Abstract: In various embodiments, a system for delivering an implantable device inside a body cavity includes: 1) a core cannula; 2) an access sheath; 3) an injection apparatus for filling the implantable device with one or more fluids; and 4) expanding members operatively connected to the core cannula for preventing the core cannula from advancing through a body orifice once the core cannula and expanding members exist the access sheath. According to particular embodiments, a distal end of the core cannula is pre-attached to the implantable device through a device locking member. In one or more embodiments, upon assessment, an injection apparatus is removed using an injection apparatus handle, the implantable device is detached from the core cannula via a device deployment handle (to be implanted), and the access sheath is removed.

Abstract: Embodiments of a radially collapsible and expandable prosthetic heart valve are disclosed. A valve frame can have a tapered profile when mounted on a delivery shaft, with an inflow end portion having a smaller diameter than an outflow end portion. The valve can comprise generally V-shaped leaflets, reducing material within the inflow end of the frame. An outer skirt can be secured to the outside of the inflow end portion of the frame, the outer skirt having longitudinal slack when the valve is expanded and lying flat against the frame when the valve is collapsed. A diagonally woven inner skirt can elongate axially with the frame. Side tabs of adjacent leaflets can extend through and be secured to window frame portions of the frame to form commissures. The window frame portions can be depressed radially inward relative to surrounding frame portions when the valve is crimped onto a delivery shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods suitable for application of a curable fluid composition to a bodily organ, such as to a lower portion of a bodily organ. The device comprises a monolithic piece of material having a lower surface, two spaced-apart sides, and two spaced-apart walls connecting the two spaced-apart sides. A receptacle for containing the curable fluid composition is defined by the lower surface, the two sides, and the two walls. At least a portion of the height of the two walls is less than the height of at least a portion of the two sides. The device is deployable underneath the bodily organ such that a lower portion of the bodily organ is supported by at least a portion of each of the two walls.

Abstract: A soft tissue fixation assembly includes a plurality of deformable bone anchors and a suture that is configured to fixedly attach to each of the bone anchors. One or more of the bone anchors can be inserted into a bone, and one or more of the bone anchors can be inserted through soft tissue and into the bone. The suture can be inserted through the bone anchors, and energy can be applied to the anchors, thereby causing a deformable material of the bone anchors to deform, thereby capturing the strand of suture in the bone anchor. The strand of suture can be placed in tension, and can extend over the soft tissue so as to retain the soft tissue in contact with the bone.

Abstract: Embodiments of a radially collapsible and expandable prosthetic heart valve are disclosed. A valve frame can have a tapered profile when mounted on a delivery shaft, with an inflow end portion having a smaller diameter than an outflow end portion. The valve can comprise generally V-shaped leaflets, reducing material within the inflow end of the frame. An outer skirt can be secured to the outside of the inflow end portion of the frame, the outer skirt having longitudinal slack when the valve is expanded and lying flat against the frame when the valve is collapsed. A diagonally woven inner skirt can elongate axially with the frame. Side tabs of adjacent leaflets can extend through and be secured to window frame portions of the frame to form commissures. The window frame portions can be depressed radially inward relative to surrounding frame portions when the valve is crimped onto a delivery shaft.

Abstract: Embodiments of a radially collapsible and expandable prosthetic heart valve are disclosed. A valve frame can have a tapered profile when mounted on a delivery shaft, with an inflow end portion having a smaller diameter than an outflow end portion. The valve can comprise generally V-shaped leaflets, reducing material within the inflow end of the frame. An outer skirt can be secured to the outside of the inflow end portion of the frame, the outer skirt having longitudinal slack when the valve is expanded and lying flat against the frame when the valve is collapsed. A diagonally woven inner skirt can elongate axially with the frame. Side tabs of adjacent leaflets can extend through and be secured to window frame portions of the frame to form commissures. The window frame portions can be depressed radially inward relative to surrounding frame portions when the valve is crimped onto a delivery shaft.

Abstract: Embodiments of a radially collapsible and expandable prosthetic heart valve are disclosed. A valve frame can have a tapered profile when mounted on a delivery shaft, with an inflow end portion having a smaller diameter than an outflow end portion. The valve can comprise generally V-shaped leaflets, reducing material within the inflow end of the frame. An outer skirt can be secured to the outside of the inflow end portion of the frame, the outer skirt having longitudinal slack when the valve is expanded and lying flat against the frame when the valve is collapsed. A diagonally woven inner skirt can elongate axially with the frame. Side tabs of adjacent leaflets can extend through and be secured to window frame portions of the frame to form commissures. The window frame portions can be depressed radially inward relative to surrounding frame portions when the valve is crimped onto a delivery shaft.

Abstract: Embodiments of a radially collapsible and expandable prosthetic heart valve are disclosed. A valve frame can have a tapered profile when mounted on a delivery shaft, with an inflow end portion having a smaller diameter than an outflow end portion. The valve can comprise generally V-shaped leaflets, reducing material within the inflow end of the frame. An outer skirt can be secured to the outside of the inflow end portion of the frame, the outer skirt having longitudinal slack when the valve is expanded and lying flat against the frame when the valve is collapsed. A diagonally woven inner skirt can elongate axially with the frame. Side tabs of adjacent leaflets can extend through and be secured to window frame portions of the frame to form commissures. The window frame portions can be depressed radially inward relative to surrounding frame portions when the valve is crimped onto a delivery shaft.

Abstract: A method for use of a double-structured tissue implant or a secondary scaffold stand-alone implant for treatment of tissue defects. The double-structured tissue implant comprising a primary scaffold and a secondary scaffold consisting of a soluble collagen solution in combination with a non-ionic surfactant generated and positioned within the primary scaffold. A method of use of a stand-alone secondary scaffold implant or unit for treatment of tissue defects.

Abstract: Ultrasonic surgical instruments having angularly and/or linearly off-set blades are described. The angularly and/or linearly off-set blades may facilitate increased surgical site access, visibility, and manipulability.

Abstract: A tattoo needle tip (10) with a capillary ink reservoir (13) and combined device thereof are provided. The tattoo needle tip (10) includes a needle tip body (11). A needle passage (100) is defined inside the needle tip body (11) for placing a tattoo needle (20). The needle opening (12) is communicated with the needle passage (100). A capillary disposed ink reservoir (13) directly connected to the needle opening (12) whereby can directly feed ink to the sharp end of the tattoo needle (20).

Abstract: Embodiments of a radially collapsible and expandable prosthetic heart valve are disclosed. A valve frame can have a tapered profile when mounted on a delivery shaft, with an inflow end portion having a smaller diameter than an outflow end portion. The valve can comprise generally V-shaped leaflets, reducing material within the inflow end of the frame. An outer skirt can be secured to the outside of the inflow end portion of the frame, the outer skirt having longitudinal slack when the valve is expanded and lying flat against the frame when the valve is collapsed. A diagonally woven inner skirt can elongate axially with the frame. Side tabs of adjacent leaflets can extend through and be secured to window frame portions of the frame to form commissures. The window frame portions can be depressed radially inward relative to surrounding frame portions when the valve is crimped onto a delivery shaft.

Abstract: Suturing devices and systems used to apply sutures and/or to close openings at, within, or into a biological structure. The suturing device can comprise an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, one or more distal arms, one or more proximal extensions, and one or more needles. A sheath may be used with the device to maintain or substantially maintain haemostasis while the device is used and while a procedure is performed in the biological structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical apparatus, in particular a navigation probe for localizing and treating lesions in a brain, comprising: a body member (10) having an anterior end (20), a posterior end (30) and at least one groove (60, 62) extending for a particular length in a longitudinal direction of the body member (10) between said anterior end (20) and said posterior end (30); a saddle (70) adapted to securely hold a medical device, the saddle (70) being placed on said body member (10) and having at least one grip (74, 75, 76) that extends into said at least one groove (60, 62) so as to mount the saddle (70) on the body member (10) moveable in said longitudinal direction; and a means for maneuvering said body member (10).

Abstract: An implant (1) to be used for the occlusion of bifurcation aneurysms, with the implant (1) having an expanded state in which it is implanted in the blood vessel (Z) and a contracted state in which it is movable through the blood vessel (Z) and a proximal fixing section (3) a distal section (5) where the implant (1) is radially widened relative to the fixing section (3) and which is intended for placement in or in front of the aneurysm (A), and a transition section (4) located between the fixing section (3) and the distal section (5), wherein the implant (1). The implant is composed of interconnected or intersecting filaments (10) originating from the fixing section (3) or distal section (5) which meet centrally in the transition section (4), wherein the filaments (10) in the transition section (4) at least to some extent pass through a sleeve (7).

Abstract: There is disclosed a tool kit including differently sized and shaped tongue-cleaning working tips. The working tips generally include a distal working blade for engagement with the surface of the tongue. In some embodiments, the distal working blades are planar and may include one or more bends between planar sections or portions. In other embodiments of the tongue-cleaning working tips, the working blades are curved. The tongue-cleaning working tips may optionally include a proximal mounting stem extending proximally from the distal working blade to allow for better access to certain regions of the tongue. Additionally, the distal working blades of the tongue-cleaning working tips may be tapered to further reach desired areas of the tongue.

Abstract: A detachment system for delivering an implantable medical device to a target location of a body vessel has a generally hollow distal tube. The distal tube includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a compressible portion of the tube itself, between the proximal and distal ends which is axially movable from a compressed to an elongated condition. A generally hollow proximal tube has a proximal end and a distal end. A coupling joins the proximal and distal tubes. An engagement system engages and deploys the implantable medical device engaged at the distal end of the distal tube. The engagement system moves the compressible portion to the compressed condition when engaging the implantable medical device, and deploys the implantable medical device and releases the compressible portion to the elongated condition.

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: Robotic surgical tools can incorporate a latching mechanism as a secondary fastener to maintain operable coupling between the robotic surgical tool and a mounting fixture of a robotic manipulator. Such robotic surgical tools may comprise: a tool housing, an elongate shaft extending from the tool housing, and a latching mechanism arranged on the elongate shaft. The latching mechanism comprises one or more retention tabs that are biased radially outward with one or more biasing members. The one or more retention tabs are configured to transition between a retracted state and a deployed state under influence of a biasing force supplied by the one or more biasing members. In the deployed state, the one or more retention tabs are positioned to engage an exterior surface of a mounting fixture of a robotic manipulator. In the retracted state, the one or more retention tabs are positioned to disengage from the mounting fixture.

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.