Abstract: A method and an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes disposing a cover about a capillary used in a side-firing optical fiber. The cover can be used to protect the capillary when being inserted through an endoscope for medical treatment. In some embodiments, the cover can be a low-profile cover such as a coating made of a light-sensitive polymer or like material. At least a portion of the coating can be removed after insertion by exposing the light-sensitive material to laser energy transmitted from an optical-fiber-core end housed within the capillary. In other embodiments, the cover can be a slideable or moveable low-profile sleeve or metal cover. During insertion, the sleeve or metal cover is positioned over the capillary. After insertion, the sleeve or metal cover is retracted to expose the area to be treated to side-fired laser energy transmitted from the capillary.

Abstract: Implant delivery systems are disclosed. In general overview, an exemplary system includes any number of the following: a delivery device, a sling assembly, guide members, and connectors that interconnect the above. Embodiments of all the above components and their combinations are disclosed. Methods of using the above system in suprapubic, prepubic, transvaginal, trans-obturator and other approaches are also disclosed.

Abstract: In some implementations, a medical device includes a clamp component and a strap. The clamp component has a portion configured to be placed around a urethra of a patient. The clamp component includes a first end portion configured to be lockably coupled to a second end portion of the clamp component. The strap has a portion extending between a first portion of the portion of the clamp component and a second portion of the portion of the clamp component.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a stent includes an elongate member and a distal retention member. The elongate member is configured to be disposed within a ureter of a patient and has a first portion, a second portion and a plurality of beads bonded together. The plurality of beads define a plurality of spaces between the plurality of beads. The plurality of spaces are configured to allow fluid to flow from the first portion of the elongate member to the second portion of the elongate member. The distal retention member is configured to help maintain a portion of the stent within a kidney of the patient.

Abstract: A system for accessing a patient's body may include an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, and two lumens. The elongate member may include two lumens and a thickness of material extending between external and internal surfaces of the elongate member. The system may also include a first illumination device associated with a first of the two lumens such that a portion of the first illumination device may extend into the thickness of material. A second illumination device may be associated with the second of the two lumens such that a portion of the second illumination device may extend into the thickness of material. Further, the system may include an imaging device having a first portion extending into the thickness of material, a second portion protruding into the first of the two lumens, and a third portion protruding into the second of the two lumens.

Abstract: The invention features systems, methods, and devices relating to delivering a sling to an anatomical site in the body of a patient.

Abstract: A medical device having a valve member and a securing member is provided. The valve member is configured to be positioned inside a bodily passageway. The valve member includes a plurality of flaps configured to move from a first position to a second position at a predetermined pressure or in response to being exposed to a predetermined pressure. The securing member is configured to be positioned outside the bodily passageway. The securing member is configured to help retain the valve member in place within the bodily passageway.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes disposing a cover about a capillary used in a side-firing optical fiber. The cover can be used to protect the capillary when being inserted through an endoscope for medical treatment. In some embodiments, the cover can be a low-profile cover such as a coating made of a light-sensitive polymer or like material. At least a portion of the coating can be removed after insertion by exposing the light-sensitive material to laser energy transmitted from an optical-fiber-core end housed within the capillary. In other embodiments, the cover can be a slideable or moveable low-profile sleeve or metal cover. During insertion, the sleeve or metal cover is positioned over the capillary. After insertion, the sleeve or metal cover is retracted to expose the area to be treated to side-fired laser energy transmitted from the capillary.

Abstract: A method and device for the treatment of fecal incontinence is disclosed. The method includes disposing a bodily implant proximate to an anal canal of a patient. The bodily implant has a strip extending along a length between a first end portion and a second end portion. The strip has a set of first projections and a set of second projections extending along at least a portion of a longitudinal edge of the strip, such that the set of the first projections are inclined toward the second end portion of the strip and the set of the second projections are inclined toward the first end portion of the strip.

Abstract: A bodily implant is provided to support body tissues of a patient. The bodily implant includes a strip having a first portion and a second portion. The strip is configured to be stretched in a manner such that the second portion is stretched from a first length to a second length. The second portion of the strip is configured to maintain the second length. The strip is further configured to be disposed proximate to the patient's body tissues.

Abstract: Medical implant delivery devices and systems are disclosed. In general, an exemplary delivery device comprises a shaft and a handle. An exemplary system includes any number of the following: a delivery device, a sling assembly, guide members, and connectors that interconnect the above. Embodiments of all the above components and their combinations are disclosed. Methods of using the above system in trans-obturator approaches are disclosed.

Abstract: A medical device enables a user to bend it into a shape to suit a specific patient need or to orient efficiently the medical device for use. The medical device includes an elongate member, a mechanism, and an actuator. The mechanism is disposed at the distal portion of the elongate member. The actuator is at least partially disposed within the elongate member and coupled to the mechanism for actuating the mechanism relative to the elongate member. The elongate member is capable of being bent into a shape by the user and of retaining the shape during use. The shape may include multiple bends, in multiple directions, as needed for an application. Thereafter, the elongate member is capable of being bent into a second shape by the user and of maintaining the second shape during use.

Abstract: A medical device enables a user to bend it into a shape to suit a specific patient need or to orient efficiently the medical device for use. The medical device includes an elongate member, a mechanism, and an actuator. The mechanism is disposed at the distal portion of the elongate member. The actuator is at least partially disposed within the elongate member and coupled to the mechanism for actuating the mechanism relative to the elongate member. The elongate member is capable of being bent into a shape by the user and of retaining the shape during use. The shape may include multiple bends, in multiple directions, as needed for an application. Thereafter, the elongate member is capable of being bent into a second shape by the user and of maintaining the second shape during use.

Abstract: Medical implant delivery devices and systems are disclosed. In general, an exemplary delivery device comprises a shaft and a handle. An exemplary system includes any number of the following: a delivery device, a sling assembly, guide members, and connectors that interconnect the above. Embodiments of all the above components and their combinations are disclosed. Methods of using the above system in trans-obturator approaches are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides, in various embodiments, systems, devices and methods relating to employing thermal treatment of tissue in combination with an implantable sling to treat urinary incontinence.

Abstract: A sling including a material having a plurality of edges. At least one of the edges of the material has a pattern of projections.

Abstract: A sling including a material having a plurality of edges. At least one of the edges of the material has a pattern of projections.

Abstract: Medical implant delivery devices and systems are disclosed. In general, an exemplary delivery device comprises a shaft and a handle. An exemplary system includes any number of the following: a delivery device, a sling assembly, guide members, and connectors that interconnect the above. Embodiments of all the above components and their combinations are disclosed. Methods of using the above system in trans-obturator approaches are disclosed.

Abstract: Medical implant delivery devices and systems are disclosed. In general, an exemplary delivery device comprises a shaft and a handle. An exemplary system includes any number of the following: a delivery device, a sling assembly, guide members, and connectors that interconnect the above. Embodiments of all the above components and their combinations are disclosed. Methods of using the above system in trans-obturator approaches are disclosed.

Abstract: An expandable stent designed to maintain a passageway through a body lumen of a patient is disclosed. The expandable stent is a tubular member that includes a thermoplastic material and woven or wound fibers at least partially in contact with the thermoplastic material, such that the thermoplastic material maintains the tubular member in at least one of an expanded state and a collapsed state.