Abstract: A medical apparatus for supplying fluids into body cavities includes a controllable fluid pump, a memory device, a feed line, a pressure sensor in the feed line, a medical instrument to be connected to the feed line. The pressure measured by the pressure sensor is an input variable of a mathematical estimation system, which mathematically describes a state space, which estimates the actual pressure in the body cavity and controls the output of the pump by means of this estimated value. The resistance coefficients ?1 and ?2 of the medical instrument required for the estimation of the pressure are determined when starting the pump. The pressure behavior is evaluated for a certain time, therefrom a characteristic curve is determined, and the characteristic curve is stored in a memory device of the pump.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to controlled extension medical stents, and more particularly to controlled extension devices positioned in the body to stent the ureter and facilitate drainage from the kidney to the bladder.

Abstract: A ureteral stent includes an elongated member, which has a tubular shape, and a distal retention structure. The elongated member includes a sidewall that defines a lumen and has a spiral-shaped opening with at least two rotations. The sidewall has an inner surface and an outer surface. The sidewall between the inner surface and the outer surface is devoid of another lumen. The elongated member is configured to move between a retracted configuration and an expanded configuration along a longitudinal axis of the lumen. The distal retention structure is disposed at a distal end of the elongated member for retention in a kidney. The distal retention structure defines a lumen in fluid communication with the lumen defined by the sidewall of the elongated member.

Abstract: The invention is a catheter, which is formed from flexible material and has two basic configurations: An initial configuration, in which the catheter is supplied to the surgeon for insertion into the lumen of a patient, resembles a tension coil spring and a final configuration, which is an essentially linear configuration that is much longer and has a considerably smaller outer diameter than when it is in its initial configuration. The catheter is adapted to undergo a transformation from the initial configuration to the final configuration as it is pulled from its proximal end in order to withdraw it from the lumen of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catheter assembly including a catheter body, a first and a second set of a plurality of fenestrations, a first and a second inflatable device, a first and a second pleat, at least one obstructing stop near each end portion of the catheter body, and a first and a second flexible tube connected to the first and the second inflatable device. The catheter assembly further includes a pumping device in communication with the first and the second inflatable device via the first and the second flexible tube. The catheter assembly is used to restore blood flow to a traumatized blood vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catheter assembly including a catheter body, a first and a second set of a plurality of fenestrations, a first and a second inflatable device, a first and a second pleat, at least one obstructing stop near each end portion of the catheter body, and a first and a second flexible tube connected to the first and the second inflatable device. The catheter assembly further includes a pumping device in communication with the first and the second inflatable device via the first and the second flexible tube. The catheter assembly is used to restore blood flow to a traumatized blood vessel.

Abstract: A medical device includes a curved tubular body configured for being used as an extravascular device to support vein maturation following the formation of an arteriovenous fistula. The tubular body is curved. The tubular body has an entrance angle of less than about 40 degrees to improve blood flow from the artery into the vein. And the tubular body includes a cuff or edge at the proximal end to stabilize the tubular body at the fistula.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide a conduit device including an attaching device configured for defining a helical pathway through a tissue wall and complementary ring in cooperation for securing the device within an aperture defined in the tissue wall. Some embodiments of the present invention further provide a system for implanting a conduit device in a tissue wall. More specifically, some embodiments provide a system including a coring device for defining an aperture in a tissue by removing and retaining a tissue core and securely implanting a conduit device therein so as to provide fluid communication between a first and second surface of the tissue wall via the conduit device.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A symmetrical drive system including a drive element associated with and engaging the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct is further provided. In accordance with an alternate embodiment an apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct including an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member.

Abstract: An environmentally sensitive hydrogel material swells or collapses in response to a parameter such as pH level associated with consumption of food by a patient. This swelling or collapsing is harnessed to treat morbid obesity or some other condition of the patient. The swelling or collapsing of the hydrogel may be used to tighten a gastric band or gastric valve when the patient starts eating; then loosen the band or valve when the patient is between meals. The swelling or collapsing of the hydrogel may also be used to increase the size of a space occupying device in the patient's stomach when the patient starts eating; then decrease the size of the space occupying device when the patient is between meals. The swelling or collapsing of the hydrogel may also be used to selectively restrict the absorption of nutrients within a patient's gastrointestinal tract, such as in the duodenum.

Abstract: Medical devices and related methods are disclosed for delivering an implant into the body of a patient. The devices include a damping assembly having an internal chamber with a varying inner diameter, and a piston slideably disposed therein. The piston is operably connected with a catheter portion such that movement of the piston is associated with concurrent movement of the catheter for implant delivery. The varying inner diameter of the damping assembly results in a decrease in damping force during implant delivery, thus providing a substantially constant velocity of implant delivery.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a first instrument defining a first channel and a second instrument receivable by the first channel. The second instrument defines a second channel. A valve coupled to the first instrument controls fluid flow through the first channel, such that impedance of fluid flow through the first channel is substantially the same without the second instrument received in the first channel and with the first channel partially blocked by the second instrument. In another aspect, a surgical apparatus includes an outer member and an inner member received within the outer member to define a first channel therebetween. The inner member houses an optical lens and defines a second channel for receiving a surgical instrument. The first and second channels are configured such that a pump having an inflow rate of up to about 0.7 L/min connected to the second channel can maintain fluid pressure inside an organ.

Abstract: A handle assembly facilitates the removal of a sterile inner tray containing sterile medical instruments from a medical kit during an OR procedure. The handle assembly may have a handle coupled with an elongated member having a male end and a female end. The inner tray may be wrapped in medical packaging. Subsequently, the elongated member may be wrapped around the inner tray and the male and female ends interconnected. The inner tray may be positioned inside of an outer tray. A bacterial barrier may be formed over a portion of the outer tray to enclose the inner tray. The inner tray, including the medical instruments, may then be sterilized by a sterilization process. During an OR procedure, the handle assemble allows a sterile nurse to remove the sterile inner tray from the non-sterile outer tray without making contact with the non-sterile outer tray and/or contaminating the sterile medical instruments.

Abstract: An article of manufacture suitable for positioning a sheet of mesh material over tissue is described. In one embodiment, the article comprises a surgical tack having a hook-type material such as Velcro® material carried by the tack, e.g., secured to the top of the head thereof. A plurality of such tacks are positioned around the site of a hernia or the like and the mesh is positioned over the site and the tacks. The mesh is made of a loop-type Velcro® material or the like which allows the mesh to be releasably engaged and disengaged from the hook-type material carried by the tacks so that the mesh can be appropriately positioned over the tissue.

Abstract: A device, system and method provides mitral valve therapy. The device is implantable in the coronary sinus of the heart to partially encircle the mitral valve annulus. The device is elongated, is resilient, and has a preformed arched configuration. When the device is implanted in the coronary sinus, the device exerts a substantially radially inward force to the mitral valve to restore mitral valve annulus geometry.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, methods, and kits for joining together non-conjoined lumens in a patient's body including vascular lumens. More particularly, in various aspects, this invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for joining such non-conjoined lumens, including small lumens typically requiring microsurgical technique.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for treating a patient that has undergone a bariatric surgical procedure, to promote weight loss in the patient. The systems and methods can involve positioning a gastrointestinal bypass sleeve within a portion of the altered GI anatomy to create or restore a restriction, and/or create a malabsorptive effect via a gastric and partial intestinal bypass. The bypass sleeve can include a proximal attachment element for attaching the proximal end of the sleeve in a penetrating or non-penetrating manner at the gastroesophageal junction, stomach, neo-stomach, or other locations. The bypass can be placed during the same operative session as the bariatric surgical procedure, or alternatively at a later date.

Abstract: An anastomotic device for use in the joining of a first tubular structure and a second tubular structure is provided. The anastomotic device includes a cylindrical sleeve configured and dimensioned for placement at least partially within the first tubular structure, the cylindrical sleeve defining a bore therethrough; an inverting member configured and dimensioned for placement at least partially within the second tubular structure, the inverting member defining a bore therethrough which is configured and dimensioned to selectively receive the cylindrical sleeve therein; and a constricting member selectively positionable on the inverting member and movable onto the cylindrical sleeve when the cylindrical sleeve is at least partially positioned within the bore of the inverting member.

Abstract: Compression plate apparatus enables vessels to be joined together in various anastomosis configurations. The compression plates have locking components such as snap-fit components to maintain the plates together. The compression plate apparatus may be utilized with an intraluminally directed anvil apparatus or an eternally positioned anvil apparatus. One of the compression plates assists in the eversion of the anastomosis fenestra contour. One of the compression plates enables a graft vessel to be pre-everted so that the anastomosis fenestra contours are everted. The appparatus provides a structure that enables the vessels to be joined without being penetrated.

Abstract: A tubular anvil sleeve is defined by at least two sleeve portions pivoted to each other for movement about an axis radially outwardly offset from an axis of the tubular anvil sleeve in its closed position. A tubular graft is inserted into the tubular anvil sleeve and a projecting end portion of the graft is folded over an exterior of the tubular annular sleeve. The tubular annular sleeve and the overfolded portion of the graft is inserted into an excised end of a blood vessel after which staples are ejected in a conventional manner. The tubular annular sleeve is removed by axial motion followed by relatively pivoting the sleeve portions about the pivot axis of the sleeve portions to open the tubular annular sleeve and effect the withdrawal/removal thereof.

Abstract: Surgical construction or bypass grafting of a target vessel includes method and instrumentation and apparatus for forming and inserting a fluid-impervious tubular conduit including a central protrusion through an aperture in the vessel to form a fluid-conducting shunt past the aperture. An anastomosis over the aperture is partially completed with the protrusion of the tubular conduit extending through the partial anastomosis. A removal tube is disposed over the protrusion for applying tensile force thereto relative to the tubular conduit for dissembling the tubular conduit along a continuous path for removal as a single strand from the vessel through the tube and aperture and the partial anastomosis prior to completion of the procedure.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for accessing an anatomical space of the body and particularly for penetrating the epicardium to access pericardial space and the epicardial surface of the heart in a minimally invasive manner employing suction are disclosed. The distal end of a tubular access sleeve having a sleeve wall surrounding a sleeve access lumen and extending between a sleeve proximal end and a sleeve distal end having a plurality of suction ports arrayed around the sleeve access lumen distal end opening is applied against an outer tissue layer. Suction is applied through the plurality of suction ports to a plurality of portions of the outer tissue layer. A perforation instrument is introduced through the sleeve access lumen to perforate the outer tissue layer to form an access perforation into the anatomic space while the applied suction stabilizes the outer tissue layer, whereby further treatment drugs and devices can be introduced into the anatomic space.

Abstract: A high-energy density magnetic particulate is mixed with a biocompatible material to form a composite. The composite may be formed into a sheet, which may be rolled into a tube and laser-cut to form at least one medical device, such as one piece of a multi-piece anastomosis device. The device includes a number of interconnected struts, which may be sized such that any portion of the member placed in the bloodstream is substantially non-thrombogenic. A magnetic field is induced in the composite.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel sulphated compounds of hyaluronic acid and derivatives thereof, optionally salified, wherein the glucosamines are partially N-sulphated or partially N-sulphated and partially or totally O-sulphated in position 6. The compounds of the invention have anticoagulant and antithrombotic activities and are useful in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions and biomaterials and in the production of coatings for biomedical objects.

Abstract: Compression plates and vascular anvils for anastomosis of structures including end-to-end and end-to-side anastomosis. Vascular anvils cooperate in the opening of the anastomosis fenestra, engagement by a compression plate and subsequent eversion of the anastomosis fenestra contour, and also in establishing the contact engagement of the anastomosed structures. Compression plates hold anastomosed structures while permitting their dilation and keeping the anastomosis leak-proof. One of the compression plates assists in the eversion of the anastomosis fenestra contour. These compression plates and vascular anvils can be used with or without catheterization in minimally invasive interventions.

Abstract: A tubular anvil sleeve is defined by at least two sleeve portions pivoted to each other for movement about an axis radially outwardly offset from an axis of the tubular anvil sleeve in its closed position. A tubular graft is inserted into the tubular anvil sleeve and a projecting end portion of the graft is folded over an exterior of the tubular annular sleeve. The tubular annular sleeve and the overfolded portion of the graft is inserted into an excised end of a blood vessel after which staples are ejected in a conventional manner. The tubular annular sleeve is removed by axial motion followed by relatively pivoting the sleeve portions about the pivot axis of the sleeve portions to open the tubular annular sleeve and effect the withdrawal/removal thereof.

Abstract: A method for releasing buttress material from a stapling instrument when the buttress is attached to the instrument by an adhesive is disclosed. The method includes providing stapling instrument comprising first and a second opposed tissue clamping members movable between an open position, for receiving tissue therebetween, and a closed position for stapling tissue therebetween. At least one of the first and second clamping members houses a plurality of staples, and a strip of buttress material is releasably attached to the first tissue clamping member by an adhesive. The method then involves moving the instrument to its open position and inserting tissue between the clamping members. Thereafter, the method involves releasing the buttress material from attachment to the first clamping member by closing the instrument and stapling the buttress material to the tissue. Whereby the movement of the staples breaks the adhesive bond and releases the buttress material from the first clamping member.

Abstract: A coronary shunt for occluding both sides of an anastomosis site and providing a blood flow path across the anastomosis site. The shunt includes two occluding members sized and configured to occlude the coronary artery. A tether is attached to the coronary shunt and is used to remove the coronary shunt from the coronary artery before completing the anastomosis.

Abstract: A stent (10) adapted for placement in a body lumen (50) such as the urethra, ureters, common bile duct, vagina, cervix, fallopian tubes, sinus tract, rectum, bowel, esophagus or vascular system is configured as a coil (14) whose adjacent loops (12) can be pulled apart for removing the stent (10) from the body lumen (50). More particularly, the loops (12) abut one another but are not compressed, and adjacent coil loops are detachably secured to one another to yield a resilient configuration (17) of generally fixed dimension. The stent (10) is substantially imperforate between adjacent coil loops (12), so as to prevent tissue ingrowth or intrusion between them and obviate any interference with removal of the stent (10). Removal of the stent (10) from the body lumen (50) is achieved by detachment of adjacent coil loops (12) from one another. The adjacent coil loops (12) can be secured to one another directly during their curing, or by a separate layer of silicone adhesive (20).

Abstract: A prosthetic article for surgical implantation within the body of a host in a surgical stapling procedure comprises a strip of host-tissue-compatible animal tissue material that is initially removably affixed between the spaced-apart legs a U-shaped buttress member to create a tubular configuration that can readily slip over the jaws of a conventional surgical stapler. When the staple gun is fired, the staples penetrate through the strips of animal tissue and the host tissue and thus serve to reinforce the staple line. Because the buttress member is releasibly attached to the strip of animal tissue, the buttress member can be readily separated and discarded following the firing of a staple gun.

Abstract: A tapered stent made of resilient material for interconnecting portions of a Fallopian tube after a resection procedure. The stent is tapered to conform to the tapered inner surface of the Fallopian tube and is provided with at least one suture on at least one end for use in inserting the stent within the Fallopian tube and to secure the stent in place.

Abstract: A reinforced graft assembly made from a vascular graft component and a reinforcing sleeve component. The reinforcing sleeve component may include one or more layers. The diameter of the inner surface of the most internal layer of the reinforcing sleeve component is approximately equal to or larger than the diameter of the vascular graft component thereby allowing the former to be fitted over the latter. The compliance of the sleeve component is adjustable depending on the application needs, for example, by varying the angle at which the fibers used to form the sleeve component are laid down and by the method used to join the two components.