Abstract: Implant tensioning and/or implant anchor deployment devices are described. Certain embodiments may be recognized in the form of a so-called tensioning “gun.” Other embodiments take a simpler and more compact form. Various optional features are described in connection with these embodiments. Optional aspects of anchor embodiments for the subject implants are also described. Some of these features are coordinated for use with the implant tensioning and anchor deployment instrument, others are not.

Abstract: The invention encompasses devices and methods used to keep the objective lens of a viewing or illuminating device, specifically an endoscope, free from obstructive fluid and dirt; specifically a device having a hollow body designed to fit over an endoscope, a transparent lens cover film that is retained within the device and that is threaded in front of the objective lens of an endoscope, thereby maintaining a clear and unobstructed transparent window in front of the endoscope lens, and an endcap configured to engage opposing edges of the lens cover film in a sealing manner.

Abstract: The invention encompasses devices and methods used to keep the objective lens of a viewing or illuminating device, specifically an endoscope, free from obstructive fluid and dirt; specifically a device having a hollow body designed to fit over an endoscope, a transparent lens cover film that is retained within the device and that is threaded in front of the objective lens of an endoscope, thereby maintaining a clear and unobstructed transparent window in front of the endoscope lens, and an endcap configured to engage opposing edges of the lens cover film in a sealing manner.

Abstract: Systems are provided for delivering a suture to close a surgical opening. An elongated deployment member may have at its distal end a retracted counterforce member. The counterforce member may be inserted into the surgical opening and deployed to resist being withdrawn from the opening. A compression member may be slid down the elongated member to compress the tissue to be sutured against the counterforce member. Suture passers loaded with suture ends may be passed through needle tubes within the elongated member to emerge from the elongated member and pierce the tissue to be sutured, then deposit the suture ends with a suture catcher. The suture passers may be withdrawn, leaving the suture ends. The suture catcher may be retracted, retaining the suture ends and the device—elongated member, retracted suture catcher, and retained suture end—may be withdrawn from the surgical opening. The suture may then be completed.

Abstract: The invention encompasses devices and methods used to provide wound closure based on rings positioned within the tissue layers of the wound opening (with the rings regionally separate the wound depth tissue layers into 2 compartments), followed by suture transport through the rings and full-thickness tissue layers of both compartments. Upon suture transport via synchronous or asynchronous manner and device removal, wound closure is achieved by tying the 2 ends of the suture without incorporating tissue above the level of the rings such as skin. When the device is applied to abdominal or chest wall wound opening, all tissue layers except the skin are incorporated in the suture closure of the wound. The closure process can be performed in a simple, reliable, and expeditious manner.

Abstract: Systems are provided for delivering a suture to close a surgical opening. An elongated deployment member may have at its distal end a retracted counterforce member. The counterforce member may be inserted into the surgical opening and deployed to resist being withdrawn from the opening. A compression member may be slid down the elongated member to compress the tissue to be sutured against the counterforce member. Suture passers loaded with suture ends may be passed through needle tubes within the elongated member to emerge from the elongated member and pierce the tissue to be sutured, then deposit the suture ends with a suture catcher. The suture passers may be withdrawn, leaving the suture ends. The suture catcher may be retracted, retaining the suture ends and the device—elongated member, retracted suture catcher, and retained suture end—may be withdrawn from the surgical opening. The suture may then be completed.

Abstract: The invention encompasses devices and methods used to keep the objective lens of a viewing or illuminating device, specifically an endoscope, free from obstructive fluid and dirt; specifically a device having a hollow body designed to fit over an endoscope, a transparent lens cover film that is retained within the device and that is threaded in front of the objective lens of an endoscope, thereby maintaining a clear and unobstructed transparent window in front of the endoscope lens, and an endcap configured to engage opposing edges of the lens cover film in a sealing manner.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for percutaneously suturing tissue. An elongated deployment member having a guide member coaxially disposed over a shaft member may be used to carry a needle deployment member. The needle deployment member may be carried at a distal end of the elongated deployment member and include a plurality of needles releasably secured to the needle deployment member, wherein each needle is routed coaxially within the distal end of the needle deployment member. The needle deployment member may further include a needle pusher driven by a link coaxially disposed within the shaft member, wherein the needle pusher is configured to advance each needle through the distal end of the needle deployment member and coaxially over the proximal end of the needle deployment member to position the plurality of needles at a piercing angle in a proximal direction.

Abstract: The invention encompasses devices and methods used to provide wound closure based on rings positioned within the tissue layers of the wound opening (with the rings regionally separate the wound depth tissue layers into 2 compartments), followed by suture transport through the rings and full-thickness tissue layers of both compartments. Upon suture transport via synchronous or asynchronous manner and device removal, wound closure is achieved by tying the 2 ends of the suture without incorporating tissue above the level of the rings such as skin. When the device is applied to abdominal or chest wall wound opening, all tissue layers except the skin are incorporated in the suture closure of the wound. The closure process can be performed in a simple, reliable, and expeditious manner.

Abstract: The invention encompasses devices and methods used to keep the objective lens of a viewing or illuminating device, specifically an endoscope, free from obstructive fluid and dirt; specifically a device having a hollow body designed to fit over an endoscope, and a transparent lens cover film that is retained within the device and that is threaded in front of the objective lens of an endoscope, thereby maintaining a clear and unobstructed transparent window in front of the endoscope lens.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for percutaneously suturing tissue. An elongated deployment member having a guide member coaxially disposed over a shaft member may be used to carry a needle deployment member. The needle deployment member may be carried at a distal end of the elongated deployment member and include a plurality of needles releasably secured to the needle deployment member, wherein each needle is routed coaxially within the distal end of the needle deployment member. The needle deployment member may further include a needle pusher driven by a link coaxially disposed within the shaft member, wherein the needle pusher is configured to advance each needle through the distal end of the needle deployment member and coaxially over the proximal end of the needle deployment member to position the plurality of needles at a piercing angle in a proximal direction.