Abstract: A surgical instrument, has an end effector that includes an ultrasonic blade, and a clamp arm that moves relative to the ultrasonic blade from an opened position toward an intermediate position and a closed position. The clamp arm is offset from the ultrasonic blade to define a predetermined gap in the intermediate position between the opened position and the closed position. A clamp arm actuator connects to the clamp arm and moves from an opened configuration to a closed configuration to direct the clamp arm from the opened position toward the intermediate position and the closed position. A spacer connects with the clamp arm to inhibit movement of the clamp arm from the intermediate position toward the closed position for maintaining the predetermined gap between the clamp arm and the ultrasonic blade.

Abstract: A delivery device for a collapsible prosthetic heart valve, the delivery device including an inner shaft, a distal sheath disposed about a portion of the inner shaft and forming a compartment with the inner shaft, the compartment being adapted to receive the prosthetic heart valve, the inner shaft and the distal sheath being movable relative to one another, and a handle including a frame having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, the handle further including a deployment actuator and a hub, each of the deployment actuator and the hub being independently capable of opening and closing the compartment, the hub further including a hub actuator coupled to the inner shaft.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward catheter-based apparatuses, such as componentry utilized with or as part of catheters, or as catheters or catheter assemblies. As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments, a method and/or apparatus involves a filter having a frame that forms a perimeter of the filter and separates opposing surfaces thereof. An articulated arm is connected to the frame and configured therewith to, when deployed within a tubular organ, engage with opposing inner sidewall portions of the tubular organ and to utilize the inner sidewall portions to seal filter to the inner sidewall by applying force to the frame.

Abstract: A system includes a manipulator arm and a cannula mount arm. The manipulator arm includes a link and a locking assembly coupled to the link. The cannula mount arm includes a latch. The cannula mount arm is configured to be extended from the link to an extended position. The locking assembly is configured to engage with the latch when the cannula mount arm is extended from the link to the extended position so as to lock the cannula mount arm in the extended position. Activation of an electrical component coupled to the locking assembly is inhibited when a cannula is docked to the cannula mount arm.

Abstract: Described here are devices for closing one or more tissues, and handles for controlling these devices. Generally, the devices described here comprise a snare loop assembly, wherein the snare loop assembly comprises a snare and a suture loop, and a handle for controlling the snare loop assembly. In some variations the snare loop assembly may comprise a retention member that may releasably connect the suture loop to the snare. In other variations the devices comprise one or more force-reducing suture locks to help prevent the suture loop from inadvertently disengaging from the snare loop assembly. In still other variations, the excess-suture management features. The handles described here may be configured to remove excess suture from a suture loop, and may also be configured to release the suture loop from the snare loop assembly.

Abstract: The stress reducing sleep mask uses a construction of layered lightweight fabrics that, when combined through the manufacturing process, effectively block light, enhance air flow, and improve comfort. The unique combination of materials and molded construction (forming) allows the mask to conform as needed around specific facial anatomical landmarks, reducing gaps that allow light filtration. This device includes a refined headband adjustment, which eliminates the need for uncomfortable buckles, or applications that create other forms of discomfort due to sleeping position or hair entanglements. An integrated acupressure device, which has been shown in clinical studies to induce calm and relaxation, helps users to fall asleep more easily. The pressure of the device can be controlled through adjustment of the headband.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are described herein to provide improved steerability for delivering a prosthesis to a body location, for example, for delivering a replacement mitral valve to a native mitral valve location. The delivery system can include a number of advantageous steering and delivery features, in particular for the transseptal delivery approach.

Abstract: An anchoring system includes an anchor including an anchor body and a distal member located at a distal end of the anchor body, the distal member having a suture receiving aperture; and an implant delivery device, comprising: a cannulated outer shaft, the cannulated outer shaft configured to engage a proximal end of the anchor body for driving the anchor into a bore; and an inner shaft slidably received in the cannulated outer shaft, wherein a distal end of the inner shaft is extendable distally beyond a distal end section of the cannulated outer shaft such that, when the cannulated outer shaft is engaging the proximal end of the anchor body, the distal end of the inner shaft is extendable through the anchor body to a distance beyond the distal end of the anchor body to engage a suture located within the suture receiving aperture, wherein the anchoring system is configured such that the suture can be tensioned at a location within the bore distal from the anchor body before the anchor body is implanted within

Abstract: An apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue is provided and includes a handle assembly and a shaft assembly. The handle assembly includes a drive assembly; and a trigger operatively connected to the drive assembly. The shaft assembly extends from the handle assembly and includes an articulating neck assembly; and an end effector assembly supported on a distal end of the articulating neck assembly and being configured to form a surgical clip in place on the body tissue.

Abstract: A stent graft retention system for retaining a stent graft on a delivery device is provided. The stent graft retention system includes a stent graft, a stent, and a plurality of discrete retention wire forms at least one of which is configured to engage a trigger wire.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an device for dispensing an acupuncture needle. The device comprises a thrust, a coupling mechanism coupled to the thrust, a biasing mechanism adapted to bias the thrust towards an initial position, a housing, and a conduit. The housing comprises a first cavity portion adapted to receive the thrust, the coupling mechanism and the biasing mechanism, and a second cavity portion in fluid communication with the first cavity portion. The second cavity portion has a smaller cross-sectional area than the first cavity portion, and the thrust is received in the first cavity portion. The conduit is adapted to guide an acupuncture needle toward the coupling mechanism disposed within the housing. This disclosure further describes a method of using said device for inserting an acupuncture needle into the dermis of a subject.

Abstract: A bending and extending device 1 comprises an elastic hollow guide unit 2 and a movable part 3 to be movably inserted into the guide unit 2. The movable part 3 is constituted, either partially or entirely, of a plurality of belt-like flexible parts 30a and 30b, which extend in the axial direction of the guide unit 2 and the flexible parts 30a and 30b are connected at distal ends.

Abstract: A tissue expander is disclosed herein. The tissue expander may comprise a shell defining a chamber, and having a flexible wall and a port disposed through the flexible wall. The shell may also include a channel disposed through the flexible wall. A first syringe containing a first volume of a liquid may be connected to the chamber of the tissue expander via the channel. A second syringe containing a second volume of the liquid may be connected to the chamber via the port at least approximately one week after the first volume of liquid is injected. The first volume of liquid may be injected more quickly than the second volume of liquid.

Abstract: A multi-functional pacifier keeps the baby preoccupied while providing entertainment and nutritional benefits. The assembly includes an interchangeable nipple, refillable liquid cartridges for supplying nutritional liquids and nutrients, a rattle toy attached to a clip hook, a detachable teether, and a glow-in-the-dark strap.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides visual tweezers, includes a first shell, a first clamping arm rotatably connected to an end portion of the first shell, a second clamping arm rotatably connected to an end portion of the first shell and forming a clamping structure with the first clamping arm, and a push block slidably connected to the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm and configured to control opening and closing angles of the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm during sliding, wherein a first sliding slot is formed in the first clamping arm; a second sliding slot is formed in the second clamping arm; an angle between an extending direction of the first sliding slot and an extending direction of the second sliding slot is an acute angle.

Abstract: A microsurgical device and methods of its use can be used for treatment of various conditions including eye diseases, such as glaucoma, using minimally invasive surgical techniques. A device can be used for cutting the trabecular meshwork (“TM”) in the eye. The device tip provides entry into the Schlemm's canal via its size (i.e., for example, 0.2-0.3 mm width) and configuration where a ramp elevates the TM away from the outer wall of the Schlemm's canal and guides the TM to first and second lateral elements for creating first and second incisions through the TM. The dimensions and configuration of the device is such that an entire strip of TM is removed without leaving TM leaflets behind and without causing collateral damage to adjacent tissues.

Abstract: A microsurgical device and methods of its use can be used for treatment of various conditions including eye diseases, such as glaucoma, using minimally invasive surgical techniques. A dual-blade device can be used for cutting the trabecular meshwork (“TM”) in the eye. The device tip provides entry into the Schlemm's canal via its size (i.e., for example, 0.2-0.3 mm width) and configuration where a ramp elevates the TM away from the outer wall of the Schlemm's canal and guides the TM to first and second lateral elements for creating first and second incisions through the TM. The dimensions and configuration of the blade is such that an entire strip of TM is removed without leaving TM leaflets behind and without causing collateral damage to adjacent tissues.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hemostatic semi-solid paste material comprising a bioabsorbable carrier hemostatic material; and a supplemental hemostatic agent; wherein the paste material has an elongated form extending along a lengthwise axis with an aspect ratio of at least 3; wherein the paste is self-supporting and syringe extrudable; and wherein the supplemental hemostatic agent has a non-homogenous distribution profile across a cross-section taken across the lengthwise axis. In another aspect, the present invention relates to devices for forming and expressing the hemostatic material.

Abstract: The present disclosure is concerned with epilator having an epilator head that has a head housing and a skin contacting unit arranged for being pivotable with respect to the head housing around a first axis and a handle arranged for being held by a user's hand, wherein the epilator head is pivotably connected with the handle and is arranged for being pivotable with respect to the handle around a second axis, the first axis and the second axis being essentially perpendicular to each other and the first axis and the second axis have a distance to each other and wherein the epilator head comprises a neck portion that is connected with the handle to establish a separable but otherwise fixed connection and the head housing comprises a cylindrically or spherically shaped neck wall, which neck wall is arranged to immerse into a hollow defined by the neck portion when the head housing pivots around the second axis.

Abstract: A combined magnetic and bioabsorbable device for ventral hernia closure and/or tension distribution for maintenance of tissue apposition for healing, while avoiding a long-term footprint of foreign material and precluding materials spanning the interior layer of the abdominal closure where risk to visceral structures exists.