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 cytology brush includes a shaft including a fluid lumen configured for passage of a fluid; a brush body including: a fixed element; and a moveable element with a radial outward surface and a plurality of bristles, wherein the bristles protrude externally from the radial outward surface. The moveable element is configured to receive the fluid through the fluid lumen to expand from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration and in the unexpanded configuration of the moveable element, the bristles are in a retracted configuration and in the expanded configuration the bristles are in a deployed configuration.

Abstract: A medical device, comprising a tube including at least one lumen, an absorbent located at a distal portion of the tube, the absorbent being configured to transition from a compressed state to an expanded state, and a structure fixed to the absorbent, wherein the structure is configured to flex into a compressed state and an expanded state simultaneously with the compressed state and the expanded state of the absorbent, and the structure exposes at least a portion of the absorbent.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for puncturing tissue, comprising a puncture device for puncturing tissue and a supporting member for supporting the puncture device. The puncture device is capable of being insertable within the supporting member and being selectively usable in co-operation therewith during a portion of a procedure for puncturing tissue and wherein the puncture device is usable independently therefrom during another portion of the procedure.

Abstract: A clipping system includes an adapter configured to be mounted over an insertion device and a clip including first and second jaws movable between an insertion configuration and an initial deployed configuration. A first extending member is releasably coupled to the clip and movably connected to the adapter to permit a movement of the clip relative to the adapter from the insertion configuration to the initial deployed configuration. The first extending member is configured to permit withdrawal of the adapter away from the clip to place the system in a review configuration to enhance a visual observation of the clip. The first extending member is operable to retract the clip over the adapter so that the clip is forced open, freeing the clip from tissue on which it has been clipped. The first extending member is configured to release the clip therefrom in a final deployed configuration.

Abstract: In one example, a medical device may include a handle including a proximal portion and a distal portion, and the proximal portion may pivot relative to the distal portion. The medical device may also include an insertion portion coupled to the distal portion of the handle and configured to be positioned within a body lumen; and an articulation wire extending from the handle through the insertion portion. Pivoting of the proximal portion of the handle relative to the distal portion of the handle may move the articulation wire relative to the insertion portion to bend a distal portion of the insertion portion.

Abstract: A delivery system for an occlusive implant includes a delivery sheath assembly and a hub assembly. The delivery sheath assembly includes a delivery sheath defining a delivery lumen adapted to accommodate an occlusive implant releasably secured to a core wire. A proximal fitting is secured to the delivery sheath. The hub assembly includes a hub body, a distal hub secured relative to the hub body and adapted to engage the proximal fitting of the delivery sheath assembly, a proximal hub secured to the hub body, and a side port coupled to hub body and adapted for flushing an interior of the delivery system. The delivery system includes one or more features that are adapted to limit relative rotation between the delivery sheath assembly and the hub assembly when the core wire is rotationally locked to the proximal hub.

Abstract: This invention relates to radiopaque polymers and to their use, particularly in the manufacture of medical devices and in methods of medical treatment, including therapeutic embolization. In particular embodiments the present disclosure relates to a hydrophilic polymer comprising pendent groups which a phenyl ring is substituted with one or more iodine groups and one or more non-iodine groups as described in more detail herein.

Abstract: A guide catheter is adapted for providing improved backup support while accessing an ostium of a patient's left coronary artery. The guide catheter includes an elongate shaft having a proximal shaft portion and a power zone shaft portion. The elongate shaft includes an inner polymeric layer extending through the proximal shaft portion and the power zone shaft portion, and outer polymeric layer, and a braid that is disposed between the inner polymeric layer and the outer polymeric layer and extends through the proximal shaft portion and the power zone shaft portion, the braid having a first PIC count within the power zone shaft portion and a second PIC count within the proximal shaft portion. The elongate shaft is biased into a primary curve disposed distal of the power zone shaft portion and a coplanar secondary curve disposed within the power zone shaft portion.

Abstract: A clipping system includes an adapter mounted on an insertion device and a clip including first and second jaws connected via hinges so that the first and second jaws are movable between an insertion configuration and an initial deployed configuration. A deployment member is configured to move the clip distally over and off of the adapter so that, as the clip leaves the adapter, the clip moves from the insertion configuration to the initial deployed configuration. An extending member is releasably coupled to the clip and movably connected to the adapter, and is configured to permit the withdrawal of the adapter away from the clip while the extending member remains coupled to the clip to place the system in a review configuration. The extending member is operable to retract the clip over the adapter, freeing the clip from tissue on which it had been clipped.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to medical devices and systems with control knobs designed for improved usability and ergonomics. For example, the control knobs of the present disclosure may include surface features for improved gripping, surface features for improved perception of medical device orientation within a patient and/or knobs dimensioned for improved thumb reach and reduced torque.

Abstract: A medical device may include a handle assembly having an actuator and a sheath. The sheath may extend between a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the sheath may be coupled with the actuator. The medical device may further include an end-effector moveable relative to the sheath between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration. The end-effector may include a plurality of expandable legs. Each of the plurality of expandable legs may include a plurality of first indicia and a plurality of second indicia. A color of each of the first plurality of indicia may be different than a color of each of the second plurality of indicia.

Abstract: A suction device configured to simultaneously draw in fluid and expel fluid. The suction device may comprise a barrel defining a cavity and extending from a first end to a second end. A first fluid inlet may be adjacent the first end of the barrel and a second fluid inlet adjacent the second end of the barrel and a first fluid outlet may be adjacent the first end of the barrel and a second fluid outlet adjacent the second end of the barrel. A plunger may be slideably disposed within the cavity of the barrel with a handle assembly operably coupled thereto. A actuation of the handle assembly may be configured to move the plunger within the cavity between the first end and the second end of the barrel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for regulating a temperature of an esophagus when heat or cold is delivered to a left atrium, the method including altering a heat exchange device from an insertable configuration to a heat exchanging configuration which conforms and corresponds with a cross-section of an inside of the esophagus such that the esophagus is maintained in its natural shape and location. In some embodiments the heat exchange device has a heating/cooling balloon which is inflated to be in the heat exchanging configuration. Some alternative embodiments includes altering the configuration of the balloon to conform to or correspond with the cross section of an esophagus by means other than inflation.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device for puncturing tissue comprises an electrically conductive elongate member which is capable of force transmission from a distal portion of the electrosurgical device to a proximal portion of the electrosurgical device to thereby provide tactile feedback to a user. The proximal portion comprises a connector system for connecting a source of energy and a source of fluid to an electrosurgical device. The connector system includes a hub which includes an electrically conductive lengthwise member having a lengthwise member distal region and a lengthwise member proximal region. The lengthwise member defines a hub lumen therebetween and is configured to be operatively coupled to an electrosurgical device.

Abstract: A medical device includes a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and an articulation member integral with or attached to a distal end of the shaft. The articulation member includes a first portion coupled to a second portion, the second portion is receivable in a slot defined by the first portion, and the handle is coupled to each of the first portion and the second portion and to articulate the first portion independently of articulating the second portion.

Abstract: A transseptal system can include a guidewire, a dilator, and a deflectable sheath configured to safely deliver a puncture needle through a septal wall associated with the fossa ovalis and into a central region of the left atrium of a heart. The dilator can include a dilator nose having a first outer diameter and a dilator beveled segment, extending proximal of the dilator nose, tapering from a second, greater outer diameter to the first outer diameter. The length and interplay of the puncture needle and the dilator nose can be configured such that the puncture needle is inhibited from bending and impinging upon the left side of the atrial septum of the heart during use. A body of the guidewire can include at least one loop segment to provide stable support in the left atrium for delivery of a diagnostic or therapeutic device along its more proximal portions. The deflectable sheath can position and align the dilator nose relative to the fossa ovalis.

Abstract: A medical device may include a handle and an end cap. The handle may include a first movable body and a stationary body. The end cap may include an outer portion, an inner portion disposed within the outer portion, and at least one biasing member. The outer portion may define a receptacle configured to contain a material. The inner portion may be proximal to the receptacle, within the outer portion, and coupled to the first movable body by at least one control element. The biasing member(s) may be disposed between a proximal face of the inner portion and a distal face of a proximal wall of the outer portion. Accordingly, movement of the first movable body relative to the stationary body moves the inner portion relative to the outer portion. Movement of the inner portion may be configured to deliver the material.

Abstract: A medical device, for example a delivery catheter, may include a handle portion, a shaft portion extending distally from the handle portion, a deployment mechanism, and an actuation member positioned on the handle portion. The shaft portion may include a working channel and a distal tip portion having a payload chamber configured to receive a payload, such as a bio-absorbable foam. The distal tip portion may be operatively connected to the working channel. The deployment mechanism may be positioned in the working channel, and may be operable to deploy the payload out from the distal tip portion. The actuation member may be actuatable to operate the deployment mechanism.

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.