text:
On July 26, I installed "Mountain Lion", Apple's latest version of its operating system, OS X. Today, three days later, I am not a happy customer.
Now I know that every major release of any software and particularly of any operating system is bound to have problems. There will always be odd bugs that annoy and frustrate but Apple has a problem: They are supposed to be better than everyone else. Why? Because Apple claims the high ground on design and execution and, in the main they have delivered and, some might argue, over-delivered. Apple has driven the entire PC market in ways that no other vendor has ever managed to do and much of that success has been due to delivering high quality.
So should we cut Apple a little slack? I don't think so …
Enough scene-setting … why am I not happy? Well, I installed Mountain Lion – which was painless – on my iMac and the first odd things I noticed when it restarted was the screen brightness was at maximum and the Calendar app had been launched. I turned the brightness down, quit Calendar, and launched Chrome only to find that it had lost all of the "pinned" tabs. I reconfigured Chrome and left the room for a cup of tea. When I got back, the screen was back at full brightness, Calendar was running again, and a dialog box was open telling me that the wretched OS had crashed.
In the 72 hours since I installed Mountain Lion the OS has crashed at least half a dozen times. Chrome will not retain its pinned tabs. The brightness setting doesn't stick after a crash. Calendar always runs at startup.
Yeah, so far (I've not had time to try all of the apps I use so other problems may await me) these are all small issues but come on, this is Mountain Lion installed on an iMac built in mid-2010, not some old clunky Mac from the naughties.
I'm hoping for some quick updates from Apple here …
I can't be the only one with OS X problems … What issues have you seen with Mountain Lion and are you unhappy?


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A system for treating a septal defect having an implantable treatment apparatus and devices for delivering the implantable treatment apparatus and methods for treating a septal defect are provided. The implantable treatment apparatus is preferably implantable through a septal wall or portion thereof. The treatment system can include a flexible elongate body member, a delivery device configured to deliver the implantable apparatus, a stabilization device configured to stabilize the body member and a positioning device configured to position the delivery device in a desired location.
1. A method of treating a patent foramen ovale in septal tissue of a septal wall with a treatment system, the patent foramen ovale defined by a septum primum and a septum secundum with a tunnel separating them, and the treatment system comprising an elongate body member, an elongate delivery device, and a grasping device comprising a rigid arm-like member with a first end pivotally coupled with the body member and a second end pivotally coupled with the delivery device by way of a hinge, wherein the body member comprises an elongate open channel extending along a length of the side of the body member proximal to the hinge, the elongate open channel being configured to receive a side of the delivery device, and the body member further comprises a lumen having an open distal end located proximal to the elongate open channel, the delivery device being slidably housed within the lumen, wherein the body member and the delivery device are each configured for insertion into the vasculature, the method comprising:
moving the delivery device with respect to the body member to cause the arm-like member to pivot and move a distal region of the delivery device relatively further away from the body member;
grasping opposite sides of the septum secundum with opposing surfaces of the grasping device such that the opposing surfaces are each in contact with an opposite side of the septum secundum, the opposing surfaces being non-releasably coupled to a delivery device, wherein a first one of the opposing surfaces is located on the arm-like member;
piercing a hole in the septum secundum and septum primum, with a needle having a lumen which houses a closure device, while grasping the septum secundum; and
deploying the closure device such that a first end of the closure device is in contact with the septum primum and a second end of the closure device is in contact with the septum secundum.
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This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/175,814, filed Jul. 5, 2005, now pending, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/847,747, filed on May 17, 2004, now pending, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/734,670, filed Dec. 11, 2003, now pending, which is a division of Ser. No. 09/948,453, filed Sep. 7, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,702,835 and which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 09/948,502, filed Sep. 6, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,776,784, which is fully incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for closing internal tissue defects, and more particularly to systems and methods for closing a patent foramen ovale or other septal defect.
By nature of their location, the treatment of internal tissue defects is inherently difficult. Access to a defect through invasive surgery introduces a high level of risk that can result in serious complications for the patient. Access to the defect remotely with a catheter or equivalent device is less risky, but treatment of the defect itself is made more difficult given the limited physical abilities of the catheter. The difficulty in accessing and treating tissue defects is compounded when the defect is found in or near a vital organ. For instance, a patent foramen ovale ("PFO") is a serious septal defect that can occur between the left and right atria of the heart and a patent ductus arteriosus ("PDA") is an abnormal shunt between the aorta and pulmonary artery.
During development of a fetus in utero, oxygen is transferred from maternal blood to fetal blood through complex interactions between the developing fetal vasculature and the mother's placenta. During this process, blood is oxygenated within the fetal lungs. In fact, most of the fetus' circulation is shunted away from the lungs through specialized vessels and foramens that are open during fetal life, but typically will close shortly after birth. Occasionally, however, these foramen fail to close and create hemodynamic problems, which, in extreme cases, can ultimately prove fatal. During fetal life, an opening called the foramen ovale allows blood to pass directly from the right atrium to the left atrium (bypassing the lungs). Thus, blood that is oxygenated via gas exchange with the placenta may travel through the vena cava into the right atrium, through the foramen ovate into the left atrium, and from there into the left ventricle for delivery to the fetal systemic circulation. After birth, with pulmonary circulation established, the increased left atrial blood flow and pressure causes the functional closure of the foramen ovale and, as the heart continues to develop, this closure allows the foramen ovale to grow completely sealed.
In some cases, however, the foramen ovale fails to close entirely. This condition, known as a PFO, can allow blood to continue to shunt between the left and right atria of the heart throughout the adult life of the individual. A PFO can pose serious health risks for the individual, including strokes and migraines. The presence of PFO's have been implicated as a possible contributing factor in the pathogenesis of migraine. Two current hypothesis that link PFO's with migraine include the transit of vasoactive substances or thrombus/emboli from the venous circulation directly into the left atrium without passing through the lungs where they would normally be deactivated or filtered respectively. Other diseases that have been associated with PFO's (and which could benefit from PFO closure) include but are not limited to depression and affective disorders, personality and anxiety disorders, pain, stroke, TIA, dementia, epilepsy, and sleep disorders.
Still other septal defects can occur between the various chambers of the heart, such as atrial-septal defects (ASD's), ventricular-septal defects (VSD's), and the like. To treat these defects as well as PFO's, open heart surgery can be performed to ligate and close the defect. Alternatively, catheter-based procedures have been developed that require introducing umbrella or disc-like devices into the heart. These devices include opposing expandable structures connected by a hub or waist. Generally, in an attempt to close the defect, the device is inserted through the natural opening of the defect and the expandable structures are deployed on either side of the septum to secure the tissue surrounding the defect between the umbrella or disc-like structure.
These devices suffer from numerous shortcomings. For instance, these devices typically involve frame structures that often support membranes, either of which may fail during the life of the patient, thereby introducing the risk that the defect may reopen or that portions of the device could be released within the patient's heart. These devices can fail to form a perfect seal of the septal defect, allowing blood to continue to shunt through the defect. Also, the size and expansive nature of these devices makes safe withdrawal from the patient difficult in instances where withdrawal becomes necessary. The presence of these devices within the heart typically requires the patient to use anti-coagulant drugs for prolonged periods of time, thereby introducing additional health risks to the patient. Furthermore, these devices can come into contact with other portions of the heart tissue and cause undesirable side effects such as an arrhythmia, local tissue damage, and perforation.
Accordingly, improved systems and methods for closing internal tissue defects within the heart are needed.
Improved systems and methods for closing internal tissue defects, such as septal defects and the like, are provided herein by the way of exemplary embodiments. These embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the invention.
Improved systems and methods for closing internal tissue defects, such as septal defects and the like, are provided herein by the way of exemplary embodiments. These embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the invention.
In one exemplary embodiment, an implantable apparatus for treating a septal defect is provided having a body with a first end portion, a second end portion and a central portion located therebetween. Preferably, the first end portion is configured to engage a first septal surface, the second end portion is configured to engage a second septal surface and the central portion is configured to fit within an opening in a septal wall.
In another exemplary embodiment, a treatment system is provided having a first elongate member and a second elongate delivery member having a distal end rotatably coupled with the first elongate member, wherein the orientation of the distal end is adjustable from a first orientation to a second orientation upon advancement of the elongate member in a distal direction.
In another exemplary embodiment, a treatment system is provided having an elongate tubular member having an inner lumen configured to slidably receive and interact with an inner elongate member. Preferably, the inner elongate member is configured to deploy a grasping device through an aperture in the elongate tubular member upon movement of the elongate inner member with respect to the elongate tubular member.
In yet another exemplary embodiment, a treatment system is provided having a flexible positioning member having a distal end and an elongate support member having an inner lumen configured to slidably receive the flexible positioning member. Preferably, the inner lumen has a distal end configured to abut the distal end of the flexible positioning member and an open portion located proximal to the distal end of the lumen. The flexible positioning member is also preferably configured to extend from the open portion upon advancement of the flexible positioning member distally against the distal end of the inner lumen.
In another exemplary embodiment, a method of treating a septal defect is provided, the method including engaging a limbus of a septum secundum and using the limbus as a reference point for performing a septal defect treatment procedure.
In another exemplary embodiment, a method of treating a septal defect is provided, the method including abutting a limbus of a septum secundum with an abutment of a medical device, creating a hole in the septum secundum with the limbus as a point of reference, and using the hole to facilitate delivery of a device configured to treat a septal defect.
In another exemplary embodiment, a treatment system is provided having an implantable treatment device, a flexible elongate delivery device configured to deliver the implantable treatment device, a stabilization device insertable within an opening in a septum, or tunnel between two septa, and configured to stabilize an elongate body member, and the elongate body member configured for insertion within the vasculature of a patient, the body member configured to slidably receive the delivery device and stabilization device.
Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. It is also intended that the invention is not limited to require the details of the example embodiments.
The details of the invention, both as to its structure and operation, may be gleaned in part by study of the accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, all illustrations are intended to convey concepts, where relative sizes, shapes and other detailed attributes may be illustrated schematically rather than literally or precisely.
Described herein are improved devices and methods for treating septal defects. For ease of discussion, the devices and methods will be described with reference to treatment of a PFO. However, it should be understood that the devices and methods can be used in treatment of any type of septal defect including ASD's, VSD's and the like, as well as PDA's or other structural cardiac or vascular defects.
Treatment system 100 can also optionally include a stabilization device 105 for stabilization of body member 101 during delivery of implant 103 and a centering device 106 for facilitating the centering or the otherwise desired positioning of implant 103 for delivery. Although shown here as four separate components, any combination of body member 101, delivery device 104, stabilization device 105 and centering device 106 can be integrated together to reduce the number of components to three, two or one total components in treatment system 100.
To better understand the many alternative embodiments of treatment system 100, the anatomical structure of an example human heart having a PFO will be described in brief.
Many different variations of PFO's can occur. For instance, thickness 220 of septum primum 214, thickness 221 of septum secundum 210, overlap distance 222 and the flexibility and distensibility of both septum primum 214 and septum secundum 210 can all vary. In
As will be described in more detail below, treatment of a PFO preferably includes inserting treatment system 100 into the vasculature of a patient and advancing body member 101 through the vasculature to inferior vena cava 202, from which access to right atrium 205 can be obtained. Once properly positioned within right atrium 205, delivery device 104 can be used to deliver implant 103 to PFO region 209, preferably by inserting implant 103 through septum secundum 210 and primum 214 such that implant 103 lies transverse to tunnel 215 and can at least partially close tunnel 215.
Central portion 303 is preferably configured to fit within a manmade or surgically created opening in either septum primum 214, septum secundum 210 or both. Central portion 303 is also preferably configured to apply a force adequate to bring end portions 301-302 towards one another when implanted, to be implantable into septal walls 207 of varying thickness and to fit within elongate body member 101, the diameter of which is preferably minimized for ease of insertion within the patient's vasculature.
Implant 103 can be configured in any manner desired to fit the needs of the application. Implant 103 can have any size and shape and can include additional portions not shown in
Referring back to
The end tips 307 of body 304 are preferably atraumatic so as to minimize injury to cardiac tissue. In this embodiment, end tips 307 are rounded and have a larger diameter than body 304. End tips 307 can also be configured as floppy tips that are curled or coiled and can be flexible or non-flexible. Also, it should be noted that any part of implant 103 can be modified for imaging purposes. For instance, in this embodiment end tips 307 are radio-opaque to increase visibility of implant 103 during imaging. Also, end tips 307 can be configured to facilitate delivery. For instance, in one embodiment end tips 307 can be shaped to minimize the risk of becoming caught on any portion of the delivery device 104. In another embodiment, end tips 307 are configured to interface with the delivery device 104 to allow manipulation of implant 103 before, during or after delivery.
LA portion 302 and RA portion 301 can each be sized in any manner desired. Preferably, LA portion 302 is configured to have relatively larger coiled segment widths 310, include relatively more coiled segments 306 and exert a closure force over a relatively larger area 314 than RA portion 301. This can be for one of at least two reasons. As will be described in more detail below, preferably, LA portion 302 is deployed in PFO region 209 first and, once in contact with septal wall 207, LA portion 302 is used to help deploy, or pull, portions 303 and 301 from delivery device 104. Also, septum primum 214 is typically thinner than septum secundum 210 and more likely to tear or deform to the extent that LA portion 302 can be pulled though septum primum 214.
Preferably, implant 103 is configured to adjust to septal walls 207 having varying degrees of thickness. Accordingly, central portion 303 preferably has a compressibility sufficient to apply a closure force 312 to thinner septal walls 207 while at the same time having an expandability sufficient to accommodate thicker septal walls 207 without excessive permanent deformation. In one exemplary embodiment, which is for purposes of illustration only and should not be used to limit the scope of the invention in any way, central portion 303 is expandable from 3 to 8 millimeters (mm) without excessive permanent deformation.
As mentioned above, implant 103 can be deformable between a configuration suited for housing within delivery device 104 and the implanted configuration depicted in
To facilitate the deformation of implant 103 between the housed configuration and the implanted configuration depicted in
Central portion 303 is not required to include a coiled section 324 and can, in fact, be only a generally straight section 305. Furthermore, central portion 304 is not required to be formed from a wire-like body 304 and can be configured in any manner desired as depicted in the block diagram of
Referring in more detail to RA portion 301 and LA portion 302,
In both
RA/LA portions 301/302 are not required to be implemented in a stacked configuration. For instance, in
In the embodiments discussed above, the radius of curvature of the coiled segments 306, present in either RA/LA portions 301/302 or central portion 303, is generally constant or varies at a constant rate, resulting in a circular, spiral or helical appearance when viewed from the side (e.g., direction 330 of
RA/LA portions 301/302 are not required to include coiled segments 306 and are not required to be formed from a wire-like body 304. As mentioned above, RA/LA portions 301/302 can be configured in any manner desired as depicted in the block diagram of
In addition to other parameters, the thickness of implant body 304 can vary as desired. For instance,
Like the thickness, the surface of body 304 can also be varied as desired. The surface can be modified directly or through etching, grinding, additional coatings or add-ons, which are applied to the underlying body 304. The surface can be modified for any purpose including, but not limited to increasing surface friction with tissue, increasing the ability to engage tissue, allowing tissue in-growth, promoting healing, promoting scarring, promoting thrombogencity, preventing blood passage or shunting around or through implant 103, minimizing thrombus formation, promoting anti-coagulation (e.g., with drugs such as heparin and the like), modifying imaging characteristics (e.g., radio-opacity and the like) and decreasing body surface friction (e.g., with a hydrophilic coating and the like).
As stated above, implant 103 can be configured in any manner desired in accordance with the needs of the application. The following is a non-exhaustive list of just some exemplary factors one of skill in the art may consider in designing, configuring, manufacturing and/or otherwise implementing implant 103.
LA portion 302 can be configured to use compressive force 312 from center portion 303 to hold septum primum 214 against septum secundum 210 and at least partially close or seal PFO tunnel 215. LA portion 302 can also be configured to maintain a stable position as central portion 303 and RA portion 301 are deployed without being pulled through septum primum 210. LA portion 302 can be configured to lie flush against septum primum 214 when deployed and not to distort the native geometry of tunnel 215 to create residual shunts. LA portion 302 can be sized to provide adequate coverage over PFO tunnel 215. (In one exemplary embodiment, which is included as an example only and should not be used to limit the invention, LA portion 302 has a maximum width 310 of 1.2 centimeters to accommodate most large PFO tunnels 215.) LA portion 302, in combination with central portion 303 and RA portion 301, can be configured to exert enough closure force 314 to seal PFO tunnel 215 and prevent shunting during normal and valsalva atrial blood pressures. LA portion 302 can also be configured: to be deployable with minimal and consistent push force (e.g., push force on pusher member 406, which will be described in more detail below); so that the shape before and after deployment is predictable; to be devoid of characteristics that cause chronic or excessive tissue irritation, inflammation, etc.; and/or for visibility during imaging procedures.
Central portion 303 can be configured to maintain LA portion 302 and RA portion 301 in a state of contact with septal wall 207 with enough closure force 312 to at least partially close and seal PFO tunnel 215. Central portion 303 can also be configured: with an adequate spring constant (k) to prevent tunnel 215 from opening during normal and valsalva atrial blood pressures; not to distort the native geometry of tunnel 215 and create residual shunts; to be deployable with minimal and consistent push force (e.g., push force on pusher member 406, which will be described in more detail below); for visibility during imaging procedures; to expand or stretch to accommodate variable septal wall thicknesses without excessive permanent deformation; with adequate strength to withstand any motion it may experience in vivo; to allow LA portion 302 or RA portion 301 to tilt, for instance, if the area of delivery is wedge shaped; so that central portion 303 does not pinch or sever any tissue that could embolize, for instance, with a spring constant low enough to prevent severing tissue; to exert adequate closure force 312 to close any residual shunts that exist; and/or with maximized width 310 and minimized strains to optimize fatigue performance.
RA portion 301 can be configured to hold septum secundum 210 against septum primum 214 and at least partially close or seal PFO tunnel 215. RA portion 301 can also be configured: to lie flush against septum secundum 210 when deployed and not to distort the native geometry of tunnel 215 to create residual shunts; to be deployable with minimal and consistent push force (e.g., push force on pusher member 406, which will be described in more detail below); so that the shape before and after deployment is predictable; to be devoid of characteristics that cause chronic or excessive tissue irritation, inflammation, etc.; for visibility during imaging procedures; and/or to resist being pulled through septal wall 207.
Also provided herein are methods of manufacturing implant 103.
With a ribbon-like implant 103, pre-processing can include etching of the NITINOL section. Methods of etching NITINOL materials are readily understood to one skilled in the art. For instance, a sheet of NITINOL is first etched or grinded or otherwise altered to vary the cross-sectional shape, thickness, surface texture and the like of one or more sections present on the sheet. Etching of the NITINOL sheet can allow for the implementation of numerous different cross-sectional shapes, thicknesses, surface textures and combinations thereof. Afterwards, each section of NITINOL can be cut from the sheet and trimmed as desired.
At 352, the NITINOL section is fixed to body shaping device 380 in preparation for heat treatment. Heat treatment of NITINOL can instill the desired at rest configuration to body 304 and is well known to those of skill in the art. Accordingly, body shaping device 380 is preferably shaped such that when the NITINOL section is coiled around body shaping device 380, it is in the final desired at rest configuration. One exemplary embodiment of body shaping device 380 is depicted in
Once wrapped around and fixed to body shaping device 380, at 353, the NITINOL section is then preferably heat treated to instill the desired shape. Heat treating can occur at any time and temperature sufficient to instill the desired at rest shape and level of elasticity in implant 103. In one embodiment, which is included as an example only and should in no way be used to limit the invention, heat treating can occur at a temperature range of 500-550 degrees Celsius for approximately five minutes.
At 354, the NITINOL section is preferably cooled, e.g., by rapid quenching in room temperature water, then at 355, the NITINOL section is preferably removed from body shaping device 380 and end tips 307 are trimmed, if necessary, to the desired length to form body 304. Finally, at 356, any post-processing is performed, such as the addition of radio-opaque markers, the shaping of end tips 307 and the addition of any desired coatings or blocking material 326.
Turning now to the devices and methods for delivering implant 103,
As shown in
The needle insertion location 419 can be placed in any desired location, but should be chosen based in part on the configuration and size of implant 103 and the degree of overlap between septum primum 214 and septum secundum 210. For instance, in one exemplary embodiment, which is included for illustration only and in no way should be used to limit the invention, needle insertion location 419 is placed between 3 and 7 mm from limbus 211. The position of needle insertion location 419 can be determined by the length of arm member 409, which in turn can position distal end 410 using limbus 211 as a point of reference. To allow for added flexibility, the length of arm member 409 can be configured to be adjustable during the implantation procedure. Thus, arm member 409 is preferably configured for at least two functions: (1) to stop travel of body member 101 at limbus 211 by abutting limbus 211 and (2) to position distal end 410 in the desired needle insertion location 419.
As mentioned above, OA delivery member 401 is preferably configured to allow slidable movement of needle member 405, pusher member 406 and implant 103 within inner lumen 402. Preferably, OA delivery member 401 is configured so as to maintain a sufficient degree of structural integrity and kink resistance, while at the same time providing adequate torque or twist control. In one exemplary embodiment, OA delivery member 401 is composed of a flexible braided metal reinforced polymeric tube configured to provide the desired amount of kink resistance and torque control. In other exemplary embodiments, OA delivery member 401 can be composed of a braided or unbraided polymeric tube. In yet another exemplary embodiment, OA delivery member 401 is composed of a metal tube having apertures located therein to provide added flexibility. For instance, OA delivery member 401 can be a NITINOL slotted tube, with the size and spacing of each slot configured for optimal flexibility, kink resistance and torque control. The apertures are preferably placed in a location corresponding to the portion of OA delivery member 401 that extends or arcs out, while the portion of OA delivery member 401 proximal to this can be left solid without apertures to maintain resilience in OA delivery member 401 and provide resistance to push back from needle member 405 as it penetrates septal wall 207.
Furthermore, OA delivery member 401 can be coated to provide low friction surfaces to facilitate advancement of OA delivery member 401 within body member 101 and the patient's body, as well as to facilitate movement of needle member 405 within lumen 402. Pusher member 406 and needle member 405 can be coated as well. For instance,
Like OA delivery member 401, needle member 405 and pusher member 406 are also preferably flexible elongate members.
For instance, needle member 405 can include one or more openings, or apertures 436, to increase flexibility. Here, needle member 405 includes multiple apertures 436 in various arrangements. Needle member 405 can be fabricated from any desired material including, but not limited to, NITINOL and stainless steel, and apertures 436 can be formed in any manner including, but not limited to, molding, milling, grinding, laser cutting, EDM, chemical etching, punching and drilling. The design and use of flexible needles is also discussed in parent U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/847,747, filed on May 7, 2004.
A first region 437 of needle member 405 includes apertures 436 located at various intervals around the circumference of needle member 405. A second region 438, located distal to the first region 437, includes apertures 436 on the lower portion of needle member 405.
Treatment system 100 can be configured to apply a suction-type force to any surface of septal wall 207 to allow needle member 405 to more easily penetrate the septal tissue without excessive "tenting" of septal wall 207 in response to the pressure applied by needle member 405. For instance, the proximal end of OA delivery member 401 can be coupled with a vacuum or pressure adjustment device configured to lower the air or fluid pressure within OA delivery member 401. The pressure is preferably lowered to a degree sufficient to create a suction-type force between OA delivery member 401 and septal wall 207 thereby keeping septal wall 207 in contact or in proximity with OA delivery member 401 while needle member 405 is advanced into septal wall 207. Also, the suction-type force can be applied through needle member 405 instead of, or in addition to OA delivery member 401.
Treatment system 100 preferably includes one or more sensors to facilitate determination of when needle member 405 has entered left atrium 212. For instance, in one exemplary embodiment, needle member 405 includes a sensor at or near distal end 415. The sensor can be any type of applicable sensor, such as a pressure sensor, thermal sensor, imaging device, acoustic device and the like. In one exemplary embodiment, a pressure sensor is included that is configured to sense the blood pressure change between right atrium 205 and left atrium 212. The pressure sensor can be any type of pressure sensor including, but not limited to, an electrical sensor and a fluid feedback sensor such as a lumen within needle member 405 having an open distal end in fluid communication with the exterior environment. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, distal end 415 of needle member 405 is configured to be visible by an external or internal imaging device, which can then be used to track the position of distal end 415 with respect to septal wall 207.
For instance,
Pusher member 406 can also be configured to releasably couple with implant 103. For instance, in one exemplary embodiment, pusher member 406 is tethered to implant 103 with a tether 485 in order to allow implant 103 to be drawn back into needle member 405 if needed, such as in a case of improper deployment. If implant 103 is properly deployed, tether 485 can be released from pusher member 406. In another exemplary embodiment, pusher member 406 can be configured to both push and pull implant 103 while within needle member 405, as depicted in
Delivery device 104 can be configured to maintain the proper orientation of OA delivery member 401, needle member 405, pusher member 406 and implant 103 during delivery.
The distances that OA delivery member 401, needle member 405 and pusher member 406 are moved proximally and distally with respect to body member 101, can be relatively small. Manual movement of these components, while possible, can be difficult. Treatment system 100 can include one or more automated systems or devices at the proximal end of body member 101 to facilitate movement of these components and lessen the risk that each component is inadvertently advanced too far or not enough. The automated systems or devices can also be configured to apply the desired amount of force to move each component and sense if too much force is being used, which could be indicative of an error in the delivery process.
To further facilitate movement of OA delivery member 401, needle member 405 and pusher member 406, each can be optionally pre-shaped. For instance, in one exemplary embodiment, one or more of OA delivery member 401, needle member 405 and pusher member 406 can include a curved section that corresponds to the desired deflected arc shape of OA delivery member 401 depicted in
It should also be noted that needle member 405 can be excluded from system 100 altogether. Pusher member 406 can deploy implant 103 through a pre-existing hole, or implant 103 can be configured with a substantially sharp end tip 307 for creation of a hole while being deployed by pusher member 406.
As described with respect to
The nature of the tissue forming septum primum 214 can be irregular, for instance including overlapping folds, variations in tissue thickness and variations in distensibility, each of which can cause septum primum 214 to move, or tent, when needle member 405 is advanced through. The inclusion of grasping device 502 can also provide the additional advantage of holding septum primum 214 in place and reducing the risk of tenting.
Grasping device 502 preferably includes a flexible grasping element 506 coupled with inner pull member 505. Here, grasping element 506 is configured as a rectangular element. Outer tubular sheath 501 preferably includes lumen 507 having open distal end 508, from which grasping element 506 can be deployed. Lumen 507 can be configured with contoured sidewalls to facilitate deployment of grasping element 506. To deploy grasping element 506, inner member 505 can be pulled in a proximal direction with respect to outer sheath 501, causing grasping element 506 to advance through lumen 507 and out of distal end 508. Grasping element 506 can optionally include an atraumatic end 512, which in this embodiment is a radio-opaque element, which may be gold or platinum. In this embodiment, grasping element 506 is configured as a deformable, pre-shaped element having three main configurations.
Once the delivery procedure is complete, inner member 505 can be advanced distally with respect to outer sheath 501 to draw grasping element 506 back within lumen 507. Any component of treatment system 100 adequately coupled with stabilization device 105 is thereby also anchored to septum primum 214. One of skill in the art will readily recognize that this and similar embodiments of stabilization device 105 can be used to engage any tissue flap or edge desired, not solely septum primum 214.
Grasping device 502 can be configured in any manner desired in accordance with the needs of the application.
It should be noted that, in order to provide additional surface friction, additional abutments can be included on grasping element 506 and/or the surface of grasping element 506 can be etched or coated or otherwise textured.
As discussed with respect to
When centering device 106 is placed within PFO tunnel 215, centering arms 602 can be extended until coming into contact with sidewalls 219, as depicted in
In this manner, centering device 106 can be centered within PFO tunnel 215 and can be used as a reference point for delivering implant 103. Preferably, centering device 106 is coupled with delivery device 104, so that centering of centering device 106 will also cause centering of delivery device 104. Preferably, once implant 103 is delivered, centering arms 602 are retracted proximally into lumens 603 and centering device can then be retracted through PFO tunnel 215. Surface 610 of recessed portion 605 is preferably curved, or tapered, to reduce the risk that support member 601 will catch or become hung up on any tissue in or around PFO tunnel 215.
Here, the extended portions of centering arms 602 are shown as being located entirely within PFO tunnel 215. One of skill in the art will readily recognize that variation of length 609 of recessed portion 605 will cause the extended portion of centering arms 602 to vary accordingly.
Support member 601 and centering arm 602 can each be composed of any desired material in accordance with the needs of the application. Preferably, support member 601 is composed of a flexible polymer, such as polyimides, polyamides, polyproylene and the like. Preferably, centering arms 602 are composed of a flexible polymer or metal, such as NITINOL, stainless steel and the like.
In the embodiment described with respect to
Also, arms 602 can be pre-shaped to be biased to assume a desired shape when allowed to expand from recessed portion 605. For instance, in one exemplary embodiment, arms 602 are composed of NITINOL and are heat-treated for pre-shaping. One of skill in the art will readily recognize, in light of this disclosure, that variation of the thickness of arms 602 and pre-shaping can allow an almost limitless number of shapes to be achieved, having curved portions, straight portions and any combination thereof which can be symmetric or asymmetric.
As mentioned above, in some cases, sidewalls 219 of PFO tunnel 215 are not equidistant along the length of PFO tunnel 215, causing PFO tunnel 215 to diverge or converge from PFO entrance 217 to PFO exit 218. Divergence or convergence of PFO tunnel 215 can cause centering device 106 to slip out from PFO tunnel 215 when arms 602 are extended.
It should be noted that centering device 106 can include any number of one or more arms 602 for centering/positioning purposes.
In another exemplary embodiment, centering device 106 includes multiple arms 602 configured for use independently of each other to allow the user to have increased control over the position of centering device 106 within PFO tunnel 215. For instance, the user can adjust two opposing arms 602 to center device 106 between sidewalls 219 within tunnel 215, and then adjust a third arm 602 to position device 106 as desired relative to septum secundum 210 and septum primum 214. In another case, the user can use three or more arms 602 for centering based on the tunnel type or anatomy.
In some embodiments, it can be desirable to keep centering device 106 within PFO tunnel 215 while needle member 405 is advanced through septal wall 207. To reduce the risk that needle member 405 will contact centering device 106 during this procedure, support member 601 can be configured to deflect needle member 405.
It should be noted that the functionality of the various embodiments described herein can be combined and integrated together to reduce the number of components in treatment system 100, simplify the design of treatment system 100 and so forth. For instance,
For stabilization and centering, support member 601 is preferably advanced through PFO exit 218. Once in left atrium 212, centering arms 602 can be advanced distally to deploy grasping elements 506 from the first, housed configuration, to the second and third configurations for catching and grasping septum primum 214. Once septum primum 214 is grasped, support member 601 can be retracted proximally with respect to centering arms 602 in order to deploy centering portions 618 of each arm 602. The centering portions 618 can then expand outwards and center device 106, thereby preferably also centering body member 101 and delivery device 104, while at the same time maintaining a grasp of septum primum 214.
As discussed with respect to
It should be noted that in each of the embodiments described with respect to
In addition, treatment system 100 can include multiple delivery devices 104 for delivery of multiple implants 103, multiple stabilization devices 105 for stabilization on multiple tissue surfaces, multiple centering devices 106 and multiple body members 101 as desired. If treatment system 100 is used to access septal wall 207 via inferior vena cava 202, the maximum radial cross-section size of body member 101 is preferably 13 French or less, although it should be noted that any size body member 101 can be used in accordance with the needs of the application. Body member 101 can be constructed from any material as desired, but is preferably constructed from a flexible polymer such as polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon and the like.
Furthermore, it should be noted that any component or component portion within treatment system 100 can be configured to facilitate any type of imaging, including, but not limited to, internal and external ultrasound imaging, optical imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and flouroscopy. For instance, radio-opaque portions can be used to increase the visibility in flouroscopic applications while echolucent coatings can be used to increase visibility in ultrasound applications. As an example, in one exemplary embodiment OA delivery member 401 can be entirely radio-opaque, or can include portions that are radio-opaque, such as on distal tip 430 of
Also described herein are methods 700 and 800 of treating PFO tunnel 215, preferably by at least partially closing PFO tunnel 215. Methods 700 and 800 are preferably used with treatment system 100, but can be used with any medical system as desired. For ease of discussion, method 700 will be described with respect to treatment system 100 and method 800 will be described without reference to a particular treatment system, although it should be understood that methods 700 and 800 can be used with or without treatment system 100. Generally, the steps of methods 700 will vary, in part, on the actual configuration of implant 103, the number of implants 103 to be delivered, the location in which each implant 103 is to be delivered, the use of guidewire 641 or a guide catheter and the optional use of stabilization device 105 and/or centering device 106 or any combination thereof.
Also, as many implants 103 can be used in any arrangement as desired.
Although there are many different implementations and variations of method 700, for ease of discussion, method 700 will be described herein as using one implant 103, delivered through both septum primum 214 and septum secundum 210, using an exemplary embodiment of treatment system 100 similar to that described above with respect to
At 702, guidewire 641, if present, can be removed. At 704, stabilization device 105 is preferably advanced through lumen 631 and into left atrium 212. At 706, body member 101 can be retracted proximally into right atrium 205. Preferably, stabilization device 105 includes a stabilization member 501 and grasping device 502 with grasping element 506. At 708, grasping element 506 can be deployed from the first housed configuration to the second configuration for catching tissue, which, in this example, is preferably septum primum 214.
Next, at 710, stabilization member 501 is preferably moved distally until grasping element 506 catches septum primum 214. Then, at 712, OA delivery member 401 can be retracted proximally with respect to body member 101 to raise arm member 409. At 714, body member 101 and OA delivery member 401 are advanced distally until arm member 409 abuts limbus 211. At 716, centering device 106 can be used to center delivery device 104, preferably by deflecting centering arms 602. Once centered, if not already done so, at 717 stabilization device 105 can be fixably coupled to delivery device 104 (e.g., with a rotating hemostasis valve or Tuohy-Borst valve and the like). Next, at 718, grasping element 506 can be further deployed to the third configuration to grasp septum primum 214 and lock stabilization device 105 to septum primum 214. Alternatively, either 716, 717, 718 or any combination thereof can be implemented prior to 712. Also, 716-718 can be implemented in any order desired with respect to each other.
Once stabilized, centered and locked in place, OA delivery member 401 is preferably advanced distally with respect to body member 101 to rotate distal end 410 into the desired orientation with surface 320 of septum secundum 210. At 722, needle member 405 can be advanced through septum secundum 210 and septum primum 214 and into left atrium 212. Then, at 724, pusher member 406 can be advanced distally to at least partially deploy LA portion 302 of implant 103 from distal end 415 of needle member 405. In embodiments where centering arms 602 are in their deflected state for centering, it is possible for needle member 405 to pass between centering arms 602 and stabilization member 501 when inserted, based on needle insertion location 419. To avoid capture of implant 103 between centering arms 602 and stabilization member 501, centering arms 602 can be retracted proximally back into elongate body 101 thereby removing them from seats 604 and preventing implant 103 from being trapped between centering arms 602 and stabilization member 501. Next, at 726, grasping element 506 can be moved to the second configuration to free stabilization device 105 from septum primum 214. Alternatively, 726 can be performed before 724 if desired.
Then, at 728, LA portion 302 can be fully deployed if not already. At 730, grasping element 506 can be removed to the first configuration, housed within stabilization member 501. Next, at 732, centering device 106 can be moved to the undeployed configuration if not already, preferably by collapsing centering arms 602, after which stabilization device 105 can be retracted proximally from PFO entrance 217 at 734. At 736, needle member 405 can be withdrawn into OA delivery member 401 to deploy central portion 303 of implant 103 and at least a portion of RA portion 301. Here, at 738, an optional closure test can be performed to confirm at least partial closure, and preferably substantially complete closure, of PFO tunnel 215. Any desired closure test can be performed including, but not limited to, the introduction of gaseous bubbles simultaneously with imaging using contrast enhanced trans-cranial doppler (CE-TCD), intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) and the like, or the infusion of a radio-opaque dye imagable via flouroscopy. The test may be performed by pulling back OA delivery member 401 as far as necessary to deploy RA coil 301 and then test while device is at PFO entrance.
At 740, OA delivery member 401 can be retracted proximally with respect to body member 101 to complete deployment of RA portion 301, release limbus 211 and place OA delivery member 401 in the original position. If the desired degree of closure is confirmed, then any tether connection to implant 103 can be released at 742. Finally, at 744, body member 101 can be retracted distally and withdrawn from the patient.
It should be noted that any feature, function, method or component of any embodiment described with respect to
The devices and methods herein may be used in any part of the body, in order to treat a variety of disease states. Of particular interest are applications within hollow organs including but not limited to the heart and blood vessels (arterial and venous), lungs and air passageways, digestive organs (esophagus, stomach, intestines, biliary tree, etc.). The devices and methods will also find use within the genitourinary tract in such areas as the bladder, urethra, ureters, and other areas.
Furthermore, the off-axis delivery systems may be used to pierce tissue and deliver medication, fillers, toxins, and the like in order to offer benefit to a patient. For instance, the device could be used to deliver bulking agent such as collagen, pyrolytic carbon beads, and/or various polymers to the urethra to treat urinary incontinence and other urologic conditions or to the lower esophagus/upper stomach to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease. Alternatively, the devices could be used to deliver drug or other agent to a preferred location or preferred depth within an organ. For example, various medications could be administered into the superficial or deeper areas of the esophagus to treat Barrett's esophagus, or into the heart to promote angiogenesis or myogenesis. Alternatively, the off-axis system can be useful in taking biopsies, both within the lumen and deep to the lumen. For example, the system could be used to take bronchoscopic biopsy specimens of lymph nodes that are located outside of the bronchial tree or flexible endoscopic biopsy specimens that are located outside the gastrointestinal tract. The above list is not meant to limit the scope of the invention.
In some embodiments, the off-axis delivery system is used with an anchoring means in order to anchor the device to a location within the body prior to rotation of the off-axis system. This anchoring means may involve the use of a tissue grasper or forceps. It should be noted that any device or set of devices can be advanced within the lumen of the off-axis delivery system, including but not limited to needles, biopsy forceps, aspiration catheters, drug infusion devices, brushes, stents, balloon catheters, drainage catheters, and the like.
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, a specific example thereof has been shown in the drawings and is herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not to be limited to the particular form disclosed, but to the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit of the disclosure.
Patent Citations
Non-Patent Citations
Legal Events
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Aria Logo Sandal
Style # 211266
Interlocked metal logo ornament and glossy upper make this glam bebe sandal the ultimate slip-in-and-go.
- Synthetic upper, man-made sole
- Imported
Aria Logo Sandal 1 1
Not my fave I got these sandals online in black because I love their logo merchandise. I was a little disapointed when I got them & ended up taking them back. They fit very loose around the strap (& my foot is nowhere near narrow) & they kind of have a strange point at the top, I'd like it better if it was more rounded like your typical slide on sandal. I could live with that if they werent so loose fitting. April 11, 2013
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09 December 2005
Dramatic progress in GAVI's first five years shapes next steps in plan to boost vaccinations
With an additional US $1 billion per year immunization could save ten million more lives in a decade
08 December 2005
Hib Initiative - a new force in the fight against Hib meningitis and pneumonia
New weapons against ancient foes - new generation vaccines will battle diseases that kill Millions
07 December 2005
Norway increases and prolongs support for global immunization until 2015
Prime Minister of India calls on world leaders to embrace vaccines as key to saving children's lives
Vaccine experts at GAVI meeting in India announce progress in injection safety
14 October 2005
Harvard School of Public Health study finds vaccines boost economies of poor countries
04 October 2005
Immunization maintains strong performance made in last quarter century
09 September 2005
Key European nations join UK and France to commit nearly US$4 billion to expand child immunisation in developing countries
19 August 2005
G8 must invest in proven tools to fight diseases
02 August 2005
Statement regarding International Finance Facility for Immunization (IFFIm) and Eurostat ruling
29 June 2005
Routine immunisation virtually eliminates major killer of young children in The Gambia
09 June 2005
Oslo press event launches a spotlight on Africa
16 May 2005
Bill Gates urges world leaders to improve health
30 March 2005
Barcelona Declaration
25 March 2005
Vaccine prevents deadly pneumonia in African children
23 February 2005
Canada provides record support for global immunization
28 January 2005
German Chancellor Schröder urges more help for developing nations
26 January 2005
Hilary Benn pledges £1 billion to boost health care in developing countries
24 January 2005
Gates Foundation and Norway contribute $1 billion
Ethics hotline
Concerned about the misuse of Gavi resources? Report it now.
© Gavi 2015
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This is a "machine-selection optional" part.Please choose a vehicle to see the options specific to your machine,choose from all of the options below and add to cart.
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Comments On Mar 24, 2015:I build race cars and work on a lot of vehicles. I ONLY use NGK in my race cars so why would I not use them in my dirt bikes, too?! I usually order five plugs at a time, this way I can do all my jetting really easily. Once dialed in these plugs last me an entire season of off road desert free-riding. Never have fouled one and they are superior qaulity. Only plug I will use, and you cannot go wrong for the price.
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Watch artist Joseph Linaschke explain the creation of his gallery hanging of large black-and-white prints on metal and discuss the many challenges he faced along the way.
"I'm a new subscriber. I'm 10 minutes in and I can't thank you enough. I'm learning what would normally cost me nearly $1,000!" —Melissa K.
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18 Great Chicken Sandwiches in NYC
A really good chicken sandwich can be hard to find; so many are dry or stringy or downright boring. But great chicken—juicy, flavorful, maybe with some crisp skin in the mix—is perfect sandwich fodder. You can't really beat fried chicken on a bun, but it's just as good grilled and stacked with avocado, roasted and slicked with fat...or, well, we'll let this list of chicken sandwich stars speak for itself. More


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Contrast Raglan Inset Dress
Style # 211997
With a high-neckline, a waist-accentuating A-line with lovely pleated detail and fabric that maintains structure, this playful bebe dress is a girlish way to inject your look with spring's hottest hue. Try it with a nude pump and a crossbody bag for a quick day look.
- 79% rayon, 15% nylon, 6% spandex
- Center back to hem: 30" (76 cm)
- Tricot lining
- Invisible zipper
- Dry clean
- Imported
- Model is 5'9" and is wearing a US size S
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Who would like to meet at the Indiana Zoo or Children's Museum in Indianapolis? I am inviting Illinois because you do not have a Group Coordinator yet. Any other nearby states are welcome to join us. Let's pick a weekend and join together for a meeting. :-) I'm borrowing the zoo idea from other smart people on the posts here. heheh But will do it as they have, bring your families and significant others. A great way to have fun and get to know each other.
What do you say?
TB aka Sue


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The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga men's tennis team dropped a 5-2 Southern Conference match at Davidson today. The Mocs fall to 6-4 overall and 1-1 in league action while the Wildcats improve to 7-3 and 1-0.
Davidson won the doubles point by taking two of three matches. After losing at No. 3, seniors Manuel Barroetavena (Buenos Aires, Argentina) and Jackson Tresnan (Apopka, Fla.) evened the doubles with an 8-6 win over Kevin Moore and Chris Mark at No. 2. Barroetavena and Tresnan improved to 6-2 in spring matches with their second-straight win.
Seniors Chris Smith (Johnson City, Tenn.) and Roberto Vieira (Bedfordview, South Africa) tried to clinch the 1-0 lead in a tight bout with Ethan Kallick and Joe Schafer at No. 1. Tied at 8-8, the match went to a tiebreaker with Davidson taking the final frame 7-5.
Today's contest was played on the four indoor courts of the Knobloch Tennis Center due to cold and windy conditions in Davidson, N.C. UTC needed to take at least two of the first four singles to keep the match alive.
Sophomore Pavels Grigorjevs (Riga, Latvia) quickly dropped his match at No. 5 to Mark (6-2, 6-0). After a tough loss in the first set, Vieira strained his leg in the second set of his No. 1 match against Nicky Kunz. He was unable to mount much of an effort the rest of the way, losing (7-5, 6-1).
Smith got UTC on the board with his (6-4, 6-2) win over Robert Lightbourn at No. 3. Davidson went on to clinch the match in a three-setter at No. 2. Barroetavena dropped that match (4-6, 6-2, 6-3) to Schafer.
With the team outcome decided, senior Ankit Chopra scored the Mocs other point with a (6-3, 6-3) win over Alex Howard at No. 6.
The Mocs next match is tomorrow at Gardner-Webb. First serve is set for 2:00 p.m. (E.S.T.) in Boiling Springs, N.C.
Davidson 5, Chattanooga 2
Mar 06, 2013 at Davidson, N.C. (Knobloch Tennis Center)
Doubles competition
1. Ethan Kallick/Joe Schafer (DAV) def. Chris Smith/Roberto Vieira (UTC) - 9-8 (7-5)
2. Manuel Barroetavena/Jackson Tresnan (UTC) def. Kevin Moore/Chris Mark (DAV) - 8-6 3. Robert Lightbourn/Nicky Kunz (DAV) def. Ankit Chopra/Stephen Crofford (UTC) - 8-2
Singles competition
1. Nicky Kunz (DAV) def. Roberto Vieira (UTC) - 7-5, 6-1
2. Joe Schafer (DAV) def. Manuel Barroetavena (UTC) - 4-6, 6-2, 6-3
3. Chris Smith (UTC) def. Robert Lightbourn (DAV) - 6-4, 6-2
4. Chris Mark (DAV) def. Pavels Grigorjevs (UTC) - 6-2, 6-0
5. Connor Evins (DAV) def. Jackson Tresnan (UTC) - 6-3, 1-6, 1-0 (11-9)
6. Ankit Chopra (UTC) def. Alex Howard (DAV) - 6-3, 6-3


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Wind: 0 mph
Last Saturday morning's Draw the Line protest march made a favorable impression on the majority of passing motorists and attendees at the Waitsfield Farmers' Market. Smiles, honking car horns and thumbs-up signals greeted the 35 marchers carrying colorful signs with messages pronouncing their desire to create a cleaner world. Armed with their signs and a 25- foot-long, dirty black "oil spill" that trailed behind them, the group wound its way from Waitsfield's covered bridge, south on Route 100 to Slow Road where it circled TDBank, moved on through Mad River Green Shopping Center and ended after traversing the Farmers' Market from south to north. TDBank received extra attention for its extremely heavy investment in the tar sands industry. Drivers on Route 100 south of Waitsfield Village may also have noticed the pipeline display – a piece of large pipe with the slogan "Say NO to KXL."
Hundreds of similar events, involving many thousands of concerned citizens, were held across the country on Saturday. Each one asked President Obama to Draw the Line against the cross-border Keystone XL tar sands pipeline construction and to deny tar sands transport through existing pipelines, such as the 63-year-old line that runs through the Northeast Kingdom. Seven events were held in Vermont, in cooperation with 350VT.org, the state arm of 350.org which, along with a dozen national environmental organizations created the push to Draw the Line. Several Valley marchers, including MRV protest organizer Callie Willis, joined an afternoon group in Middlebury.
"It's also apparent that many people are unaware of – or don't believe in – the dangers of runaway climate change and are more focused on the immediate future, on the status quo. Unfortunately, many have been taken in by the propaganda disseminated by the fossil fuel industry and legislators whose campaign coffers are filled by them. Climate change deniers are more interested in their bottom line or in winning the next election than they are in securing a habitable planet for future generations," commented Warren activist Dotty Kyle, who continued; "When people state that they want to see the KXL pipeline built because it will create jobs, it's misguided and sad. Yes, according to the state department's report on the pipeline, about 3,900 temporary construction jobs will be created over a two-year period, as well as 35 to 100 longer term positions. But that's in an economy of 150 million working people. Think how many jobs could be created if that energy were put into the huge number of infrastructure projects that are needed to bring the U.S. up to modern standards. In addition, we should focus on the development of far more renewable energy and creating a renewable-friendly nationwide electric grid. That's something truly worth doing."
Middlebury's Bill McKibben, international voice of 350.org, inaugurated the KXL protest movement more than two years ago. In a recent email, he said: "Stopping Keystone XL won't stop global warming – but it would keep a huge pool of carbon in the ground and, perhaps, begin to turn the tide against the relentless greed of the fossil fuel industry. That would be a big deal indeed."


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Partly Cloudy
Wind: 9 mph
To The Editor:
Ask most Americans how our nation treats crime victims, and they are likely to say, "Very well." However, if you ask me, as a survivor of kidnapping, sexual assault and attempted murder (', Warren, VT), I will tell you that my experience and my rights as a crime victim have been and continue to be challenged. One of our rights is to receive 30-day notice of any parole board hearing; however, last summer I received only a 14-day notice. Yet, the agency responsible, in this case the Department of Corrections, was not held accountable for failure to uphold my rights.
Many in the victims' movement, including myself, have for over a decade pushed to amend the U.S. Constitution to include victims' rights. In doing so victims' rights would be upheld and enforceable. And although 33 states have amended their state constitution, sadly Vermont is not one of them. April 22 through 28 is National Crime Victims Rights Week (NCVRW). The theme this year is "Victims' Rights: Every Victim, Every Time." If we are to abide by this theme then we must continue to work together and uphold the rights of every victim, every time.
There are several events occurring during NCVRW to pay honor and tribute to crime victims. The third annual red flag campaign to honor sexual violence victims and their allies will begin at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25, at the State House in Montpelier. This will be followed by the 14th annual Crime Victim's Right Week Awards Ceremony.
We hope community members, advocates, and allies from around Vermont will join us. For more information please call the Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services at 241-1250 or 1-800-750-1213.
Susan S. Russell, M.A.
Warren, VT


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Anderson Silva Would Move to Welterweight to Challenge Georges St-Pierre
Anderson Silva Would Move to Welterweight to Challenge Georges St-Pierre | 5thRound.com
According to UFC President Dana White, The Spider is willing to shed the 15 pounds required to challenge St-Pierre for his 170-pound crown.
Anderson would go to [170 pounds], too, White revealed following Wednesdays press conference in England. Yeah, he said hed do it. He says he can make [170] easy. Its insane.
Whites statement is quite bizarre. Typically, as fighters get up there in age Silva clocks 38 in exactly two months, so hes no spring chicken they tend to move up in weight rather than down. In addition, Silva hasnt competed at welterweight since losing to Yushin Okami at Rumble on the Rock 8. He weighed 174 pounds for that January 2006 contest.
Since the disqualification defeat, Silva has dominated the middleweight class while sprinkling in three light heavyweight scraps. The Brazilians sporadic dabbling in the 205-pound division is why most thought the superfight with reigning light heavyweight champion Jon Jones had a greater possibility of coming to fruition than with GSP.
Whites hoping for all of the above.
Ill take either one, and both, White stated.


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August 05, 2011
Illinois Public Media News
In-depth reporting from WILL, NPR, the Associated Press, and other sources
Contact WILL News at firstname.lastname@example.com
Page 675 of 929 pages ‹ First < 673 674 675 676 677 > Last ›
WILL Newscast audio
NPR News
Mexican Photojournalist Found Dead In Country's Capital
President Obama To Unveil Tough Proposal Targeting Greenhouse Gases
More Plane Debris Washes Up On Réunion Island
Texas Attorney General Indicted On Felony Charges, 'New York Times' Reports
Jericho Isn't Cecil's Brother And Is Probably Still Alive, Lion Researcher Says
Wildfires In California Spur Emergency Declaration; 1 Firefighter Dead
After Devastating Injury, Austrian Pole Vaulter Is Breathing On Her Own
Sailing Federation Will Test Waters For Viruses In Brazil's Olympics Venues
MH370 Update: Recovered Jet Section Arrives At French Lab For Testing
Israeli Officials Promise To Find Arsonists Who Killed Palestinian Child
More NPR News
WILL Highlights
WILL News wins PRNDI Award for "Unmet Needs" Radio Doc
The 2014 radio documentary, produced by former WILL staff and hosted by Scott Cameron, won second place in the Long Form Documentary category among medium-sized stations.
WILL Ag Director Dave Dickey retires
He carried on the farm broadcasting tradition, while innovating on the Internet.
Brian Moline named WILL 'Morning Edition' host
Longtime WDWS sports and talk host will join WILL Radio staff on June 1.


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Douglas Biow, Director MEZ 3.126, Mailcode A1800, Austin, TX 78712 • 512-232-3470
Practice Italian with Tavola Italiana
Fri, February 4, 2011 • 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM • Cactus Cafe
The Department of French and Italian and the Italian Club present Tavola Italiana. Tavola meets every Friday during the semester and offers the opportunity to practice Italian in an informal environment while discussing Italian culture. Join us for the first Tavola of the spring semester. All students, members of the Circolo Italiano, professors and friends are welcome.
Admission: Free and open to the public
URL: http://sites.google.com/site/utcircoloitaliano/Home


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Another good choice which many would probably vote for is the No! Not if it is handled in the same fashion as the MOTU 30th anniversary figures were.
YES! I want to get more of the great rebellion quicker!
YES! I am sick of PoP taking up spots in the regular MOTUC sub!
NO! I like 2-3 PoP figures a year and they don't need to recognize the 30th anniversary!
With the success of the 30th Anniversary subscription evident (at least in terms of sales) I am wondering who would support a PoP 30th Anniversary Subscription. This would still be comprised of MOTUC figures but all would be from the PoP faction. It is increasingly evident that there is almost an overwhelming number of PoP figures still to be released and that they are a polarizing faction for many. I would think that a separate subscription for the 30th anniversary would be a win win for both supporters and detractors alike as it would allow those who desperately want more PoP to get several figures (probably 6) in one year while giving those who are not happy about getting PoP figures included in their MOTUC subs a year that would be entirely free of them. This is all assuming, of course, that MOTUC in general lasts until 2015. I have a feeling it will
Let me be clear on what I am proposing (and what several PoP fans have been asking for when discussing this possibility). This would NOT work like the current MOTU 30th line, which is comprised of entirely NEW characters. This would be comprised of established PoP characters who have yet to be released (like Castapella, Sea Hawk, Madame Razz, and Mermista ... although I'm sure a couple of those will be out by 2015 but you all get the point). I personally wouldn't mind if they did the create a character contest again for the final figure but the other 5 should be fan demanded characters.
So what does everyone think? Vote and then discuss!
Last edited by Swifty; February 29, 2012 at 08:49pm.
Another good choice which many would probably vote for is the No! Not if it is handled in the same fashion as the MOTU 30th anniversary figures were.
MYP Sorceress is a MUST HAVE figure for MOTUC!
No, I like 2-3 PoP figures a year.
I do think that PoP fans should beat the war drums amongst the ranks to see if they could get anything commemorative going with re-releases of the original figures like MOTU did in 2000.
Ask not for whom MOTUC is made, it's made for thee.
If you have to disclaimer your like, then you don't really like it.
Last edited by Swifty; February 29, 2012 at 09:20pm. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
Yes, there is that chance. However, there are so many great characters from so many different areas of the property I like getting a few from each area annually. Plus I'm not much for adding any additional figures onto an already expensive sub.
I am really starting to wonder if we're going to be getting a Spinnerella & Netossa 2-pack for the 4th quarter though. It would boost the factions numer by 2 with 1 sku ismilar to how the Star Sisters did 3 for 1 sku. I'm pretty sure once Netossa is released Peekablue won't be far behind, in my mind they parts share.
Ask not for whom MOTUC is made, it's made for thee.
If you have to disclaimer your like, then you don't really like it.
Last edited by MasterCollector; March 1, 2012 at 01:12am.
MYP Sorceress is a MUST HAVE figure for MOTUC!
why not this is motuc after all. celebrate all motu media
Skeleton-Warriors, Ra-Jar, Spinwit, Rock Golem, Evil Seed, Lord Masque, Prahvus, General Tartaran, Hawke, Slob-Boar, King Agho, Hunga the Harpy, Sh'gora, Masks of Power Demons, Nocturna, Lizzor, Horde Wraiths, Sagitar, Crimson Fury, Lodar, Vizar, Angast, Negator, Melaktha, ABC Giants, Stridor
You have opened up the flood gates! Lets see here now. What 'POP inspired' characters could a POP sub line give us? As much as we would want Madame Razz, Huntara, Octavia, and some of the lesser appreciated ladies of the universe.... who would we get?
Shopperella: Evil Mistress of Subscription Debt?
Bu-Lee-Mia: Schoolyard Bully With Eating Disorder?
MissDeMeanor: Misunderstood Master under House Arrest?
Yes a POP sub line would be awesome, but character selection would have to be a complete 180 of what its been for the current one.
Last edited by Sky Breaker; February 29, 2012 at 11:23pm.
Last edited by Swifty; February 29, 2012 at 11:39pm.
I would like to see a 30th sub for pop learn from the mistakes of the MOTU and be some combination of a CA-A-C contest winner(s), Prototype type chracters, new characters designed by the people we want (4hmen etc), perhaps a toy version of a character when that toy design is really different from filmation.
Check me out: www.patrickireland.net
If POP gets a 30th anniversary celebration, then that's fine. I'm hoping some of the more recognizable POP characters get released first before the anniversary slots are taken over by completely unknown characters like the MOTU 30th anniversary did. If it's a chance to get the likes of Scorpia and Sea Hawk, so be it. But let's have Glimmer, Angella and Castaspella first before we get fresh new recruits for the Great Rebellion or femme fatales for the Horde.
I voted no. (Though I think the 30th should be recognized)
I love the all-inclusiveness of MOTUC. I want to see the core rebellion characters like Glimmer and Castaspella released alongside the likes of Rokkon and Hydron, not in some sort of sub-line.
If they were going to have a special sub for the 30th of POP, I'd actually like it to be similar to the 30th MOTU sub. Have one of the 6 figures be created by a fan (Create-A-Character) and the other 5 created by people more deserving of the honor, like Val and Emiliano. I feel the 4HM did great with Draego-Man, so I think they should get one of the slots this time as well.
"Oh Lord, Bless this M&M... and the mighty cockroach I slain in battle to get it." - Al Bundy
I would definitely support a 30th line for POP if this would bring us some new female POP characters!
Who is the real protector of Grayskull?
Part of me would like a PoP 30th in the same vein as the MOTU's 30th, but at the same time I fear the new "characters" designed by the involved parties that are NOT the 4H... (Spectrette, or whatever Geoff Johns would do)
what I would NOT want is to "separate" PoP from MOTUC...
FINALLY!! GLIMMER IS IN MY SHELF!! Crita is coming... Now I NEED SONGSTER! The Awesometastic Bard!
I would support Mattel to make a POP sub, but I wouldn't buy it myself, because I only need other stuff from MOTUC
I voted YES, b/c I would love to get some of the more Obscure figures from that line and it doesn't have to be based on just the ladies.
how about any of the following:
the horde inspector
horde navy troops
general sunder
hunga the harpy
modulok w/ 3 legs (filmation)
light spinner
twiggets 3 pack
kowl & lookee 2 pack
Can I get a "Hell Yeah" for Scorpia!!!
My Trader Feedback thread:
I would be into this, but would hope that such a line would be properly book-ended by classic toy style costume versions of She-Ra and Catra. And that it would include a beast such as Enchanta or Sea Harp- something that would not fare well as a normal MOTUC release, but would please the PoP fans who want some of these classic toy creatures updated for the MOTUC line
There are no options in this poll for my view on POP - so I'm not voting. I think POP has every right to be included in the current MOTUC and I'm glad it is. I would support a POP 30th sub line in addition to the POP that is already being included in MOTUC. Although, honestly, POP is actually part of MOTUC and has equal standing with the other figures, so POP-inspired Etherian characters should already be eligible in the current 30th celebration - it's supposed to celebrate all facets of the line from the start of it all 30 years ago.
With all that being said, I love POP and can't wait for more figures to make it into the line!
Last edited by Donimo; March 1, 2012 at 10:15am.
If you have a Queen Marlena cardback to sell, please let me know.
My feedback: http://www.he-man.org/forums/boards/...d.php?t=212100
MOTUC for sale: http://www.he-man.org/forums/boards/...d.php?t=212096
200x for sale: http://www.he-man.org/forums/boards/...d.php?t=213585
I have a huge lot of Garbage Pail Kids (GPK) cards I'm also selling. PM me.
It would be great if it was possible for Mattel to bring some more members of the Great Rebellion as 30th Anniversary figures in 2015. I'd definitely appreciate that!
Secret Guardian
Visit my artworks gallery: http://queengrayskull.deviantart.com
and join my group: http://www.he-man.org/forums/boards/...php?groupid=78
For German fans only: http://www.he-man.org/forums/boards/...php?groupid=79
FILMATIONPRESENTS.:*~*:Thank You, Lou Scheimer...and Good Journey:*~*:....For Every Destination is but a Doorway to Another...The Time Has Come for Crackers The Clown and Chef Allen in MOTUC!
I like how it is now.
We don't need no education...
Yes you do, you've just used a double negative!
I would but not as outlined in the OP.
The PoP30th line if like would be exactly like the MOTU 30th line: 6 figures of brand new characters designed by say, a few Mattel designers, whohaveyou, with the final a contest winner.
Not to sound like a creepy cheerleader for Uki, but it's nice to know there is at least one person on this forum who is extremely positive & friendly all the time. I don't think I could be that nice even if you paid me. If we ever give out awards for "forum member of the month", Uki gets my vote. -Mr. Shokoti
Keep 'em in the current line, but I would make maybe a small sub set of figures such as Force Capt. Adora (Horde Suit), Blue Hordak and maybe some other figures might be interesting


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Power Partnerships: The Creation of a Hybrid Electric Delivery Truck Eaton, FedEx and and Environmental Defense
Barbara J. Mack; Alan M. Trager
Price: $6.93
In 2003, industrial manufacturer Eaton, the NGO Environmental Defense, and shipping giant Federal Express formed a partnership to develop a hybrid electric delivery truck. While Environmental Defense had experience setting up successful partnerships with corporations, this was the first time that a product with a significant high tech component would be launched in the commercial marketplace. Eaton fulfilled its goal of delivering a working prototype on time and FedEx began a small pilot program with the hybrid truck in 2004. Media coverage of the new truck was positive and the project won the Roy Family Award for Environmental Excellence at the Kennedy School of Government in May 2005. However, the path to full-scale commercialization of the vehicle was both costly and complex. HKS Case Number 1820.0
Learning objective:
The case allows for discussion of questions including: How had the subject of climate change impacted the decision making of the partners since the first hybrid electric trucks were produced by Eaton for FedEx? How could Eaton make the manufacturing and commercial leap from a partner producing prototypes of the low-emissions delivery truck to scale production and financial success?
Subjects Covered:
Energy; Entrepreneurship; Environmental protection; Innovation; Natural resources; Nongovernmental organizations; Partnerships; Project evaluation; Technology
- Geographic:United States
- Publication Date:
- Nov 18, 2005
- Discipline:
- Social Enterprise
- Source:
- Harvard Kennedy School
- Product #:
- 27p, English Hardcopy Black & White
- Also Available in:


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Event Details: Shanghai Fushan Zhengda Information Session
This event is open only to Teachers College students/alumni
and Columbia Affiliates only!!
To register for this event and review event details, please go to TCCS LINK via MyTC Portal.
Type: CS: Info Sessions
Location: 144 Horace Mann
Date & Time: 4/8/2013, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM


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Newbies, Post in Welcome Central to open up the boards
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Because I am new here I wanted to introduce myself. I am a fellow believer of Universal Reconciliation/Salvation. I am 50 years old and only recently discovered the truth about reconciliation. Of course I spent the first 45 or so years believing in a form of salvation that excluded most of the human race. The most discouraging aspect of universal reconciliation for me has been that all the people in my life are opposed to this truth. In fact they are so opposed that they now believe that I am in some sort of cult and have lost my own salvation. I hope to find some new friends here to share this beautiful truth with. Knowing the truth and having no one to share it with is sort of like knowing a secret and not being able to tell anyone else. I look forward to fellow- shipping with others here on this site. Thank you.
Welcome! How did you find/stumble into/were shown Universalism?
Belief in eternal punishment is dependant upon self righteousness.


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Wind: 0 mph
We were in Waitsfield last month for the wedding of our son Todd and new daughter-in-law Adri at the Round Barn. Vermont is a beautiful, friendly state and a fabulous time was had by all.
We rented a beautiful mountain home for the visit and on Wednesday, December 28, most of our group went sightseeing. When we left in the morning it was raining and we heard that it might snow a little on that day. It snowed all day and by late afternoon, about a foot of snow had piled up at the rental house. As a result, we were not able to make it back to the house as planned.
Due to the change in our itinerary, we stopped at Jay's Restaurant early in the evening for dinner and we talked to several people in the area about our problem. We spent hours at the restaurant, and we were trying to determine our options for the evening when several people reached out to help us. We are writing to thank them and to express our sincere gratitude for their assistance and kindness.
After we finished eating, imagine our surprise when the server stopped to tell us that the bill was paid in full by someone. We have no idea who did this for us and appreciate the assistance from an unknown individual.
As if that was not enough, a short time later Walter Brink said he could help us out with transportation. Instead of spending the night crammed into our vehicles, he borrowed the SUV with studded tires from his friend Pam Neal and delivered all of us to the mountain rental house. Walter and Pam helped us, and we are overwhelmed by their kindness. We cannot thank them enough for their assistance and will never forget the kindness they showed.
At the same time, another family was arriving from Iowa and was having trouble making it to their rental property. Three cars stopped by to ask if they needed some assistance. Thank you to the neighbor Tim King and the Waitsfield town crew for helping the Schroeder family make it to the home safely.
Your state was hit hard by natural disasters and national news highlighted how citizens came together to help one another recover. We knew you would be kind and should have known that Vermonters would help us solve our problem that snowy night. The assistance provided to our family speaks volumes about your state.
We enjoyed our trip to New England a great deal and heard about the kindness and assistance provided to others attending the wedding. Thank you for the help from many Vermonters including the town of Waitsfield, Walter, Pam and Tim. Our experience has more than doubled our appreciation of your community and state. Thank you very much!
Rick and Wanda Batta live in Lanesboro, IA.


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This beautiful cushion complements our Caro Lini Play Tent. With embroidered flowers and ribbons, this pillow is just as elegant as it is functional. Adding a comfortable seat to a play tent will encourage little ones to snuggle up with a good book! We love that the cover to this pillow is machine washable.


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On the way to becoming Latin Percussion's (or "LP") creator and visionary, Martin Cohen walked into New York's famous Birdland jazz club, where he was immediately captivated by the sounds of Cal Tjader's hot Latin jazz. Cohen became a regular at the Monday night jam sessions, headed by flutist Herbie Mann and featuring percussionists like Candido and Jose Mangual, Sr.
Around this time, the government-imposed trade embargo against Cuba made finding high-quality Latin percussion instruments in the United States difficult. Cohen, an engineer and photographer, decided to make his own, using photos of Johnny Pacheco's bongos. While the first set wasn't exactly perfect, Cohen brought the bongos, and other instruments he would later create, to the club for feedback from the musicians themselves. To this day, LP follows that tradition, answering to the needs of the musicians. Read More>


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Quick Links
Shop All Jewelry
RG10378 In Stock
Show your love of being at peace with this sterling silver peaceful heart ring. This peace sign doesn't feature the traditional circular outline, but a more trendy heart shape. This peace sign is 1/2 inch in size and looks great with any outfit. Pair it with our other peaceful hearts for a uniform style, or with other hearts and peace signs for a unique, but coordinating look!
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OK That's a BLOG that is built to look like a government agency website. "National Terror Alert" .com is NOT a government website. Crap but I can't remember how to look up the website owner information - anyone remember? I thought it was something like "whois" or something similar?
Sure, you're talking about your life here so it is worth investigating. However everything on that page is alarmist and dismissive. They don't even provide test criteria. It is an obvious advertisement baiting site for Armchair Admirals, nothing more.
The interesting bit I picked up from the filter descriptions are that the filter components decay (corrode?) over time and can lead to chromium toxicity. Never heard that but I suppose it depends on the filter element. I can see needing to replace filters every so often. Makes sense - I have to do it for my fridge
Some were listed simply because they can't use current NATO filters. I know for a fact you buy current NATO filter adapters and simply screw them on so you can use NATO filters (duh) so that seems completely moot. Others though are discarded because they don't meet some high standard of "100% NBC" protection. Well I don't live downwind of a chemical or biological weapons factory so I don't need to worry about tear gas, mustard gas, etc. however I do want protection from chemical spills.
I'm looking at the Finnish masks because while I never plan to fight my way out of a tear gas-infested shootout (c'mon REALLY?!?!?!?!?) I do live in an area just a few miles from a government facility and railroad tracks. Obvoiusly chemical spills or other types of accidents would be my primary concern so I can make tracks upwind! Those seem to be the best deal for what they offer.
What's a good test? Does anyone actually TEST their masks? Hover over some open chemicals (bleach, ammonia, camp fire, etc) and see if you can smell anything? Other tests to validate? This is something you don't want to find out AFTER you need it!!!


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Thursday, April 18, 2013
The Cane Bay baseball team battled to the end, and was rewarded with a 9-8 victory over Goose Creek last week in a key Region 7-AAAA game.
Austin Timm's solo home run in the top of the seventh put the Cobras on top, and Timm whiffed the Gators' side in order in the bottom of the inning.
"It was a back and forth game that was filled with mental and physical mistakes throughout," Cane Bay coach Shane Todd said.
The homer was Timm's third hit and gave him three RBIs for the Cobras (4-3 region). Jacob Page added two hits and Trey Burdette got the win on the mound.
Todd's team faces a must-win situation Wednesday at home against Wando. If it wins, Cane Bay will make the playoffs. If they lose, the Cobras are out.
"It's basically like we started the playoffs last (Thursday) night," Todd said. "It was good to see our guys battle and continue fighting throughout the game especially after getting down early on the road… hopefully we can get another good effort and extend our season."
The loss dropped Goose Creek to 0-5 in region and mathematically eliminated the Gators from playoff contention. They are 7-9 overall and six of those losses came by three runs or less.
The Gators took a 3-0 lead after one inning before the Cobras stormed back to take the lead with a four-run outburst in the top of the second.
Two-out hits by Shelton and Timm plated the four runs.
Goose Creek led 8-7 after five innings but Cane Bay tied it with a single run in the top of the sixth and then worked out of a bases loaded jam in the bottom of the inning to set the stage for Timm in the seventh.
"Getting down early has been a problem for us most of the season and we have not responded well at times," Todd said.
Against the Gators, though, Cane Bay hung in there the whole way and stole one at the end. They also defeated the Gators by a run, 2-1, on March 22.
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Soma Bay, Egypt, was host to the first CORE Freestyle Camp that took place from 2nd-9th April. CORE Pro rider Philipp was coaching there and gives a report from the desert.
The CORE Freestyle Camp was the first of its kinds. The main focus was on "freestyle", which the coaches took by its literal meaning: pushing the individual style of each participant and boost their riding that way.
We chose egypt, probably one of the sandiest places in the world.The spot located at the "7Bft Kitehouse" is a kiteboarding oasis with perfect flat water and constant winds. Ideal for freestyle enthusiasts of any age. We, the coaches Beany, René and me, saw ourselves as mentors and wanted to provide the best possible conditions for progression.
The way from the airport to Soma Bay is incredible, especially when undertaken during midday heat. Civilization in such a remote and hostile area is almost unimagenable. However, once you come closer to the bay itself, you're astonished by the incredible contrast of monotonous desert and the crystal clear, reef-streaken Red Sea.
The preparations for the camp started with getting 35 kites, 26 bars and 25 high-end CARVED boards ready for some action. Although I just brought my own kites and boards to egypt, the local customs service threated me like as if I'm a smuggler. The fact that we had such a huge pile of equipment must fully account to Beanys outstanding negotiation skills.
Just like our fellow comrade-in-arms we were going to spend the upcoming week in the "The Breakers" hotel, that provided saunas, pools, culinary delicacies and even wine, that you wouldn't expect in an islamic country, for the time after our sessions.
Let's get started!
We kicked off the camp with a meeting, in which we talked through the goals of each of the 18 participants for the upcoming seven days. Kiteloops, Indy Glides and much/many trick more were on our to-do-lists. Later we split into three teams of different ability and with different goals, which each got one of us as their teamleader, motivator and mentor.
As youngest among the coaches I directly went after the young guns, while Beany took care of coaching the freestyle basics and René led the way when it came to all kinds of advanced freestyle tricks.
Since kiteboarding is by no means a form of athletic sport like bodybuilding, but instead relies heavily on correct technique, we especially put emphasis on analysing the proper motion sequence beforehand and tried to envision the course of movement carefully.
The warm wind blew endlessly. And even when the wind wasn't as strong as forecasted we could countersteer with our equipment supply, so that even with just six knots of wind we could make use of the last sun rays of the day.
Especially the young generation impressed and shone under the desert sun. With ease they did first attempts of kiteloops and handlepasses. This was pure motivation for the older participants to step up their game as well. We were witness to great progressions, but especially Richard fascinated me, who kept on working hard and did a massive Raley on our last day there.
The last evening was full of laughter from recaptulating the best crashes. Furthermore, we brainstormed on which trick might be the best one to go after on your next session back home. The first CORE Freestyle Camp was a huge sucess. There will definitely be another one. See you around soon.
Life is a journey. Kiteboarding has taken us to the best spots on the planet and allowed us to get to know the local kiters from all corners of the globe. At the same time we have been able to delve into the technology behind the products that we use on a daily basis and catch a glimpse behind the scenes of the kite industry. There are many interesting characters behind the products and it became clear to us, that CORE is not only made up of a team from the Fehmarn Island but instead is made up of people from the world's beaches. Therefore we became a part of something much bigger.
The idea behind our web-experiment CoreNation is to allow us to share our experiences with you. We want to take you with us on our journeys and share our adventures, experiences and our daily work with you. Enjoy!