Abstract: One described aspect is an optical fiber comprising: a fiber core that extends along a fiber axis, is configured to transmit a laser energy along the fiber axis, and terminates at a distal end; a first cladding that extends along the fiber axis, is adjacent to the fiber core, and terminates at a distal end; a coating that extends along the fiber axis and terminates at a distal end, wherein the coating is a gold coating; a second cladding that surrounds a portion of the gold coating along the fiber axis, and terminates at a distal end; an outer jacket that extends along the fiber axis and terminates at a distal end; and a fiber tip. Associated laser systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical device may include a shaft, and a first tool extending from a distal end of the shaft. The medical device also may include a control assembly coupled to the shaft. The control assembly may include a console, a first grip extending proximally from the console, and a second grip extending proximally from the console. The control assembly also may include a first deflection actuator configured to deflect the first tool about a longitudinal axis of the first tool, a first rotation actuator configured to rotate the first tool about the longitudinal axis of the first tool, and a first longitudinal actuator configured to move the first tool along the longitudinal axis of the first tool.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods including balloon catheters are described. In one embodiments, a balloon catheter assembly may comprise a tubular member having a proximal portion and a distal portion with a lumen extending between the proximal portion and the distal portion and a balloon member having a proximal waist portion, a distal waist portion, and an expandable region therebetween, the balloon member disposed proximate the distal portion of the tubular member and bonded to tubular member. The assembly may further comprise a first sleeve member covering a first portion of the tubular member and a portion of the balloon member proximal waist portion and a second sleeve member covering a second portion of the tubular member and a portion of the first sleeve member.

Abstract: A laser system may include a controller configured to direct a plurality of temporally spaced-apart electrical pulses to a device that optically pumps a lasing medium, and a lasing medium configured to output a quasi-continuous laser pulse in response to the optical pumping. The plurality of temporally spaced-apart electrical pulses may include (a) a first electrical pulse configured to excite the lasing medium to an energy level below a lasing threshold of the lasing medium, and (b) multiple second electrical pulses following the first electrical pulse. The quasi-continuous laser pulse is output in response to the multiple second electrical pulses.

Abstract: An atherectomy system includes a handle and a drive motor that is adapted to rotate a drive cable extending through the handle and operably coupled to an atherectomy burr. A control system is adapted to regulate operation of the drive motor, including providing the drive motor with a high frequency pulse width modulation (PWM) drive signal in order to operate the drive motor. The control system monitors a motor performance parameter such as motor speed or motor torque, and when the motor performance parameter approaches a limit of a performance range, the control system adds a low frequency PWM signal to the high frequency PWM drive signal, thereby causing the drive motor to produce a tactile signal that signals to the user that the motor performance parameter is approaching the limit of the performance range.

Abstract: This specification describes methods of attaching a mesh to a loop member, which includes covering a wire with a layer, manipulating the wire along with the layer to form the loop member, placing the mesh over the loop member, transferring heat to the layer to cause it to partially melt and become tacky, allowing the mesh to fuse with the tacky layer and form a secure bond on cooling, and trimming portions of the mesh extending beyond the circumference of the loop member. A retrieval device formed by the methods include the loop member and attached mesh positioned, and longitudinally movable within, a tubular sheath. The loop member and mesh are deployed to capture a target object and partially retracted for removal of the object.

Abstract: A ureteral stent includes an elongated member, which has a tubular shape, and a distal retention structure. The elongated member includes a sidewall that defines a lumen and has a spiral-shaped opening with at least two rotations. The sidewall has an inner surface and an outer surface. The sidewall between the inner surface and the outer surface is devoid of another lumen. The elongated member is configured to move between a retracted configuration and an expanded configuration along a longitudinal axis of the lumen. The distal retention structure is disposed at a distal end of the elongated member for retention in a kidney. The distal retention structure defines a lumen in fluid communication with the lumen defined by the sidewall of the elongated member.

Abstract: A movable protection and/or rewrapping device for a balloon catheter may include a tubular member with a bore extending along a length thereof. The tubular member may have at least one rib disposed on an inner surface of the bore. The tubular member may be flared away from the bore at one end and inwardly tapered at the other end. The rewrapping device may include an actuator configured to open a longitudinal slit in the tubular member.

Abstract: Methods for draining pseudocysts and stent delivery systems for use therein are disclosed. An illustrative system may include a catheter shaft having an inflatable balloon affixed to a distal end region thereof. A cutting electrode may be disposed at the distal end of the system and at least one heating electrode may be disposed within the inflatable balloon. A self expandable stent may be disposed about the inflatable balloon. The stent may be formed of a shape memory polymer. The inflation fluid may be heated within the balloon to facilitate expansion of the stent.

Abstract: An occlusive medical device system may include an elongate shaft having a lumen extending longitudinally through a tubular body portion and a plurality of retaining arms extending distally from the tubular body portion. An occlusive medical device may include a proximal tubular mounting portion fixed to an expandable occlusive element. A release wire may be axially translatable between a distal engagement position and a proximal released position, the release wire having a distal engagement portion and a distal retention portion distal of the distal engagement portion. The distal engagement portion may be configured to engage the plurality of retaining arms in the distal engagement position, thereby urging the plurality of retaining arms into releasable engagement with the proximal tubular mounting portion, wherein when the release wire is in the proximal released position, the plurality of retaining arms is deflectable radially inward to disengage from the proximal tubular mounting portion.

Abstract: An implantable inflatable penile prosthesis cylinder has a longitudinal axis and includes an inflatable portion. The inflatable portion includes a chamber that defines an inflatable chamber. The chamber wall includes at least one thin wall section and at least one thick wall section. The at least one thin wall section stretches a greater amount than the at least one thick wall section in a plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis when the inflatable chamber is transitioned from a deflated state to an inflated state.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus including an enclosure configured to receive an endoscope having an electromagnetic radiation sensor. The apparatus also includes an electromagnetic radiation source having at least a portion disposed within the enclosure. The electromagnetic radiation source is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation based on a calibration instruction. The electromagnetic radiation sensor is configured to receive at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation when at least a portion of the endoscope is coupled to the enclosure.

Abstract: Medical devices for cinching and cutting one or more suture, and methods for making and using such devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a shaft, a sleeve attached to the shaft, cutter slidable within the sleeve, a cinch sleeve releasably coupled to the sleeve, and a cinch member. An elongated inner shaft may extend through and be longitudinally movable within the elongated shaft, sleeve, cutter, cinch sleeve, and cinch member. The inner shaft may be actuated to cinch and cut one or more suture disposed within the device.

Abstract: A tissue grasping device for use with an endoscope may include a sheath, a control wire slidably disposed within the sheath, and a helical coil disposed over and attached to the control wire. The helical coil may include a proximal region in which adjacent windings are in contact, and a distal region in which adjacent windings are spaced apart. The helical coil may have a sharpened distal tip.

Abstract: Tracheal stents may include a plurality of wave form structures each extending radially about the support structure, a plurality of axial loop members extending axially between adjacent wave form structures and a polymeric covering disposed thereover. Tracheal stents may include an expandable metal structure and a plurality of spacer fins extending above an outer surface of the expandable metal structure. The plurality of spacer fins may be formed of a material different than that of the expandable metal structure.

Abstract: A sample collection device that includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end, the body defining a channel extending from the distal end to the proximal end. The sample collection device includes an opening at the proximal end of the body that extends into the channel of the body. The body includes an adhering portion having a depressed surface relative to an adjacent exterior surface of the body, the adhering portion configured to receive a sample in response to the sample contacting the depressed surface of the adhering portion. The body is manually maneuverable in response to the channel receiving a finger of a user through the opening of the body.

Abstract: Medical devices for cinch and cutting one or more suture, and methods for making and using such devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a coupler, a sleeve releasably coupled to the coupler, a cutter slidably disposed within the sleeve, and a suture cinching member movable into and out of the sleeve. A wire may extend through and be longitudinally movable within the coupler to move the suture cinching member and cutter.

Abstract: Medical devices for applying a cinch to one or more suture and cutting the suture, and methods for making and using such devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include an elongated shaft, a connection sleeve, a cinch sleeve coupled to the connection sleeve, and a cinch member. An elongated inner shaft may extend through and be longitudinally movable within the elongated shaft, connection sleeve, cinch sleeve, and cinch member.

Abstract: Described herein are drive systems and methods. One exemplary system includes a tool having a proximal handle and a catheter body. The tool can be mated with a rail and the rail mated with a frame. The connection between the tool and rail and/or the rail and frame can allow relative movement of the tool with respect to the frame, a patient, and/or a point of reference. In one exemplary configuration the handle of the tool rotates around an axis that corresponds to a portion of the catheter body, such that rotational movement of the handle has a minimal impact on longitudinal movement and/or position of a distal end of the tool.

Abstract: A device for treating a tissue includes a capsule extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a channel extending therethrough, clip arms, proximal ends of which are slidably received within the channel of the capsule so that the clip arms are movable between an open configuration, in which distal ends of the clip arms extend distally past the distal end of the capsule to be separated from one another, and a closed configuration, in which the clip arms are restrained via an interior surface of the capsule so that distal ends of the clips arms are drawn toward one another, and a reinforcement element coupled to the clip arms, the reinforcement element preventing deflection of the clip arms when engaging a target tissue.