Abstract: Methods and apparatus for transmitting vibrations via an electronic and/or transducer assembly through a tooth or teeth are disclosed herein. The assembly may be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a removable oral appliance to form a hearing aid assembly. Such an oral appliance may be a custom-made device. The electronic and transducer assembly may receive incoming sounds either directly or through a receiver to process and amplify the signals and transmit the processed sounds via a vibrating transducer element coupled to a tooth or other bone structure, such as the maxillary, mandibular, or palatine bone structure.

Abstract: A computer implemented method comprises activating a control mechanism on a catheter handle in a first direction with respect to a user to steer a distal end of a catheter within a body in a second direction while the catheter handle is in a first rotational position. The control mechanism includes a first indicator associated with the first direction. The computer implemented method also includes obtaining an image from the distal end of the catheter of a tissue region of interest within the body and calibrating a first rotational motion of the catheter handle with a rotational motion of the image. With the catheter handle in a second rotational position that is different than the first rotational position, the control mechanism activated in the first direction with respect to the user moves the distal end of the catheter in the second direction.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating rhinitis are described where the devices are configured to ablate a single nerve branch or multiple nerve branches of the posterior nasal nerves located within the nasal cavity. A surgical probe may be inserted into the sub-mucosal space of a lateral nasal wall and advanced towards a posterior nasal nerve associated with a middle nasal turbinate or an inferior nasal turbinate into a position proximate to the posterior nasal nerve where neuroablation of the posterior nasal nerve may be performed with the surgical probe. The probe device may utilize a visible light beacon that provides trans-illumination of the sub-mucosal tissue or an expandable structure disposed in the vicinity of the distal end of the probe shaft to enable the surgeon to visualize the sub-mucosal position of the distal end of the surgical probe from inside the nasal cavity using, e.g., an endoscope.

Abstract: A method comprises steering a deployment catheter to locate a distal end of the deployment catheter at a position within a patient anatomy. The method further includes articulating a delivery catheter extending through and from the distal end of the deployment catheter while the distal end of the deployment remains at the position and deploying an instrument through the delivery catheter.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating conditions such as rhinitis are disclosed herein where a distal end of a probe shaft is introduced through the nasal cavity where the distal end has an end effector with a first configuration having a low-profile which is shaped to manipulate tissue within the nasal cavity. The distal end may be positioned into proximity of a tissue region having a post nasal nerve associated with a middle or inferior nasal turbinate. Once suitably positioned, the distal end may be reconfigured from the first configuration to a second configuration which is shaped to contact and follow the tissue region and the post nasal nerve may then be ablated via the distal end. Ablation may be performed using various mechanisms, such as cryotherapy, and optionally under direct visualization.

Abstract: An apparatus for inhibiting tissue migration during a procedure comprises a deployment catheter defining at least one lumen therethrough and a non-inflatable hood projecting distally from the deployment catheter and defining an open area. The open area is in fluid communication with the at least one lumen. The apparatus also comprises a visualization element disposed within or along the non-inflatable hood for visualizing tissue adjacent to the open area. The apparatus also comprises a tissue grasping end effector positioned within the open area and configured to temporarily engage the tissue adjacent to the open area such that distal migration of the tissue relative to the barrier or membrane is inhibited.

Abstract: A method of treatment comprises intravascularly securing an anchor extending from an anchor member at least partially within a vessel lumen such that blood flows unobstructed through or past the anchor. While the anchor is secured, a distance of the anchor member, between the anchor and a barrier or membrane projecting distally from a deployment catheter, is adjusted such that an open area defined by the barrier or membrane is placed against or adjacent to a portion of a patient tissue. Adjusting the distance of the anchor member comprises moving the deployment catheter distally with respect to the anchor member. The method also comprises displacing blood with a transparent fluid from the open area, and while the anchor is secured, articulating the barrier or membrane circumferentially around the anchor. The method also includes treating the tissue while visualizing through the transparent fluid.

Abstract: In apparatus and methods for rapid deployment of tissue anchors, a tissue manipulation assembly has a pivoting jaw. A needle assembly can be advanced through the launch tube across tissue received between the jaw members of the tissue manipulation assembly. Tissue anchors can be advanced through the needle assembly for securing received tissue. The tissue anchors can be positioned within a reloadable chamber of a control handle disposed outside the patient, then advanced through the needle assembly.

Abstract: Electrophysiology mapping and visualization systems are described herein where such devices may be used to visualize tissue regions as well as map the electrophysiological activity of the tissue. Such a system may include a deployment catheter and an attached hood deployable into an expanded configuration. In use, the imaging hood is placed against or adjacent to a region of tissue to be imaged in a body lumen that is normally filled with an opaque bodily fluid such as blood. A translucent or transparent fluid, such as saline, can be pumped into the imaging hood until the fluid displaces any blood, thereby leaving a clear region of tissue to be imaged via an imaging element in the deployment catheter. A position of the catheter and/or hood may be tracked and the hood may also be used to detect the electrophysiological activity of the visualized tissue for mapping.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus for delivering an anesthetic agent to a target tissue in a nasal cavity of a patient. The apparatus includes an elongated shaft with a proximal end and a distal end. The apparatus also includes an absorbent plug coupled to the distal end of the elongated shaft. The absorbent plug is configured to occupy a first volume in a compressed state and a second volume in an uncompressed state. The absorbent plug is configured to store an anesthetic agent and deliver the anesthetic agent to the target tissue in the nasal cavity by contacting the target tissue. The apparatus also includes a sheath at least partially covering the absorbent plug. The sheath retains the absorbent plug in the compressed state when positioned at least partially over the absorbent plug, and removal of the sheath allows for the absorbent plug to expand to the uncompressed state.

Abstract: A system comprises a deployment catheter defining at least one lumen and a hood projecting distally from the deployment catheter and defining an open area. The open area is in direct fluid communication with the at least one lumen. The system also comprises an elongate channel directly coupled to the hood such that the elongate channel terminates distally into the open area. The elongate channel extends proximally from an outer surface of the hood and is bounded proximally at a proximal pocket surface. The system also comprises an imaging element. The imaging element is sized to pass into the elongated channel at a distal end of the elongate channel. Proximal movement within the elongated channel is restricted by the proximal pocket surface. The system also comprises a control member extending within the elongate channel and through the proximal pocket surface for moving the imaging element through the elongate channel.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting a flow of a purging fluid from a tissue visualization device comprises positioning an imaging hood attached to a distal end of a flexible elongate shaft in proximity to a tissue region to be visualized The method also comprises introducing the purging fluid into an inflation member suspended within an open area of the imaging hood. The inflation member includes at least one aperture on a proximal portion of the inflation member. The method also comprises inflating the inflation member to a partially inflated state in which the inflation member is circumferentially separated from an inner surface of the hood to form an annular flow path for the purging fluid from the at least one aperture, between the inner surface of the hood and the inflation member, and into fluid communication with an environment external to the hood.

Abstract: A tissue manipulation system comprises a reconfigurable hood structure with a distal end. The structure has a low profile delivery configuration and an expanded deployed configuration which defines an open area bounded at least in part by the structure and by an interface surface extending across the hood structure distal end. The open area is in fluid communication with an environment external to the hood structure. The system also includes a catheter in communication with the open area such that introduction of a fluid through the catheter purges the open area of bodily fluid. The interface surface is slanted relative to the catheter longitudinal axis when the hood structure is in the expanded deployed configuration. The system also includes an imaging element positioned on the hood structure such that the open area is visualized through the fluid by the element.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting tissue migration comprises positioning an open area of a hood against or adjacent to a tissue region. The method also comprises displacing an opaque fluid with a transparent fluid from the open area. The method includes engaging a portion of the tissue region within the open area via an end effector advanced through the open area and which grasps onto the portion. The end effector includes a tapered section, tapered along its entire length, through which a lumen extends. The tapered section includes threads extending from a surface of the tapered section in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The tissue region is pierced while displacing the opaque fluid with the transparent fluid through the distal opening of the hood and while maintaining engagement of the portion of the tissue region such that distal movement of the tissue is inhibited.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating conditions such as rhinitis are disclosed herein where a distal end of a probe shaft is introduced through the nasal cavity where the distal end has an end effector with a first configuration having a low-profile which is shaped to manipulate tissue within the nasal cavity. The distal end may be positioned into proximity of a tissue region having a post nasal nerve associated with a middle or inferior nasal turbinate. Once suitably positioned, the distal end may be reconfigured from the first configuration to a second configuration which is shaped to contact and follow the tissue region and the post nasal nerve may then be ablated via the distal end. Ablation may be performed using various mechanisms, such as cryotherapy, and optionally under direct visualization.

Abstract: A tissue manipulation system comprises a reconfigurable hood structure with a distal end. The hood structure has a membrane extending across the hood structure distal end. The membrane includes an aperture with an aperture diameter smaller than an outer lip diameter of the hood structure in the expanded deployed configuration. The system also includes a fluid lumen in communication with the open area and an inflatable balloon member translatable through the aperture in the membrane and distal to the open area. The system also comprises an expandable stent positioned upon the balloon member. The stent has an unexpanded configuration sized to pass through the aperture in the membrane.

Abstract: A system comprises a catheter and an electromagnetic sensor assembly supported at a distal end of the catheter. The electromagnetic sensor assembly includes a magnetic strut spirally extended away from the distal end of the catheter around an open area distal of the catheter. The system also comprises an imaging element supported at a distal end of the catheter inside the open area. The imaging element acquires an image of the tissue surface region. The system also comprises a processor that receives a position of the electromagnetic sensor assembly and the tissue surface image. The processor maps the position of the electromagnetic sensor assembly and tissue surface image together. The system also comprises a barrier reconfigurable from a low-profile shape to an expanded deployment shape projecting from a distal end of the catheter. The electromagnetic sensor assembly is spirally configured over the barrier.

Abstract: A tissue imaging assembly includes a steerable sheath and a steerable catheter deployable within the sheath. The tissue imaging assembly also includes an imaging hood at a distal end of the steerable catheter. The imaging hood is independently translatable with respect to the steerable sheath and the steerable catheter. The steerable catheter includes an imaging element and a lumen for delivering an elongate instrument out a distal region of the steerable catheter.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for positioning and securing anchors are disclosed herein. The anchors are adapted to be delivered and implanted into or upon tissue, particularly tissue within the gastrointestinal system of a patient. The anchor is adapted to slide uni-directionally over suture such that a tissue plication may be cinched between anchors. A locking mechanism, either within the anchor itself or positioned proximally of the anchor, may allow for the uni-directional translation of the anchor while enabling the anchor to be locked onto the suture if the anchor is pulled, pushed, or otherwise urged in the opposite direction along the suture. This uni-directional anchor locking mechanism facilitates cinching of the tissue plication between the anchors, and it may be utilized in one or several anchors in cinching a tissue fold.

Abstract: A tissue treatment assembly comprising an elongate flexible energy delivery device extending along a longitudinal axis and terminating at a distal opening and a circuit assembly including a plurality of conductors wrapped in a spiral configuration around the elongate flexible energy delivery device.