Abstract: A system for introducing a delivery apparatus into a patient's vasculature. The system may include a sheath having a lumen and configured to be inserted into the patient's vasculature. An introducer has a channel for receiving a guide wire and is configured to be positioned within the lumen of the sheath. A plug is coupled to the introducer and is configured to move from a first position in which the plug has a first diameter to a second position in which the plug has a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter and greater than the interior diameter of the sheath, the plug being configured to slide within the lumen in a direction from the distal end of the sheath towards the proximal end of the sheath to expand the sheath in the direction radially outward from the lumen.

Abstract: An endoscopic resection assembly includes an adaptor configured to adapt to an endoscopic device. A pusher is disposed on the adaptor by inserting the adaptor into the central opening defined by the pusher. A cutting device includes a snare loop and a snare drive cable, and is removably coupled to the pusher. The cutting device is configured to resect a tissue when the snare loop is contracted by activation of the snare driver. A clip for engaging onto the tissue can be loaded onto the adaptor at a position distal to the pusher.

Abstract: A lock for positioning a first medical device with respect to a second medical device includes a spacer for preventing advancement of the first medical device towards the second medical device. The spacer is movable between a lock position and an unlock position. In the lock position, the spacer is moved transverse to the longitudinal axis with respect to the unlock position. The lock further includes a rotary stop integral with the spacer for fixing the rotational position of the first medical device with respect to the second medical device. The lock further includes a clip integral with the spacer and removably securable to the first medical device in a first position to secure the spacer in the unlock position, and removably securable to the first medical device in a second position to secure the spacer in the lock position.

Abstract: Retrieval assemblies configured to capture an obstruction located in a bodily duct of a patient and associated methods of manufacture are provided. According to one implementation a retrieval assembly is provided that includes a distal collar fixed stationary on an elongate wire, a proximal collar slideable along a portion of the length of the elongate wire, and a plurality of shape memory elongate capturing elements that each has a proximal end coupled to the proximal collar and a distal end coupled to the distal collar. The retrieval device is configured to automatically transition from a radially constrained state to an expanded rest state with the proximal collar located nearer the distal collar when in the expanded rest state. As the retrieval device transitions from the radially constrained state to the expanded rest state, proximal portions of the capturing elements invert around the proximal collar.

Abstract: Catheter apparatuses and methods are provided for repairing heart valves, particularly mitral valves. The method includes providing a catheter having an elongate, flexible body, with a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end can be transluminally advanced from the left atrium through the mitral valve and along the left ventricular outflow tract into the ascending aorta. A valve repair device is deployed to permanently connect leaflets at a mid-section of a mitral valve while permitting medial and lateral portions of the natural leaflets to open and close. The valve repair device detachably connects the distal and proximal ends of the catheter.

Abstract: A steerable medical instrument, such as a catheter or endoscope, comprises a tubular body having non-steerable section and steerable sections arranged from a proximal end to a distal end thereof. The tubular body defines a tool channel and a plurality of wire conduits formed along the wall of the tubular body. The steerable section includes wire-guiding members arranged in lengthwise direction alternated with void regions. A control wire arranged in a first conduit within the wall of the tubular body is connected to an actuator and transfers an actuating force to bend the steerable section. An electrical cable arranged along the wall of the tubular body has strain relief elements. The strain relief elements are portions of the cable arranged in at least one void region and configured to freely move within the void regions to provide strain relief to the electrical cable when the tubular body bends.

Abstract: The present invention includes an embolic protection device comprising a catheter having a self-expanding embolic filter that is disposed around the catheter proximal to a distal portion, wherein the embolic filter comprises a frame, and the frame defines an opening of the embolic filter that faces the distal end of the catheter; a deployment mechanism that is disposed around at least a portion of the catheter, wherein the deployment mechanism is longitudinally movable with respect to the catheter, the deployment mechanism is configured to contain the embolic filter in a collapsed configuration, and the embolic filter is configured to self-expand upon the longitudinal retraction of the deployment mechanism; and a wire coupled to the frame for expanding the size or diameter of the embolic filter opening.

Abstract: A suturing device includes an elongated body having an outer wall defining an interior space of the body, a shaft located in the interior space, and a needle mounted on a distal end of the shaft. The needle has a distal section transverse to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The distal section of the needle terminates in a first jaw and a second jaw forming a forceps defining a piercing tip. The first jaw and second jaw have a grasping position wherein the first jaw and second jaw grasp a suturing material, and a release position wherein the first jaw and second jaw release the suturing material. After grasping the suturing material with the needle, the shaft rotates the needle to advance the needle and suturing material through tissue and mesh placed on the tissue. Spaced apart portions of the suturing material are then fused to create a suture.

Abstract: A surgical system and method are used to position a guidewire within an anatomical passageway includes the guidewire, a dilator, a reference feature, and a marker. The guidewire has a guidewire body extending to a distal body end portion. The dilator is secured on the distal body end portion and configured to expand from a contracted state to an expanded state. The dilator in the contracted state is configured to pass through an isthmus of a Eustachian tube. The dilator in the expanded state is configured to dilate the Eustachian tube. The reference feature secured relative to the guidewire, and the marker is positioned on the guidewire a predetermined distance from the reference feature. Thereby, the marker is configured to indicate the predetermined distance to an operator for determining a depth of the reference feature in the anatomical passageway.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a curable composition includes a dual barrel syringe including a first syringe barrel with a first plunger, and a second syringe barrel with a second plunger. A static mixer is connected with distal ends of the first and second syringe barrels. The first and second plungers are moveable toward the distal ends of the first and second syringe barrels for expelling first and second components of a curable composition from the distal ends of the barrels into the static mixer for mixing the components to form the curable composition. A flexible spreader connected with a distal end of the static mixer has a flat dispensing opening, and a plurality of channels extending to the flat dispensing opening to dispense the curable composition. A hot gas blower generates a hot gas stream flowing distally over the distal end of the flexible spreader for curing the curable composition.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a puncture includes a cartridge, a pusher member, a sealant, and a tamping device on a proximal end of the cartridge. During use, the cartridge, sealant, and pusher member are advanced over a positioning member and into the puncture by advancing a cartridge hub carrying the tamping device. When further distal advancement of the cartridge is limited, the cartridge hub is further advanced, activating the tamping device, and causing the pusher member to advance relative to the sealant to compress the sealant within the puncture.

Abstract: A tissue retrieval system including a tissue retrieval bag deployable from an introducer and suspended in an open configuration by support arms can include retention features to prevent inadvertent movement of the tissue retrieval bag relative to the support arms. The support arms can include protruding domes, folds, or curls to restrict sliding of the tissue retrieval bag relative to the support arms. Alternately, tension can be maintained in a cord loop coupled to an opening of the tissue retrieval bag to prevent the tissue retrieval bag from inadvertently sliding relative to the support arms.

Abstract: A system for percutaneous delivery of a stented prosthetic heart valve. The system includes a delivery device with a self-expanding prosthetic heart valve attached thereto and a delivery sheath with an opening on a distal end thereof. The delivery sheath includes a funnel on a proximal end thereof. The delivery device is inserted into the funnel of the delivery sheath. As the delivery device is advanced into the funnel, the expanded heart valve is compressed by the shape of the funnel into a crimped arrangement. The delivery device further advances the heart valve distally within the delivery sheath past the delivery sheath opening. The delivery device is advanced relative to the delivery sheath in transitioning the heart valve from a crimped arrangement to the expanded and deployed arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to implants and tools for the fixation or fusion of joints or bone segments. These tools include tissue dilators and protectors. Other tools include broaches used to shape bores in bone. The tools can also include a system for removing an implant from bone. Implants can include assemblies of one or more implant structures that make possible the achievement of diverse interventions involving the fusion and/or stabilization of lumbar and sacral vertebra in a non-invasive manner, with minimal incision, and without the necessitating the removing the intervertebral disc. Implants for fusing both sacroiliac joints of a patient include a long implant that extends across both sacroiliac joints.

Abstract: Implantable leadless pacing devices and medical device systems including an implantable leadless pacing device are disclosed. An example implantable leadless pacing device may include a pacing capsule. The pacing capsule may include a housing. The housing may have a proximal region and a distal region. A first electrode may be disposed along the distal region. One or more anchoring members may be coupled to the distal region. The anchoring members may each include a region with a compound curve.

Abstract: A tissue specimen retrieval device includes a housing, an outer shaft extending from the housing, an end effector assembly extending from the outer shaft, an actuator associated with the housing, and an articulation mechanism operably coupled between the actuator and the end effector assembly. The articulation mechanism includes an articulation block supporting the end effector assembly thereon and is rotatable between first and second orientations to articulate the end effector assembly. A spring biases the articulation block towards the second orientation. An actuation sleeve is slidable relative to the articulation block, in response to actuation of the actuator, from an engaged position, wherein the actuation sleeve is disposed about and retains the articulation block in the first orientation, to a disengaged position, wherein the actuation sleeve is spaced from the articulation block such that the articulation block rotates to the second orientation to articulate the end effector assembly.

Abstract: A surgical applicator for a fastener, the surgical applicator comprising: a handle; a trigger movable relative to the handle between an initial position, an actuated position, and an intermediate position between the initial position and the actuated position; and a lockout mechanism movable relative to the trigger between a locked position and an unlocked position, the lockout mechanism operatively arranged to: lock the trigger in the intermediate position when the trigger is moved from the initial position toward the actuated position; and permit movement of the trigger from the intermediate position toward the initial position or the actuated position when the lockout mechanism is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an ostomy method and an implantation method. The ostomy method includes steps of making an incision in the chest to expose the heart, puncturing the left ventricle with a puncture needle, thrusting the puncture needle into the ventricular septum and then into the right ventricle to form a puncture site on the ventricular septum, and dilating the puncture site of the ventricular septum with a dilator to form an opening. The method of the present disclosure can reduce the death rate.

Abstract: A tissue removal tool for use with an endoscope. The tool includes a loop formed by a piece of wire. The loop is movable between an open position and a closed position. The shape of the loop is defined in the open position by a proximal portion and a distal portion. The piece of wire may have a cross-sectional height in the proximal portion unequal to a cross-sectional height in the distal portion.

Abstract: The system and method for laparoscopic repair of abdominal wall hernia using umbrella mesh includes an umbrella mesh having a substantially circular mesh attached to an umbrella-like frame having a plurality of radially spaced spokes resiliently mounted at a hub, the spokes being hollow and housing helical tacks. The umbrella mesh is folded and mounted on an umbrella load cartridge. The cartridge may be loaded on the distal end of a pistol-grip laparoscopic instrument having a rotary control for orienting the mesh over the weakened area, a mesh release handle for gradually opening and releasing the mesh, and a firing handle for firing helical tacks from the spokes for fastening the mesh to the supporting abdominal wall.