Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for temporarily occluding a body opening. A method in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention includes introducing a tip of a catheter into the body opening, the tip including a central longitudinal axis; expelling a thermosensitive polymer from the tip of the catheter into a portion of the body opening, allowing the thermosensitive polymer to harden as it warms to body temperature to form a plug in the body lumen, and removing the plug.

Abstract: An expandable, elongate flexible conduit is provided for placement in a tubular body structure. An exemplary conduit includes a plurality of flexible longitudinal members defining in an unexpanded state a lumen, the members being radially expandable at preselected intervals to define a longitudinally oriented array of open-sided cages separated by less-expanded tubular segments, at least one of the open-sided cages having a diameter varying along its length and each of the open-sided cages having a maximum diameter larger than a diameter of the less-expanded tubular segments.

Abstract: A stent may include a flexible, elongate body having a curled proximal portion, a curled distal portion, and a main portion extending between the proximal and distal portions. The main and distal portions together may define a channel laterally open throughout at least a part of the channel's length and extending along the main and distal portions without extending along the proximal portion, whereby the channel's proximal end is disposed in the main portion. In addition, the proximal portion may be curled away from the channel.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to embodiments of devices for capturing obstructions within passageways. The devices disclosed herein may include a flexible tubular body forming multiple flexible members arranged in a helical pattern. These flexible members may be expandable to form one or more cages when the tubular body is expanded to an increased diameter state. The cages may be generally centered around the longitudinal axis of the tubular body between the two ends of the body. Also disclosed herein are methods for capturing obstructions within passageways, methods for obtaining tissue samples from body passages, and methods for making devices for capturing obstructions within passageways.

Abstract: A stent may include a flexible, elongate body having a curled proximal portion, a curled distal portion, and a main portion extending between the proximal and distal portions. The main and distal portions together may define a channel laterally open throughout at least a part of the channel's length and extending along the main and distal portions without extending along the proximal portion, whereby the channel's proximal end is disposed in the main portion. In addition, the proximal portion may be curled away from the channel.

Abstract: An expandable, elongate flexible conduit is provided for placement in a tubular body structure. An exemplary conduit includes a plurality of flexible longitudinal members defining in an unexpanded state a lumen, the members being radially expandable at preselected intervals to define a longitudinally oriented array of open-sided cages separated by less-expanded tubular segments, at least one of the open-sided cages having a diameter varying along its length and each of the open-sided cages having a maximum diameter larger than a diameter of the less-expanded tubular segments.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to embodiments of devices for capturing obstructions within passageways. The devices disclosed herein may include a flexible tubular body forming multiple flexible members arranged in a helical pattern. These flexible members may be expandable to form one or more cages when the tubular body is expanded to an increased diameter state. The cages may be generally centered around the longitudinal axis of the tubular body between the two ends of the body. Also disclosed herein are methods for capturing obstructions within passageways, methods for obtaining tissue samples from body passages, and methods for making devices for capturing obstructions within passageways.

Abstract: A prosthetic trial for a femur includes a curved stem rotatably engaged with a body that defines a trunnion. A locking mechanism inhibits rotation of the body with respect to the stem. The trial is configured for either left or right femoral implantation by rotating the stem with respect to the body to orient the stem in the appropriate direction.

Abstract: A calcar trial includes a stem having a proximal end and a distal end, and a body. The body is engaged with the stem near the proximal end of the stem and is slidable with respect to the stem. A locking mechanism inhibits movement of the body with respect to the stem when desired. A collar extends radially outward from the stem to surround a portion of the body. The body and stem are configured so that the diameter of the calcar trial at a point between the collar and the distal end of the stem increases as the body is moved toward the distal end of the stem and decreases as the body is moved away from the distal end of the stem. The proximal end of the stem can include opposed notches that are egagable by a forked tool. A curved distal stem portion can be secured to the distal end of the stem.

Abstract: A calcar trial includes a stem having a proximal end and a distal end, and a body. The body is engaged with the stem near the proximal end of the stem and is slidable with respect to the stem. A locking mechanism inhibits movement of the body with respect to the stem when desired. A collar extends radially outward from the stem to surround a portion of the body. The body and stem are configured so that the diameter of the calcar trial at a point between the collar and the distal end of the stem increases as the body is moved toward the distal end of the stem and decreases as the body is moved away from the distal end of the stem. Additionally, the proximal end of the stem can include opposed notches that are egagable by a forked tool.