Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a medical device on a patient includes a mounting structure configured to be fitted onto the patient to encircle at least a portion of a body part of the patient. The mounting structure includes an inner layer and an outer layer that define a confinement. A jamming material is contained within the confinement. The jamming material is configured to flow within the confinement to conform to the shape of the body part of the patient onto which the mounting structure is fitted. The mass of jamming material is configured to harden and become rigid in its conformed shape in response to a vacuum being formed in the confinement.

Abstract: A fastening system and a deployment system for controlling translation and rotation of a deployment device are presented. A fastening system may comprise one or more components configured for arresting or restricting translation of a delivery catheter of a medical device, including a mitral valve fixation device such as the MitraClip®. A deployment system may comprise one or more components configured for locking rotation of a crimping cam to a slider to control deployment of a mitral valve fixation device.

Abstract: The devices and methods can provide short-term strength and rigidity and long-term stability and support after a bone and/or ligament injury in a single procedure. An orthopedic fixation device may include a body having a first end, a second end, and a length therebetween. The body may include a first portion, a second portion and a shaft portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The shaft portion may include one or more bioabsorbable materials. The body may include an internal channel disposed along the length. The device may also include a suture being disposed within the internal channel.

Abstract: Tissue ligation systems and methods are provides to mechanically strangulate abnormal or undesirable tissue. Tissue ligation systems include a multi-lumen catheter having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of a standard endoscope channel such that the catheter can be inserted into the endoscope. Tissue ligation systems also include a ligation apparatus with an expandable hood disposed at the distal end of the catheter. A suture extends through a lumen of the catheter and has a distal loop portion that can strangulate tissue.

Abstract: The instant disclosure is directed to devices and methods for deploying a biased occlusion clamp. In addition, the present disclosure includes devices and methods for deploying a biased occlusion clamp using robotics. Moreover, the present disclosure includes devices and methods for reducing the force necessary to open an occlusion clamp without permanently compromising the clamping force of the clamp itself.

Abstract: An apparatus for retracting a sheath from over an expandable medical device includes a shell, configured to couple to a longitudinal element, a carriage disposed within the shell and configured to couple to the sheath, and a lever protruding from the shell. The lever is configured to retract the sheath while a distal end of the longitudinal element contacts the expandable medical device, by rotating proximally so as to move the carriage proximally by a first distance, and, subsequently to rotating proximally, sliding proximally so as to move the carriage proximally by a second distance. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An embolic filter device has a tubular structure having a front end, a first section, a first section rear end, a left collection pocket formed in the first section rear end, a right collection pocket formed in the first section rear end, a first narrow passage, a second section, a second section front end, a second section rear end, a left second section collection pocket, a right second section collection pocket, a second narrow passage, and a rear end.

Abstract: A medical device for treating a PFO is presented as well as a mechanism for its delivery, repositioning and/or removal. The device includes a wire or cable framework of six shape-memory cables formed into a right side having six loops that support a right side sail and a left side having six loops that support a left side sail. The right side loops and left side loops are connected together via waist members that extend between the right side and left side loops. Each cable is threaded through a through hole of a central post and pass through one of each of four types of connecting collars that establish the basic shape of the PFO device and retain the cables together to form a flexible and resilient PFO device.

Abstract: An atherectomy system includes an atherectomy burr and a drive mechanism that is adapted to rotatably actuate the atherectomy burr and to accommodate a guidewire extending therethrough. A controller is adapted to regulate operation of the drive mechanism. A guidewire extends through the drive mechanism and an electromagnetic guidewire clamp is adapted to releasably secure the guidewire relative to the drive mechanism.

Abstract: Suture buttons are disclosed for fixing two bones together. The suture buttons may enable surgeons to more easily and effectively implement the suture button technique, such as to repair syndesmosis injuries in ankles. A first suture button includes a pulley peg extending from a button head. The pulley peg may be positioned with a bone hole upon installation of the first suture button, which may help protect suture and help reduce potential patient discomfort. The second suture button helps facilitate the second suture button flipping into place upon deployment from a button inserter. Each of the first and second provided suture buttons may help reduce friction between the respective buttons and suture during an installation procedure. The first and second provided suture buttons may be used together in a surgical procedure or individually with other suitable buttons or anchors.

Abstract: A barbed mesh device is provided for tissue closure and tissue support when the tissue is closed by other means. The device includes a macroporous mesh with a plurality of intersections or apertures and a plurality of barbs extending from the plurality of intersections or apertures on at least one side of the mesh. The plurality of barbs each include a barb body and a plurality of projections extending at an angle from the barb body.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a housing having a tubular member extending therefrom. The tubular member has inner and outer walls defining an annular lumen therebetween. A passageway extends between proximal and distal openings of the tubular member. The passageway is configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough. A conduit is disposed in the annular lumen and includes spiral segments where each spiral segment is engaged with an adjacent spiral segment. The conduit is flexible in a first state and is fixed in a second state. A valve assembly is coupled to the housing and includes a port that is in fluid communication with the annular lumen. The port is attachable to a source of fluid.

Abstract: An alternative to using a stent, a catheter apparatus and method removes arterial plaque within an isolated environment at a target site while separately maintaining continuous blood flow, then removed post procedure. A catheter head has a tubular array for providing a plaque treatment solution within a first layer of the catheter apparatus without the same entering the blood stream, and for receiving a guide-wire to position the apparatus at the target site. The first layer has a plurality of flap members, with each defining an air pressure regulated pore for plaque removal using an inflow tube and an outflow tube. A separate second layer of the catheter apparatus accommodates continuous blood flow during the procedure. A third layer of the catheter apparatus contains the selectively inflatable balloon. When the balloon is inflated, the catheter head and the catheter end cap each inflate to supports the arterial wall.