Disclosed are embodiments of a method for occluding a left atrial appendage (LAA) and other cavities or openings within a body. Some embodiments of the method can include an implant configured to be deployed within the LAA or other cavity, configured to be expanded or moved against a wall portion of the LAA or other cavity, and configured to twist at least a portion of the LAA or other cavity when the implant is rotated. Thereafter, one or more securing elements, staples, sutures, or other fasteners can be implanted in the gathered tissue to hold the tissue in the gathered state, thereby occluding the opening of the LAA or other cavity. In some embodiments, the opening of the LAA or other cavity can be occluded by elongating or otherwise reshaping the opening using an implant device, and securing the opening in the occluded state.

Devices and methods are described for occluding the left atrial appendage (LAA) to exclude the LAA from blood flow to prevent blood from clotting within the LAA and subsequently embolizing, particularly in patients with atrial fibrillation. An implant is delivered via transcatheter delivery into the LAA. The implant includes a conformable structure comprising a foam body and internal support. The support includes anchors that penetrate the foam body and anchor the implant to the walls of the LAA. The implant provides compliance such that it conforms to the native configuration of the LAA.

Systems, apparatus, and methods are described for treatment of varicocele and associated conditions. In some embodiments, systems, apparatus, and methods described herein can include forming one or more fluid connections or fistulas between blood vessels such as a gonadal vein (e.g., spermatic vein, ovarian vein) and surrounding veins. In some embodiments, systems, apparatus, and methods described herein can include occluding one or more blood vessels such as a gonadal vein (e.g., spermatic vein, ovarian vein). In some embodiments, systems, apparatus and methods described herein relate to flow diverters, replacement valves, etc., e.g., for treatment of varicocele and associated conditions.

A kit and method for intrauterine insemination is provided. The steps of the method include self-monitoring of a menstrual cycle of a patient by said patient, making an abrasion on the endometrial lining of a uterus of the patient following menstruation by the patient, predicting timing of ovulation by using an ovulation monitoring system or inducing ovulation; preparing sperm for insemination during ovulation by the patient, guiding an intrauterine insemination catheter accompanied by a cervical shield into the patient, depositing a semen sample into the uterine cavity or cervical canal, removing the catheter from the body of the patient while using a holding tool to hold the cervical shield in place at the entrance to the uterine cavity, and leaving the cervical shield in place for a predetermined time period.

A medical implant including an expandable framework configured to shift between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, the expandable framework comprising a plurality of interconnected struts defining a plurality of cells; and an occlusive element connected to the expandable framework and having an inner surface and an outer surface. The expandable framework may include a plurality of securement members projecting from the plurality of interconnected struts. One of the inner surface or the outer surface of the occlusive element may be in contact with the plurality of interconnected struts, and the other of the inner surface and the outer surface not in contact with the plurality of interconnected struts may lie against an opposing surface of each of the plurality of securement members. A tip portion of the plurality of securement members may not extend radially outward of the plurality of interconnected struts.

A void occlusion device that includes a scaffold defining a plurality of voids and a reinforcement member is described. The scaffold is configured to permit the infiltration of human tissue into the plurality of voids. The reinforcement member extends through at least a portion of the scaffold and is configured to resist compressive forces exerted on the scaffold. Also described are embodiments where the void occlusion device is biocompatible, bioresorbable, elastic, and suitable for radio imaging.

An occlusive implant may include an expandable framework configured to shift between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The expandable framework includes a plurality of anchor members extending radially outward from the expandable framework in the expanded configuration, each anchor member including at least one base portion fixedly secured to the expandable framework and a plurality of anchor tips extending from each base portion. Each base portion extends longitudinally along the expandable framework. A method of making the occlusive implant may include forming the expandable framework, forming the plurality of anchor members, and fixedly attaching each base portion to the expandable framework such that each anchor member extends radially outward from the expandable framework in the expanded configuration and each base portion extends longitudinally along the expandable framework.

An occlusion device for implantation in a left atrial appendage includes a proximal hub defining a recess configured to releasably connect with a delivery shaft, a frame connected to the proximal hub, a membrane coupled to and covering at least the proximal portion of the frame, the membrane comprising a material configured to block a passage of blood clots therethrough, and a plug configured to be received in the recess and remain in the recess after implantation.

Generally, abnormal pressures in the sinus cavity can have physiological effects due to stimulation or injury of various nerves that are in proximity to the sinus, including increased or decreased pressure on the nerves as well as extrusion of the nerves into the sinus cavities due to bony dehiscence. Methods and devices for alleviating disorders associated with the sinus cavities are described. Embodiments herein include diagnosing these disorders by occluding or restricting the sinus ostium and assessing the physiological effects caused by the occlusion/restriction and treating these disorders by navigating/directing a dilating device to the sinus ostium and dilating the sinus ostium. Other embodiments are directed to devices for maintaining the ostial opening.

An aneurysm closure device or flow diverter includes a frame member formed of crossing frame elements and a diverter portion formed of a plurality of blade elements extending in radially opposing directions from a diverter element. The flow diverter is ideally suited for diverting the flow of fluid from an aneurysm at a vessel bifurcation, whereupon the blade elements and diverter element can be positioned at the neck of the aneurysm so as to substantially close off the flow path into the aneurysm sac. The crossing frame elements hold the device in position at the bifurcation. The structure provides reliable deployment of the device and closure of an aneurysm.