal fluid from a patient, filtering the cerebrospinal fluid with a filter module to remove waste product, and returning the filtered cerebrospinal fluid to the patient. Operation of the pump may be adjusted based on a value related to a measure sensed by a sensor in communication with a lumen carrying cerebrospinal fluid through the filtration system.

Abstract: Various systems, devices, components and methods are disclosed for controllably and selectively occluding, restricting, and/or diverting flow within a patient's vasculature. The flow restriction systems can include an implant having a flow restrictor and an implantable controller having an actuator for actuating the flow restrictor. The flow restriction systems can also include an external device for controlling operation of the implant via the implantable controller.

Abstract: A cannula includes a tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a tubular sidewall extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The cannula further includes an extendable member provided on a portion of the sidewall. The extendable member is configured to extend radially outward from the sidewall. The sidewall defines an aperture located between the proximal end and the distal end of the main tube.

Abstract: The invention provides for novel glaucoma surgical devices comprising a microfluidic meshwork. The meshwork comprises interconnected, cellular-dimensioned microfluidic channels. Excess fluid in the eye can be drained and diffused through the microfluidic channels. The meshwork is porous and highly flexible, affording mechanical compliance similar to that of eye tissue. The meshwork minimizes foreign body reactions to the implant, decreasing fibrosis and capsule formation.

Abstract: The invention describes catheter systems and methods for accessing the brain during endovascular/neurointervention procedures in the treatment of ischemic stroke. More specifically, a multi-axial catheter system and kit is described that improves the process of accessing a carotid artery particularly in patients having a tortuous aortic arch and thereafter improves the process of gaining access to the brain to enable the insertion of aspiration and/or the deployment clot retrieval devices. In addition, methods of utilizing these systems are described.

Abstract: A system for treating atrial dysfunction, including heart failure and/or atrial fibrillation, that includes one or more pressurizing elements and control circuitry. The one or more pressurizing elements can comprise one or more balloons and can be configured to be positioned in the left atrium, and optionally the pulmonary artery, of a patient's heart. The one or more pressurizing elements can be coupled to one or more positioning structures that can be configured to position the one or more pressurizing elements in the left atrium, and optionally the pulmonary artery. The control circuitry can be configured to operate the one or more pressurizing elements to decrease or increase pressure and/or volume in the left atrium, and optionally the pulmonary artery, in accordance with different phases of the cardiac cycle.

Abstract: A shunt 10 for implantation in the human body for treating ocular disorders related to disorders of intraocular or intracranial pressure by providing for flow of aqueous fluid in the anterior chamber A of the eye and cerebrospinal fluid in the subarachnoid space B surrounding the optic nerve C. The shunt has a proximal end 12 which is implanted in the ocular anterior chamber and a distal end 14 which is implanted in the subarachnoid space. The shunt has a two-part construction, including a flexible distal tube 18 and a rigid proximal tube 20. The distal tube has a distal stop formation 26 near the distal end 14 which is located in the subarachnoid space upon implantation of the distal end, resisting withdrawal of the shunt. The proximal tube has a curved portion which conforms to the anatomical curvature of the ocular globe.

Abstract: A method for treating a male impotent patient, the method comprising the steps of cutting the skin of the patient, inserting a dissecting tool and dissecting an area of at least one portion of a tissue wall of a penile portion, and placing a medical device. The medical device comprises a constriction device configured to gently constrict the penile portion to restrict the blood flow leaving the penis, and a stimulation device configured to stimulate the penile portion constricted by the constriction device to at least further restrict the blood flow leaving the penis to achieve erection.

Abstract: A device for precise control of blood flow across an interatrial septum is provided. The device includes a sheath having a first set of openings disposed within a first atrium while a second set of openings is disposed within a second atrium. An actuator may be actuated to move an inner sleeve within the sheath to modify the area of second set of openings to permit blood to flow between the first and second atria responsive to a pressure gradient across the interatrial septum via the first and second openings at a blood flow rate corresponding with the area of the second set of openings of the sheath. In addition, the patient's hemodynamics responsive to the shunting of blood across the interatrial septum at each incremental area of the opening may be monitored for selecting a specific sized implantable interatrial shunt for the patient.

Abstract: Devices, methods and kits are described for reducing intraocular pressure. The devices include a support that is implantable within Schlemm's canal and maintains the patency of the canal without substantially interfering with transmural fluid flow across the canal. The devices utilize the natural drainage process of the eye and can be implanted with minimal trauma to the eye. Kits include a support and an introducer for implanting the support within Schlemm's canal. Methods include implanting a support within Schlemm's canal, wherein the support is capable of maintaining the patency of the canal without substantial interference with transmural fluid flow across the canal.

Abstract: A device including a sheath for insertion through an arteriotomy of a patient. The sheath comprises a tubular sheath body having a longitudinal axis, an open proximal end, an open distal end, an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a lumen between the proximal and distal ends for passage of a catheter device. The sheath also comprises an inflatable balloon disposed within the lumen. The inflatable balloon is configured to occupy a longitudinal space in the lumen between the inner surface of the sheath body and the catheter device when the catheter device is disposed within the sheath and the inflatable balloon is inflated, and fluidically seal the lumen.

Abstract: A method for treating pleural effusion in a patient, the method comprising: providing a valve comprising: a body having a distal end, a proximal end and a lumen extending therebetween; an inlet disposed at the proximal end of the body, the inlet being fluidically connected to the lumen; an outlet disposed at the distal end of the body, the outlet being fluidically connected to the lumen; and at least one valve element disposed in the lumen of the body, the at least one valve element being a one-way valve element configured to permit the passage of fluid in a single direction through the lumen of the body; and implanting the valve in the body of the patient such that the inlet of the valve is fluidically connected to the pleural cavity of the patient, and such that the outlet of the valve is fluidically connected to a second body cavity.

Abstract: A modular glaucoma implant for the treatment of glaucoma is described. Embodiments disclosed describe a glaucoma treatment device including an elongated fixation stent that allows aqueous humor to flow from the anterior chamber of the eye to the Schlemm's Canal when implanted. One or more drainage tubes can be inserted into the fixation stent such that the drainage tubes allow aqueous humor to flow from the anterior chamber of the eye to the suprachoroidal space. Surgeons can opt to add as many drainage tubes as desired based on the needed aqueous humor outflow rate.

Abstract: A vascular access device may include a blood circuit having an arterial blood line and a venous blood line. The venous blood line is connected to a first access needle and the arterial blood line is connected to a second access needle. The venous blood line is connected to an access component affixed to the second access needle and configured such that when the second access needle is used to infuse blood into a patient, the access component is positioned to withdraw blood and convey it into the venous line. The withdrawn blood may also be conveyed to an air detector to detect withdrawal of the second access needle.

Abstract: The present technology is generally directed to implantable medical devices and associated methods. For example, a system configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include a body implantable into a patient and configured to undergo a shape change, the body having a conductive path with variable conductivity in portions thereof for selective and/or preferential heating. The body can be coupled with an energy source that can delivery energy to the body and/or conductive path, to promote the shape change in the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implant device for an eye disease for adjusting intraocular pressure. An implant device for an eye disease for adjusting the intraocular pressure according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first tube into which the aqueous humor flows so as to adjust the intraocular pressure; and a second tube formed inside the first tube. The second tube is made of a biodegradable material configured to be degraded inside the eye over a predetermined period of time after being inserted into the eye. The first tube and the second tube may be divided into a first area and a second area according to the distance from the anterior chamber of the eyeball. The second area of the first tube and the second tube may have such a structure that the diameter thereof is larger than that of the first area of the first tube and the second tube, and the same can expand as the aqueous humor flows in.

Abstract: Methods and devices for controlling blood perfusion pressure along with regional mild hypothermia. In at least one embodiment of a device for controlling blood perfusion pressure within a vessel of the present disclosure, the device comprises an elongated body having a lumen, a proximal end configured for placement in a first area having a first blood pressure, and a distal end configured for placement in a second area having a second blood pressure, a partial occluder positioned within the lumen of the elongated body between the proximal end and the distal end, the partial occluder configured so not to fully occlude a blood vessel and to equalize the first blood pressure at the first area with the second blood pressure at the second area, and a regional hypothermia system operably coupled thereto, the regional hypothermia system operable to reduce and/or regulate a temperature of a bodily fluid flowing therethrough.

Abstract: System and method to improve drug delivery to identified regions in the brain or elsewhere through direct infusion of a therapeutic agent or the like into that region. This direct infusion will allow for greater concentrations of the agent in the target region while reducing concentrations elsewhere in the body where these agents may be toxic. The system and method improves efficacy while reducing unwanted side effects. The system includes an array of multiple, independently targeted, microporous catheters for insertion into the target region and a distribution system that allows for individualized flow control to each catheter. The system may be connected to a reservoir that contains the therapeutic agent, and flow to the system is maintained through one or more pumps. This system will greatly improve on the current single catheter infusion design and shall provide therapy, delivered through multiple catheters, thus delivering the therapy evenly over a customizable volume.

Abstract: A combination bioactive silicate (e.g., bioactive glass) medicine carrier and shunt of one embodiment includes a shunt which is a tubular member made of bioactive silicate or glass being adapted to be bioresorbable and water soluble, or fiber bundle, the shunt including an insertion end at a first end. Gaps in the bioactive silicate or gaps in the glass adapted to be bioresorbable and water soluble are served as at least one storage for storing medicines.

Abstract: An implantable externally driven fluid delivery system for localized delivery of medical agents and drugs, such as antibiotics, may be provided herein. The fluid delivery system includes a housing that incorporates a filling septum connected to a flexible internal reservoir. The reservoir is connected to a miniature diaphragm pump with coupled magnetic components. The entire fluid delivery system is implantable into a body cavity or surgically formed location that provides for local medical agent delivery. The reservoir is filled via percutaneous injection through the skin into the septum. Fluid delivery is achieved through proximity of the external controller that generates an oscillating or reversing magnetic field suitable to actuate the pump's diaphragm resulting in controlled fluid flow. Once local drug delivery treatment is complete, the controller can be discarded.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for draining aqueous humor from an eye for reducing intraocular pressure. The draining apparatus comprises a tube defining a passage for fluid flow between an inlet end and an outlet end. An outlet assembly contacts the conjunctival layer externally of the eyeball. The outlet assembly comprises a housing in fluid communication with the outlet end of the tube and having an aperture for allowing egress of aqueous humor onto the external ocular surface. A resistive component is disposed in the housing for providing resistance to a flow of aqueous humor. A pair of tabs project outwardly and are adapted to be disposed subconjunctivally for securing the draining apparatus relative to the eyeball.

Abstract: An implantable device for treatment of glaucoma of the eye. In one aspect, the device includes an elongate duct for diverting aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye, the elongate duct having a central axis with a proximal end and distal end opposite one another. A least one element is spaced apart from the proximal end and the distal end of said elongate duct and extends radially outward beyond an outer surface of said elongate duct in at least two directions transverse to the central axis of said elongate duct, wherein the at least one element has a distal portion with a tapered profile facing the distal end of said elongate duct. The at least one element is configured to deform in a tissue passage leading into the anterior chamber of the eye as it is inserted into the tissue passage in response to forces applied by surrounding ocular tissue of the tissue passage. Other aspects are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A system including a flow control assembly. The system may include a flow regulating shunt system, for various purposes such as a use as a hydrocephalus shunt. The flow control assembly may be controlled according to selected parameters and methods. These include controlling microelectromechanical (MEMS) system to control a pressure in the flow control assembly.

Abstract: An implantable device for the treatment of hydrocephalus using a stent having a peripheral wall and an interior passageway and wherein a plurality of microneedles project outwardly from the peripheral and each needle includes a microneedle passageway from an aperture adjacent a distal end of the microneedle to a proximal end of the microneedle adjacent the peripheral wall. A corresponding plurality of one-way microvalves is positioned at the proximal ends of the microneedle and wherein the microneedle passageway is in fluid communication with the interior passageway whenever the one-way microvalve is open. When the stent is implanted in the superior sagittal sinus with the distal end of the plurality of microneedles positioned within the subarachnoid space and at least one of the plurality of microvalves is open, the stent permits cerebrospinal fluid to pass from the subarachnoid space to the superior sagittal sinus.

Abstract: An aqueous humor outflow device includes an arcuate scaffold that fits within a conventional aqueous humor outflow pathway of a mammalian eye to receive aqueous humor from a trabecular meshwork of the mammalian eye and allow flow of the aqueous humor through the arcuate scaffold to one or more collector channels that originate in a posterior wall of a Schlemm's canal. The arcuate scaffold includes a first arcuate rail, and a second arcuate rail spaced apart from, and substantially parallel to, the first arcuate rail. The first and second arcuate rails each have an anterior edge that is adjacent to the trabecular meshwork when inserted in the Schlemm's canal, and a posterior edge that is adjacent to the posterior wall of the Schlemm's canal. Structural components coupled to the first arcuate rail and the second arcuate rail maintain the respective anterior and posterior edges of the first and second arcuate rails spaced apart from, and substantially parallel to, each other.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the intravascular treatment of clot material within a blood vessel of a human patient are disclosed herein. A method in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, positioning a distal portion of a catheter proximate to the clot material within the blood vessel. The method can further include coupling a pressure source to the catheter via a tubing subsystem including a valve or other fluid control device and, while the valve is closed, activating the pressure source to charge a vacuum. The valve can then be opened to apply the vacuum to the catheter to thereby aspirate at least a portion of the clot material from the blood vessel and into the catheter.

Abstract: Described herein are reusable surgical needles having a resiliently collapsible rear loop that captures a suture as it is passed through an object and resiliently expands upon exiting the object to release the suture. Also described are suture spool assemblies that include a rigid housing and a rotatable spool of suture material suspended within the housing so that a plurality of sutures can be dispensed from the assembly in succession during a surgery. Also described are annular pledgets having diametrical dimensions similar to an outer ring of a cardiac implant such that a single annular pledget can be used with a plurality of sutures that secure the cardiac implant to native tissue around the perimeter of the cardiac implant. Related methods of suturing cardiac implants are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pump (10) includes: a flat plate (20); a piezoelectric element (21); a flat plate (30); a side wall (40); a support member (22); a support member (32); a shielding plate (500); a ventilation hole (23); a ventilation hole (33); a film valve (61); and a film valve (62). The film valve (61) is arranged in a region where the flat plate (20) and the shielding plate (500) face each other. The film valve (62) is arranged in a region where the flat plate (30) and the shielding plate (500) face each other. A center side of one of the film valve (61) and the film valve (62) is fixed in a state in which an outer edge side is movable, and the outer edge side of the other is fixed in a state in which the center side is movable.

Abstract: A trans-anastomotic insertion device includes a body having a distal portion, a proximal portion, and a central portion. The distal portion has a blunt distal end, a width that decreases from its distal end to its proximal end, and longitudinal ribs that provide rigidity to the distal portion. The central portion has a circular configuration and includes a proximally facing surface that includes protrusions that are positioned to be received within staple pockets of a reload assembly of a stapling device. The proximal portion includes a central post that includes splines that are received between splines on a shell housing of a stapling device. The configuration of the insertion device provides added strength to the insertion device to resist high torsional forces that may be applied to the insertion device during insertion of a surgical device through an incision into a body cavity.

Abstract: A medical implant includes a sensor that detects electromagnetic waves; and a data transmission unit that can wirelessly transmit data supplied by the sensor to a receiving unit.

Abstract: A method of providing retrograde perfusion of a patient's brain includes occluding a jugular vein of a subject at a jugular occlusion location, and passively shunting arterial blood from an artery of the subject to a location in the jugular vein distal to the jugular occlusion location.