Abstract: The disclosure relates to a sterilization apparatus which uses thermal or non-thermal plasma to disinfect surgical scoping devices such as endoscopes, gastroscopes, laparoscopes and the like. Aspect of the disclosure provide: (i) an apparatus for sterilizing inside an instrument channel formed with an insertion tube of a surgical scoping device, (ii) a whole-device sterilization apparatus for treating the entire exterior surface of a surgical scoping device, and (iii) an apparatus for cleaning and sterilizing a distal end face of an insertion tube of a surgical scoping device.

Abstract: A treatment apparatus which uses thermal or non-thermal plasma to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) by destroying bacteria. The apparatus comprises an elongate probe that includes a coaxial cable for conveying radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic (EM) energy and/or microwave EM energy, a probe tip connected at the distal end of the coaxial cable for receiving the RF and/or microwave EM energy, and a gas conduit for conveying gas to the probe tip. The probe tip comprises a first electrode connected to the inner conductor of the coaxial cable, and a second electrode connected to the outer conductor of the coaxial cable, and wherein the first electrode and second electrode are arranged to produce an electric field from the received RF and/or microwave EM energy across a flow path of gas received from the gas conduit to produce a thermal or a non-thermal plasma.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds for stabilising the native tetrameric form of transthyretin and protecting it from proteolytic cleavage; compounds for use in the prevention and treatment of transthyretin amyloidosis; and agents and medicaments comprising such compounds. The compounds are based on a general structure A-L-B, wherein A is a group of formula (II) or of formula (III): or of formula (IV) or of formula (V) B is a group of formula (III), (IV), or (V), or a group of formula (VI) or a group of formula —R10Z, wherein: Z is selected from —CO2R?, —CONR?R?, —SO2R? wherein R? and R? are independently H or C1-C4 alkyl; and R10 is a C1-C4 alkylene or alkenylene group; and L represents a linker group which is a saturated or unsaturated chain of 5 to 13 carbon atoms.

Abstract: The invention comprises an agent for use in medicine, wherein the agent comprises a compound of Formula (I): B-L-B? wherein: B and B? are independently selected from groups of formula (B-I) wherein: Z is selected from —COOH, —CH2COOH, —PO(OH)(OR1), or —CH2PO(OH) (OR1), wherein R1 is H or a phosphate protecting group; W is an alicyclic amine group having from 5 to 12 carbon atoms and at least one amine nitrogen atom; W? is H, or W? is linked to W to form said alicyclic amine group; and Y is selected from —NH—, —N(CH3)—, —CH2—, —NHCO—, —CH2CONH—, —CONH—, CH2NHCO—, or —NHCH2—; and L is a linker group.

Abstract: An agent for use in medicine, wherein the agent comprises a compound of Formula (I): wherein Ar is an aryl linker group, for example a 1,4-phenyl group, including individual pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, prodrugs or derivatives thereof. The compounds of Formula (I) are inhibitors of human C-reactive protein (CRP) and may be used for the treatment of medical conditions mediated by CRP. Also provided are methods of making the compounds of Formula (I) and chemical intermediates thereof.

Abstract: A method for controlling movement of an imaging device in vivo, the method comprising the steps of providing an imaging device having a longitudinal axis and a magnetic component, said device to be inserted into a patient's body; providing a rotating magnetic field outside the patient's body; and advancing the rotating magnetic filed along the patient's body in a desired direction.

Abstract: A method for controlling movement of an imaging device in vivo, the method comprising the steps of providing an imaging device having a longitudinal axis and a magnetic component, said device to be inserted into a patient's body; providing a rotating magnetic field outside the patient's body; and advancing the rotating magnetic filed along the patient's body in a desired direction.

Abstract: A method is described of inserting guide wires into a lumen, for example into the human gastrointestinal tract. A guide wire structure is employed which comprises at least two guide wires each having a leading end portion which terminates in a leading end, the guide wires being connected to one another by a junction at or adjacent their leading ends, the guide wires have a first position in which the leading end portions are substantially parallel to one another, a second position in which the leading end portions are curved, and a third position in which at least one of the leading end portions forms a loop. The guide wire structure is steered through the gastrointestinal tract by selectively advancing or retracting a single guide wire or advancing more than one guide wire simultaneously, according to the path which is required to be followed.

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: 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: The preferred methods and devices described herein provide for creating adhesions between the tissue layers of folded soft tissue. The methods described can be accomplished with the use of an endoscope and once folds of tissue are formed and brought together using methods known in the art, the folds can be secured using a clamping system. This clamping system retains the tissue folds in a side by side relationship by exerting a clamping pressure against the folds. Over time the clamping pressure may initiate mucosal layer necrosis, deep tissue layer intermingling and tissue knitting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the compounds of the formula (I), wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9 and W are as defined herein, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; the compounds are of particular use in the treatment or prevention of depression, anxiety, pain, inflammation, migraine, emesis or postherpetic neuralgia.

Abstract: A device is provided for use in joining together first and second tissue layers. The device comprises a catheter with an inflatable balloon mounted on the catheter adjacent one and thereof. An inflation channel is provided which is an fluid communication with the interior of the balloon and with a source of inflation fluid for introducing the inflation fluid into the interior of the balloon. The balloon is inflated and engages an outwardly facing surface of the first tissue layer and a tissue-engaging member, for example a cup or another balloon, engages an outwardly facing surface of the second tissue layer. The inwardly facing surfaces of the first and second tissue layers are thereby urged into engagement with on another.

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: Suture holding devices and methods are disclosed, including devices and methods useful in performing a transoral surgical procedure, such as a posterior gastropexy procedure. A device is disclosed which can be used by a physician in a medical procedure to automatically lock and cut a suture in one motion and without the need for additional cutting instrumentation, rather than perform separate locking and cutting actions.

Abstract: Endoscopic suturing devices are provided for suture locking and/or cutting, the devices being small enough to pass through the working channel of various endoscopic and ultrasound devices. One embodiment of the invention provides a device and method for a physician in a medical procedure to automatically lock and cut a suture in one motion and without the need for additional cutting instrumentation, rather than perform separate locking and cutting actions.

Abstract: An endoscopic system is disclosed, and can include a disposable catheter, a reusable camera assembly, and a camera connector system. A small cable and cable connector for feeding through a narrow channel of the disposable catheter is disclosed. A connector for connecting to a video console via an improved connector assembly system is also disclosed.

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 method for use with an endoscopic system is disclosed. The method can provide for installing a camera system, such as a reusable camera system, with respect to an elongate flexible member, such as a disposable endoscopic catheter. The method can include feeding a camera cable and cable end assembly through a distal end of a disposable endoscopic catheter such that the cable end assembly extends out of the proximal end of the catheter, and releasably engaging the cable end assembly in a connector assembly associated with a video unit.

Abstract: An endoscope, such as a colonoscope, is provided for introduction into and along a passageway in a human or animal body in a desired direction of travel. The endoscope is disclosed in association with a fluid propulsion apparatus which can be employed for effecting introduction and advancement of the endoscope.