Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument for performing a vascular anastomosis procedure comprises an elongated body 10 and a needle 12 having a hook 12b for penetrating and everting the edges 56, 58 of tissue to be joined. The needle 12 is slidable in the body 10 between an extended position as shown and a retracted position wherein the hook is engaged with the end 10a of the body. A stapling mechanism includes a slidable pusher 40 for driving a staple 36 longitudinally of the body 10 against the inside of the hook 12b for deformation of the staple into penetrating engagement with the everted tissue edges 56, 58.

Abstract: A balloon dilatation catheter has a relatively stiff and strong proximal cannula made of a material such as for example metal hypotubing. The distal end of the catheter includes an inflatable medical device or balloon, an inflation lumen and a guidewire lumen. A transition assembly is positioned between the proximal cannula and the distal end section. This transition assembly has a stiffening member within a transition tube, and provides for a flexible transition between the two components of diverse stiffness, namely the proximal cannula and the flexible distal end portion. A proximal end of the stiffening member may float within a distal end of the proximal cannula, but the stiffening member distal end is affixed to the shaft. The dilatation catheter may have a rapid exchange configuration, and is generally used in conjunction with a guiding catheter.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter system for the treatment of occluded blood vessels that includes tissue displacement or hinged expansion members that are movable from a closed to an open position. An actuating assembly may be provided for moving the tissue expansion members between an open and closed position to exert a substantially lateral distal end force upon the region surrounding an occluded blood vessel. The tissue expansion members may stretch apart, tear or otherwise disrupt a vascular occlusion sufficiently to create a pathway that may support the passage or placement of a guidewire or an interventional vascular device across the occlusion or obstruction. Methods of crossing or displacing a vascular occlusion are further provided that include the positioning of a vascular catheter having at least one hinged spreading member positioned at the distal region of the catheter that is responsive to directed force along the longitudinal axis of the catheter.

Abstract: A stent includes a stent member having a plurality of post members formed therein. Each post member is connected to an adjacent post member by an interconnecting portion. A plurality of leg members extend from the stent member. The stent may be molded within a flexible polymer valve. The legs stabilize and locate the stent in the mold. Upon completion of the molding process, the legs can be separated from the stent.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an inflatable device for use in restoring the anatomy of diseased or fractured bone. The inflatable device may be a balloon of varied size or shape to conform to the bone to be treated and may be deployed in any type of bone where collapsed fractures of cortical bone may be treated by restoring the bone from its inner surface. Once the bone has been sufficiently restored the balloons may be deflated and removed, or may remain inside the bone. The balloon may have multiple layers to provide desired surface characteristics, resistance to puncture and tearing, or other beneficial properties, as appropriate for the particular application of the device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in filtering emboli from a vessel and performing thrombectomy and embolectomy, wherein a vascular device comprises a support hoop having an articulation region connected near a distal end of a guide wire, and a blood permeable sac affixed to the support hoop, and a delivery sheath that permits the vascular device to be deployed in a “rapid exchange” mode. The articulation region comprises a reduced thickness region of the support hoop that prevents kinks from forming in the support hoop when the apparatus is contracted to its delivery state, and curved regions that close the mouth of the sac to prevent material escaping from the sac when the apparatus is collapsed for removal.

Abstract: A balloon catheter 1 is configured so as to comprise a catheter shaft 2 formed by joining a proximal-side tubular member 3 and a distal-side tubular member 4, an adapter member 6 connected to the base end of the catheter shaft 2, and a balloon 5 joined to the distal end of the catheter shaft 2. A metal coiled elastic member 10 is deployed in the internal space in the adapter member 6, so that it can move toward the distal end. This coiled elastic body 10 abuts on a ring-shaped wall part 11a formed on the outer circumferential surface of the base end of an elastic force transmitting member 11 and supports the elastic force transmitting member 11 to the distal side. The leading end of a linear member 12 that is one of the components of the elastic force transmitting member 11 reaches to an internal space 5f in the balloon and is bonded to the outer circumferential surface of a guide wire passing tube 7.

Abstract: A suture anchor for securing soft tissue to bone including a body extending along a longitudinal axis between opposite ends, and at least one eyelet extending between lateral surfaces of the body for receiving a suture. The eyelet defines two entry/exit void regions and a central void region extending between the entry/exit void regions. Each entry/exit void region extends from one of the lateral surfaces of the body and has an axis forming an acute angle with the longitudinal axis of the body. Each entry/exit void region also has a surface comprising a segment of a conic surface extending about the axis of the entry/exit void region and tapering inward towards the longitudinal axis of the body. The central void region extends along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: A modified scalpel and blade exchanging apparatus and method whereby insertion of the scalpel blade (106) end into the apparatus and turning of the scalpel handle (111) causes the dull or spent blade to be exchanged with a new blade (130) on the scalpel (101) in a few seconds. The quick exchange is accomplished by a cam system (183, 184) that opens and closes the jaws or fingers (104, 105) that retain the blade on the scalpel and a dispenser (119) that positions the new blade in the open jaws or fingers just prior to closure. The new invention solves the problem of detaching and attaching scalpel blades in a matter of seconds without danger to the user. With a mere twist of the wrist, the user detaches the dull blade and attaches the new blade, the dull blade dropping into a sharps container (107) upon detachment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating septal defects. A system for treating septal defects may comprise a first catheter having a distal end and a first lumen, a second catheter having a distal end a second lumen, a bridge member extending between the distal end of the first catheter and the distal end of the second catheter, and a first patch adapted to be disposed within the first lumen and movable out of the first lumen along the bridge member. A second patch may be used and be connectable to the first patch.

Abstract: Apparatus for injecting an immobilizing substance into a target site of a bone. The apparatus includes a cannula having a bore for transporting the immobilizing substance to the target site of the bone when a leading end of the cannula is positioned adjacent the target site of the bone. The bore has a diameter of at least about three millimeters. In addition, the apparatus includes a rotary cutter element removably attachable to the cannula for easing insertion of the cannula into position so the leading end of the cannula is positioned adjacent the target site of the bone and a connector attached to at least one of the cannula and the cutter element for releasably connecting the cutter element to the cannula during insertion of the cannula into position adjacent the target site of the bone. The apparatus also includes a handle attached to the cutter element for turning the cutter element to advance the leading end of the cannula into position adjacent the target site of the bone.

Abstract: A tool is provided for facilitating determining a proper location for an implantable device or medication, and for then delivering the implant to the precise location determined with the tool. To determine the target location, the tool may include a component for testing target locations, such as a stimulating probe for simulating a miniature implantable stimulator. In one embodiment, the tool is used to test a miniature implantable stimulator prior to depositing the implant precisely at the target location. The components of the tool are configured to maintain the implant at the target location while the tool is withdrawn. In one embodiment, a push rod assembly of the tool keeps the implant in position while it retracts the implant holder from around the implant. The ergonomic and light-weight tool leads to reduced surgical time, number and size of incisions, risk of infection, and likelihood of error.

Abstract: An instrument is provided for everting an end of a vessel over an end of a tubular workpiece, wherein a portion of the vessel is positioned within an axial bore of the tubular workpiece. The instrument comprises a conical holder comprising a first end, a second end, a longitudinal axis, and a lumen therethrough. The conical holder is positionable coaxially with the axial bore of the tubular workpiece. The lumen at the first end has a first diameter smaller than the diameter of the end of the tubular workpiece when extended distal to the end of the tubular workpiece. The first end is radially expandable so that the lumen at the first end is larger than the end of the tubular workpiece. The instrument further comprises a mandrel having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween. The first end of the mandrel is insertable into the first end of the conical holder. The mandrel is tapered from a smaller diameter at said distal end to a larger diameter at said proximal end.

Abstract: A system used in a blood vessel when an interventional procedure is being performed in a stenosed or occluded region, which is capable of enabling an expandable cage assembly therein, adapted to filter the blood in a blood vessel, to be expandable, so as to capture any embolic material that may be created and released into the bloodstream during the interventional procedure. The system includes a catheter which is positionable in a blood vessel at the interventional procedure site.

Abstract: An intraluminal graft includes a tubular graft body extending along a cylindrical axis, a plurality of wires spaced apart from each other and arranged to circumferentially reinforce said tubular graft body along a substantial portion of its length, and a body surface including an inner surface region and an outer surface region. The body surface defines a plurality of apertures extending from an exterior space to an interior space, and a first portion of a first wire is in the interior space while a second portion of the first wire is in the exterior space.

Abstract: Highly flexible liposuction cannulas are constructed of metal and plastic, with the metal cannulas having diameters of between 2.0 and 3.5 mm, and with the plastic cannulas having diameters greater than 3.5 mm (i.e., 3.5 to 9.0 mm). These long shaft flexible cannulas, when utilized in combination with a reinforced neck, allow the cannula point of entry to act as a fulcrum (with an optional interposed insert) and in concert with the surgeon's guiding hand to deflect the cannulas. The cannula tip is preferably highly beveled with an adjacent set of three openings, and the cannula easily penetrates fibrous fat and may reach fast deposits relatively distant from the entrance wounds. The long shaft, highly flexible, reinforced swan neck cannulas move in an easily controllable manner within the subcutaneous tissue below the dermal envelope in an arciform fashion. Benefits include a reduced need to move a patient's body position intraoperatively.

Abstract: A deplitory device for the removal of unwanted hair. The deplitory device includes a heatable tweezer having an upper portion containing wax that is dispensable onto a user's hair, allowing the user to utilize the tweezer to remove the cured wax thereby removing the hair from its follicle.

Abstract: A sternal closure device comprising impermanently joined first and second clamp structures which are adapted for intercostal positioning between at least two corresponding rib pairs and substantially surround a patient's sternum each clamp having a cross member, a plurality of integrated legs and foot members, a plurality of sternum engagement surfaces, an end portion, a projection member, and a generally u-shaped receiving member wherein the end portions of each clamp member substantially extend toward one another when first and second clamp projection members are slidably received and secured in first and second clamp receiving chambers.

Abstract: Various methods and devices for treating a patient who has lost, or is at risk of losing cardiac function by cardiac ischemia are disclosed. Treatment includes first imaging a patient's heart, or a portion thereof, to identify underperfused regions of cardiac muscle, and a source of oxygenated blood that is proximate to the underperfused region. Between the underperfused regions and the oxygenated blood source, a target area is selected where thermal or mechanical injury is introduced, and optionally reintroduced, to convert initial capillary blush, resulting from the injury.

Abstract: An adjustable endcap for a lancing device includes a basecap and a twistcap. The basecap includes a post with detents thereon. At least one finger is provided on the basecap adjacent the post. The twistcap includes at least one helical track on its outer surface into which the finger extends when the twistcap is mounted on the post. The twistcap also includes a plurality of grooves on an inner surface for engagement with the detents. As the twistcap is rotated on the post, the interaction of the finger and track causes the twistcap to move toward and away from the basecap and to adjust the penetration depth of a lance reciprocally mounted in the lancing device.