Abstract: A phacoemulsification system and method, and a surgical foot pedal device, system and method. The present invention may include a console comprising a plurality of modes for at least one physically associated surgical instrument, and a foot pedal communicatively associated with said console and suitable for varying ones of the plurality of modes. The foot pedal may include a housing comprising the communicative association, and comprising at least one potentiometer and at least two top switches for the varying of the ones of the plurality of modes, a treadle rotatably mounted within the housing and suitable for depressing the at least one potentiometer, and at least two side switches movably associated with the treadle for the varying of the ones of the plurality of modes.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a ligation device that includes an insertion portion that has a lumen through which are passed a ligature having a first end having a contractible loop formed by a knot, and a pull thread having a folded-back portion fed through the loop; an operation portion provided at a proximal end portion of the insertion portion, the operation portion including a anchoring portion to which a first end of the pull thread is anchored; and a movable member movable relative to the operation portion while switching between a first state in which a second end of the pull thread is anchored to the movable member and pulled and a second state in which the ligature is pulled and the pull thread is let out simultaneously.

Abstract: Provided herein is a mechanical device including a rotating spool assembly and a disposable valve assembly. The rotating spool assembly includes a hub, an arm, and a spool inserted through an opening in the arm. The rotating spool assembly can be sterilized after each use. The disposable valve assembly includes a mating stem member, a sealing member, and a flushing port member. The disposable valve assembly can be disposed of after every use. A loading member is also provided including a wire that can be formed from metal drawn out into a thin flexible thread. The loading member can be pre-formed in a helix to form coils in the wire. A release cord is provided including a braided cord with two single filaments and a plurality of beads formed along a length of the single filaments at a distal end of the braided cord.

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: In one aspect, the present disclosure pertains to ultrasonic treatment devices that comprise: (a) a flexible elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, the flexible elongate body being configured for insertion to a target site within a patient; (b) an effector assembly disposed at the distal end of the flexible elongate body, the effector assembly comprising a piezoelectric transducer and an end effector; and (c) flexible electrical conductors in electrical communication with the piezoelectric transducer, the flexible electrical conductors extending along a length of the flexible elongate body, wherein transference of electrical energy to mechanical motion takes place via the piezoelectric transducer at the target site. Other aspects of the present disclosure pertain to systems employing such ultrasonic treatment devices and methods of treatment using such ultrasonic treatment devices.

Abstract: Methods for treating a patient using intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology is directed to an intravascular device having an elongated member coupled to and extending between a handle and an angled distal portion. The distal portion is moveable between a first configuration having a first shape configured for intravascular delivery and a second configuration having a second shape, different than the first shape, that is configured for intravascular delivery.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for securing sutures that obviate the need for tying knots. Disclosed suture clips can comprise a first part and a second part that are attachable together to secure one or more sutures in a suture engagement region between the first and second parts. The first and second parts can include locking projections and slots at opposing ends of the suture engagement region to align the two parts, contain sutures, and/or secure the clip onto sutures. When the first and second parts are attached together, first engagement features of the first part inter-engage with second engagement features of the second part to grip and secure sutures within suture engagement region. An exemplary delivery device has hold a plurality of such suture clips in an elongated shaft portion and deploy the clips successively to sutures via actuation of a handle portion.

Abstract: This invention provides a suture system and method that does not require knots. A locking suture includes a needle and a thread that is provided with a plurality of locking barbs. The needle is applied over an end of the thread by conventional systems. The exterior surface of the thread is covered with barbs. The barbs can be arranged in rows of at least one barb each, circumscribing the thread of the suture and are oriented so that they are uniformly feathered, being closed in the direction of the needle and open toward the terminal (posterior) end. The feathering provides for the barbs to lie flat when drawn through a membrane or other material, and the bias causes them to splay open when a tension towards the terminal/posterior end is exerted. This splaying creates a locking force.

Abstract: The present application concerns a system for the withdrawal of body fluids comprising a coupled tensioning and triggering mechanism, wherein the triggering mechanism is mechanically coupled to the tensioning mechanism in such a manner that the puncturing process is automatically triggered by successive continuation of the tensioning movement when the tensioning mechanism is actuated and wherein the lancing process triggered in this manner is carried out by a lancet.

Abstract: An ultra-sonic medical dissector includes a vibration generator and a wire that defines a cutting loop remote from a first end and a second end. The wire is coupled to the vibration generator in a cutting configuration, and a cutting surface is located on an inner curvature of the cutting loop. A vibration is generated by the vibration generator is transmitted to the cutting loop by the wire when the wire is in tension. The cutting loop can free an embedded end of a vena cava filter from a vessel wall to ease retrieval.

Abstract: A hygienic pacifier includes an annular folding structure formed on a substantially spherical shield that joins a nipple to a faceplate and that is movable between a recoiled storage position in which the shield substantially surrounds the nipple and an extended use position in which at least a portion of the nipple projects through the nipple access opening and is exposed for use. The annular folding structure may be used to bias the shield to remain in the extended use position when the shield is placed in the extended use position. Further, in some instances, the annular folding structure may be configured to provide a bias that may be overcome by a moderate impact to the pacifier such as an impact associated with dropping the pacifier.

Abstract: A laparoscopic suturing device that allows the insertion and formation of intracorporeal knots in a safe and speedy manner during laparoscopic procedures. The laparoscopic suturing device includes an ergonomic handle and a long tubular shaft that contains a connecting rod inside. The proximal end of said connecting rod is attached to a deploying knob and its distal end is linked to a movable needle support that contains a suturing needle. The suturing device is inserted into the gas distended abdominal cavity with the needle in a straight position through a laparoscopic cannula and then by moving backwards said deploying knob the needle is deployed in a right angle allowing the insertion of a variety of sutures. The laparoscopic suturing device is provided with an encasement to keep a spool of suture material in place.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling an acupressure force and a body scan in real-time and, more specifically, the method comprises the steps of: (a) setting a reference vertical height for each horizontal position of an acupressure part, and setting a target acupressure force within the range of the reference vertical height; (b) calculating a current measurement acupressure force by means of a user's load measurement data applied to a load cell; and (c) comparing the target acupressure force with the current measurement acupressure force so as to control the vertical height of the acupressure part.

Abstract: An occlusion device formed of a microcoil having a three-dimensional relaxed state employing open looped portions interposed between closed loop portions. Planes defined by sequentially formed open looped and closed loop portions are neither coincident nor parallel to one another.

Abstract: Provided is a surgical instrument, in more detail, a surgical instrument that may be manually operated to be used in laparoscopic surgery or various other kinds of surgery. To this end, the present invention provides a surgical instrument including an end tool configured to be rotatable in at least two directions; a manipulator including a pitch operator controlling a pitch movement of the end tool, a yaw operator controlling a yaw movement of the end tool, and an actuation operator controlling an actuation movement of the end tool; a power transfer unit configured to transfer an operation of the manipulator to the end tool; and a connection unit extending in a first direction (X-axis), and connecting the manipulator to the end tool when the end tool is coupled to an end portion of the connection unit and the manipulator is coupled to the other end portion of the connection unit, wherein at least a part of the manipulator extends towards the end tool.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for securing soft tissue to bone. One exemplary embodiment of a device includes an anchor, a repair filament, and a connecting filament that is coupled to the repair filament, is in contact with the anchor's distal end, and is effective to connect the repair filament to the anchor such that the repair filament slides with respect to the anchor. The anchor can be rigid, and can include an axial bore extending therethrough. At least one of the repair filament and the connecting filament can extend through at least a portion of the axial bore, and the bore can be sized such that a portion of the filament extending therethrough barely fits to help maintain the connection between the anchor, repair filament, and connecting filament. Embodiments of the systems and devices disclosed can be used in a number of methods for repairing soft tissue.

Abstract: A stent delivery system can include a core member, an introducer sheath, and a microcatheter. The core member can have a first section and a second section distal to the first section. The second section can have a bending stiffness per unit length that is less than a bending stiffness per unit length of the first section. The introducer sheath can have a lumen configured to receive the core member therethrough. The introducer sheath can have a length of at least about 80 cm. The microcatheter can have a lumen and a proximal end configured to interface with a distal end of the introducer sheath for delivering the core member into the microcatheter lumen.

Abstract: A medical device delivery system can be used to advance a medical device to a target area within a patient's vasculature. The system can comprise a catheter, a support sheath, and a core member coupled to a medical device. The core member can be used to longitudinally advanced or retracting medical device within a lumen of the support sheath. The support sheath can be advanced within the catheter until a distal end of the support sheath contacts or abuts a reduced diameter section of the catheter lumen. Thereafter, the core member can be advanced into the catheter lumen toward the target area.

Abstract: A treatment aiding device includes a flexible shaft; a filter; linear supporting members; an elastomer member composed of an elastomer in which a penetrating hole is formed, which elastomer member is arranged in the proximal side relative to the opening section of the filter such that the shaft penetrates the penetrating hole, wherein the outer diameter of the end face in which the penetrating hole is formed is larger than the outer diameter of the opening-section side of the filter when the filter is closed; and an outer tube in which a penetrating hole is formed, which outer tube is arranged in the proximal side relative to the opening section of the filter such that the shaft penetrates the penetrating hole in a state which allows movement of the shaft in the longitudinal direction; wherein the elastomer member is fixed in the distal side of the outer tube.

Abstract: A surgical fastener and a related deployment device as well as their methods of use are disclosed. In one embodiment, the deployment device includes one or more surgical fasteners including a head and a distally extending coil body attached to the head. The head includes a through hole with an internal thread. The deployment device also includes a mandrel including a threaded portion located at a distal end of the mandrel. The threaded portion is engaged with the internal thread of the one or more surgical fasteners. A rotator is associated with the one or more surgical fasteners such that the rotator can selectively rotate the one or more surgical fasteners relative to the mandrel to displace the one or more surgical fasteners in a distal direction.