Abstract: A ureteral access sheath having nonuniform axial-stiffness adapted for proximal pushability needed for placement while also having distal flexibility to minimize trauma to the body lumen and ureter. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a nonuniform axial-stiffness ureteral access sheath comprising a nonuniform axial-stiffness jacket encapsulating the reinforcement layer with the inner liner. Other embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a nonuniform axial-stiffness ureteral access sheath comprising a nonuniform axial-stiffness reinforcement layer encapsulated between a single axial-stiffness jacket and the inner liner. Other embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a nonuniform axial-stiffness ureteral access sheath comprising a nonuniform axial-stiffness jacket encapsulating a nonuniform axial-stiffness reinforcement layer with the inner liner.

Abstract: A system for treating an aneurysm in a vessel includes a delivery device having a delivery portion suitable for delivery of embolic material. The delivery device is placed in a neck of the aneurysm and an expandable member is placed proximate the neck. The expandable member is expanded to overlie substantially the entire neck. Embolic material is delivered to the aneurysm with a delivery device. The expandable member is held over the neck to inhibit movement of the embolic material out of the aneurysm. Blood is allowed to flow out of the aneurysm, past the neck of the aneurysm, and through the vessel while the expandable member is held over the neck of the aneurysm.

Abstract: A medical device is provided which comprises a suction conduit and an energy-transmitting conduit wherein at least some of the transmitted energy is directed to the distal region of the suction conduit. The device may include an optical apparatus for directing the energy. The device has applications in lithotripsy and tissue-removal in a patient.

Abstract: A medical device is provided which comprises a suction conduit and an energy-transmitting conduit wherein at least some of the transmitted energy is directed to the distal region of the suction conduit. The device may include an optical apparatus for directing the energy. The device has applications in lithotripsy and tissue-removal in a patient.

Abstract: A sleeve is provided for placing over a flexible endoscope. The sleeve has a port between its distal and proximal openings and the port is connected to a vacuum source. Once the endoscope is retracted proximal to the suction port, the sleeve's proximal opening is sealed off and the entire sleeve is turned into a suction lumen. Devices and methods in accordance with the invention provide improvement in removing materials from body cavities, especially in removing stones from the upper urinary tract.

Abstract: A sleeve is provided for placing over a flexible endoscope. The sleeve has a port between its distal and proximal openings and the port is connected to a vacuum source. Once the endoscope is retracted proximal to the suction port, the sleeve's proximal opening is sealed off and the entire sleeve is turned into a suction lumen. Devices and methods in accordance with the invention provide improvement in removing materials from body cavities, especially in removing stones from the upper urinary tract.

Abstract: A medical device is provided which comprises a suction conduit and an energy-transmitting conduit wherein at least some of the transmitted energy is directed to the distal region of the suction conduit. The device may include an optical apparatus for directing the energy. The device has applications in lithotripsy and tissue-removal in a patient.

Abstract: A medical device is provided which includes a suction conduit and an energy-transmitting conduit wherein at least some of the transmitted energy is directed to the distal region of the suction conduit. The device may include an optical apparatus for directing the energy. The device has applications in lithotripsy and tissue-removal in a patient.

Abstract: A medical device is provided which comprises a suction conduit and an energy-transmitting conduit wherein at least some of the transmitted energy is directed to the distal region of the suction conduit. The device may include an optical apparatus for directing the energy. The device has applications in lithotripsy and tissue-removal in a patient.

Abstract: A shield for a rotary stripper tool, the shield comprising a hollow, semi-circular housing open along one edge and having a volume to rotatably receive a rotary stripper tool which is freely rotatable therein so that, at any one time during rotation of the stripper tool, substantially one half of the stripper tool is covered by the shield. An elongated handle ember is fixed to the shield and extends substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the shield to engage a power tool on which the rotary stripper tool is mounted. The handle provides a means whereby the shield may be held in a fixed position relative to the rotary stripper tool and the power tool while allowing the user to hold the power tool in both hands for better control.