Abstract: An apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue has a handle portion; a body extending distally from the handle portion; a plurality of surgical clips disposed within the body; and a jaw assembly mounted adjacent a distal end portion of the body. The jaw assembly includes first and second jaw portions movable between a spaced-apart and an approximated position. The apparatus also has a wedge plate longitudinally movable between the first and the second jaw portions, a clip pusher configured to individually distally advance a surgical clip to the jaw assembly while the jaw portions are in the spaced apart position; an actuator at least partially disposed within the body and longitudinally movable in response to actuation of the handle portion; and a jaw closure member positioned adjacent the first and second jaw portions to move the jaw portions to the approximated position.

Abstract: A system for treating a septal defect having an implantable treatment apparatus and devices for delivering the implantable treatment apparatus, devices for controlling delivery of the treatment apparatus and methods for treating a septal defect are provided. The implantable treatment apparatus is preferably implantable through a septal wall or portion thereof. The treatment system can include a flexible elongate body member, a delivery device configured to deliver the implantable apparatus, and a proximal control device for controlling delivery of the implantable apparatus, among others.

Abstract: A dilator (10) for creating tracheostomies in one pass. Dilator (10) includes a generally linear shaft (12) extending from a proximal end (14) and beginning at a distance therefrom, gradually and continuously through a curved distal portion (16) of continuously decreasing diameter (from about 38 french) to a distal tip portion (18) of small diameter of about 12 french at distal end (20). The outer surface of the insertable portion is treated or hydrophilically coated to minimize friction, and the gradual taper gradually widens the tracheal entrance opening (44) between tracheal rings (46,48) with minimal trauma. The wall thickness gradually decreases from the linear shaft (12) to the soft distal tip portion (18). The continuing curve of the distal portion (16) enables the increasingly longer inserted portion of the dilator to remain situated in the trachea (50) during insertion and for the distal tip portion to clear the posterior tracheal wall.

Abstract: A suturing assembly includes a handle and a head located distal to the handle. The handle includes an actuator coupled to a distal half of the handle. The head defines a head perimeter and includes a needle port and a capsule cavity located within the head perimeter. The needle port stores a needle that is connected with the actuator by a rod and the capsule cavity is sized to retain a suture capsule attached to a length of suture. A release mechanism is attached to the rod and located on the distal half of the handle. The needle is movable within the head perimeter to engage with the suture capsule and place the suture capsule into the needle port, and the release mechanism is operable to move the rod a distance in a proximal direction to separate the suture capsule from the needle.

Abstract: An endovascular introducer which has a handle assembly, a stent graft deployment device and a stent graft retained on the stent graft deployment device. The handle assembly has a first part and a second part, the second part to be moved relative to the first part. The first part has a fixed portion to be gripped and held by a user and a rotating portion to be rotated. A one way clutch arrangement transfer rotation to co-acting first screw threads so that relative longitudinal motion between the first part and the second part occurs. The deployment device has a pusher assembly and a sheath to cover the stent graft on the pusher assembly. The sheath is connected to the second part so that rotation of the rotating portion causes retraction of the sheath.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that is useful in an embolization procedure and enables substantially unrestricted forward flow of blood in a vessel and reduces or stops reflux (regurgitation or backward flow) of embolization agents which are introduced into the blood. A method of using the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A clip for engaging tissue includes a generally annular-shaped body defining a plane and disposed about a central axis extending normal to the plane. The body includes alternating inner and outer curved regions, defining a zigzag pattern about a periphery of the clip. The body is biased towards a planar configuration lying in the plane and deflectable towards a transverse configuration extending out of the plane. Tines extend from the inner curved regions, the tines being oriented towards the central axis in the planar configuration, and parallel to the central axis in the transverse configuration. The tines may include primary tines and secondary tines that are shorter than the primary tines. The primary tines may be disposed on opposing inner curved regions and oriented towards one another such that they overlap in the planar configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a blood debris deflector, for preventing embolization during a surgical procedure, and methods for insertion and removal of the deflector. The method can include the steps of advancing an embolic deflection device through a first side branch vessel and into the main vessel, manipulating the deflection device such that it covers the opening to a second side branch vessel, and inverting the deflection device to remove the device from a patient.

Abstract: A thromboembolic removal system for treating ischemic stroke, including a guide and occlusion catheter, a delivery and aspiration catheter, an aspiration pump, a thromboembolic receiver, and a thromboembolic separator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a balloon unit for an endoscope apparatus comprising: a balloon for an endoscope apparatus having an opening formed in a cylindrical shape in which an insert part of an endoscope or an insert supporter having the insert part inserted therein is inserted and fixed; and a cylinder body having an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of the insert part or the insert supporter; wherein the opening of the balloon is fitted over and fixed to the cylinder body to form a unit and the unit is attached to the insert part or the insert supporter or detached from the insert part or the insert supporter.

Abstract: A device for temporarily sealing an opening in a blood vessel is provided. The device comprises a cutting mechanism for creating an opening in a blood vessel and a seal for sealing the opening in the blood vessel. The seal is delivered through an inner lumen of a tool body coupled to the cutting mechanism. Methods for using the device to construct an anastomosis between two vessels are also provided.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic suturing instrument, comprising an elongated cannulated suturing needle having a distal end configured to carry a suture through tissue and a proximal end adapted to connect to a syringe barrel and a lumen extending form said proximal end to an opening at the distal end for having a size for the passage of a suture, the opening at the distal end configured to receive a suture extending from the lumen along an outer surface of the needle wherein a sharp point extends forward of the suture. A companion instrument includes forceps having a distal end with jaws and a proximal end with a cannula extending from the proximal end to the distal end for passage of the needle, and the jaws having an opening enabling passage of the needle through tissue grasped in the jaws.

Abstract: A catheter system comprises a catheter comprising a distal portion, a proximal portion and an inner shaft. The inner shaft comprises a medical device receiving region for receiving and carrying a medical device. The retaining device is at least partially constructed of an electroactive polymer. The retaining device is located on or adjacent to the medical device receiving region. The electroactive polymer of the retaining device has an activated state and an inactivated state. The retaining device is capable of retaining a medical device to the catheter and releasing the medical device from the catheter by transitioning between the activated state and the inactivated state.

Abstract: Tunneling systems and methods or making and using such systems for implanting biological devices, especially catheters, are described. The tunneling system of the invention contains flexible connection tunnelers that contain multiple connection features that are of dissimilar lengths. When used for a multiple lumen catheter, the connection features are easier to separate and are easier to connect with the lumens of the catheter that are in different positions relative to the tunneler. Thus, the tunneling system contains a non-destructive connection between the catheter tip and the tunneler, as well as allowing for greater control during placement of the catheter.

Abstract: The intraocular lens (IOL) fixation device includes an elongate handle having a slender, elongate neck extending therefrom. The neck terminates at a head section. The head section includes a rotator, upon which a plurality of radiating vacuum holding legs extends outward, the end of each leg having a suction cup attached thereto. The legs and the suction cups include hollow channels that communicate with a source of vacuum in order to facilitate gripping of the IOL. Upon insertion of the IOL and proper placement of the head over the IOL, activation of vacuum firmly holds the IOL through the suction cups. The rotator is rotated to accurately align the IOL within the capsular bag. The IOL fixation device also includes irrigation means for selective irrigation of the target area.

Abstract: An apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue has a handle portion and a body extending distally from the handle portion and defining a longitudinal axis. The apparatus also has a plurality of surgical clips disposed within the body, and a jaw assembly mounted adjacent a distal end portion of the body. The jaw assembly includes first and second jaw portions movable between a spaced-apart and an approximated position. The apparatus also has a wedge plate longitudinally movable between the first and the second jaw portions, and a clip pusher configured to individually distally advance a surgical clip to the jaw assembly while the jaw portions are in the spaced apart position. The apparatus still further has an actuator at least partially disposed within the body and longitudinally movable in response to actuation of the handle portion and a jaw closure member positioned adjacent the first and second jaw portions to move the jaw portions to the approximated position.

Abstract: A system and associated method for arthroscopic repair is particularly adapted in reattaching a ligament and/or tendon to cortical bone of the shoulder. A suture anchor system includes a suture anchor, preferably, a screw anchor, and an installation tool for installing the suture anchor in tissue. The suture anchor defines a longitudinal axis and has a longitudinal cannulation for reception and passage of a guide wire. The suture anchor has trailing and leading ends, and an anchor head adjacent the trailing end thereof. The anchor head includes at least one eyelet for reception of a suture and an internal bore therein. The installation tool includes a main body and a driver head extending from the main body. The main body includes an outer surface having a longitudinal recess therein to accommodate the suture. The driver head is correspondingly dimensioned to be received within the internal bore of the anchor head of the suture anchor whereby movement of the installation tool about a longitudinal axis, e.g.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use with a subject's body, vagina, vaginal fornix, uterus, and uterine artery. A fornix-engaging structure is inserted into the vagina and engages the vaginal fornix. A rod is inserted into the subject's body via the fornix-engaging structure, such that a distal end of the rod passes through vaginal tissue at a first vaginal site until the distal end of the rod is at a first extrauterine site outside of the uterine artery, but in a vicinity of a portion of the uterine artery that supplies a uterine fibroid. A rod-guide is coupled to the fornix-engaging structure, and guides the distal end of the rod to the first extrauterine site. A uterine artery compression device is disposed on the distal end of the rod. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Tissue expanders and their methods of use.

Abstract: A filtering device includes a filter that captures embolic material, a plurality of biased support struts that expand outwardly to deploy the filter, and a restraining mechanism. The restraining mechanism applies a restraining force that prevents the plurality of biased support struts from expanding outwardly to deploy the filter. An actuating member cooperates with a portion of the restraining mechanism to release the restraining force and allow the filter to deploy.