Abstract: A tissue traction device including a scaffold structure configured to anchor the tissue traction device in place such that a tissue traction element is anchored upon deployment of the scaffold structure and without further manipulation of the tissue traction device (such as to grasp tissue or otherwise anchor the tissue traction element to tissue). The scaffold structure may be self-supporting/self-standing to be in a deployed expanded configuration to anchor the tissue traction device with respect to the tissue. The tissue traction element may be pivotably coupled to the scaffold structure, such as to a rigid element of the scaffold structure. The tissue traction element, when anchored by the scaffold, exerts a force (e.g., traction force) on a region of target tissue to which the tissue traction element is coupled, such as via a tissue engagement member.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a hand assist device may be configured for use with an endoscope. The hand assist device may comprise a body configured to removably couple to a handle of the endoscope. The body may comprise a recess configured to receive the handle of the endoscope. The recess may extend from a proximal end of the body to a distal end of the body. The body may also comprise a palm support portion and a finger support portion proximal to the palm support portion. The body may further comprise a base support portion distal to the palm support portion.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device comprises an electrically conductive elongate member for traversing body vasculature defining a hollow lumen with one or more apertures at or near its distal end, wherein electrical energy can flow through the wall of the elongate member; and an energy delivery device in electrical communication with the elongate member is located distal to the end of the elongate member. The energy delivery device includes an electrode for delivering energy. Methods of using the electrosurgical device include cutting through occlusions and creating transseptal punctures.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical instruments. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a biopsy cap and endoscope biopsy cap housing with improved stability and stress distribution to securely and removably attach to an endoscope biopsy port. In one example, a biopsy cap housing may include a first center-split half comprising a first half of an upper and lower chamber and first pivot member, and a second center-split half comprising a second half of an upper and lower chamber, and second pivot member, wherein mating surfaces of the first and second center-split halves may be configured to interlock to define the upper and lower chambers.

Abstract: Attachments for endoscopes as well as methods for making and using attachments are disclosed. An example attachment may include a housing. One or more angled locking members may extend from an inner surface of the housing. The angled locking members may be designed to engage a biopsy port of an endoscope. One or more stabilizing members may extend from the inner surface of the housing. A locking apparatus may be coupled to the housing. A sealing member may be disposed within the housing.

Abstract: A steerable catheter control handle and method are provided for bi-directional control of a steerable catheter, the catheter including at least two control wires, a distal end of each of the control wires being coupled to the catheter at a distal region thereof. The control system comprises a housing. A wire actuation mechanism is disposed within the housing and is operably coupled to at least two control wires for enabling actuation of the at least two control wires. The steerable catheter control handle additionally comprises a proximal control knob that is operably coupled to the wire actuation mechanism to enable actuation of the at least two control wires for causing a distal end deflection of the steerable catheter.

Abstract: A medical device includes a handle, an end cap, a sponge, one or more wires, and one or more actuation elements. The handle includes a main body and a movable body, and the movable body is movable relative to the main body. The end cap includes a stationary portion and an extendable portion, and the stationary portion includes one or more through-holes. At least a portion of the sponge surrounds a portion of the extendable portion of the end cap. The one or more actuation elements are connected to a portion of the extendable portion of the end cap. Movement of the movable body of the handle controls a movement of the wires and the extendable portion of the end cap. Proximal movement of the actuation elements controls another movement of the extendable portion of the end cap to separate the extendable portion of the end cap from the sponge.

Abstract: A medical device that includes a handle including a first body and a second body that are movable relative to one another, and an actuator including a first housing movably coupled to the first body and a second housing movably coupled to the second body. The medical device is configured to move between an open configuration in which the first body is at least partially decoupled from the second body and the first housing is at least partially decoupled from the second housing, and a closed configuration in which the first body is coupled to the second body and the first housing is coupled to the second housing.

Abstract: A medical device may comprise a proximal component. The proximal component may comprise a handle with a coupling portion. The coupling portion is configured to releasably couple to a distal joint of a distal component of the medical device. A proximal wire may extend distally from the handle. The distal end of the proximal wire may include a connector that may be configured to releasably connect to a distal wire of the distal component of the medical device.

Abstract: A steerable elongate medical device includes a composite shaft and a handle that is removably securable to the composite shaft. The composite shaft includes a first shaft component and a second shaft component. The composite shaft bends in a first direction when the first shaft component is heated above a transition temperature and bends in the first direction. The composite shaft bends in an opposing second direction when the second shaft component is heated above the transition temperature and bends in the second direction. The handle enables a user to selectively pass an electrical current through either of the first shaft component or the shaft component in order to electrically heat the selected shaft component.

Abstract: A medical device may comprise a sheath and an expandable member. The expandable member may comprise a support member and a liner coupled to the support member. The liner may include a plurality of teeth. Proximal movement of the sheath may be configured to uncover the expandable member so that the expandable member transitions from a constrained configuration to a constrained configuration.

Abstract: Embodiments of medical devices and methods are disclosed. The medical devices typically comprise a flexible elongate member defining a lumen, and a support spine affixed to the distal end and extending proximally therefrom within the elongate member lumen. In some embodiments, the support spine is pre-shaped such that the support spine biases the distal region of the elongate member to adopt a straight configuration, or the support spine biases at least a portion of the distal region of the elongate member to adopt a curved shape to form a curved portion. Some embodiments include apertures at or near the distal end for enabling fluid communication between the lumen and the outside environment. In some embodiments, the support wire extends proximally from the distal end within a distal portion of the lumen such that a proximal portion of the lumen is substantially unobstructed.

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: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical instruments. More particularly, the present disclosure pertains to medical instruments for use with an endoscope, such as a biopsy cap and a biopsy cap housing with improved stability and stress distribution, for example, to securely attach to an endoscope biopsy port.

Abstract: A system of medical devices includes a first medical device, a second medical device, an RLC circuit, a processor, and an output device. The first medical device includes an elongate member having a lumen. The second medical device includes a needle advanceable through the lumen. The RLC circuit includes an excitation voltage source, a resistor, a capacitor, an inductor, and an output voltage sensor. The inductor includes a coil that is supported by the first medical device and wound around the lumen. As the needle is advanced through the lumen, an output voltage of the RLC circuit is an indicator of a longitudinal position of the needle with respect to the elongate member. The voltage sensor is configured to sense the output voltage, and the processor and output device are configured to generate an output that is an indicator of the longitudinal position of the needle.

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: Systems for use with an endoscope are disclosed. An example system may include a sleeve configured to be coupled to an outer surface of an endoscope. A housing may be coupled to the sleeve. The housing may have a proximal end region, a distal end region, and a fluid chamber defined therein. A plurality of openings may be formed in the distal end region. An actuator may be coupled to the proximal end region of the housing and extend proximally therefrom. A distal ring member may be disposed within the housing. The distal ring member may be axially fixed relative to the sleeve and relative to the housing. The housing is configured to shift relative to the endoscope between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A steerable medical device includes a first wire and a second wire. The first wire includes a first portion having a first width and a second portion having a second width. The second width is smaller than the first width. A distal end of the first wire is fixed relative to a distal end the second wire. A proximal end of one or more of the first wire or the second wire is moveable distally or proximally with respect to the other of the first wire or the second wire in order to bend a distal portion of the steerable medical device.

Abstract: A medical device comprising a handle extending between a first end and a second end, a first actuator coupled to the first end of the handle, a first shaft coupled to the second end of the handle, and a second shaft extending from the first shaft, the second shaft including a first articulation section and a second articulation section, wherein an articulation of the first actuator relative to the handle is configured to articulate the first articulation section, an articulation of the handle relative to the first shaft is configured to articulate the second articulation section, and the first articulation section and the second articulation section are restricted to articulating only in a first plane.

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.