Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical instrument for placing an implantable article about a tubular tissue structure is disclosed. The surgical instrument is particularly useful for treating urological disorders such as incontinence. Surgical methods using the novel instrument are also described.

Abstract: A medical laser system and related methods of monitoring optical fibers to determine if an optical fiber cap on the optical fiber is in imminent danger of failure. The laser system includes a photodetector for converting returned light from the optical fiber cap to an electronic signal for comparison to a trigger threshold value known to be indicative imminent fiber cap failure. The returned light can be the main laser treatment wavelength, an auxiliary wavelength such as an aiming beam or infrared wavelengths generated by a temperature of the optical fiber cap. In the event the electronic signal reaches the trigger threshold value, the laser system can be temporarily shut-off or the power output can be reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of use are disclosed to treat urological disorders. The biocompatible device includes a handle, needle, dilator and sling assembly configured to be minimally invasive and provide sufficient support to the target site. In addition, the configuration of the sling assembly also allows the sling to be adjusted during and/or after implantation. The device and treatment procedure are highly effective and produce little to no side effects or complications. Further, operative risks, pain, infections and post operative stays are reduced, thereby improving patient quality of life.

Abstract: A needleless fluid delivery system allowing for selective control of amounts of therapeutic fluids that are administered to treatment sites within a patient. The fluid delivery system includes an injector source and an access device. The fluid delivery system generally includes an adjustable volume control system for selectively metering the amount of therapeutic fluid to be delivered to the treatment location. The adjustable volume control system generally includes a mechanical stop system with a plunger member and a stop member, wherein the plunger member and stop member physically interact to restrict a plunger insertion length which simultaneously controls an amount of therapeutic fluid expelled by said plunger.

Abstract: A cryoablation system for performing endometrial ablation comprising an elongated tubular cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis, an expandable balloon extending from the distal end of the cannula and fluidly connected to a source of heat transfer fluid by at least one fluid path, a pump for circulating the heat transfer fluid into and out of the balloon, a probe handle coupled to the proximal end of the cannula and in fluidic communication with the balloon through the cannula, and a heat exchanger for varying the temperature of the heat transfer fluid, wherein the heat exchanger is fluidly connected to a secondary refrigerant source, and wherein the heat exchanger comprises an outer tubular wall and a plurality of fins extending from the tubular wall toward the interior portion of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a medical device or article that reduces the ability of the Keith needle to unintentionally fall out of the barrel, improves the ability of the Keith needle to track on axis, or both. In one aspect, the disclosure is directed toward a medical device suitable for use in implant surgery. The medical device includes a Furlow insertion tool with a barrel having a bore. The Furlow tool further includes an obturator adapted for slidable insertion into the bore. The medical device further includes a Keith needle adapted for slidable insertion into the bore. The Keith needle is adapted to yieldably fit against at least one of the barrel and the obturator when the Keith needle is disposed within the bore. In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed toward a Keith needle adapted for use with a Furlow insertion tool. The Furlow insertion tool including a barrel and an obturator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a prostate in a patient in need thereof and a heating catheter, or an electromagnetic radiation applicator, system suitable for effecting the present inventive method. The present inventive method provides for substantial unexpected improvement in patient outcome by providing, inter alia, a preferred therapeutic temperature for thermotherapy of the prostate and a method of decreasing a patient's intolerance due to pain. The present inventive system provides for, inter alia, automatic implementation of the present inventive method.

Abstract: A medical screwdriver for inserting a medical screw connected to a suture into a bone. The screwdriver includes a shaft adapted to hold a medical screw at its distal end, a motor adapted to rotate the shaft, and a suture-receiving channel leading from the distal end of the shaft to a point distanced from the distal end of the shaft by at least 50% of the length of the shaft.

Abstract: A penile prosthesis beneficially includes components coated with parylene in order to increase product life and reduce wear. In particular, components of the inflatable cylinder benefits from having been coated with parylene. The parylene-coated cylinder components are resistant to wear generated by pinching of the cylinder when the cylinder is in a flaccid state. The parylene-coated cylinder may be formed by masking a tube of silicone (or other appropriate material) and vapor coating the silicone tube with parylene. Further, where a double walled cylinder is used, each of two tubes making up the double wall cylinder can have their surfaces coated with parylene, thus increasing cylinder life and avoiding wear.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved penile erection device and improved method for implanting such devices into the corpus cavernosum of the penis. The invention further relates to tools for implanting the improved penile erection device. Furthermore, the invention relates to insertion tools that permit precise placement of conventional inflatable prostheses cylinders such that puncture or damage of the glans penis does not occur during placement.

Abstract: Surgical implants and procedures for restoring erectile function are described. A method of detecting an unsatisfactory condition of an inflatable penile prosthesis system including a pump, cylinder(s), fluid circuit, a septum and a reservoir. The method including the steps of: i) implanting the inflatable penile prosthesis system in a patient; ii) providing a probe assembly with first and second sensors; iii) placing the first sensor through the septum and into the fluid circuit of the inflatable penile prosthesis system; iv) placing a second sensor outside the penile prosthesis system in the patient's tissue, v) sensing conditions with the first and second sensors, and vi) comparing the conditions sensed by the first and second sensors to detect an unsatisfactory condition.