Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an endoscope including multiple lumens for tissue acquisition and removal and related methods of use.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a stent is provided, which contains at least one filament that has a longitudinal axis and comprises a bioabsorbable polymeric material. Polymer molecules within the bioabsorbable polymeric material are provided with a helical orientation which is aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis of the filament. The stent is at least partially bioabsorbed by a patient upon implantation or insertion of the stent into the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stent structures having improved migration resistance. In particular, the invention relates to mesh stents, such as braided or twisted stent designs, where at least a portion of the stent is folded back over itself to form a multi-layered stent device. Such multi-layered portions provide for migration resistance, among other advantages.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a stent is provided, which contains at least one filament that has a longitudinal axis and comprises a bioabsorbable polymeric material. Polymer molecules within the bioabsorbable polymeric material are provided with a helical orientation which is aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis of the filament. The stent is at least partially bioabsorbed by a patient upon implantation or insertion of the stent into the patient.

Abstract: A composite stent structure includes separate and distinct stent elements or members: an outer stent element and an inner stent element removably attached to the outer stent element. The outer element may be, for example, a bioabsorbable stent typically constructed of a relatively non-resilient material such that the outer bioabsorbable stent element may not be self-expanding and subject to migration within the lumen over time. In contrast, the inner element may be, for example, a removable SEMS used to urge and maintain the outer element in position in the body lumen. The temporary inner SEMS may retain the composite structure (including the underlying inner element) in position until such time as the outer element is appropriately incorporated into the surrounding tissue or some other criteria occurs such that the removal of the SEMS is indicated. The SEMS may then be detached from the outer element and removed from the body lumen.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis holder includes a proximal connector structure having an outer surface. A distal connector structure has an outer surface. An intermediate connector structure is connected to the proximal and distal connector structures such that the intermediate connector structure is between the proximal and distal connector structures. The intermediate connector structure includes one or more intermediate transverse structures and one or more axial structures. The one or more intermediate transverse structures are connected to one another and to the proximal and distal connector structures by the one or more axial structures. The intermediate connector structure has an outer surface. An outward protrusion is connected to one or more of the outer surfaces of the proximal connector structure or distal connector structure or intermediate connector structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implantable radiopaque stent adapted to be disposed in a body lumen. In one aspect of the invention, a plurality of elongate filaments including one or more radiopaque filaments are arranged to form a hollow tubular structure having a tubular wall that defines an inner surface and an outer surface and opposing first open end and second open end. One of the open ends of the stent is formed by an intersection of adjacent filament ends. A radiopaque compound is applied to the intersection, the radiopaque compound comprising radiopaque material and polymeric material. The radiopaque compound and radiopaque filament provide improved external imaging of the tubular structure on imaging equipment.

Abstract: A bipolar endoscopic scissors is provided with scissor blades where at least one scissor blade is coated with an electrically non-conductive ceramic from its cutting edge along at least a contiguous portion of its shearing surface. The coated blade is provided with a cutting edge having an obtuse included angle which is preferably between approximately 95.degree.-140.degree., and more preferably between 110.degree. and 120.degree.. The blades according to the invention may be configured in several different ways with regard to the number of layers and types of material used, the extent of the ceramic coating, and whether one or both blades are configured in an identical manner. The blades according to the invention having cutting edges defined by obtuse angles cut well and provide a good cutting feel to the practitioner while preventing the ceramic coating from chipping at the cutting edge.

Abstract: A bipolar push rod assembly is disclosed in conjunction with an endoscopic bipolar cautery scissors instrument. The push rod assembly has two conductive push rods which are substantially covered and insulated from each other by a double lumen flexible sheath. The proximal ends of the push rods are stabilized by an overmolded plastic collar and the distal ends of the push rods are stabilized by a ceramic insulator. The plastic collar is provided with a snap retainer for coupling it to a plastic plug retainer having a pair of spaced apart passages. A pair of female plug adapters are press fit onto the proximal ends of the push rods and are maintained in place by the plug retainer with each adaptor residing in a respective one of the passages. The distal ends of the push rods are swaged approximately 90.degree. in opposite directions. A ceramic insulator is disclosed as a one-piece unit into which the distal ends of the push rods are inserted.