An oocytes or ovum retrieval device is disclosed. The device may include a retrieval catheter dimensioned for transvaginal insertion into a cervical canal and for advancing distally into a fallopian tube and the ampulla of a female mammal. The retrieval catheter may include one or more fluid delivery lumens having a fluid delivery port for delivering a flushing fluid into said fallopian tube, an at least one aspiration opening in fluid connection with an internal aspiration lumen of said retrieval catheter, wherein the size of the at least one aspiration opening is determined based on a size of oocytes or ovum.

An oocytes or ovum retrieval device is disclosed. The device may include a retrieval catheter dimensioned for transvaginal insertion into a cervical canal and for advancing distally into a fallopian tube and the ampulla of a female mammal. The retrieval catheter may include one or more fluid delivery lumens having a fluid delivery port for delivering a flushing fluid into said fallopian tube, an at least one aspiration opening in fluid connection with an internal aspiration lumen of said retrieval catheter, wherein the size of the at least one aspiration opening is determined based on a size of oocytes or ovum.

Some embodiments of a system or method for treating heart tissue can include a control system and catheter device operated in a manner to intermittently occlude a heart vessel for controlled periods of time that provide redistribution of blood flow. In particular embodiments, the system and methods may be configured to monitor at least one input signal detected at a coronary sinus and thereby execute a process for determining a satisfactory time period for the occlusion of the coronary sinus. In further embodiments, after the occlusion of the coronary sinus is released, the control system can be configured to select the duration of the release phase before the starting the next occlusion cycle.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a device and a method for treating at least one of hypertension, pulmonary arteries, diabetes, obesity, heart failure, end-stage renal disease, digestive disease, urological disease, cancers, tumors, pain, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by delivering an effective amount of a formulation to a tissue. In embodiments of the present invention, the formulation may include at least one of a gas, a vapor, a liquid, a solution, an emulsion, or a suspensions of one or more ingredients. In embodiments of the present invention, amounts of the formulation and/or energy are effective to injure or damage tissue, nerves, and nerve endings in order to relieve disease symptoms.

An apparatus for performing a medical procedure and, in particular, an aortic valvuloplasty, in a vessel for transmitting a flow of fluid. The apparatus comprises a shaft, an inflatable perfusion balloon supported by the shaft and including an internal passage for permitting the fluid flow in the vessel while the perfusion balloon is in an inflated condition, and a valve for controlling the fluid flow within the passage. The valve may be connected to the shaft, or may comprise an elongated tube partially connected to the balloon. The balloon may comprise a plurality of cells in a single cross-section, each cell including a neck, and the valve may be positioned in a space between the shaft and the necks for controlling the fluid flow within the passage. A connector may also be provided to control the position of the valve.

A method for influencing cerebral perfusion in a patient by modifying a volume of a volume adaptor introduced into a cerebral ventricle of the patient, the method comprising identifying a timing of a cerebral blood inflow and/or outflow in a cardiac activity of the patient, modifying a volume of the volume adaptor in synchronization to the identified timing of the cerebral blood flow, to an amount sufficient to modify an intracranial pressure in the cerebral ventricle, such that a flow of the cerebral blood flow is enhanced. In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, the inflation duration of the volume adapter is short relative to the cardiac cycle.

Devices, systems, and methods for performing thrombectomy procedures are disclosed herein. The devices can include an aspiration catheter which optionally has a beveled distal end. The aspiration catheter is advanced to a position adjacent a thrombus. A blocking element can be expanded near the distal end of the aspiration catheter to block fluid flow during the procedure. The devices can include a thrombus retrieval device supporting a braided assembly that grips and facilitates removal of the thrombus. The braided assembly is expandable to a range of expanded outer diameters by varying the level of tension in an activation wire attached thereto. An expander can be deployed beneath the braided assembly to exert an outward expansion force upon the braid, thereby increasing the grip between the braided assembly and the thrombus. The braided assembly contacts the thrombus and the retrieval device pulls it proximally toward the aspiration catheter.

Embodiments of the invention provide swallowable devices, preparations and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic agents (TA) within the GI tract and in particular to an antrum wall (AW). Particular embodiments provide a swallowable device (SD) such as a capsule for delivering drugs or other TA into the AW. The SD may contain a pressure sensitive component or assembly which triggers release and insertion of a therapeutic agent preparation (TAP) comprising at least one TA into the AW in response to external pressure, such as pressure applied to the swallowable capsule or other SD by antrum contractions. Particular embodiments of the SD may be shaped so that they self-align within an antrum to properly orient before injection of the TAP into the AW. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for orally delivering drugs or other TAs which are degraded within the GI tract and require parenteral injection.

Embodiments of the invention provide swallowable devices, preparations and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic agents (TA) within the GI tract and in particular to an antrum wall (AW). Particular embodiments provide a swallowable device (SD) such as a capsule for delivering drugs or other TA into the AW. The SD may contain a pressure sensitive component or assembly which triggers release and insertion of a therapeutic agent preparation (TAP) comprising at least one TA into the AW in response to external pressure, such as pressure applied to the swallowable capsule or other SD by antrum contractions. Particular embodiments of the SD may be shaped so that they self-align within an antrum to properly orient before injection of the TAP into the AW. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for orally delivering drugs or other TAs which are degraded within the GI tract and require parenteral injection.

A method for performing a medical procedure requiring effective, reliable and foolproof delivery of controlled amounts of a medical grade gas to a patient includes providing a compressed gas cylinder having a weight with medical grade gas sealed therein of at least twelve grams and not greater than fifty grams. The method also includes connecting the compressed gas cylinder to an integrated compressed gas unit including a regulator valve assembly positioned between an outlet port and an inlet port, wherein the regulator valve assembly includes a press button actuator and regulator adjustment dial. A flow control system is secured to the compressed gas unit and the medical grade gas is delivered in precisely controlled amounts by actuating the compressed gas unit and operating the flow control system to deliver the medical grade gas to vasculature of the patient.