Abstract: The present invention is directed to an active handle assembly for use in a bidirectional steerable surgical instrument having a deflectable distal end. Typically, the surgical instrument includes a handle component which the user manipulates to cause a distal end of the instrument to deflect. The distal end comprises an end tip portion of a shaft which extends outwardly from the handle. A control mechanism is disposed within the handle and extends through the shaft for selectively controlling the direction and degree of deflection at the distal end. For example, one exemplary control mechanism uses control or steering wires to deflect the distal end. The active counterforce mechanism according to the present invention is designed to be used in combination with the control mechanism and provides a force which counters the return to center force generated by the deflection of the shaft at the distal end thereof.

Abstract: An implantable medical device is described, including a filtering element and radially expandable structure. In one variation, the filtering element may include a pluralit of filaments attached to the structure, the filaments being joined together at a proximal en thereof. The filtering element may include strut members and a hub attached to the proxima end of the filaments. The filaments may be made of suture material. In another variation, the filtering element may include a filter with a plurality of legs, the filter being attached to the support structure via a plurality of filaments.

Abstract: A vascular implant delivery device is disclosed and can include a body and a syringe attachment formed in the body. Further, the device can include an outer sheath extending from the body. The outer sheath can include a distal end that can be configured to receive a vascular implant. The device can also include at least three implant support structures that can extend radially inward from the distal end of the outer sheath. The implant support structures can be configured to support and guide a vascular implant moving through the outer sheath. Additionally, the device can include an inner carrier catheter slidably disposed within the outer sheath.

Abstract: A stent graft is disclosed and can include a stent and a graft engaged with the stent. The graft can include an inner surface and an outer surface. Further, at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface can include a plurality of protrusions as viewed in cross section extending through a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An electrophysiology (EP) system includes an interface for operator-interaction with the results of code executing therein. A template model can have channels positioned or repositioned thereupon by the user to define a set-up useful in rapid catheter positioning. Mapping operations can be performed without the requirement for precise catheter location determinations. A map module coordinates EP data associated with each selected channel and its associated position on the template model to provide this result, and can update the resulting map in the event that the channel or location is changed. Messaging and other dynamic features enable synchronized presentation of a myriad of EP data. Additional systems and methods are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A kit for treating effusion, such as pleural effusion, comprises at least one tray including a plurality of indentations configured to receive one or more components used to insert a chest tube into a patient's pleural cavity, at least one dressing kit including supplies for applying a dressing to the patient's skin surrounding an inserted chest tube, and at least one drainage kit including one or more components for receiving fluid drained from the patient's pleural cavity.

Abstract: A catheter is described herein, having a catheter shaft including a proximal end and a distal end, a tip attached to the distal end, including first and second legs spaced apart to form a slot therebetween, the slot in fluid communication with a lumen of the catheter shaft, and a bladder inflatable element positioned over an outer surface of at least one of the first and second legs.

Abstract: A stent device (10) comprises a first graft member (20), a second graft member and a stent frame (12) defining a central axis. The frame has an abluminal surface engaged with the first graft member and a luminal surface engaged with the second graft member such that the first graft member and the second graft member encapsulates the stent frame along the length of the central axis. The stent frame includes a configuration where the stent frame is disposed on a curvature such that the abluminal surface has a radius of curvature of approximately 20 millimeters about a center of the curvature and the luminal surface defines a substantially constant effective cross-sectional area at any portion generally transverse to the central axis of the stent frame disposed about the curvature.

Abstract: The present invention provides for exemplary embodiments of a single-insertion, multiple sample biopsy device. Exemplary embodiments of a single-insertion, multiple sampling device with integrated marker release.

Abstract: The present invention provides for exemplary embodiments of a single-insertion, multiple sampling biopsy device. Exemplary embodiments of a single-insertion, multiple sampling device with integrated marker release.

Abstract: An embolic filter is disclosed and includes a hub and at least one elongated member extending from the hub. The at least one elongated member includes a core and a jacket circumscribing the core. A ratio of a core diameter to a jacket diameter is at least 0.60.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an introducer includes a handle, a needle extending from the handle, the needle having a distal end and defining an inner lumen, the needle further having an opening that provides access to the inner lumen, a snare having an implant coupling element, the snare being positioned within the inner lumen of the needle, the snare being extendable from the needle opening to an extended position in which the implant coupling element is positioned outside of the inner lumen and retractable to a retracted position in which at least a portion of the implant coupling element is positioned within the inner lumen, and a snare extension mechanism provided on the handle, the extension mechanism being configured to alternately extend and retract the snare.

Abstract: A stent is disclosed and can include a stent body having a longitudinal axis. The stent body can also have a network of struts that can define a plurality of cells defined between interconnected struts. Each of the plurality of cells includes a major axis that is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis to form a cell angle, ?.

Abstract: An apparatus for mapping and/or ablating tissue includes a braided conductive member that that may be inverted to provide a ring-shaped surface. When a distal tip of the braided conductive member is retracted within the braided conductive member, the lack of a protrusion allows the ring-shaped surface to contact a tissue wall such as a cardiac wall. In an alternative configuration, the braided conductive member may be configured with the distal portion forming a proboscis that can be used to stably position the braided conductive member relative to a blood vessel, such as a ventricular outflow tract. The braided conductive member has a plurality of electronically active sites that may be accessed individually for stable mapping over a broad area for stable mapping or ablation to form broad and deep lesions.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis and a method of repairing an anatomical defect, such as a tissue or muscle wall defect, by promoting tissue growth thereto, while limiting the incidence of postoperative adhesions between a portion of the prosthesis and tissue or organs. The prosthesis is formed of a biologically compatible, flexible layer of repair fabric suitable for reinforcing tissue or muscle and closing anatomical defects, and a barrier layer for physically isolating at least a portion of one side of the fabric from areas likely to form adhesions. A peripheral barrier extends about at least a portion of the outer peripheral edge of the repair fabric to inhibit adhesions between the outer peripheral edge and adjacent tissue and organs. The repair fabric may include an outer margin that has been melted and resolidified to render the outer peripheral edge substantially impervious to tissue ingrowth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved endoscopic tissue apposition device having multiple suction ports. The invention permits multiple folds of tissue to be captured in the suction ports with a single positioning of the device and attached together by a tissue securement mechanism such as a suture, staple or other form of tissue bonding. The improvement reduces the number of intubations required during an endoscopic procedure to suture tissue or join areas of tissue together. The suction ports may be arranged in a variety of configurations on the apposition device to best suit the desired resulting tissue orientation. The inventive tissue apposition device may also incorporate tissue abrasion means to activate the healing process on surfaces of tissue areas that are to be joined by operation of the device to promote a more secure attachment by permanent tissue bonding.

Abstract: A gastric balloon devices and systems (8) for occupying space within a stomach of a patient are disclosed. In one embodiment, such a gastric balloon device (8) includes a shaft element (14) for insertion into a stomach (52) of a patient and a generally elongated balloon element (12) having at least one pleat region (30). Methods of use of a gastric balloon device or system are also disclosed. For example, a gastric balloon system (8) is provided including a generally elongated balloon element (12), wherein the balloon element (12) includes at least one pleat region (30). Further, the balloon element (12) is furled and inserted through a stoma into the stomach (52) of the patient and at least partially expanded. In another method a balloon element (12) is inserted into a stomach (52) of a patient, wherein a stoma is formed nearer to a duodenum (55) than a fundus region of the stomach (52), and the balloon element (12) is at least partially expanded.

Abstract: An apparatus for mapping and/or ablating tissue includes a braided conductive member that may be inverted to provide a ring-shaped surface. When a distal tip of the braided conductive member is retracted within the braided conductive member, the lack of protrusion allows the ring-shaped surface to contact a tissue wall such as a cardiac wall. In an undeployed configuration, the braided conductive member is longitudinally extended, and in a deployed configuration, the distal end of the braided conductive member is retracted to invert the braided conductive member.

Abstract: An embolic filter is disclosed and can include a head. A plurality of bent legs can extend from the head. Each bent leg can be configured to engage an inner wall of a vein and prevent the embolic filter from migrating in a cranial direction. A plurality of straight legs can also extend from the head. Each straight leg can be configured to prevent the embolic filter from migrating in a caudal direction.

Abstract: A low power ultrasound system for use in sonography applications, including vascular imaging, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the low power ultrasound system comprises a base unit that includes an image processor and a display. An ultrasound probe is operably connected to the base unit. The probe includes a head portion including an array of crystal transducers. A plurality of pulser/receiver modules that cause the transducers to emit ultrasonic transmit pulses are also included in the probe. The pulser/receiver modules are further configured to receive analog signals relating to ultrasonic echo receive pulses detected by the transducers. The probe includes a singular low noise amplifier that amplifies the analog signals, and an analog-to-digital converter that converts the analog signals to a digital signal. A wireless interface is included for enabling the digital signal to be wirelessly transmitted from the probe to the image processor of the base unit.