Abstract: Devices and methods for recanalization of occluded body vessels using novel guidewires. A novel double-sided guidewire comprises a cross-section tapering from a more rigid middle section towards more flexible head sections. A first head of the guidewire is inserted into the occluded body vessel in a retrograde direction to traverse an occlusion. The guidewire is further advanced in the retrograde direction such that the first head and a portion of the middle section are retrieved from the body, thereby positioning the remainder of the guidewire traversing the occlusion in an antegrade direction and allowing for over the wire recanalization techniques in the antegrade direction.

Abstract: A hemostatic device can inflate an inflatable portion without using a separate dedicated instrument, can reduce an unpleasant feeling of a wearer, and can prevent a site where bleeding is to be stopped from being unintentionally and unnecessarily compressed. The hemostatic device has a band for being wrapped around a limb, an inflatable portion that is inflated by injecting gas, an injection part that is configured to inject gas into the inflatable portion, and a flow route that permits communication between the inflatable portion and the injection part. The flow route includes a backflow preventer which prevents gas from flowing out to the injection part from the inflatable portion. The injection part is located on the band, and includes holes which penetrate the injection part in a direction intersecting a perpendicular line to a region of the band where the injection part is located.

Abstract: Disclosed is an infinitely adjustable depth stop for a laparascopic instrument having a shaft, the depth stop including a first component having a first annular space adapted to allow the shaft to be fitted therethrough. The first annular space has a reducible diameter and an interference surface against which the shaft may be fitted. Upon reduction of the reducible diameter, the interference surface frictionally engages the shaft to arrest relative movement of the depth stop along the shaft. The frictional engagement may be along a curve, a spiral curve, or an area. Means are also provided to reopen the reducible diameter to release the depth stop.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and methods for delivering and retrieving a leadless pacemaker. In one implementation, a leadless pacemaker has a docking end, and the docking end has a docking projection extending from a surface. A docking cap has a body defining a chamber. A retriever has sheaths extending with lumens distally from the chamber. A snare extends between the lumens forming a first snare loop pointing in a first direction and a second snare loop pointing in a second direction with a docking space formed therebetween. The snare is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position by translating the first snare wire and the second snare wire within the first snare lumen and the second snare lumen. The engaged position includes the first snare wire and the second snare wire tightened around the docking projection within the docking space.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (10) for implementing kissing balloons simulating a bifurcated vessel, comprising a first catheter (4) having a first inflatable balloon (6) at or near its distal portion, a second catheter (7) having a second inflatable balloon (7a) at or near its distal portion, wherein the first catheter comprises a holding element (4) provided on the said first balloon (6), the said holding element (4) being adapted for: allowing the distal portion of the second catheter (7) to pass there through; affixing the second catheter (7) in a proximal vicinity to the first catheter (4) so that, in use, respective facing surfaces of the inflated first balloon (6) and the inflated second balloon (7a) touch each other.

Abstract: A stent delivery device includes a shaft with an internal lumen and a balloon connected to the shaft. The stent delivery device includes a cover configured to advance or retract in the axial direction of the shaft between a covering position where the cover covers the deflated balloon and a retracted position where the cover is spaced apart from the balloon. The stent delivery device includes a drive unit configured to apply a driving force for advancing or retracting the cover. The lumen of the shaft is configured to allow a working fluid to flow through the lumen to inflate the balloon. The balloon and drive unit are operated by the injecting and discharging of the working fluid. The inflation and deflation of the balloon and the advancing and retracting of the cover are performed in conjunction with each other.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of apparatus and method for obtaining one or more portions of biological tissue (“micrografts”) to form grafts are provided. For example, a hollow tube can be inserted into tissue at a donor site, and a pin provided within the tube can facilitate controlled removal of the micrograft from the tube. Micrografts can be harvested and directly implanted into an overlying biocompatible matrix through coordinated motion of the tube and pin. A needle can be provided around the tube to facilitate a direct implantation of a micrograft into a remote recipient site or matrix. The exemplary apparatus can include a plurality of such tubes and pins for simultaneous harvesting and/or implanting of a plurality of micrografts. The harvested micrografts can have a small dimension, e.g., less than about 1 mm, which can promote healing of the donor site and/or viability of the harvested tissue.

Abstract: A suture device including: an elongated shaft member; a pair of gripping members; and a passing mechanism that transfers a suture needle between the gripping members, wherein the passing mechanism is provided with fitting holes provided in the individual gripping members and to which the suture needle is fitted, holding members that are inserted into recessed portions in outer circumferential surface of the suture needle by being pulled toward the proximal end sides thereof in directions that intersect axes of the individual fitting holes, a swing member that is provided so as to be swingable about an axis that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, a pair of tensile-force transmitting members that transmit tensile forces that cause the swing member to be swung, axial-force transmitting members that transmit axial forces associated with swinging of the swing member, and hold-state maintaining mechanism that maintains the holding members in the recessed portions.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating tissue during a procedure performed within an eye of a patient is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a hand-held controller and an elongate member configured to be inserted into the eye of the patient. The elongate member has a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end of the elongate member being coupled to the hand-held controller. The elongate member also has a lumen extending through the length of the elongate member. The apparatus further includes a plurality of flexible grasping fibers extending through at least a portion of the lumen and beyond the distal end thereof. The grasping fibers are adjustable by the hand-held controller to advance or retract relative to the elongate member by altering a distance between distal ends of the grasping fibers and the distal end of the elongate member.

Abstract: Devices for removing clot material from a blood vessel lumen and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A clot retrieving device may include, for example, an elongated shaft, a capture structure having a proximal region coupled to the distal zone of the elongated shaft, a cover, and a connector coupling the cover to the distal zone of the elongated shaft. The device may further include a jacket at least partially over the proximal terminus of the connector and a portion of the filaments protruding from the connector.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for obtaining patent hemostasis of the radial artery by compressing the uninstrumented ulnar artery to increase radial artery flow. The device comprises a band having an inflatable bladder for applying blunt pressure to the ulnar artery. The method comprises applying a pressure to the homolateral ulnar artery and applying a pressure to the radial artery at the access site to obtain hemostasis at the access site. The method further comprises administering an anticoagulant to a patient at a dose ranging from about 20 units per kg of body weight to about 30 units per kg of body weight.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of reducing a dosage of an anticoagulant when performing a catheterization procedure at an access site of an artery. The method comprises administering the anticoagulant at a dose less than a conventional dose, reducing a contact time of blood at the access site of the artery, and maintaining the contact time of blood at a reduced level for a period of time during the catheterization procedure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to medical devices for treating a target site. For example, a medical device comprises a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end, the tubular member having an expanded preset configuration when deployed at the target site and a reduced configuration for delivery to the target site. The tubular member comprises at least one layer of braided fabric, and the at least one layer of braided fabric comprises a plurality of first strands having a first diameter and a plurality of second strands having a second diameter. The first diameter is larger than the second diameter. The plurality of first strands and the plurality of second strands are intertwined to define regions of varying radial stiffness between the proximal and distal ends of the tubular member.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for obtaining patent hemostasis of the radial artery by compressing the uninstrumented ulnar artery to increase radial artery flow. The device comprises a band having an inflatable bladder for applying blunt pressure to the ulnar artery. The method comprises applying a pressure to the homolateral ulnar artery and applying a pressure to the radial artery at the access site to obtain hemostasis at the access site.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and method for indicating a tissue penetration site includes an inner needle and a head. The inner needle has a driver configured to translate the inner needle form a first position to a second position. The head is securely attached to the inner needle at an end opposite the driver and is configured to expand from a contracted state to an expanded state and thereby indicate the tissue penetration site.

Abstract: A specimen retrieval system of simplified construction. The system is configured for use during laparoscopic surgery to assist in the retrieval and removal of tissue.

Abstract: An end effector assembly configured for use with a surgical instrument or surgical system includes first and second jaw members each including an outer jaw housing, a tissue-treating plate, and a longitudinally-extending channel therethrough. At least one of the first or second jaw members is pivotable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position. A cutting mechanism is configured to cut tissue grasped between the jaw members. The cutting mechanism may include an activation member coupled to a knife and configured to advance the knife transversely between the jaw members, a heat-activated elongated sheet configured to un-roll to advance a cutting edge thereof transversely between the jaw members, or a clutch and spring mechanism configured to deploy a knife longitudinally between the jaw members.

Abstract: A vitreous body cutter that allows wide movement of an opening position at the end part of a pipe even when the pipe is thin and that allows suction of vitreous bodies etc. in a wide range. The vitreous body cutter includes: a pipe having an opening on the side of an end part; a cutter, which slides along the inner surface of the pipe; a power output section, which is connected to the pipe and slides the cutter; and an outer case, through which the pipe passes, and which includes the power output section inside; and further includes a joint for connecting the outer case to a cannula attached to an eyeball. The protrusion length of the pipe from the outer case can be changed.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier includes a drive housing, an elongate shaft that extends from the drive housing, and an end effector operatively coupled to a distal end of the elongate shaft. The end effector includes jaws that comprise a one-piece body having opposed first and second jaw members. The first jaw member provides a first inner surface and the second jaw member provides a second inner surface opposite the first inner surface. The first and second inner surfaces remain parallel to each other as the first and second jaw members move from an open position to a closed position.

Abstract: A suturing system including apparatus and methods for disposing stitches in a substrate comprising a thread carrier which inserts a thread in the substrate at a first location and withdraws the thread from the substrate at a second location.