Provided herein are expandable devices, rail systems, and motorized devices. In one embodiment, an expandable device comprises an expandable sac having a tool housed therein. The expandable device is optionally configured for operation while inside a body cavity. The expandable device optionally comprises at least one rail in the sac, and at least one railed device coupled to the rail for movement there on. Movement of the railed device on the rail is provided by, for example, a motor such as an electromagnetic motor or an inch-worm type motor. Expandable devices can be used, for example, to perform minimally invasive medical procedures requiring access to a body cavity. Expandable devices can also be used, for example, to provide safe and stable transport of instruments to the body cavity.

An apparatus for performing a medical procedure and, in particular, an aortic valvuloplasty, in a vessel for transmitting a flow of fluid. The apparatus includes an inflatable perfusion balloon including an internal passage for permitting the fluid flow in the vessel while the perfusion balloon is in an inflated condition, the balloon including a plurality of cells in a single cross section and a covering for at least partially covering the cells. A valve associated with the balloon controls the fluid flow within the passage, the valve being arranged external to the passage. The valve may form a tubular extension of the covering, or may be separate from the covering, and may comprise flaps. A spiral covering may also form the valve.

An apparatus for performing a medical procedure and, in particular, an aortic valvuloplasty, in a vessel for transmitting a flow of fluid. The apparatus includes an inflatable perfusion balloon including an internal passage for permitting the fluid flow in the vessel while the perfusion balloon is in an inflated condition, the balloon including a plurality of cells in a single cross section and a covering for at least partially covering the cells. A valve associated with the balloon controls the fluid flow within the passage, the valve being arranged external to the passage. The valve may form a tubular extension of the covering, or may be separate from the covering, and may comprise flaps. A spiral covering may also form the valve.

The present disclosure provides a balloon dilation catheter that includes a handle (102), a substantially rigid inner guide member (108) coupled to the handle, a shaft (118) arranged over the inner guide member, a balloon (120) coupled to the inner guide member, and a polymer ball tip (122) positioned at a distal end of the balloon. To treat a sinus drainage pathway of a subject using the balloon dilation catheter, the substantially rigid inner guide member is positioned into the drainage pathway of the sinus of the subject via a nasal passageway. The balloon is then inflated to expand or otherwise remodel the drainage pathway.

The present disclosure provides a balloon dilation catheter that includes a handle (102), a substantially rigid inner guide member (108) coupled to the handle, a shaft (118) arranged over the inner guide member, a balloon (120) coupled to the inner guide member, and a polymer ball tip (122) positioned at a distal end of the balloon. To treat a sinus drainage pathway of a subject using the balloon dilation catheter, the substantially rigid inner guide member is positioned into the drainage pathway of the sinus of the subject via a nasal passageway. The balloon is then inflated to expand or otherwise remodel the drainage pathway.

Sinusitis and other disorders of the ear, nose and throat are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches with flexible or rigid instruments. Various methods and devices are used for remodeling or changing the shape, size or configuration of a sinus ostium or duct or other anatomical structure in the ear, nose or throat; implanting a device, cells or tissues; removing matter from the ear, nose or throat; delivering diagnostic or therapeutic substances or performing other diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Introducing devices (e.g., guide catheters, tubes, guidewires, elongate probes, other elongate members) may be used to facilitate insertion of working devices (e.g. catheters e.g. balloon catheters, guidewires, tissue cutting or remodeling devices, devices for implanting elements like stents, electrosurgical devices, energy emitting devices, devices for delivering diagnostic or therapeutic agents, substance delivery implants, scopes etc.) into the paranasal sinuses or other structures in the ear, nose or throat, Specific devices (e.g., tubular guides, guidewires, balloon catheters, tubular sheaths) are provided as are methods for manufacturing and using such devices to treat disorders of the ear, nose or throat.

Sinusitis and other disorders of the ear, nose and throat are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches with flexible or rigid instruments. Various methods and devices are used for remodeling or changing the shape, size or configuration of a sinus ostium or duct or other anatomical structure in the ear, nose or throat; implanting a device, cells or tissues; removing matter from the ear, nose or throat; delivering diagnostic or therapeutic substances or performing other diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Introducing devices (e.g., guide catheters, tubes, guidewires, elongate probes, other elongate members) may be used to facilitate insertion of working devices (e.g. catheters e.g. balloon catheters, guidewires, tissue cutting or remodeling devices, devices for implanting elements like stents, electrosurgical devices, energy emitting devices, devices for delivering diagnostic or therapeutic agents, substance delivery implants, scopes etc.) into the paranasal sinuses or other structures in the ear, nose or throat, Specific devices (e.g., tubular guides, guidewires, balloon catheters, tubular sheaths) are provided as are methods for manufacturing and using such devices to treat disorders of the ear, nose or throat.

A system for treating heart disease, such as pulmonary hypertension or right heart failure, including an implantable component and external components for monitoring the implantable component is provided. The implantable component may include a compliant member, e.g., balloon, coupled to a reservoir via a conduit. Preferably, the compliant member is adapted to be implanted in a pulmonary artery and the reservoir is adapted to be implanted subcutaneously. The external components may include a clinical controller component, monitoring software configured to run a clinician's computer, a patient monitoring device, and a mobile application configured to run on a patient's mobile device.

A system for treating heart disease, such as pulmonary hypertension or right heart failure, including an implantable component and external components for monitoring the implantable component is provided. The implantable component may include a compliant member, e.g., balloon, coupled to a reservoir via a conduit. Preferably, the compliant member is adapted to be implanted in a pulmonary artery and the reservoir is adapted to be implanted subcutaneously. The external components may include a clinical controller component, monitoring software configured to run a clinician's computer, a patient monitoring device, and a mobile application configured to run on a patient's mobile device.

A seeker device for facilitating access to a desired location within an ear, nose, throat or other location in a body may include a proximal shaft, an elastic distal portion, and an atraumatic distal tip. The elastic distal portion has a default shape with at least one curve to facilitate advancement of a distal end of the elastic distal portion through various anatomical passageways, toward the desired location. In some embodiments, the seeker device may be paired with a dilator device, to perform a dilation procedure on an anatomical structure in the ear, nose, throat or other part of the body. In other embodiments, the seeker device may be paired with a flexible endoscope, to facilitate visualization of an anatomical structure or area.