Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for sealing a puncture in a wall of a lumen of a body comprising the steps of deploying a deployment member of a sealing device through an elastic membrane adjacent the wall of the lumen and the puncture, wherein the sealing device includes a sealing element; positioning the sealing element adjacent the wall of the lumen; retracting the deployment member relative to the sealing element to stretch the membrane away from the wall of the lumen; retracting the deployment member relative to the sealing element to allow the elastic nature of the membrane to force the sealing element against the puncture; and retracting the device from the puncture.

Abstract: Vascular retractor assemblies and methods for retracting and maintaining a subcutaneous working space at a surgical site are disclosed, the assemblies including an external frame, a retractor pad assembly including a retractor pad configured and dimensioned to contact a surface of the surgical site, an adjustment mechanism and at least one port provided in the lower surface of the retractor pad. The at least one port is preferably in fluid communication with the surface of the surgical site. In one embodiment, the at least one port is in fluid communication with a source of medical adhesive for adhering or creating a bond between the surface of the surgical site to the retractor pad. In another embodiment, the at least one port is in fluid communication with a source of vacuum for selectively adhering or creating a bond between the surface of the surgical site to the retractor pad.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a closure element into an opening formed in a blood vessel or other body lumen and methods for manufacturing and using same. The apparatus is configured to retain the closure element such that the closure element is disposed substantially within the apparatus. The apparatus also can engage, and position the closure element substantially adjacent to, the blood vessel wall adjacent to the opening. During deployment of the closure element, the apparatus expands the closure element beyond a natural cross-section of the closure element such that the closure element, when deployed, is configured to engage a significant amount of the blood vessel wall and/or tissue. Engaging the blood vessel wall and/or tissue, the closure element is further configured to return to the natural cross-section, thereby drawing the engaged blood vessel wall and/or tissue substantially closed and/or sealed, such that hemostasis within the opening is enhanced.

Abstract: Apparatus for creating an anatomic space in tissue in a body including an introducer device having a tubular member with a bore extending therethrough. A tunneling shaft assembly is slidably mounted in the bore of the introducer device. The tunneling shaft assembly includes a tunneling shaft having proximal and distal extremities. A blunt tip is secured to the distal extremity of the tunneling shaft. A balloon assembly is provided. The balloon assembly is removably secured to the tunneling shaft. The balloon assembly includes a deflated collapsed balloon. A sheath encloses the balloon and is carried by the tunneling shaft. The sheath has a weakened region extending longitudinally thereof permitting the sheath to be removed to release the balloon.

Abstract: Apparatus for creating an anatomic space in tissue in a body including an introducer device having a tubular member with a bore extending therethrough. A tunneling shaft assembly is slidably mounted in the bore of the introducer device. The tunneling shaft assembly includes a tunneling shaft having proximal and distal extremities. A blunt tip is secured to the distal extremity of the tunneling shaft. A balloon assembly is provided. The balloon assembly is removably secured to the tunneling shaft. The balloon assembly includes a deflated collapsed balloon. A sheath encloses the balloon and is carried by the tunneling shaft. The sheath has a weakened region extending longitudinally thereof permitting the sheath to be removed to release the balloon.

Abstract: An inflatable manipulator for organ manipulation during surgery is disclosed. The system typically includes an inflatable balloon connected to an infusion source where the balloon is either coupled to a relatively rigid platform or fitted with a positioning structure such as a pocket. In open heart surgery, the platform is used to position and stabilize the balloon under the heart. In minimally invasive surgery, the balloon fitted with the pocket and can be rolled into a narrow configuration and inserted through a small incision using an insertion device. The insertion device can then be removed once the manipulator is in position. In use, the balloon of the manipulator is inflated by the infusion source thereby elevating and tilting the organ to the desired position for surgical access. Systems including multiple chamber manipulators each with a separate infusion source are also disclosed, as are combined methods for cooling organs during surgery and for using the manipulators to separate adhesions.

Abstract: A retractor includes an elongate member having an arcuate cross-section defining an elongate passage therein, and a handle molded to its proximal end. A transparent illumination member has a proximal portion connectable to a light source, and a distal portion that extends within the elongate passage along an inner surface of the elongate member, and includes a plurality of grooves for diffusing light transmitted from the proximal portion uniformly into and along the elongate passage. The device may also include a support member attachable to the proximal end of the elongate member to further facilitate visualization of and/or access into the elongate passage.

Abstract: A device for delivering an embolic coil to a selected site within a vessel in a human body via use of a catheter. In particular, the device involves an embolic coil having an enlarged member, such as a ball attached thereto which coil is released by forcing the enlarged member through an aperture in a socket situated on the distal end of a pusher assembly.

Abstract: This invention is a surgical device. It is a guidewire for use in a catheter and is used for accessing a targeted site in a lumen system of a patient's body. The guidewire may be of a high elasticity metal alloy, preferably a Ni-Ti alloy, having specified physical parameters, and is especially useful for accessing peripheral or soft tissue targets. A special variation of the inventive guidewire includes the concept of coating the wire with a one or more lubricious polymers to enhance its suitability for use within catheters and with the interior of vascular lumen. The "necked" guidewire tip also forms a specific variant of the invention.

Abstract: An inflatable manipulator for organ manipulation during surgery is disclosed. The system typically includes an inflatable balloon connected to an infusion source where the balloon is either coupled to a relatively rigid platform or fitted with a positioning structure such as a pocket. In open heart surgery, the platform is used to position and stabilize the balloon under the heart. In minimally invasive surgery, the balloon fitted with the pocket and can be rolled into a narrow configuration and inserted through a small incision using an insertion device. The insertion device can then be removed once the manipulator is in position. In use, the balloon of the manipulator is inflated by the infusion source thereby elevating and tilting the organ to the desired position for surgical access. Systems including multiple chamber manipulators each with a separate infusion source are also disclosed, as are combined methods for cooling organs during surgery and for using the manipulators to separate adhesions.

Abstract: This invention is a surgical instrument and specifically is a device for delivering embolic coils to a selected site within the vasculature of a human body via use of a catheter. The invention further includes the coils. In particular, the device uses embolic coils having interlocking ends, e.g., clasps or hooks, on the ends of the coils. The coils may further be secured to each other by a control wire within the catheter. Retraction of the optional control wire into the catheter body uncouples the distal coil.

Abstract: An embolic coil having an enlarged member, such as a ball, attached thereto. The coil is released from a delivery catheter by forcing the enlarged member through an aperture in a socket situated on the distal end of a pusher assembly housed within the delivery catheter.

Abstract: An access system comprises a radially expandable sleeve, a pneumoperitoneum needle, a cannula assembly, and an obturator. Methods for reconstructing and reusing the access system comprise replacing the radially expandable sleeve and cannula valve cap components of the system, both of which are disposable. All remaining system components may be sterilized and reused one or more times. The pneumoperitoneum needle can be separated into tubular needle body and needle stylet components, which may be separately replaced or sterilized and reused. Similarly the cannula comprises both a cannula hub and a cannula tube, where the hub and tube may be separately replaced or sterilized.

Abstract: This invention is a surgical instrument and specifically is a device for delivering embolic coils to a selected site within the vasculature of a human body via use of a catheter. The invention further includes the coils. In particular, the device uses embolic coils having interlocking ends, e.g., clasps or hooks, on the ends of the coils. The coils may further be secured to each other by a control wire within the catheter. Retraction of the optional control wire into the catheter body uncouples the distal coil.

Abstract: This invention is a guidewire for guiding a catheter and is used for accessing a targeted site within a lumen system in a body. The guidewire or guidewire section has a wire core, a distal tip region, a polymeric tie layer, and a lubricious coating. The tie layer is preferably constructed to provide for sections of varying flexibility along the length of the guidewire. Variations of the tie layer provide for axially spaced sections of varying flexibility, radially layers of varying flexibility of both. In a special variation, the tie layer is constructed with at least one section providing increased stiffness distally.

Abstract: This invention is a surgical instrument and specifically is a device for delivering an embolic coil to a selected site within the vasculature of a human body via use of a catheter. In particular, the device uses embolic coils having interlocking clasps on the coils which are secured to each other by a control wire within the catheter. Retraction of the control wire into the catheter body uncouples the distal coil.