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: 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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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.

Abstract: A handle of a medical device may comprise an actuator; a lock movable relative to the actuator and having a feature movable relative to the actuator; and a rack having plurality of teeth separated from one another by a plurality of gaps. The lock may be configured to move the feature from (a) a first configuration, in which the feature is disposed in the gap, between two of the plurality of teeth, such that the two teeth inhibit the actuator from rotating; to (b) a second configuration, in which the feature is disposed outside of the gap, such that the actuator is rotatable. In the second configuration, the teeth may be disposed between the feature and the actuator.

Abstract: Floor mounts and/or floor mount enclosures for a medical computer are disclosed. An example floor mount may include an enclosure framework having a first base, a second base, and a top panel. The second base may be angled. A computer compartment may be defined adjacent the first base. The computer compartment may be configured to house a medical computer therein. An accessory compartment may be defined adjacent the second base. An arcuate rim may be disposed along an end region of the top panel.

Abstract: A medical device handle may include an actuator; a first pulley; and a second pulley. The second pulley may be movable relative to the first pulley along an axis extending between a first axle of the first pulley and a second axle of the second pulley. A pull member may be wrapped around the first pulley and the second pulley, and coupled to the actuator and a control member may be coupled to the second pulley. Movement of the second pulley along the axis may be configured to move the control member in a direction parallel to or coaxial with the axis.