Abstract: A delivery device system for delivering a low profile prosthesis and a method for releasably retaining a prosthesis on the device are described. The delivery device comprises a prosthesis disposed about the proximal end of the inner cannula. In a first configuration the prosthesis is releasably secured to the inner cannula in a radially inwardly contracted low profile delivery configuration and in a second configuration the prosthesis is at least partially radially outwardly deployed. First and second trigger wires extend longitudinally and circumferentially about the prosthesis in helical configurations. The first trigger wire is helically wound in a clockwise direction and the second trigger wire is helically wound in a counter-clockwise direction. When the first and second helical trigger wires are in a tensioned condition, the prosthesis is releasably secured to the inner cannula in a radially inwardly contracted low profile delivery configuration.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for use with a surgical instrument including a cartridge, a longitudinal channel, a first row of slots, and a second row of slots. The cartridge has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The longitudinal channel extends between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The first row of slots is disposed on a first side of the longitudinal channel. At least one slot in the first row of slots is empty. The second row of slots is disposed on a second side of the longitudinal channel. At least one slot in the second row of slots has a staple disposed therein.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide an endoluminal prosthesis having modular branches, and systems and methods for facilitating deployment of the endoluminal prosthesis. In one example, the endoluminal prosthesis comprises a graft including a bifurcated body of a biocompatible material. The bifurcated body includes distally extending limbs. Limb extensions can be longitudinally and circumferentially adjusted prior to mating with the limbs to enable an “off-the-shelf” prosthesis that can conform to various complex anatomy. When adjusted and mated, fenestrations in the limb extensions can align with branch vessels.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating a lesion within a body lumen using a catheter including a balloon on its distal end and an abrasive distal tip extending distally beyond the balloon. The distal tip may terminate in a sharpened tip for penetrating occlusive material, e.g., a beveled tip, and includes abrasive material on an outer surface thereof, e.g., abrasive grit, cutting elements, and the like, for abrading occlusive material adjacent the distal tip. The abrasive material may be arranged in a predetermined pattern, e.g., an axial, circumferential, or helical pattern, to facilitate abrading occlusive material. The distal tip may have a substantially uniform diameter or tapered shape along its length.

Abstract: A depth-control mechanism for selectively-adjusting a lancing stroke depth of a lancet carrier. The depth-control mechanism includes a positioning tab that is configured to be repositioned along an axis that is orthogonal to the lancing stroke axis of the lancet carrier. The depth-adjustment mechanism also includes a tether that is pivotally coupled between the positioning tab and the lancet carrier. The positioning tab is configured to manipulate a pivot axis of the tether to adjust the lancing stroke length of the lancet carrier.

Abstract: Meniscal extrusion can occur due detachment of the knee capsule from structures of the knee. Disclosed herein are methods to repair the meniscal detachment. Additionally, cadaveric and synthetic models can be used to teach said methods of repair.

Abstract: A suture anchor is provided including an elongate shank defining a longitudinal axis and having at least one bone-engaging thread formed thereon, and a drive head having a proximal end and a distal end mated to the elongate shank. The drive head has a substantially oval shape and includes at least one suture attachment member formed in a portion of the drive head. The configuration of the drive head is particularly advantages in that it provides a suture anchor having improved physical properties, including a high failure torque and a high stripping strength.

Abstract: A surgical cutting tool includes an elongated shaft and a cutting head. The shaft defines a coupling portion terminating at a proximal end of the shaft, a stem portion, and a distal portion. The stem portion defines a central axis. The coupling portion optionally defines a deflection surface positioned oblique with respect to the central axis and connected with a first driven surface and a second driven surface. Upon insertion into a drive chuck, the deflection surface promotes self-alignment of the cutting tool and the drive chuck.

Abstract: Apparatus for occluding a space between a first structure and a second structure, said apparatus comprising: an occluder, said occluder comprising a distal implant and a proximal implant, wherein: said distal implant comprises a body and a locking shaft mounted to said body, wherein said body of said distal implant comprises a plurality of legs which may assume (i) a diametrically-reduced configuration for disposition within the lumen of a tube, and (ii) a diametrically-expanded configuration for disposition against the first structure, and further wherein said locking shaft comprises a first locking element for selective connection to said proximal implant and a second locking element for selective connection to an inserter for deploying said occluder; and said proximal implant comprises a body having an opening, wherein said body of said proximal implant comprises a plurality of legs which may assume (i) a diametrically-reduced configuration for disposition within the lumen of a tube, and (ii) a diametr

Abstract: Meniscal extrusion can occur due detachment of the knee capsule from structures of the knee. Disclosed herein are methods to repair the meniscal detachment. Additionally, cadaveric and synthetic models can be used to teach said methods of repair.

Abstract: A tissue button includes a body, a door, and a cross-pin that secures the door to the body. The door pivots relative to the body between an open position and a closed position. A first portion of a suture can be pulled when the door is in the open position, and a second portion of the suture cannot be pulled when the door is in the closed position. A cross-section of the cross-pin taken perpendicular to a longitudinal axis is non-circular.

Abstract: An asymmetric occlusion device for occluding an opening in a body tissue where part of the opening is defined by a partial inadequate rim. The asymmetric occlusion device includes a waist portion having a distal end extending to a proximal end. The waist portion is of non-woven material extending around a longitudinal axis opening. The occlusion device further includes a pair of asymmetric occluder disks attached to the waist. The asymmetric distal and proximal occluder disks are formed of shape memory material. The asymmetric occluder disks include a short arm extending from the waist and an extended arm extending from the waist. The extended arm exceeds the length of the first short arm. The density of the first short arm exceeds the density of the second extended arm.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, examples of a low profile instrument immobilizer and means for positioning the same. In one example, the low profile instrument immobilizer grasps, secures, and immobilizes an electrode or other instrument that extends through a burr hole in a skull to a target location in a patient's brain.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes implanting (a) a venous first tissue anchor in a vein selected from the group of veins consisting of: a superior vena cava and an inferior vena cava, (b) an atrial second tissue anchor at an atrial site selected from the group of sites consisting of: an annulus of a tricuspid valve, and a wall of a right atrium of a heart above the annulus of the tricuspid valve, (c) a venous third tissue anchor in a coronary sinus, and (d) one or more tethers, which connect the venous first tissue anchor, the atrial second tissue anchor, and the venous third tissue anchor. A size of a tricuspid orifice is reduced by tensioning the one or more tethers. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: The invention in certain aspects relates to a surgical fastener for fastening tissue segments having tissue surfaces. The fastener includes a first fastener member having a base and a piercing element connected to the base for piercing the tissue segments to be fastened, a second fastener member having an opening for receiving and retaining the piercing element of the first fastener member such that the tissue segments to be fastened are retained between the first and second fastening members, and means for promoting adhesion between the tissue surfaces. The invention also relates to related methods and devices for promoting adhesion of tissue segments and preventing fastener migration, especially in an endoscopic procedure for the treatment of GERD.

Abstract: A suture anchor including a sleeve with an optional solid tip and a threaded, hollow interior portion. A transverse hole passes through a distal end of the sleeve. An inner screw with a flat distal end and threads disposed on an outer surface and a driver head extension monolithically connected with a proximal end of the inner screw are also provided.

Abstract: An arterial closure device includes an elongated catheter having a proximal end, an opposing flexible distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end. An externalization needle and an internal catheter are disposed within the lumen. The externalization needle is in communication with a first plunger. A first threading needle and a second threading needle are positioned in separate threading channels and in communication with a second plunger. A suture has a first end attached to the second end of the first threading needle and a second end attached to the second end of the second threading needle. A primary aperture extends through a wall of the elongated catheter. A first threading aperture and a second threading aperture extend through the wall of the elongated catheter at opposing sides of the primary aperture.

Abstract: Apparatus for manipulating and securing tissue are described herein. In creating tissue folds within the body of a patient, a tissue manipulation assembly may generally have an elongate tubular member, an engagement member slidably disposed through the tubular member and a distal end adapted to engage tissue via a helical member, tissue stabilizing members positioned at the tubular member distal end which are adapted to stabilize tissue therebetween, and a delivery tube pivotable about the tissue stabilizer. The stabilizing members can be adapted to become angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate tubular member. Moreover, one or all the articulation controls and functions can be integrated into a singular handle assembly connectable to the tissue manipulation assembly via a rigid or flexible tubular body.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes implanting (a) a first venous tissue anchor in a superior vena cava, an inferior vena cava, or a coronary sinus, (b) exactly two atrial tissue anchors, which consist of second and third atrial tissue anchors, at respective different atrial sites, each of which sites is selected from: an annulus of a tricuspid valve, and a wall of a right atrium of a heart above the annulus, and (c) a pulley system, which includes (i) a pulley, which is connected to the second atrial tissue anchor, and (ii) a tether, which (A) is connected to the first venous tissue anchor and the third atrial tissue anchor, (B) is moveable through the pulley, and (C) has a length, measured between the first venous and the third atrial tissue anchors, of at least 30 mm. A size of a tricuspid orifice is reduced by tensioning the tether.

Abstract: The invention relates to a unit for marking and/or sampling animal tissue, including a male portion (12) for marking and/or sampling tissue, and a female portion (13) for marking and/or receiving said tissue. According to the invention, such a unit includes an intermediate element (14) for connecting said male and female portions together, said intermediate connection element (14) having a first portion (141) for rigidly connecting to said male portion and a second portion (192) for rigidly connecting to said female portion, enabling said male and female portions to be supported along a single marking and/or sampling axis (AA1) before marking and/or sampling said animal tissue, wherein the intermediate connection element is releasable.