Abstract: In one aspect, an obesity treatment device includes multiple inflatable space-filling compartments and a valve system for introducing fluid into each compartment, where the device forms, upon filing the compartments, to a curved shape conforming to a natural three-dimensional kidney shape of the stomach. In one aspect, a method for deploying a gastric balloon structure in a gastric cavity includes determining dimensions of the gastric cavity in a feeding state, selecting a fill volume for each of a number of isolated chambers of the balloon structure, and filling each chamber while the balloon structure is in the gastric cavity. In one aspect, a system for treating obesity includes a means for conforming a flexible, space-filling structure to a natural kidney shape of the gastric cavity, a means for maintaining at least two isolated inflatable regions of the flexible, space-filling structure, and a means for introducing fluid into each inflatable region.

Abstract: A medical needle with a protector (1) includes: a hub (3) that supports a needle tube (2); a protector (4) capable of storing the needle tube (2); a first lock unit (42a, 42b, 73) that locks the hub (3) to the protector (4) capable of unlocking; and a second lock unit (43, 44, 74, 75) that locks the hub (3) to the protector (4) incapable of unlocking. The hub front end has a pair of first protrusion portions (74) in the vertical direction and a pair of second protrusion portions (75) in the horizontal direction. The protector rear end has a pair of protrusion pieces (43) in the horizontal direction and a pair of side wall portions (44) in the vertical direction. The space between the side wall portions (44) is the width of the protrusion portions (74 and 75) or larger and the height of the same or smaller.

Abstract: A curving section is always disposed in a projection plane of a probe main body section. The curving section includes a first bending surface which bends relative to a peripheral surface of the probe main body section to approach a longitudinal axis, thereby intersecting the longitudinal axis; a second bending surface which bends relative to the first bending surface toward a bending direction of the first bending surface and a direction away from the longitudinal axis; a third bending surface which bends relative to the second bending surface toward a direction to approach the longitudinal axis on a side reverse to the bending direction of the first bending surface, and extends toward an extension line of the first bending surface.

Abstract: An atherectomy device for removing deposits such as plaque from an interior of a vessel including an outer member, an inner member and a rotatable shaft positioned for rotational movement within the inner member. The outer and inner members are fixed axially. A rotatable tip is mounted to the distal region of the rotatable shaft for rotation about its longitudinal axis upon rotation of the shaft to remove deposits from the vessel.

Abstract: A closure for an open headed medical implant, such as a bone screw. The closure having a cylindrical body having an axis of rotation and also having a radially outer surface with a thread or other guide and advancement structure thereon. The body having a plurality of apertures that open onto a top surface of the body and that are parallel to but spaced from the axis of rotation. The closure also has a break-off head centrally attached by a neck to the top surface of the body.

Abstract: A suture passer and a method with the suture passer can include a first needle extending along a first longitudinal axis. The first needle can have a sharp tip and a first hook member configured to grasp a portion of a suture. The suture passer can include a shaft extending along a second longitudinal axis. The shaft can have an eyelet that intersects with the first longitudinal axis of the first needle. The suture passer can also have an actuation mechanism coupled to the first needle, and the method can include actuating the actuation mechanism to move the first needle to a position in which the first needle's sharp tip extends through the eyelet, and releasing the actuation mechanism to move the first needle to a position in which the first needle's sharp tip is a spaced apart a distance proximal of the eyelet.

Abstract: A procedural sheath and methods of use that assists in maintaining a fluid path while the procedural sheath is positioned within a vascular conduit of a patient. The procedural sheath includes one or more channels extending longitudinally along a working length of the body of the sheath. Each channel includes one or more fluid paths configured to allow blood to flow from the vascular conduit into a device receiving lumen of the sheath. One or more elongate members selectively coupled to the body operatively cooperate with the channels to fluidly control fluid access into the device receiving lumen through the fluid paths.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a shaft assembly and an end effector. The shaft assembly includes a first coupling member and a second coupling member. The first coupling member and the second coupling member are configured to flex toward each other from a first position to a second position. The first coupling member and the second coupling member define a pivot axis in the first position. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade and a clamp arm. The clamp arm is configured to couple or decouple with the shaft assembly when the first coupling member and the second coupling member are in the second position. The clamp arm is configured to pivot toward and away the ultrasonic blade about the pivot axis when the first coupling member and the second coupling member are in the first position.

Abstract: A surgical module is supported by manipulators that are removably attached to the surgical module. The surgical module may enable operation of surgical tools by providing an integration between actuating mechanisms of the manipulators and actuating mechanisms of the surgical tools. Alternatively or additionally, the surgical module may enable operation of the surgical tools by providing physical access for deploying surgical tools that are operatively connected to the manipulators.

Abstract: A blood filter device having occlusion-resistant characteristics. The occlusion-resistant characteristics decrease the likelihood of the filter being blocked by thrombi. The filter device includes at least one anchor portion for anchoring the filter device within one or more arteries, and a filter portion for filtering thrombi from the blood entering the artery. In some embodiments, an anchor portion is capped with a filter cap. In various embodiments, the filter cap is protrudes into the aorta to promote occlusion resistance. In one embodiment, the device can be modified in situ to re-establish normal blood flow through the artery in the unlikely case of thrombotic or other blockage of the filter. In some embodiments, a bypass opening or open channel defining an access port is provided to accommodate passage of surgical instruments into the artery and to enable blood flow to bypass the filter should the filter become heavily occluded.

Abstract: Suture passer systems for tissue suspension and tissue compression, and more particularly for tongue suspension, are described. The system can include at least a first elongate tubular body or shaft, a needle having a lateral bias carried by the elongate body, and a retrieval element operably connected to the elongate tubular body. The needle can have a substantially straight configuration when located within the elongate tubular body, and be configured to exit an opening at or near a distal end of the elongate tubular body and assume a laterally biased or curved shape to form a path through tissue. The needle is configured to carry a suture. The retrieval element can be configured to retrieve the suture carried by the needle after the needle has formed a curved or otherwise angled path through tissue. The system can also include one or more bone anchors to secure the suture loops. Methods of placing one or more suture loops into tissue, such as the base of the tongue, are also described.

Abstract: A method for manipulating tissue of a patient includes a surgical instrument having a handle assembly, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The method includes positioning a tissue within a gap between a cartridge and an anvil and against a guide pin to laterally position the tissue relative to the cartridge and the anvil. The method also includes moving a retaining pin from an open position to a closed position to capture the tissue and moving the cartridge toward the anvil in a closed configuration. Furthermore, the method includes inhibiting deflection of a distal end portion of the end effector wherein at least at least one of the guide pin or the retaining pin connects to the distal end portion. The method further includes forming a plurality of staples within the tissue and cutting the tissue with a knife.

Abstract: A dispensing device and cartridge for simultaneous delivery and mixing of multiple co-reactive materials, the cartridge having proximal and distal ends, and having an elongated holder body with substantially parallel longitudinal voids. Multiple syringe bodies are disposed parallel within the voids and multiple co-reactive materials are separately disposed in the syringe bodies. The dispensing device also includes a longitudinal housing which is structured and arranged to receive the cartridge.

Abstract: A system includes a heart valve and a device that functions to minimize a possibility for suture becoming entangled with a commissure post of the heart valve during an implantation procedure. In some examples, the device is a suture guard that includes one or more features that deflect suture to help minimize entanglement of the same with the commissure posts of the heart valve. In some examples, the features operate to deflect the commissure posts radially inwardly, while in other examples, the features overlay the commissure posts without deflecting that same.

Abstract: An example medical device for occluding the left atrial appendage includes an expandable member having a first end region, a second end region and an inflation cavity. The medical device also includes a plurality of spine members coupled to the expandable member, the plurality of spine members spaced circumferentially around an outer surface of the expandable member. Additionally, the medical device includes a valve member extending at least partially into the inflation cavity, wherein the plurality of spine members are configured to position the medical device within an opening of the left atrial appendage and wherein the expandable member is configured to expand and seal the opening of the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: A medical device including a mesh prosthesis having a first layer having an opening a second layer secured to the first layer and forming a pocket therebetween. A deployment device is positioned in the pocket and arranged to resiliently exert a deployment force on the mesh prosthesis to urge the mesh prosthesis into a deployment shape. The deployment device has a first shape when deployed that has at least one dimension larger than that of the opening to frustrate removal of the deployment device therethrough. Upon application of a suitable pulling force the deployment device is reconfigurable into a second shape that permits the deployment device to be removed from the pocket through the opening upon application of the suitable pulling force. A method of using a medical device is also included.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for treating an incisional wound having incisional walls. The apparatus includes a conduit having a first end for receiving reduced pressure and a second end. The apparatus further includes a scaffold. The scaffold has opposing surfaces for positioning adjacent the incisional walls and is fluidly coupled to the second end of the conduit for receiving the reduced pressure. The scaffold is generally elongated in shape and has a thickness between the opposing surfaces that is sufficiently thin for positioning within the incisional wound. The apparatus further includes an internal manifold that has a primary flow channel extending generally longitudinally within the scaffold and between the opposing surfaces of the scaffold. The internal manifold is fluidly coupled to the second end of the conduit. The application of the reduced pressure through the scaffold and the internal manifold induces tissue apposition between the incisional walls.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treatment of a patient's vasculature are described. The device includes a self-expanding resilient permeable shell having a radially constrained state and an expanded state with a globular, axially shortened configuration. The permeable shell may be a single layer of braided elongate filaments having first and second ends that are secured at the proximal end of the permeable shell. The devices may also include permeable shells made of woven braided mesh having a variable mesh density, i.e., the average size of pores in one region are a different than the average size of pores in another region. Methods of using the device to treat a cerebral aneurysm are also described. Methods of forming a tubular braid are also described. Methods of forming a tubular braid with variable braid densities are described. Methods of forming a tubular braid using a castellated mandrel are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a computer-assisted instrument motion are described. For example, the disclosure provides mechanisms and techniques for holding an instrument with a computer-assisted manipulator assembly, and methods for actuating computer-assisted motions of the instrument.

Abstract: A lithotripter is provided that includes a lithotripsy apparatus for treatment of a urinary tract stone by fragmentation. The lithotripsy apparatus includes a lithotripsy wave guide shaft configured to transmit an energy form to at least one urinary tract stone. The lithotripter includes a sensing device configured to provide signal data for determining optimal application of energy during treatment with the lithotripsy apparatus. The lithotripter includes a processor configured to collect the signal data and provide feedback to a user. The processor has a control logic configured to determine at least one of: a) if the lithotripsy wave guide shaft is in contact with a tissue; b) if the lithotripsy wave guide shaft is in contact with a stone; c) type of stone; d) if a user is applying force in excess of a predetermined threshold; and e) physical characteristics of a stone. A method is also provided.