Abstract: A tissue traction device having more than one grasping segment by which the tissue traction device may be engaged with tissue directly, or indirectly, such as with the use of a tissue-engagement member. The tissue traction device may have a peripheral section defining grasping segments, as well as interior grasping segments defined within the perimeter of the peripheral section. Traction may be applied to a target tissue by engaging a target-tissue-engaging segment with target tissue, and engaging a traction-tissue-engaging segment with traction tissue spaced apart from the target tissue. Engagement of additional target-tissue-engaging segments with traction tissue (optionally at different locations) allows the force vector of the traction to be adjusted. A delivery system may include tissue traction device holder to maintain a desired configuration of the tissue traction device during delivery thereof to a target tissue area.

Abstract: A tissue traction device having a target-tissue-engaging segment and more than one traction-tissue-engaging segment spaced apart from the target-tissue-engaging segment. The tissue traction device may have a peripheral section with at least one traction-tissue-engagement section therein, with at least one of the traction-tissue-engaging segments defined on such traction-tissue-engagement section. An additional traction-tissue-engagement segment may be defined within the peripheral section, optionally on an additional traction-tissue-engagement section, and/or within the at least one traction-tissue-engagement section. One or more traction-tissue-engagement segments within the peripheral section may be simultaneously and/or sequentially engaged with traction tissue to achieve varying force vectors of traction on the target tissue.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to medical devices that that include the following: a flexible elongate tube having a proximal end and a distal end configured to be directed toward an opening of a body lumen; a first lumen extending from the distal end of the tube proximally along the tube and having a fluid connection for a fluid source at its proximal end; a second lumen extending from the distal end of the tube proximally along the tube, the second lumen configured to accept a guidewire extending along the second lumen; and a wire filament extending along the elongate tube, a distal end of the filament connected to the distal end of the elongate tube, a proximal portion of the wire extending at least partially along the elongate tube, and a distal portion of the wire extending external to the elongate tube.

Abstract: Sphincterotomes and methods for making and using sphincterotomes are disclosed. An example sphincterotome may include an elongate shaft having an outer surface and a distal end region. The sphincterotome may also include a sphincterotome wire assembly having a distal end coupled to the distal end region of the elongate shaft and a body portion extending along the outer surface of the elongate shaft. The sphincterotome wire assembly may be designed to shift the distal end region of the elongate shaft between a first configuration and a curved configuration. The body portion of the sphincterotome wire assembly may include a cutting region and a nonconductive region.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a medical device having a longitudinal axis, and including a handle and a catheter. The handle can include a body having a proximal end and a distal end, an actuator moveably coupled to the body, and a handle control member coupled to the actuator, wherein the actuator can be configured to move relative to the body to move the handle control member. The catheter can include a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the shaft and the distal end of the body can be configured for releasable coupling. The catheter can also include a steering section located along the shaft and a catheter control member coupled to the steering section, wherein the catheter control member can be configured to move relative to the shaft to move the steering section relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A medical device includes a handle including a first slot, a first control device movable within the first slot in a proximal direction and a distal direction, and a sheath extending from the handle and having a longitudinal axis, the sheath defining a first lumen extending from the handle to a distal end of the sheath. A first tube extends within the first lumen, the first tube is connected to the first control device and moves between a first position, where a distalmost end of the first tube is flush with or proximal of a distalmost end of the sheath, and a second position, where the distalmost end of the first tube is positioned distal of the distalmost end of the sheath. The first slot extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the sheath.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to traction systems, and methods of use thereof, for endoscopic procedures such as tissue dissection. For example, a traction system may include a filament extendable along an outer surface of an endoscope with a distal end of the filament attachable to a medical device engaged with a target tissue of a body lumen.

Abstract: A medical device that includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the shaft defining a lumen extending from the proximal end of the shaft to an opening on a side of the shaft. The medical device includes a grasping tool proximate to the distal end of the shaft and configured to fix the distal end relative to a target site. The medical device further includes a lock at the proximal end of the shaft and configured to fix the proximal end to an ancillary device.

Abstract: A device for fastening tissue includes (a) a shaft extending longitudinally from a distal end insertable into a body to a proximal end attached to a controller which remains outside of the body, the shaft including a lumen extending therethrough and an opening extending through a wall of a distal portion thereof to open the lumen to an exterior of the shaft; (b) a first roller housed within the lumen adjacent to a first longitudinal edge of the opening such that a rotation of the first roller grasps and draws tissue from the body into the lumen in combination; and (c) a fastening element housed within the lumen adjacent to the opening and movable from a tissue receiving configuration to a tissue gripping configuration.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of minimally invasive catheter-based devices and procedures for the removal of necrotic debris. In particular, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for the removal of necrotic debris from within a walled off necrosis without disrupting or damaging the tissue wall of the necrotic pocket.

Abstract: Sphincterotomes and methods for making and using sphincterotomes are disclosed. An example sphincterotome may include an elongate shaft having an outer surface and a distal end region. The sphincterotome may also include a sphincterotome wire assembly having a distal end coupled to the distal end region of the elongate shaft and a body portion extending along the outer surface of the elongate shaft. The sphincterotome wire assembly may be designed to shift the distal end region of the elongate shaft between a first configuration and a curved configuration. The body portion of the sphincterotome wire assembly may include a cutting region and a non-conductive region.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a medical device having an elongate shaft having a distal end and a controller coupled to the shaft. A control member can extend through at least part of the elongate shaft and at least part of the controller, wherein the control member in a tensioned configuration can be moveable by the controller to control the distal end of the shaft and the control member can be slack in an untensioned configuration. A tensioning mechanism can be configured to move relative to at least one of the elongate shaft and the controller to tension the control member and automatically lock the control member in the tensioned configuration.

Abstract: A medical device that comprises a rim defining a loop in a plane and defining a width measured perpendicular to the plane, at least one wire coupled to a distal end of the rim and extending proximally from the distal end out of the plane to a proximal end of the rim, the at least one wire having a cross-sectional dimension measured perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the at least one wire, the cross-sectional dimension being smaller than the width of the rim, and a sheath configured to cover at least a portion of the rim and a portion of the at least one ware.

Abstract: An implantable device capable of regulating flow of material through a body passage. The implantable device may include at least one retention member having a surface curved to resist migration of the implantable device with respect to the body passage. The implantable device may be provided with features providing a cushioning effect with respect to tissue at which the implantable device is implanted. The length of the implantable device and/or the configuration of at least one retention member on the implantable device may be adjustable. A removal element may be provided to facilitate removal of the implantable device.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a medical device having a longitudinal axis, and including a handle and a catheter. The handle can include a body having a proximal end and a distal end, an actuator moveably coupled to the body, and a handle control member coupled to the actuator, wherein the actuator can be configured to move relative to the body to move the handle control member. The catheter can include a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the shaft and the distal end of the body can be configured for releasable coupling. The catheter can also include a steering section located along the shaft and a catheter control member coupled to the steering section, wherein the catheter control member can be configured to move relative to the shaft to move the steering section relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A device for fastening tissue includes (a) a shaft extending longitudinally from a distal end insertable into a body to a proximal end attached to a controller which remains outside of the body, the shaft including a lumen extending therethrough and an opening extending through a wall of a distal portion thereof to open the lumen to an exterior of the shaft; (b) a first roller housed within the lumen adjacent to a first longitudinal edge of the opening such that a rotation of the first roller grasps and draws tissue from the body into the lumen in combination; and (c) a fastening element housed within the lumen adjacent to the opening and movable from a tissue receiving configuration to a tissue gripping configuration.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of devices and procedures for placement of a medical device between adjacent tissue structures. In particular, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for percutaneous placement of a drainage stent between the gallbladder and gastric lumen (e.g., cholecystogastrostomy), or gallbladder and duodenum (cholecystoduodenostomy).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to traction systems, and methods of use thereof, for endoscopic procedures such as tissue dissection. For example, a traction system may include a filament extendable along an outer surface of an endoscope with a distal end of the filament attachable to a medical device engaged with a target tissue of a body lumen.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of minimally invasive catheter-based devices and procedures for the removal of necrotic debris. In particular, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for the removal of necrotic debris from within a walled off necrosis without disrupting or damaging the tissue wall of the necrotic pocket.