Abstract: Apparatus for performing a minimally-invasive procedure, the apparatus comprising: a tool comprising: a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; a handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft; and an end effector attached to the distal end of the shaft; wherein the shaft comprises a flexible portion extending distally from the proximal end of the shaft, and an articulating portion extending proximally from the distal end of the shaft, and wherein the articulating portion comprises a flexible spine; wherein a plurality of articulation cables extend through the shaft from the handle to the flexible spine, such that when tension is applied to at least one of the plurality of articulation cables, the flexible spine bends; wherein a rotatable element extends through the shaft from the handle to the end effector, such that when the rotatable element is rotated, the end effector rotates; and wherein an actuation element extends through the shaft from the handle to the end effector, such that when the actuat

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a minimally-invasive procedure, the apparatus comprising: a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; a monopolar knife assembly attached to the distal end of the shaft, the monopolar knife assembly comprising a knife; a handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft; wherein the shaft comprises a flexible portion and an articulating portion, wherein the flexible portion extends distally from the handle and the articulating portion extends distally from the flexible portion; wherein at least one articulation cable extends from the handle to the articulating portion, such that when tension is applied to the at least one articulation cable, the articulating portion deflects; wherein an actuation element extends through the shaft from the handle to the knife, such that when the actuation element is moved, the knife is moved; and wherein the actuation element transmits electrical power from the handle to the knife.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a sleeve adapted to be slid over the exterior of an endoscope, the sleeve having a distal end and a proximal end; an aft balloon secured to the sleeve; a fore balloon movably mounted to the sleeve so that the fore balloon may be advanced relative to the sleeve; and a locking assembly for releasably securing the sleeve to the endoscope.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a minimally-invasive procedure, the apparatus comprising: a tool comprising: a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; a handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft; and an end effector attached to the distal end of the shaft; wherein the shaft comprises a flexible portion extending distally from the proximal end of the shaft, and an articulating portion extending proximally from the distal end of the shaft, and wherein the articulating portion comprises a flexible spine; wherein a plurality of articulation cables extend through the shaft from the handle to the flexible spine, such that when tension is applied to at least one of the plurality of articulation cables, the flexible spine bends; wherein a rotatable element extends through the shaft from the handle to the end effector, such that when the rotatable element is rotated, the end effector rotates; and wherein an actuation element extends through the shaft from the handle to the end effector, such that when the actuat

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a minimally-invasive procedure, the apparatus comprising: a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; a handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft; and an end effector attached to the distal end of the shaft; wherein the shaft comprises a flexible portion, a first articulating portion and a second articulating portion, wherein the flexible portion extends distally from the handle, the first articulating portion extends distally from the flexible portion, and the second articulating portion extends distally from the first articulating portion; wherein at least one articulation cable extends from the handle to the first articulating portion, such that when tension is applied to the at least one articulation cable, the first articulating portion deflects; wherein a plurality of articulation cables extend from the handle to the second articulating portion, such that when tension is applied to at least one of the plurality of articulation cables, the second articulating portion d

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a sleeve adapted to be slid over the exterior of an endoscope, the sleeve having a distal end and a proximal end; an aft balloon secured to the sleeve; a fore balloon movably mounted to the sleeve so that the fore balloon may be advanced relative to the sleeve; and a locking assembly for releasably securing the distal end of the sleeve to the endoscope.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a sleeve adapted to be slid over the exterior of an endoscope, the sleeve having a distal end and a proximal end; an aft balloon secured to the sleeve; a fore balloon movably mounted to the sleeve so that the fore balloon may be advanced relative to the sleeve; and a locking assembly for releasably securing the distal end of the sleeve to the endoscope.

Abstract: An articulation mechanism for a surgical instrument includes an articulation assembly, a plurality of cables, and a trigger. The cables are coupled to the articulation assembly at a proximal end thereof and extend distally therefrom. The cables are configured to engage an end effector assembly of the surgical instrument at a distal end thereof. The trigger is coupled to the articulation assembly and is selectively moveable from a shipping position to a use position. In the shipping position, the cables are substantially un-tensioned. In the use position, the cables are disposed in an initial tensioned position. In the use position, the trigger is moveable between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the unlocked position, the cables are selectively tensionable to articulate the end effector assembly. In the locked position, the tensions on the cables are maintained to lock the end effector assembly in position.

Abstract: Provided is an articulating bench configured to support a user, comprising a longitudinally-extending frame structure pivotably supporting back-supporting and independently-pivotable leg supporting portions. Removable arm supporting portions may be provided that pivot about the back supporting portion. In various example embodiments the articulating bench structure may be foldable for compact storage. Various adjustment mechanisms and methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a minimally-invasive procedure, the apparatus comprising: a tool comprising: a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; a handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft; and an end effector attached to the distal end of the shaft; wherein the shaft comprises a flexible portion extending distally from the proximal end of the shaft, and an articulating portion extending proximally from the distal end of the shaft, and wherein the articulating portion comprises a flexible spine; wherein a plurality of articulation cables extend through the shaft from the handle to the flexible spine, such that when tension is applied to at least one of the plurality of articulation cables, the flexible spine bends; wherein a rotatable element extends through the shaft from the handle to the end effector, such that when the rotatable element is rotated, the end effector rotates; and wherein an actuation element extends through the shaft from the handle to the end effector, such that when the actuat

Abstract: Provided is an articulating bench configured to support a user, comprising a longitudinally-extending frame structure pivotably supporting back-supporting and independently-pivotable leg supporting portions. Removable arm supporting portions may be provided that pivot about the back supporting portion. In various example embodiments the articulating bench structure may be foldable for compact storage. Various adjustment mechanisms and methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A trans-femoral implant includes an anchor assembly and a balloon assembly configured to be separately delivered to an implant site within a heart. Once delivered, the anchor assembly and balloon assembly may be coupled to form an implant within the heart. The balloon anchor may include a fluid inflatable balloon that may be selectively filled via a balloon filling valve. The balloon assembly may further include a latching mechanism that may couple with a distal end of the anchor assembly, such that the length of the implant may be adjusted within the heart.

Abstract: An articulation mechanism for a surgical instrument includes an articulation assembly, a plurality of cables, and a trigger. The cables are coupled to the articulation assembly at a proximal end thereof and extend distally therefrom. The cables are configured to engage an end effector assembly of the surgical instrument at a distal end thereof. The trigger is coupled to the articulation assembly and is selectively moveable from a shipping position to a use position. In the shipping position, the cables are substantially un-tensioned. In the use position, the cables are disposed in an initial tensioned position. In the use position, the trigger is moveable between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the unlocked position, the cables are selectively tensionable to articulate the end effector assembly. In the locked position, the tensions on the cables are maintained to lock the end effector assembly in position.

Abstract: An articulation mechanism for a surgical instrument includes an articulation assembly, a plurality of cables, and a trigger. The cables are coupled to the articulation assembly at a proximal end thereof and extend distally therefrom. The cables are configured to engage an end effector assembly of the surgical instrument at a distal end thereof. The trigger is coupled to the articulation assembly and is selectively moveable from a shipping position to a use position. In the shipping position, the cables are substantially un-tensioned. In the use position, the cables are disposed in an initial tensioned position. In the use position, the trigger is moveable between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the unlocked position, the cables are selectively tensionable to articulate the end effector assembly. In the locked position, the tensions on the cables are maintained to lock the end effector assembly in position.

Abstract: Endoluminal treatment devices and methods are provided. Generally, the device and methods can allow an endoluminal device to be introduced into a lumen of a patient and engage a wall of the lumen with an implant device, which can be a drug delivery device or medical device. In one embodiment, a medical implant apparatus is provided that includes an anchor object configured to couple with tissue, and an adjustable mechanism configured to interact with the anchor object such as to apply alternative forces upon the anchor object in response to a stimulus.

Abstract: Endoscopic treatment methods and systems for endoscopic treatment are provided. An endoluminal treatment device and method in an exemplary embodiment includes introducing an endoluminal device into a lumen of a patient and engaging a wall of the lumen with an implant device without creating an incision in the patient. The implant device can be a drug delivery device or medical device.

Abstract: A trans-femoral implant includes an anchor assembly and a balloon assembly configured to be separately delivered to an implant site within a heart. Once delivered, the anchor assembly and balloon assembly may be coupled to form an implant within the heart. The balloon anchor may include a fluid inflatable balloon that may be selectively filled via a balloon filling valve. The balloon assembly may further include a latching mechanism that may couple with a distal end of the anchor assembly, such that the length of the implant may be adjusted within the heart.

Abstract: A surgical device for performing surgery generally includes a handle assembly, an elongate member extending from the handle assembly, an articulation mechanism operatively associated with the handle assembly, and an end effector. The elongate member has an articulating section and straight section. The articulating section is configured to articulate with respect to the straight section. The articulation mechanism is operatively associated with the handle assembly and the articulating section such that the articulating section articulates toward a first direction relative to the straight section upon movement of the handle assembly towards the first direction with respect to the straight section. The end effector is operatively coupled to the articulating section of the elongate member and includes first and second jaw members. The surgical device further includes a locking mechanism configured for fixing a relative position of first and second jaw members.

Abstract: An endoluminal treatment device and method includes introducing an endoluminal device into a lumen of a patient and engaging a wall of the lumen with an end effector of the endoscopic device. A plication can be formed in the wall of the lumen such that an open pocket is formed in the wall of the lumen or such that an artificial biologic tube is formed.

Abstract: An endoluminal treatment device and method includes introducing an endoluminal device into a lumen of a patient and engaging a wall of the lumen with an implant device. The implant device can be a drug delivery device or medical device.