Abstract: A lancer device that enables a user to draw blood from a patient and discard the used lancet without touching it. The device also has an adjustable tip for selecting the depth of stylet penetration into the patient and a triggering mechanism that utilizes a yoke latch and a leaf spring to discharge the lancet. The lancer also has a dampening feature to reduce vibrations when the lancet is moving.

Abstract: A transcatheter method of gathering tissue of a heart valve leaflet may include inserting an elongated catheter assembly to a position adjacent the heart valve leaflet, the catheter assembly including a capture tool moveable between a retracted position and an extended position, a tissue support, and a clamping member moveable between an open position and a closed position. The capture tool may be partially retracted to gather tissue of the heart valve leaflet between the tissue support and the clamping member. The clamping member may then be moved from the open position toward the closed position so as to clamp a substantial portion of the gathered tissue of the heart valve leaflet between the tissue support and the clamping member. Subsequently, a clip may be applied from the catheter assembly to the clamped tissue so as to hold the clamped tissue substantially in a gathered configuration.

Abstract: A dysfunctional sphincter muscle may be treated by shortening the muscle to plicate it and restore its functionality. Plicating the sphincter muscle as described effectively shortens the muscle and permits the muscle to perform its function of closing off the body passage or opening with which it is associated without conventional surgery to expose the sphincter muscle and shorten it. Thus, treatment for incontinence can be achieved by shortening the associated sphincter muscle without surgery that exposes the muscle itself and requires the surgeon to manually grab hold of the muscle and shorten it.

Abstract: A cannulated drug delivery sheath having an annular wall and having a channel located within and extending partially through the annular wall. The annular wall defines a first lateral recess and a second lateral recess that are configured to respectively seat first and second cassettes containing therapeutic agents. The first and second lateral recesses have at least one first inlet port and at least one second inlet port, respectively. Also within the annular wall of the sheath is a first and second manifold. The first manifold is in fluid communication with the channel at one end and in fluid communication with the at least one first inlet port at another end. Similarly, the second manifold is in fluid communication with the channel at one end and in fluid communication with the at least one second inlet port at another end.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for securing the intersection formed by two or more crossed strands. The intersection defines at least two sections. The practice of the disclosed methods includes bending a securing material, such as a suture or other suitably biocompatible material, through at least two of the sections formed by the intersection, and joining them to secure the intersection. Also disclosed are devices formed by using securing material to secure the intersection of crossed strands of a medical device, such as a woven stent. The secured intersection or intersections of the resultant device enhance the structural integrity of the device, and may serve to eliminate the possible unwinding or release of unsecured, or free, strand ends. Radiopaque materials, in addition to polymers, may be used as securing material.

Abstract: A device having a plurality of anchors configured to be driven into a tissue, and a closure element extending between the anchors and configured to urge the anchors from a first configuration in which the anchors are a first distance from each other, toward a second configuration in which the anchors are a second distance from each other, the second distance being less than the first distance, wherein the device is configured to maintain the anchors in the first configuration during a surgical intervention and to subsequently allow the anchors to be moved by the closure element toward the second configuration.

Abstract: An implantable vessel occlusive device and method for occluding a vessel are described, for example to occlude the urethra or bladder neck. The devices and methods described utilize an occlusive member connected to a control mechanism. The occlusive member is reversibly changed from a non-occlusive condition to an occlusive condition, for example by depressing an activation button contained within a resilient, elastomeric cover surrounding the control mechanism. In the occlusive position, an initial tension is applied to the occlusive member through a tensioning suture. The tension is translated into an occlusive pressure applied to the urethra or bladder neck that is sufficient to prevent urinary leakage. The non-occlusive position can be obtained by depressing the de-activation button. The occlusive member is constructed to allow elution of drugs, such as may be required to combat infection or tissue encapsulation from its surface.

Abstract: A staple housing includes an array of staples each in a staple delivery position or “ready position” ready to be fired into target tissue. A staple driver is advanceable to drive the ready-position staples from the staple head into the tissue using staple pushers. During use, the staples in the ready positions are simultaneously fired into the target tissue using the staple pushers, forming an array of staples in the target tissue. After the array has been fired, one or more feed mechanisms within the staple housing advance a second group of staples from one or more staple storage locations into the ready positions in preparation for firing of the second group of staples.

Abstract: Vitrectomy probes and systems related thereto are disclosed herein. There are various example vitrectomy probes having an adjustable cutting port size. Various example features are described for adjusting the size of the cutting port. Further, there are examples included herein for adjusting the size of the cutter port while the vitrectomy probe is in operation.

Abstract: A method for suturing a perforation formed in a hollow organ comprises the steps of: causing plural end portions of the suture thread to puncture a tissue around the perforation in the same direction as each other; connecting the end portions of the suture thread to each other; and tightening up the suture thread after connecting the end portions of the suture thread with each other.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for relieving dyspnoea in an ambulatory exercising subject comprises a housing (3) to be worn on the subject, and within which a variable speed air blower motor (5) is located for delivering an air supply to the subject through a mouthpiece (10) at a pressure similar to average intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure of the subject. A pressure transducer (25) in the mouthpiece (10) monitors the pressure during breathing cycles of the subject, and a control circuit (22) determines the average intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure of the subject over five breathing cycles. The control circuit (22) operates the air blower motor (5) for delivering the air supply to the subject at a pressure similar to the determined average intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure.

Abstract: A device for attaching connective tissue to bone has a longitudinal axis and comprises an annular toggle member and a body member disposed distally of the toggle member, such that there is an axial space between the toggle member and the body member. The toggle member is movable between an undeployed position wherein the toggle member has a smaller profile in a direction transverse to the axis and a deployed position wherein the toggle member has a larger profile in the direction transverse to the axis. When installed in a desired procedural site, in suitable bone, suturing material extends axially through a center aperture in the annular toggle member, without being secured to or contacting the toggle member. This approach permits a suture attachment which lies entirely beneath the cortical bone surface, and which further permit the attachment of suture to the bone anchor without the necessity for tying knots, which is particularly arduous and technically demanding in the case of arthroscopic procedures.

Abstract: A suture anchor is disclosed which has an elongated body having a distal end, a proximal end and an exterior surface. An axially oriented bore extends into the body from the proximal end and a proximal portion of the bore has a plurality of abutment surfaces for engaging a tool. The bore includes one or more axially oriented suture passages leading to a suture attachment within the bore. A length of suture extends into the at least one suture passage from the body proximal end and extends to the suture attachment. A screw thread spirals about a portion of the exterior surface of the body adjacent the at least one suture passage. Between the bore and the exterior surface of the body the body has a wall thickness and wherein the suture passage comprises the area where the wall thickness goes to zero.

Abstract: An exemplary ocular implant insertion system includes a case and a preloaded ocular implant insertion apparatus. The apparatus includes first and second movable structures that move the ocular implant in a predetermined sequence. The respective configurations of the case and the ocular implant insertion apparatus are such that the ocular implant insertion apparatus is not removable from the case when the ocular implant insertion apparatus is in the pre-use state and is removable after the first movable structure has moved at least a portion of the optical implant.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for decreasing the incidence of Cesarean childbirth by managing the labor process. In one aspect, a tactile feedback device is positioned adjacent the perianal tissues. A mother's labor is monitored for the progression of the baby along the birth canal and adjustments are performed in response to the progression of labor to promote a vaginal childbirth. A perianal support device includes a perianal support member having a pressure surface configured for engagement with tissue adjacent an anal orifice and a pressure detecting system associated with the perianal support member to detect pressure indicative of pressure on the perianal tissue of a patient.

Abstract: A manual and spiral massage device has a retractable rod unit, a bow-shaped frame, and a massage unit. The retractable rod unit has a T-shaped rod including a pair handles and a sleeve. The sleeve is connected with a first end of an inner pipe. A guide rod having a guide block is located in the sleeve. A second end of the inner pipe is inserted in an opening the bow-shaped frame. The massage unit includes an eccentric block, a massage block and the spiral rod. When the retractable rod unit is retracted inward or extended outward, the guide block will spirally turn the guide rod by the elastic force and the restore force of the resilient strips to turn the eccentric block clockwise and counterclockwise. The eccentric axle of the eccentric block drives the second bearing to turn the massage block clockwise and counterclockwise.