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 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: Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for guiding, supporting, and/or housing instruments. One exemplary system includes a guide tube having a manipulation section and mated with rails carrying instrument control members. Moving the rails with respect to the guide tube, or another point of reference, can control movement of the manipulation section.

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: 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: 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: A support mechanism for a medical device may include an adjustable support that includes a plurality of elongate members movable relative to one another. The support mechanism may also include a bracket coupled to the adjustable support. The bracket may be adapted to be coupled to a first medical device that extends along a longitudinal axis. The support mechanism may also include an instrument holder that extends along a central axis. The instrument holder may be movably coupled to the bracket and adapted to be coupled to a second medical device. The bracket and the instrument holder may be oriented such that central axis of the instrument holder intersects the longitudinal axis at an angle.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a medical device may include a shaft including a distal tip with a distal-facing surface. The shaft also may include a fluid lumen extending to the distal tip and a nozzle at a distal end of the fluid lumen. The nozzle may be configured to emit a fluid jet from the distal tip. The shaft also may include a vacuum lumen extending to the distal tip and a vacuum chamber at the distal tip. The vacuum lumen may open into the vacuum chamber, and the vacuum chamber may be wider than the vacuum lumen. The shaft may further include a vacuum opening, and the vacuum chamber may open into the vacuum opening. The vacuum opening may be defined by the distal-facing surface of the distal tip.

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: A stent of the present disclosure has a variable radial force along the longitudinal length of the stent. In particular, the radial force of the center is greater than the radial force of the ends of the stent. Without being bound by theory, the radial force is affected by the strut angle ?, the wall thickness t, the number of strut pairs, and combinations thereof. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the stent has a variable strut angle ?, a variable wall thickness t, and a variable number of strut pairs. By adjusting the strut angle ?, the wall thickness t, and the number of strut pairs of the serpentine bands, the stent will have a variable radial force without the need for additional processing steps.

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 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: A support mechanism for a medical device may include an adjustable support that includes a plurality of elongate members movable relative to one another. The support mechanism may also include a bracket coupled to the adjustable support. The bracket may be adapted to be coupled to a first medical device that extends along a longitudinal axis. The support mechanism may also include an instrument holder that extends along a central axis. The instrument holder may be movably coupled to the bracket and adapted to be coupled to a second medical device. The bracket and the instrument holder may be oriented such that central axis of the instrument holder intersects the longitudinal axis at an angle.

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: The present application provides devices and methods for inducing weight loss. In particular, the present application provides devices which are secured in the stomach or external to the stomach to reduce digestion and/or absorption of food in accordance with the methods of the invention.

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: Embodiments of the disclosure are drawn to a medical device delivery system. The system may include a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The device may also include a visualization system at a distal region of the shaft. The system may further include at least one latching structure configured to extend beyond the distal end of the shaft and retract within the distal region of the shaft and at least one advancement mechanism configured to extend beyond the distal end of the shaft to pull the shaft in a distal direction.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention may be directed to apparatuses for securing and sealing apertures in tissue and related methods of use.

Abstract: Medical systems are disclosed and may include an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, one or more channels extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and a handle operably coupled to the proximal end. The handle may include one or more ports in communication with the one or more channels. The medical systems may further include a docking station supporting the proximal end of the elongate member. The docking station may include a receiver adapted to receive and secure the handle and an adaptor guide unit having a distal end, a proximal end, and one or more passages formed therethrough, the one or more passages communicating with the one or more channels.

Abstract: A biopsy device may include a first jaw having a first distal tip configured to pierce tissue, and a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw between a closed configuration where the first jaw and the second jaw are axially aligned, and an open configuration where the first jaw and the second jaw are offset from one another, the second jaw having a second distal tip proximal to the first distal tip in the closed configuration.