Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) and method for selecting the size and shape of a prosthesis and/or for determining the location of marks to be made on the external face of the skin of a patient intended to receive such a prosthesis, for example for repairing a hernia, comprising a sheet (2) of transparent material, the said sheet comprising: —a plurality of graphical representations (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) concentrically embodying the respective outlines of various shapes and sizes of prosthesis, —a plurality of first holes (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e) arranged along the transverse line passing through the center of the said sheet, and—a plurality of second holes (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9f, 9g) arranged along the longitudinal line passing through the center (C) of the said sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering a prosthetic device through the vasculature of a patient includes a radially expandable member coupled to the distal end of an elongate shaft. The expandable member has an open frame configuration and an outer mounting surface for mounting the prosthetic device in a collapsed state thereon. The expandable member expands radially outwards from a first configuration to a second configuration to expand a prosthetic device mounted thereon.

Abstract: One embodiment according to the present invention includes an occlusion device in which the support structure or frame expands circumferentially within the lumen to secure an expansile plug or embolic material. Once in place, the expansile plug or embolic material expands, thereby occluding the target lumen. Another embodiment according to the present invention includes a radially expandable support structure having a closed portion for capturing subsequently delivered embolic material, such as embolic coils. For example, the structure may have a closed portion at its distal end or at its middle (forming an hourglass shape). Additionally, the closed portion may be formed from the support structure itself or from a discrete, second layer that is attached within the support structure.

Abstract: A suture anchor loading system for loading a suture anchor on a suture. The suture anchor loading system includes a first portion and a second portion defining a suture anchor receptacle therebetween. A superstructure is configured to retain the first and the second portions together. The suture anchor can be loaded onto the suture when the suture anchor is seated within the suture anchor receptacle.

Abstract: A vena cava filter is described, having one or more frame members or an elongated member arranged in helical fashion. A plurality of filaments connect frame members or portions of the elongated member. The filaments may be made of suture material. Hooks may be placed on a free end of the filaments, along the length thereof, or on one or more frame members to engage the blood vessel wall and anchor the filter. A retrieval member may be positioned on the filter to facilitate withdrawal of the filter from the blood vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to closing an opening within a subcutaneous bodily vessel by using a spiral closure device to engage tissue around the opening. The spiral closure device is adapted to be threaded into the vessel wall surrounding the opening in the bodily vessel. A deployment mechanism may be used to rotate the spiral closure device. As the deployment mechanism is rotated the spiral closure device is rotated such that a tip of the spiral closure device engages the vessel wall around the opening in the bodily vessel. Continued rotation of the spiral closure device threads the closure device through the tissue around the opening. The closure device may have a tapered configuration in which the distal end is larger than the proximal end. As the distal end is threaded through the vessel wall, the narrowing closure device pulls the vessel wall tissue together, thereby effectively closing the opening.

Abstract: Novel bioabsorbable, universal kits used to form nasal implants are disclosed. The implants are useful in rhinoplasty and nasal reconstruction surgical procedures. The kit devices have a universal configuration and can be converted by the surgeon in the field into one or more individual nasal implant devices having different configurations and applications. The kits may have outlines of nasal implants thereon.

Abstract: A device and system are disclosed for selective inflation of an inflatable body, such as a balloon, received through an oral cavity and into the esophagus of a patient. The inflatable body is operably coupled to a pressurized fluid source. The inflatable body has a relatively flexible portion and a relatively inflexible portion. When pressurized fluid is delivered to the body to inflate the body, the flexible portion expands more than the inflexible portion, resulting in asymmetrical expansion and movement of the esophagus away from the ablation site to avoid accidental injury while performing a procedure on the patient's left atrium. This movement may be opposite from or directly away from the heart or, alternatively, may be sideways relative to the heart to a location in which the esophagus is interposed between the ablation site and the phrenic nerve.

Abstract: Surgical assemblies, instruments, and related methods are disclosed that control tissue gripping force. A surgical assembly includes an end effector including a jaw operable to grip a patient tissue and a spring assembly. The spring assembly includes an output link drivingly coupled with the jaw, an input link drivingly coupled to an articulation source, and a spring coupled with the input and output links to transfer an articulation force from the input link to the output link. The spring is preloaded to inhibit relative movement between the input link and the output link while the transferred articulation force is below a predetermined level and so as to allow relative movement between the input link and the output link when the transferred articulation force is above the predetermined level.

Abstract: Described herein is a simplified placement system and method for a tissue graft or “suture anchor”, threaded, knotless or otherwise, by which a surgeon may introduce one or more sutures into a hole in a boney tissue, apply a precise amount of tension to the sutures to advance a soft tissue graft to a desired location, and then advance the anchor into the bone, preferably while maintaining the requisite pre-determined suture tension and without introducing spin to the suture. The simplified placement system and method of the present invention allows the surgeon to establish the graft position and, while maintaining that position, secure the anchor without changing the suture tension or causing a shift in the graft position and furthermore, when the anchor is threaded, without spinning of the suture.

Abstract: An extractor for removing an implanted lead from a patient, the extractor comprising a proximal portion, a distal portion, a lumen dimensioned to receive the lead therein, a cutter at the distal portion for cutting tissue adjacent the implanted lead, and a first clamping member movable between a clamping position to clamp the lead and an unclamping position to unclamp the lead. The extractor and lead are relatively movable to remove the lead.

Abstract: Embolic protection devices useful for filtering emboli during interventional cardiac, vascular, or other procedures are described. The device can include first and second expandable mesh filters having open and closed ends. The first filter is attached to a catheter at its closed end. The second filter is attached to a steerable guide wire at its closed end. The second filter includes a cinching wire circumferentially attached to the filter. The filters are deployed in separate vessels, such as the brachiocephalic artery and the left common carotid artery. A procedure is performed, and the filters trap any emboli travelling through the path of the filters. At the end of the procedure, the second filter is closed using the cinching wire, and retracted into the first filter. Both the first and second filters are collapsed into a sheath and removed from the body with along with any emboli trapped in the filters.

Abstract: A method for easing child birth and, more particularly, to a device for practicing the method for easing child birth and, most particularly, to a device for easing child birth controlled by the individual giving birth to the child. The device mechanically replaces a “manual” contact, which can be applied to the pelvis of a woman in labor, for the purpose of aiding the expulsion of the baby, and reduce the pain and discomfort associated with this process. The device mechanically compresses the ilium portion of the pelvis medially and posteriorly, simultaneously. The pressure applied by the device is under full control of the patient, so that pressure is applied slowly and progressively to a point of maximum comfort. The pressure is decreased immediately upon demand by the patient. The duration of the application of compression corresponds with the length of the contraction period for the woman.

Abstract: A rotational atherectomy system may include a drive shaft, a motor, and a clutch with a threshold torque where the clutch may include a motor plate rotationally connected to the motor, a drive shaft plate rotationally connected to the drive shaft, and a biasing clutch configured to rotationally engage the motor plate and the drive shaft plate, wherein torques less than the threshold torque are transmitted completely between the motor plate and the drive shaft plate, which remain rotationally coupled by static friction, and wherein torques greater than the threshold torque cause the motor plate and the drive shaft plate to rotate relative to one another and cause a residual torque to be transmitted between the motor and the drive shaft, the residual torque being less than the threshold torque and being determined by a kinetic coefficient of friction.

Abstract: A stent delivery assembly can include a stent, a tube, a shaft slidably disposed within the tube, and an engagement member on the shaft. The engagement member is operable via the shaft so as to facilitate manipulation of the stent via the shaft. The engagement member can engage the stent inner wall and cooperating with the tube to grip the stent. The shaft is arranged within the tube with a close tolerance between the shaft and the tube so as to provide stability during retraction or advancement of the shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus and related methods for sequentially positioning and retaining opposing sides of a tissue wound. The apparatus includes a device body having a head portion for positioning between first and second sides of the wound, with the head portion defining first and second retention zones on opposed side of the head portion. The device body further includes first and second approximation arms. The device body further includes a trigger assembly defining three stages of operation. A first stage of operation positions the first approximation arm proximate the first retention zone. A second stage of operation positions the second approximation arm proximate the second retention zone with the first approximation arm remaining in approximation to the first retention zone. A third stage of operation advances a fastener into the first and second retention zones. In this manner, the apparatus sequentially positions the first and second sides with respect to the head portion.

Abstract: An embolic coil detachment system includes an elongated, flexible shape memory polymer tube having an inner wall surface defining an interior lumen. A distal portion of the shape memory polymer tube has an enlarged and reduced diameter configurations. An embolic coil is releasably mounted to the shape memory polymer tube by a headpiece releasably attached within a distal portion of the shape memory polymer tube. A resistive heating element disposed longitudinally along and in immediate contact with the inner wall surface of the distal tubular wall of the shape memory polymer tube provides direct, even heating to release the headpiece and embolic coil attached thereto when the resistive heating element is energized.

Abstract: A sheath for retaining a prosthesis for use in repair of a damaged portion of a body vessel during an open surgical procedure. The prosthesis is of a type having a constricted condition for delivery to the damaged vessel portion and an expanded condition upon deployment from the sheath. The sheath includes a generally cylindrical body having a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, a passageway extending therethrough, and an elongated tab member at the proximal end portion. The tab member is positionable along the generally cylindrical body for initiating the splitting of the generally cylindrical body from the distal end portion of the sheath body toward the proximal end portion.

Abstract: An introducer apparatus includes an outer sleeve and an inner cannula received within the lumen of the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve has a profile such that at least a portion of the distal end of the outer sleeve tapers in the distal direction at an angle not exceeding about 2° relative to a longitudinal axis of the apparatus. The distal open end of the outer sleeve has a wall thickness not exceeding about 0.003 inch. The inner cannula includes a tapered distal end portion. The tapered distal portion of the inner cannula extends distal to the distal open end of the outer sleeve, such that a generally smooth diametrical transition is provided between the outer sleeve tapered portion and the open distal end of the inner cannula.

Abstract: A hemostatic clip comprises a clamping assembly and a clip base. The clamping assembly comprises a clip body and a steel wire buckle sequentially connected; a fixed hinge pin is arranged at the front end of the clip base, the clip body consists of two clamping arms, the tail ends of the two clamping arms are connected through a movable hinge pin, the middle part of each of the two clamping arms is provided with a chute, the fixed hinge pin penetrates through the chutes, and the two clamping arms reciprocate along the chutes so that the clip body can be opened and closed; a bent structure is arranged at the tail end of each chute; and when the clamping arms move to make the fixed hinge pin be located in the bent structures, the two clamping arms are located in the locked and closed position.