Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for retrieving an object from a body passage. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a first tube member, and optionally a second tube member. A proximal region of an arm is secured in place, while a distal region of the arm is coupled to a loop member of a snare. In use, proximal and distal advancement of a control member coupled to the loop member moves the loop member between collapsed and expanded states, respectively. In the collapsed state, the arm preferably does not extend radially beyond an outer diameter of the first tube member, thereby facilitating advancement of the retrieval device to a target site, e.g., via an endoscope. In the expanded state, the arm may move away from the first and second tube members, facilitate positioning of the loop member, and may facilitate capture of the object from the body passage.

Abstract: Methods of packaging a medical device to orient at least a portion of the medical device and a medical device packaging assembly are provided. A method includes providing an elongate holder having a lumen extending through at least a portion of the holder and providing the medical device including an elongate shaft where the shaft includes a first cross-sectional area having a rotational orientation and a second cross-sectional area having a second rotational orientation. The method further includes aligning the first and second areas so that the first and second rotational orientations are aligned along a longitudinal region of the shaft and inserting at least a portion of the medical device into the lumen of the holder Radial rotation of the first area with respect to the second area is substantially prevented.

Abstract: An elongate catheter shaft is provided, having a side port aperture through a side wall of the catheter shaft between proximal and distal ends of the shaft. The side port aperture is open to a lumen. Embodiments of the present invention are directed to attached structures disposed in the side port aperture. The attached structures described herein are directed to biasing the catheter shaft in the region of a side port aperture in a straight or curved configuration that resists undesired flexure in the region of the side port aperture and to providing ease of wire guide passage.

Abstract: Medical devices, kits, and methods for utilizing an elongate surgical needle that may be used through an endoscope working channel or through an external accessory channel device used with an endoscope are provided. The needle has a proximal end and a flexible distal end, an opening at or near the proximal end and an opening at or near the distal end, the openings defining a channel. The surgical needle distal end comprises a tissue engaging section and an intermediate section being operatively coupled in an axial direction. The tissue engaging section and intermediate section have different flexibility such that the tissue engaging section has greater flexibility than the intermediate section. Optionally, the needle distal end has a preformed bend at or near the tissue engaging section, the preformed bend capable of being constrained to a substantially linear configuration and capable of returning to the preformed configuration when unconstrained.

Abstract: A wire guide holder having a body for securing an elongate medical wire or tube, such as a wire guide or catheter. The body is adapted to be attached to a scope or a bite block. The body can be provided with protrusions and/or grooves for holding a wire guide. The wire guide holder may be affixed to the medical scope by clamping. The wire guide holder can also be provided with a seal.

Abstract: Medical systems, devices and methods are provided for accessing a bodily opening that, among other things, are safe and reliable, and facilitate manipulation of a medical instrument. The medical access device generally includes an elongated flexible sheath and an expandable frame connected to the distal end of the flexible sheath. The sheath and expandable frame are operable between expanded and collapsed configurations to provide a pathway from a natural orifice to the bodily opening. Medical systems and methods are also provided for delivering the medical device.

Abstract: Methods of packaging a medical device to orient at least a portion of the medical device and a medical device packaging assembly are provided. A method includes providing an elongate holder having a lumen extending through at least a portion of the holder and providing the medical device including an elongate shaft where the shaft includes a first cross-sectional area having a rotational orientation and a second cross-sectional area having a second rotational orientation. The method further includes aligning the first and second areas so that the first and second rotational orientations are aligned along a longitudinal region of the shaft and inserting at least a portion of the medical device into the lumen of the holder Radial rotation of the first area with respect to the second area is substantially prevented.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide apparatus and methods suitable for delivering a therapeutic agent to a target site. The apparatus generally comprises at least one container for holding a therapeutic agent, and a pressure source for facilitating delivery of the therapeutic agent. In one embodiment, the pressure source may be placed in selective fluid communication with a proximal region of the container and fluid from the pressure source may flow through at least a portion of the container to urge the therapeutic agent through container towards the target site. In an alternative embodiment, the container and the pressure source may be coupled to first and second inlet ports of a connecting member, respectively, such that the therapeutic agent flows through an outlet port of the connecting member and towards the target site.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide apparatus and methods suitable for coupling a graft member to tissue, closing a bodily opening, and the like. At least one proximal deployable member and at least one distal deployable member are provided, each having a contracted state suitable for delivery and further comprising an expanded state. In the expanded state, the proximal and distal deployable members are configured to secure the graft member to the tissue. Optionally, a loop member may be provided for receiving a suture for further securing the graft member to the tissue.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide apparatus and methods suitable for facilitating positioning one or more medical components. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a rail member having proximal and distal ends and a generally longitudinal axis. A first connector is adapted to be selectively coupled to the rail member, and a first medical component is adapted to be coupled to the first connector. The first connector is disposed for selective longitudinal movement along the rail member, thereby permitting movement of the first medical component with respect to the rail member. In this manner, one or more components, such as a catheter and a needle, may be inserted into a human or animal body in a controlled fashion with respect to one another.

Abstract: Steerable catheter devices are provided having a proximal first end portion, an elongate intermediate portion, and a distal flexible second end portion defining a longitudinal axis, and at least one channel having a proximal opening and terminating at an occluded distal end radially offset relative to the central longitudinal axis and positioned within the catheter flexible second end portion substantially straight in a relaxed position and bent when the occluded distal end is under a change in internal fluid pressure. Optionally, the catheter further has a dye injection lumen and a tool receiving passageway extending from the first end portion to the second end portion. The occluded distal end is axially elastically distensible under an internal fluid pressure to deflect (thereby to steer) the catheter second end portion through the tortuous path of a vessel passageway when used percutaneously or working channel of an endoscope or endoscope accessory device.

Abstract: A surgical device for manipulating and cutting a suture, including methods for making the device and methods for using the device in minimally invasive and general surgical procedures.

Abstract: Medical systems, devices and methods are provided for accessing a bodily opening that, among other things, are safe and reliable, and facilitate manipulation of a medical instrument. The medical access device generally includes an elongated flexible sheath and a port connected to the distal end of the flexible sheath. The sheath defines a sheath lumen and a longitudinal axis. The port has an interior surface defining a passageway and an exterior surface that is tapered in a distal direction. The passageway is in communication with the sheath lumen. The exterior surface of the port defines a radially opening channel sized to receive at least a portion of the tissue therein.

Abstract: An adaptor, a system and a method to orient an elongate medical device in relation to an endoscope are provided. The adaptor includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a connecting portion to rotationally securable to a distal end of the first portion to the endoscope, a first lumen extending longitudinally through the first portion and operably connectable to a working channel of the endoscope, and one of an orienting key or a keyway extending longitudinally at least partially along the first portion. The second portion is releasably connectable to the first portion and includes the other of the key or the keyway extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the second portion and a second lumen operably connectable to the first lumen and configured to receive an elongate medical device rotationally secured in relation to the second portion therethrough.

Abstract: An implantable drainage device for treatment of a stricture of a body vessel is disclosed. The device comprises a drainage tube including an inlet and extending to an outlet to define a drainage lumen formed through the inlet and the outlet. The drainage tube includes a swell layer and a cast layer formed about the swell layer. The swell layer has a first agent dispersed thereabout for regulated drug elution through the cast layer. The cast layer has a second agent disposed thereabout for drug elution therefrom.

Abstract: Devices and methods for detachably engaging an insertion section of an endoscope and selectively articulating an endoscopic surgical access channel are provided. A device comprises an articulating main body having a stationary first body, an articulatable second body, and coupler having a mounting member and an articulation link member configured to articulatively couple the second body to the first body. The stationary first body has a distal end, a proximal end, and a first longitudinal axis. The articulatable second body has a proximal opening and a distal opening defining an accessory channel member passageway, the distal opening having a second longitudinal axis oriented toward a space exterior to the first body distal end, wherein the second body longitudinal axis is capable of articulating relative to the first body longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Medical systems, devices and methods are disclosed for suturing a perforation in tissue, that may be employed endoscopically and/or laparoscopically, and that offer simple, reliable and controllable placement of suture around a perforation for complete closure thereof. One embodiment of the medical system generally includes an endoscope, an endcap, a needle, a suture, and first and second grip systems configured for relative translation to selectively pass the needle between the first and second grip systems.

Abstract: A two-part extraction balloon and method of use is provided. The balloon catheter comprises a first balloon and a second balloon attached to an elongate catheter shaft near the distal end thereof. The first balloon has an inflated diameter that is larger than the inflated diameter of the second balloon, and in particular has an inflated working diameter range that is greater than the inflated working diameter range of the second balloon. Each of the balloons comprises an elastic or compliant material, and is separately inflatable via one of two inflation lumens extending through the catheter shaft. The larger first balloon is configured to engage and sweep calculi or debris through a relatively large bodily lumen, duct or passageway, whereas the smaller second balloon is configured to engage and sweep calculi or debris through a relatively small bodily lumen, duct or passageway.

Abstract: A wire guide system and method of use are described. The wire guide system comprises a sheathing member, an elongate member, and a self-expandable expandable anchoring portion. The expandable anchoring portion is affixed to the distal end of the elongate member. Advancement of the wire guide system may be achieved by pre-loading the elongate member and the expandable anchoring portion into a lumen of the sheathing member. Upon reaching a target site within a body lumen, the sheathing member is proximally retracted so as to expose the expandable anchoring portion. Retraction of the sheathing member allows the expandable anchoring portion to radially self-expand and engage one or more walls of the body lumen so as to anchor the elongate wire in position. The elongate wire now provides a stabilized pathway for medical devices to be advanced thereover.

Abstract: A delivery system and method of use thereof for introducing a bundled intragastric bag into a gastric lumen are described. The delivery system includes a pushing mechanism movable between an unexpanded and expanded configuration. The pushing mechanism in its expanded configuration pushes each of the bundles of the bag into the gastric lumen. A suture strand is periodically pulled during the procedure to help create doughnut-shaped bundles. Another suture strand extends between a proximal button and distal button of the deployed assembly to maintain the doughnut-shaped bundle structure.