Abstract: A device comprising a plate with attached suture including a portal and possibly including a fastener for the suture which can be used to dynamically reposition nasal cartilage to repair upper lateral cartilage, to splint septal cartilage, or to aid in scar inhibition in wound closure.

Abstract: A filter retrieval system for retrieving a previously implanted medical filter, and methods of using the retrieval system, are disclosed. The filter retrieval system has a flexible shaft, a retrieval element, and a handle with an actuator. The flexible shaft may be catheter-based, and has a proximal and a distal end, and has an opening near its distal end. The handle is affixed to the shaft near the proximal end of the shaft, and the actuator is adapted to manipulate the retrieval element. When an operator manipulates the actuator, the retrieval element is adapted to protrude slightly from the shaft opening. As the actuator is operated, the retrieval element can grasp or hook or otherwise engage a portion of the filter, and then pull the filter in through the opening into a passage or lumen of the catheter shaft. The retrieval system is capable of retrieving a filter in into a proximal and distal space defined by the flexible shaft, though only one space at a time.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis intended, primarily for the repair of muscle wall defects such as occur in inguinal hernias is fabricated from a surgically compatible mesh material having a prismatic external mesh wall (1). The prismatic shape includes three lobes (2), providing a generally triangular cross-sectional shape. The shape is maintained by internal reinforcing ribs (3), which here extend the length of the prism. The ribs are formed through the connection of three individual mesh strips (4), with each rib comprising two strip parts forming a lamination extending the length of the prism. With this construction closure of elongate legions is readily achieved and a wide range of elongate shapes and dimensions of hernias can be treated.

Abstract: A device and method for treatment of atrioventricular regurgitation comprises a suturing device. The suturing device is configured to be introducible, via blood vessels leading to the heart, to two leaflets of the atrioventricular valve between the atrium and a corresponding ventricle of the heart. The suturing device is configured for binding together the two leaflets along the free edges of the leaflets. A method of using the device includes inserting the suturing device into a catheter, introducing the catheter to the heart and positioning a distal end of the catheter close to two leaflets of an atrioventricular valve, capturing the free edges of the two leaflets with the suturing device in its open state, binding together the two leaflets by transition of the suturing device into its closed state, and retracting the catheter from the heart. As a result, the closing of the valve is improved.

Abstract: A medical device for endoscopically deploying a hemostatic clip adapted to compress tissue. The hemostatic clip comprises a ring portion adapted to fit on a distal end of an endoscope and a plurality of legs attached to the ring portion, each of the legs being movable between an open position and a closed position to compress tissue. The device may include an actuator mechanism to move each of the legs from the open position to the closed position. The device may include a releasable attachment connecting the clip to the endoscope. The clip may include a hinge connecting the ring portion to each of the legs.

Abstract: A stent assembly comprises a proximal stent and a distal stent. Each stent has a tubular body defining a stent lumen and a circumference. A proximal flap extends from the distal end of the proximal stent and a distal flap extends from the proximal end of the distal stent. Each flap defines only a portion of the circumference. In an expanded state the proximal flap and the distal flap form a side branch support having a side branch support lumen. The side branch support lumen is in fluid communication with the stent lumen and has a longitudinal axis different from that of the stent lumen.

Abstract: A high strength abrasion resistant surgical suture material with improved tie down characteristics and tissue compliance includes poly(p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole) (PBO). The suture features a multifilament jacket formed of braided strands of PBO, optionally with fibers of polyester, silk, nylon or aramid strands as an enhancer. In one embodiment, the braided jacket surrounds a core formed of twisted strands of PBO. The suture has exceptional strength, is ideally suited for most orthopedic procedures, and can be attached to a suture anchor or a curved needle.