Abstract: A compression ring to grip and compress body structure such as diverticulum, hemorrhoids, and tissue adjacent a hole. A resilient ring-shaped body defines a compression channel, and an elongated axially rigid gripping member extends diametrically across the through-opening. The gripping member can rest on a flange on the opposite side of the through-opening or engage with a second gripping member that extends diametrically across the through-opening from the opposite side of the ring. Or, a flexible cage structure can be disposed in the through-opening.

Abstract: An adjustable anchor system provides for securing tissue to bone and includes an anchor with a collapsible suture loop affixed thereto and a tissue suture connected to the collapsible suture loop. After the tissue suture is loaded into the tissue and the anchor implanted into the bone the collapsible loop is collapsed to tension the tissue suture.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing a surgical anastomotic procedure are disclosed herein. Apparatus according to the present disclosure include at least one fastener including a first fastener portion having an anchoring leg portion, a second fastener portion including an anchoring leg portion, wherein the first and second fastener portions are operatively associated with one another to selectively fix the position of the first fastener portion relative to the second fastener portion.

Abstract: Large diameter self-expanding endoprosthetic devices, such as stents and stent grafts for delivery to large diameter vessels, such as the aorta, are disclosed having very small compacted delivery dimensions. Devices with deployed dimensions of 26 to 40 mm or more are disclosed that are compacted to extremely small dimensions of 5 mm or less, enabling percutaneous delivery of said devices without the need for surgical intervention. Compaction efficiencies are achieved by combining unique material combinations with new forms of restraining devices, compaction techniques, and delivery techniques. These inventive devices permit consistent percutaneous delivery of large vessel treatment devices. Additionally, small endoprosthetic devices are disclosed that can be compacted to extremely small dimensions for delivery through catheter tubes of less than 1 mm diameter.

Abstract: A biopsy marking apparatus for placing a radiopaque marker at the location of a percutaneous biopsy. The biopsy marking apparatus comprises an introducer in combination with a radiopaque marker. The introducer ejects the radiopaque marker at the location of the biopsy. The introducer is configured to completely eject the radiopaque marker and prevent it from being subsequently drawn into the introducer as the introducer is removed from the biopsied tissue mass. The radiopaque marker has enhanced radiopaque characteristics and enhanced non-migration characteristics.

Abstract: A device that is at least partially formed of a biodegradable polymer. The device can be at least partially formed by MEMS technology. The device can include one or more micro-structures that are also formed by MEMS technology. The device can include one or more agents that can be controllably and/or uncontrollably released from the device.

Abstract: A biopsy marking apparatus for placing a radiopaque marker at the location of a percutaneous biopsy. The biopsy marking apparatus comprises an introducer in combination with a radiopaque marker. The introducer ejects the radiopaque marker at the location of the biopsy. The introducer is configured to completely eject the radiopaque marker and prevent it from being subsequently drawn into the introducer as the introducer is removed from the biopsied tissue mass. The radiopaque marker has enhanced radiopaque characteristics and enhanced non-migration characteristics.

Abstract: Medical devices for filtering fluids flowing through a lumen and a method of forming medical devices. The devices can be used in vascular channels, urinary tracts, biliary ducts and the like, and filter emboli and other debris generated at a treatment site.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for dissecting tissue along a vessel include a cannula having a tubular body and at least one lumen extending the length of the body to receive an endoscope in the lumen with a viewing end disposed near the distal end of the body that is covered by a transparent, tissue-separating tapered tip. Endoscopic viewing through the tip is enhanced by tapering the inner walls thereof to a cusp adjacent the distal end of the tip in order to reduce visual distortion. Alternatively, a removable or deflectable tip exposes a dissection probe that is manipulatable along a vessel and past lateral branching vessels at the distal end of the cannula as visualized by the endoscope through the transparent tip. Tissue overlaying an artery, for example, the superior epigastric artery, is bluntly dissected to establish an elongated working cavity of bluntly-dissected tissue.

Abstract: A safety device and procedure for use in correlating a patient and an intended surgical procedure uses a micro-chip programmed with specific information about the patient and the surgery. Part of the information lists an authorized person that may remove the micro-chip. The micro-chip is attached to the patient at the anatomical location of the intended surgery. The chip is scanned to retrieve the information before surgery and if the patient and the surgery are correlated, a printout is placed in the patient's chart. The authorized person removes the chip and surgery proceeds.

Abstract: The present invention includes a radiopaque stent comprising a cylindrical main body. The tubular main body comprises a cobalt chromium alloy that comprises cobalt, chromium and one or more radiopaque materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a folder module for folding a flexible intraocular implant for injection into the eye of a patient. The module comprises two jaws that are movable relative to each other, each jaw having a folder wall constituted by a portion of a cylindrical surface, and a plane wall secured to the folder wall, the two plane walls lying in parallel planes; a pivot axis orthogonal to the plane walls to control relative pivoting movement of one jaw relative to the other; one of the jaws being capable of occupying relative to the other a first position in which said plane walls are offset relative to each other; a second position in which the plane walls face each other so as to define an implant confinement volume; and a third position in which the folder walls meet each other to define a folder chamber enabling the implant to be finally folded.

Abstract: The present invention embodies an endovascular graft having an attachment frame connection mechanism that allows placement of the main body component in vasculature in combination with limb components. Various limb component-to-main body component attachment mechanisms are provided which ensure a reliable bond while facilitating a smaller delivery profile.

Abstract: A suture anchor having a conical surface and a bore in which an end of an insertion tool is inserted. The insertion end of the insertion tool is made of material having elastic properties. The bore and base of the suture anchor are angled with respect to the central axis of the suture anchor and preferably are parallel to each other. During insertion, the suture anchor is reoriented to fit into the hole, thereby bending the elastic end of the insertion tool. When the suture anchor is within cancellous bone tissue, the elastic properties of the insertion tool deploy the suture anchor to an orientation in which the suture anchor cannot fit through the bone hole, thereby firmly anchoring the suture anchor in the human bone.

Abstract: Provided herein is a port apparatus and method for inserting a tube device, in particular peritoneal dialysis catheters, into an organism. Access to the peritoneal cavity for dialysis is established by creating a controlled cutaneoperitoneal fistula with a catheter device that bridges the abdominal wall. The apparatus is designed to minimize the occurrence of mechanical complications associated with traditional catheter implantation techniques, such as catheter obstruction from the omentum, catheter displacement to a position of poor drainage function, leaks and hernias. The device is capable of performing its functions in a simple, safe, accurate, reproducible, and expeditious fashion. In particular embodiments, a serial gas-check assembly is provided that maintains pneumatic competence and prevent the backflow/leakage of insufflation gas or fluids.

Abstract: Medical balloons and balloon preforms are made by methods which include the step of selectively removing material from the proximal and/or distal ends of a segment. In the case of a thermoplastic material characterized by one or more glass transition temperatures, the segment may optionally be maintained at a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the segment during the material removal step.

Abstract: Provided herein is a port apparatus and method for inserting a tube device, in particular peritoneal dialysis catheters, into an organism. Access to the peritoneal cavity for dialysis is established by creating a controlled cutaneoperitoneal fistula with a catheter device that bridges the abdominal wall. The apparatus is designed to minimize the occurrence of mechanical complications associated with traditional catheter implantation techniques, such as catheter obstruction from the omentum, catheter displacement to a position of poor drainage function, leaks and hernias. The device is capable of performing its functions in a simple, safe, accurate, reproducible, and expeditious fashion.

Abstract: A surgical needle having a base portion defining a root diameter and a tapered end portion extending from said base portion to a pointed end, the tapered end portion defining at least a first and second region, wherein the first region having an average taper ratio of approximately 2.76:1 and the second region having an average taper ratio of approximately 5.65:1.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for use in treatment of premature rupture of membranes. The compositions of the invention include a therapeutic amount of an avian thick egg white composition. Preferably, the compositions include the purified thick egg white protein, ovomucin. The methods of the invention involve injecting an effective amount of the compositions into the prematurely ruptured amniotic sac of a patient in order to seal the rupture.

Abstract: Lancet device having an adjustable penetration depth. The lancet device includes a housing, a cap for covering the housing and for positioning the lancet device relative to a skin surface, a needle holding member for holding a lancet which needle holding member is at least partially contained within the housing, a biasing element for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position, and a trigger for releasing the needle holding member from a retracted position. The lancet device further includes a mechanism for adjusting a penetration depth of a lancet. The penetration depth adjustment mechanism may involve adjusting a travel distance of the needle holding member, wherein the mechanism is positioned within at least one of the housing and the cap during at least a portion of length of travel of the needle holding member. The penetration depth adjustment mechanism may involve adjusting a travel distance of the needle holding member by adjusting a length of the needle holding member.