Abstract: A stent delivery system and a method for delivering a stent are provided. The stent delivery system includes an outer sheath having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a first lumen extending at least partially through the sheath. The system further includes an inner shaft slidably received within the first lumen and extending at least partially through the sheath. A tubular non-expandable stent is slidably positionable within the first lumen, disposed distal to the inner shaft and operably contacts a pushing surface on the inner shaft. The inner shaft and the stent are slidable relative to the outer sheath, the outer sheath providing sufficient rigidity to the stent for delivery of the stent to a delivery site.

Abstract: A rivet, rivet introduction device, and method therefor. The rivet is configured for deployment from a rivet introduction device to provide for connection of tissue. The rivet preferably includes two expansion zones configured to secure tissue therebetween, with the expansion zones being either self-expanding or expandable by use of a mandrel. The rivet introduction device preferably is configured to provide for introduction of a rivet with access only to one side of the tissue to be connected.

Abstract: A balloon catheter including an inflatable balloon affixed to a catheter. The proximal end of the balloon is affixed to the distal end of the catheter so as to provide an air tight seal there between. A stiffening member extends distally of the distal end of the catheter and forms a slip joint connection with the distal end of the balloon to permit the distal end of the balloon to axially move or translate relative to the distal end of the catheter. The slip joint allows the axial length of balloon to change during inflation or deflation without transferring tensile or compressive forces between the balloon and the catheter. A balloon folding control mechanism is disposed about the portion of the stiffening member traversing the interior of the balloon, and is configured to promote refolding of the balloon into a predetermined and desired folding configuration upon deflation.

Abstract: A balloon catheter including an inflatable balloon affixed to a catheter. The proximal end of the balloon is fixedly connected to the distal end of the catheter, and the distal end of the balloon is supported by stiffening member that extends distally from the distal end of the catheter and through the interior of the balloon. The distal end of the catheter comprises one or more apertures that are in fluid communication with an inflation lumen extending through the catheter. A deflation mechanism is disposed about the stiffening member and is configured to facilitate the flow of an inflation fluid through the interior volume of the balloon and towards the aperture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for releasably securing a wire guide to an elongate medical device for introduction into a work site with the bodily lumen of a patient. An elongate engagement member is configured to engage the wire guide while it is coupled to the elongate medical device and is configured so as to prevent relative movement between the wire guide and the elongate medical device. The elongate engagement member includes an adjustable handle assembly for adjusting the relative position of the distal end of the elongate engagement member relative to the elongate medical device.

Abstract: A sphincterotome having a portion of its drive wire coated with a material selected from poly-p-xylylene, 2-chloro-p-xylylene, 2,4-dichloro-p-xylylene, poly(tetraflouro-p-xylylene), poly(carboxyl-p-xylylene-co-p-xylylene), fluorinated parylene, parylene HT, and any combination thereof. The coating preferably provides an electroinsulated coating on a portion of the drive wire exposed outside the sphincterotome shaft such that a non-electroinsulated portion of the exposed drive wire may be targeted more specifically to tissue desired to be cut.

Abstract: A balloon catheter including an inflatable balloon affixed to a catheter. The proximal end of the balloon is affixed to the distal end of the catheter so as to provide an air tight seal there between. A stiffening member extends distally of the distal end of the catheter and forms a slip joint connection with the distal end of the balloon to permit the distal end of the balloon to axially move or translate relative to the distal end of the catheter. The slip joint allows the axial length of balloon to change during inflation or deflation without transferring tensile or compressive forces between the balloon and the catheter, thereby preventing transverse creases from forming in the surface of the balloon and preventing the catheter from bowing. The stiffening member provides alignment and lateral support to the distal end of the balloon.

Abstract: Suture Locks, as well as related systems and methods, are provided for fixing strands of one or more sutures relative to tissue. The suture locks, systems and methods are simple and reliable in use, facilitate complete perforation closure and adjustment of the suture strands, and are adaptable to a variety of suture fixation and perforation closure situations. The suture lock includes a locking pin and a retaining sleeve. The locking pin has a main body and a grip. The retaining sleeve has a tubular body with an internal wall defining an internal passageway sized to receive the locking pin therein. The suture lock is operable between a locked configuration and unlocked configuration. In the locked configuration, the suture strands are compressed between the grip and the internal wall of the tubular body.

Abstract: Medical devices, systems and methods for placing tissue fixation devices are provided. The medical device includes a plurality of elongate delivery devices, a plurality of elongate tubes, and a distal tip. Each delivery device defines a delivery lumen sized to receive a tissue fixation device. Each elongate tube defines a tube lumen sized to receive one of the delivery devices. Each tube lumen has a distal port. The distal tip is connected to the plurality of elongate tubes and defines a guide surface positioned distally of the distal ports. The guide surface is structured to redirect the plurality of delivery devices radially outwardly as the plurality of delivery devices are distally translated through the tube lumens and the distal ports of the plurality of elongate tubes. A medical system is formed by an endoscope that is selectively attachable to the medical device.

Abstract: A steerable overtube is provided having an elongate shaft comprising an oversized accessory channel that is configured for the introduction and advancement of elongate medical devices having relatively large cross-sections. The distal end of the overtube shaft is bendable or deflectable in at least one direction, and is preferably includes a shape locking mechanism for temporarily maintaining the shape of the distal end of the overtube shaft. An oversized accessory channel is provided. The overtube may also include a fixation mechanism for securing the proximal end and/or distal end of the overtube against movement relative to the patient. A fiber optic elongate medical device is provided for use with the steerable overtube of the present invention.

Abstract: An endoscopic assembly for an endoscope is disclosed. The assembly comprises a ligator barrel having proximal and distal portions. The proximal portion has a seat and a receiving wall extending to a proximal end. The receiving wall has a first threaded portion formed thereon. The assembly further comprises a connector for connecting the ligator barrel about the endoscope. The connector has a scope portion and a tip portion. The scope portion has a receiving end through which the endoscope is disposed to engage the seat for connecting the ligator barrel about the endoscope. The tip portion has a second threaded portion formed thereon and are configured to cooperate with the first threaded portion to receive the receiving wall and attach the connector with the ligator barrel. The first and second threaded portions are configured to cooperate with each other to tighten the connection of the ligator barrel about the endoscope as the threads increase surface area contact therebetween.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus for endoscopic treatment is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an endoscopic insertion tube comprising an outer surface including an outer rail formed longitudinally thereon and extending along a portion of the insertion tube. The outer rail has a predetermined shape. The insertion tube comprises an inner channel formed therethrough. An endoscope apparatus for endoscopic treatment is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an endoscopic insertion tube without a working channel and an outer surface including at least one outer rail formed longitudinally thereon and extending along a portion of the insertion tube. The outer rail has a first predetermined shape. At least one medical device includes an outer wall having at least one mounting unit formed thereon along a portion of the length of the outer wall. The mounting unit has a second predetermined shape cooperable with the first predetermined shape.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, implantable drainage devices with a curvilinear portion are provided, such as stents or drainage catheters formed as a tubular member having a curvilinear portion comprising one or more pairs of adjacent bends curved in opposite directions. The drainage devices house a drainage lumen that may extend through the curvilinear portion, which may be dimensioned to retain the drainage device within a body vessel and provide a desired fluid conductance through a tortuous portion of the drainage lumen within the curvilinear portion. The curvilinear portion may include two or more planar bends facing in opposite directions.

Abstract: An endoscopic suction device of an endoscope for mucosectomy is disclosed. The device comprises a connecting base having an open end attachable to the distal end of the endoscope. The device further comprises a distal tip extending from the connecting base and having a closed distal end. The distal tip comprises a suction chamber formed therein and in fluid communication with the open end. The suction chamber has a suction opening formed laterally therethrough for suctioning lesions during mucosectomy.

Abstract: An endoscopic securing system for use with a cap member disposed on the distal end of an endoscope, the securing system including a tether and a safety coupling. The safety coupling is attached around the body of an endoscope and is coupled to the cap member by the tether to prevent distal movement or dislodgment of the cap member. When the system is placed onto an endoscope, the tethers extend axially along the endoscope to the safety coupling. The clamp can also be disposed proximally adjacent to a ridge on the endoscope to prevent the safety coupling from moving distally toward the cap member.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for the treatment of obesity. The medical devices generally include an attachment portion for attaching the medical devices on or adjacent the pylorus and a limitation portion for limiting the passage of stomach contents through the pylorus to delay emptying the stomach. The limitation portion may be responsive to pressure from stomach contents to substantially close or to open the passageway.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods are provided for forming an intestinal bypass anastomosis, such as for treatment of obesity. The medical devices and methods are minimally invasive and reduce complications. Two magnet assemblies are deployed in a spaced apart relationship, and are transluminally brought together to approximate the tissue and form an anastomosis therebetween.

Abstract: A medical device is provided including a catheter shaft having a lumen extending therethrough with a splittable wall portion along a side of the lumen, and a tube that extends through at least a portion of the lumen and is configured to provide a patent path of fluid communication.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure sensitive prosthesis that includes a tubular member having a passageway extending therethrough and a sleeve attached about one end of the tubular member. The sleeve functions as a one-way valve to permit fluid flowing through the sleeve lumen in a first, distal direction and under a first pressure, while collapsing in response to fluid flowing in a second direction when the pressure thereof exceeds that of the first direction or pressure. One aspect of the invention includes a first opening and a second opening configured for allowing fluid flow from the passage to the lumen in the first direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods suitable for removing at least one stone in a body passage. The apparatus comprises a balloon catheter having at least one working lumen adapted to receive an extraction basket. In use, the extraction basket may be used to capture and remove relatively large stones, and/or crush relatively large stones into smaller stone fragments. The balloon may then be inflated and maneuvered to engage the stone fragments and urge at least one of the stone fragments out of the body passage.