Abstract: Improved pacifiers are provided. Certain embodiments better accommodate the anatomy of the human oral cavity and throat, and can provide for improved airway patency, healthy jaw development, correct swallowing, and/or satisfy a user's inclination to suck and nibble. Certain embodiments include an upper ridge groove configured to receive a user's upper anterior ridge, and a lower ridge groove configured to receive the user's lower anterior ridge. The ridge grooves can be substantially vertically aligned, can span a user's anterior ridges, and can maintain vertical spacing between the user's anterior ridges. Certain embodiments include an anterior flange and a posterior flange, the upper ridge groove configured to receive the upper anterior ridge between the posterior flange and anterior flange, and the lower ridge groove configured to receive the lower anterior ridge between the posterior flange and anterior flange.

Abstract: This device comprises a tubular endoprosthesis (11) of axis (X-X?) and a stent (13) of axis (Y-Y?) defining a distal retention opening (23A) and a proximal retention opening (23B). The device comprises a distal wire-like tie (33A) and a proximal wire-like tie (33B). Each tie (33A, 33B) forms a retaining loop (43) running around the endoprosthesis (11). Each retaining loop (43) can stretch between a configuration in which the endoprosthesis (11) is kept in a contracted state against the stent (13) and a configuration in which the endoprosthesis (11) is released. When each retaining loop (43) is in its releasing configuration, the axis (X-X?) of the endoprosthesis (11) is inclined with respect to the axis (Y-Y?) of the stent (13) when no external stresses are applied. The axis (X-X?) of the endoprosthesis (11) intersects the axis (Y-Y?) of the stent in the internal line (18) defined by the endoprosthesis (11).

Abstract: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and a shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween. The surgical clip applier can include a variety of features to facilitate use of the device, including features to align a clip with the jaws, features to prevent unintentional migration of a clip, and features to prevent clip fallout during formation.

Abstract: A plunger for an IOL injector device includes a shaft with a distal tip and a compressible sleeve positioned about the shaft with the tip extending forwardly of the sleeve. In a first stage of IOL advancement through the injector device, the plunger tip engages and pushes the IOL through a first section of the injector body. In a second stage of IOL advancement, the sleeve enters the narrowing section of the injector body toward the open tip thereof with the IOL and sleeve both undergoing compression. The sleeve compresses and lengthens in a forward direction ultimately enveloping the plunger distal tip. Viscoelastic applied inside the injector accumulates between the leading edge of the compressed sleeve and the compressed IOL thereby creating hydraulic pressure which pushes the compressed IOL through the remainder of the injector body and out the open distal tip thereof.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and an elongate shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween.

Abstract: A tissue closing device for closing an opening penetrating a tissue membrane in a living body includes a closure configured to close the opening and a device configured to deploy the closure. The closure includes a seal portion and a deformation portion for covering the opening and tissue membrane surrounding the opening from opposite sides, and a connecting portion connecting the seal portion and the deformation portion. The arrangement device includes a storing member for storing the deformation portion and supporting the connecting member, and a hand-operated portion on the proximal side of the storing member. The storing member includes a take-out port which is openable from a closed state. The deformation portion is discharged exterior of the storing member by opening the take-out port.

Abstract: An animal tag applicator (1) has handles (2) and (3) pivotally connected together and extending to respective jaws (6) and (7) for dispensing an ear tag (10) to be engaged about an animal's ear (39). The tags (10) are in the form of an elongate, longitudinally connected, strip which can be accommodated within the hollow handle (2). A slider (17) has a pusher (18) engaged with the front-most tag (10A) to move it into the dispensing position where its male portion is engaged by the top jaw (7) and a cutting means (31) severs the connection between the front-most tag (10A) and the immediately following tag. A releasable stop member (42) engages the front-most tag (10A) before it is dispensed. A lost motion slot (43) enables the cutting means (31) to be raised before the pusher (18) engages with the next tag (10) to move it into the dispensing position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stent (1) for introducing into human body cavities, in particular into blood vessels, comprising a proximal first end to be introduced (2) and a distal final end to be introduced (3), a sleeve-like stent body (4) made of biocompatible material, and at least one support wire (5) provided as a support body within the stent body (4), the support wire (5), when the stent is in the tensioned state, resting against the inside of the stent body (4) in the shape of a spiral and the stent body (4), when the stent is in a compressed state, being collapsed and expandable into a tensioned state. The proximal end of the support wire (5) in the region of the proximal first end to be introduced (2) is firmly attached to the stent body (4) and the distal end of the support wire, when the stent is in the compressed state, extending from the distal final end (3) of the stent body (4) to be introduced.

Abstract: A stent for insertion in a fluid conduit of a human or animal body when the stent is in a collapsed condition and for expansion to an expanded condition, includes an outer wall for engagement with the conduit. The outer wall has a helical portion which in the expanded condition extends longitudinally and circumferentially, and which, upon expansion of the stent from the collapsed condition to the expanded condition, resists extension.

Abstract: The present invention is various systems for repairing tissue within the heart of a patient. The system of the present invention includes a guide catheter, a therapy catheter, and a fastener catheter. The therapy catheter and the fastener catheter are capable of traversing the internal lumen of the guide catheter. The fastener catheter is capable of introducing a suture clip to a desired position along suture line, deploying the suture clip to secure the suture and cutting excess suture. In addition, the present invention discloses various methods for repairing tissue.

Abstract: An introducer and method for delivering a prosthetic fabric into a patient. The introducer includes a delivery tube having a distal end adapted to be inserted into the patient and a lumen that receives the prosthetic fabric. A loader may be provided to reconfigure the prosthetic fabric from a first configuration to a collapsed configuration and/or to insert the collapsed fabric into the lumen of the delivery tube. A plunger may be provided to push the prosthetic fabric through the delivery tube and into the patient. The loader and plunger may be combined in a dual-purpose component that is reversible to either load the fabric into the delivery tube or push the fabric through the delivery tube.

Abstract: A puncturing device includes a band-shaped lancet carrier carrying a plurality of lancets, a transport mechanism for positioning the lancets sequentially in a launch position by moving the band-shaped lancet carrier, a lancet drive for a puncturing movement, the lancet drive comprising an energy storage, a trigger element, and a housing which includes at least two housing parts and encloses the band-shaped lancet carrier and the lancet drive, the housing having an opening against which a body part is pressed for puncturing, wherein the transport mechanism includes at least one part arranged in a fixed position with respect to the housing. The puncturing device is adapted for disposable use in that the housing parts were are irreversibly connected upon enclosing the band-shaped lancet carrier, thereby sealing the band-shaped lancet carrier irremovably in the housing. A reusable handling device can also be used with the puncturing device.

Abstract: A design of a medical clamp is provided that offers improved retention to and gripping of a patient's appendages through an open ended tubular design. The inside of the clamp has a taper approximating human dimensions. The interior has a reticulated surface for enhanced gripability. The exterior is ribbed for patient gripability and air circulation. A condom catheter retention ring is provided along the outer top periphery. The clamp is of a split design with matingly engageable hinge halves held together with a roll pin and forced into its tubular configuration by a spring that pushes against wing extensions projecting from each clamp half. A thumb screw spans the space between the two halves and allows adjustment of the spring pressure as well as defining the closed diameter of the clamp.

Abstract: A device for capturing emboli during treatment of a stenotic lesion in a body vessel is disclosed. The device comprises a base having expanded and collapsed states, and proximal and distal portions. The distal portion has a support portion configured to deploy in the body vessel when the base is in the expanded state. The device further comprises a filter portion disposed on the distal portion of the base. The filter portion includes a lip extending to a filter body to a filter end. The filter portion is configured to engage the support portion when deployed to define an opening of the filter portion for capturing emboli. The device further comprises a collector through which the base is slideably disposed for delivery and retrieval of the device.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and a shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween. The surgical clip applier can include a variety of features to facilitate use of the device, including features to align a clip with the jaws, features to prevent unintentional migration of a clip, and features to prevent clip fallout during formation.

Abstract: A tissue repair system is disclosed. The tissue repair system can include a prosthesis with a first end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate portion disposed therebetween. The first end portion can engage the second end portion when installed to retain tissue in a desired configuration. The tissue repair system can also include a delivery device configured to implant and fasten the prosthesis to repair imperfections in tissue or retain tissue in a desired configuration. The delivery device may be configured to fasten the first end portion and second end portion of the prosthesis on a distal portion of the tissue.

Abstract: A combined surgical implement used in stomach reduction surgery and for serving as a template and testing integrity of a newly-formed gastric pouch is disclosed. A primary tube extending into a stomach of a patient carries a balloon inflatable to define a size and shape of a newly formed gastric pouch. Suction is applied through the tube to remove the stomach contents and deflate the stomach around the balloon, after which the gastric pouch is surgically formed. After surgical completion of the pouch, the pouch is tested by pressurizing and the pressure monitored. If a leak is present, the pressure falls and air bubbles in the saline solution surrounding the gastric pouch become evident, immediately indicating a leak in the newly-formed gastric pouch, which then may be repaired to seal the leak.

Abstract: A suturing device includes a length of suture that will be delivered to the site of a PFO and placed through the tissue adjacent the opening to close the PFO. The suture is advanced through the tissue surrounding the opening by a pair of needles that penetrate the tissue adjacent to the opening. The suture can be secured to the tissue through use of a knot, a suture clip or other clip like device to retain the suture in a position such that the PFO is closed.

Abstract: A medical device includes an elongate member defining a lumen and a tipless basket having a proximal end and a distal end. The basket is retractable within and extendable from the lumen. The basket includes a plurality of proximal legs extending from the proximal end of the basket and a plurality of distal legs extending to the distal end of the basket. Each of the plurality of proximal legs is connected to an end of at least two of the plurality of distal legs between the proximal and distal ends of the basket.

Abstract: A balloon catheter comprises an inner tube, a medical balloon and an inflation lumen. The medical balloon is disposed about the inner tube and in fluid communication with the inflation lumen. A collapsible portion of the inner tube is constructed to collapse inward upon delivery of an inflation fluid to the medical balloon to secure the inner tube to the guidewire.