Abstract: Described herein are flexible implantable devices or stents that can conform to the shape of vessels of the neurovasculature. In some embodiments, the devices can direct blood flow within a vessel away from an aneurysm or limit blood flow to the aneurysm. In some embodiments, a vascular remodeling device includes a first section and a protruding section. During deployment, the device expands from a compressed configuration to an expanded configuration. The first section anchors the device in an afferent vessel and/or in an efferent vessel of a bifurcation and the protruding section is positioned in the junction of the bifurcation having an aneurysm and across the neck of the aneurysm or at least partially within the aneurysm.

Abstract: A method and a hand-held device for dermaplaning is disclosed that includes a blade assembly which includes a blade, a blade holder and a safety cage. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the safety cage limits the amount of penetration of the blade into the facial skin to enable the device to be safely used by non-professionals. The dermaplaning device includes a vibration generator that causes the blade to vibrate at a predetermined frequency. Various embodiments of the hand-held dermaplaning device are disclosed for vibrating the blade.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument having a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal direction, an end effector with first and second end effector parts, a bearing element at the distal end, on which bearing element the first and second end effector parts are arranged, and first, second and third thrust elements, wherein the thrust elements each extend along the longitudinal direction and are displaceable relative to one another, wherein the first thrust element is articulately coupled to the first end effector part, the second thrust element is articulately coupled to the second end effector part, the third thrust element is articulately coupled to the first end effector part and the second end effector part, and wherein the first and second end effector parts have bearing surfaces, and the bearing surfaces are each held slidably on the bearing element.

Abstract: A medical balloon is made radiographic, such as by incorporating a radiopaque foil or film layer. The radiopaque foil or film layer may be placed between an inner layer and an outer layer of a non-compliant balloon wall. The foil or film may provide the balloon with a radiographic quality from a first end to a second end in the absence of an inflation fluid. The balloon may be provided with the foil or film in a manner that provides a first section, such as the barrel, with a first radiographic quality, and a second section, such as the cone, with a second radiographic quality. The film may also be applied as a decal or appliqué to the external surface of a balloon-shaped body. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A novel jaw and cam ensemble for use in a medical clip applying instrument having a compressible grip assembly at one end and a pair of squeezable jaws at the opposite end. Included is an elongated operating means connecting the cam and jaw ensemble to the compressible grips for the purpose of translating motion one to the other and for sequential advancement and closure of a plurality of clips between the jaws.

Abstract: A filter device is provided having a biodegradable features. The filter device comprises an elongate stent portion and a conical filter portion attached thereto that is preferably balloon expandable. The conical filter portion includes a plurality of struts extending between a holding ring and the stent portion to define the conical shape of the filter portion. The struts can be biodegradable so that they degrade over time. The struts and/or holding ring can be configured so that at least one of the struts remains attached to the holding ring after a predetermined period of time. The struts are biased toward the wall of the body vessel in which the filter device is installed, so that after the predetermined period of time, the struts, and the strut attached to the holding ring, will expand toward the body vessel wall for bioabsorption.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel are described. The devices are deployed in a collapsed condition and are then expanded within the body. The devices are then manipulated to engage and remove the obstruction.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, soft suture anchors are provided that are made entirely of biocompatible suture material. In accordance with embodiments, soft suture anchors are provided that when deployed, an anchor engages a pilot hole.

Abstract: A packaging for a surgical needle comprises a cartridge. The cartridge comprises a surgical needle and a needle driver configured to engage and move the needle relative to the cartridge. The packaging further comprises a spool comprising a helical channel and a length of suture connected to the needle. At least a portion of the length of suture is wound around the spool. At least a portion of the length of suture is positioned within the helical channel. The suture may include a plurality of barbs.

Abstract: An episiotomy scissors (2) for use in conducting an episiotomy on a subject is provided, the scissors comprising a pair of pivotably connected scissor members; (4a, 4b) each scissor member comprising a handle (6a, 6b) extending in a proximal direction from the pivot connection and a blade (8a, 8b) extending in a distal direction from the pivot connection; and a guide member (20) mounted to a scissor member and having a guide surface (22a, 22b) extending in a distal direction from the scissor member at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the blade of the scissor member.

Abstract: An apparatus for remotely and subcutaneously positioning a tethering strand in tissue includes a housing, an actuator coupled with the housing for longitudinal reciprocation relative to the housing, and a nested pair of needles including a first needle coupled with the housing and a second needle coupled with the actuator. One of the needles has a sharpened tip and another one of the needles has a blunted tip. The first needle has a first length and the second needle has a second length, and the first length and the second length are selected so that advancement of the second needle using the actuator causes the sharpened tip to project beyond the blunted tip, and so that retraction of the second needle using the actuator causes the blunted tip to project beyond the sharpened tip.

Abstract: A spacer fabric mesh comprising: a spacer fabric comprising: a bottom fabric layer; a top fabric layer; and an intermediate layer comprising a plurality of interconnecting fibers which extend between, and connect, said bottom layer and said top layer, wherein said interconnecting fibers have sufficient resilience and stiffness to keep said bottom layer and said top layer separated when pressure is applied to at least one of said bottom layer and said top layer.

Abstract: Prosthetic mitral heart valves and anchors for use with such valves are provided that allow for an improved implantation procedure. In various embodiments, a helical anchoring device is formed as a coiled or twisted anchor that includes one or more turns that twist or curve around a central axis. Curved arms attached to the frame of the valve guide the helical anchoring device into position beneath the valve leaflets and around the mitral valve annulus as it exits the delivery catheter, and the expandable prosthetic mitral valve is held within the coil of the anchoring device. The anchoring device and the valve can be delivered together, simplifying the valve replacement procedure.

Abstract: Devices and methods for soft tissue reconstruction are provided. One exemplary embodiment of a device includes a body a suture filament extending through through-holes formed in the body. The suture is formed into an overhand knot having three collapsible openings with filament limbs extending from the knot. The limbs can be passed through the thru-holes of the body and selectively into the collapsible openings of the overhand knot to form coils extending to an opposite side of the body. For example, one limb can be passed through first and second collapsible openings to form two coils, while the other limb can be passed through the first and third collapsible openings to form two coils. The collapsible openings are collapsed around the limbs disposed in the openings, resulting in a secured overhand knot. Other configurations of knots, as well as devices and methods for use in tissue reconstruction, are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for managing an occlusion, such as a blood clot, within a lumen or passageway of a patient. More particularly, a system and method for rapidly restoring blood flow through an occlusion including a self-expanding, tubular member through which blood may flow when in an expanded state. The tubular member has a structure configured to engage the occlusive material, thereby allowing for extraction of at least a portion of the occlusive material. The system may further employ a material extraction member that is deployed distally of the tubular member.

Abstract: A clip applier adapted for use with a surgical robot is disclosed. The clip applier comprises a shaft having clips stored therein and jaws adapted for receiving a clip from the shaft. The shaft is in mechanical communication with a robotic mounting portion. The robotic mounting portion contains a gear drive assembly for rotating the shaft, feeding clips into the jaws and forming clips in the jaws.

Abstract: A delivery device assembly for delivering a medical device to a target site within a patient includes a first polarizable tine and a second reactive tine that is not polarized. The first tine is connected to a first wire that has an electric coil surrounding a portion of the first wire. A current is passed through the electric wire to cause the polarizable tine to become polarized, thereby causing the reactive tine that is not coupled to the electric coil to move toward the polarized tine. The relative movement of the tines releases the medical device from its attachment to the tines.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides medical devices possessing reactants thereon, which further promote adherence of the device to tissue in vivo and/or release of bioactive agents from the device.

Abstract: A method of improving elasticity of a tissue of a living body, the method including: forming a through-hole in the living body; inserting an insertion path forming unit, which includes a pipe member including a pipe and a support member including a support rod, into the through-hole in a state where the pipe member and the support member are assembled; removing the support member from the insertion path forming unit; coupling a medical thread supply unit to the pipe member; pushing the medical thread from behind by using a push unit; and removing the push unit, the medical thread supply unit, and the pipe member.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body, an ultrasonic transducer assembly, a shaft assembly, and a coupling assembly. The shaft assembly comprises an acoustic waveguide that is operable to selectively couple with the ultrasonic transducer assembly. The coupling assembly is operable to selectively transition between a first mode and a second mode. The acoustic waveguide is configured to rotate with the transducer assembly relative to the body when the coupling assembly is in the first mode. The acoustic waveguide is configured to rotate relative to the transducer assembly and relative to the body when the coupling assembly is in the second mode. The coupling assembly is further configured to prevent the transducer assembly from rotating relative to the body when the coupling assembly is in the second mode. The shaft assembly and the end effector are also together configured to transition between an operational mode and a cleaning mode.