Abstract: An endoscope securing and positioning device is provided for adjusting or maintaining the position of an endoscope. The device allows the medical professional to easily rotate an endoscope or maintain its position without having to maintain a grip on the endoscope.

Abstract: An assembly and method for removing occlusive material from a stent. The assembly includes an elongate catheter with an elongate flexible shaft disposed therethrough and a cleaning end disposed distally upon the shaft. The cleaning end is configured to engage and dislodge the occlusive material.

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: 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: Polymers with low band gaps and high charge mobility, as well as related systems, methods and components are disclosed.

Abstract: Windows with photovoltaic cells, as well as related systems, methods and components are disclosed.

Abstract: Zwitterionic compounds, photovoltaic cell charge carrier layers containing such compounds, photovoltaic cells including such charge carrier layers, and related methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Polymers with low band gaps and high charge mobility, as well as related systems, methods and components are disclosed.

Abstract: Polymers with low band gaps and high charge mobility, as well as related systems, methods and components are disclosed.

Abstract: Polymers with low band gaps and high charge mobility, as well as related systems, methods and components are disclosed.

Abstract: A wire guide holder having a wire guide deflector. The wire guide holder is provided with a securing portion and a deflecting portion. The securing portion is provided with protrusions and/or grooves for securing a distal portion of a wire guide against longitudinal movement. The deflecting portion is configured to direct the proximal end of a wire guide into an unobtrusive position. A frictional element may be provided to prevent the wire guide from inadvertently sliding or falling out of the deflecting portion. The wire guide holder may be attached to a medical scope or a bite block. The wire guide holder may also be provided with a seal.

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: Polymer catalysts for photovoltaic cells, as well as related compositions and methods, are disclosed.

Abstract: An elongate catheter shaft having a side port aperture through a side wall of the catheter shaft between proximal and distal ends of the shaft. The side port aperture is open to a lumen. Embodiments of the present invention are directed to stiffening structure disposed in the immediate vicinity of the side port aperture. The stiffening structures may be disposed on or be continuous with, for example, an exterior surface, an interior lumenal surface, within a wall of the catheter shaft, or some combination thereof. The stiffening structures described herein are directed to biasing the catheter shaft in the region of a side port aperture in a straight or curved configuration that resists undesired flexure in the region of the side port aperture.

Abstract: Patterned photovoltaic cells, as well as related components and methods, are disclosed.

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: 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: The present invention relates to fullerene derivatives including a pendant group that may be reacted to prepare a composition including a plurality of covalently bound fullerenes. The pendant group may be a cyclic ether, such as an epoxide. The present invention also relates to compositions including reaction products of these fullerene derivatives and photovoltaic devices including such polymeric compositions.

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: Zwitterionic compounds, photovoltaic cell charge carrier layers containing such compounds, photovoltaic cells including such charge carrier layers, and related methods are disclosed.