The present disclosure pertains to membranous tissue grafts comprising one or more pre-made attachment points. The one or more pre-made attachment points may include pre-made markings and/or pre-made suture holes. The membranous tissue grafts can be in the form of a tube. The membranous tissue grafts can also be rectangular in shape and can be used in a nerve repair by wrapping the severed or damaged nerve. In some embodiments, the membranous tissue grafts are suitable for repairing severed nerves that have a short gap or no gap with a gap of less than 5 mm between the severed stumps. Accordingly, methods are provided for repairing a damaged or severed nerve by implanting the membranous tissue grafts on to the damaged or severed nerve.

A variety of methods and devices for manipulating tissue using stents and shunts that foreshorten when expanded. Many of the devices have ends that expand radially more than a center portion of the device, creating an hourglass or rivet shape that is useful for anchoring the device or putting a squeezing force on the tissue.

A method of creating an arteriovenous (AV) fistula between first and second vessels includes inserting a catheter comprising a proximal member and a distal member into the first vessel so that the distal member comes into contact with a selected anastomosis site. Creating an aperture between the first and second vessels advancing the distal member into the second vessel. Clamping the first and second vessels together using the proximal and distal members. Applying energy to a heating member on one of the proximal and distal members to further cut the first and second vessels and shape the aperture. The step of applying energy to the heating member further cauterizes and welds an edge of the aperture in order to create the desired fistula between the first and second vessels.

A catheter system for creating an arteriovenous (AV) fistula includes a proximal base having a distal end surface. A distal tip is connected to the proximal base and is movable relative to the proximal base. The distal tip has a proximal end surface. The distal end surface and the proximal end surface are adapted to contact opposing sides of a tissue portion to create the fistula. A peripheral edge defines the distal end surface of the proximal base. A stop is formed in the peripheral edge and is configured to limit movement of the distal tip in a proximal direction.

Devices and methods of treating conditions cause or exacerbated by excessive fluid pressures or retentions, such as pulmonary hypertension, that involves shunting excessive fluid pressure from one bodily chamber or vessel to another bodily chamber or vessel.

A catheter and tissue cutting system percutaneously permits the creation of an anastomosis between a first and second anatomical structure, such as a vein and an artery. The system comprises a catheter having a main body with a lumen and tapered distal tip, configured to be moved distally into the first anatomical structure over a primary guidewire. A cutting electrode is nested in the main body, with a lumen which tracks over a secondary guidewire, and is insertable into the secondary anatomical structure. An energy supply is operative to energize the cutting electrode in order to cut a tissue wall defining the first anatomical structure.

Methods and devices for increasing oxygenation levels in the blood supply and thereby treating the condition of hypoxemia. Multiple approaches such as pressure reduction in the pulmonary circulatory system, reducing triggering mechanisms in the main pulmonary artery and restricting flow in the pulmonary circulatory system are disclosed. Interventions associated with those approaches can including shunting, restrictors, compliance devices, pharmacologic substances, etc.

Devices are provided with an internal dimension that can be reduced and increased in vivo. In one example, an interatrial shunt for placement at an atrial septum of a patient's heart includes a body. The body includes first and second regions coupled in fluid communication by a neck region. The body includes a shape-memory material. The body defines a passageway through the neck region for blood to flow between a first atrium and a second atrium. The first and second regions are superelastic at body temperature, and the neck region is malleable at body temperature. A flow area of the passageway through the neck region may be adjusted in vivo.

There is described a platform device for use in forming an anastomosis and maintaining a desired curvature of a lumen in a desired shape during an anastomosis assistance period. The platform is formed from one or more bioabsorbable or biodegradable polymer filaments. There is also described a method for inserting a platform device for use in creation of an arteriovenous fistula by identifying a candidate artery and a candidate vein and dissecting the candidate vein. Next, inserting a platform device into the vein and creating a breach in the candidate artery at a desired angle and location. Next, introducing the platform device and vein into the candidate artery and forming the platform device into a curvature angle selected to minimize turbulent blood flow in an anastomosis formed by the vein and the artery. The platform may also be used to maintain potency of supply blood vessels and/or organ blood vessels or the lumens daring an organ transplant procedure.

The present technology is directed to adjustable interatrial shunting systems that selectively control blood flow between the left atrium and the right atrium of a patient. The adjustable interatrial devices include a shunting element having an outer surface configured to engage native tissue and an inner surface defining a lumen that enables blood to flow from the left atrium to the right atrium when the system is deployed across the septal wall. The systems can include an actuation assembly for selectively adjusting a geometry of the lumen and/or a geometry of a lumen orifice to control the flow of blood through the lumen.