Abstract: A testing assembly for a drug delivery device is disclosed. The testing assembly can include a pressure vessel having a sealed pressure chamber that is configured to be pressurized to a predetermined pressure. The pressure vessel further defines an injection opening extending from an exterior thereof to the pressure chamber. A pierceable barrier extends over and seals the injection opening. The testing assembly further includes a measurement device disposed within the pressure chamber and a container aligned with the injection opening, such that the container is configured to collect a dose of a drug delivered via a drug delivery device through the pierceable barrier and the measurement device is configured to measure the dose of the drug.

Abstract: A testing assembly for a drug delivery device is disclosed. The testing assembly can include a pressure vessel having a sealed pressure chamber that is configured to be pressurized to a predetermined pressure. The pressure vessel further defines an injection opening extending from an exterior thereof to the pressure chamber. A pierceable barrier extends over and seals the injection opening. The testing assembly further includes a measurement device disposed within the pressure chamber and a container aligned with the injection opening, such that the container is configured to collect a dose of a drug delivered via a drug delivery device through the pierceable barrier and the measurement device is configured to measure the dose of the drug.

Abstract: Methods and devices for illuminating a body cavity or an internal region of a body are disclosed. In one aspect, a percutaneous illumination device for illuminating a body cavity includes an elongate member with an illumination source, and two support members disposed on the elongate member that are adapted to be positioned on opposite sides of a tissue surface for stabilizing the device. Variations on such an illumination device, kits that include such devices, and methods of utilizing such devices are all described within the present application.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for endoscopic procedures. In particular, the device can include an elongate flexible insertion element adapted for delivery within a patient. In one embodiment, the insertion element has at least one working channel disposed therein which is adapted to receive a surgical instrument, a liquid, or a gas. The insertion element can be adapted, for example, for endoscopic or laparoscopic delivery to a patient. The device further includes an optics unit disposed on a distal end of the insertion element that can be adapted to acquire images during endoscopic procedures, and an image display screen, disposed on or remote from the endoscopic device, adapted to communicate with the optics unit to display the acquired images.

Abstract: A system is operable to detect the orientation of an implant component. The system comprises an implantable component, an external component, and a logic component. The implantable component comprises a first coil operable to transmit a first signal having a phase. The external component comprises a second coil operable to transmit a second signal having a phase. The logic component is operable to compare the phase of the first signal with the phase of the second signal. The logic component is further configured to determine an orientation of the first coil relative to the second coil based on a comparison of the phase of the first signal with the phase of the second signal. The system may be used to determine the orientation of an injection port in an implanted gastric band system. The system may alternatively be used in a variety of other types of systems.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally provide an anastomosis device that can be used to couple two or more layers of tissue in apposition. In an exemplary embodiment, the device can be formed from one or more woven wires that can be configured to have a generally tubular shape in a first, expanded position for insertion to an anastomosis site and a generally annular, ring-shape in a second, resting position for securing tissue in apposition at the anastomosis site. The device can be adapted either to cause necrosis of the tissue layers around an outer periphery of the device or to promote growth of tissue about an inner periphery of the device.

Abstract: A fastener is used during endoscopic procedures in which a suture is used in creating a predefined pouch through tissue apposition within the stomach. The fastener includes a fastener body having a tissue anchor for selectively securing the fastener body to tissue. The fastener body also includes a connection aperture shaped and dimensioned for passage of a suture therethrough.

Abstract: A surgical suturing apparatus includes a suture housing, a needle having a proximal end and a distal end, the needle being mounted within the suture housing for movement about an arcuate path, a drive assembly operably associated with the needle for controlling movement of the needle with a suture secured thereto about the arcuate path in a manner facilitating application of the suture to tissue, and mechanism for determining the position of at least one of the distal end of the needle and the proximal end of the needle at all points along the arcuate path about which the needle moves.