Abstract: Disclosed are a low-resistance general sealing apparatus for a trocar and a trocar. A sealing ring (3) is compressed between an upper guiding mechanism (1) and a lower guiding mechanism (2). A smooth transition between the upper guiding mechanism (1) and the lower guiding mechanism (2) minimizes the contact area between the sealing ring (3) and a surgical instrument, which not only provides a guiding function when different forms of surgical instrument are inserted or removed, but also maximally transforms a “soft-hard” friction area between the sealing ring (3) and the surgical instrument into a “hard-hard” friction area between the plastics of upper and lower guiding mechanisms and an outer metal sheath of the surgical instrument, thereby greatly reducing the motion resistance, and meanwhile, having an excellent sealing effect. The sealing apparatus and the trocar are also applicable to instruments with diameters between 5 mm and 12 mm.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for removing targeted lesions from vessels. In at least one embodiment of a device for removing a stenotic lesion from a vessel, the device comprises a sizing portion capable of measuring a luminal size parameter when at least part of the device is positioned within a lumen of a luminal organ, a typing portion, wherein at least part of the at least one typing portion is capable of physically touching a portion of the luminal organ or a structure therein, and a treatment portion capable of removing at least part of a stenotic lesion from the luminal organ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus ad methods for correcting nasal valve collapse comprising a device configured for suspending a nasal valve, the device comprising a body portion comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of barbs, wherein the body portion is configured to be inserted through or underneath the upper lateral cartilage of a patient and wherein the plurality of barbs are configured to engage a soft tissue overlying a bony tissue proximal to the upper lateral cartilage, and a head portion coupled to the proximal end of the body portion wherein the head portion is configured to engage the upper lateral cartilage of the patient when the plurality of barbs are engaged with the soft tissue overlying the bony tissue proximal to the upper lateral cartilage.

Abstract: A device for positioning a reference element during aortic valve implantation surgery. The device includes a first extension member having a proximal end and a distal end, a connection member adapted to connect the first extension member to a support, and a coupling having a first end connected to the connection member and a second end connected to the proximal end of the first extension member so that the first extension member is moveable in multiple planes relative to the support. At least one reference datum is operatively connected to the distal end of the first extension member and extends in a straight line, the reference datum being moveable between a first position and a second position to enable precise locating of the reference datum during the aortic valve implantation surgery.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier comprises a first arm (12) and a second arm (14) pivotable relative to each other and defining proximal ends (16, 18) for manually controlling the applier, and distal ends (26, 28); jaws (30) positioned between the distal ends such (26, 28) that pivot of the first arm (12) relative to the second arm (14) opens and closes the jaws (30); and a setting element (32) movably mounted in one (12) of the first arm and the second arm and extending into contact with the other (14) of the first arm and the second arm to define a maximum open position of the first arm (12) relative to the second arm (14), and wherein a change of position of the setting element (32) adjusts the maximum open position.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for treating native heart valves are disclosed herein. A system for delivering a prosthetic device into a heart of a patient includes an elongated catheter body and a delivery capsule. The delivery capsule can be hydraulically driven to deploy at least a portion of a prosthetic heart valve device. The delivery capsule can release the prosthetic heart valve device at a desired treatment site in a patient.

Abstract: A lancet pricking device comprising a lancet, a launching spring and a lancet holder for housing therein the lancet and the launching spring. The lancet pricking device of the present invention is characterized in that the lancet comprises a lancet body, a lancet cap and a pricking needle, and the pricking needle is disposed in both the lancet body and the lancet cap; wherein the launching spring is attached to the lancet body, and the lancet body is secured by abutting against the lancet holder such that the launching spring is kept compressed before a pricking operation; and wherein, when the lancet cap is removed, the lancet body becomes capable of warping upon being pressed from an outside to cause the secured lancet body to be released.

Abstract: Provided is a medical robot system which includes a medical manipulator capable of handling organs such as a uterine of different shapes and sizes. The medical robot system includes a robot arm, a medical manipulator which is detachably provided in the robot arm and supports an organ to a predetermined position, and a controller unit operable by an operator to control the robot arm and the medical manipulator. The medical manipulator also includes a first arm portion in a base side thereof, a second arm portion in a front side thereof for supporting the organ, and a connection portion connecting the first arm portion with the second arm portion. The control unit adjusts a relative direction of the second arm portion and the first arm portion and a length of the second arm portion in a telescopic manner thereby being suitable for organs of various shapes and sizes.

Abstract: An apparatus for introducing an implant into a hollow anatomical structure. The apparatus comprises a storage unit; an elongate vascular implant stored inside the storage unit and having a distal end; and a pushrod at least partially stored inside the storage unit and having a distal end coupled to the distal end of the implant. The implant diverges from adjacency with the pushrod as the implant extends away from the distal end of the pushrod, such that the pushrod forms a force application region near the distal end of the pushrod. The force application region is accessible for force application but separated from the implant.

Abstract: A tympanostomy tube delivery device comprises a shaft assembly, a pressure equalization tube, and a trigger assembly. The shaft assembly comprises a cannula and a pusher operable to translate relative to the cannula. The pressure equalization tube is positioned within the shaft assembly. The pusher is operable to drive the pressure equalization tube out of the shaft assembly. The trigger assembly includes a pair of pushbuttons and a linkage. The pushbuttons are secured to the device via living hinges and are selectively pivotable. The linkage is configured to engage the delivery device to thereby selectively prevent actuation of the delivery device. The pivoting of one or both the pushbuttons is configured cause the linkage to collapse so as to disengage the delivery device and thereby actuate the delivery device.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus comprises a body, an ultrasonic transducer, a shaft, and an end effector. The ultrasonic transducer is operable to convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations. The body comprises a pivotal trigger. The shaft couples the end effector and the body together. The end effector comprises a clamp arm and an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with the ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic blade is operable to deliver ultrasonic vibrations to tissue. Pivotal movement of the trigger causes movement of the clamp arm. The shaft is operable to be selectively coupled and decoupled from the ultrasonic transducer. The apparatus comprises electro-mechanical means for coupling and decoupling the shaft from the ultrasonic transducer, and may further comprise means for preventing movement of the shaft as it is coupled to the ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal device for treating obesity includes a three-dimensional porous structure configurable between a compressed pre-deployment configuration to facilitate delivery and an expanded post-deployment configuration. The porous structure includes a first opening at its proximal end and a larger second opening at its distal end. The porous structure also includes a sleeve coupled to its distal end. Optionally, the device further includes a suture at the proximal end of the wire mesh structure to facilitate retrieval and an anti-migration component positioned at the junction of the porous structure with the sleeve. The porous structure is deployed in a patient's stomach such that the anti-migration component sits proximal to the patient's pylorus and prevents migration of the entirety of the device into and through the pylorus. The sleeve extends through the pylorus, into the duodenum and ends in the duodenum or jejunum.

Abstract: A lead adapted to be steerable during insertion into an animal body includes the following. A structure substantially defining at least one principal planar surface, the structure having a proximate end and a distal end. The structure includes a tip portion on the distal end, and a body portion, with the tip portion being flexible in directions substantially parallel to said at least one principal planar surface. A shape of the tip portion is changeable, and an end of the tip portion traces a path within a plane substantially parallel with the at least one principal planar surface. At least one electrode is connected with said structure.

Abstract: This stent delivery system includes: a guide catheter inserted into the inside of a cylindrical stent, and inserted into the interior of the living body with the stent; a pusher catheter inserted into the interior of the living body with the guide catheter in a state where the guide catheter is inserted into the inside of the push catheter, and which is for pushing the stent along the guide catheter; a stent connecting member for connecting the stent with the pusher catheter; and a stent releasing member for releasing the stent from the pusher catheter by separating the connection between the stent and the pusher catheter depending on the stent connecting member, which is independently operable separately from the guide catheter, and which is inserted into the inside of the pusher catheter.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument for deploying a two part fastener having a male fastener part and a female fastener part, includes a tube having a proximal end and a distal end. An end effector is coupled to said distal end of said tube and is configured to hold the male fastener part and the female fastener part in opposed relation. An actuator is coupled to said proximal end of said tube and is configured to actuate the end effector. A shearing device may be positioned proximate the end effector to shear off a tip of the male fastener part after the male and female fastener parts are moved into locking relation. In addition, the surgical instrument may include a male fastener part having a shaft with a plurality of detent positions. Further, the male fastener part may include a base and a shaft pivotally connected to the base.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes extending a dilator into a body of a patient in a first direction such that a distal end portion of the dilator extends from the body. The dilator defines a lumen therethrough. At least a portion of the dilator is disposed within the body when the distal end portion extends from the body. At least a portion of an implant is passed through the lumen defined by the dilator. The dilator is removed from the body by moving the dilator in the first direction.

Abstract: Suturing instruments in accordance with the invention are dimensioned and configured to apply sutures to approximate, ligate, or fixate tissue in, for example, open, mini-incision, trans-vaginal, laparoscopic, or endoscopic surgical procedures. In some embodiments, the suturing instruments include a distal portion that is deflectably and/or pivotally coupled to the remainder of the instrument for improved maneuverability and functionality during surgery. In other embodiments, the suturing instruments are capable of housing multiple needle and suture assemblies and/or reloading the needle and suture assembly without removing the instrument from the surgical site.

Abstract: A catheter system for treating lesions is provided. The system is suitable for treatment of bifurcation lesions, has a low profile and provides substantially predictable translational and rotational positioning. In one embodiment, the system includes a fixed wire balloon catheter and a partially attached guidewire lumen, wherein the guidewire lumen is attached to the catheter at a crotch point. The location of the crotch point is predetermined so as to provide substantially predictable positioning. Several embodiments of the system are described for various types of lesions and vessel configurations.

Abstract: A method of assembling of a stent graft (20) including temporarily diameter reduction arrangements to enable partial release of a stent graft to assist with positioning before complete release. The diameter reduction arrangement includes a release wire (72) and flexible threads (74, 80) extending to struts (76) of a self expanding stent (70) either side of the release wire and being pulled tight. Removal of the release wire enables full expansion of the self expanding stent.

Abstract: Packaging for dry prosthetic tissue heart valves and their delivery systems includes a primary sterile barrier that permits gas sterilization of the tissue implant, and a secondary sterile barrier that also prevents oxidation of the implant during long-term storage. Dry tissue heart valves and their delivery systems are placed within a primary container such as a rigid tray that limits movement of the components therein. The primary container is placed within a secondary container, and the assembly is then sterilized. The outer sterile barrier may include a double seal so that a first gas-permeable seal can be closed for sterilization, after which a second gas-impermeable seal can be closed to seal out any further oxygen contact with the tissue implant. A collapsible delivery handle for a surgical heart valve may be provided which reduces the size of the packaging.