Abstract: An anastomosis device providing increased functionality, reliability and safety through the use of designs addressing potential puncture of an inflation balloon being used to hold and approximate tissue. The anastomosis device can include bladder retention structures configured to engage and retain tissue without pointed or sharpened surfaces that can rupture the inflation balloon. The anastomosis device can include a reinforced or otherwise protected inflation balloon to resist puncturing by a bladder retention structure. The anastomosis device can include a catheter wall profile selected to physically prevent bladder retention structures from being forcibly bent back so as to avoid potential contact with and puncture of the inflation balloon. The anastomosis device can include a catheter funnel with an internal spring for preventing kinking of the catheter lumen while providing for flexibility and stretch of the funnel to absorb pulling or shock force which can rupture the inflation balloon.

Abstract: A probe for use in a cryosurgical system has an integral device for delivering a treatment agent. A representative delivery device can take on a variety of forms, including a lumen located in an outer retractable sheath surrounding the cryoprobe tip, a channel attached to the side of the cryoprobe tip, a channel inside the cryoprobe tip, or a capsule located at the distal end of the cryoprobe tip. The delivery device is sealed to prevent air from being introduced into the system and is provided with a puncture member to break the seal and release the treatment agent as desired by a medical professional.

Abstract: An improved x-ray brachytherapy system and related methods for delivering low dose radiation to a treatment location while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Generally, the x-ray brachytherapy system can include a device controller, a device positioner, system imagery, and an x-ray brachytherapy probe having two or more delivery needles. The two or more delivery needles are operably coupled to at least one probe housing such that a tip spacing between the delivery needles is minimized when positioned at the treatment location. By reducing tip spacing at the treatment location, smaller radiation doses can be delivered so as to limit radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.

Abstract: Described are methods and devices relating to reconnecting the urethra and bladder after a radical prostatectomy, wherein the devices incorporate tissue approximating structure to maintain contact between a severed bladder neck tissue and a severed urethral stump tissue, preferably without the use of sutures.

Abstract: A surgical tool which comprises an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, first and second sets of tissue approximating structures having deployed and retracted positions relative to the elongated body, an actuating mechanism extending from the proximal end of the elongated body for independently deploying and retracting each of the first and second sets of tissue approximating structures, a drainage lumen extending from a drainage aperture at the distal end of the elongated body to the proximal end, a main balloon adjacent to the distal end of the elongated body, and a strap connector extending from the elongated body that is connectable with a stabilization strap.

Abstract: A surgical tool including an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, first and second sets of tissue approximating structures having deployed and retracted positions relative to the elongated body, an actuating mechanism at the proximal end of the elongated body for independently deploying and retracting each of the first and second sets of tissue approximating structures, and a drainage lumen extending from a drainage aperture at the distal end of the elongated body to the proximal end. The tool further includes a main balloon adjacent to the distal end of the elongated body, wherein the first set of tissue approximating structures has a different configuration than the second set of tissue approximating structures.

Abstract: An anastomosis surgical device comprising an elongate body having a drainage aperture at a distal end for communication with a proximal end of the elongate body, tissue approximating structure extendable from the elongate body and spaced proximally from the drainage aperture along the length of the elongate body. The device further includes an actuating mechanism extending from the proximal end of the elongate body and comprising at least one tissue approximating structure control mechanism, and a protective enclosure surrounding at least a portion of the actuating mechanism.

Abstract: The tissue approximating structures for the anastomosis devices of the invention preferably include two sets of approximating structures or tines spaced from each other along the length of a catheter body that can be extended and retracted from the catheter body. Each of the sets of tissue approximating structures is preferably sequentially deployable in such a way that the surgeon can activate a first set of tines to engage a first tissue structure, verify that an adjacent second tissue structure is properly positioned relative to the first tissue structure, then activate a second set of tines to engage that adjacent second tissue structure. Each of the sets of tines is preferably controlled by a single actuation mechanism that is attached to the anastomosis device and is positioned outside the patient's body.

Abstract: The anastomosis devices of the invention advantageously provide reinforcement structures or components that increase the strength and/or flexibility of the device. These features can be especially beneficial to protect the integrity of the installation of the device within a patient to facilitate the healing process. These features may provide resistance to tearing or ripping of the catheter body or sheath by the tissue approximating structures and/or may provide strength in other areas of the catheter body. The anastomosis devices of the invention may further include method and devices for placing markers on the anastomosis device to facilitate accurate placement of the device within the patient.

Abstract: Described are methods and devices relating to reconnecting the urethra and bladder after a radical prostatectomy, wherein the devices incorporate tissue approximating structure to maintain contact between a severed bladder neck tissue and a severed urethral stump tissue, preferably without the use of sutures.

Abstract: Described are methods and devices relating to anastomosis procedures, including those that reconnect the urethra and bladder after a radical prostatectomy, wherein the devices incorporate tissue approximating structure to maintain contact between tissues for healing the tissues together.