Abstract: Tissue anchors comprise a woven filament braid body having an elongated tubular configuration and a foreshortened configuration where proximal and distal ends of the body expand radially into double-walled flange structures while leaving a cylindrical saddle region therebetween. The tissue anchors are deployed through penetrations between adjacent tissue layers, where the flanges engage the outer surfaces of the tissue layers and the saddle region resides within the tissue penetrations.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for reversibly constraining an endoscope. A method may include positioning an elongate medical device or endoscope in a holder of a clamp. A method may include actuating the holder such that one or more of a first sidewall and a second sidewall of the holder move to a clamped configuration to exert a force on the endoscope. A method may include adjusting a pad of the clamp from a first position to a second position where the pad is in contact with the endoscope in the second position.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for reversibly constraining an endoscope. A method may include positioning an elongate medical device or endoscope in a holder of a clamp. A method may include actuating the holder such that one or more of a first sidewall and a second sidewall of the holder move to a clamped configuration to exert a force on the endoscope. A method may include adjusting a pad of the clamp from a first position to a second position where the pad is in contact with the endoscope in the second position.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and related methods for occluding at least a portion of a bodily lumen during a procedure. In some embodiments, the device includes an inner shaft defining a lumen therethrough and a first aperture; and an outer shaft including a flexible member and defining a lumen therethrough and a second aperture positioned proximally on the outer shaft relative to the flexible member. The inner shaft extends through the lumen of the outer shaft, such that at least a portion of the outer shaft is axially translatable toward and away from the distal portion of the inner shaft. The flexible member is movable between an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration when at least a portion of the outer shaft is translated axially toward or away from the distal portion of the inner shaft. In some embodiments, the device and methods are used for endoscopy procedures.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide apparatus and methods for treating tissue by applying a force to the tissue. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a deployable segment having a loop member formed at a distal region of the deployable segment. A frame is operatively coupled to the loop member. In some embodiments, the frame may be operatively coupled to the loop member by at least three lugs; each lug has a slit, and the loop member extends through each lug slit. The loop member includes a gauge diameter, the slit has an opening, and the slit opening may be narrower than the loop member gauge diameter.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for reversibly constraining an endoscope. A method may include positioning an elongate medical device or endoscope in a holder of a clamp. A method may include actuating the holder such that one or more of a first sidewall and a second sidewall of the holder move to a clamped configuration to exert a force on the endoscope. A method may include adjusting a pad of the clamp from a first position to a second position where the pad is in contact with the endoscope in the second position.

Abstract: Described herein are devices for reversibly constraining an endoscope. Such devices may comprise: a base positionable proximate a patient; a column extending vertically from the base; an arm extending horizontally from the column; and a clamp coupled to the arm. In some embodiments, the clamp comprises a holder comprising an annular ring defining an endoscope receiving area or a first sidewall and a second sidewall together defining an endoscope receiving area. The holder is transitionable between a first configuration in which the annular ring or the first and second sidewall are configured to set apart from an endoscope in the endoscope receiving area and a second configuration in which the annular ring or the first and second sidewall are configured to clamp the endoscope in the endoscope receiving area.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and related methods for occluding at least a portion of a bodily lumen during a procedure. In some embodiments, the device includes an inner shaft defining a lumen therethrough and a first aperture; and an outer shaft including a flexible member and defining a lumen therethrough and a second aperture positioned proximally on the outer shaft relative to the flexible member. The inner shaft extends through the lumen of the outer shaft, such that at least a portion of the outer shaft is axially translatable toward and away from the distal portion of the inner shaft. The flexible member is movable between an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration when at least a portion of the outer shaft is translated axially toward or away from the distal portion of the inner shaft. In some embodiments, the device and methods are used for endoscopy procedures.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal catheter for insertion into a treatment site in a patient, the treatment site including at least one of a first treatment site and a second treatment site, where the catheter includes at least one of a first and a second treatment member; the proximal portions of the first and second treatment members may be detachably or slidably conjoinable side by side; the distal portions of the first and second treatment members are separate from each other. The distal end of the first treatment member is configured for insertion into the first treatment site; the second treatment member is configured to be placed at a second treatment site. The distal end region of the first treatment member has an anchoring configuration adapted to anchor the distal end region within the first treatment site, the distal end region is further capable of elastically assuming a linear constrained configuration.

Abstract: Described herein are devices for reversibly constraining an endoscope. Such devices may comprise: a base positionable proximate a patient; a column extending vertically from the base; an arm extending horizontally from the column; and a clamp coupled to the arm. In some embodiments, the clamp comprises a holder comprising an annular ring defining an endoscope receiving area or a first sidewall and a second sidewall together defining an endoscope receiving area. The holder is transitionable between a first configuration in which the annular ring or the first and second sidewall are configured to set apart from an endoscope in the endoscope receiving area and a second configuration in which the annular ring or the first and second sidewall are configured to clamp the endoscope in the endoscope receiving area.

Abstract: In an aspect, embodiments of the invention relate to the effective and accurate placement of intravascular devices such as central venous catheters, in particular such as peripherally inserted central catheters or PICC. One aspect of the present invention relates to vascular access. It describes devices and methods for imaging guided vascular access and more effective sterile packaging and handling of such devices. A second aspect of the present invention relates to the guidance, positioning and placement confirmation of intravascular devices without the help of X-ray imaging. A third aspect of the present invention relates to devices and methods for the skin securement of intravascular devices and post-placement verification of location of such devices. A forth aspect of the present invention relates to improvement of the workflow required for the placement of intravascular devices.

Abstract: Described herein are endoscopic plicators passed transorally into the stomach and used to plicate stomach tissue by engaging tissue from inside of the stomach and drawing it inwardly. In the disclosed embodiments, the tissue is drawn inwardly into a vacuum chamber, causing sections of serosal tissue on the exterior of the stomach to be positioned facing one another. The disclosed plicators allow the opposed sections of tissue to be moved into contact with one another, and preferably deliver sutures, staples or other means for maintaining contact between the tissue sections at least until serosal bonds form between them. Each of these steps may be performed wholly from the inside of the stomach and thus can eliminate the need for any surgical or laparoscopic intervention. After one or more plications is formed, medical devices may be coupled to the plication(s) for retention within the stomach.

Abstract: A trocar has an elongate body and a tissue-penetrating tip. One or more radially extending blade(s) are provided near the tissue-penetrating tip of the trocar body so that they automatically open as the trocar is advanced through tissue. The blades will enlarge the penetration which was formed by the tip of the trocar.

Abstract: A trocar has an elongate body and a tissue-penetrating tip. One or more radially extending blade(s) are provided near the tissue-penetrating tip of the trocar body so that they automatically open as the trocar is advanced through tissue. The blades will enlarge the penetration which was formed by the tip of the trocar.

Abstract: Described herein are endoscopic plicators passed transorally into the stomach and used to plicate stomach tissue by engaging tissue from inside of the stomach and drawing it inwardly. In the disclosed embodiments, the tissue is drawn inwardly into a vacuum chamber, causing sections of serosal tissue on the exterior of the stomach to be positioned facing one another. The disclosed plicators allow the opposed sections of tissue to be moved into contact with one another, and preferably deliver sutures, staples or other means for maintaining contact between the tissue sections at least until serosal bonds form between them. Each of these steps may be performed wholly from the inside of the stomach and thus can eliminate the need for any surgical or laparoscopic intervention. After one or more plications is formed, medical devices may be coupled to the plication(s) for retention within the stomach.

Abstract: Endoscopic plicators are passed transorally into the stomach and used to plicate stomach tissue by engaging tissue from inside of the stomach and drawing it inwardly. The tissue is drawn inwardly into a vacuum chamber, causing sections of serosal tissue on the exterior of the stomach to be positioned facing one another. The plicators allow the opposed sections of tissue to be moved into contact with one another, and preferably deliver sutures, staples or other means for maintaining contact between the tissue sections at least until serosal bonds form between them. Each of these steps may be performed wholly from the inside of the stomach and thus can eliminate the need for any surgical or laparscopic intervention. After one or more plications is formed, medical devices may be coupled to the plication(s) for retention within the stomach.

Abstract: Described herein are endoscopic plicators passed transorally into the stomach and used to plicate stomach tissue by engaging tissue from inside of the stomach and drawing it inwardly. In the disclosed embodiments, the tissue is drawn inwardly into a vacuum chamber, causing sections of serosal tissue on the exterior of the stomach to be positioned facing one another. The disclosed plicators allow the opposed sections of tissue to be moved into contact with one another, and preferably deliver sutures, staples or other means for maintaining contact between the tissue sections at least until serosal bonds form between them. Each of these steps may be performed wholly from the inside of the stomach and thus can eliminate the need for any surgical or laparoscopic intervention. After one or more plications is formed, medical devices may be coupled to the plication(s) for retention within the stomach.

Abstract: A trocar has an elongate body and a tissue-penetrating tip. One or more radially extending blade(s) are provided near the tissue-penetrating tip of the trocar body so that they automatically open as the trocar is advanced through tissue. The blades will enlarge the penetration which was formed by the tip of the trocar.

Abstract: A guidewire has a guidewire body with a distal end and a proximal end. A balloon or other tissue anchor is disposed at or near the distal end of the guidewire, and the guidewire may be used to draw two layers of tissue into apposition by placing the guidewire through a tissue penetration, deploying the tissue anchor, and drawing proximally on the guidewire body. Optionally, the guidewire may include deployable blades for enlarging a tissue penetration as the guidewire is advanced therethrough.

Abstract: Described herein are endoscopic plicators passed transorally into the stomach and used to plicate stomach tissue by engaging tissue from inside of the stomach and drawing it inwardly. In the disclosed embodiments, the tissue is drawn inwardly into a vacuum chamber, causing sections of serosal tissue on the exterior of the stomach to be positioned facing one another. The disclosed plicators allow the opposed sections of tissue to be moved into contact with one another, and preferably deliver sutures, staples or other means for maintaining contact between the tissue sections at least until serosal bonds form between them. Each of these steps may be performed wholly from the inside of the stomach and thus can eliminate the need for any surgical or laparoscopic intervention. After one or more plications is formed, medical devices may be coupled to the plication(s) for retention within the stomach.