Abstract: A sling in accordance with the invention includes a synthetic material and a non-synthetic material positioned adjacent thereto. The non-synthetic material may be wrapped around or may be attached to the synthetic material. Additionally, the non-synthetic material may include slits. Methods for making such slings are also described.

Abstract: A medical device includes a first catheter; a second catheter slidably disposed within the first catheter; a first expansible member disposed about the first catheter; a second expansible member disposed about the second catheter; and a locking mechanism for interlocking the first catheter and the second catheter to prevent relative movement between the first catheter and the second catheter. The first expansible member and the second expansible member are structured so as to approximate a first vessel and a second vessel.

Abstract: A needle is guided to a target along a pre-determined needle insertion trajectory. A method that utilizes a fluoroscope can be used to locate the target. The target can be an internal structure within the human body. A device can be used with the fluoroscope to aim and insert a needle or sharp probe along the pre-determined trajectory to the target. By using the device with the fluoroscope, a user can receive real time visual confirmation of contact between the needle and the target.

Abstract: Suturing instruments in accordance with the invention are dimensioned and configured to apply sutures to approximate, ligate, or fixate tissue in, for example, open, mini-incision, trans-vaginal, laparoscopic, or endoscopic surgical procedures. In some embodiments, the suturing instruments include a distal portion that is deflectably and/or pivotally coupled to the remainder of the instrument for improved maneuverability and functionality during surgery. In other embodiments, the suturing instruments are capable of housing multiple needle and suture assemblies and/or reloading the needle and suture assembly without removing the instrument from the surgical site.

Abstract: A surgical device for use in a minimally invasive procedure to treat urinary incontinence can include a dilator coupled to a curved needle at one end and a sling at the opposite end. Urinary incontinence can be treated minimally invasively. One treatment includes positioning the sling on an anterior portion of the urethra to provide proper coaptation to the urethra.

Abstract: The invention, in various embodiments, provides systems, devices, and methods for treating urinary incontinence. The invention also provides a driver and methods for advancing needles, cannulas, and other medical devices through the pubic bone. The driver may be used in connection with a driver frame assembly for proper positioning and stabilization of the driver, and with other devices for creating a cavity in the urethral floor and for positioning medical devices therein. The invention also provides simple connections for attaching a suture to a device within the cavity in the urethral floor or in the vagina, and also for attaching sutures to the pubic bone.

Abstract: The invention, in various embodiments, provides systems, devices, and methods for treating urinary incontinence.

Abstract: A stent for treatment of a body lumen through which a flow is effected on either side of a sphincter, said stent comprising one or more windings and having an inner core substantially covered by an outer core and including a first segment, a second segment, and a connecting member disposed between the segments. When the stent is positioned within a patient's urinary system, the first segment and second segments are located on either side of the external sphincter to inhibit migration of the stent while not interfering with the normal functioning of the sphincter. The outer coating comprises an absorbable material that provides temporary structural support to the stent. After absorption of substantially all the outer coating of the stent, the remaining relatively compliant inner core facilitates easy removal by the patient by pulling a portion of the stent that extends outside the patient's body for this purpose.

Abstract: A stent for treatment of a body lumen through which a flow is effected on either side of a sphincter, said stent comprising one or more windings and having an inner core substantially covered by an outer core and including a first segment, a second segment, and a connecting member disposed between the segments. When the stent is positioned within a patient's urinary system, the first segment and second segments are located on either side of the external sphincter to inhibit migration of the stent while not interfering with the normal functioning of the sphincter. The outer coating comprises an absorbable material that provides temporary structural support to the stent. After absorption of substantially all the outer coating of the stent, the remaining relatively compliant inner core facilitates easy removal by the patient by pulling a portion of the stent that extends outside the patient's body for this purpose.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for approximating two vessels. The device includes a first catheter and a second catheter. The second catheter is slidably disposed in the first catheter. A first expansible member is disposed on the first catheter, and a second expansible member is disposed on the second catheter. The medical device also includes a locking mechanism for interlocking the first catheter and second catheter to prevent relative movement between the first and second catheters.

Abstract: A prostatic stent comprises a body member and a retaining member. The body member includes a distal terminating end, a proximal end portion, and a lumen extending within the body member to allow fluid drainage through the body member. The body member is sized for placement substantially within the prostatic section of the urethra, with the distal terminating end located proximal of an external sphincter to allow normal operation of the external sphincter. The retaining member extends from the proximal end portion of the body member. The retaining member is collapsible into a first state to allow passage of the prostatic stent into the urethra, and the retaining member is expandable into a second state when located in a bladder to hold the body member in place substantially within the prostatic section of the urethra.

Abstract: A sling in accordance with the invention includes a synthetic material and a non-synthetic material positioned adjacent thereto. The non-synthetic material may be wrapped around or may be attached to the synthetic material. Additionally, the non-synthetic material may include slits. Methods for making such slings are also described.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for applying sutures to tissue includes a needle deployment mechanism and a catch mechanism. In some embodiments, the needle deployment mechanism employs a linear path. Alternatively, it can employ a curved needle. The surgical instrument may include a rotatable head, a bend, and/or a malleable elongated body member formable into various shapes.

Abstract: A sling in accordance with the invention includes a synthetic material and a non-synthetic material positioned adjacent thereto. The non-synthetic material may be wrapped around or may be attached to the synthetic material. Additionally, the non-synthetic material may include slits. Methods for making such slings are also described.

Abstract: A needle biopsy system for marking a sampling site is described.

Abstract: A medical device for use within a body cavity comprising an elongated body portion and a retention module. The retention module comprises a fixation element and a tether connector. The tether connector and fixation element permit the device to move a predetermined distance longitudinally. The tether connector reduces ureteral reflux, and minimizes irritation and patient discomfort. The fixation element and the tether connector further function as a graspable structure for removal of the stent.

Abstract: Sutures can be placed in difficult to access areas of the human body with devices, and related methods, utilizing a suture carrier with a sharpened tip and a notch for holding a formed suture tip.

Abstract: Suturing instruments in accordance with the invention are dimensioned and configured to apply sutures to approximate, ligate, or fixate tissue in, for example, open, mini-incision, trans-vaginal, laparoscopic, or endoscopic surgical procedures. In some embodiments, the suturing instruments include a distal portion that is deflectably and/or pivotally coupled to the remainder of the instrument for improved maneuverability and functionality during surgery. In other embodiments, the suturing instruments are capable of housing multiple needle and suture assemblies and/or reloading the needle and suture assembly without removing the instrument from the surgical site.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation system comprises an implant adapted for insertion into a body in contact with target tissue, the implant including a transdermal receiver and an external driver including a source of stimulation current and a transdermal transmitter transmitted the stimulation current to the transdermal receiver. A method of electrically stimulating target tissue comprises surgically implanting an implant with an electrode of the implant adjacent to the target tissue, the implant including a receiver, placing an external driver including a transmitter on a target portion of skin in proximity to the receiver, providing power to the implant portion transdermally from the external driver via the transmitter and the receiver and applying a stimulation current to the target tissue by supplying power received from the external driver to the electrode.

Abstract: A medical sling made from material that is suitably shaped for use in a medical application has sides, portions of which are smoothed to prevent abrasion of surrounding tissue.