Abstract: A medical device includes a handle including a stationary body, a first movable body, and a second movable body; a control member coupled to the second movable body; an intermediate sheath coupled to the first movable body; an external sheath coupled to the stationary body; and an end effector. The end effector includes a first loop and a second loop. The first loop includes a first arm and a second arm, and the first arm is coupled to the intermediate sheath. The second arm is coupled to the control member, and the second arm includes a first plurality of teeth. The second loop includes a third arm and a fourth arm. The third arm is coupled to the intermediate sheath, and the fourth arm is coupled to the control member. The fourth arm includes a second plurality of teeth.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices for delivering artificial chordae tendineae in a patient. In an embodiment, an anchor is movable between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration, the anchor being in the delivery configuration when disposed within a delivery catheter, the anchor being in the deployed configuration when the anchor is moved beyond a distal end of the delivery catheter. When the anchor is in the delivery configuration it has a first outer dimension and when the anchor is in the deployed configuration it has a second outer dimension, the first outer dimension being smaller than the second outer dimension. The anchor is engageable with a papillary muscle or a heart wall when the anchor is in the deployed configuration and is also coupleable to an artificial chordae tendineae to anchor the artificial chordae tendineae to the papillary muscle or heart wall.

Abstract: A system for treating a vascular region includes an elongate catheter shaft having a distal end region, with an inner lumen formed in the elongate shaft and a fluid delivery lumen formed in the elongate shaft adjacent to the inner lumen. A treatment core is disposable within the inner lumen, and has a plurality of ultrasound transducers that are adapted to move between a straight configuration and a helical configuration and to provide constructive interference when in the helical configuration.

Abstract: Aspects of stone identification methods and systems are described. According to one aspect, an exemplary method comprises: transmitting to a processing unit, with an imaging element mounted on a distal end of a scope, image data about a stone object inside a body cavity; generating from the image data, with the processing unit, a visual representation of the stone object and the body cavity; establishing from a user input, with the processing unit, a scale for the visual representation; determining from the visual representation, with the processing unit, a size of the stone object on the scale; comparing, with the processing unit, the size of the stone object with a predetermined maximum size to determine a removal status; and augmenting, with the processing unit, the visual representation to include an indicator responsive to the removal status. Associated systems are also described.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a medical device for accessing a patient's body portion and used for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Embodiments of the invention may include a particular endoscopic positioning mechanism for placing an endoscope and an additional treatment device within desired body portions in order to assist in diagnosis and treatment of anatomical diseases and disorders. In particular, a medical device according to an embodiment of the invention may include an outer flexible tube and a positioning mechanism configured for rotating one portion of the flexible tube relative to another portion of the flexible tube.

Abstract: An endoscopic system includes an endoscopic imager configured to capture image frames of a target site within a living body and a processor configured to apply a spatial transform to a preliminary set of image frames, the spatial transform converting the image frames into cylindrical coordinates; calculate a map image from the spatially transformed image frames, each pixel position in the map image being defined with a vector of fixed dimension; align a current image frame with the map image and apply the spatial transform to the current image frame; fuse the spatially transformed current image frame to the map image to generate a fused image; and apply an inverse spatial transform to the fused image to generate an enhanced current image frame having a greater spatial resolution than the current image frame. The system also includes a display displaying the enhanced current image frame.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to radiopaque, unsaturated multi-arm polymers that comprise a plurality of hydrophilic polymer arms having end moieties comprising one or more radiopaque halogen groups and one or more unsaturated groups, the end moieties linked to the hydrophilic polymer arms though an ester or an amide linkage. In some embodiments, the disclosure pertains to systems for forming hydrogels, which systems comprise (a) a polyamino compound and (b) a radiopaque, unsaturated multi-arm polymer that comprises a plurality of hydrophilic polymer arms having end moieties comprising one or more radiopaque halogen groups and one or more unsaturated groups, the end moieties linked to the hydrophilic polymer arms though an ester or an amide linkage, wherein the one or more unsaturated groups are reactive with the amino groups of the polyamino compound. Other embodiments pertain to methods of treatment using such systems and to hydrogels formed from such systems.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a medical device that includes an enclosure to store an agent, a funnel coupled to the enclosure, and configured to receive the agent via an opening of the enclosure, and a valve fluidly coupled to the enclosure and the funnel. The valve is at least partially disposed between the enclosure and the funnel, and at least a portion of the agent is received on the valve. The valve is configured to move from a first position to a second position relative to the enclosure and the funnel to selectively release the agent from the enclosure into the funnel. In the first position, the valve is configured to close the opening and inhibit the agent from exiting the enclosure and entering the funnel. In the second position, the valve is configured to open the opening and release the agent from the enclosure for delivery into the funnel.

Abstract: An endoscopic suturing system and method are disclosed as are devices for use with the system and method such as a suture dispenser, a cinch device, and a tissue grasper. In one embodiment the suturing system includes a cap assembly arranged at the distal end portion of an endoscope or guide member, with the cap assembly including a rotatable needle holder. The needle holder is actuated through a transmission element extending outside the endoscope or guide member. A needle capture device may be inserted through a channel of the endoscope or guide member in order to capture a needle held in the needle holder when the needle holder is rotated so that the needle punctures tissue.

Abstract: A system for retrieving material from a cavity in a patient may include a tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the scope configured to be inserted into the cavity, and a filter assembly disposed between the tube and a vacuum source configured to apply negative pressure through the tube to cause the material to flow through the tube from the distal end to the proximal end, the filter assembly including a filter configured to trap the material in the filter assembly, and allow liquid and gases to pass through the filter assembly.

Abstract: In one example, a retrieval device may include a flexible loop; a mesh coupled to the loop, the mesh having an opening at least partially circumscribed by the loop; a sheath extending from a proximal end to a distal end; a cord extending through and/or around the mesh; and a connector assembly movable from a first configuration to a second configuration. In the first configuration, the flexible loop, the mesh, and the cord may be coupled to the sheath, and in the second configuration, the flexible loop, the mesh, and the cord may be detached from the sheath.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods for controlled volume ablation of tissue. In one example, a catheter may include an elongated member having a distal end extending along a longitudinal axis. A first electrode may extend along the elongated member. The first electrode may have a distal portion arranged on a circumferential surface about the longitudinal axis at the distal end. A second electrode may extend along the elongated member. The second electrode may have a distal portion arranged on the circumferential surface about the longitudinal axis at the distal end of the elongated member. A sheath may be slidably disposed about the elongated member. The sheath may be configured to change position by sliding along the member to insulate a portion of one or both of the first and second electrode.

Abstract: Intravascular imaging devices and methods for making and using intravascular imaging devices are disclosed. An example intravascular imaging device may include a catheter shaft configured to be disposed within a blood vessel. The catheter shaft may have an imaging window region and an imaging lumen. The imaging lumen may be configured to accommodate and imaging assembly therein. A distal tip member may be coupled to the catheter shaft. The distal tip member may have a guidewire lumen formed therein. The imaging window region and the distal tip member may axially overlap.

Abstract: Mounting enclosures for use with a medical cart are disclosed. An example mounting enclosure may include a first component having a first base, one or more channel members disposed along the first base, a plurality of hooks, and one or more pole mounting regions. The one or more pole mounting regions may be configured to allow the mounting enclosure to be mounted to a pole of a medical cart. The mounting enclosure may include a second component configured to engage the first component. The second component may have a second base and an angled top surface. The second base may be configured to engage the one or more channel members. A computer compartment may be defined within the mounting enclosure when the first component is engaged with the second component.

Abstract: Connectors arranged and configured to couple a tube set to an endoscope. An illustrative connector may comprise a housing having a generally tubular body, the housing including a first end, a second end, and a lumen extending therethrough, a first coupling mechanism adjacent to the first end of the housing, and a second coupling mechanism extending from a first end adjacent to the first end of the housing to a second end, the second end of the second coupling mechanism positioned between the first end and the second end of the housing. The second coupling mechanism may be different from the first coupling mechanism.

Abstract: A delivery device may be configured to deliver an agent to a target tissue through a channel of a medical device, the delivery device may include a body including (a) a coupling region configured to removably attach to a handle of the medical device, and (b) a coupler including an exit port for aligning with a port of the channel, wherein the coupler is configured to mate with the port of the channel; a source of an agent; and a source of pressurized fluid. The body, the source of agent, and the source of pressurized fluid may be arranged to deliver agent and pressurized fluid to the exit port for delivery through the channel.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to methods of treating various conditions including bladder conditions in a patient, comprising: positioning at least one ablative element of an ablative device on or over an adventitial surface of the bladder; and using the ablative device to denervate bladder nerve fibers. Other aspects of the present disclosure pertain, for example, to devices and kits for of treating bladder conditions.

Abstract: A catheter includes a handle and an elongate member extending from the handle. The catheter may also include steering system coupled to the handle. The steering system may be configured to deflect at least a portion of the elongate member in at least one direction. The catheter may also include a locking mechanism configured to lock the portion of the elongate member in a deflected configuration, and a lever coupled to the handle. The lever may be configured to move from a first position to a second position to engage the locking mechanism. The lever may also be configured to be separably retained at least at one of the first position or the second position to prevent movement therebetween.

Abstract: A suture device includes a suturing body defining a circular track that extends around a periphery of the suturing body, the circular track including an open portion adapted to allow tissue to enter the open portion. A curved shuttle is disposed within the circular track, the curved shuttle including a pointed leading edge and adapted to hold a suture relative to the curved shuttle. In some cases, a curved pusher is disposed within the circular track and is adapted to push the curved shuttle around the circular track in a first direction around the circular track such that the pointed leading edge penetrates any tissue disposed within the open portion. In some cases, electromagnets may be used to move the curved shuttle relative to the suturing body.

Abstract: Mounting systems for mounting a medical computer to a hospital boom assembly are disclosed. An example mounting system may include a computer securing member configured to be secured to a medical computer. The computer securing member may have a base and a top flange. The mounting system may also include universal bracket member configured to be coupled to the computer securing member. The universal bracket member may have a computer compartment configured to receive the medical computer and the computer securing member. The universal bracket member may include a mounting interface comprising a plurality of mounting apertures. The universal bracket member may be configured to engage a mounting bracket associated with a hospital boom assembly.