Abstract: Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for facilitating control of a tool or tools. The systems can allow a user to control multiple degrees of freedom. One such system allows a user to control multiple degrees of freedom of two tools simultaneously. Another such system allows a user to control multiple degrees of freedom with a single hand. Frames and rails for supporting and/or constraining movement of a tool or tools are also described herein.

Abstract: A system for performing minimally invasive procedures in a body lumen may include a flexible catheter having a plurality of lumens including a main lumen configured to receive an endoscope and at least one tool lumen; a first working instrument slidably disposed within a first tool lumen of the at least one tool lumen; a plurality of support elements disposed at a distal end of the catheter, the plurality of support elements being configured to shift between delivery and expanded configurations, wherein in the expanded configuration, the plurality of support elements forms an expanded cage to reshape the body lumen and form a working space; wherein at least one of the plurality of support elements is a tubular shaft having an opening proximate the working space; and a filament extending through the tubular shaft to a clip disposed outside the opening, the clip being manipulatable by the first working instrument.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to medical devices and procedures for placement of a medical device between adjacent tissue structures. In particular, the present disclosure relates to endoscopic systems and methods for preventing or minimizing movement between tissue walls to facilitate placement of a stent therebetween.

Abstract: An instrument for use with an endoscope may include an elongate section configured to move exterior to the endoscope. The elongate section may include a distal end and a proximal end. The instrument may also include an end effector attached to the distal end of the elongate section, and an actuation device attached to the proximal end of the elongate section. The actuation device may be configured to operate the end effector. The instrument may also include a guiding member coupled to the elongate section. The guiding member may be configured to be coupled to an external surface of the endoscope to permit the guiding member to move longitudinally relative to the endoscope. The guiding member may be coupled to the elongate section such that the end effector may extend past a distal end of the endoscope and move in a transverse direction independent of the movement of the distal end of the endoscope.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for introducing a plurality of instruments to a target site through a working channel. The working channel can include a surface adapted to guide one or more instruments into select positions. The working channel can be defined by a portion of a guide tube or tip that may be coupled with an endoscope.

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: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a method of excising tissue including injecting fluid into the submucosa to raise targeted tissue. A first electrode is positioned below the targeted tissue within the injected fluid and a second electrode is positioned adjacent a surface of the raised targeted tissue opposite the first electrode. Electrical current is applied between the first and second electrodes and the targeted tissue is excised with the second electrode.

Abstract: A medical cleaning valve (or cleaning valve) may be configured to provide cleaning functionality to air and water channels of an endoscope. One or more embodiments described herein may include cleaning valves with features and/or components that facilitate differentiating them from procedural valves. In some embodiments, valves may be made from a limited number of parts and materials, to limit their cost. For example, multiple seals may be formed as a single component, such as via overmolding. In another example, wiper seals may be used to accommodate greater manufacturing tolerances. In yet another example, the valve may have a single elastomeric component, or spring cap, which may combine the functionality of a number of components (e.g., a boot, spring, spring housing, and stem cap).

Abstract: This invention is directed to a flexible device having a longitudinal axis, a first elongate member configured to move the flexible device in a first direction relative to the longitudinal axis, and a second elongate member configured to move the flexible device in a second direction relative to the longitudinal axis that is different to the first direction. The flexible device can also have an articulation section including a plurality of articulation links, wherein at least one of the plurality of articulation links can include a body configured to receive the first elongate member and the second elongate member.

Abstract: A stent that includes a plurality of quill filaments. Each quill filament includes filament material, a surface, and a plurality of quills. Each quill has a tip, a body, and a base where the body extends from the base to the tip. The quill filaments can be interwoven to form the stent or the quill filaments can be engaged to the framework of a stent.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing medical procedures on an anatomical body includes an extension with an element near its distal end to be extended into the body, and a driver that moves the extension axially into the body, and that causes flexure of the distal end of the extension. The movement and flexure of the extension is driven by the driver from the proximal end of the extension, and an electronic controller directs the operation of the driver.

Abstract: Drive systems and methods of use are disclosed herein for performing medical procedures on a patient. The drive systems include various handle types and triggers for controlling catheters and end effectors. The various handle types include a flexible handle and ambidextrous handles that can alter the handedness of the handle for particularized use. The handles drive articulation sections of the catheter and end effectors with various degrees of freedom, and include locks for holding the catheter and/or end effector in place. The catheter systems include structures for allowing degrees of freedom, such as notches, mechanical interlocks, and articulation joints. In addition, the catheters articulate via cables or fluids.

Abstract: An example medical stent for treating a body lumen is disclosed. The example stent includes an expandable scaffold having a first end region, a second end region and an outer surface. The stent further includes a first fixation member coupled to the expandable scaffold and a biodegradable material disposed along the first fixation member at a first tissue engagement region. Further, the biodegradable material is designed to degrade from a first configuration in which the biodegradable material shields the first fixation member from a target tissue site to a second configuration in which the first fixation member is engaged with the target tissue site.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure may include a medical device comprising a flexible elongate member including a longitudinal axis and a tool connected to the elongate member near a pivot, wherein the tool may be configured for at least one of suction and infusion, and wherein the tool may be configured to pivot towards both sides of the longitudinal axis relative to the elongate member at the pivot.

Abstract: A system for forming an anastomosis between first and second sections of a digestive tract includes Optical Scope Device (“OSD”) having a lumen extending therethrough and positioned at a first target site within the first section, OSD including an imagining component at a distal end thereof for viewing the first target site; First Endoscope (“FE”) including a working channel extending therethrough and positioned at a second target site within the second section; Capture Device (“CD”) extending from a proximal end to a distal end including a loop, CD extends through the lumen; First Flexible Element (“FFE”) extends through FE, FFE including a coupling element which passes through the loop to couple FFE to CD, connecting the first and second sections, the coupling element moving between insertion and locking configurations; and Stent having a lumen extending therethrough which provides fluid communication between the first and second sections.

Abstract: A sheath for a medical instrument includes an elongate body extending from a proximal end to a distal face. The elongate body may be configured to axially extend from a first length to a second length greater than the first length. The sheath may include a first hollow lumen extending from a first end proximate the proximal end to a second end proximate the distal face, and a second hollow lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal face. The second lumen may be open at the distal face. The sheath may also include a transparent window positioned at the second end of the first lumen to seal the first lumen at the second end. The transparent window may be configured to transmit light therethrough.

Abstract: Described herein are various method of using a direct drive system to perform procedures at a distance. One exemplary method include tying a knot or suturing at a distance with a first and second end effector. The direct drive system can enable sufficient end effector dexterity, including the ability to control various degrees of freedom of end effector movement, and allow a user to perform complicated task at a distance. In one aspect the direct drive system includes flexible tools that permit access to surgical site via a natural orifice.

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: The present disclosure relates to compression clips, and more specifically, to compression clips delivered to a target site through an endoscope for use in tissue resection, for example, within the gastrointestinal tract. In examples, clips are configured to be actuatable in response to a compressive force to transition between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In an embodiment, a tissue clipping device may include a first member with a plurality of arms. Each of the arms may extend from a first end to a second end, and the first end of each arm may be received within the first member. The arms may be movable between the open configuration and the closed configuration. A second member may be slidably disposed with respect to the first member.

Abstract: Drive systems and methods of use are disclosed herein for performing medical procedures on a patient. The drive systems include various handle types and triggers for controlling catheters and end effectors. The various handle types include a flexible handle and ambidextrous handles that can alter the handedness of the handle for particularized use. The handles drive articulation sections of the catheter and end effectors with various degrees of freedom, and include locks for holding the catheter and/or end effector in place. The catheter systems include structures for allowing degrees of freedom, such as notches, mechanical interlocks, and articulation joints. In addition, the catheters articulate via cables or fluids.