Embodiments of the present invention provide medical devices and methods for treating a target site within the body. For example, one embodiment provides a stent graft for treating a target site proximate to a bifurcated lumen, wherein the stent graft includes a first tubular structure having proximal and distal ends and a side wall extending therebetween. The first tubular structure includes an opening defined within the side wall and is configured to define a first portion having first and second ends and a second portion having first and second ends. The opening corresponds to the first ends of the first and second portions and the second ends of the first and second portions respectively correspond to the proximal and distal ends of the first tubular structure, and at least a portion of the first and second portions are configured to be positioned within respective branches of a bifurcated lumen.

A method for manufacturing a linear cutter permits continuous manufacturing of linear cutters and achieving remarkable reduction in processing steps, processing time, and a process cost, and is immediately feasible to linear cutters having special lengths. The method includes the steps of: preparing a pair of roller dies for forming a die hole for processing a wire rod into a predetermined shape, the die hole having keen angle parts for forming a cutting edge; and causing the wire rod to pass through the die hole in a state that the roller dies revolve and thereby forming a sectional shape of the wire rod into a pre-set shape and, at the same time, forming a cutting edge at least at one edge of the wire rod.

A method for manufacturing a linear cutter permits continuous manufacturing of linear cutters and achieving remarkable reduction in processing steps, processing time, and a process cost, and is immediately feasible to linear cutters having special lengths. The method includes the steps of: preparing a pair of roller dies for forming a die hole for processing a wire rod into a predetermined shape, the die hole having keen angle parts for forming a cutting edge; and causing the wire rod to pass through the die hole in a state that the roller dies revolve and thereby forming a sectional shape of the wire rod into a pre-set shape and, at the same time, forming a cutting edge at least at one edge of the wire rod.

An automated technique facilitates winding a stator, such as a stator for a submersible motor of an electric submersible pumping system. According to an embodiment, needles are placed in slots of the stator and a sensor system, e.g. a camera-based vision system, is used to determine the positions of the needles. This data is provided to a control system programmed to assign a predetermined wiring pattern to the needle positions. Based on this predetermined wiring pattern, an automatic feeder system moves a feeder guide into position adjacent the appropriate needles. The automatic feeder system is then operated to feed magnet wire into the corresponding stator slot at the corresponding needle position(s) to achieve a desired winding pattern.

An automated technique facilitates winding a stator, such as a stator for a submersible motor of an electric submersible pumping system. According to an embodiment, needles are placed in slots of the stator and a sensor system, e.g. a camera-based vision system, is used to determine the positions of the needles. This data is provided to a control system programmed to assign a predetermined wiring pattern to the needle positions. Based on this predetermined wiring pattern, an automatic feeder system moves a feeder guide into position adjacent the appropriate needles. The automatic feeder system is then operated to feed magnet wire into the corresponding stator slot at the corresponding needle position(s) to achieve a desired winding pattern.

Methods are provided for the fabrication of microneedles. Microneedles fabricated according to the herein described methods will generally be constructed of multiple lengths of wire winded together, brazed and further manipulated to include a reversible engagement feature. The subject microneedles may find use in a variety of applications and, among other purposes, the reversible engagement feature of such a microneedle may by employed in implanting an implantable device into a biological tissue. Also provided are methods of inserting an implantable device into a biological tissue having an outer membrane. The subject methods may include ablating a section of the outer membrane and inserting the implantable device through the ablated section of outer membrane, including e.g., where the implantable device is inserted using a microneedle including e.g., those microneedles for which methods of fabrication are provided herein.

This invention in one embodiment comprises a cylindrical rod with a rotating, removable loop head inserted into the center of the top end of the rod. The loop head is inserted into a vertical hole drilled into the top end of the rod, wherein the loop head is able to rotate in the hole. The loop head has a plurality of outwardly radially extending circumferential loops that receive wire for bending and weaving into the Viking Knit. Preferably, the rod also has an anchor hole, drilled diagonally through the rod near its top end, for receiving and securing a wire. Preferably, the rod also has a conical wire wrap attachment at the bottom of the rod for making wired end caps to cover or enclose the finished Viking Knit Weave. In another embodiment, this invention comprises a hollow cone with a rotating, removable loop head inserted in either or both ends of the cone.

This invention in one embodiment comprises a cylindrical rod with a rotating, removable loop head inserted into the center of the top end of the rod. The loop head is inserted into a vertical hole drilled into the top end of the rod, wherein the loop head is able to rotate in the hole. The loop head has a plurality of outwardly radially extending circumferential loops that receive wire for bending and weaving into the Viking Knit. Preferably, the rod also has an anchor hole, drilled diagonally through the rod near its top end, for receiving and securing a wire. Preferably, the rod also has a conical wire wrap attachment at the bottom of the rod for making wired end caps to cover or enclose the finished Viking Knit Weave. In another embodiment, this invention comprises a hollow cone with a rotating, removable loop head inserted in either or both ends of the cone.

Devices systems and methods are disclosed for removing secretions from the lumen of a functional assessment catheter for the lungs. The system comprises a flushing unit configured to deliver a clearing fluid to the lumen of the pulmonary catheter to remove debris, secretions, or moisture from the lumen or sensors.

Embodiments of the present invention provide medical devices and methods for treating a target site within the body. For example, one embodiment provides a stent graft for treating a target site proximate to a bifurcated lumen, wherein the stent graft includes a first tubular structure having proximal and distal ends and a side wall extending therebetween. The first tubular structure includes an opening defined within the side wall and is configured to define a first portion having first and second ends and a second portion having first and second ends. The opening corresponds to the first ends of the first and second portions and the second ends of the first and second portions respectively correspond to the proximal and distal ends of the first tubular structure, and at least a portion of the first and second portions are configured to be positioned within respective branches of a bifurcated lumen.