Abstract: Apparatus for forming a knot, the apparatus having a first pathway for receiving a first element, and a second pathway for receiving a second element, the first pathway having a configuration which corresponds to the path to be followed by the first element and the second pathway having a configuration which corresponds to the path to be followed by the second element, respectively, in order to form a knot; a shuttle for moving the second element; and a mechanism for moving the shuttle through the second pathway, whereby, when the first element is received in the first pathway and the second element is connected to the shuttle, movement of the shuttle through the second pathway causes the second element to be moved through the second pathway so as to form a knot around the first element.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for inverting and closing the left atrial appendage. In at least one embodiment of a method for closing a left atrial appendage of the present disclosure, the method comprises the steps of inverting a distal portion of a left atrial appendage, and constraining the inverted distal portion of the left atrial appendage using a device configured to fit within an interior of the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis can have a three-dimensional shape that is invertible, so as to assume either a right configuration or a left configuration, which can be substantially mirror images of each other, so as to eliminate the need for separately manufacturing a left prosthesis and a right prosthesis. An implantable prosthesis can be preformed to independently assume a contoured three-dimensional shape that more adequately fits the extraperitoneal laparoscopic inguinal space, while simultaneously maintaining a relatively large area for fixation of the prostheses (e.g., through suturing or integration with the surrounding tissue). An implantable prosthesis can have a three-dimensional contoured shape that is formed from a single piece of continuous material, such as a mesh, and can possess substantially uniform rigidity.

Abstract: A suture passer instrument is disclosed that contains two opposing needles positioned adjacent to each other on the end of a hollow handle. The needles are at least partially hollow and the hollow in the needles is of a sufficient size so that a suture can be passed through an entry point near the tip of the needles through the hollow of the needles to the hollow in the handle of the instrument. Two suture ports are located toward the sharp end of the needles such that when the needle pierces through tissue the suture can be grasped and its end pulled through the hollow central chamber of the device.

Abstract: A single stage instrument is used to insert a chest drainage tube into the inter-pleural space to facilitate drainage. The instrument is scissor-like with cylinder-like channels to slidably enclose the distal section of the tube therein when closed. The tip of the instrument is curved to enter the skin incision and the offset pleural incision whereafter the instrument is rotated 180 degrees to align the curved tip with the pleural space. The curved tip facilitates sliding the chest drainage tube through the instrument to effect sufficient insertion length. Once the instrument is in place, the tube is slid along the instrument to ensure that all drainage holes in the chest drainage tube are within the pleural cavity. Thereafter, the instrument is withdrawn leaving the chest drainage tube in place. After withdrawal of the instrument, it is opened laterally for lateral disengagement with the chest drainage tube.

Abstract: The invention concerns an implant for adjusting the position of at least one tissue holder (6) for soft tissue, whereby this implant can be fixed to bone tissue at a distance from said tissue holder (6) and has a guide (3) for an elongate pulling member (4), whereby this pulling member (4) is connected to said tissue holder (6), and whereby the implant includes a fixing element (10) which can be moved between a fixing position in which the pulling member (4) is clamped by the fixing element (10) and a free position in which said pulling member (4) can freely move through said guide (3), characterized in that said fixing element (10) cooperates with a control element (14) which makes it possible to move this fixing element (10) between said fixing position and said free position when the implant is attached to said bone tissue and when the implant is covered with soft tissue such as muscle tissue or skin tissue.

Abstract: A delivery system for percutaneously deploying a valve prosthesis. The system includes a catheter assembly including a delivery sheath capsule and a handle having an oscillating device. The capsule is configured to compressively retain the valve prosthesis during implantation. After the valve prosthesis is partially exposed during implantation, the oscillating device can create a vibratory motion to reduce the friction between the valve prosthesis and the delivery sheath capsule in order to recapture the valve prosthesis.

Abstract: An aortic occluder catheter with expandable balloons for increasing cerebral blood blow has one or more balloons on a catheter shaft. To assist the balloon in bearing up against arterial blood flow while positioned retrograde in the aorta, the balloon is bonded to the catheter shaft in tension.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating skin has a console with a user input device and a handpiece assembly. The handpiece assembly is configured to treat skin. A fluid line provides fluid communication between the console and the handpiece assembly. A manifold system is coupled to the console and controlled by the user input device. The manifold system is configured to hold releasably a plurality of fluid sources and deliver fluid from at least one of the plurality of fluid sources to the handpiece assembly.

Abstract: Multi-stage tubing connecting a pneumatic pulse generator to a surgical cutter and for transmitting pressure pulses from the pneumatic pulse generator to the surgical cutter. The multi-stage tubing includes a first-stage and a second-stage. The first-stage has a first end connected to an output port of the pneumatic pulse generator, a second end opposite the first end, and a first inner channel for transmitting the pressure pulses to the surgical cutter. The first inner channel has a first cross-sectional area. The second-stage has a first end in pneumatic communication with the second end of the first-stage, a second end opposite the first end of the second-stage, and a second inner channel for transmitting the pressure pulses to the surgical cutter. The second inner channel has a second cross-sectional area that is different than the first cross-sectional area.

Abstract: A medical device and related method of use for resecting a tissue. The medical device may include an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The elongate member may include a distal portion defining a cavity having an opening. In addition, a mechanism may be configured to adjust a volume of the cavity by altering a depth of the cavity.

Abstract: A head assembly (200) for a power operated dermatome (100) including a frame body or housing (202) supporting a gear train (520), a blade housing assembly (400), an annular rotary knife blade (300) supported for rotation about an axis of rotation (R) by the blade housing assembly (400). The rotary knife blade (300) includes an inner wall (365) defining an interior region (301) and has a cutting edge (360) at one end (368) defining a cutting plane (CP). The head assembly (200) further includes a depth gauge assembly (600) including a depth gauge support (602) and a depth gauge (620) including a depth gauge plate (622) supported by the depth gauge support (602) for axial movement along the axis of rotation (R), the depth gauge plate (622) extending into the interior region (301) and the depth gauge support (602) attached to and extending from the frame body (202).

Abstract: A delivery system for a self-expanding medical device is provided. The delivery system includes an outer sheath that radially restrains the medical device. First and second inner catheters are disposed within the outer sheath. The first inner catheter is a composite structure with a closed coil wire covered by a polymer outer layer. The second inner catheter is disposed within the closed coil wire but is not attached to the closed coil wire.

Abstract: A surgical device for clipping tissue can include an actuator, such as a handle or a robotic arm, for example, and a replaceable end effector including a plurality of clips contained therein. After the replaceable end effector has been used, the end effector can be detached from the actuator and a new end effector can be operably coupled with the actuator. Each replaceable end effector can include a firing drive for advancing clips into a receiver of the end effector and a crimping drive configured to deform a clip positioned within the receiver.

Abstract: A surgical clip forming apparatus includes an unformed surgical clip having a head section including an upper portion and a lower portion separated from each other to define a first space therebetween in a first configuration, a left leg section including a proximal end and a distal end and a right leg section including a proximal end and a distal end. The surgical clip forming apparatus includes an anvil configured to engage the head section of the surgical clip and a pair of forming pins positioned adjacent the proximal ends of the left and right legs for securing the head section of the unformed surgical clip against the anvil. When a force is applied to the anvil, the upper portion compresses toward the lower portion. The unformed surgical clip transforms into a “T-shaped” clip or a formed clip in a second configuration, after the force has been applied to the anvil.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating skin has a console with a user input device and a handpiece assembly. The handpiece assembly is configured to treat skin. A fluid line provides fluid communication between the console and the handpiece assembly. A manifold system is coupled to the console and controlled by the user input device. The manifold system is configured to hold releasably a plurality of fluid sources and deliver fluid from at least one of the plurality of fluid sources to the handpiece assembly.

Abstract: A disposable circumcision anastomat comprises an internal ring (2) and an external ring (1) having an opening (10). The internal ring (2) substantially matches an external ring (1). The external ring (1) includes a sidewall (100). The sidewall (100) is provided with a retainer (7) for holding a gasket. The retainer (7) is an annular ring (71) extended inwardly from the sidewall (100) of the external ring. The annular ring (71) is equipped with an opening (710), corresponding to opening (10) on the external ring. The width (K1) of the annular ring is less than the width (K2) of the blade. The anastomat is safe, reliable, and able to reduce pain experienced by patients after surgery.

Abstract: A device including a self-locking suture including both a braided section and a monofilament section is provided. The monofilament includes a single strand. The braided section includes three or more strands that are intertwined or woven together. The terminal end of the braid is compressible to take on a radially expanded configuration. The braided structure is temporarily fixable in the open configuration providing a wide berth opening. A needle at the terminal end of the monofilament is insertable through the wide berth opening and pushed out through the back wall of the expanded braid, after which the braid can be pulled on to collapse it down onto the barbed monofilament. The construct may then be tightened onto the tissues to be joined, and the one-way locking mechanism between the braided trap and the directionally biased suture automatically engages. Another aspect includes a method of fastening tissue using the device.

Abstract: Approaches for implanting a donor dermis (e.g., skin) in or on a patient body are provided. A device includes a piece of donor dermis and at least one tab formed in or on the donor dermis, wherein the tab is adapted for accepting a suture. A method includes manufacturing a device including a piece of donor dermis and at least one tab formed in or on the donor dermis, wherein the tab is adapted for accepting a suture. Another method includes fastening tissue using a device including a piece of donor dermis and at least one tab formed in or on the donor dermis, wherein the tab is adapted for accepting a suture.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for managing suture filament during a tissue repair procedure. One exemplary embodiment of an anchor insertion tool includes a handle, an elongate shaft extending distally from the handle, and a ring disposed around the elongate shaft. The ring can be configured to slide along a length of the shaft, and can be configured to engage a filament extending from an anchor removably coupled to the shaft's distal end during a suture anchor insertion procedure. In some embodiments, the ring can include one or more slots for receiving a filament and maintaining a tension applied to the filament. The ring can also include features that prevent it from rotating with respect to the shaft, such as a boss formed on a ring's central opening that engages a slot formed in the shaft. Other devices, systems, and methods for suture anchor insertion are also provided.