Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an end effector, which comprises a sensor configured to measure a parameter associated with a tissue grasped between the first jaw member and the second jaw member of the end effector. The surgical instrument further comprises a firing member to effect motion at the end effector, which is driven by a motor. Instructions stored in the memory of the surgical instrument cause the motor to driven the firing member at a firing rate that is a function of a measurement of the parameter. The parameter can, for example, include a thickness of the tissue grasped by the end effector.

Abstract: Representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems used to deliver a prosthetic heart valve to a deficient valve are disclosed. In one embodiment, for instance, a support structure and an expandable prosthetic valve are delivered to a position on or adjacent to the surface of the outflow side of the aortic valve (the support structure defining a support-structure interior) via a delivery system. The expandable prosthetic valve is delivered into the aortic valve and into the support-structure interior. The expandable, prosthetic heart valve is expanded while the expandable prosthetic heart valve is in the support-structure interior and while the support structure is at the position on or adjacent to the surface of the outflow side of the aortic valve, thereby causing one or more native leaflets of the aortic valve to be frictionally secured between the support structure and the expanded prosthetic heart valve.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for precise localization and treatment of a target site, which builds a 3D digital model of an anatomical structure of a patient in accordance with tomographic image data of the patient; a structure model for locating a target site which comprises a template model for locating a target site and an angle locating auxiliary unit model is customized, and a position and an angle for loading and treating a target site are designed according to 3D position of the target site; then a target site locating structure is printed by 3D printing technology, and the target site locating structure is utilized to treat the target site.

Abstract: An articulation device for a medical instrument includes a coupling for releasable mechanical connection of the articulation device to a tool or to the distal end of a shaft, a locking device on the coupling for locking the mechanical connection, and an articulation, which enables the coupling to be angled relative to an end of the articulation device remote from the coupling. The locking device is designed such that the mechanical connection is locked in a predetermined working angular position of the articulation and is releasable in a predetermined release angular position of the articulation.

Abstract: An intravascular device is provided having a catheter tube and an expandable portion including a plurality of struts supported in a cantilevered fashion so as to be splayed open when in an opened position. An incising element is provided on at least one of the struts and has a sharpened edge for creating an incision in atherosclerotic material located within a blood vessel when the expandable portion is in the opened position.

Abstract: An intravascular device is provided having a catheter tube with an expandable portion located on an end thereof. The expandable portion includes a plurality of struts capable of being moved between an open and a closed position. An incising element is provided along at least a portion of one of the struts and has a sharpened edge for creating an incision in atherosclerotic material located within a blood vessel when the expandable portion is in the opened position.

Abstract: A collapsible and expandable receptacle that can be inserted into a patient's cavity through a laparoscopic port (sleeve) is disclosed herein. The receptacle is configured so that when it enters the cavity it can be expanded or opened into the shape of a bowl or cone. A targeted tissue specimen can then be placed inside the expanded receptacle through a central opening which can be closed afterwards. The surgeon has the room and visibility to cut the tissue with a power morcellator and avoid severing the bag or spreading unwanted particulate tissue to other areas inside the patient. Once the specimen has been cut and removed, the empty receptacle can be collapsed and removed out the same tissue removing sleeve.

Abstract: An elongated member and a method of manufacturing an elongated member may include first, second, and third elongated rod mandrels. The first, second, and third elongated rod mandrels may be fixed together at predetermined proximal and distal locations and at a ball tip. The first, second, and third rod mandrels may be disposed within a tubular coupling element and fixed to the tubular coupling element at the ball tip. The tubular coupling element may be placed into abutment with and fixed to the distal end of an elongated shaft.

Abstract: Medical devices for rotating an elongate medical instrument can be used to remove, break up, clear, and/or eliminate obstructions within a lumen. Some medical devices for rotating an elongate medical instrument may include a coupling member for coupling the medical device to a secondary medical device. Some medical devices may include a flared distal region and some medical devices may include an elongate housing that is disposed around a portion of the distal region.

Abstract: Deployment devices include a locking mechanism configured to secure a medical device to the deployment device. Methods of operating a deployment device include securing a medical device positioned at least partially within at least one cannula of the deployment device with a locking mechanism and releasing the medical device and securing at least a portion of the at least one cannula of the deployment device with the locking mechanism.

Abstract: Systems for providing access across a site of obstruction and methods for manufacturing and using such systems. Such systems may include a sleeve having an inflation lumen; a bushing disposed in a distal section of the sleeve; and an everting member coupled to the sleeve with the bushing, the everting member being movable from an inverted position inside the sleeve to an everted position outside the sleeve in response to an increase in pressure in the inflation lumen.

Abstract: Thrombectomy systems and devices and methods of using the same. In an exemplary embodiment of a thrombectomy system of the present disclosure, the thrombectomy system comprises a thrombectomy sheath, comprising a circumferential outer wall reinforced with a reinforcement, configured as an elongated tube having a lumen therethrough; and a sonovisible element positioned at or near a distal end of the circumferential outer wall; wherein the thrombectomy sheath is sized and shaped to be at least partially positioned within a vein proximal to a thrombus or other item within the vein and further configured to expand to contact the vein to secure the thrombectomy sheath within the vein; and wherein the lumen is sized and shaped to receive a device selected from the group consisting of a balloon catheter and a snare having a loop.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a medical device may include one or more of the following features: (a) a metal fabric formed of braided metal strands, (b) the medical device having a collapsed configuration for delivery through a channel in a patient's body and having a generally dumbbell-shaped expanded configuration with two expanded diameter portions, separated by a reduced diameter portion formed between opposed ends of the device and unsecured metal strand ends at the opposed ends, and (d) a thrombogenic agent located on the metal fabric.

Abstract: A tissue fixation system provides a primary fixation plate with a depending graft retention loop and a longer auxiliary fixation plate which fits to the primary fixation plate via upwardly projecting pegs which fit into suture holes in the primary fixation plate. The system has particular utility in cortical fixation procedures in which a graft channel is over-drilled and a longer fixation plate is indicated.

Abstract: Provided herein are a system, method, and apparatus for delivering a therapeutic device, e.g. an embolic coil, from a delivery tube at a target site in a patient's body. A heating element is disposed in the delivery tube that can be actuated remotely, and a layer of low temperature adhesive is applied at the heating element to retain the therapeutic device. The kicker in the form of, for example, a compressed spring is mounted within the delivery tube so as to be in contact with the therapeutic device for applying a constant ejector force that is countered by the adhesive force of the low temperature adhesive. When the heating element is actuated, the spring's ejector force overcomes the softened adhesive's adhesive force to force the therapeutic device out of the delivery tube.

Abstract: A device for treating tricuspid regurgitation includes a shaft and a first fixation mechanism disposed on a distal end of the shaft. The first fixation mechanism is configured to anchor the device to a first cardiac tissue. The device includes a second fixation mechanism disposed on a proximal end of the shaft. The second fixation mechanism is configured to anchor the device to a second cardiac tissue. The device includes an approximation mechanism connecting the first fixation mechanism and the second fixation mechanism, wherein the approximation mechanism causes the second fixation mechanism to move along the shaft toward the first fixation mechanism to approximate the first cardiac tissue and the second cardiac tissue.

Abstract: An engaging element for engaging tissue that includes a first member and a second member. The first member includes at least one tissue engaging portion at a first free end. The first tissue engaging member is movable between an open position and a closed position and has a second free end. The first tissue engaging member is restrained in movement at an intermediate position between the first free end and the second free end. A lock portion is operatively associated with the first member with the lock portion maintaining a spacing between the first member and the second member and inhibiting movement of the first member to the open position. The lock portion is operatively associated with a portion of the first tissue engaging member proximal the intermediate position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices, systems and methods for endoscopic suturing or stitching through an access tube or the like. An endoscopic stitching device is provided and includes a handle assembly; an elongate shaft supported by and extending from the handle assembly; and an end effector supported on a distal end of the elongate shaft. The end effector includes a neck assembly configured and adapted for articulation in one direction between a substantially linear configuration and an off-axis configuration, and a pair of juxtaposed jaws pivotally associated with one another. Each jaw defines a suture needle receiving recess formed in a tissue contacting surface thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments of invention are directed to tissue approximation instruments that may be delivered to the body of a patient during minimally invasive or other surgical procedures. In one group of embodiments, the instrument has an elongated configuration with two sets of expandable wings that each have spreadable wings that can be made to expand when located on opposite sides of a distal tissue region and a proximal tissue region and can then be made to move toward one another to bring the two tissue regions into a more proximate position. The instrument is delivered through a needle or catheter and is controlled by relative movement of a push tube and control wire wherein the control wire can be released from the instrument via rotation in a first direction and can cause release of the approximation device from tissue that it is holding by rotation in the opposite direction.

Abstract: Insertion tool for a medical closure device for the sealing of an opening in a wall of a bodily organ, comprising a tamping force source adapted to deliver a first member to a position at the opening on one side of the wall subsequently to a second member being positioned at the opening on the opposite side of the wall. The tamping force source, which is energized prior to the tamping procedure, can be a spring, an elastic band or a pressurized gas container. A tamping spring can be compressed or extended upon loading. The tamping force source can be released in response to a manual operation or be triggered by retraction of the insertion tool.