Abstract: An apparatus for treating an aneurysm in a blood vessel includes an occlusion element including a first tubular mesh having a first end and a second end coupled together at a proximal end of the occlusion element such that an intermediate portion of the first tubular mesh between the first end and the second end includes a substantially 180 degree turn, the intermediate portion of the first tubular mesh extending distally from the proximal end of the occlusion element, wherein the intermediate portion of the first tubular mesh has a collapsed configuration and is configured to expand to an expanded. In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a second tubular mesh having a first end and a second end coupled to the proximal end of the occlusion element such that an intermediate portion of the second tubular mesh between the first end and the second end includes a substantially 180 degree turn.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a cartridge are disclosed, for loading a suture onto a suturing instrument and, in some embodiments, for loading a pre-tied knot formed from the suture onto the suturing instrument. The suturing instrument is typically of the type having a suture passing member defining a suture receiving passage therein. The cartridge may be operable to load the suture and/or the knot onto the suturing instrument at a point of use. In some embodiments, the cartridge defines a path for insertion thereto and withdrawal therefrom of the suturing instrument. The cartridge further comprises a seat for releasably holding a portion of a suture and a mechanism for transferring the suture from seat to the suturing instrument, various features of which are described herein.

Abstract: A handle of a device such as an endoscopic surgical appliance is provided with a grip for actuation of an effector mechanism positioned at a distal end. A grip force attenuator within the handle absorbs excessive force after the grip force required to fully actuate the effector mechanism has been reached. The handle includes a first spring which deflects in response to hand grip force up to a predetermined level for actuation of the effector mechanism and a second spring which deflects in response to hand grip force which exceeds the predetermined level without applying such excess force to the first spring.

Abstract: Paddle lead including a lead body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central axis extending therebetween. The lead body includes opposite first and second sides that extend between the distal and proximal ends. The paddle lead also includes electrodes disposed along the first side of the lead body that are configured to apply neurostimulation therapy within an epidural space of a patient. The electrodes are electrically coupled to conductive pathways that extend through the proximal end of the lead body. The lead body includes a flexible material a flexible material that is configured to flex when a fluid pressure is imposed on the lead body in the epidural space. The lead body is configured to have a non-planar contour that folds or curves about the central axis when experiencing the fluid pressure.

Abstract: A gear arrangement including two drive units (210, 220, 310, 320, 410), and two translatory transmission elements (151, 152, 251, 252, 351, 352), to each of which a rotationally movable function unit (141, 142) of a distally arranged two-part end effector (140) can be coupled. The first drive unit (210, 310, 410) has at least one proximally arranged rotation element (311, 411) or a thrust element (210) for opening or closing the end effector (140) by rotation of at least one function unit (141, 142). The second drive unit (220, 320), with which the translatory transmission elements (151, 152, 251, 252, 351, 352) are movable in opposite directions, has at least one proximally arranged rotation element (224, 320, 421) for simultaneous and unidirectional pivoting of the function units (141, 142) of the end effector (140). A surgical instrument includes the gear arrangement (200, 300, 400) in the handle (180).

Abstract: Described herein is a shock wave device for the treatment of vascular occlusions. The shock wave device includes an outer covering and an inner member inner connected at a distal end of the device. First and second conductive wires extend along the length of the device within the volume between the outer covering and the inner member. A conductive emitter band circumscribes the ends of the first and second wires to form a first spark gap between the end of the first wire and the emitter band and a second spark gap between the end of the second wire and the emitter band. When the volume is filled with conductive fluid and a high voltage pulse is applied across the first and second wires, first and second shock waves can be initiated from the first and second spark gaps.

Abstract: An end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members movable between an open and closed position to grasp tissue therebetween. First and second proximal flanges extending proximally from the second jaw member and defining a space therebetween, a proximal flange extend proximally from a proximal portion of the first jaw member and define a cam slot. A cam driver operably is coupled to the proximal flange of the first jaw member to define a space between the cam driver and the proximal flange of the first jaw member. A cam bar is disposed within the space defined between the cam driver and the proximal flange of the first jaw member. The cam bar includes a cam pin configured to move within a cam slot of the cam driver to move the first jaw member relative to the second jaw member between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: A biosensor inserter includes a push member with a push element, a contact member including a latch, a transmitter carrier supporting a transmitter and sensor assembly, and a pivot member having a latch end, the pivot member supporting an insertion device during biosensor insertion. In operation, the push member is telescoped axially by the user relative to the contact member, which is provided in contact with a user's skin. This pushes the push element against the pivot member and translates the transmitter carrier during insertion of the biosensor. During a first portion of a stroke of the insertion device, insertion of the biosensor is accomplished, and the pivot member is prevented from pivoting. In a second portion of the stroke, after latch end moves past the latch, the pivot member is allowed to pivot and the insertion device is retracted. Other system and method embodiments are provided.

Abstract: A cutting instrument comprising: an outer tube comprising a distal end and a proximal end; an inner tube rotatably disposed within said outer tube, said inner tube comprising a distal end, a proximal end and a region intermediate said distal end and said proximal end, said region comprising a plurality of slits formed in said inner tube so as to render said region of said inner tube flexible; and a bellows disposed adjacent to said plurality of slits so as to render said region of said inner tube fluid-tight.

Abstract: A forceps includes a handle, a shaft having a proximal end coupled to the handle, and an end effector assembly coupled to a distal end of the shaft. The forceps includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member for grasping tissue therebetween. One or both of the first and second jaw members may include one or more needles extending therefrom. The one or more needles are in fluid communication with a fluid conduit extending along one or both of the first and second jaw members. The fluid conduit couples to a source of contrast agent to enable selective delivery of the contrast agent through the one or more needles.

Abstract: A method for constructing a braided implant delivery system and treating an aneurysm can include attaching a braided implant having a band attached thereto to a delivery tube, positioning the braided implant within the aneurysm, and releasing the band from the delivery tube, thereby releasing the braided implant. The band can include movable extensions that can press into an outer surface of the delivery tube to secure the band to the delivery tube then move away from the outer surface of the delivery tube to release the band. A pull wire can be engaged to the band to secure the band to the delivery tube then be pulled proximally to release the band from the delivery tube. At least a portion of the braid of the braided implant can be positioned within a lumen of the delivery tube.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a cannulated suture anchor is provided and it includes a suture-engaging member formed therein and configured to receive a suture therearound such that trailing ends of the suture can extend through the suture anchor. The suture anchor can also include at least a proximal portion having dual threads to facilitate engagement with bone. The present invention also provides exemplary sutures and drivers that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art.

Abstract: A method and system of bending medical device components for customization to a particular medical procedure and patient while generally maintaining the ideal performance of the component. A medical professional embeds the medical device component into a bending tool. The medical professional then aligns an intended curve region of the medical device component within a bending region of the bending tool and imparts a curve in the bending region. Finally, the medical professional withdraws the medical device component from the bending tool, and utilizes the bent medical device component in the medical procedure. The system may be a kit comprising various medical device components for a particular medical procedure and a suitable bending tool for those components.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fastener applicator including a handle, a first trigger coupled rotatably with respect to the handle, and a second trigger coupled rotatably with respect to the handle. An interlock is disposed with the second trigger and comprises a cam follower engaged in a cam channel that selectively prevents rotation of the second trigger relative to the first trigger depending on a location of the cam follower within the cam channel. The location of the cam follower in the cam channel is set by a position of the first trigger. Methods of operating the various embodiments disclosed are also provided.

Abstract: A compression device for freeing a ring trapped on a digit includes a rigid outer body. The rigid outer body includes a digit cavity extending from a cavity opening at a body proximal end of the body towards a body distal end of the body, a fluid inlet, and a fluid flow path fluidly connecting the fluid inlet to one or more inflation chambers positioned in the digit cavity. The body proximal end includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and two laterally spaced-apart side portions. At least one side portion is distally recessed as compared to the upper and lower portions to accommodate an interdigital fold. At least one flexible bladder lines the digit cavity, each flexible bladder defining at least one wall of one of the one or more inflation chambers.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes a balloon coupled to a shaft. The shaft includes a proximal perfusion portion disposed proximal of the balloon and a distal perfusion portion disposed distal of the balloon. The proximal and distal perfusion portions each are formed by a respective plurality of wire members woven together to form a respective proximal and distal braided shafts. The plurality of wire members are woven together such that a plurality of perfusion openings are formed between the wire members. The plurality of perfusion openings extend from an outer surface of the respective proximal or distal braided shaft to a lumen of the respective proximal or distal braided shaft. A perfusion lumen extends between the proximal perfusion portion and the distal perfusion portion.

Abstract: The methods and devices disclosed herein promote temporal control of balloon inflation patterns. The devices include a covering for a portion of the balloon that compresses the balloon portion during the inflation process. This enables the distal portion of a balloon to be inflated prior to the proximal portion of a balloon, creating a tapered shape at lower inflation pressures. This is especially useful during transvascular implantation procedures, as it prevents dislodgement of an implant mounted on the balloon. As inflation continues, pressure exerted on the balloon by the covering is overcome such that the proximal region of the balloon inflates, forming a shape with generally straighter sides than the tapered shape, thereby expanding the cardiovascular device.

Abstract: A medical instrument comprising: (A) a first joint comprising a first member and a second member, the first member configured to be repositionable with respect to the second member in an X-Y plane; (B) a second joint operatively coupled to the first joint, the second joint comprising a third member and a fourth member, the third member configured to be repositionable with respect to the fourth member in a Y-Z plane perpendicular to the X-Y plane; and, (C) a controller operatively coupled to the first joint and the second joint, the controller including a first control configured to direct repositioning of at least one of the first member and the second member, and a second control configured to direct repositioning of at least one of the third member and the fourth member.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to surgical instruments having adjustable stiffness, and more particularly, surgical instruments having adjustable stiffness for ophthalmic surgical procedures. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument includes a probe, a slidable support sleeve, and a rotatable knob. A stiffness level of the probe may be adjusted by rotating the knob, thereby causing linear displacement of the support sleeve along a length of the probe. The knob may further include a dial depicting a series of settings representing different eye sizes and corresponding to preset positions of the support sleeve relative to the probe. Thus, a user may select an optimal stiffness of the probe for a particular eye size by rotating the knob to the corresponding setting.

Abstract: In accordance with invention an application device for nasal splints is created, comprising at least one hollow body for accommodating a nasal splint, and a plunger which can be moved within the hollow body, wherein one end face of the hollow body is open so that a nasal splint contained in the hollow body can be introduced through a movement of the plunger from the hollow body through the open end face into the nose of a patient.