Abstract: Embodiments of a simulated valve device can be used to determine whether a valve device would fit within a particular airway. The simulated valve device can include a shaft having at least one strut extending radially therefrom. The strut and at least part of the shaft can be surrounded by a membrane for viewing through a bronchoscope. In some embodiments, the membrane can include markings for viewing by a user.

Abstract: Devices and methods for measuring size of airways to lung are disclosed. A light-based endoluminal sizing device can comprise a centering tool, a light source, and a marker. A size of an airway can be approximated or determined based on a distance between the marker and the light source when light from the light source intersects the marker at an interface between the marker and the airway wall. In some cases, the size of the airway can be approximated from observing an intersection between a light pattern and the airway wall.

Abstract: An airway measurement/estimation device may comprise a sizing shaft at least partially disposable with a bronchoscope. The sizing shaft may comprise a plurality of bristles of known lengths such that when the sizing shaft is inserted into a patient's airway, and viewed through a bronchoscope, the size or diameter of the airway may be approximated based at least in part on the size of the bristles in relation to the size of the airway.

Abstract: Devices and methods for occluding airways in at least one direction are disclosed. In some cases, the devices include anchoring mechanisms configured to keep an operative portion of the device (e.g., a valve) in position along a length of a lumen in which the device is deployed. The anchoring mechanisms can include anchors configured to settle into the lumen walls with little or no axial movement of the operative portion of the device. In some embodiments, the anchoring mechanisms include a secondary set of anchors configured to engage with the lumen wall to reduce, inhibit, or prevent axial movement of the operative portion of the device when the primary anchors settle into the walls of the lumen.

Abstract: Embodiments of a sizing device that can be used to measure the size of airways lumens, such as those connected to lungs. The sizing device can have different expandable elements in order to accurately and consistently measure the particular dimensions of a lumen. In some embodiments, markings viewable by a user can be used to determine the particular size.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for providing real-time imaging of tissue sampling. An ultrasound probe is received with a first lumen of a catheter and a tissue sampling device is received with a second lumen of the catheter. The catheter is received within a working channel of a bronchoscope. The ultrasound probe is a radial ultrasound probe that generates real-time ultrasound images of the tissue sampling device and surrounding tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is premised upon an improved balloon dilator, more particularly to an improved balloon dilator comprising an expandable balloon, a core wire which extends through the expandable balloon, and a single visual marker band positioned at a geometric center within the balloon dilator which may selectively reflect certain wavelengths of light.

Abstract: Ureteral stents include a tubular body defining a lumen and have (i) a distal kidney section to be placed in or near a patient's kidney, (ii) a proximal bladder section to be placed within or near the patient's bladder, and (iii) a ureter section between the distal and proximal sections to be placed within the patient's ureter. A first anti-migration feature may be provided at the proximal bladder section and may include one or more projections extending outward from the tubular body. The first anti-migration feature may extend less than a total length of the proximal bladder section, and may be configured to not enter the patient's bladder. Furthermore, a second anti-migration feature may be provided at the distal kidney section, the proximal bladder section, or both.

Abstract: A surgical system and a method of providing and enabling a surgical system. The surgical system having a console and a first component configured to be directly or indirectly detachably attached to the console. The surgical system having a sensor circuit arranged to the console, and a first target state identifying circuit arranged to the first component. The sensor circuit outputs a feedback signal indicative of a state of electrical connection of the first target state identifying circuit to the sensor circuit. A controller arranged in the console is configured to control a therapy signal generator based on the feedback signal.

Abstract: Techniques, including a surgical system and a method for providing a surgical system, for detecting detachable attachment of a first component to a console, for detecting detachable attachment of a second component to one of the console the first component, and for controlling a function module based on the detection result are provided.

Abstract: A method for imaging, including capturing an initial image of a surface under investigation using a first endoscope, and delineating within the initial image a target region of interest surrounded by an initial image peripheral region, the target region of interest having a location defined with respect to the initial image peripheral region. The method includes capturing a subsequent image of the surface under investigation using a second endoscope and identifying in the subsequent image, by comparison with characteristics of the initial image peripheral region, a subsequent image peripheral region corresponding to the initial image peripheral region. The further includes computing the location of the target region of interest in the subsequent image in response to the identified subsequent image peripheral region.

Abstract: A surgeon's tool for operating a basket device to capture and remove an object may include a controller including a piston and cylinder mechanism for selectively and securely controlling and operating a wire and a sheath of the basket device wherein the piston and the cylinder of the piston and cylinder mechanism may each be independently operated to separately actuate the basket device. The piston and cylinder controller mechanism may include a double piston and cylinder design including first and second biasing mechanisms for biasing the basket device toward a closed position and a latch mechanism for selectively securing the positions of the cylinders.

Abstract: A surgical system and a method of providing and enabling a surgical system. The surgical system having a console and a first component configured to be directly or indirectly detachably attached to the console. The surgical system having a sensor circuit arranged to the console, and a first target state identifying circuit arranged to the first component. The sensor circuit outputs a feedback signal indicative of a state of electrical connection of the first target state identifying circuit to the sensor circuit. A controller arranged in the console is configured to control a therapy signal generator based on the feedback signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are presented for a lithotripter comprising a handle, a driver resource contained within the handle, a probe housed within the handle, an extension which may be the probe, a shielding insert, or a removable passageway which extends through a central lumen of the driver resource and protects the central lumen from surgical debris when in use and as a result reduces time required to perform sterilization. Sealing means may be provided to connect the probe into the handle, including a ferrule, collet, split collet, screw connection, O-rings, or a combination thereof to further limit debris entering the central lumen of the handle. It is contemplated that the device of the present invention is capable of achieving a four minute flash cycle validation.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to deliver destructive energy to a stone. The apparatus includes a detector operative to obtain image data from the stone, a generator operating according to one or more producing parameters for producing the destructive energy, and a video processor unit receiving the image data from the detector. The video processor unit is operative to analyze the image data to determine a displacement of the stone relative to a previous location of the stone. A controller linked to the video processor unit and to the generator is operative to vary the one or more producing parameters of the generator responsively to the displacement of the stone. Methods carried out by the apparatus are further provided.

Abstract: A medical apparatus, including a lithotripsic device configured to break a stone into one or more fragments in a body lumen and an endoscope which is configured to obtain a captured image in the body lumen. The medical apparatus further includes an image processor which is configured to process the captured image and create a processed image for display on a monitor, and which is also configured to process and display a track of a movement of at least one of the stone or the one or more fragments.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device includes a pair of jaws including a first jaw disposed adjacent to a second jaw. The pair of jaws is movable between open and closed positions. Each jaw comprises an electrode, and each jaw has an active surface. The first jaw active surface is disposed adjacent to the second jaw active surface in the closed position. An actuating member is coupled to one or more of the first and second jaws. The actuating member is configured to move the pair of jaws between the open position and the closed position. In one form, an insulating ring is disposed around the first jaw. In another form, a shield system is disposed on first and second side surfaces of the first jaw and a portion of the first jaw active surface. In yet another form, the shield system forms a lip extending from the first jaw.

Abstract: A method and system for configuring a mobile computing device to a docking station using near field communication is disclosed. A mobile computing device may scan an NFC tag integrated with the docking station to gather docking-station information. This docking-station information may be used by the mobile computing device to (i) configure its interface connector to match the docking connector, (ii) establish a communication link with the docking station and/or a host computer connected to the docking station, or (iii) authenticate the docking station to the mobile computing device or vice versa.

Abstract: A probe includes a probe distal end body, a vibration transmission body and a heat dissipation unit. The probe distal end body includes a first electrode. The vibration transmission body is arranged to a proximal end of the probe distal end body. The vibration transmission body transmits ultrasonic vibration generated by an ultrasonic transducer to the probe distal end body, and transmits current to the first electrode. An interior surface of the probe distal end body and an interior surface of the vibration transmission body define an interior space. The heat dissipation unit dissipates heat generated at the probe distal end body, wherein at least a portion of the heat dissipation unit is arranged in the interior space defined by the probe distal end body and the vibration transmission body. A treatment instrument includes the probe and an end effector including a second electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are presented for a therapy delivery device including a catheter, an endoscope and an endoscope shaft, one or more attachment features for attaching the catheter to the endoscope, wherein the catheter has an expandable lumen at a distal end and Wherein the expandable lumen expands upon injection of a therapy at the proximal end of the catheter. Attachment features may be a series of clips along the length of the catheter for attaching to an endoscope or a second lumen on the catheter wherein an endoscope may through one of said. lumens. Targeted therapy delivery may be a hydrogel or a chitosan hydrogel to provide a treatment within a sinus of a patient.