Abstract: A catheter-filter set in an embodiment may be used in a vas through which a biological fluid may flow. This embodiment includes a tubular member, having a lumen disposed along its length and an insertion end for insertion into the vas. The lumen defines a longitudinal axis and a radial direction perpendicular thereto. The embodiment also has a filter, coupled to the tubular member and having a circumference, for trapping undesired particles. Finally, the embodiment includes a resilient member, having compliance in the radial direction, disposed circumferentially about the filter and, when deployed in the vas, forms a seal against the interior wall of the vas. Other embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: A dilation balloon for a catheter with improved folding characteristics for insertion into a body conduit. The balloon surface is generally textured, having a reduced texture longitudinal strip causing preferential controlled folding along the strip. The preferential folding creates curved wings which fold together upon further deflation. The curved, folded wings result in a decreased profile having wing edges oriented so as to decrease contact with conduit walls. A preferred embodiment has raised radial ridges extending around a portion of the circumference of the balloon and a smooth longitudinal surface radially therebetween.

Abstract: An occlusion system treats an aneurysm in a parent vessel. The parent vessel defines a lumen that has a lumen wall. The aneurysm has a neck in communication with the lumen. The occlusion system includes a stent configured for deployment in the parent vessel. The stent has at least a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is permeable to blood flow and is arranged such that, when the stent is deployed, the first portion is spaced from the neck of the aneurysm. The second portion is less permeable to blood flow than the first portion and is arranged such that, when the stent is deployed, the second portion overlies the neck of the aneurysm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and process for correlating points on a spatial body to corresponding points on a data-base body formed from pre-acquired images of the spatial body. The system and process involves matching the spatial points with the corresponding data-base points using relative positional information between the spatial points and the data-base points. Symmetric false matches are detected and discarded by fitting the spatial points and data-base points to a first and second closed body, respectively, and comparing the orientation of the spatial points and the data-base points projected onto the closed bodies.

Abstract: A folding device for holding and folding an IOL and adapted to allow a surgeon to select between loading the IOL into a removably attached IOL injector and between holding the IOL in a folded state for removal with a separate instrument. The folding device includes a pair of opposing sides, each having an upper surface. A plurality of retaining brackets extend upwardly from the upper surfaces of each side. The brackets are adapted for receiving and removably retaining the IOL injector. A hinge couples the sides together along a fold axis and allows the sides to retain the IOL therebetween. The hinge allows the sides to fold together from a planer position about a first fold direction when using the separate instrument and towards each other about a second fold direction when using the IOL injector.

Abstract: A device for enabling crimping of an intravascular stent onto a balloon catheter assembly. The stent crimping device includes a pair of elements, adapted to be held in the hands of the user, which enable one element, in which a stent and balloon catheter assembly are positioned to slidably move relative to the other element, and to move through a tapered opening to crimp the stent onto the balloon catheter assembly.

Abstract: A method for performing transmyocardial revascularization (TMR) comprises the steps of creating an incision in an outer portion of heart tissue of a patient and creating a channel in the patient's myocardium through the incision by advancing a channel creating device into the myocardium beyond the depth of the incision to remove myocardial tissue without removing all outer portion heart tissue coinciding with the channel. As a result, the remaining outer portion tissue acts as a cap to reduce bleeding from the channel subsequent to removal of the channel creating device. The cap may be in the form of an annular flap of myocardial/epicardial tissue. The channel creating device used to create the channel with the method can be either a mechanical coring device or an advancing lasing device.

Abstract: A yoke suitable for connecting an end effector to a manipulator shaft therefor in a surgical instrument. The yoke includes an elongated hollow stem which defines a central passageway for the manipulator shaft and a plurality of barbed flexible leaves unitary with the stem. Each of the leaves terminates in a sphenoid barb portion. Adjacent barb portions define a substantially v-shaped slot therebetween which facilitates the compression and flexing of the leaves during the connection of the manipulator shaft to the surgical instrument.

Abstract: An access platform having a first and a second blade interconnected to a spreader member that laterally drives the blades apart or together and a sternal pad interconnected to a blade. The superior blade is pivotally coupled to the spreader member such that it naturally rises as the blades are separated. Alternatively, a vertical displacement member is operably interconnected to a blade and the spreader member and is used to vertically displace the interconnected superior blade and, thus, increase a surgeon's working space and visual access for the dissection of an internal mammary artery. A tissue retractor is interconnected to the blades to draw the soft tissue around an incision away from the surgeon's working area.

Abstract: A stent/graft catheter delivery handle comprising a housing and a trigger pivotally connected to the housing on one end of the trigger. Squeezing the free end of the trigger towards the handle housing shifts a pawl, which is engaged with grooves on the outer surface of a stent/graft delivery catheter, longitudinally along the length of the catheter. Shifting of the pawl has the effect of retracting the sheath of the catheter relative to the plunger (inner lumen assembly) of the catheter and thus deploying a stent/graft stored in a proximal end of the catheter.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing surgery within a hollow-body organ are provided. A catheter is provided having a longitudinal axis and an end region carrying an end effector, the end region movable to a series of positions along the longitudinal axis and with an selectable orientation relative to the longitudinal axis. The catheter includes elements for stabilizing the end region of the apparatus within a hollow-body organ, and for counteracting reaction forces developed during actuation of the end effector. The end effector provides for tissue cutting and aspiration of severed tissue from a treatment site.

Abstract: A scalpel of the present invention includes an elongate handle defining a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end and a distal end. The scalpel of the invention further includes a cartridge that is removably mounted to the handle. The cartridge has blade holder with a proximal end and a distal end with a blade fixedly attached that is disposed so that the blade projects distally outwardly when the cartridge is mounted to the handle. The cartridge also includes a shield that is slidably mounted onto the blade holder for movement between a distal position where the shield substantially prevents inadvertent access to the blade and a proximal position where the shield substantially surrounds a portion of the handle and the blade is exposed for use. The cartridge is releasably mountable on the handle. The shield is substantially prevented from movement to the proximal position unless the cartridge is mounted on the handle and not dismountable from the handle unless the shield is in the distal position.

Abstract: A surgical scalpel has a retractable sleeve. An elongated handle with a contoured grip portion is releasably attached to a blade holder securing a surgical blade. The blade holder is secured to the handle by a hook and groove assembly and a male to female connection. The sleeve slides between an extended position and a retracted position on the handle and blade holder. The extended position of the sleeve covers the blade thereby protecting operating room personnel. An arch on the sleeve contacts the hook and disengages the hook out of the groove to facilitate removal of the blade holder.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved ultrasonic knife of a type for incising various types of material. The knife has a reduced thermal footprint to tailor thermally induced tissue effects. Tooth configuration on the knife cooperates with the stroke of the ultrasonic drive to produce efficient cutting, as well as tactile feedback to the surgeon with respect to the rate of cutting, and changes in tissue density. Ultrasonic knife tip extenders are also disclosed for advancing the ultrasonic knife tip through the working channel of an endoscope or trocar sheath. Methods utilizing the foregoing apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for establishing and maintaining an airway through the nasal passages. The device is a clip of unitary construction with a proximal "UU" shaped dilating portion adapted to be inserted within the nostrils; the "U's" being connected to one another medially by an elastically deformable extension portion, the extension portion being two straight parallel strips, one end of the strips being integral with the dilating portion and the opposing end of the strip integral with an arcuate septum attachment portion. The septum attachment portion spaces the distal ends of the strips of the extension portion so that the strips straddle and gently squeeze the nasal septum. The device provides maximum air flow through the nostrils. The device is attached to the nose by means of the distal elastically deformable septum attachment portion which is adapted to anatomically conform to and releasably engage the inferior margin of the nasal septum.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for performing procedures such as carpal tunnel release. The instrument consists of an elongated member having a spring or cam plate positioned therein. The spring or cam plate is movable from a retracted position within the elongated member to an extended position protruding through an aperture in the elongated member. Movement of the spring or cam plate to the extended position stretches a flexible membrane positioned over at least a portion of the elongated member to stretch the carpal tunnel ligament.

Abstract: A reusable endoscopic surgical instrument includes a tool assembly and a detachable handle. The tool assembly consists of an outer sleeve to which a surgical jaw assembly such as scissors or graspers is mounted. An inner extension is mounted inside the sleeve and is longitudinally translatable with respect to the sleeve. When the distal end of the extension is in engagement with the jaws of the jaw assembly, translation of the extension causes the jaws to open and close. The extension can be translated out of engagement with the jaws to permit disassembly of the instrument for cleaning and changing jaw assemblies. The tool assembly is retained within the handle assembly. The sleeve is retained within the handle in a longitudinally stationary position with respect to the handle, while the extension is permitted to move longitudinally within the sleeve.

Abstract: A low-profile, self-expanding vascular stent which is preferably cut from a thin tubing. The stent includes helical windings in a single helix, which are joined by bridges for longitudinal and radial strengthening.

Abstract: A coated gut suture is prepared by applying a moisture-retaining substance to the gut suture, followed by coating the suture with a synthetic bioabsorbable polymer. A particularly useful moisture-retaining substance is glycerol. The synthetic bioabsorbable polymer contains a epsilon-caprolactone as the major constituent. The gut suture can be packed in the absence of conventional tubing fluid while retaining flexibility, pliability, and resistance to fray.

Abstract: The invention is a series of minimally invasive, miniature surgical instruments mounted directly on a surgeon's fingertips in a way that the surgeon can insert his or her hand into a patient through a minimal incision to perform surgical procedures, and also to use his or her fingers to manipulate tissues. The invention enables the surgeon to perform the procedures with all the benefits of minimally invasive surgery, but with much greater tactile sense, control, and ease of manipulation, than enabled by known minimally invasive surgical instruments.