Abstract: A device includes an access cannula, a puncturing element, a handle. The access cannula includes a lumen extending therethrough. The access cannula is sized and shaped to extend through an endoscopic shaft to a target tissue within a living body. The puncturing element is sized and shaped to extend through the lumen of the access cannula and distally out a distal end of the access cannula. The handle includes a handle body and a mechanism for advancing the access cannula from a proximal position relative to the puncturing element, where a puncturing tip of the puncturing element is exposed distal to a distal end of the access cannula, to a distal position relative to the puncturing element, where the distal end of the access cannula covers the puncturing tip of the puncturing element.

Abstract: A device includes an access cannula, a puncturing element, a handle. The access cannula includes a lumen extending therethrough. The access cannula is sized and shaped to extend through an endoscopic shaft to a target tissue within a living body. The puncturing element is sized and shaped to extend through the lumen of the access cannula and distally out a distal end of the access cannula. The handle includes a handle body and a mechanism for advancing the access cannula from a proximal position relative to the puncturing element, where a puncturing tip of the puncturing element is exposed distal to a distal end of the access cannula, to a distal position relative to the puncturing element, where the distal end of the access cannula covers the puncturing tip of the puncturing element.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems for ablation therapy. A configurable ablation probe includes at least two electrodes, the surface areas of which can be manipulated and then fixed by the user. Some methods include adjusting the relative surface areas during a sequence of ablation steps to preferentially create lesions closer to one electrode or the other. Some methods include adjusting the position of one of the electrodes during therapy delivery to create elongated lesions.

Abstract: A delivery endcap assembly is adapted for use with a biliary access device and is adapted to permit a medical device to be delivered through the biliary access device. The delivery endcap assembly includes a securement portion adapted to be releasably securable to a proximal end of the handle after the one or more removable components have been removed from the handle, a tapered portion extending proximally from the securement portion, a rotation hub adapted to be coupled to the securement portion, a valve adapted to be coupled to the rotation hub and a lumen extending through the delivery endcap assembly, wherein the lumen extending through the delivery endcap assembly is adapted to permit a medical device within an introducer sheath to be advanced through the biliary access device.

Abstract: A device includes an access cannula, a puncturing element, a handle. The access cannula includes a lumen extending therethrough. The access cannula is sized and shaped to extend through an endoscopic shaft to a target tissue within a living body. The puncturing element is sized and shaped to extend through the lumen of the access cannula and distally out a distal end of the access cannula. The handle includes a handle body and a mechanism for advancing the access cannula from a proximal position relative to the puncturing element, where a puncturing tip of the puncturing element is exposed distal to a distal end of the access cannula, to a distal position relative to the puncturing element, where the distal end of the access cannula covers the puncturing tip of the puncturing element.

Abstract: A rectal thermal monitor for transrectal prostate temperature measurement includes a handle arranged in a proximal end portion of the monitor for gripping by a user, an elongate shaft extending from the handle, and an expandable distal probe portion arranged on a distal end of the shaft. The distal probe portion is arranged at a position opposite the handle portion, and is shaped to facilitate insertion through an anal sphincter and into a rectum of a patient. A cover element, is provided for covering at least a portion of the distal probe portion, and is made from a resilient material. A temperature sensing element is arranged within the distal probe portion, beneath the cover element, and is adapted and configured to sense a temperature of the prostate of the patient through the rectum wall of the patient. Further, and actuator can be provided to actuate the expandable distal probe portion, to increase a diameter thereof.

Abstract: A rectal thermal monitor for transrectal prostate temperature measurement includes a handle arranged in a proximal end portion of the monitor for gripping by a user, an elongate shaft extending from the handle, and an expandable distal probe portion arranged on a distal end of the shaft. The distal probe portion is arranged at a position opposite the handle portion, and is shaped to facilitate insertion through an anal sphincter and into a rectum of a patient. A cover element, is provided for covering at least a portion of the distal probe portion, and is made from a resilient material. A temperature sensing element is arranged within the distal probe portion, beneath the cover element, and is adapted and configured to sense a temperature of the prostate of the patient through the rectum wall of the patient. Further, and actuator can be provided to actuate the expandable distal probe portion, to increase a diameter thereof.