Abstract: A device and a method for increasing or restoring a flow in a body lumen are provided. The device and the method may treat conditions related to a stroke, such as an ischemic stroke, by removing an occlusion from a blood vessel and/or reopen a blood vessel. The device may comprise a tubing compartment, a central wire, and an engaging compartment. The engaging compartment may comprise a distal engaging element and a proximal engaging element. A clot or occlusion present in the body lumen such as an artery may be engaged in and/or between the distal and proximal engaging elements. Further, the positions of one or both of the engaging elements and the distance therebetween can be adjusted to ensure the engagement of the clot or occlusion.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for implanting an intraocular lens into an eye are described. For example, an intraocular lens injector may include a passage formed in a distal end portion of the intraocular lens injector. The passage may define an interior surface, and a ramp may be formed on the interior surface so as to cause a leading haptic of an intraocular lens (IOL) being advanced through the passage to lift above a surface of an optic of the IOL to ensure proper folding of the IOL.

Abstract: An invasive electrohydraulic lithotripter probe may comprise a lithotripter tip that comprises a first electrode and a second electrode. The lithotripter tip has a length in excess of 250 cm and is dimensioned to be inserted into a long channel having a length in excess of 250 cm. The lithotripter probe may include a material that reinforces a linear strength of at least a portion of the lithotripter probe.

Abstract: A stent includes a main body having a plurality of rings that form a helix. Each of the plurality of rings includes a plurality of skewed v-shaped elements that each have a first leg and a second leg that is longer than the first leg. The stent further includes a first end ring and a second end ring positioned to an opposite side of the main body from the first end ring. Each of the plurality of rings of the main body is angled with respect to the first end ring and the second end ring. The stent further includes a first transitional region for connecting the first end ring to the main body, and a second transitional region for connecting the second end ring to the main body.

Abstract: A cage can be positioned around a medical balloon, such as an angioplasty balloon, to assist in a medical procedure. The cage can include a plurality of strips, each extending between a set of rings including first and second rings. As the balloon expands, the first and second rings move closer together and allow the strips to expand outward. The cage may have wedge dissectors on the strips.

Abstract: Systems, instruments, and methods are described in which an apparatus comprises a housing including a scalpet device. The scalpet device includes a scalpet array that includes scalpets arranged in a pattern. The scalpets are deployable from the housing to generate incised skin pixels at a target site. The housing is positioned and the scalpet array is deployed into tissue at the target site. Incised skin pixels are generated when the target site is a donor site, and skin defects are generated when the target site is a recipient site. The incised skin pixels are harvested.

Abstract: An articulating working channel system for use with a plurality of flexible tools which are adapted to be interleaved in a single surgical procedure, comprising: a working channel subassembly including a hollow flexible shaft; and a surgical tool subassembly including the flexible tool, wherein the flexible tool includes a flexible tube which is adapted to be inserted into the flexible shaft and wherein the flexible shaft is adapted to be articulated and the flexible tube is adapted to be passively articulated therewith.

Abstract: A method for treating OAB in a female patient includes positioning a visualization scope in the patent's vagina; advancing a guide wire through a working channel of a visualization scope, until a tissue penetrating distal tip of the guide wire advances out of the working channel and penetrates a wall of the superior portion of the vagina; continuing to advance the guidewire tip submucosally through the wall of the vagina, until it is positioned within tissue of the bladder trigone; advancing a balloon dilation catheter over the guidewire until a balloon carried on a distal end portion of the balloon dilation catheter is positioned proximate the distal tip of the guidewire within the bladder trigone tissue; and inflating said balloon to form a first dissection plane between separated layers of tissue within the bladder trigone.

Abstract: An ocular implant delivery system is provided with a number of features. In some embodiments, the delivery system comprises a rotation mechanism configured to rotate and orient a cannula of the system, and an advancement mechanism configured to advance and retract an ocular implant through the delivery system and into an eye of a patient. In some embodiments, the cannula is sized and configured to be inserted into Schlemm's canal of the eye. The ocular implant is configured to maintain its orientation within the delivery system as the cannula is rotated. In some embodiments, the ocular implant automatically disengages the delivery system when it is advanced beyond a distal tip of the delivery system. Methods of implanting an ocular implant are also provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an articulable endoscopic instrument including an articulable retractor configured to pass through a working channel of an endoscope, the articulable retractor including an end effector mounted to a distal end of the articulable retractor, and a handle to which the articulable retractor is mounted, the handle comprising controls that enable a user of the instrument to both articulate the retractor and actuate the end effector, wherein the retractor can be articulated using the controls to form two independent bends lying within one plane, the bends together forming a complex curve.

Abstract: Modular IOL removal systems and methods that cut an optic portion of an intraocular in a single motion such to facilitate removal of the optic portion from an eye through an incision, for example a corneal incision, without increasing the size of the corneal incision. Various cutting tools having one or more blades may be utilized. The cut intraocular lens may have one continuous cut or be cut into multiple smaller pieces. The single cutting step may apply balanced forces and torque to avoid damaging the surrounding eye anatomy, reducing the risk of trauma.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to transcatheter stented prosthesis delivery devices including a handle assembly connected to a shaft assembly on which a stented prosthesis is loaded and compressively retained with a plurality of elongate tension members. The delivery devices include a cutting assembly that can sever the elongate tension members after the stented prosthesis is expanded at a target site so that the delivery device can be withdrawn from the patient. Certain embodiments position the cutting assembly at least within the shaft assembly and others position the cutting assembly over the shaft assembly. Various disclosed cutting assemblies are actuated with the handle assembly or the like, which draw the tension members across the blade or vice versa.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis and a system for delivering a valve prosthesis are described herein. The valve prosthesis can include a valve anchor having a longitudinal axis and proximal and distal end portions. The valve anchor can include a plurality of U-shaped members and a plurality of anchoring legs, each of the plurality of anchoring legs comprising a connection aperture at a distal end portion thereof and a longitudinal slot extending along a length of the anchoring leg, wherein the plurality of anchoring legs and the plurality of U-shaped members can radially expand in stages to permit a native valve structure to be interposed therebetween for anchoring the valve prosthesis relative to the native valve structure.

Abstract: A balloon catheter including a catheter shaft and an inflatable balloon secured to a distal end region of the catheter shaft. The inflatable balloon has a generally conical shape in a fully inflated configuration having a proximal conical portion that tapers away from the central longitudinal axis in a distal direction from a proximal waist of the balloon and a distal conical portion that tapers toward the central longitudinal axis in a distal direction toward a distal waist of the balloon, with a radially outermost extent of the balloon located between the proximal conical portion and the distal conical portion. The proximal conical portion, the distal conical portion and/or the radially outermost extent of the balloon has an elliptical cross-section taken in a plane perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the catheter shaft.

Abstract: A lead-implantation tool for implanting a lead into a patient includes an elongated body having a distal portion with a tip configured to separate patient tissue to form, or extend through, a tunnel in the tissue when the body is advanced along the tissue. A lead-retention element is formed along the distal portion of the body and includes a cutout defined along the body with a cutout surface wall inset from the body's outer surface. A protrusion extends outwardly from the cutout surface wall with at least a portion of the protrusion extending towards the tip. The protrusion is entirely inset from, or flush with, the body's outer surface. The protrusion is configured to removably receive and retain a portion of the lead while the distal portion of the body is advanced along the tissue and to separate from the lead as the body is withdrawn from the tissue.

Abstract: A holding device for medical purposes holds an attached device. The holding device has a proximal end for attaching the holding device to a base and a distal end for receiving the attached device. The holding device also has a first arm segment and a second arm segment. The first arm segment is connected to a first joint and the second arm segment is connected to a second joint. Each joint is releasable or lockable. The holding device further has an operator control device for releasing and/or locking the first or second joint for placing the holding device in a desired pose. The holding device also has a controller for controlling the holding device and at least one receiver for electromagnetic radiation connected to the controller for transmitting signals to the controller based on received electromagnetic signals of a surgical navigation system.

Abstract: A medical device and a system including same are provided. The medical device includes an elongated device body, at least a portion of which is steerable within a body of a subject via at least one control wire; and a plurality of control wire guides disposed along the elongated device body and being deployable to deflect the at least one control wire away from a longitudinal axis of the elongated device body.

Abstract: A surgical device for clipping tissue is disclosed. The surgical device comprises a housing comprising an electric motor, a shaft defining a central shaft axis, a clip magazine, and a clip crimping system. The clip magazine comprises a plurality of clips removably stored therein. The clip crimping system comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, and a distal portion comprising a clip receiving chamber defined between said first jaw and said second jaw. The distal portion is offset from said central shaft axis. The clip crimping system further comprises a proximal connection portion connecting said first jaw and said second jaw. The proximal connection portion is positioned along said central shaft axis. The clip crimping system further comprises a clamp operably coupled with said electric motor. The clamp is movable distally by said electric motor to perform a crimping stroke and engage said first jaw and said second jaw.

Abstract: Everting balloon systems and methods for using the same are disclosed herein. The systems can be configured to access and dilate body lumen and cavities. For example, the systems can be used to dilate the cervix and access the uterine cavity. The systems can also be used to occlude the cervix. The systems can also be used to occlude the urethra.

Abstract: A system for endoscopically forming an anastomosis between two naturally adjacent points in the digestive tract. The system utilizes elongate magnetic devices that, when connected across a tissue boundary, necrose tissue until an anastomosis forms and the devices are passed naturally. Despite the elongate shape of the devices, the resulting anastomosis is substantially round. As such, round anastomoses can be formed having increased diameters merely by increasing the lengths of the devices, obviating the need for wider endoscopes.