Abstract: The invention generally relates to surgically implantable supportive slings. More specifically, in various embodiments, the invention is directed to multilayer mesh slings formed from a tubular mesh material.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a gripping section having a first portion having a first composition, and a second portion over a selected portion of the first portion. The second portion has a second composition different than the first composition.

Abstract: Packaging for medical devices that impart anti-microbial properties to the surfaces of a medical device is disclosed. In one embodiment, a first compartment stores a medical device and a second compartment stores an anti-microbial agent. When the medical device is ready to be used, the anti-microbial agent from the second compartment flows into the first compartment to impart anti-microbial properties to the surface of the medical device. In another embodiment, components of the package are treated with an anti-microbial agent, which are then transferred or imparted to the surfaces of a medical device stored within the package.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to surgically implantable supportive slings. More specifically, in various embodiments, the invention is directed to multilayer mesh slings formed from a tubular mesh material.

Abstract: A method of treating tissue includes placing substantially spherical polymer particles in the tissue. The particles include an interior region having relatively large pores and a first region substantially surrounding the interior having fewer relatively large pores than the interior region.

Abstract: A method of treating tissue includes placing substantially spherical polymer particles in the tissue. The particles include an interior region having relatively large pores and a first region substantially surrounding the interior having fewer relatively large pores than the interior region.

Abstract: A medical probe assembly and method for ablating tissue using radio frequency energy. The medical probe assembly includes an elongated shaft, a needle electrode array, and a hinged handle. The handle has a collar, which when in the up position covers the hinge so that the device can be used as a conventional medical probe. When the collar is in the down position the hinge is exposed, and the handle can be bent to reduce its overall height. With this reduced height the probe can be used while a patient is lying in a CT scanner or an MRI chamber. Therefore, the surgeon can monitor the ablation during the procedure, and thus avoid unnecessary damage to the surrounding healthy tissue on the one hand, and insufficient ablation of the diseased tissue on the other hand. An alternate embodiment uses a flexible handle instead of a hinged one.

Abstract: A medical device is provided which comprises a suction conduit and an energy-transmitting conduit wherein at least some of the transmitted energy is directed to the distal region of the suction conduit. The device may include an optical apparatus for directing the energy. The device has applications in lithotripsy and tissue-removal in a patient.

Abstract: A medical probe assembly and method for ablating tissue using radio frequency energy. The medical probe assembly includes an elongated shaft, a needle electrode array, and a hinged handle. The handle has a collar, which when in the up position covers the hinge so that the device can be used as a conventional medical probe. When the collar is in the down position the hinge is exposed, and the handle can be bent to reduce its overall height. With this reduced height the probe can be used while a patient is lying in a CT scanner or an MRI chamber. Therefore, the surgeon can monitor the ablation during the procedure, and thus avoid unnecessary damage to the surrounding healthy tissue on the one hand, and insufficient ablation of the diseased tissue on the other hand. An alternate embodiment uses a flexible handle instead of a hinged one.

Abstract: A catheter for medical procedures comprises a shaft portion having a distal end insertable into a body lumen, the shaft portion having a wall defining a working lumen extending therewithin and a first strengthening element coupled to the wall to increase a burst pressure of the shaft portion, wherein the first strengthening element cooperates with a base material of the wall to define a flexible region of the shaft portion allowing the shaft portion to be atraumatically inserted into the body lumen.

Abstract: A medical device includes a handle, a sheath, and an object-engaging unit. The distal end portion of the sheath is strong enough to resist being deformed by the object-engaging unit, yet another portion of the sheath is flexible enough to bend sufficiently.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering energy to a target site within bone includes a hollow needle extending from a handle that terminates in a tissue piercing distal tip. A drill within a lumen of the needle is extendable beyond the distal tip, and includes a cutting element and an electrically conductive region. An RF generator may be coupled to the drill for delivering energy to the electrically conductive region, and a driver or actuator may be coupled to the drill for rotating and/or advancing the drill axially. During use, the needle is inserted through a patient's skin to a hard tissue structure, e.g., a bone, including a target site therein, e.g., a tumor. The drill is advanced from the needle, a hole is drilled into the bone until the drill reaches the tumor, and electrical energy is delivered via the electrically conductive region to destroy the tumor.

Abstract: A medical device includes a handle, a sheath, and an object-engaging unit. The distal end portion of the sheath is strong enough to resist being deformed by the object-engaging unit, yet another portion of the sheath is flexible enough to bend sufficiently.

Abstract: Packaging for medical devices that impart anti-microbial properties to the surfaces of a medical device is disclosed. In one embodiment, a first compartment stores a medical device and a second compartment stores an anti-microbial agent. When the medical device is ready to be used, the anti-microbial agent from the second compartment flows into the first compartment to impart anti-microbial properties to the surface of the medical device. In another embodiment, components of the package are treated with an anti-microbial agent, which are then transferred or imparted to the surfaces of a medical device stored within the package.

Abstract: A medical device used for retrieving material from within a body includes an engaging assembly in which at least a portion of the engaging assembly is resistant to laser energy-induced damage.

Abstract: A device for preventing closure of a surgically created resection cavity within tissues of the body comprises an insertion member having a distal end for insertion into a surgically created resection cavity and a proximal end which remains outside the resection cavity and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends and an inflatable member deployable from the distal end of the insertion member, an inner chamber of the inflatable member being fluidly coupled to the lumen to receive an inflation fluid therefrom so that, when the inflation fluid is supplied to the inflatable member, the inflatable member expands so that an outer surface of the inflatable member contacts the surrounding tissue and moves the surrounding tissue out of the resection cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering energy to a target site within bone includes a hollow needle extending from a handle that terminates in a tissue piercing distal tip. A drill within a lumen of the needle is extendable beyond the distal tip, and includes a cutting element and an electrically conductive region. An RF generator may be coupled to the drill for delivering energy to the electrically conductive region, and a driver or actuator may be coupled to the drill for rotating and/or advancing the drill axially. During use, the needle is inserted through a patient's skin to a hard tissue structure, e.g., a bone, including a target site therein, e.g., a tumor. The drill is advanced from the needle, a hole is drilled into the bone until the drill reaches the tumor, and electrical energy is delivered via the electrically conductive region to destroy the tumor.

Abstract: A medical device is provided which comprises a suction conduit and an energy-transmitting conduit wherein at least some of the transmitted energy is directed to the distal region of the suction conduit. The device may include an optical apparatus for directing the energy. The device has applications in lithotripsy and tissue-removal in a patient.

Abstract: An entry port cuff for providing antimicrobial properties to a medical device having a portion that is insertable into the body of a patient is disclosed. The cuff, which is charged with an antimicrobial agent, is removably attached to the medical device immediately prior to or immediately after insertion of said medical device into the body. The cuff is attached to the medical device in a manner such that the cuff is located outside of the body and in the proximity of the point of entry of the medical device into the body. Also, the cuff is substantially free of an adhesive for adhering the cuff to the body. Methods for using and making the entry port cuff are also described.

Abstract: A system for embolotherapy comprises a catheter with a lumen extending therethrough from a proximal opening to a distal opening through which an embolic agent may be dispensed to a treatment site and at least one sensor coupled proximate to the distal end of the catheter to generate signals relating to a physiological condition in an area of the lumen adjacent to the sensor in combination with a controller receiving and processing the signals to generate data indicative of the physiological condition.