Abstract: A dynamic nasal molding device for presurgical molding of cleft lip deformities, the device having a pair of rotation assemblies each having an internal shaping member for insertion in a nostril and an external shaping member to be positioned external to the nostril, wherein the internal and external shaping members are progressively pivoted about the rotation assemblies, while simultaneously the separation distance between the rotation assemblies is decreased, to mold the nasal anatomy into the desired shape.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and methods to clear obstructions including foreign objects and food boluses during an EGD procedure. The medical device according to the present invention includes a flexible tubular housing, power transfer device, clamp, tool element, power source, and optional hood. The present invention drills through the obstruction to rupture it into pieces. Displaced obstructions, and/or pieces thereof, can be collected within the housing. The remainder of the obstruction can then be passed into the stomach where it can be digested, safely excreted, or actively removed by an endoscopist.

Abstract: A dynamic nasal molding device for presurgical molding of cleft lip deformities, the device having a pair of rotation assemblies each having an internal shaping member for insertion in a nostril and an external shaping member to be positioned external to the nostril, wherein the internal and external shaping members are progressively pivoted about the rotation assemblies, while simultaneously the separation distance between the rotation assemblies is decreased, to mold the nasal anatomy into the desired shape.

Abstract: An implant adapted to be retained in a body lumen includes a barb for engaging the lumen wall. The barb includes a yieldable element adapted to yield in response to a force, above a predetermined limit, tending to cause migration of the implant. The barb may comprise a shape memory material adapted to change shape when the material undergoes a stress induced phase change and thereby to disengage from the lumen wall.

Abstract: An intravascular filter is constructed to electrostatically capture and retain particles of a targeted type (for example fat or methacrylate emboli), even if those particles are physically small enough to slip through the filter in the absence of electrostatic attraction. Specific types of targeted particles are thereby captured and retained with improved efficiency, while permitting free flow of non-targeted particles. This improvement permits intravascular filters to be constructed with low-resistance, widely spaced filter elements. Accordingly, more targeted particles are captured, less thrombosis occurs, less pressure drop occurs across the filter, and perfusion or blood collection in downstream areas is maintained.

Abstract: A stent, a system for delivering a stent and a method of assembling a stent on a stent delivery shaft. The stent delivery system comprises a delivery shaft and a stent configured to be positioned about the delivery shaft. The stent includes an extension extending circumferentially from a portion of the stent to a free end, thereby defining a shoulder surface. A belt has a first portion fixed relative to the delivery shaft and a second portion positioned circumferentially about at least a portion of the stent to retain the stent in an at least partially constrained configuration. A release wire is configured to releasably engage at least a portion of the belt to retain the belt. The shoulder surface engages at least a portion of the belt to minimize axial movement of the belt during release of the release wire from engagement with the belt.

Abstract: An occlusive coil delivery device includes an occlusive coil having a plurality of windings with the proximal end having a plurality of open pitched windings, and a delivery wire assembly having a proximal tubular portion and a distal coil portion with a lumen extending at least partially through the assembly, the assembly including a delivery wire forming a first conductive path extends through the lumen from a proximal end of the delivery wire assembly to a location distal with respect to the distal coil portion, the distal extension including a sacrificial detachment zone.

Abstract: A method of deploying a stent-graft in a curved vessel includes deploying an expandable tip to center a proximal end of the catheter containing a stent-graft in the curved vessel. A sheath is retracted to expose the stent-graft and the stent-graft self-expands into the curved vessel. By centering the catheter containing the stent-graft prior to deployment with the expandable tip, the accuracy of stent graft placement within the curved vessel is improved.

Abstract: A tack device for holding plaque against blood vessel walls in treating atherosclerotic occlusive disease is formed as a thin, annular band of durable, flexible material having a plurality of barbs or anchoring points on its outer annular periphery. The annular band has a length in the axial direction of the blood vessel walls that is about equal to or less than its diameter as installed in the blood vessel. In a preferred embodiment, the tack device is formed as a compressible metallic mesh band having outer barbs on outer sides of the mesh structure. Another embodiment may have a plurality of compressible mesh bands may be formed spaced apart coaxially from each other and connected by longitudinally extending bridge members.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a method and apparatus to treat obesity and controlling weight gain. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention relates to a covered cage device that is implanted within a human's stomach to occupy volume and cause a reduced desire for eating. The covered cage device is made from a wire-mesh, such a Nitinol, and can be adjustable and collapsible. In another embodiment, the covered cage device has edges that provide stimulation to the stomach to induce a feeling of fullness.

Abstract: A pacifier includes an inner substrate layer and an outer substrate layer comolded over the inner substrate layer. The outer substrate layer forms a nipple and a handle. The inner substrate layer has a first portion covered by the outer substrate layer and a portion uncovered by the outer substrate layer forming a shield portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a medical wire with an intracorporeally indwelling member connected to the leading end part of a conductive wire body through a thermally-fusible connecting member, wherein expected heat generation can be achieved even when a conductive member that causes leak comes into contact with the leading end part of the conductive wire body, and thus the intracorporeally indwelling member can be surely released.

Abstract: A removable and replaceable handle for a medical device includes a main body with a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis between the distal and proximal ends and a slider disposed within the main body that is translatable along the longitudinal axis between the distal and proximal ends. A first gripper is disposed within the slider and a second gripper is disposed within the main body, which are capable of retaining a control portion of the medical device when the slider is in the first position with a working portion of the medical device in a biased position, and allows the medical device to be removed from or inserted into the handle when the slider is in the second position.

Abstract: A delivery system and method of use thereof for introducing an intragastric bag and filler strip into a gastric lumen are described. The delivery system includes a multi-lumen overtube, one or retractable hooks, an endoscopic looping device, and a pusher rod. The intragastric bag is attached and loaded into the overtube. The overtube is then deployed within the gastric lumen. A pusher rod pushes the distal end of the intragastric bag out of the overtube and into the gastric lumen. With the intragastric bag open, the filler strip is advanced into the intragastric bag using the pusher rod. The endoscopic loop is then tightened around the proximal end of the intragastric bag so that the filler strip remains entrapped within the intragastric bag.

Abstract: A seal assembly for permitting hand assisted laparoscopic procedures is disclosed. The seal assembly includes a seal cap having a seal positioned within a housing. The housing includes a lower seal ring having a track which supports an upper seal ring for relative rotational motion. The seal is supported between the upper seal ring and the lower seal ring for rotation between an open orientation and a closed orientation. A ratchet mechanism is provided for controlling motion of the upper seal ring relative to the lower seal ring. The ratchet mechanism includes a deflection feature and a series of gear teeth, wherein the series of gear teeth are oriented to engage the deflection feature.

Abstract: The invention provides an article of clothing having a tourniquet affixed to the clothing at one end of the tourniquet, the tourniquet comprising a band comprised of an elastic and flexible material, the band having a width and a length, a first end and a second end, and a first face and second face, where at least a portion of the first face comprises hook-type fastener means, and where the second face comprises loop-type fastener means.

Abstract: Access to the left side of the heart is gained through a heart wall. A delivery instrument includes a guide that may include or carry a puncturing instrument that is adapted to be directed toward the heart wall. In some embodiments a distal portion of the delivery instrument may be adapted to be co-located with the coronary sinus. In addition, the guide may be located a known distance from the portion of the delivery instrument that is co-located with the coronary sinus. Access to the left side of the heart may thus be readily gained by positioning the delivery instrument relative to the coronary sinus.

Abstract: A ratcheting tourniquet apparatus having a quick adjustment mechanism for initial tourniquet strap approximation, and a ratcheting assembly for fine, stringent strap adjustment about a limb of a patient. The apparatus provides for quick and easy use, even to the uninitiated. The apparatus provides for sufficient leverage via the ratcheting assembly such that severe tightening of the strap is possible as needed. The apparatus quick adjustment mechanism further provides instant tourniquet release.

Abstract: A working unit comprises a gear body rotatable in a direction perpendicular to a reference axis, a gear ring including a proximal end surface held in contact with the gear body and rotatable about the reference axis to change the direction of rotation of the gear body, a first end effector body held in contact with an axially distal end surface of the gear ring at an upper portion thereof, and rotatable about a rotational axis perpendicular to the reference axis to change the direction of rotation of the gear ring, and a second end effector body held in contact with the axially distal end surface of the gear ring at a lower portion thereof, and rotatable in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first end effector body rotates, about the rotational axis. The first end effector body and the second end effector body are openable and closable symmetrically with respect to the reference axis.

Abstract: A stent is formed from a hollow resilient tube shaped into a helical expanded configuration to form a substantially cylindrical prosthesis that is releasably attached to an actuation shaft for delivery to a treatment site. The stent is deliverable in a substantially linear configuration and deployed with internal fluid pressure, which is delivered through the actuation shaft, to return to the helical expanded configuration. Specifically, injection of a deployment fluid into the resilient tube that forms the stent causes the stent to revert or spring back from the substantially linear delivery configuration to the original helical configuration, and in some applications to dilate a vessel. A ring is attached to a distal end of the stent to couple the stent system to a guidewire for delivery through the vasculature.