Abstract: An ambidextrous locking clamp system for providing a user the ability to alter the configuration of a hand operated device allowing a right or left handed user to operate the device. The device has a hingedly connected first and second elongated member each with a finger engaging member, a working head, and an indicator for identifying if the clamp is setup for left or right handed operation. At least two inter-engaging latching members are removably attachable to the first and the second elongated members. The latching members are symmetrical, interchangeable, and reversible, allowing a user to change the configuration of the ambidextrous device. The latching members can be retained to the elongated members by a rotatably lever, a removable retaining cap, or a removable retaining pin. Additionally, the latching members can be incorporated into removable finger engaging members, thereby allowing the entire finger engaging member and latching member to be removed, interchanged or reversed.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed towards the field of lancing aids in which disposable lancet systems are used. The lancet system according to the invention has a needle body which surrounds the needle tip in a lancet system in a protective manner and also comprises a protection against re-use of an ejected lancet system.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical assembly broadly includes an outer hollow needle which has an outer diameter of approximately 2 mm or smaller, and a coaxial surgical instrument having a shaft which extends through the outer hollow needle. The coaxial surgical instrument includes end effectors at the end of the shaft which are biased to an open position such that when the end effectors of the surgical instrument extend out of the needle they open, and they are closed by relative movement of the needle over them. The assembly preferably includes a first fixing element which is used to fix the relative location of the surgical instrument and the needle. The assembly also preferably includes a second fixing element which moves relative to the needle and is located on the outside thereof and which is used to fix the relative location of the needle to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a delivery catheter for use in deploying a vascular prosthesis having a self-expanding helical section for use in a wide range of interventional applications. The delivery catheter comprises an elongated member having a helical ledge with a pitch selected to impose a predetermined amount of foreshortening on the vascular prosthesis during deployment. Methods of making and using the delivery catheter of the present invention also are provided.

Abstract: An ambidextrous locking clamp system for providing a user the ability to alter the configuration of a hand operated device allowing a right or left handed user to operate the device. The device has a hingedly connected first and second elongated member each with a finger engaging member and a working head. At least two inter-engaging latching members are removably attached to the first and the second elongated members. The latching members are symmetrical, interchangeable, and reversible, allowing a user to change the configuration of the ambidextrous device. The latching members can be retained to the elongated members by a rotatably lever, a removable retaining cap, or a removable retaining pin. Additionally, the latching members can be incorporated into removable finger engaging members, thereby allowing the entire finger engaging member and latching member to be removed, interchanged or reversed.

Abstract: A corneal punch comprising a base unit having a first annular mating surface surrounding a well in which a donor cornea may be located, and a separate guide unit including an inner annular guide shaft and an outer locating ring connected to the guide shaft and having a second annular mating surface. The base unit and the guide unit may be releasably positioned in registration with each other by way of the first and second mating surfaces such that the guide shaft is substantially coaxial with the well.

Abstract: A lubricant composition is provided for use in lubricating a conveyor track for bottles, cans, kegs and other containers for beverages and foodstuffs. The composition comprises a phosphate ester of the formula R1—(OCH2CH2)n—O—P(O)(OH)2 where n is in the range of from 0 to 10, and R1 is a C9 to C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl group or a mixture of such alkyl groups; and water. The composition has a pH of from about 1 to about 3.5. The composition optionally further comprises a biocidal agent, an acid, and a synthetic surfactant. Also disclosed is a method for lubricating a conveyor track by applying an effective amount of such a lubricating composition.

Abstract: The present invention embodies an endovascular graft having various frame-to-main body component attachment mechanisms which provide a secure bond, reduced graft material wear, and reduced delivery profile.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for forming a gastrointestinal tissue fold by engaging tissue at a first tissue contact point and moving the first tissue contact point from a position initially distal to, or in line with, a second tissue contact point to a position proximal of the second contact point, thereby forming the tissue fold, and extending an anchor assembly through the tissue fold from a vicinity of the second tissue contact point. Adjustable anchor assemblies; as well as anchor delivery systems, shape-lockable guides and methods for endoluminally performing medical procedures, such as gastric reduction, treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, resection of lesions, and treatment of bleeding sites; are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical gripping and/or cutting instrument with an instrument shaft (1), with a handle (3) that can be fixed movably on the instrument shaft (1), and with a tool (2) mounted on the distal end of the instrument shaft (1) and consisting of two jaw member (2a, 2b), where at least one jaw member (2a or 2b) of the tool (2) can move in relation to the other jaw member (2b or 2a). In order to provide a medical instrument that, along with good cleaning properties and compact structure, also ensures simple and safe operation, the invention proposes that the handle (3) should include a coupling mechanism both to fix the handle (3) to the instrument shaft (1) and also to operate the at least one movable jaw member (2a or 2b) of the tool (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrument with a shaft, a handle mounted on the proximal end of the shaft, and a tool mounted on the distal end of the shaft and capable of being activated by means of the handle, where the handle and the tool are in active connection by means of at least one activation rod. To make it possible for the tool, in particular as a one-way tool, to be secured simply and rapidly on the activation rod, the invention proposes that the tool should have a tool shaft for securing it to the activation rod and that the tool shaft and the activation rod in order to be secured to one another should have protuberances and/or recesses, which can be engaged, at least partially as a form-locking connection, with corresponding recesses or protuberances of the other respective component.

Abstract: A lancing device has a carousel of lancets removably received in a housing. In exemplary embodiments, the lancing device includes a sterility cap positioning mechanism that removes sterility caps from the lancets for actuation and afterwards replaces the sterility caps onto the lancets. Preferably, the lancing device includes a lancet advancing mechanism that automatically advances sequential lancets of the lancet carousel for charging and actuating, and a drive mechanism for actuating the lancets. Also provided are replacement lancet carousels, which include a cylindrical carrier with axial openings and a plurality of the lancets axially oriented in the openings.

Abstract: Medical device and methods for delivery or implantation of prostheses within hollow body organs and vessels or other luminal anatomy are disclosed. The subject technologies may be used in the treatment of atherosclerosis in stenting procedures. For such purposes, a self-expanding stent is deployed in connection with an angioplasty procedure with a corewire actuated delivery system having a fixed distal stent-carrying extension. Withdrawal of the corewire retracts a restraint freeing the stent from a collapsed state, whereupon the stent assumes an expanded configuration set in apposition to the interior surface of a vessel lumen in order to help maintain the vessel open.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for forming a gastrointestinal tissue fold by engaging tissue at a first tissue contact point, moving the first tissue contact point from a position initially distal to a second tissue contact point to a position proximal of the second contact point to form a tissue fold, and extending an anchor assembly through the tissue fold near the second tissue contact point.

Abstract: A filter disposed at the distal end of an elongate guidewire. Catheters are provided for delivering the filter to, and retrieving the filter from, a treatment site. The catheters can be over-the-wire or single operator exchange. The catheters include a housing for receiving the filter therein. The housing has an atraumatic distal end.

Abstract: A device and method for removing a guide catheter from about a cardiac lead is disclosed. The device includes a blade for slitting the catheter so that the catheter may be removed from the lead. The blade includes upper and lower angled cutting surfaces which define a notch. The device includes a portion for receiving the lead and guiding the catheter to the blade.

Abstract: Methods and assemblies are described for capturing embolic material in a blood vessel or other body cavity during cardiovascular or valve replacement and repair surgery, wherein access is provided through the apical area of the patient's heart. The distal embolic protection assembly generally comprises a sleeve having a lumen, an actuating member having proximal and distal ends, wherein the actuating member is movably disposed within the lumen, and a filter assembly coupled to the distal end of the actuating member. The filter assembly generally comprises a porous bag having an open proximal end, a collapsible and expandable frame that is coupled to the open proximal end of the porous bag, and at least one support spine disposed at least a part of the longitudinal axis of the porous bag. The porous bag is configured such that it permits blood to perfuse freely through while capturing embolic material and other debris.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and procedures promote placement of a tissue-ablating probe surrounding the left and right pulmonary veins within the intrapericardial space of a patient's heart via access through a subxiphoid or subcostal entry incision. An opening is formed in the pericardium near the apex region of the heart to facilitate formation of openings through three pericardial reflections by which a tissue-ablating probe is positioned around the pulmonary veins.

Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides self-tensioning occlusion devices, systems, and methods for percutaneous access and closure of vascular puncture sites. One device comprises a catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end, an occlusion member, and a tensioning member. The occlusion member, such an expansible member, is disposed on a distal end of the body. The tensioning member, such as a spring or coil, is slidably disposed over the body and proximal the expansion member. Generally, during application, the tensioning member will be positionable against subcutaneous tissue so as to lodge and anchor the expansible member against the puncture site. In particular, the expansible member allows for sealing of the puncture site while the tensioning member applies and maintains tension to the expansible occluder so that it is seated against the puncture site at a vascular surface.

Abstract: An endoscopic apparatus for harvesting a desired blood vessel including an endoscopic barrel having at least two lumens, one of the lumens dimensioned for receiving an endoscope, a handle disposed at a proximal end of the endoscopic barrel, a cone portion disposed over a distal end of the endoscopic barrel, and at least one manipulator fork extendable from the cone portion for dissecting the desired blood vessel from connective tissue.