Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed herein for accessing the hip joint. A first device can be securely attached to the capsule of a joint. The first device can tent the capsule to increase the volume of the peripheral compartment. A second device can be biased against the first device to pierce the tented capsule and create a portal. Devices and methods are also disclosed herein for distending the capsule of a joint. A distention device may access a portal established within the capsule. The distention device can expand the capsule by applying an expansive force within the peripheral compartment. The distention device can maintain distention of the peripheral compartment while other devices access the joint.

Abstract: A method for arthroscopically accessing a region of a joint, wherein the joint has a capsule disposed intermediate at least one layer of outer tissue and the joint, the method comprising: arthroscopically positioning visualization apparatus adjacent to an exterior surface of the capsule; and while visualizing the exterior surface of the capsule, arthroscopically forming an opening through the capsule.

Abstract: A fluid joint spacer comprising a body having means for receiving a pressurized fluid from an external source and applying that pressurized fluid against a joint element so as to create a flowing fluid bearing within the joint.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for providing access to a central compartment of a hip joint. The devices can access the central compartment by distracting all or a portion of the labrum. The labrum can be distracted by advancing a device underneath the bottom edge of the labrum, and using the device to further distract the labrum. Some devices can move underneath the labrum to provide a gap for other devices to access the central compartment.

Abstract: A fluid management system comprising: an access cannula comprising: a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end; and a septum disposed across the lumen; and a pressure-sensitive valve in fluid communication with the lumen of the access cannula, the valve being connected to the lumen distal to the septum.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing a first object to a second object, the apparatus comprising: an elongated body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end, the lumen comprising a first section and a second section, the first section of the lumen being disposed distal to the second section of the lumen, and with the first section of the lumen having a wider diameter than the second section of the lumen; at least one longitudinally-extending slit extending through the side wall of the elongated body and communicating with the lumen, the at least one longitudinally-extending slit having a distal end and a proximal end, with the distal end of the at least one longitudinally-extending slit being spaced from the distal end of the elongated body; and an elongated element extending through the lumen of the elongated body, the elongated element comprising a proximal end and a distal end and having an enlargement at its distal end, the enlargement having a diameter g

Abstract: A method for creating space in a joint, the method comprising: applying force to a body part so as to distract the joint and create an intrajoint space; inserting an expandable member into the intrajoint space while the expandable member is in a contracted condition; expanding the expandable member within the intrajoint space; and reducing the force applied to the body part so that the joint is supported on the expandable member.

Abstract: A telescoping access cannula comprising: an outer tube; an inner tube carried by the outer tube, the inner tube being coaxial with the outer tube and longitudinally movable relative to the outer tube; and a rotatable member carried by the outer tube and connected to the inner tube, wherein rotation of the rotatable member causes longitudinal movement of the inner tube relative to the outer tube.

Abstract: A laterally-expandable access cannula comprising: an elongated body have a distal end, a proximal end and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end, the distal end of the access cannula comprising a plurality of fingers tapering inwardly as they extend distally, and the elongated body having an internal thread extending along at least a portion of the length of the lumen; and an inner sleeve disposed within the lumen of the elongated body, the inner sleeve having an external thread extending along at least a portion of its length, the external thread of the inner sleeve being in engagement with the internal thread of the elongated body, such that rotation of the inner sleeve causes the inner sleeve to move distally relative to the elongated body, whereby to cam open the plurality of fingers of the elongated body.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for controlling and indicating the deployed length of an interventional element on an interventional catheter. The interventional element may be a stent or series of stents, a balloon, or any other interventional element for which length control is necessary or desirable. Devices for controlling the length of the interventional element include gear driven actuators, motors, and other mechanisms. Devices for indicating length of an interventional element to the user include sensors, detents, visual displays and other mechanisms providing visual, audible, and tangible indications of length to the user. The control and indication devices preferably work in tandem to enable highly precise adjustment of interventional element length.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for treating a target body surface using a radiation applicator. The therapeutic treatment apparatus adapted to conform to a patients body. The treatment apparatus comprises a plurality of light sources coupled with a flexible substrate, a light integrator in at least a portion of the optical path between the light source and the patient's body surface, a power supply, and a controller.

Abstract: An atherectomy catheter is provided for excising and imaging material in a body lumen. In one embodiment, the catheter comprises a catheter body, a cutting blade, and an imaging device. The cutting blade is mounted on the catheter body and configured to move between a first position and a second position relative to an aperture or cutting window. When the cutting blade is in the second position, the blade substantially closes the aperture on the catheter body. The imaging device which is mounted on or otherwise coupled to the cutting blade is configured to be in an imaging position when the cutting blade substantially closes the aperture or cutter window. This allows the imaging device to survey material within the cutting zone of the atherectomy catheter. By allowing the imaging device to view materials within this cutting zone, material may be imaged and then removed from the body lumen without having to reposition the catheter between each step.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for controlling and indicating the deployed length of an interventional element on an interventional catheter. The interventional element may be a stent or series of stents, a balloon, or any other interventional element for which length control is necessary or desirable. Devices for controlling the length of the interventional element include gear driven actuators, motors, and other mechanisms. Devices for indicating length of an interventional element to the user include sensors, detents, visual displays and other mechanisms providing visual, audible, and tangible indications of length to the user. The control and indication devices preferably work in tandem to enable highly precise adjustment of interventional element length.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retractor for providing surgical access through a passage in tissue, together with methods for its use and deployment. The retractor comprises an anchoring frame having an upper surface, a lower surface, and an opening therethrough which defines an axial axis. A flexible tensioning member is attached to the frame, and is extendable from the frame out of the body through the passage when the frame is positioned through the passage and into a body cavity. This tensioning member is selectively tensionable to spread the tissue radially outwardly from the axial axis. Hence, it is the tension imposed on the flexible liner which effects retraction of the tissue, rather than relying on the structural integrity of an artificial lumen.