Abstract: A device, system and method for cytology acquisition which may be performed with a swallowable in vivo device, specifically with a swallowable endoscopy capsule. The swallowable capsule may comprise a rotatable drum, a brush attached onto the drum for brushing against a tissue and acquiring cytology, and a porthole through which the brush may be in contact with the tissue.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for in-vivo cauterization. An autonomous in-vivo device may include a heating mechanism to cauterize in-vivo tissue. A system may include an autonomous in-vivo heating device having a heating mechanism to cauterize in-vivo tissue, and an in-vivo imaging device to acquire in-vivo images.

Abstract: A device, system and method for cytology acquisition which may be performed with a swallowable in vivo device, specifically with a swallowable endoscopy capsule. The swallowable capsule may comprise a rotatable drum, a brush attached onto the drum for brushing against a tissue and acquiring cytology, and a porthole through which the brush may be in contact with the tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to an in vivo sensing device having a specific gravity of about 1 or a volume to weight ratio that enables it essentially to float. In one embodiment the in vivo sensing device consists of an image sensor system and a buoyant body. The buoyant body, which is attached to the sensor system or which can optionally house one or more elements of the sensor system, keeps the sensor system essentially floating in a body lumen liquid.

Abstract: Suture anchoring devices are disclosed, including a T-tag anchoring device that is suitably small enough to fit into the hollow tip of a needle and, furthermore, provide protection to the suture against being cut or otherwise damaged by the sharp edge of the needle tip. One disclosed device includes a slot for providing a pivot point between the suture and the body when deployed, which can be employed to form a T-tag.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for attaching or maintaining the position of a therapeutic or diagnostic device in a body lumen, such as the GI tract without necessarily requiring any penetrating attachments through any body walls. The system can include at least two elements: a proximal orientation element and a distal support element. The proximal orientation element can be configured to reside at least partially within the esophageal lumen and the distal support element can be configured to reside in the stomach, such as along the greater curve of the stomach.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for attaching or maintaining the position of a therapeutic or diagnostic device in a body lumen, such as the GI tract without necessarily requiring any penetrating attachments through any body walls. The system can include at least two elements: a proximal orientation element and a distal support element. The proximal orientation element can be configured to reside at least partially within the esophageal lumen and the distal support element can be configured to reside in the stomach, such as along the greater curve of the stomach. An intragastric support system can have a first configuration in which the long axis of the proximal orientation element is substantially parallel and/or substantially coaxial with the long axis of the distal support element, and a second configuration in which the long axis of the proximal orientation element is not substantially coaxial with the long axis of the distal support element.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for forming multidirectional cuts in tissue. The tissue cutting devices disclosed herein generally include a flexible elongate member with at least first and second wires that are at least partially constrained within or along a portion of the member. A distal portion of the wires is anchored on or within a portion of the elongate member. When tension is applied to one of the wires, such as by an actuator at a proximal end of the device, the elongate member bows while an unconstrained portion of the wire becomes exposed relative to the adjacent portion of the elongate member, assuming a tissue-cutting configuration.

Abstract: A surgical device is provided for use in joining a first tissue layer forming a first hollow region and a second tissue layer forming a wall of a second hollow region, to produce an anastomosis. The device comprises a needle capable of passing from the first region to the second region by penetrating the tissue layers, a tag removably carried by the needle, the tag having a trailing portion, and means for separating the tag from the needle after the needle has penetrated both layers, to leave the tag in the second hollow region, but with the trailing portion extending into the first hollow region. Anastomosis forming articles are described which comprise a pair of components for compressing the tissue layers between them.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for penetrating tissue. In one embodiment, a tissue-penetrating device is provided and includes a flexible elongate shaft and a flexible elongate wire extending through the elongate shaft and having a needle tip at a distal end thereof for penetrating tissue. The needle tip can be conductive and the elongate wire can be adapted to couple to an energy source for delivering energy to the needle tip to facilitate penetration of the needle tip through tissue. The device can also include a protective sheath disposed over at least a portion of the elongate shaft and movable relative to the elongate shaft between a distal position and a proximal position. The protective sheath is configured to either protect the needle tip or electrically isolate the needle tip after the needle tip is penetrated through tissue, thereby preventing unintentional penetration of adjacent tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for forming multidirectional cuts in tissue. The tissue cutting devices disclosed herein generally include a flexible elongate member with at least first, second, and third wires that are at least partially constrained within or along a portion of the member. A distal portion of the wires is anchored on or within a portion of the elongate member. When tension is applied to at least one of the wires, such as by an actuator at a proximal end of the device, the elongate member bows while an unconstrained portion of the wire becomes exposed relative to the adjacent portion of the elongate member, assuming a tissue-cutting configuration.

Abstract: A suture anchor is provided which includes a hollow member having an outer surface defining an enclosure, the member having a longitudinal axis and a slot through a portion of the outer surface in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, the slot providing an opening into the enclosure. The suture anchor further includes a one-way valve positioned within the enclosure at the slot to allow entry of a suture through the slot into the enclosure and to prevent the exit of the suture from the enclosure. A device is provided for deploying the suture anchor. The deployment device includes an elongate hollow member having a suture anchor release zone positioned at the distal end, a launch bar having at least a portion positioned in the release zone. The launch bar is movable within the release zone between a resting position and a launching position and is operatively connected to an actuation member positioned proximally to the elongate member.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided which may be used for suturing, including performing a totally transoral surgical procedure, such as a posterior gastropexy procedure. A suture lock and cut assembly is provided to lock and cut one or more sutures in one motion, which motion can be a non-curved, non rotational linear motion. The suture lock and cut assembly with one or more sutures threaded therethrough may be pushed through, for example, a patient's esophagus and into the stomach by the tip of an endoscope, or alternatively, sized to be fed through the working channel of the endoscope.

Abstract: A medical device that includes a cannulated needle, a first knotting element portion releaseably engaged with the needle, a second knotting element portion also releaseably engaged with the needle, a knotting element deployment actuator that abuts the second knotting element portion, and an anchor deployment actuator in communication with the interior of the needle, wherein the knotting element deployment actuator and anchor actuator are slidably manipulable from a proximal handle of the device, and held in a coaxial relationship with each other. The first knotting element portion may be releaseably engaged by means including shearing posts and adhesives, and the second knotting element portion may be releaseably engaged by means including detents and adhesives.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for in-vivo cauterization. An autonomous in-vivo device may include a heating mechanism to cauterize in-vivo tissue. A system may include an autonomous in-vivo heating device having a heating mechanism to cauterize in-vivo tissue, and an in-vivo imaging device to acquire in-vivo images.

Abstract: A surgical instrument which can be utilized to hold, view, transect, and suture tissue. The surgical instrument can include a tissue-receiving cavity which can be placed in fluid communication with a vacuum source such that the tissue can be held in the cavity. The surgical instrument can further include a housing and a cutting element, wherein the cutting element can be moved relative to the housing to resect the tissue positioned within the cavity. The surgical instrument can also include a passage configured to receive a suture applicator which can be moved between first and second positions to incise the tissue. In at least one embodiment, the passage can be configured to align and orient the suture applicator relative to the tissue positioned within the cavity. The surgical instrument can further include a passage configured to slidably receive an endoscope where the passage can align and orient the endoscope.

Abstract: A device is provided which can act as one component of an anastomosis-forming assembly, i.e. as an anastomosis button. The device comprises a plurality of elongate members having a first, introduction configuration in which they are substantially aligned with one another, and a second, use configuration in which they are disposed at an angle to one another. For example, there may be two such elongate members, which, in the use configuration, form a cross. The device comprises means, for example, a tensionable thread, for bringing the elongate members into the use configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for attaching or maintaining the position of a therapeutic or diagnostic device in a body lumen, such as the GI tract without necessarily requiring any penetrating attachments through any body walls. The system can include at least two elements: a proximal orientation element and a distal support element. The proximal orientation element can be configured to reside at least partially within the esophageal lumen and the distal support element can be configured to reside in the stomach, such as along the greater curve of the stomach. An intragastric support system can have a first configuration in which the long axis of the proximal orientation element is substantially parallel and/or substantially coaxial with the long axis of the distal support element, and a second configuration in which the long axis of the proximal orientation element is not substantially coaxial with the long axis of the distal support element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device system and method for providing images of an in vivo site during in vivo procedures, such as laparoscopy wherein the device is capable of illuminating an internal body cavity and has an immobilization unit to fasten the device to a desired location in vivo.

Abstract: A suture anchor is provided which includes a hollow member having an outer surface defining an enclosure therein, the member having a longitudinal axis and a slot through a portion of the outer surface in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, the slot providing an opening into the enclosure. The suture anchor further includes a one-way valve positioned within the enclosure at the slot to allow entry of a suture through the slot into the enclosure and to prevent the exit of the suture from the enclosure. A device is provided for deploying the suture anchor. The deployment device includes an elongate hollow member having a suture anchor release zone positioned at the distal end thereof, a launch bar having at least a portion thereof positioned in the release zone, wherein the launch bar is movable within the release zone between a resting position and a launching position and is operatively connected to an actuation member positioned proximally to the elongate member.