Abstract: A lancet device and a lancet device tip for a lancet device. The tip includes a first sleeve and a second sleeve at least partially contained within the first sleeve. The second sleeve includes a stop surface. Rotation of the first sleeve relative to the second sleeve causes the second sleeve to move at least axially without changing an overall length of the lancet device tip.

Abstract: A device for inserting a non-balloon gastrostomic device through an opening in the wall of the abdomen and stomach or other viscera of a patient is provided. The insertion device comprises a body, a stylus, and a trigger device being adapted to selectively maintain a selected position of the stylus relative to the body without the use of an external force. A method of inserting the gastrostomic device utilizing the insertion tool is also provided. In addition or alternatively, a gastrostomic device is provided including a hollow tube member and an enlarged resiliently deformable tip at one end of the tube member. The deformable tip is deformable between a first configuration and a second configuration, each configuration having a cross-sectional area. In addition or alternatively, a method is provided for forming the gastrostomic device using a disposable core.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved occluding device and an improved method of occluding fluid through a body vessel. The occluding device comprises an inner coil. At least one outer coil is disposed about a portion of the inner coil. The outer coil has a pre-curled tension to facilitate the outer coil to be curled within the lumen of the body vessel when deployed.

Abstract: A medical instrument including an inflatable balloon and a plurality of filamentary tool elements with a proximal movable section that is attached to a wall of the balloon and with a distal end projecting freely from the balloon, wherein the proximal end forms a substantially cylindrical shape when the inflatable balloon is inflated and deflated and the distal end bends inwards from the substantially cylindrical shape when the balloon is deflated.

Abstract: Embodiments of an expandable sheath can be used in conjunction with a catheter assembly to introduce a prosthetic device, such as a tissue heart valve, into a patient. Such embodiments can minimize trauma to the vessel by allowing for temporary expansion of a portion of the introducer sheath to accommodate the delivery apparatus, followed by a return to the original diameter once the prosthetic device passes through. Some embodiments can comprise a sheath with inner and outer tubular layers, and an intermediate tubular layer comprising a shape memory alloy. Other embodiments comprise one or more layers having one or more longitudinal notches or cuts to facilitate expansion of the sheath. Embodiments of the present expandable sheath can avoid the need for multiple insertions for the dilation of the vessel, thus offering advantages over prior art introducer sheaths.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shaped electrode and dissecting tool configured to aid in controlling the path of an electrode as it is moved into its intended position within the epidural space of a patient. The shaped electrode and dissecting tool is configured with a contoured leading edge having at least one concavity that aids in moving the electrode and dissecting tool through the intended tissues within the patient's body. A variety of concavity contours may be provided and used for particular surgical applications.

Abstract: A vascular filter device (1) comprises a plurality of filter elements (6) which are movable from a capturing position to an open position upon elapse of a predetermined period of time. In the capturing position the filter elements (6) are configured to capture thrombus passing through the inferior vena cava. In the open position the filter elements (6) are configured to facilitate unrestricted blood flow. The filter elements (6) are biased towards the open position. The filter (1) comprises a holder member (10) to temporarily hold the filter elements (6) in the capturing position until elapse of the predetermined period of time. The holder member (10) comprises a biostable wire element (12) which extends through an opening (13) in each filter element (6), and a biodegradable/bioabsorbable stop element (11). Upon biodegrading/bioabsorbing of the stop element (11), the filter elements (6) are free to move from the capturing position to the open position.

Abstract: A minimal access tool includes a frame arranged to be attached to an arm of a user, a tool shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, where the tool shaft proximal end is connected to the frame. The tool further includes an input joint having a first end connected to the frame and a second end arranged to receive user input, the input joint including a virtual center-of-rotation (VC) mechanism which provides a center of rotation that generally coincides with a wrist joint of the user. An output joint is connected to the tool shaft distal end, where the output joint is coupled to the input joint via a mechanical transmission connected therebetween to correlate motion of the input joint to motion of the output joint.

Abstract: A jaw movement mechanism for surgical tools has improved mechanical efficiency and other advantages. The jaw movement mechanism controls the orientation and position of a movable jaw relative to a fixed jaw through a range of movement of the movable jaw. The jaws maintain a parallel orientation throughout a portion of the range of movement of the movable jaw. The jaws maintain an angular relationship throughout a portion of the range of movement of the movable jaw.

Abstract: An embolic protection device for use in medical, veterinary, non-medical or industrial applications where removal of an obstruction from a small diameter vessel or vessel-like structure could produce particles, which, if allowed to remain in the vessel, could cause undesirable complications and results. One embodiment comprises a catheter for insertion into a vessel and a trap operably connected to the catheter and to a rotatable member. Rotating the rotatable member relative to the catheter actuates the trap. One embodiment comprises a rotatable member that actuates a flexible strut between an arcuately expanded position and a helically twisted position, and a membrane operably connected to the flexible strut.

Abstract: A deployment device for repair of a transected body vessel is described herein. Device can have a handle and one or more shafts coupled thereto. A prosthesis being retained by a sheath can be coupled to the delivery device. The sheath can have end portions coupled to one or more shafts. Rotation of a shaft can retract a sheath portion away from either end of the prosthesis for expansion thereof prior to the middle of the prosthesis. Continued rotation of a shaft can completely remove the sheath from the prosthesis, so that the prosthesis is fully expanded and couples the first and second vessel portions of the transected vessel together. Prosthesis may be retained by overlapping a tubular sheath and lacing a threading member therethrough. Prosthesis may be retained by a splittable sheath.

Abstract: A radial artery compression device configured to be releasably secured by a strap or band to the underside of a wrist of a patient and to provide adjustable and consistent compression pressure in the area of a radial artery access site to achieve hemostasis either during or after a medical procedure such as a percutaneous coronary procedure. The radial artery compression device includes a body configured to engage and secure a knob while allowing the knob to rotate with respect to the body. Rotation of the knob can cause a threaded shaft to move. The threaded shaft mechanically couples the knob to a disk-shaped compression pad. The compression pad can include one or more notches adapted to at least partially surround a sheath and/or a catheter inserted into the radial artery at the access site. The compression pad can also include a step on the surface to provide a desired amount of contour to a portion of a device within the radial artery during a procedure.

Abstract: A balloon catheter device of the present invention includes an elongate catheter shaft comprising multifilar cable tubing having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion includes a coating that allows the shaft to provide a patent fluid passage, and a part of the distal portion inside a balloon may be uncoated or otherwise open to the balloon lumen, allowing for passage of fluid through the shaft into the balloon lumen.

Abstract: Knotless suture anchors are disclosed for surgical use, which contain one or more types of ratcheting mechanisms that will allow a surgeon to pull a suture strand through an anchor device in one direction, without allowing the suture strand to travel or creep backward, in the other direction. This will allow a surgeon to emplace a number of such anchors in hard bone(s) or soft tissue(s), during installation of an implant device, while the various suture strands remain loose and do not interfere with proper positioning of the implant. When the implant device is roughly in position, the surgeon can gently “snug” all of the suture strands (which preferably should be braided, to provide a non-smooth surface that will enable a stronger and more secure grip by the ratcheting mechanism), so that they will all reach a moderate plateau of gentle yet firm tension.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for closing the base of a left atrial appendage or other tissue structure comprise a device applicator having jaws, a shaft, and a handle. First and second triggers on a handle are configured to close the jaws and a closure device in a step-wise manner where tissue penetrating fasteners within the closure device are engaged by studs on the jaws, where the studs must be released prior to the opening of the jaws.

Abstract: An inferior vena cava filter (340) for use in the inferior vena cava (4) to capture thrombus (8) passing through the inferior vena cava (4) towards the heart and lungs to prevent pulmonary embolism comprises a proximal support hoop (302), a distal support hoop (312) and a plurality of support struts (303) extending between the proximal support hoop (302) and the distal support hoop (312). The filter (340) also comprises a plurality of capture arms (121) which are movable from a capturing configuration to an open configuration. The capture arms (121) are biased towards the open configuration. A biodegradable suture holds the capture arms (121) in the capturing configuration.

Abstract: First aid or emergency snake bite treatment devices include a belt or other securing member attached to a compression (bite isolation) member, the compression member having an outwardly projecting wall that is configured to surround the snake bite and compress the skin about the snake bite a distance inward to thereby isolate the venom from the bite to impede the venom from entering a victim's lymphatic system.

Abstract: A new, quick, simple, efficient, safe, and reproducible surgical technique for the treatment of female urinary incontinence, in which the posterior urethra is suspended using a tape passed through the obturator orifices from inside (underneath the urethra) to outside (thigh folds). A variety of specifically designed surgical instruments are utilized to perform this operative procedure.

Abstract: A pacifier having a nipple, which can be fastened to the pacifier guard with a stem-shaped end, wherein on the pacifier guard a fastening part that is or can be connected to the pacifier is provided on a side provided for placing the lips thereon such that the pacifier is connected to the pacifier guard when the fastening part is fastened to the pacifier guard.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an intragastric device used to treat obesity that includes a wire mesh structure capable of changing from a compressed pre-deployment shape to an expanded post-deployment shape with a greatly increased volume. The post-deployment shape contains a light weight at the top and a heavier weight at the bottom to ensure proper positioning within the stomach. In the post-deployment shape, the device contains larger spaces in the upper portion and smaller spaces in the lower portion to sequester food and delay gastric emptying. Alternatively, the device can be enveloped by a membrane containing larger holes at the top and smaller holes at the bottom to sequester food and delay gastric emptying. The device has a dynamic weight where the weight of the device in the pre-feeding stage is less than the weight of the device in feeding or post-feeding stage.