Abstract: To perform a tool exchange in a medical robotic system, tool is retracted back into an entry guide from a deployed position and pose so that an assistant in the operating room may replace it with a different tool. While the tool is being retracted back towards the entry guide by user action, its configuration is changed to an entry pose while avoiding collisions with other objects so that it may fit in the entry guide. After the tool exchange is completed, a new tool is inserted in the entry guide and extended out of the guide by user action to the original position of the old tool prior to its retraction into the entry guide while the tool's controller assists the user by reconfiguring the new tool so as to resemble the original deployed pose of the old tool prior to its retraction into the entry guide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical clamp comprising a temperature sensitive shape memory material, the clamp capable of taking up a first form in which the clamp (6) is shaped to at least partially encircle a tubular structure (14); a second form shaped to substantially completely encircle the tubular structure (14) and constrict it, the clamp changing from the first form to the second form above the transition temperature of the shape memory material; and a third form derived from the first form by resilient deformation of the clamp in its first form. The present invention also provides applicators for delivering the clamps and kits comprising the clamps.

Abstract: An endoluminal access system for accessing a body lumen includes a guide track which, when in an operative position, extends through a body lumen to a desired location therewithin and a modular device selectively coupleable to the guide track, the modular device including a drive mechanism for engaging the guide track to move the modular device along the guide track within the body lumen. A method of resecting tissue from a site within a body includes the steps of inserting a guide track to a desired location within the body lumen, coupling a modular device to a proximal end of the guide track and actuating a motor mounted within the modular device to drive the modular device distally along the guide track to the site, drawing tissue at the site into the modular device in combination with the steps of coupling together a portion of tissue adjacent to the site, resecting the tissue from the site and actuating the motor to drive the modular device proximally to withdraw the modular device from the body lumen.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a modular instrument system for accessing a site within a patient's body, such as for example, to inject or remove material. In one exemplary embodiment, an access device is coupled to an adapter and power drilled into a site within a patient. Once the access device is in position, the adapter may be further attached to other instruments, or to an injection or extraction system. The adapter may accommodate various other connectors to make the instrument system compatible with a variety of other surgical instruments and tools.

Abstract: A device may include a distal assembly including a first plurality of legs, a second plurality of legs, and a distal tip, and further include a first driver and a second driver, a proximal end of at least one leg of the first plurality of legs may be coupled to the first driver, and a proximal end of at least one leg of the second plurality of legs may be coupled to the second driver. The medical device may include a first longitudinally extending hollow member movably positioned along the first driver and a second longitudinally extending hollow member movably positioned along the second driver. Movement of the first longitudinally extending hollow member relative to the first driver may converge legs of the first plurality of legs, and movement of the second longitudinally extending hollow member relative to the second driver may converge legs of the second plurality of legs.

Abstract: A dissecting tip is provided for use with a surgical stapler or instrument. In one embodiment, the dissecting tip is secured to the end effector of a surgical stapler, e.g., to the anvil assembly or cartridge assembly. The dissecting tip extends distally from the end effector and is configured to dissect or separate target tissue from certain tissue, e.g., adherent, connective, joined or other tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying a patch to a subject, the patch having a number of projections thereon, the apparatus including opposable jaws movable between open and engaging positions, wherein in the open position the jaws can receive at least part of the subject, and in the engaging position the jaws can engage the at least part of the subject and a patch support for supporting a patch, and wherein the patch support is for urging the patch against the at least part of the subject.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a housing, a waveguide extending distally from the housing, an end effector coupled to the distal end of the waveguide, an ultrasonic transducer retained within the housing, and a controller. The ultrasonic transducer is coupled to the proximal end of the waveguide and configured to produce mechanical motion for transmission along the waveguide to the end effector. The controller is configured to control an amplitude of the mechanical motion of the ultrasonic transducer in accordance with at least one amplitude value. The at least one amplitude value is adjusted according to an age of the ultrasonic transducer to compensate for aging of the ultrasonic transducer. Methods for controlling the amplitude of the mechanical motion of an ultrasonic transducer to compensate for aging of the ultrasonic transducer are also provided.

Abstract: According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a vessel pressure control device configured for selectively applying pressure to a radial artery, the device comprising: a sensor configured to sense one or more parameters associated with blood flow through a portion of the radial artery; a pressure application element adapted to apply variable amounts of pressure to the portion of the radial artery; and a controller configured to apply logic and generate a signal to control the pressure application element in response to the one or more measured parameters, the signal controlling the pressure application element to modify or maintain the applied pressure so that at least some blood flow is maintained through the radial artery portion in an amount sufficient to reduce or prevent radial artery occlusion, and so that the applied pressure is sufficient to prevent bleeding from the portion.

Abstract: A medical device for retrieving small fragments from within a patient's anatomy includes a collection wire configured for entering the patient's anatomy. The collection wire includes a distal end with a plurality of tips that are configured to attract stone fragments from the patient's anatomy.

Abstract: A knotless self-cinching suture construct device includes a shuttling suture, a continuous loop and a self-cinching suture member. The shuttling suture is configured for insertion into a passage hole in injured soft tissue, such as a torn or damaged meniscus in the knee. The shuttling suture and continuous loop are passed entirely through the passage hole in the tissue, and the self-cinching suture member is inserted through the continuous loop to form a hitch using the continuous loop around the tissue. The self-cinching suture member is then pulled tight, allowing a first strand to slide through both the hitched continuous loop and a self-cinching sleeve on the suture member. When tension is applied, the sleeve tightens around the strand much like a finger trap, preventing inadvertent release of the applied suture tension. The suture construct is configured for use through a transosseous tunnel with a suture button in some embodiments.

Abstract: A method of stimulating a renal nerve in a human patient comprising, selecting a span of renal artery in the patient for implantation of a self-expanding stent, the artery having a first internal diameter, an artery wall, and being surrounded by peri-adventitial space through which at least one renal nerve extends; measuring the first internal diameter; selecting a self-expanding stent configured to be capable of expanding to have a second diameter that, in an expanded condition once implanted within the artery, is between 2 mm and 4 mm larger than the first diameter; implanting the stent in the span of the renal artery, whereby the stent eventually expands to the second diameter and thereby passes through the artery wall to become embedded in peri-advential space; and at least partially blocking the renal nerve or modulating a function of the nerve.

Abstract: A scaffold strut is shaped to improve hemocompatibility. After laser cutting, the scaffold is placed on a work piece and its struts are shaped by flame polishing or brushing. The abluminal surfaces and luminal surfaces can have corners rounded. The strut can have a sloped surface on its luminal side without reducing strut thickness needed for strength.

Abstract: A delivery system deploys a prosthesis for open surgical repair of a body vessel. The system includes a sleeve to retain segments of a prosthesis in a compressed configuration and retraction members. The sleeve has outer segments associated with each end of the prosthesis. Retraction of the retraction members removes the outer segments of the sleeve from the prosthesis outer ends to allow for expansion of the outer ends of the prosthesis in an outside-in direction. The system can include a handle and an actuation member movably attached to the handle. The actuation member is coupled to the sleeve outer segments so that movement of the actuation member corresponds to removal of the sleeve. The system can include elements to retain the sleeve outer segments to the actuation member and to redirect the retraction members to a direction different from the axis of the prosthesis.

Abstract: Disclosed is an occlusion device having an angle variable flat disk, comprising a single-layer disk (4), a plug (6) and a waist (5) connecting the single-layer disk (4) and the plug (6). The single-layer disk (4) is braided from elastic strands and comprises a plurality of radially-arranged support rods (40). Grids braided from elastic strands are provided on the surface of the plug (6). The waist (5) comprises at least one connecting strand. An annular interlocking structure is provided in the center of the single-layer disk (4). The plurality of support rods (40) are connected into a flat integral body via the annular interlocking structure. The connecting strand of the waist (5) is connected to the annular interlocking structure and the grids of the plug (6).

Abstract: This document provides implantable intraluminal stent graft medical devices. In some embodiments, the stent graft devices provided herein are implantable in bodily conduits that have side branches, and the stent graft devices are operable to allow the flow of fluids between the conduit and the side branches. In some embodiments, the walls of the stent graft devices provided herein include compliant channels which allow for fluid communication between the interior and the exterior of the stent graft devices. In some embodiments, the compliant channels are configured to inhibit or reduce tissue ingrowth, tissue bridging, and/or endothelialization.

Abstract: Vascular treatment devices and methods include a woven structure including a plurality of bulbs that may be self-expanding, a hypotube, for example including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs, and a bonding zone between the woven structure and the hypotube. The woven structure may include patterns of radiopaque filaments measurable under x-ray. Structures may be heat treated to include various shapes at different temperatures. The woven structure may be deployable to implant in a vessel. A catheter may include a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs and optionally a balloon. Laser cutting systems may include fluid flow systems.

Abstract: A transcatheter valve prosthesis is disclosed that has a compressed, delivery configuration and an expanded configuration for deployment within a native heart valve. The valve prosthesis includes a self-expanding frame and a prosthetic valve component. The self-expanding frame includes a valve receiving portion defining an opening therethrough and first and second anchors at opposing ends of the valve receiving portion. The valve receiving portion is substantially planar and the first and second anchors are oriented substantially perpendicular to the valve receiving portion when the valve prosthesis is in the expanded configuration. The prosthetic valve component is disposed within the opening of the valve receiving portion and secured thereto.

Abstract: An implant placement device includes a sheath; a long-axis member having an opening on a distal end side, movable along an axis, and a lumen communicating with the opening; a stylet movable in the axis and provided within the lumen to be turnable around the axis; an operating part on a proximal end side of the stylet to turn the stylet around the axis; a guide part on the proximal end side of the sheath to guide the operating part in a predetermined direction, thereby moving the sheath in the axis with respect to the stylet and turning a distal end portion of the stylet around the axis; and a coupling portion formed at the distal end of the stylet, detachably coupled with an implant, and moving in the axis and turning around the axis along with the stylet and the implant according to an operation of the operating part.

Abstract: A tissue puncture closure device includes an anchor, a sealing plug, a filament, a compaction member assembly, a spool, a stop feature, a driving plate, and a release member. The filament attaches the sealing plug to the anchor. The compaction member assembly applies an axially directed compressive force to compact the sealing plug toward the anchor. The spool has a portion of the filament wound thereon. The stop feature is coupled to the spool. The driving plate is connected to the spool and arranged to apply a force to a proximal end of the compaction member assembly upon rotation of the driving plate to advance the compaction member assembly. The release member is operable from a first position contacting the stop feature to limit rotation of the spool, and a second position out of contact with the stop feature to permit rotation of the spool.