Abstract: A tool (410) for use with an implant (20) includes a housing (426) and a controller (440). The housing includes a tubular wall (428) that circumscribes a longitudinal axis; is dimensioned to house at least part of the implant; and defines a track (430) that follows a generally-helical path around the longitudinal axis. The controller includes a rod (442) that extends from a proximal part of the tool to the housing; and an actuator (444). The actuator is fixedly coupled to the rod, includes an engaging element (446) that engages the track, and is rotatable with respect to the housing. The controller and the housing mechanically cooperate such that rotation of the actuator with respect to the housing slides the housing longitudinally with respect to the actuator. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A device and method for mitigating the frequency of lost testicles during castration by stopping the testicles from ascending into the body. The device includes a compressing pair of elongated members attached to a handle. The method includes applying the device to the spermatic cord above the testicles immediately before castration.

Abstract: An implantation tool (2) for implanting a totally implantable device (1) in the body of a human or animal, comprising an axially hollow needle (13) connected to a supply conduit (16) for a fluid injectable from said needle (13) for the creation of a tissue swelling (4), into which said device (1) is introducible, a longitudinal containment body (6) having inside it an axial cavity along which the needle (13) is slidingly guided, and a pulling element (11) disengageably engaged to said containment body (6) for drawing and releasing said device (1) in said tissue swelling (4).

Abstract: A catheter device for repair of the heart by implanting an artificial chord is disclosed. The device comprises a leaflet anchor 10 for placement in a leaflet 12 of a heart valve, wherein the leaflet anchor 10 is arranged to be coupled to the artificial chord 14; and a mechanical gripper device 6 for grasping the leaflet 12 of the heart valve, wherein the gripper device 6 comprises a leaflet anchor channel for housing the leaflet anchor 10 in a folded configuration; the gripper device 6 and leaflet anchor 10 being arranged such that when, in use, the gripper device 6 grasps the leaflet 12, the leaflet anchor 10 can be pushed out of the leaflet anchor channel to pierce the leaflet 12 and form the leaflet anchor 10 into an unfolded configuration so that hooked formations of the leaflet anchor 10 can, in use, secure the leaflet anchor 10 in the leaflet 12.

Abstract: A device for penetrating tissue with reduced force and placing a guidewire is provided. The device includes a driving actuator generating reciprocating motion at less than 20 kHz. A penetrating member having a lumen dimensioned to accommodate a guidewire is provided, and may be coaxial or axially offset from the driving actuator. A coupler mechanically connects the driving actuator and the penetrating member, transferring the reciprocating motion to the penetrating member. At least one frictional member facilitates the movement of the guidewire through the lumen for placement at the target tissue. The frictional member(s) may be operated manually or by a guidewire actuator. A housing including a channel also dimensioned to accommodate the guidewire may also be provided, and may further include the frictional member(s) for facilitating movement of the guidewire. A side port may also be included at the penetrating member or coupler for introduction of the guidewire.

Abstract: Synergistic compositions and medical devices for use in treatment during gynecological procedures are provided. A gynecological device for treatment of cervical blockages without general anesthesia thereby suitable for out-patient service, saving time and money to the patients is provided. Synergistic compositions that enable the practioners to perform gynecological procedures without pain or bleeding to the patients are provided.

Abstract: Methods and devices of tissue attachment with one or more tissue layers being attached using an adhesive to bone or other tissue layers including moving skin and surrounding tissues of the face or any other body part in relationship to the bone or cartilage structures below thus effecting a “skin tightening” or lifting procedure. Methods and devices for minimally invasively locating a precise tissue layer, repositioning the tissue layer in relation to the surrounding tissue layers, creating a specific potential space, delivering an adhesive material within the tissue and depositing an amount of adhesive/sealant material to allow for tissue adhesion.

Abstract: A method and device for wound closure is provided. One advantage of wound closure devices and methods shown includes a simple and inexpensive modified suture with increased pullout resistance to close wounds in eyes and prevent leakage. Another advantage includes a visualization tool to aid in locating the wound on the eye.

Abstract: The present teachings provide devices and methods of locating a mitral valve commissure, and implanting tissue anchors at or near the mitral valve commissure. Specifically, one aspect of the present teachings provides devices and methods for locating a mitral valve commissure percutaneously and allowing a guide wire to be placed across a mitral annulus at the mitral valve commissure. Another aspect of the present teachings provides methods for deploying a tissue anchor across a mitral annulus at a mitral valve commissure, including near the P1 or P3 regions of the posterior mitral annulus. Another aspect of the present teachings further provides methods of plicating a mitral annulus between two or more tissue anchors.

Abstract: An external nasal dilator comprises resilient and engagement elements, and includes end regions adapted to engage tissues overlaying and adjacent first and second nasal passages of a human nose. Each end region includes a plurality of resilient spring finger components separated therebetween by engagement element tab extensions. The end regions are further adapted to extend around the anatomical depression formed by the alar crease adjacent each nostril. When in use the dilator stabilizes or expands said tissues and prevents or inhibits the nasal outer walls from drawing inward during breathing.

Abstract: Stented prosthetic heart valves comprising a stent frame having a compressed arrangement for delivery within a patient's vasculature and an expanded arrangement for deployment within a native heart valve. The stented prosthetic heart valves including a paravalvular leakage prevention or mitigation wrap that encircles a stent frame and is formed of a flexible material having a variable diameter defined by a greatest distance between the wrap and the stent frame. The wrap further includes a first end coupled to the stent frame and an opposing second end that is not coupled to the stent frame, wherein the wrap can selectively enlarge its diameter in situ via movement of the second end. Devices for and methods of selectively deploying the wrap are also disclosed.

Abstract: A suture assembly including a first suture having a generally O-shaped configuration having a first arm, a second arm, a first bridge connecting the first arm to the second arm, and a second bridge connecting the first arm to the second arm. The first bridge opposes the second bridge so that the first suture includes a closed loop. A second suture having a first arm, a second arm and a bridge connecting the first arm to the second arm. The first arm of the second suture is wrapped around the first arm of the first suture in a first direction, and the second arm of the second suture is wrapped around the second arm of the first suture in a second, opposite direction. The suture assembly is capable of assuming (i) a longitudinally-extended, radially-contracted first configuration, and (ii) a longitudinally-contracted, radially-expanded second configuration.

Abstract: A wound or incision closure apparatus comprises a first and second panel. Each of the panels comprises a bottom adhesive layer, a medial substrate layer, and an upper load distribution layer which connect the two panels. A sensory or therapeutic element is disposed adjacent, within, or between two or more of the layers. The sensory or therapeutic element can provide sensing and/or therapy for the incision and/or monitor the incision so that the therapy can be customized and updated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-expanding device, particularly an implant, for closing defect openings in the human or animal body, which device, in a first state, has the shape of an elongated tube (2) with slotted segments and, in a second state, has a shortened shape with formation of at least one open or substantially closed hollow structure (3) of considerable transverse extent, where in the slotted segments of the tube (2) form individual webs (16) that are each connected to adjacent webs (16), such that a net-like overall structure is obtained in the second state.

Abstract: A tissue resecting device includes an end effector assembly including a proximal hub housing and a cutting member extending distally from the proximal hub housing, and a handpiece assembly. The handpiece assembly includes a handle housing, a drive casing extending distally from the handle housing, a drive rotor extending through and distally from the drive casing, and a seal ring disposed about the drive rotor. In an at-rest position, the seal ring is sealingly engaged between the drive casing and the drive rotor to inhibit fluid ingress into the annular space. Upon engagement of the end effector assembly with the handpiece assembly, a portion of the proximal hub housing is configured to urge the seal ring from the at-rest position to a displaced position wherein the seal ring is displaced from the drive rotor to reduce friction therebetween upon rotation of the drive rotor relative to the drive casing.

Abstract: A member of a rigid flexible elastic material, the member including a body portion and an aperture portion with the member adapted for delivery through an axial longitudinal channel of a percutaneous delivery subsystem, the aperture portion including an expanded mode having a lateral dimension greater than an inner diameter of the channel when the aperture portion extends outside the channel and a collapsed mode wherein the lateral dimension is not greater than the inner diameter of the channel when the aperture portion is within the channel, the channel including a first axial opening and a second axial opening with the aperture portion transitioning from the expanded mode to the collapsed mode when inserted into the openings and the aperture transitioning from the collapsed mode to the expanded mode when exiting from the openings.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the repair of the functioning of heart valves are provided. A device may comprise a ventricular winding having a generally spiral shape, wherein the device is free of any atrial stabilizing section. A method involves positioning the device such that chords associated with the heart valve are positioned within the path of the generally spiral shape of the ventricular winding and turning the ventricular winding such that the chords move closer to the center of the ventricular winding. The ventricular winding draws the chords closer together, thereby pulling the valve leaflets closer together in order to facilitate their coaptation and proper closing. A delivery system for maneuvering and releasing a heart valve repair device comprises an applicator tube and internal rod.

Abstract: There is provided an intraocular lens injector configured to inject an intraocular lens having an optical portion 8 and a pair of support portions 9a, 9b, including: an injector main body 2 having a lens setting portion 6 on which the intraocular lens 7 is set; a pushing member 5 that pushes out the intraocular lens 7 from the lens setting portion 6 by moving in a direction of a central axis of the injector main body 2; and a guide slope 11 that guides the movement of the pushing member 5 when the pushing member 5 moves in the direction of the central axis of the injector main body 2, wherein when the pushing member 5 moves in the direction of the central axis of the injector main body 2, a tip end part of the pushing member 5 comes into contact with the support portions 9b of the intraocular lens 7, and comes into contact with the optical portion 8 while pushing the support portions 9b, and the guide slope 11 guides the movement of the pushing member 5 so that the tip end part of the pushing member 5 is disp

Abstract: A retrieval device may include a sheath including a distal end and a proximal end, and an end effector at the distal end. At least a portion of the end effector may be movable relative to the sheath between extended and retracted states. The end effector may include a support member extending from the distal end of the sheath, and a movable member extending from the distal end of the support member. The device may include a handle assembly at the proximal end of the sheath, having an actuation member for transitioning the end effector between the extended and retracted states. The device may include a biasing member coupled to at least one of the actuation member and the sheath that may control a force, exerted by one of the movable members and the support member on the other, generated by relative movement between the movable and support members.

Abstract: An end effector for a surgical clip applier includes an elongate body and a clip track provided within the body and containing one or more surgical clips. Each surgical clip includes a crown and a pair of legs extending longitudinally from the crown and diverging from each other at a diverging opening angle. A pre-forming region is provided within the body and arranged to receive and deform the one or more surgical clips from a first state, where the pair of legs diverge at the diverging opening angle, and a second state, where the diverging opening angle is minimized. First and second jaw members are positioned at a distal end of the body and arranged to receive the one or more surgical clips from the pre-forming region in the second state.