Abstract: An example method of calibrating a blood flow monitoring device includes positioning a remote device and a blood flow monitor within physical proximity of one another, placing the remote device in a calibration mode such that a microphone of the remote device is active and can receive Doppler sounds emitted by a speaker of the blood flow monitor; emitting Doppler sounds through the speaker of the blood flow monitor; receiving the Doppler sounds as received Doppler sounds using the microphone of the remote device; emitting the received Doppler sounds through a speaker of the remote device as remote device sounds; receiving the remote device sounds using the microphone of the remote device; identifying any differences between the received Doppler sounds and the received remote device sounds; and calibrating the remote device based on the identified differences between the received Doppler sounds and the received remote device sounds.

Abstract: A system suitable for delivering a therapeutic agent to a target site may include a container for holding a therapeutic agent; a pressure source having pressurized fluid, the pressure source in selective fluid communication with at least a portion of the container; a catheter in selective fluid communication with the container and configured for delivery of the therapeutic agent or the pressurized fluid to a target site; and a housing configured to securely retain the container and movably support a switch, where the switch is movable between a first position and a second position, where when the switch is in the first position, delivery of the therapeutic agent is prevented while delivery of the pressurized fluid is permitted, and where when the switch is in the second position, delivery of the therapeutic agent is permitted.

Abstract: An electrosurgical medical device may include a conductive tubular element disposed about an outer surface of an elongate tubular member at a distal portion of the tubular member. The conductive tubular member may be delivered to a treatment site of a gastrointestinal (GI) tract of a patient and electrically activated. While electrically activated, the conductive tubular element may create an opening in a wall of the GI tract and a pseudocyst. After the incision is made, the conductive tubular element may be withdrawn from the treatment site and a drainage device may be positioned in the incision for drainage of the pseudocyst.

Abstract: A single-wire stylet may be constructed as an elongate single-wire, memory-metal alloy body with a generally cylindrical body profile, extending distally from a proximal end terminus, where embodiments include a polymeric distal tip member fixedly attached directly at a distal end of the single-wire body. At least one lengthwise portion of the single-wire body is at least partially in martensitic phase at operating temperatures at and below about 37° C. Where present, the polymeric distal tip member has a generally cylindrical body profile circumferentially bounded by an outer circumference substantially equal to or greater than that of the metal body. The polymeric distal tip member may be overmolded upon a distal-end tip length of an elongate single-wire, memory-metal alloy stylet body, where the distal end and/or discrete intermediate distal-portion length(s) that include martensitic-phase alloy and any polymeric member have greater flexibility than a proximal-most length of the alloy stylet body.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention generally relates to a sample retrieval device and to system including such a device in combination with biopsy needle. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of using the sample retrieval device in combination with the biopsy needle to retrieve a biopsy sample from a patient and to prepare the sample for examination.

Abstract: Embodiments include a fiducial deployment system with a handle configured for actuation of the same, the handle including a collet mechanism actuatable for controlled, one-at-a-time deployment of fiducials. A fiducial may include one or more protuberances configured to engage one or more slots in a needle of the system. The needle may be configured to deliver a plurality of fiducials to a target location in serial fashion, one at a time. In certain embodiments, echogenic placement of fiducials may present certain advantages. The handle includes an actuation mechanism with a collet and plunger actuation member configured for incrementally or otherwise controlledly deploy one or more fiducials at a time by advancing a sty let through and/or retracting the body of a slotted needle in which fiducials are disposed with a fiducial protrusion extending into the needle slot, which also includes retaining structures that do not impede the needle lumen.

Abstract: A single-wire stylet may be constructed as an elongate single-wire, memory-metal alloy body with a generally cylindrical body profile, extending distally from a proximal end terminus, where embodiments include a polymeric distal tip member fixedly attached directly at a distal end of the single-wire body. At least one lengthwise portion of the single-wire body is at least partially in martensitic phase at operating temperatures at and below about 37° C. Where present, the polymeric distal tip member has a generally cylindrical body profile circumferentially bounded by an outer circumference substantially equal to or greater than that of the metal body. The polymeric distal tip member may be overmolded upon a distal-end tip length of an elongate single-wire, memory-metal alloy stylet body, where the distal end and/or discrete intermediate distal-portion length(s) that include martensitic-phase alloy and any polymeric member have greater flexibility than a proximal-most length of the alloy stylet body.

Abstract: Embodiments include a fiducial deployment system with a handle configured for actuation of same. A fiducial may include one or more protuberances configured to engage one or more slots in a needle of the system. The needle may be configured to deliver a plurality of fiducials to a target location in serial fashion, one at a time. The handle includes an actuation mechanism with a recessible-toothed rack and actuation member(s) configured for incrementally or otherwise controlledly deploying one or more fiducials at a time by advancing a stylet through and/or retracting the body of a slotted needle in which fiducials are disposed with a fiducial protrusion extending into the needle slot, which needle slot also includes retaining structures that do not impede the needle lumen.

Abstract: A single-wire stylet may be constructed as an elongate single-wire, memory-metal alloy body with a generally cylindrical body profile, extending distally from a proximal end terminus, where embodiments include a polymeric distal tip member fixedly attached directly at a distal end of the single-wire body. At least one lengthwise portion of the single-wire body is at least partially in martensitic phase at operating temperatures at and below about 37° C. Where present, the polymeric distal tip member has a generally cylindrical body profile circumferentially bounded by an outer circumference substantially equal to or greater than that of the metal body. The polymeric distal tip member may be overmolded upon a distal-end tip length of an elongate single-wire, memory-metal alloy stylet body, where the distal end and/or discrete intermediate distal-portion length(s) that include martensitic-phase alloy and any polymeric member have greater flexibility than a proximal-most length of the alloy stylet body.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of devices and methods for providing enhanced echogenicity to medical devices. At least two adjacent echogenic features with an intervening section positioned between the echogenic features are formed as a helical groove in a medical device surface. Each of the echogenic features has a depression that spans between first and second transition lips. In one form, each depression includes a steep portion adjacent a shallow portion wherein the steep portion has a first radius and the shallow portion has a second radius that is larger than the first radius such that the radii capture different wavelengths of ultrasound. The intervening section has a planar surface in which the first and second transition lips do not extend above. In one form, each of the at least two echogenic features has a length that is within 0.1 mm of a length of the intervening section.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention generally relates to a sample retrieval device and to system including such a device in combination with biopsy needle. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of using the sample retrieval device in combination with the biopsy needle to retrieve a biopsy sample from a patient and to prepare the sample for examination.

Abstract: An electrosurgical medical device may include a conductive tubular element disposed about an outer surface of an elongate tubular member at a distal portion of the tubular member. The conductive tubular member may be delivered to a treatment site of a gastrointestinal (GI) tract of a patient and electrically activated. While electrically activated, the conductive tubular element may create an opening in a wall of the GI tract and a pseudocyst. After the incision is made, the conductive tubular element may be withdrawn from the treatment site and a drainage device may be positioned in the incision for drainage of the pseudocyst.

Abstract: A medical device includes an elongate single-wire memory-metal body with a complete length that includes a proximal stylet length, an intermediate self-coiling stylet length, and a distal stylet length that is generally straight and non-self-coiling. The moment of force of the self-coiling stylet length is less than the moment of force of the medical endoscopy needle that is resistant to the stylet's self-coiling force. The device may further include being incorporated into an endoscopy needle system where the single-wire stylet body is disposed through a lumen of a medical endoscopy needle.

Abstract: Embodiments include a fiducial deployment system with a handle configured for actuation of same. A fiducial may include one or more protuberances configured to engage one or more slots in a needle of the system. The needle may be configured to deliver a plurality of fiducials to a target location in serial fashion, one at a time. In certain embodiments, echogenic placement of fiducials may present certain advantages. The handle includes an actuation mechanism with rotatable housing portion or member configured for incrementally or otherwise controlledly deploy one or more fiducials at a time by advancing a stylet through and/or retracting the body of a slotted needle in which fiducials are disposed with a fiducial protrusion extending into the needle slot, which also includes retaining structures that do not impede the needle lumen.

Abstract: Access needles and methods of using the needles are set forth in this disclosure. The needles can include a handle and a cannula having a proximal end operatively connected to the handle, a distal end, and a lumen extending through the body of the cannula. A protective sheath may surround the cannula. Further, a stylet may be removably disposed within the lumen of the cannula. The stylet includes a piercing tip at a distal end and a flexible body length extending proximally from the piercing tip to the handle. The flexible body of the stylet provides a path of fluid communication through the lumen of the cannula such that a contrast fluid can effectively pass through the lumen of the cannula. Methods of introducing cannulas to target locations within a body of a patient are also set forth in this disclosure.

Abstract: A delivery device for deploying an expandable prosthesis and method of use thereof are described. The delivery device includes an outer sheath that is capable of retracting in a proximal direction and resheathing over the prosthesis in a distal direction. The device includes a drive pulley that can engage gears to retract or resheath the outer catheter in relation to the prosthesis. In some embodiments, the delivery device may include a reinforced outer sheath disposed over an inner elongate member, the reinforced outer sheath comprising a proximal section reinforced with a braid, a distal section reinforced with a coil and an overlapping section extending between the proximal section and the distal section. Additionally or alternatively, the delivery device may include a stabilizing element for releasably holding the stent to the inner catheter.

Abstract: Embodiments include a fiducial deployment system with a handle configured for actuation of same. A fiducial may include one or more protuberances configured to engage one or more slots in a needle of the system. The needle may be configured to deliver a plurality of fiducials to a target location in serial fashion, one at a time. The handle includes an actuation mechanism with a recessible-toothed rack and actuation member(s) configured for incrementally or otherwise controlledly deploying one or more fiducials at a time by advancing a stylet through and/or retracting the body of a slotted needle in which fiducials are disposed with a fiducial protrusion extending into the needle slot, which needle slot also includes retaining structures that do not impede the needle lumen.

Abstract: Embodiments include a fiducial deployment system with a handle configured for actuation of same. A fiducial may include one or more protuberances configured to engage one or more slots in a needle of the system. The needle may be configured to deliver a plurality of fiducials to a target location in serial fashion, one at a time. In certain embodiments, echogenic placement of fiducials may present certain advantages. The handle includes an actuation mechanism with a toothed rack and actuation member(s) configured for incrementally or otherwise controlledly deploying one or more fiducials at a time by advancing a stylet through and/or retracting the body of a slotted needle in which fiducials are disposed with a fiducial protrusion extending into the needle slot, which also includes retaining structures that do not impede the needle lumen.

Abstract: A single-wire stylet may be constructed as an elongate single-wire, memory-metal alloy body with a generally cylindrical body profile, extending distally from a proximal end terminus, where embodiments include a polymeric distal tip member fixedly attached directly at a distal end of the single-wire body. At least one lengthwise portion of the single-wire body is at least partially in martensitic phase at operating temperatures at and below about 37° C. Where present, the polymeric distal tip member has a generally cylindrical body profile circumferentially bounded by an outer circumference substantially equal to or greater than that of the metal body. The polymeric distal tip member may be overmolded upon a distal-end tip length of an elongate single-wire, memory-metal alloy stylet body, where the distal end and/or discrete intermediate distal-portion length(s) that include martensitic-phase alloy and any polymeric member have greater flexibility than a proximal-most length of the alloy stylet body.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of devices and methods for providing enhanced echogenicity to medical devices. At least two adjacent echogenic features with an intervening section positioned between the echogenic features are formed as a helical groove in a medical device surface. Each of the echogenic features has a depression that spans between first and second transition lips. In one form, each depression includes a steep portion adjacent a shallow portion wherein the steep portion has a first radius and the shallow portion has a second radius that is larger than the first radius such that the radii capture different wavelengths of ultrasound. The intervening section has a planar surface in which the first and second transition lips do not extend above. In one form, each of the at least two echogenic features has a length that is within 0.1 mm of a length of the intervening section.