Abstract: A biopsy forceps device includes a tension member and an end effector including first and second jaws movable between an open configuration, in which the jaws are separated from one another to receive target tissue therebetween, and a closed configuration, in which cutting edges of the jaws are moved toward one another to cut a portion of the target tissue. The jaws define a tissue receiving space therebetween to house the cut tissue. The jaws are pivotable relative to one another, each of the jaws including a serrated cutting edge extending therealong, the end effector further including a tension member attachment including a proximal end coupled to the tension member. The attachment is movably coupled to the jaws so that distal movement of the attachment moves the jaws to the open configuration while proximal movement thereof moves the jaws to the closed configuration.

Abstract: A biopsy forceps includes an end effector with opposing first and second jaws coupled together and configured to move from an open configuration to a closed configuration. Each of the first jaw and the second jaw includes a plurality of teeth having a base. The bases of two adjacent teeth of the first jaw are spaced apart to form a first gap, and the bases of two adjacent teeth on the second jaw are spaced apart to form a second gap. The end effector in the closed configuration may define one or more windows between edges of the first and the second jaws. And, at least one of these windows may include at least a portion of one or both of the first and second gaps.

Abstract: A medical device includes a handle with a proximal arm and a distal arm. The proximal arm and the distal arm are pivotable via a joint. The medical device also includes a tube coupled to the distal arm and a drive wire. A distal portion of the drive wire includes an expandable end effector. A portion of the drive wire is positioned within the tube, and a different portion of the drive wire extends proximally of the distal arm and is coupled to the proximal arm.

Abstract: A dissection device may include an inflatable balloon disposed at a distal end of a catheter, the catheter having an inflation lumen extending through the catheter to an interior space defined within the inflatable balloon. The inflatable balloon may include a top wall, a bottom wall spaced apart from the top wall, an outer perimeter wall extending between the top wall and the bottom wall, and a plurality of inner walls each extending between the top wall and the bottom wall and in sealing contact with the outer perimeter wall at a first end of the inner wall. The inflatable balloon may include a series of interconnected chambers including a central chamber in direct fluid communication with the inflation lumen, and laterally disposed chambers each having an opening fluidly connecting to each adjacent chamber.

Abstract: Medical systems and methods for making and using medical systems are disclosed. Example medical systems may include an atherectomy system configured to engage and remove plaque from walls in vessels of a vascular system. The atherectomy system may include a drive shaft, a rotational tip coupled to an end of the drive shaft, a drive mechanism coupled to the drive shaft to rotate the rotational tip, and a control unit configured to control operation of the drive mechanism. In some cases, the control unit may include a controller for controlling operation of the drive mechanism based on sensed positions of the drive mechanism. The controller may be configured to send data to a host for analysis, compensate a control signal based on a mode of operation of the drive mechanism, determine if a stall is predicted to occur, and/or perform one or more other functions.

Abstract: Medical systems and methods for making and using medical systems are disclosed. Example medical systems may include an atherectomy system configured to engage and remove plaque from walls in vessels of a vascular system. The atherectomy system may include a drive shaft, a rotational tip coupled to an end of the drive shaft, a drive mechanism coupled to the drive shaft to rotate the rotational tip, a control unit configured to control operation of the drive mechanism, and a knob assembly configured to facilitate longitudinal movement of the drive shaft, the rotational tip, and/or the drive mechanism. In some cases, the knob assembly may be configured to initiate adjustment of a mode of the drive mechanism in response to actuation of an actuator in the knob assembly.

Abstract: A direct stream hydrodynamic catheter system is provided for the removal of thrombus, lesions and the like including provisions for the infusion of drugs, lysing fluids and the like into a blood vessel. Physician controlled powered direct fluid jet streams emanate from a fluid jet emanatory in the form of robust radially directed fluid jet streams to impinge upon and ablate difficult and strong thrombus and lesions within a blood vessel. Effluent aspiration is controlled by an exhaust regulator in the form of a roller pump, but effluent removal can be assistingly influenced by the fluid pressure associated with the radially directed fluid jet streams.

Abstract: A thrombectomy catheter includes a catheter body having a catheter lumen. An outflow orifice is positioned along a catheter perimeter. A fluid jet emanator communicates with a high pressure tube. The fluid jet emanator includes at least one jet orifice for directing a fluid jet from the fluid jet emanator through the catheter lumen toward the outflow orifice. The fluid jet emanator provides a jet stream from the catheter body through the outflow orifice. The jet stream includes first and second stream portions. An entrainment fluid flow circuit includes at least the first stream portion, and the entrainment fluid flow circuit entrains particulate and macerates the particulate therein. An exhaust fluid flow path includes the second stream portion, and the exhaust fluid flow path draws entrained particulate from the entrainment fluid flow circuit at a location exterior to the catheter body and directs it toward the catheter proximal portion.

Abstract: A medical device assembly may include a stylet having a distal stylet body and a proximal stylet hub, a cannula having a distal cannula body and a proximal cannula hub, and a lock for securing the stylet to the cannula, wherein the lock includes at least one abutment on at least one of the stylet hub and the cannula hub for restricting relative movement between the stylet hub and the cannula hub.

Abstract: Hemostasis valves and methods for making and using hemostasis valves are disclosed. An example hemostasis valve may include a main body having a distal end region and a proximal end region. A first seal member may be disposed within the proximal end region of the main body. A plunger may be coupled to the proximal end region of the main body. The plunger may be designed to shift between a first position and a second position. A first locking member may be disposed along the proximal end region of the main body. A second locking member may be disposed along the plunger. The second locking member may be designed to engage the first locking member.

Abstract: Endoscope assemblies, biopsy caps, and methods for making and using the same. An example endoscope assembly may include an endoscope having a channel formed therein and a port that provides access to the channel. A cap may be coupled to the port. The cap may include a base having a securing member for securing the cap to the port, an outer shell and a brush section disposed within the interior volume adjacent the disk shutter section, the brush section including a plurality of brushes arranged in a helical fashion.

Abstract: A guidance device may include a base member including a hole extending therethrough. The guidance device may include a handle coupled to the base member. Additionally, a driver may be positioned within the base member and coupled to a shaft extending between the base member and the handle.

Abstract: An interventional catheter assembly has an operating head and catheter system that are inserted and navigated within a patient's body while an operator controls the system externally of the operating head. An operating head is positioned at or near a distal end of the catheter system and coupled to a drive shaft and drive system for rotation. A guidewire brake control system interrupt prevents the drive system from being actuated when the guidewire brake is in a released position, and a selectable guidewire brake interrupt override control permits an operator to translate and/or rotate the drive shaft and operating head while the guidewire is simultaneously moved. This allows withdrawal of the guide wire and the operating head from the target site while rotating the operating head.

Abstract: A guidance device may include a base member, a support coupled to the base member, and a guide coupled to the support. The guide may be movable relative to the base member and may include a through hole extending therethrough.

Abstract: An illustrative stent may comprise an elongated tubular body having a scaffolding forming a plurality of cells. The elongated tubular body may extend between a first end and a second end. An inflatable jacket defining an enclosed inflation chamber may surround at least a portion of the scaffolding. The stent may further include an inflation valve.

Abstract: An infusion system includes a double action infusion pump. The pump includes a cylinder and a reciprocating piston received within the cylinder, the reciprocating piston separating a first pump chamber from a second pump chamber of the cylinder. A reciprocating motor is coupled with the reciprocating piston, and the first and second pump chambers alternate between filling and evacuating conditions with reciprocation of the reciprocating piston through operation of the reciprocating motor, and the speed of reciprocation is varied to provide a continuous output of fluid between the first and second pump chambers. A fluid source and a catheter are optionally coupled with the double action infusion pump. The catheter includes one or more infusion ports near a catheter distal portion, and the one or more infusion ports receive and expel the continuous output of fluid from the double action infusion pump.

Abstract: A tubular structure comprising multiple overlapping layers surrounding a lumen has flexibility and structural integrity by allowing portions of the layers to slip relative to each other. One embodiment includes a support layer having a wired coil, braid or weave support element underlies at least one overlying layer. The support layer is fixed to the overlying layer at a bonding point and the remaining portion of the support layer is not fixed to the overlying layer, i.e. “free portion”. The support layer is permitted to slip at the free portion of the support layer, relative to the overlying layer. Further flexibility may be provided by a coil element of the support layer having substantial gaps between the loops of the coil to impart high flexibility of the tubular structure.

Abstract: An interventional catheter assembly comprising a catheter for insertion and guidance to a target site in a body lumen or a cavity and an operating head mounted in proximity to a distal end of the catheter and comprising a system for removing obstructive material from the target site is provided. In certain embodiments, the catheter assembly includes at least one aspiration port located proximal to the operating head that communicates with a first sealed lumen for withdrawing fluids and obstructive material from the target site. The catheter assembly may also include at least one liquid infusion port that communicates with a second sealed lumen for supplying fluid to a location in proximity to the target site. Kits including the interventional catheter assembly with an aspiration and/or infusion conduit are also provided.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include an access valve that may be retrieved after implantation. The access valve may include a frame having a lumen, a self-expandable member extending through the lumen, and an elastic membrane extending through the lumen and a second end of the frame to releasably seal the lumen. The access valve may releasably attach to a wall of a patient and releasably seal an opening through the wall. The access valve may be attached to the wall by placing the frame adjacent the wall, extending the self-expandable member through the opening in the wall, and expanding the self-expandable member such that the self-expandable member applies a first force against the wall and a second force opposite the first force against the frame to sandwich the wall between the self-expandable member and the frame.

Abstract: A catheter system includes an inflatable structural balloon and collapsible filter. The collapsible filter is deployable into an expanded configuration using the inflatable distal balloon. In the expanded configuration, one or more flow cells are formed between inflated portions of the balloon to provide continuous fluid flow between proximal and distal ends of the structural balloon. In the expanded configuration, the filter is configured to prevent particulates (e.g., dislodged thrombus, or other particulate material) from migrating beyond the filter. In the expanded configuration, the inflated structural balloon biases a perimeter of the filter toward or against a subject vessel wall.