Abstract: Provided herein are methods and a device for collecting biological samples. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a device designed to specifically capture samples within the target areas of a patient for specific cell collection for particular diagnosis.

Abstract: Catheters for percutaneous applications are disclosed. The catheter according to example embodiments may comprise a substantially straight section, an anchoring section positioned proximal to the substantially straight section. The anchoring section can have a curvature for providing longitudinal traction with a tissue to anchor the catheter to the tissue and a pathway extending through the catheter for transporting fluids. The pathway may comprise a first section and a second section in fluid communication with each other, where the first section extends through the length of the straight section, and the second section extends through the anchoring section and has a curvature which mimics the curvature of the anchoring section.

Abstract: A method for collecting a cell sample, including eosinophil white blood cells in a patient is provided. The method includes advancing to a location in an esophagus associated with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a device provided with a collection portion having a first axial end portion and an inflatable second axial end portion. Thereafter, axially moving the second axial end portion, relative to the first axial end portion, from a collapsed position within the first axial end portion into an expanded position out from the first axial end portion. Once the second axial end portion is in the expanded position, allowing it to engage the location associated with EoE to collect a sample of cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catheter construction and method of use suitable for use in navigating within a body lumen or vessel, such as a vein, artery, nasal cavity, esophagus, etc. to assist in the performance of various procedures. The device can include a flexible tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and channel extending substantially between the proximal end and the distal end, a stiffening sleeve positioned at the distal end of the tubular member to provide stiffness thereto so that a removable procedural tool can be attached to the tubular member, and an elongated non-elastic tether situated within the channel of the tubular member and secured at one end to the distal end of the member, such that when the tether is held in tension, the tether acts to minimize the tubular member from deviating from a neutral state.

Abstract: A battery is provided with a battery cover having a first cover mold insert and a second cover mold insert which are interchangeable in the cover prior to molding depending at least in part on the battery's polarity configuration. The first cover mold insert has a bushing that is relatively different in dimension, size and/or shape than the bushing of the second cover mold insert, such that each bushing is adapted to receive a cast-on-strap post of a relatively different dimension, size and/or shape. The first cover mold insert may also have a terminal that is relatively different in dimension, size and/or shape than the terminal of the second cover mold insert, such that each terminal is adapted to engage a formation connector contact of a relatively different dimension, size and/or shape.

Abstract: Catheters for percutaneous applications are disclosed. The catheter according to example embodiments may comprise a substantially straight section, an anchoring section positioned proximal to the substantially straight section. The anchoring section can have a curvature for providing longitudinal traction with a tissue to anchor the catheter to the tissue and a pathway extending through the catheter for transporting fluids. The pathway may comprise a first section and a second section in fluid communication with each other, where the first section extends through the length of the straight section, and the second section extends through the anchoring section and has a curvature which mimics the curvature of the anchoring section.

Abstract: Catheters for percutaneous applications are disclosed. The catheter according to example embodiments may comprise a substantially straight section, an anchoring section positioned proximal to the substantially straight section. The anchoring section can have a curvature for providing longitudinal traction with a tissue to anchor the catheter to the tissue and a pathway extending through the catheter for transporting fluids. The pathway may comprise a first section and a second section in fluid communication with each other, where the first section extends through the length of the straight section, and the second section extends through the anchoring section and has a curvature which mimics the curvature of the anchoring section.

Abstract: Catheters for percutaneous applications are disclosed. The catheter according to example embodiments may comprise a substantially straight section, an anchoring section positioned proximal to the substantially straight section. The anchoring section can have a curvature for providing longitudinal traction with a tissue to anchor the catheter to the tissue and a pathway extending through the catheter for transporting fluids. The pathway may comprise a first section and a second section in fluid communication with each other, where the first section extends through the length of the straight section, and the second section extends through the anchoring section and has a curvature which mimics the curvature of the anchoring section.

Abstract: Catheters for percutaneous applications are disclosed. The catheter according to example embodiments may comprise a substantially straight section, an anchoring section positioned proximal to the substantially straight section. The anchoring section can have a curvature for providing longitudinal traction with a tissue to anchor the catheter to the tissue and a pathway extending through the catheter for transporting fluids. The pathway may comprise a first section and a second section in fluid communication with each other, where the first section extends through the length of the straight section, and the second section extends through the anchoring section and has a curvature which mimics the curvature of the anchoring section.

Abstract: Tissue restraining systems and devices as well as methods of using these devices are disclosed herein. According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a tissue restraining device that may include an annuloplasty member having one or more contact points along a portion of the annuloplasty member in a spaced relation to one another. The tissue restraining device may also include a second anchor for placement in a substantially opposing, spaced relation to the annuloplasty member. A restraining matrix may extend from the contact points of the annuloplasty member to the second anchor.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in one embodiment, a vascular filter device for capturing dislodged blood clots within a vessel. The vascular filter device includes an expandable framework for securing the device within a vessel. The device also includes a pathway extending through the framework. The device further includes at least one filter in alignment with the pathway for capturing dislodged clots or emboli. In an embodiment, the filter can be given form by a material that can be easily eliminated in situ to permit reestablishment of the pathway.

Abstract: Tissue restraining systems and devices as well as methods of using these devices are disclosed herein. According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a tissue restraining device that may include an annuloplasty member having one or more contact points along a portion of the annuloplasty member in a spaced relation to one another. The tissue restraining device may also include a second anchor for placement in a substantially opposing, spaced relation to the annuloplasty member. A restraining matrix may extend from the contact points of the annuloplasty member to the second anchor.

Abstract: Tissue restraining systems and devices as well as methods of using these devices are disclosed herein. According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a tissue restraining device that may include a first anchor having one or more contact points along a portion of the first anchor in a spaced relation to one another. The tissue restraining device may also include a second anchor for placement in a substantially opposing relation to the first anchor. A restraining matrix may extend from the contact points of the first anchor to the second anchor.

Abstract: Tissue restraining systems and devices as well as methods of using these devices are disclosed herein. According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a tissue restraining device that may include an annuloplasty member having one or more contact points along a portion of the annuloplasty member in a spaced relation to one another. The tissue restraining device may also include a second anchor for placement in a substantially opposing, spaced relation to the annuloplasty member. A restraining matrix may extend from the contact points of the annuloplasty member to the second anchor.

Abstract: The present invention provides bariatric therapy systems. One system includes a gastrointestinal implant device and a delivery mechanism therefor. The device can include a sleeve for placement into a small intestine and to minimize absorption of nutrients by its walls. An anchoring mechanism coupled to a proximal end of the sleeve and designed to be secured within the stomach can be provided. A passageway extending through the anchoring mechanism and the sleeve can also be provided, along which food can be directed from the stomach to the small intestine. The delivery mechanism can include a housing for accommodating the device, and a deploying balloon situated within the housing and which can be actuated to direct the sleeve of the device from within the housing to the site of implantation. Methods for providing bariatric therapy are also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides bariatric therapy systems. One system includes a gastrointestinal implant device and a delivery mechanism therefor. The device can include a sleeve for placement into a small intestine and to minimize absorption of nutrients by its walls. An anchoring mechanism coupled to a proximal end of the sleeve and designed to be secured within the stomach can be provided. A passageway extending through the anchoring mechanism and the sleeve can also be provided, along which food can be directed from the stomach to the small intestine. The delivery mechanism can include a housing for accommodating the device, and a deploying balloon situated within the housing and which can be actuated to direct the sleeve of the device from within the housing to the site of implantation. Methods for providing bariatric therapy are also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: Tissue restraining systems and devices as well as methods of using these devices are disclosed herein. According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a tissue restraining device that may include an annuloplasty member having one or more contact points along a portion of the annuloplasty member in a spaced relation to one another. The tissue restraining device may also include a second anchor for placement in a substantially opposing, spaced relation to the annuloplasty member. A restraining matrix may extend from the contact points of the annuloplasty member to the second anchor.

Abstract: A battery is provided with a battery cover having a first cover mold insert and a second cover mold insert which axe interchangeable in the cover prior to molding depending at least in part on the battery's polarity configuration. The first cover mold insert has a bushing that is relatively different in dimension, size and/or shape than the bushing of the second cover mold insert, such that each bushing is adapted to receive a cast-on-strap post of a relatively different dimension, size and/or shape. The first cover mold insert may also have a terminal that is relatively different in dimension, size and/or shape than the terminal of the second cover mold insert, such that each terminal is adapted to engage a formation connector contact of a relatively different dimension, size and/or shape.

Abstract: Tissue restraining systems and devices as well as methods of using these devices are disclosed herein. According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a tissue restraining device that may include a first anchor having one or more contact points along a portion of the first anchor in a spaced relation to one another. The tissue restraining device may also include a second anchor for placement in a substantially opposing relation to the first anchor. A restraining matrix may extend from the contact points of the first anchor to the second anchor.

Abstract: A system for tubular ligation is disclosed. The system may include an anchor designed to advance into a channel and engage the walls of the channel. The anchor may have mechanisms that allow it to securely attach to walls of the channel and pull the channel. The system may also include a body for placement adjacent to the channel to align the anchor with the channel. The anchor and body may be arranged so that subsequent retreat of the anchor toward the body pulls and inverts a portion of the channel. The system may also include an occlusion mechanism for placement about the inverted portion of the channel to seal the channel. The occlusion mechanism may be configured to bias between an open state for placement on the body, and a compressed state for sealing the channel. A method for tubular ligation is also disclosed.