Abstract: A method and apparatus for uncoupling a wire guide from and elongate medical device comprising a catheter shaft having a wire guide lumen extending there through, wherein the material surrounding the wire guide lumen is selected or adapted to facilitate splittability for removal of the wire guide. The catheter shaft is coextruded and comprises a plurality of materials. The portion of the shaft adjacent the wire guide lumen is formed from a first material and the balance of the shaft is formed from a second material. The first material is selected or adapted to facilitate splittability as compared to the second material. The first material may have a lower durometer than the second material. A peel tool for separating the wire guide from the catheter shaft is also provided.

Abstract: An improved ligating system with a ligating barrel having an adjustable diameter for use with endoscopes of varying sizes is disclosed. The adjustable diameter may be provided by a collet, a flexible helical band, a plurality of screws, or a tapered elastomeric section.

Abstract: A device and method for accessing the interior of a cavity of a patient is described. The transmural access system includes an overtube for use with an endoscope, a safety trocar, suture anchors, and a suture exchanger. The overtube is deployed in conjunction with an endoscope through a selected body passageway of a patient to locate a sight for an access portal. The distal end of the multi-lumen overtube is secured to an interior body wall of the selected access portal. A safety trocar is advanced through the main lumen of the overtube to form the access portal to the body cavity. Upon completion of the desired medical procedure, the access portal can be closed by deploying a suture exchanger.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing a first elongate medical device and short wire guide that are coupled together into a work site and remotely disconnecting them within the work site such that a secondary device comprising a catheter member can be introduced over the wire guide to the work site, and/or a second wire guide can be introduced to the work site via a passageway of the primary access device. A system of indicia, such as radiopaque or viewable markers, permit the operator to monitor the relative alignment of the devices within the work site to determine when uncoupling has occurred. In one example of the method, a wire guide and primary access device (e.g., a sphincterotome) is coupled to the wire guide and introduced via a duodenoscope into the biliary system. After performing a first medical operation, the devices are uncoupled with the wire guide being left within the biliary system such that a secondary access device, such as a balloon, biopsy device, stent delivery catheter, dilator, etc.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus cooperable with a grasping slot of an elevator of endoscope for enhanced delivery to a target location in a patient is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a catheter including an inner lumen and an outer surface. The outer surface has a projection formed thereon. The projection radially extends from the outer surface. The projection is configured to receive the elevator for enhanced delivery in the patient.

Abstract: A delivery system and method of use thereof for introducing an intragastric bag and filler strip into a gastric lumen are described. The delivery system includes a multi-lumen overtube, one or retractable hooks, an endoscopic looping device, and a pusher rod. The intragastric bag is attached and loaded into the overtube. The overtube is then deployed within the gastric lumen. A pusher rod pushes the distal end of the intragastric bag out of the overtube and into the gastric lumen. With the intragastric bag open, the filler strip is advanced into the intragastric bag using the pusher rod. The endoscopic loop is then tightened around the proximal end of the intragastric bag so that the filler strip remains entrapped within the intragastric bag.

Abstract: Methods of packaging a medical device to orient at least a portion of the medical device and a medical device packaging assembly are provided. A method includes providing an elongate holder having a lumen extending through at least a portion of the holder and providing the medical device including an elongate shaft where the shaft includes a first cross-sectional area having a rotational orientation and a second cross-sectional area having a second rotational orientation. The method further includes aligning the first and second areas so that the first and second rotational orientations are aligned along a longitudinal region of the shaft and inserting at least a portion of the medical device into the lumen of the holder Radial rotation of the first area with respect to the second area is substantially prevented.

Abstract: Medical devices, kits, and methods for utilizing an elongate surgical needle that may be used through an endoscope working channel or through an external accessory channel device used with an endoscope are provided. The needle has a proximal end and a flexible distal end, an opening at or near the proximal end and an opening at or near the distal end, the openings defining a channel. The surgical needle distal end comprises a tissue engaging section and an intermediate section being operatively coupled in an axial direction. The tissue engaging section and intermediate section have different flexibility such that the tissue engaging section has greater flexibility than the intermediate section. Optionally, the needle distal end has a preformed bend at or near the tissue engaging section, the preformed bend capable of being constrained to a substantially linear configuration and capable of returning to the preformed configuration when unconstrained.

Abstract: A wire guide holder having a body for securing an elongate medical wire or tube, such as a wire guide or catheter. The body is adapted to be attached to a scope or a bite block. The body can be provided with protrusions and/or grooves for holding a wire guide. The wire guide holder may be affixed to the medical scope by clamping. The wire guide holder can also be provided with a seal.

Abstract: Methods of packaging a medical device to orient at least a portion of the medical device and a medical device packaging assembly are provided. A method includes providing an elongate holder having a lumen extending through at least a portion of the holder and providing the medical device including an elongate shaft where the shaft includes a first cross-sectional area having a rotational orientation and a second cross-sectional area having a second rotational orientation. The method further includes aligning the first and second areas so that the first and second rotational orientations are aligned along a longitudinal region of the shaft and inserting at least a portion of the medical device into the lumen of the holder Radial rotation of the first area with respect to the second area is substantially prevented.

Abstract: A surgical device for manipulating and cutting a suture, including methods for making the device and methods for using the device in minimally invasive and general surgical procedures.

Abstract: Luer assemblies are provided having first and second connectors operatively coupled and securing tails of a proximal end section of a catheter disposed therebetween. A method for cutting a proximal end section of a catheter having distal and proximal ends is provided, a slit in the proximal end section exposing a catheter lumen and forming first and second tails having inner, outer, and peripheral engaging surfaces. Another method secures catheter tails disposed between operatively coupled first and second connectors, the first connector having a distal insert inserted into the exposed catheter lumen and a catheter engaging body about which the catheter tails are disposed, and the second connector having a catheter engaging body disposed about the catheter tails, wherein the connectors are configured to be operatively coupled to each other and to operatively couple the catheter tails disposed between the catheter engaging bodies of the first and second connectors.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for facilitating removal of polyps from a bodily cavity, such as the colon. The apparatus comprises a catheter having proximal and distal regions, and a cutting wire extending through a first lumen of the catheter. At least one notched section is formed in the distal region of the catheter, and at least a portion of the cutting wire is visibly exposed at the notched section. At the notched section, the exposed cutting wire does not extend substantially radially outward beyond a main body of the catheter. Therefore, the profile of the catheter is not increased. A stiffening member may be advanced within a second lumen of the catheter to selectively provide support to the cutting wire in the vicinity of the notched section. If the stiffening member is not employed, the cutting wire may be proximally retracted or tensioned to bend the distal region of the catheter in the vicinity of the notched section.

Abstract: A delivery system and method of use thereof for introducing an intragastric bag and filler strip into a gastric lumen are described. The delivery system includes a multi-lumen overtube, one or retractable hooks, an endoscopic looping device, and a pusher rod. The intragastric bag is attached and loaded into the overtube. The overtube is then deployed within the gastric lumen. A pusher rod pushes the distal end of the intragastric bag out of the overtube and into the gastric lumen. With the intragastric bag open, the filler strip is advanced into the intragastric bag using the pusher rod. The endoscopic loop is then tightened around the proximal end of the intragastric bag so that the filler strip remains entrapped within the intragastric bag.

Abstract: A physician access system comprising a catheter for use with an endoscope, the catheter including a wire guide lumen having a plurality of access ports disposed along an intermediate portion thereof to permit the insertion of a wire guide at different locations. The location of each access port corresponds to a specific length of the catheter exiting from the distal end of the endoscope. The access ports are located so that at least one of the access ports will be positioned near the endoscope handle when the distal end of the catheter, and any operational tool attached thereto, has been extended a short distance past the distal end of the endoscope. A physician may select the access port which best allows simultaneous control of the wire guide and the endoscope depending on the length of the catheter that the physician desires to have extend from the end of the endoscope.

Abstract: A physician access system comprising a catheter for use with an endoscope, the catheter including a wire guide lumen having a plurality of access ports disposed along an intermediate portion thereof to permit the insertion of a wire guide at different locations. The location of each access port corresponds to a specific length of the catheter exiting from the distal end of the endoscope. The access ports are located so that at least one of the access ports will be positioned near the endoscope handle when the distal end of the catheter, and any operational tool attached thereto, has been extended a short distance past the distal end of the endoscope. A physician may select the access port which best allows simultaneous control of the wire guide and the endoscope depending on the length of the catheter that the physician desires to have extend from the end of the endoscope.