Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed towards apparatuses, systems, and methods that may include a blood pump. The blood pump may include a magnetic field source and an impeller assembly. The impeller assembly includes an impeller and a driven magnet. The driven magnet is longitudinally offset and distally disposed relative to the magnetic field source, and the driven magnet is rotatable and longitudinally controlled by the magnetic field source. The driven magnet includes a distal side, the distal side faces the impeller. The blood pump further includes a bearing assembly near the distal side of the driven magnet.

Abstract: According to one aspect, an endoscope system may include a shaft having a proximal end and a distal portion configured for insertion into a subject. The distal portion may have a distal end. The shaft may also include a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The lumen may be configured to receive an instrument extendable through the lumen of the shaft. The endoscope system may also include a visualization system coupled to the shaft for visualizing a region distal to the distal end of the shaft. The endoscope system may also include a handle coupled to the proximal end of the shaft. The handle may be configured for gripping by a user. The handle may include a shaft control system for controlling operation of the shaft. The handle may also include an instrument control system for controlling operation of an instrument extendable through the shaft.

Abstract: Various apparatuses to attach a first medical device to a second medical device are described that allow the physician to grasp only a single device while the other device remains securely attached to the one being grasped. The apparatuses, once they are attached to the first medical device, are designed to be easily and quickly attached and detached to a second medical device, normally only requiring the use of one hand. Furthermore, the apparatuses oftentimes include a base that can easily couple and decouple from the portion that is attached to the second medical device so that if the need arises to separately use the second medical device, it can be decoupled from the first medical device without completely removing the apparatus from the second medical device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an artificial sphincter employing an easily controlled electro-mechanical pump system. The artificial sphincter includes an inflatable cuff, a control pump fluidly coupled to the inflatable cuff, and an electro-mechanical pump system. The inflatable cuff is adapted to surround a urethra or rectum of the patient to facilitate continence. An inflation element or balloon can be included to further control pressure to the cuff.

Abstract: A system for performing minimally invasive procedures in a body lumen of a patient including a flexible catheter having a first lumen configured and dimensioned to receive an endoscope therethrough and a second lumen configured and dimensioned to receive a first flexible tube therethrough. The first flexible tube is movable through the second lumen and has a distal portion including a first curve extending in a first direction with respect to the longitudinal axis and a second curve extending in a second different direction with respect to the longitudinal axis. A retractor system is positioned at a distal portion of the catheter and is movable from a non-expanded insertion position to an expanded position forming an expanded cage to form a larger working space. The distal portion of the first flexible tube is movable within the expanded cage.

Abstract: An attachment for an imaging device may include a first sheath including a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end; a second sheath positioned around an exterior of the first sheath; and a connector coupled to the first sheath and configured to be coupled to the imaging device.

Abstract: In some aspects, the present disclosure pertains to multi-arm polymers that comprise a core, a plurality of polymer segments having a first end that is covalently attached to the core and a second end comprising a moiety that comprises a reactive group, wherein the polymer segments comprise one or more free-radical-polymerizable monomers. In some aspects, systems are provided that comprise a first composition comprising such a multi-arm polymer and a second composition comprising a multifunctional compound that comprises functional groups that are reactive with the reactive groups of the multi-arm polymer. In some aspects, systems are provided that comprise crosslinked reaction products of such a multi-arm polymer and such a multifunctional compound.

Abstract: A side-fire laser fiber includes an optical fiber having a distal end and a fiber cap. The fiber cap is coupled to the distal end of the optical fiber and includes a molded reflective surface and a sealed cavity. The molded reflective surface defines a wall of the cavity. Laser energy discharged from the distal end along a central axis of the optical fiber is reflected off the molded reflective surface in a direction that is transverse to the central axis.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to systems and methods for intravascular lesion disruption. In an embodiment, a catheter system for imparting pressure to induce fractures upon a vascular lesion within or adjacent a blood vessel wall is included. The system includes a catheter configured to advance to a vascular lesion, the catheter including an elongate shaft that defines at least a first orifice for fluid flow; a balloon, coupled to the elongate shaft, that surrounds the first orifice where the balloon can expand from a collapsed configuration suitable for advancing the catheter through a patient's vasculature to a first expanded configuration suitable for anchoring the catheter in position relative to a treatment site; and a propulsion system configured to propel a fluid from the first orifice toward the balloon wall to create an inertial impulse in a vessel wall to transfer momentum to the vascular lesion. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: According to a general aspect, an insertion device can include an elongate barrel having an opening defined in a distal end; a lumen defined within the elongate barrel, the lumen being accessible through the opening; and an obturator disposed within the lumen of the elongate barrel. The obturator can be movable within the lumen between a proximal position in the elongate barrel and a distal position in the elongate barrel. The obturator, in its distal position in the elongate barrel, can be configured to receive a needle via the opening. The obturator, in its proximal position in the elongate barrel, can be configured to secure the needle within the elongate barrel.

Abstract: A phrenic nerve pacing monitor assembly for a cryogenic balloon catheter system used during a cryoablation procedure, which monitors movement of a diaphragm of a patient, includes a pacing detector and a safety system. The pacing detector directly monitors movement of the diaphragm of the patient to detect when phrenic nerve pacing is occurring. Additionally, the pacing detector generates monitor output based on the movement of the diaphragm of the patient. The safety system receives the monitor output and based at least in part on the monitor output selectively provides an alert when movement of the diaphragm of the patient is atypical. The safety system is configured to provide the alert only while at least one of (i) phrenic nerve pacing is occurring, and (ii) cryoablation is occurring.

Abstract: A control handle for use with a suture device operable through an endoscope includes a grip attachment configured to be secured to an endoscope and a control housing operably secured to the grip attachment. A catheter housing is moveably disposed within the control housing and adapted to releasably secure the suture catheter such that translation of the catheter housing causes translation of the suture catheter. A lever is rotatably securable relative to the catheter housing such that rotation of the lever relative to the catheter housing causes the catheter housing to move relative to the control housing. A sliding tab is disposed relative to the lever such that movement of the sliding tab relative to the lever causes the suture catheter to translate relative to the control wire disposed within the suture catheter.

Abstract: According to an aspect, an implant includes an inflatable member and a pump assembly configured to facilitate a transfer of a fluid from the reservoir to the inflatable member. The inflatable member has a sidewall that defines a lumen and a porous structure disposed within the lumen.

Abstract: An energy delivery probe is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the energy delivery probe is that it can apply energy to tissue, such as a prostrate, to shrink, damage, denaturate the prostate. In some embodiments, the energy can be applied with a vapor media. The energy delivery probe can include a vapor delivery member configured to extend into a transition zone prostate tissue. A condensable vapor media can be delivered from the vapor delivery member into the transition zone tissue, wherein the condensable vapor media can propagate interstitially in the transition zone tissue and be confined in the transition zone tissue by boundary tissue adjacent to the transition zone tissue. Methods associated with use of the energy delivery probe are also covered.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present disclosure, a device may include a shaft having a distal end, and a tip at the distal end of the shaft. The tip may include an opening defined by a surface of the tip. An instrument inserted through the shaft may extend distally out of the opening. The device also may include an elevator for engaging the instrument. The elevator may include a proximal end fixed relative to the surface of the tip, a proximal portion extending distally from the proximal end, and a distal portion extending distally from the proximal portion. A force exerted on the elevator bends the proximal portion to deflect the distal portion without bending of the distal portion.

Abstract: An endoscopic imaging system includes a reusable control cabinet having a number of actuators that control the orientation of a lightweight endoscope that is connectable thereto. The endoscope is used with a single patient and is then disposed. The endoscope includes an illumination mechanism, an image sensor and an elongate shaft having one or more lumens located therein. A polymeric articulation joint at the distal end of the endoscope allows the distal end to be oriented by the control cabinet. The endoscope is coated with a hydrophilic coating that reduces its coefficient of friction and because it is lightweight, requires less force to advance it to a desired location within a patient.

Abstract: Methods and materials related to ostomy devices, and particularly to valves for use with continent ostomies (e.g., ileostomies) are provided herein.

Abstract: A clipping system for treating tissue a clip with clip arms and an applicator having a flexible member and a control member. Proximal ends of the arms are received within a channel of a capsule. The capsule includes a slot extending from a proximal end of the capsule through a wall thereof. The control member includes a distal end connectable to the arms to move them between the open and closed configurations. A distal end of the flexible member includes a bushing having a distal portion receivable within a proximal end of the capsule. The distal portion includes an engaging tab extending laterally outward therefrom receivable within an engaging portion of the slot, a spring extending along the distal portion and disposed proximally of the engaging tab so that, when the engaging tab is received within the engaging portion, the spring is compressed against a portion of the capsule.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing cardiac information include a processing unit configured to receive a set of cardiac electrical signals; receive an indication of a measurement location corresponding to each of the set of electrical signals; and identify, for each electrical signal of the set of electrical signals, a deflection. The deflection includes a deviation from a signal baseline. An activation waveform corresponding to the set of electrical signals is generated based on the identified deflections.

Abstract: A vascular introducer hub has a body that includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen defined therethrough. The hub includes first and second seals disposed within the body. The first seal includes a first polymeric material and the second seal includes a second polymeric material. The hub is characterized by the first and second polymeric materials having different durometers.