Abstract: A prosthesis and a method of plugging or covering a trocar tract with the prosthesis is disclosed. The prosthesis includes a tubular body having a proximal end and a distal end, a respective opening at each end, and a channel extending between the proximal end of the tubular body and the distal end of the tubular body. The prosthesis is removably mounted along a trocar. The trocar is removable from the prosthesis such that the prosthesis is left at the trocar tract when the trocar is removed from the tract. The prosthesis includes a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the opening at the distal end of the tubular body is smaller than the opening at the proximal end of the tubular body.

Abstract: An embolus filter introducer system has a symmetric introducer sheath with a filter inside. The introducer sheath can be attached at either end to a deployment actuator. The deployment actuator can thereby be used to push the filter out of the introducer sheath. Since the sheath can be oriented in a selectable direction, so can the filter, allowing the sheath to be introduced via a jugular or femoral approach to the vena cava.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a first cannula driver connected to a first cannula and a second cannula driver connected to a second cannula. The first cannula driver has a first rack member and a flange. The second cannula driver has a second rack member. A drive assembly has a linear motor drive, a transmission assembly, a switching motor drive, and an electrical controller circuit. The electrical controller circuit is configured to execute program instructions to selectively operate the linear motor drive and the switching motor drive. The transmission assembly has a gear assembly drivably coupled to the switching motor drive and configured to releasably engage at least one of the first rack member of the first cannula driver and the second rack member of the second cannula driver. A coupler member is connected to the linear motor drive, and is configured to engage the flange of the first cannula driver.

Abstract: A magnetic stylet includes a core element and a distal region. The core element may include a proximal end coupled to a tab, the proximal end having a first diameter, a transition region, and a distal region extending from the transition region to a distal end. The distal region may have a second diameter less than the first diameter. The distal section may include the transition region and the distal region of the core element, a magnetic element, a polymer member, and a closure element. The magnetic element may be positioned distal of the transition region of the core element. The polymer member may be circumferentially disposed about the distal region of the core element, the continuous permanent magnetic element, and at least a portion of the transition region of the core element. The closure element may be an epoxy that forms a rounded end distal of the polymer member.

Abstract: A balloon includes a plurality of radial projections formed in a working surface for use in providing a focused force during the angioplasty procedure. The plurality of radial projections may be formed in a wall of the balloon and spaced apart in a longitudinal direction. The projections for use in connection with such a balloon may comprise wires or wire segments, and may also comprise radiopaque materials to facilitate viewing under fluoroscopy during the procedure. Related methods of manufacturing are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for operating an ultrasonic reentry device, includes: providing an ultrasound transmission member having a proximal end and a distal end; providing a catheter body having a lumen surrounding the ultrasound transmission member; providing a dilator slidably disposed within the lumen of the catheter body, the dilator surrounding the ultrasound transmission member; and exposing the distal end of the ultrasound transmission member from a distal end of the dilator.

Abstract: Articulating surgical instruments are disclosed. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument may include an elongated shaft assembly including an articulable portion moveable between a non-articulated configuration and an articulated configuration. First and second articulating shafts of the elongated shaft assembly may be coaxially arranged and axially fixed at an attachment point located distally from the articulable portion. Proximal portions of the first and second articulating shafts may be displaceable in opposing directions to articulate the articulable portion from the non-articulated configuration to the articulated configuration. In another embodiment, an articulation control may be movable from a first position to a second position to move an articulation lock from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration to selectively permit articulation of a surgical instrument. The articulation lock also may be movable from the second position to a third position to articulate the surgical instrument.

Abstract: Systems and methods for navigation and positioning a central venous catheter within a patient. The system may include a first pole and a second pole designed to generate an electric field sufficient to obtain a plurality of field measurements. The system may include a stylet inserted into a medical device. The stylet may include a magnetic assembly configured to produce a magnetic field positioned along a distal portion of the stylet, and a stylet electrode positioned distal of the magnetic assembly. The stylet electrode may be designed to function as both an interior excitation electrode and an interior detection electrode. Advancement of the medical device in the patient may include using a conductance curve generated from the plurality of field measurements to identify an obstruction or malposition in the patient.

Abstract: Packaging for a medical implant such as a hernia repair prosthetic material includes a carrier and a stiffener. The hernia repair prosthetic material is placed adjacent to the stiffener within the carrier. The carrier assembly is sealed within an outer pouch, such as a foil pouch, and sterilized. When the carrier is being removed from the pouch in preparation for surgery, the stiffener helps prevent the carrier assembly from contacting non-sterile portions of the pouch.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis is provided for repairing a fistula, such as an anal fistula. The prosthesis or fistula repair device may include a body with a shape configured for placement in the fistula. The prosthesis may also include an anchor or base that is located at one or both ends of the body to facilitate anchoring the prosthesis in position. The prosthesis may include one or more channels to create one or more pathways for drainage and/or irrigation of the fistula. The channel may have a relatively uniform dimension along its length or a tapered shape that increases along its length. The prosthesis may have an adjustable length for accommodating fistula tracts of varying lengths. The prosthesis may include elongated body segments that provide a wicking or capillary function to facilitate drainage of the fistula tract.

Abstract: A biopsy device is configured such that: a first retraction of a charge handle moves a cannula slide and a sampling slide in unison in a proximal direction to charge and retain a sampling spring in a charged state, and to charge a vacuum system; a first return of the charge handle returns the charge handle to a home position; a second retraction of the charge handle moves the charge handle to a retracted position; a second return of the charge handle to the home position moves the cannula slide to charge a cannula retract spring and retain the cannula retract spring in a charged state; and a third retraction of the charge handle moves the carriage assembly as a whole in the proximal direction to charge a prime pierce spring and to retain the prime pierce spring in a charged state.

Abstract: A method for using a biopsy device includes providing a housing containing a tension slide, wherein the tension slide is movable to a cocked position against the action of a spring by the power source; inserting a removable element into the housing, the removable element including a biopsy cannula unit, a pressure generating device, a first connection element connecting the biopsy cannula unit and the valve, and a second connection element connecting the valve and the pressure generating device; arranging the biopsy cannula unit on the tension slide; operating the pressure generating device to generate a vacuum; and operating the valve to control pressure buildup and release within the pressure generating device.

Abstract: A blood filter extraction system for extracting a blood filter from within a blood vessel. The system includes an extraction wire, or plurality of such wires, positioned within an elongated tubular member. A plurality of extraction wires coupled to the distal end of the extraction member each include a hook for engaging filter members. Alternatively, the extraction wires may be one or more wires configured in a helical shape which engage filter members when the extraction member is rotated. The system may also include an elongated tubular member with the distal end having a conical shape. To extract a filter, the extraction wires are then pushed out of the tubular member and into the filter members. The extraction member is then withdrawn or rotated so the wires engage and draw in the filter members, after which the catheter is pushed over the conical portion of the tubular member.

Abstract: Described herein are implantable ports including a housing with a fluid receptacle, a port stem in fluid communication with the fluid receptacle, and a septum covering the fluid receptacle. The ports may be configured to reduce the priming volume by including a plurality of fluid-locked chambers and/or one or more base mats. The ports may also include a hydrophobic coating on one or more surfaces thereof.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a non-deforming surgical fastener are discussed. In one embodiment, the fastener includes two legs and a backspan extending between the two legs. The fastener also includes a backspan thickness that is adapted to reduce the pressure and/or increase the holding strength applied to underlying materials. The non-deforming fastener is constructed and arranged to retain substantially the same shape before, during and after deployment into the target implantation site.

Abstract: An inflatable balloon is provided. The balloon includes a central lumen open at both ends of the balloon and connected to a gap formed in one sidewall of the balloon. This arrangement may provide the balloon with a generally C-shaped profile with the open central lumen within the balloon along a center axis thereof, such as to allow for perfusion. The balloon may also include an inflation port offset from a central axis and a shaft including an inflation lumen connected to the inflation port. A sheath may also be provided with a window through which the balloon may project in use.

Abstract: A catheter assembly including one or more conductive pathways to assist with placement of the catheter assembly into a patient's vasculature by enabling ECG signals emanating from the patient's heart to be detected. The conductive pathways can be configured to reconfirm via ECG signal detection proper placement of the catheter assembly at a time subsequent to initial catheter placement into the vasculature. The catheter assembly can include a catheter hub, a catheter tube coupled to the catheter hub, the catheter tube including at least one lumen, and an outer conductive pathway disposed on an outer surface of the catheter tube and the hub. The outer conductive pathway can have a distal end located distal to a portion of the catheter tube at a skin insertion site when the catheter tube is inserted into a patient.

Abstract: A prosthesis for repairing a hernia defect includes a patch body, a hoisting frame releasably attachable to the patch body, and a tether attached to the hoisting frame and having a free end extendable through the thickness of the patch body and accessible from the side of the patch body opposite to the side where the hoisting frame is releasably attached. The patch body and/or the hoisting frame includes a self-expanding support member. The hoisting frame includes a frame body and a translation component for directing pulling forces on the tether to the frame body.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and their methods of use are described. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument includes a power transmission including a trigger and a fastener driver operatively coupled to the trigger. Actuation of the trigger from a first configuration to a second configuration moves the fastener driver between at least a first position and a second position. Additionally, an actuation lockout system operatively associated with the power transmission is moveable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. The actuation lockout system prevents movement of the fastener driver from the first position to the second position when the actuation lockout system is in the locked configuration. Actuation of the trigger from the first configuration towards the second configuration moves the actuation lockout system from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration.

Abstract: A prosthesis for repairing a hernia defect includes a patch body, a hoisting frame releasably attachable to the patch body, and a tether attached to the hoisting frame with a free end extendable through the thickness of the patch body and accessible from the side of the patch body opposite to where the hoisting frame is releasably attached. The patch body and/or the hoisting frame includes a self-expanding support member. The hoisting frame includes a frame body with an outer frame component and a force translation component for directing pulling forces on the tether across the frame body. The outer frame component has a loop configuration to generally follow the patch periphery with overlapping end portions or a gap between free ends thereof. The force translation component is separable into multiple segments to facilitate withdrawal of the hoisting frame through an opening when released from the patch.