Abstract: An endoscope hood device for moving a gastrointestinal implant device within a natural lumen of a gastrointestinal tract. The endoscope hood device comprises an atraumatic flared retrieval hood configured to attach to and fit over a distal end of an endoscope. The atraumatic flared retrieval hood comprises a length configured to cover a plurality of protrusions on a surface of the gastrointestinal implant device, the plurality of protrusions comprising both proximal facing protrusions and distal facing protrusions of the gastrointestinal implant device. The atraumatic flared retrieval hood comprises a diameter configured to fit within a human esophagus without damage to the esophagus, and comprises a material of a bend radius configured to move slidably against the esophagus without damage to the esophagus.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and a method that includes a robotic unit configured to deliver items (e.g., medicine, foodstuff, linens, equipment, etc.) to sites (e.g., rooms, offices, etc.) and/or individuals (e.g., patients, pharmacists, technician, etc.) throughout a facility (e.g., hospital, office building, mailroom, manufacturing facility, etc.). The robotic unit is a mobile unit that operates autonomously to follow predetermined or programmed routes throughout the facility to deliver the items. The system is configured to maintain a chain of custody for the items. In addition, the robotic unit is configured to only allow designated items to be delivered to designated sites and/or to authorized individuals. This can be achieved by the robotic unit having a plurality of containers that are locked within a storage space of the robotic unit, and are only accessible upon successful completion of an authorization process.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for occluding the left atrial appendage (LAA) to exclude the LAA from blood flow to prevent blood from clotting within the LAA and subsequently embolizing, particularly in patients with atrial fibrillation. A foam implant is delivered via transcatheter delivery into the LAA and anchored using an internal locking system of the implant. The locking system includes deployable anchors that can be deployed after deployment of the foam implant from the delivery catheter and expansion of the foam within the LAA. The implant location can thus be verified before deploying the anchors to secure the implant. The locking system can be reversible to allow retraction of the anchors and repositioning or retrieval of the implant.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal implant device (2800) comprises a planar proximal element (220) configured to reside in a stomach to resist distal migration, a distal element (222) configured to reside in an intestine to resist proximal migration and one or more tethers (224) coupling the planar proximal element to the distal element.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal implant device (2800) comprises a planar proximal element (220) configured to reside in a stomach to resist distal migration, a distal element (222) configured to reside in an intestine to resist proximal migration and one or more tethers (224) coupling the planar proximal element to the distal element.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the invention, there are provided automated plant training systems and related methods. An automated plant training system is designed to train medium to tall plants to grow in a height restricted space by adjusting the plant's direction of growth through the use of phototropism. The device can physically control the plant's main stem, branches and foliage from excessive vertical growth.

Abstract: A delivery system for placing a gastrointestinal device in a mammalian gastrointestinal tract comprises a container assembly; a gastrointestinal implant device that includes proximal and distal ends stored within the container assembly, the proximal end including an anchor and the distal end including a sleeve, coupled to the anchor and folded into the container assembly; and an inner extension to draw a portion of the sleeve from the anchor and from the container assembly as the anchor is retained therein. The inner extension comprises an atraumatic tip, such as a ball, that includes a guidewire rail. Further, a handle is provided that retains or captures an inner catheter within the handle. Within the handle is an elongated element that surrounds a portion of the catheter. A button on a side of the handle is configured to cause engagement of the catheter via the element when the button is depressed.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal implant device (2800) comprises a planar proximal element (220) configured to reside in a stomach to resist distal migration, a distal element (222) configured to reside in an intestine to resist proximal migration and one or more tethers (224) coupling the planar proximal element to the distal element.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal implant device (2800) comprises a planar proximal element (220) configured to reside in a stomach to resist distal migration, a distal element (222) configured to reside in an intestine to resist proximal migration and one or more tethers (224) coupling the planar proximal element to the distal element.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal implant device comprises a planar proximal element configured to reside in a stomach to resist distal migration, a distal element configured to reside in an intestine to resist proximal migration and one or more tethers coupling the planar proximal element to the distal element.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for occluding the left atrial appendage (LAA) to exclude the LAA from blood flow to prevent blood from clotting within the LAA and subsequently embolizing, particularly in patients with atrial fibrillation. A foam implant is delivered via transcatheter delivery into the LAA and anchored using an internal locking system of the implant. The locking system includes deployable anchors that can be deployed after deployment of the foam implant from the delivery catheter and expansion of the foam within the LAA. The implant location can thus be verified before deploying the anchors to secure the implant. The locking system can be reversible to allow retraction of the anchors and repositioning or retrieval of the implant.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal implant device comprises a proximal element configured to reside in a stomach to resist distal migration; a distal element configured to reside in an intestine to resist proximal migration, and one or more tethers coupling the proximal element to the distal element. The distal element comprises a wave anchor and a surface roughness element on a surface of at least a portion of the wave anchor. Delivery systems and retrieval techniques are also provided.

Abstract: An endoscope hood device for moving a gastrointestinal implant device within a natural lumen of a gastrointestinal tract. The endoscope hood device comprises an atraumatic flared retrieval hood configured to attach to and fit over a distal end of an endoscope. The atraumatic flared retrieval hood comprises a length configured to cover a plurality of protrusions on a surface of the gastrointestinal implant device, the plurality of protrusions comprising both proximal facing protrusions and distal facing protrusions of the gastrointestinal implant device. The atraumatic flared retrieval hood comprises a diameter configured to fit within a human esophagus without damage to the esophagus, and comprises a material of a bend radius configured to move slidably against the esophagus without damage to the esophagus.

Abstract: A medical instrument tool or end effector constructed of a fixed jaw having a distal grasping end and a proximal body end; a movable jaw having a distal grasping end and a proximal body end; a slide member controlled from a tool actuator, adapted for linear translation and supported between the jaws; at least one link that inter-couples between the slide member and the movable jaw; and a pivot member mounted at the fixed jaw and for engagement with a slot in the body end of the movable jaw.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal implant device (2800) comprises a planar proximal element (220) configured to reside in a stomach to resist distal migration, a distal element (222) configured to reside in an intestine to resist proximal migration and one or more tethers (224) coupling the planar proximal element to the distal element.

Abstract: The surgical instrument includes a distal tool, an elongated shaft that supports the distal tool, and a proximal handle or control member, where the tool and the handle are coupled to the respective distal and proximal ends of the elongated shaft via distal and proximal bendable motion members. Actuation means extends between said distal and proximal members whereby any deflection of said control handle with respect to said elongated instrument shaft causes a corresponding bending of said distal motion member for control of said working member. The proximal bendable member comprises a ball and socket assembly supported between the handle and instrument shaft and constructed and arranged for three dimensional motion.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal implant device comprises a planar proximal element configured to reside in a stomach to resist distal migration, a distal element configured to reside in an intestine to resist proximal migration and one or more tethers coupling the planar proximal element to the distal element.

Abstract: A medical instrument having a proximal control handle and a distal tool that are intercoupled by an elongated instrument shaft that is meant to pass internally of an anatomic body, proximal and distal movable members that respectively intercouple the proximal control handle and the distal tool with the instrument shaft, cable control means disposed between the movable members, an actuation member at the handle for controlling the distal tool through the movable members, a coupler for selectively engaging or disengaging separable cable segments of the actuation member, and the handle housing being provided in separate sections providing a rear opening for receiving the instrument shaft portion.

Abstract: An instrument guide device comprises an elongated guide shaft having proximal and distal ends and including an instrument lumen for receiving therethrough a manually operated instrument having an instrument shaft. A distal bendable member is disposed at the distal end of the guide shaft and a proximal bendable member is disposed at the proximal end of the guide shaft. Actuation means extends between the distal and proximal bendable members and provides a bending of the distal bendable member controlled from the proximal bendable member. The proximal bendable member is controlled from the manually operated instrument to cause a corresponding bending of said distal bendable member. A locking mechanism has locked and unlocked positions and includes a ball and socket arrangement disposed about the proximal bendable member and a cinch member for locking the ball and socket arrangement.

Abstract: A medical instrument having a proximal control handle and a distal tool that are intercoupled by an elongated instrument shaft that is meant to pass internally of an anatomic body, proximal and distal movable members that respectively intercouple the proximal control handle and the distal tool with the instrument shaft, cable control means disposed between the movable members, an actuation member at the handle for controlling the distal tool through the movable members, and a coupler for selectively engaging or disengaging separable cable segments of the actuation member.