Abstract: Systems and methods for delivery of therapeutic materials for the treatment of cancer are disclosed. Some systems include a plurality of expandable occlusion members that can form seals with the inner walls of various vessels thereby isolating a section or region of the associated vessels. In some variations, the system may include one or more catheters that are in fluid communication and can transfer fluid around the isolated sections or region.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for treating tumors. A method of treatment may include reducing the microvasculature of a region between a tumor and a lumen through or adjacent to the tumor (e.g., by administering radiation therapy targeting the tumor), isolating a segment of a lumen proximate to the tumor, and administering a dose of a chemotherapeutic agent to the segment.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a surgical implant includes a body extending from a distal end to a proximal end, the body having a first section proximal to the distal end and a second section between the first section and the proximal end, a needle attachment member located at the distal end of the body, the needle attachment member configured to attach to a needle for insertion of the surgical implant into a patient's tissue, a plurality of first barbs located on the first section of the body, the first barbs pointed towards the proximal end of the body, and a plurality of second barbs located on the second section of the body, the second barbs pointed towards the distal end of the body, wherein the second barbs are configured to be folded inwardly for insertion of the surgical implant into the patient's tissue by the needle.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a device for forming a tract, comprising an anchor assembly wherein at least a distal tip of the flexible distal portion is configured to be placed within a lumen of a blood vessel through a first passage created across the wall with a sharpened member at a first angle relative to a lumen longitudinal axis defined by the lumen of the blood vessel in the region adjacent the first passage; and wherein upon applying a force to the anchor assembly to position an adjacent portion of the blood vessel wall into a desired contact configuration relative to the anchor assembly, the needle is operatively coupled to the anchor assembly such that it may be advanced across the wall of the blood vessel and into contact with a saddle-shaped needle receiving structure, thereby creating an expandable tract between overlapping tissue portions of the vessel wall.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a surgical implant includes a body extending from a distal end to a proximal end, the body having a first section proximal to the distal end and a second section between the first section and the proximal end, a needle attachment member located at the distal end of the body, the needle attachment member configured to attach to a needle for insertion of the surgical implant into a patient's tissue, a plurality of first barbs located on the first section of the body, the first barbs pointed towards the proximal end of the body, and a plurality of second barbs located on the second section of the body, the second barbs pointed towards the distal end of the body, wherein the second barbs are configured to be folded inwardly for insertion of the surgical implant into the patient's tissue by the needle.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for lifting, suspending and stiffening a patient's tissue are disclosed. In an embodiment, a surgical implant includes a body having a distal end and a proximal end, a needle attachment member located at the distal end of the body, a plurality of first barbs located on the body proximal to the distal end, the plurality of first barbs pointed towards the proximal end of the body, and a plurality of second barbs located on the body between the plurality of first barbs and the proximal end, the plurality of second barbs pointed towards the distal end of the body.

Abstract: A method may comprise creating a first passage across a wall with a sharpened member at a first angle relative to a lumen; advancing an anchor assembly through the first passage such that a distal portion of the anchor assembly is placed within the blood vessel; applying a force to the anchor assembly to position an adjacent portion of the blood vessel wall into a desired contact configuration relative to the anchor assembly; and while maintaining the desired contact configuration, advancing a needle through a portion of the anchor assembly and through a portion of the wall of the blood vessel to form an expandable tract between overlapping tissue portions of the vessel wall, wherein a portion of the anchor assembly comprises a saddle-shaped needle receiving structure configured to receive and support the needle after it has been advanced across the portion of the wall to create the expandable tract.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for lifting, suspending and stiffening a patient's tissue are disclosed. In an embodiment, a surgical implant includes a body having a distal end and a proximal end, a needle attachment member located at the distal end of the body, a plurality of first barbs located on the body proximal to the distal end, the plurality of first barbs pointed towards the proximal end of the body, and a plurality of second barbs located on the body between the plurality of first barbs and the proximal end, the plurality of second barbs pointed towards the distal end of the body.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a device for forming a tract, comprising an anchor assembly wherein at least a distal tip of the flexible distal portion is configured to be placed within a lumen of a blood vessel through a first passage created across the wall with a sharpened member at a first angle relative to a lumen longitudinal axis defined by the lumen of the blood vessel in the region adjacent the first passage; and wherein upon applying a force to the anchor assembly to position an adjacent portion of the blood vessel wall into a desired contact configuration relative to the anchor assembly, the needle is operatively coupled to the anchor assembly such that it may be advanced across the wall of the blood vessel and into contact with a saddle-shaped needle receiving structure, thereby creating an expandable tract between overlapping tissue portions of the vessel wall.

Abstract: A method may comprise creating a first passage across a wall with a sharpened member at a first angle relative to a lumen; advancing an anchor assembly through the first passage such that a distal portion of the anchor assembly is placed within the blood vessel; applying a force to the anchor assembly to position an adjacent portion of the blood vessel wall into a desired contact configuration relative to the anchor assembly; and while maintaining the desired contact configuration, advancing a needle through a portion of the anchor assembly and through a portion of the wall of the blood vessel to form an expandable tract between overlapping tissue portions of the vessel wall, wherein a portion of the anchor assembly comprises a saddle-shaped needle receiving structure configured to receive and support the needle after it has been advanced across the portion of the wall to create the expandable tract.

Abstract: A method may comprise creating a first passage across a wall with a sharpened member at a first angle relative to a lumen; advancing an anchor assembly through the first passage such that a distal portion of the anchor assembly is placed within the blood vessel; applying a force to the anchor assembly to position an adjacent portion of the blood vessel wall into a desired contact configuration relative to the anchor assembly; and while maintaining the desired contact configuration, advancing a needle through a portion of the anchor assembly and through a portion of the wall of the blood vessel to form an expandable tract between overlapping tissue portions of the vessel wall, wherein a portion of the anchor assembly comprises a saddle-shaped needle receiving structure configured to receive and support the needle after it has been advanced across the portion of the wall to create the expandable tract.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a device for forming a tract, comprising an anchor assembly wherein at least a distal tip of the flexible distal portion is configured to be placed within a lumen of a blood vessel through a first passage created across the wall with a sharpened member at a first angle relative to a lumen longitudinal axis defined by the lumen of the blood vessel in the region adjacent the first passage; and wherein upon applying a force to the anchor assembly to position an adjacent portion of the blood vessel wall into a desired contact configuration relative to the anchor assembly, the needle is operatively coupled to the anchor assembly such that it may be advanced across the wall of the blood vessel and into contact with a saddle-shaped needle receiving structure, thereby creating an expandable tract between overlapping tissue portions of the vessel wall.

Abstract: Described here are methods for forming one or more tracts in tissue. The tracts may be formed in any suitable or desirable tissue, and may seal relatively quickly without the need for a supplemental closure device. In some variations, the methods comprise advancing a tissue-locating member adjacent to a tissue wall, deforming at least a portion of the tissue wall with the tissue-locating member, and advancing a tissue-piercing member through the deformed tissue to form the tract, where the tract provides access for one or more tools. Also described here are methods of forming tracts through rotated or tented tissue. Any of the methods described here may also be used with tissue having at least one irregular surface.

Abstract: Described here are methods, devices and kits for locating tissue and/or forming one or more tracts in tissue. In some variations, tissue may be located (e.g., using one or more optical sensors, ultrasound sensors, thermal sensors, or the like) and one or more tracts may be formed through the tissue after it has been located. In certain variations, the same device may be used both to locate tissue and to form one or more tracts in the tissue. In some variations, a tissue-piercing member for forming one or more tracts in tissue may comprise a first elongated portion and a second elongated portion, and an angle therebetween.

Abstract: Tissue tract-forming devices, methods, and kits are disclosed. In some variations, a method for forming a tract in a tissue wall having an interior surface and an exterior surface may comprise advancing an anchor member through the tissue wall and into a lumen defined by the tissue wall, the anchor member comprising a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an intermediate portion therebetween, wherein the proximal and intermediate portions are angled with respect to each other and the intermediate and distal portions are angled with respect to each other, positioning the anchor member so that the intermediate portion contacts the interior surface of the tissue wall and the distal portion is angled toward the interior surface of the tissue wall, and advancing a tissue-piercing member into the tissue wall while the intermediate portion is in contact with the interior surface of the tissue wall, to form a tract in the tissue wall.

Abstract: Described here are methods for forming one or more tracts in tissue. The tracts may be formed in any suitable or desirable tissue, and may seal relatively quickly without the need for a supplemental closure device. In some variations, the methods comprise advancing a tissue-locating member adjacent to a tissue wall, deforming at least a portion of the tissue wall with the tissue-locating member, and advancing a tissue-piercing member through the deformed tissue to form the tract, where the tract provides access for one or more tools. Also described here are methods of forming tracts through rotated or tented tissue. Any of the methods described here may also be used with tissue having at least one irregular surface.

Abstract: The present invention involves a surgical instrument for guiding a delamination instrument into the cornea of a human eye. The instrument generally includes a handle portion and an end portion. The end portion has at least two flat (or substantially flat) members extending therefrom and in different directions. Each of the members being adapted to be inserted through an incision in the cornea to form a guide for a corneal delamination instrument. With at least two members extending in different directions one may easily access either pocket formed from a corneal incision with a single tool.

Abstract: A device for introducing a corneal implant into a cornea of a human eye. The device includes a body, a member coupled thereto, and a guide portion. The body has a distal end and a proximal end. The guide portion is disposed at the distal end of the body and forms a channel. The guide portion is configured for laterally supporting the implant when positioned in the channel and the member is arranged to axially support the implant when positioned in the channel.

Abstract: A method for establishing a surgical port for endoscopic or arthroscopic surgery is disclosed. A trocar is initially provided, and the obturator of the trocar includes a flat cutting blade, a shield that moves proximally and distally from a precock position to an extended position, a precock lever to move the shield proximally to expose the flat cutting blade, and a shield retaining assembly to constrain the shield in the proximal position. "Precocking" the trocar of the present invention moves the shield from the distal position wherein the flat blade is covered, to a proximal position wherein the flat blade is exposed, and the shield is constrained by the shield retaining assembly. Once the flat cutting blade is exposed, the skin of the patient is incised with the flat cutting blade of the obturator. The flat blade of the trocar is inserted into the incision and a penetrating force is applied so that the flat blade penetrates into the internal body cavity of the patient.

Abstract: A trocar which has an obturator assembly for establishment of a surgical port for endoscopic or arthroscopic surgery is disclosed. The obturator includes a flat cutting blade, a shield that moves proximally and distally, a precock lever to move the shield proximally to expose the flat cutting blade, and a shield retaining assembly to constrain the shield in the proximal position. "Precocking" the trocar moves the shield from the distal position wherein the flat blade is covered, to a proximal position wherein the flat blade is exposed, and the shield is constrained by the shield retaining assembly. The exposed flat cutting blade of the precocked trocar can be used to incise or pierce tissue, thus avoiding the need to use a separate surgical sharp.