Abstract: A medical device and system for modifying a left atrial appendage (“LAA”), as well as related methods, are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a medical device includes a plurality of frame segments coupled with at least one ring member, the at least one ring member having an inner surface defining notches radially spaced therein, each of the frame segments configured to be positioned within one of the notches of the at least one ring member to collectively form a frame structure. Each frame segment includes a hub portion and at least one leg portion, the hub portion having an upper surface configured to be captured in one of the notches defined in the at least one ring member, and the at least one leg portion extending from the hub portion. With this arrangement, a tissue growth member is coupled to the frame segments.

Abstract: Aneurysms are treated by placing a scaffold across an aneurysmal sac to provide a blood flow lumen therethrough. An aneurysmal space surrounding the scaffold is filled with one or more expandable structures which are simultaneously or sequentially expanded to fill the aneurysmal space and reduce the risk of endoluminal leaks and scaffold migration. The expandable structures are typically inflatable and delivered by delivery catheter, optionally with an inflation tube or structure attached to the expandable structure.

Abstract: A stent graft for deployment in a curved lumen such as the aortic or thoracic arch comprises a constraining mechanism at its proximal end. A stent provided at the proximal end of the stent graft includes loops of material that co-operate with restraining wires that extend between a central guide wire carrier and a restraining wire cannula. The constraining mechanism maintains the proximal stent constrained at both of its proximal and distal ends. The proximal stent can then expand after expansion of the remainder of the stent graft during deployment. In an embodiment, the constraining mechanism acts to constrain two adjacent struts of the proximal stent at three points radially therearound, at the proximal end of the stent and at the distal end of the stent. The proximal stent may then overlap with the interior of an adjacent stent at an inner part of a curved vessel.

Abstract: A system for delivering a surgical staple can include various components. The system may include an elongate body with a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of delivery platforms disposed adjacent the distal end. A sheath can move relative to the elongate body from a first position in which the distal end of the sheath is disposed distally of a distal-most distal delivery platform to a second position in which the distal end of the sheath is disposed proximally of at least one delivery platform. A plurality of intravascular tacks can be within the system with each disposed about a corresponding delivery platform.

Abstract: Surgical device having a shaft with a distal end including a surgical instrument, and a proximal end including an actuation device; wherein the surgical instrument is mounted on sliders longitudinally movable in opposite directions relative to each other in the shaft by operation of the actuation device, the sliders provided adjacent to each other within the shaft; wherein in a first mounted position the sliders are coupled with the actuation device and are secured against rotation within the shaft to prevent releasing of the coupling between the sliders and the actuation device, and in a second dismountable position the sliders are concurrently slidable at least partly out of the shaft to a point at which rotation of the remainder of the sliders within the shaft is enabled, and the coupling between the sliders and the actuation device is releasable.

Abstract: Filamentary fixation devices may be used in a variety of surgical procedures to secure soft tissue to bone. The present invention provides various devices, systems, kits and instrumentation for performing such surgical procedures including preparation of soft tissue and bone, preparation and manipulation of such filamentary fixation devices, and insertion and utilization of the fixation devices within a patient's anatomy. In one embodiment, a method for securing soft tissue to bone, the method includes accessing the soft tissue and the bone, passing a filament through the soft tissue, preparing a bore hole in the bone, loading the filament into a filamentary fixation device, implanting the filamentary fixation device, with the filament, into the bore hole, and tensioning the filament so that the filamentary fixation device and filament are secured within the bore hole.

Abstract: An inserter for treating glaucoma can comprise a housing, a needle, a plunger, a slider component, and a drive component. The drive component is disposed within a cavity of the housing and rotatable within the cavity to result in movement along a longitudinal axis of the inserter to the needle and the plunger upon rotation of the drive component. The slider component is coupled to the housing and slidable along an elongate groove of the drive component such that movement of the slider component along the axis rotates the drive component within the housing.

Abstract: A nasal insert may include a wall in the shape of a tube, the wall including a first end defining a first orifice and a second end defining a second orifice. The first end may have a diameter, diagonal measurement, or cross-sectional area larger than that of the second end. The first end may define at least one break in the wall, so that the first end incompletely encircles the first orifice. The second end may completely encircle the second orifice.

Abstract: Apparatus for percutaneously occluding a hollow structure, said apparatus comprising: an occluder, said occluder comprising a first component and a second component, wherein said first component is configured so that it may assume (i) a diametrically-reduced configuration for disposition within the lumen of a hollow tube, and (ii) a diametrically-expanded configuration for disposition adjacent to the hollow structure, whereby to occlude the hollow structure, and further wherein said second component percutaneously connects said first component to a site remote from said first component.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for percutaneously suturing tissue. An elongated deployment member having a guide member coaxially disposed over a shaft member may be used to carry a needle deployment member. The needle deployment member may be carried at a distal end of the elongated deployment member and include a plurality of needles releasably secured to the needle deployment member, wherein each needle is routed coaxially within the distal end of the needle deployment member. The needle deployment member may further include a needle pusher driven by a link coaxially disposed within the shaft member, wherein the needle pusher is configured to advance each needle through the distal end of the needle deployment member and coaxially over the proximal end of the needle deployment member to position the plurality of needles at a piercing angle in a proximal direction.

Abstract: An embolic protection device, kit, and medical procedure prevent embolic material from entering into side branch vessels of the aortic arch. The device is a collapsible embolic protection device devised for temporary transvascular delivery to an aortic arch of a patient and has a protection unit that comprises a selectively permeable unit adapted to prevent embolic material from passage with a blood flow into a plurality of aortic side branch vessels at the aortic arch. The protection unit is permanently attached to a transvascular delivery unit and a first support member that is at least partly arranged at a periphery of the selectively permeable unit. In an expanded state of the device, the connection point is enclosed by the first support member or arranged at said support member.

Abstract: A system for treating a bifurcation includes a first radially expandable stent and a second radially expandable stent. The first stent has a side hole and a plurality of lateral elements extending from the side hole. The second stent has a plurality of axial elements extending away from the proximal end of the second stent. The axial elements of the second stent interdigitate with the lateral elements of the first stent when both stents have been expanded.

Abstract: A medical procedure for positioning an embolic protection device effectively prevents material from entering with blood flow into side branch vessels of the aortic arch. The protection unit is permanently attached to a transvascular delivery unit at a connection point at a support frame that is at least partly arranged at a periphery of a selectively permeable unit. In an expanded state of the device, the connection point is enclosed by the support member or arranged at said support member.

Abstract: Stomach tissue is manipulated and fastened with a tissue grasper and a tissue shaper to form folds in the stomach. The tissue grasper and the tissue shaper rotate and translate relative to one another. The tissue grasper has a plurality of vacuum orifices to adhere the tissue grasper to tissue.

Abstract: Suture passers and methods of use. Described herein are suture passers preloaded with suture, including cartridges that couple to a suture passer to form a loaded suture passer; the suture passer may be operated to pass one or more lengths of suture without having to be manually reloaded. In particular, described herein are preloaded and automatically reloading apparatuses typically.

Abstract: A guide catheter for use in treating sinuses, the catheter including a catheter shaft configured to provide suction about a balloon catheter and a distal portion shaped for navigating body anatomy. In one embodiment, the guide catheter includes a valve for sealing the balloon catheter and a vent for controlling suction.

Abstract: A clip device of the present invention includes: a restraining tube having an insertion passage; first and second arm parts that are inserted into the insertion passage to protrude from a distal end of the restraining tube; an operation wire that is connected to the first arm part and retreats the first arm part with respect to the restraining tube; and a movement adjustment mechanism that retreats the second arm part along with the retreat of the first arm part when the operation wire is operated for retreat by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A collapsible embolic protection device prevents material from entering with blood flow into side branch vessels of the aortic arch. The device has a protection unit including a selectively permeable unit that prevents embolic material from passage with a blood flow into a plurality of aortic side branch vessels at the aortic arch.

Abstract: An endoscope (1) having an operating handle comprising a handle housing (2) and an insertion tube (3) extending from said handle towards a distal end of the endoscope (1) and terminating in a tip part (4) at the distal end of the endoscope (1). The endoscope (1) comprises a tool operating member (22) for operating a tool (55) at the tip part (4). A control means connects the tool operating member (22) and the tool (55), so as to allow movement (55) of the tool in response to activation of said tool operating member (22). Also disclosed is an endoscope including a grasping tool and a method of removing a stent from a patient.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a tissue separation system to separate the posterior vitreous cortex from the inner limiting membrane in the eye, and to the separation of other body tissues. A system includes a flexible elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end. The flexible elongate member is coupled to a fluid reservoir and has a lumen configured to deliver fluid from the reservoir for use in a surgical procedure and further includes a pump system coupled to the proximal end of the flexible elongate member and to the fluid reservoir, configured to pressurize the fluid to a pressure suitable for separating tissues. The system also includes a control system arranged to control the pump system to provide a series of pulses of fluid through the flexible elongate member and out from the distal end thereof to suitably separate the tissues during the surgical procedure.