Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a treatment sheath for endoscopic blood vessel harvesting, comprising a sheath main unit which can be inserted into a body through a cut skin portion in order to harvest a blood vessel in the body, a channel which is formed along a longitudinal direction in the sheath main unit and through which an endoscope is inserted so as to be insertable/detachable, a blood vessel holding member which is disposed at the sheath main unit and which holds the blood vessel to be harvested; and a blood vessel cutting device which is disposed at the sheath main unit and is positioned substantially symmetrically with the blood vessel holding member with respect to the channel and which cuts the blood vessel to be harvested.

Abstract: Disclosed is an expandable percutaneous sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, low cross-sectional area configuration, and subsequent expansion to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The sheath is maintained in the first, low cross sectional configuration by a removable tubular restraint. In one application, the sheath is utilized to introduce a formed in place orthopedic fixation rod such as for use in spinal fixation procedures.

Abstract: An embolic protection device comprises a collapsible filter body and a filter support for the filter body. The filter support comprises a support frame defined by at least two wire segments having terminations. The terminations of adjacent segments are fixed relative to one another and extend generally parallel in a bifilar manner for enhanced trackability and flexibility.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing a surgical anastomotic procedure are disclosed herein. Apparatus according to the present disclosure include a tubular body having a distal end and a proximal end and defining a longitudinal axis, the tubular body including an expandable anchor provided near the distal end thereof and an expandable cuff provided near the distal end of the tubular body and proximal of the expandable anchor, and a joining member (200) configured and adapted to be received about the expandable cuff of the tubular body, the joining member having an annular body portion (202) including a pair of opposed terminal edges (204, 206). The joining member has a retracted position in which the pair of opposed terminal edges overlap by a predetermined amount and an expanded position in which the pair of opposed terminal edges overlap by an amount less than the predetermined amount.

Abstract: A suture trimmer having a shaft with a groove formed in the side thereof, a cutting member movably disposed within the shaft, and a suture retainer slidably disposed within the shaft. The suture trimmer may be used to position knots formed within a suture loop prior to trimming the free end(s) of the suture loop, and to deliver an agent near the location where the suture is severed.

Abstract: An ERCP catheter having a removable handle for a lithotriptor compatible basket is disclosed. The removable handle allows the catheter and handle assembly to be removed, leaving the basket in place within the duct and facilitates the use of a lithotriptor for mechanically crushing stone captured in the basket.

Abstract: This document discusses trajectory guides that include an instrument guide with at least one lumen angled with respect to an orthogonal or other through-axis. In one example, patterned lumens on the instrument guide provide a mirror image pattern of trajectory axes intersecting a target plane. In another example, height adjustment of the instrument guide extends these or other targeting techniques to a three-dimensional volume. This document also describes a method of manufacturing such an instrument guide, which is also applicable to manufacturing an instrument guide providing parallel lumens.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a treatment sheath for endoscopic blood vessel harvesting, comprising a sheath main unit which can be inserted into a body through a cut skin portion in order to harvest a blood vessel in the body, a channel which is formed along a longitudinal direction in the sheath main unit and through which an endoscope is inserted so as to be insertable/detachable, a blood vessel holding member which is disposed at the sheath main unit and which holds the blood vessel to be harvested; and a blood vessel cutting device which is disposed at the sheath main unit and is positioned substantially symmetrically with the blood vessel holding member with respect to the channel and which cuts the blood vessel to be harvested.

Abstract: A stent graft delivery arrangement for a stent graft (50) has a proximal end to be deployed into a patient in use and a distal end to remain outside the patient. The stent graft (50) is a tubular body of a biocompatible graft material with a plurality of self expanding stents (54). The stent graft is releasably retained onto the delivery device (132) towards the proximal end thereof. A curve forming arrangement (56) on the stent graft is arranged to curve a portion of the stent graft towards its proximal end. A pulling arrangement (58) extends along the delivery device. The pulling arrangement releasably engages the curve forming arrangement such that pulling on the pulling arrangement causes the a curve forming arrangement on the stent graft to form a curve in a portion of the stent graft towards the proximal end.

Abstract: Methods, systems, devices and assemblies are provided for treating a patient by: making an incision or puncture though the patient's skin over the abdominal cavity; establishing an initial tract through an opening formed by the incision or puncture; advancing an instrument through the tract; contacting a distal end portion of the instrument against an inner surface of the abdominal cavity; driving at least one stitching needle through the inner surface of the abdominal cavity, continuing the driving until the at least one stitching needle exits the inner surface of the abdominal cavity, anchoring a suture carried by each of the at least one stitching needle to a suture anchor at an exit location, respectively; and applying tension to each of the sutures.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided comprising an implantable non-hydraulic ring that encircles and provides a controllable degree of constriction to an organ or duct and an external control that powers and controls operation of the ring. The ring includes a rigid dorsal periphery that maintains a constant exterior diameter, and a compliant constriction system that reduces intolerance phenomena. A high precision, energy efficient mechanical actuator is employed that is telemetrically powered and controlled, and maintains the ring at a selected diameter when the device is unpowered, even for extended periods. The actuator provides a reversible degree of constriction of the organ or duct, which is readily ascertainable without the need for radiographic imaging. Methods of use and implantation also are provided.

Abstract: To improve administration of powdered pharmaceuticals, a pharmaceutical powder cartridge (1) for powder inhalers for holding a pharmaceutical depot for a large number of pharmaceutical powder doses is proposed, having at least one storage space (6) and an integrated metering device, said integrated metering device comprising at least one metering slide (9, 13, 14) which can be moved approximately transversely in a metering slide channel (12) at least from a filling position to an emptying position, approximately transversely with respect to the direction of flow of the pharmaceutical powder out from the at least one storage space (6), said metering slide channel (12) with the at least one metering slide (9, 13, 14) being sealed off from the environment at least in the filling position of the metering slide (9, 13, 14), and also further measures and a corresponding inhaler.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and apparatus to provide hemostasis at a puncture site having a communication tube with a lumen, a top and a bottom; a hemostatic material positioned around the communication tube bottom, the hemostatic material having a first end and a second end; and a hemostatic material cover positioned around the hemostatic material and the communication tube bottom, wherein the hemostatic material cover forms a hollow distal tip cavity at the hemostatic material first end.

Abstract: A catheter comprising a housing portion defining an interior cavity and the housing portion comprising a housing member having an interior space dimensioned for housing an indwelling medical device. The elongated member comprises a lumen extending at least from an exit port to a distal port, the housing member is disposed within the lumen, and the lumen is dimensioned in the housing portion to receive a guidewire outside of the interior space of the housing member. A medical device for filtering emboli from blood flowing in a blood vessel of patient comprising an elongate support member and an elongate side branch member connected to the elongate support member. The filter element is attached to the elongate side branch member by a proximal filter element slider, and the elongate side branch member is adapted to maintain the filter element centered in the vessel.

Abstract: A mechanical system for bilaterally securing skin tissue preferably utilizes a tissue manipulator apparatus to approximate a portion of an interior surface of each of two pieces of living dermis tissue along a vertical interface below an exterior surface without overlapping either interior surface across the vertical interface. An applicator apparatus includes a driving head portion positioned in the vertical interface and at least partially below the exterior surface and a handle portion positioned at least partially above the exterior surface. The applicator apparatus bilaterally drives at least one portion of the fastener through each piece of the living dermis tissue behind the interior surface of that piece of tissue such that the fastener is positioned below the exterior surface and a portion of the fastener is positioned generally transverse to the vertical interface.

Abstract: An implantable band for placement around an anatomical passageway, such as the stomach or other lumen, includes a first end portion with an opening configured to receive part of a second end portion, with a retaining part included as part of the first or second end portion.

Abstract: A teething toy for infants and small children is styled as an illustrated book. The toy includes a number of page-like leaves, which in the preferred embodiment are fabricated from a cloth-like material, and a number of attached teething elements. The teething elements are preferably made from a relatively hard resilient material that is textured to provide effective teething relief. In one embodiment, the teething elements are integrated into artwork that is printed on the attached page leaf. The teething toy combines effective teething relief for an infant or small child with subtle encouragement to the child that books are worthwhile objects of attention.

Abstract: A trocar system for providing access across a body wall includes a trocar and an anchor provided in the form of a first helix. The anchor is adapted for placement in an operative position wherein the anchor extends at least partially through the body wall. A second helix formed on the trocar is size and configured to engage the first helix of the anchor so that rotation of the trocar relative to the anchor moves the second helix along the first helix. In this manner, the trocar is drawn into the anchor as it moves into the body wall. A proximal force applied to the anchor resists tenting of the abdominal wall. The anchor also holds the layers of the body wall together thereby resisting peritoneal separation.

Abstract: A modular helmet-mask assembly for protecting a user's head and face from hazards such as from chemical and biological warfare agents. The invention includes an impact resistant helmet; a face protection assembly, which can be attached and detached from the helmet; and a transparent, impact resistant lens. The face protection assembly includes an impact resistant face protection shell with a vision port, through which the transparent lens can be positioned; a flexible nosecup assembly positioned to engage the mouth and nose of the user, which also includes a breathe-through airflow assembly and filter unit; and a flexible face seal which surrounds the nosecup assembly and lens and engages the face of the user. An adjustable head harness is attached to the shell or face seal, for adjustably securing the face seal and nosecup to the user's face to maximize comfort and protection while preventing fogging of the lens.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises an elongated body member having a distal end and a head extending from the distal end of the elongated body member, with the head comprising a remotely actuatable needle driver and a needle catch. A needle is adapted for receiving a suture and for being driven by the needle driver through a tissue into the needle catch, making a stitch. The instrument further comprises a remotely actuatable implement, such as a push bar, for moving the needle from a first position lodged in the needle catch to a second position dislodged from or able to be readily dislodged from the needle catch. The instrument may be used for placing multiple stitches without removing the instrument from the body. One particularly advantageous embodiment comprises a suturing device adapted for insertion in a body lumen, such as for attaching an endoluminal device to the lumen wall.