Abstract: An occlusion clearing device for a patient has a housing with a motor(s) that generates repetitive motion, which is reciprocating, rotational or both. A clearing stem including a sheath that has a lumen, wherein aspiration is conducted through the sheath lumen. A wire is located in the sheath lumen and receives repetitive motion from the controller. The sheath terminates in a sheath end having at least one sheath opening. The wire terminates in a wire tip, which may be flat, helical, or tubular. The wire tip is positioned within the sheath end, in proximity to the sheath opening(s), and movement of the wire tip and/or sheath end relative to each other creates shearing forces that break up an adjacent occlusion.

Abstract: An automatic insertion device and method of using the same is provided. A vibrator and an extender are connected to a penetrating member and are both in electrical communication with a controller. A detector identifies a subcutaneous target for insertion and the insertion angle, distance and trajectory for the penetrating member are calculated. The vibrator provides vibrations to the penetrating member and the extender advances the penetrating member for insertion. The vibrator and extender are in electrical communication with one another during the insertion process and adjustments to the insertion speed are made based on feedback of vibrational load encountered by the vibrator during insertion, and adjustments to the vibrations are made based on feedback of insertion load encountered by the extender during insertion. Iterative samples are taken to constantly adjust the operation of one motor based on the operations and feedback from the other motor.

Abstract: A medical instrument having integrated arms extending from a proximal end to a distal end, and a handpiece with actuators to control movement of the arms. The instrument includes an insertion tube having arm channel(s) for receiving an arm therethrough. Each arm includes an engagement member at the distal end of resilient material with a natural non-linear configuration when deployed but deforming when retracted into the arm channel when retracted. Arm channels may be located at different radial distances from one another in the insertion tube so the engagement members may be at radial angles relative to one another when deployed. Arms and engagement members are movable between at least a first position and second position relative to one another by rotation and/or translational motion of the corresponding actuator, to contact tissue or deflect a tool extended through the working channel of the endoscope.

Abstract: A device for engaging tissue includes a body disposable around the distal end of a medical instrument, such as an endoscope, and a handpiece. The body includes a primary channel for receiving the medical instrument and at least one arm channel for receiving an arm therethrough. At least one arm extends through the arm channel of the body and proximally to the handpiece. The arm includes an engagement member distally of the body, and may further include a bend between the body and engagement member. The engagement member is movable between a first position not contacting tissue and a second position contacting tissue. With multiple engagement members, the engagement members are farther apart from one another in the first position and closer together in the second position. Movement of the engagement members is controlled by selective and independent movement of the corresponding arms by rotational and/or translational motion.

Abstract: A lancing device with an ejector that is movably retained with a housing in proximity to a lancet and is selectively movable between a home position, a first eject position, an intermediate position defined by contact of the ejector with the lancet, and a second eject position. The ejector is rotatable to move from the home to first eject position and is linearly translatable to move between the first and second eject positions. The ejector includes an arm that extends within the housing and engages the lancet, an exterior portion that is actuated by a user, and a post extending therebetween. The post extends through a slot in the housing which limits the linear movement and direction of the ejector. Upon rotation of the ejector, the arm extends through an opening at the rear of the carriage holding the lancet to permit access to the lancet.

Abstract: A device for penetrating tissue with reduced force and placing a guidewire is provided. The device includes a driving actuator generating reciprocating motion at less than 20 kHz. A penetrating member having a lumen dimensioned to accommodate a guidewire is provided, and may be coaxial or axially offset from the driving actuator. A coupler mechanically connects the driving actuator and the penetrating member, transferring the reciprocating motion to the penetrating member. At least one frictional member facilitates the movement of the guidewire through the lumen for placement at the target tissue. The frictional member(s) may be operated manually or by a guidewire actuator. A housing including a channel also dimensioned to accommodate the guidewire may also be provided, and may further include the frictional member(s) for facilitating movement of the guidewire. A side port may also be included at the penetrating member or coupler for introduction of the guidewire.

Abstract: An automatic insertion device and method of using the same is provided. A vibrator and an extender are connected to a penetrating member and are both in electrical communication with a controller. A detector identifies a subcutaneous target for insertion and the insertion angle, distance and trajectory for the penetrating member are calculated. The vibrator provides vibrations to the penetrating member and the extender advances the penetrating member for insertion. The vibrator and extender are in electrical communication with one another during the insertion process and adjustments to the insertion speed are made based on feedback of vibrational load encountered by the vibrator during insertion, and adjustments to the vibrations are made based on feedback of insertion load encountered by the extender during insertion. Iterative samples are taken to constantly adjust the operation of one motor based on the operations and feedback from the other motor.

Abstract: An occlusion clearing device for a patient has a housing with a motor(s) that generates repetitive motion, which is reciprocating, rotational or both. A clearing stem including a sheath that has a lumen, wherein aspiration is conducted through the sheath lumen. A wire is located in the sheath lumen and receives repetitive motion from the controller. The sheath terminates in a sheath end having at least one sheath opening. The wire terminates in a wire tip, which may be flat, helical, or tubular. The wire tip is positioned within the sheath end, in proximity to the sheath opening(s), and movement of the wire tip and/or sheath end relative to each other creates shearing forces that break up an adjacent occlusion.

Abstract: An occlusion clearing device for a patient has a housing with a motor(s) that generates repetitive motion, which is reciprocating, rotational or both. A clearing stem including a sheath that has a lumen, wherein aspiration is conducted through the sheath lumen. A wire is located in the sheath lumen and receives repetitive motion from the controller. The sheath terminates in a sheath end having at least one sheath opening. The wire terminates in a wire tip, which may be flat, helical, or tubular. The wire tip is positioned within the sheath end, in proximity to the sheath opening(s), and movement of the wire tip and/or sheath end relative to each other creates shearing forces that break up an adjacent occlusion.

Abstract: A device for penetrating tissue is provided that has a driving actuator with a body and motor shaft that is reciprocated. A coupler is attached to the motor shaft, and a key engages the driving actuator and coupler and limits rotational motion of the motor shaft and permits linear motion of the motor shaft. A penetrating member is carried by the coupler, and linear motion of the motor shaft is translated to the penetrating member to linearly reciprocate the penetrating member.

Abstract: A device for engaging tissue includes a body disposable around the distal end of a medical instrument, such as an endoscope, and a handpiece. The body includes a primary channel for receiving the medical instrument and at least one arm channel for receiving an arm therethrough. At least one arm extends through the arm channel of the body and proximally to the handpiece. The arm includes an engagement member distally of the body, and may further include a bend between the body and engagement member. The engagement member is movable between a first position not contacting tissue and a second position contacting tissue. With multiple engagement members, the engagement members are farther apart from one another in the first position and closer together in the second position. Movement of the engagement members is controlled by selective and independent movement of the corresponding arms by rotational and/or translational motion.

Abstract: A device for penetrating tissue for fluid collection and delivery is provided having a driving actuator interconnected to and driving axial reciprocating motion of a penetrating member. A hollow member attached between the penetrating member and a reservoir permits axial reciprocation of the penetrating member while isolating the vibrations from the reservoir. A handpiece allows for one-handed use of the device. A slider device attached to the reservoir permits one-handed delivery and extraction of materials from the reservoir.

Abstract: A device for penetrating tissue with reduced force and placing a guidewire is provided. The device includes a driving actuator generating reciprocating motion at less than 20 kHz. A penetrating member having a lumen dimensioned to accommodate a guidewire is provided, and may be coaxial or axially offset from the driving actuator. A coupler mechanically connects the driving actuator and the penetrating member, transferring the reciprocating motion to the penetrating member. At least one frictional member facilitates the movement of the guidewire through the lumen for placement at the target tissue. The frictional member(s) may be operated manually or by a guidewire actuator. A housing including a channel Iso dimensioned to accommodate the guidewire may also be provided, and may further include the frictional member(s) for facilitating movement of the guidewire. A side port may also be included at the penetrating member or coupler for introduction of the guidewire.

Abstract: A device for gripping tissue that is inside of a patient for use in delivering therapy is provided. The device may include a first gear that rotates and that engages the tissue. A second gear that also rotates may be included and may likewise engage the tissue. A spacing mechanism may be included in the device that adjusts the spacing between the first and second gears such that the first and second gears are moved closer to one another and moved farther from one another.

Abstract: A device for penetrating tissue with reduced force and placing a guidewire is provided. The device includes a driving actuator generating reciprocating motion. A penetrating member having a lumen dimensioned to accommodate a guidewire is provided. A coupler mechanically connects the driving actuator and the penetrating member to transfer the reciprocating motion to the penetrating member. The penetrating member may be coaxial or axially offset from the driving actuator. At least one frictional member facilitates the movement of the guidewire through the lumen for placement at the target tissue. The frictional member(s) may be operated manually or by a guidewire actuator. A housing may also be provided including a channel also dimensioned to accommodate the guidewire, and may further include the frictional member(s) for facilitating movement of the guidewire. The channel and lumen are aligned to permit placement of the guidewire at the target site.

Abstract: A system, device and method for insertion of a penetrating member into tissue is disclosed, which may be handheld and automated. A detector obtains data regarding subdermal locations of tissue structures, including cavities such as blood vessels. A processor calculates the distance between a preselected target point below the tissue surface, such as within a blood vessel, and the tissue surface, and adjustment data for vertical, angular and extension adjustment of the penetrating member. Vertical, angular and extension actuators carry out the adjustments in real-time as calculated and directed by the processor. Changes in the location of the target point result in automatic recalculation and adjustment by the processor and various actuators. A vibrational actuator induces vibration to the penetrating member during insertion, overcome tissue deformation and vein rolling. A guidewire may be inserted through or by the device, for dilator and catheter insertion once the penetrating member is removed.

Abstract: A device for removing secretions from an artificial tube is provided. The device may include a clearing catheter and a driving mechanism that may apply repetitive motion to the clearing catheter. In another version of the device, the clearing catheter may dispense irrigation fluid and aspirate the irrigation fluid. The clearing catheter may have an irrigation and an aspiration lumen that may both reciprocate with the clearing catheter. In another version a compliant member into which irrigation fluid is located may be present.

Abstract: A device for penetrating tissue with reduced force and placing a guidewire is provided. The device includes a driving actuator generating reciprocating motion. A penetrating member having a lumen dimensioned to accommodate a guidewire is provided. A coupler mechanically connects the driving actuator and the penetrating member to transfer the reciprocating motion to the penetrating member. The penetrating member may be coaxial or axially offset from the driving actuator. At least one frictional member facilitates the movement of the guidewire through the lumen for placement at the target tissue. The frictional member(s) may be operated manually or by a guidewire actuator. A housing may also be provided including a channel also dimensioned to accommodate the guidewire, and may further include the frictional member(s) for facilitating movement of the guidewire. The channel and lumen are aligned to permit placement of the guidewire at the target site.

Abstract: An occlusion clearing device for a patient has a housing with a motor(s) that generates repetitive motion, which is reciprocating, rotational or both. A clearing stem including a sheath that has a lumen, wherein aspiration is conducted through the sheath lumen. A wire is located in the sheath lumen and receives repetitive motion from the controller. The sheath terminates in a sheath end having at least one sheath opening. The wire terminates in a wire tip, which may be flat, helical, or tubular. The wire tip is positioned within the sheath end, in proximity to the sheath opening(s), and movement of the wire tip and/or sheath end relative to each other creates shearing forces that break up an adjacent occlusion.

Abstract: A device for clearing blockages is provided that may have a tube that is slit. The tube may have a lumen. A reciprocating member may be provided and a portion of the reciprocating member may be located within the lumen.