Abstract: The present invention provides devices for closing septal defects, such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The closure devices include a proximal anchor member, a distal anchor member, and at least one flexible center joint connecting the two anchor members. According to some embodiments, the proximal and/or distal anchor members may include a generally cylindrical member split along the central portion of its length to form an elongate oval. The proximal and/or distal anchor members may further include a tissue scaffold. At least some of the closure devices according to the present invention are repositionable and retrievable.

Abstract: A device for removing blood clots and methods of making and using the same. The clot pulling device may include a first spine, a second spine disposed parallel to the first spine, and a basket disposed between and coupled to the spines. In addition, a pushing member may be coupled to the first spine and extend proximally therefrom.

Abstract: A lancing device, an embodiment of which controls the advancement and retraction of a lancet by monitoring the position of the lancet in conjunction with a lancet controller which incorporates a feedback loop for modulating the lancet driver to follow a predetermined tissue lancing profile.

Abstract: An assembly structured to introduce a trocar or other medical instrumentation into a body cavity through an entry site formed in the cavity wall. The introducer assembly includes a base formed of a semi-rigid, flexible and/or a semi-flexible material having an instrument receiving passage extending there through, and further including an exterior sealing surface extending between proximal and distal portions of the base. The sealing surface has a predetermined configuration which is shaped to conform to the shape of the entry site as the base passes into the entry site. A fluid restricting seal is thereby established between the exterior of the base and the peripheral tissue surrounding the entry site, particularly when the entry site is formed by an incision commonly utilized an open laparoscopic procedure.

Abstract: A skin incision device including a housing having a bottom surface with a slot formed therein, a top positioned on said housing and slidable in a direction toward the bottom surface, a blade pivotally positioned in the housing adjacent said slot, and a spring cooperatively positioned between said top and an interior of the housing. The spring is actuatable by the slidable movement of said top toward the bottom surface of the housing. The spring moves the blade between a pre-actuated position and a post-actuated position.

Abstract: A vessel cleaning system for removing an obstruction from within a patient's vessel, the system comprising a housing, connected to a flexible-tube, a motor-driven flexible agitator-shaft rotatably disposed in the flexible-tube, and a flexible distal-agitator that is connected to the agitator-shaft and shaped so that it is asymmetrically offset to only one side of the longitudinal axis of the agitator-shaft. The agitator-shaft is extended from an open distal end of the flexible-tube to break the obstruction into pieces while rotating with an effective diameter that is larger than its cross-sectional diameter and the distal-agitator is made of a spiral wire, whereas the direction of its winding, relative to the direction of rotation, is such that the distal-agitator unscrews itself from tight engagements with its surroundings and automatically retracts into the flexible-tube.

Abstract: An instrument for manipulating a vessel in a patient includes a cannula having a lumen for providing insufflation to create a working space in the tissue of a patient, and a first manipulator for manipulating a vessel located within the working space. The first manipulator is slidably movable within the cannula from a stowed position, where the first manipulator is substantially disposed within the cannula, to a forward position, where at least a portion of the first manipulator is disposed outside the cannula. The first manipulator is rotatable when in the forward position to an extended position.

Abstract: In a closure device for an opening in a layer of tissue comprising a plurality of wings which provide and/or hold bearing areas on tissue surrounding the opening, the wings are held by means of respective joints for swivelling movement on a base part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suturing set for medical use, comprising a handle piece, a needle, at least partly embodied as a hollow needle and which may be fixed to the handle and a transport device, arranged within the handle, which may be displaced between two end positions for the supply of suturing material to the needle, whereby the transport device comprises a gripping device, by means of which the supplied suturing material may be grasped in one end position of the transport device and then released in the other end position of the transport device. According to the invention, the transport of the suturing material to the needle may be achieved in a simple, secure and material-protective manner, whereby the introduced suturing material, on reaching an end position of the transport device, is gripped in a clamping manner by means of displacing the transport device and is only released again on reaching the other end position of the transport device.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed directed at harvesting of vessels, such as arteries and veins, especially as required in vessel grafting procedures. The device and method discloses a cannula-like device that provides, identification, capture, manipulation, hemostasis and cleavage of branch vessels from the harvested vessel without need for further devices. In certain preferred embodiments of the disclosed method and device, the disclosed harvesting device achieves branch vessel cleavage and hemostasis without the use of heat producing means such as cautery. In addition, certain embodiments utilize a clip/coil magazine technology so as to enable severance and hemostasis of multiple branch vessels without need for removal of the device from the surgical site.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in filtering emboli from a vessel and/or performing thrombectomy and embolectomy, wherein a vascular device disposed on a guidewire comprises a support hoop disposed from a suspension strut. Alternately, a support hoop having an articulation region may be directly connected to a region proximate the distal end of the guidewire. A blood permeable sac is affixed to the support hoop to form a mouth of the blood permeable sac. The support hoop is disposed obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis of the guidewire and is capable of being properly used in a wide range of vessel diameters. The vascular device collapses during removal to prevent material from escaping from the sac. A delivery sheath and introducer sheath for use with the vascular device of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: A dilatation system preferably including a dilator and a detachable handle for achieving step dilatation of a bodily opening is provided. The dilator preferably is steerable and can be visually guided using a fiber optic scope positioned in a lumen formed in a shaft of the dilator. Fluid can be delivered through the lumen with the scope positioned therein so as to distend, irrigate, or insufflate a space within the body. A kit and related methods also are provided that can include elements desired to facilitate step dilatation of a body opening.

Abstract: An anatomic handle for surgical precision scalpel includes a first upper curved body anatomically corresponding to the curved direction of the forefinger, a second underlying body prolonging the first one, having an asymmetrical overturned-saddle shape, a central are area determined by the combination of the first upper body and the second underlying body, two equal and opposite heads to the two terminal parts of the first curved body constituting on the upper part an ergonomic handle, said the heads presenting each on the lateral side the joint for an interchangeable blade. The peculiarity of the handle is that its morphological characteristics allow several different grips according to the peculiar surgical situation in which the scalpel is used.

Abstract: A cranial spinal column support assembly includes a base having a first end, a second end, an upper surface and a lower surface. A support frame is attached to and extends upwardly from the upper surface. The support frame is positioned generally adjacent to the first end of the base. A mounting is positioned on the support frame and is selectively positioned between an upper portion of the support frame and a lower portion of the support frame. A securing member is adapted for releasably securing the mounting to the frame in a fixed position. A head support is mounted to and extends outwardly away from the mounting. The head support includes a face receiving member for receiving a head in a downward facing position.

Abstract: The vein stabilizer is a small device that: 1) isolates the vein, so it cannot roll from side to side when penetrated; and 2) causes the vein to bulge toward the surface of the skin making it more apparent. The vein stabilizer includes a sterile, two-piece disposable plastic device that isolates the vein in between two plastic tabs which are similar in shape and size. One tab is fixed on the skin on one side close to the vein. The other piece is mobile and slides on an elastic band. The tabs are adjusted to the preference of the IV initiator or the situation on the other side of the vein (big vein, small vein, tortuous vein, collapsed vein, sclerous (hardened) vein, obese patient, etc.).

Abstract: An anastomosis tool may include a connector holder connected to an anvil. The connector holder may be bifurcated and configured to straddle the graft vessel. The connector holder may be generally U-shaped. The connector holder may be shaped to extend around more than half of the circumference of the graft vessel.

Abstract: Embolism protection devices can be formed with a biocompatible expandable polymer that can expand upon release within a patient's vessel. Upon release, the structure can be configured to filter flow through the vessel. The material of the embolism protection devices can release one or more biologically active agents, such as a thrombolitic agent, including, for example, tPA. Alternatively or additionally, the embolism protection device can be connected to a tether that elutes one or more biologically active agents.

Abstract: A balloon catheter assembly comprises an elongate catheter shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion, and an inflatable balloon secured to the shaft distal portion. A plurality of cutters are arranged along an outer surface of the balloon. The cutters are shielded by folds of the balloon when the balloon is uninflated, and are arranged and configured to facilitate breakdown of a vascular restriction when said balloon is inflated. Preferably, the cutters are arranged in at least three generally parallel longitudinal rows along the balloon outer surface, and there are at least three longitudinally-aligned cutters in each row. Preferably, the cutters are formed of the same or a similar base composition as the balloon, and are bonded to the balloon outer surface.

Abstract: A method of destroying formation in a body includes introducing a tubular member into a body to an area of a formation with a gripping unit movable between an open position and a closed position in which the gripping unit encloses a closed space to confine the formation inside the closed space, destroying the formation by a formation destroying element and withdrawing a device from a body with the formation and its fragments confined inside the closed space formed by the gripping unit in its closed position.

Abstract: A method of transcranial ultrasound thrombolysis comprises the steps of providing a predetermined level of ultrasonic energy substantially throughout a primary treatment zone encompassing the M1 branch and M2 branches of the middle cerebral artery of an individual. A thrombolytic agent is also administered to the individual. A transcranial ultrasound thrombolysis system (10) is also provided that includes a transducer (20). The transducer is adapted to provide a predetermined level of ultrasonic energy substantially throughout a primary treatment zone encompassing at least a substantial portion of the M1 branch and the M2 branches of the middle cerebral artery in one hemisphere of a brain.