Abstract: An apparatus for treating a hollow anatomical structure can include a light delivery device. The light delivery device comprises an optical fiber that is located in a lumen of a shaft suitable for insertion into the hollow anatomical structure and has a fiber tip located proximal of a distal end of the shaft during treatment of the hollow anatomical structure. The apparatus can further include a liquid source for providing a liquid flow over the optical fiber at a predetermined liquid flow rate.

Abstract: One embodiment of the apparatus comprises a housing with a sheath portion projecting distally therefrom. The sheath portion has a sheath with a lumen, and a bearing surface in the sheath lumen or aligned with the sheath lumen, and located at or near a distal end of the sheath. The implant is at least partially positioned in the apparatus, and comprises an implant body and a tether connected to the implant body. The tether extends from the implant body distally within the sheath portion and around the bearing surface, where the tether changes direction, and extends back proximally from the bearing surface along and within the sheath portion. The apparatus is configured to move the first tether portion proximally and thereby draw the implant body distally along and within the sheath lumen.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for generating foam are disclosed. The inventions can be used for generating foam for sclerotherapy. A foaming element can be agitated within a foaming chamber by a drive unit that does not touch the foaming element, but actuates it from outside the foaming chamber. The foaming element and drive unit can be magnetically coupled. A syringe can be used to form a foaming chamber.

Abstract: One embodiment of the apparatus comprises a housing with a sheath portion projecting distally therefrom. The sheath portion has a sheath with a lumen, and a bearing surface in the sheath lumen or aligned with the sheath lumen, and located at or near a distal end of the sheath. The implant is at least partially positioned in the apparatus, and comprises an implant body and a tether connected to the implant body. The tether extends from the implant body distally within the sheath portion and around the bearing surface, where the tether changes direction, and extends back proximally from the bearing surface along and within the sheath portion. The apparatus is configured to move the first tether portion proximally and thereby draw the implant body distally along and within the sheath lumen.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for generating foam are disclosed. The inventions can be used for generating foam for sclerotherapy. A foaming element can be agitated within a foaming chamber by a drive unit that does not touch the foaming element, but actuates it from outside the foaming chamber. The foaming element and drive unit can be magnetically coupled. A syringe can be used to form a foaming chamber.

Abstract: The various embodiments simplify the delivery of an occlusive implant to a hollow anatomical structure, such as a fallopian tube. For example, the delivery devices don't need to be retracted manually to deploy the implant. When the devices are activated, stored energy or a powered drive member induces movement of the various components. The operator need only position the distal ends of the devices at the treatment site and then commence deployment by, for example, flipping a switch or changing the position of an activation button. The present embodiments thus increase the efficacy of occlusion procedures by reducing the likelihood of operator error.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a hollow anatomical structure can include a light delivery device. The light delivery device comprises an optical fiber that is located in a lumen of a shaft suitable for insertion into the hollow anatomical structure and has a fiber tip located proximal of a distal end of the shaft during treatment of the hollow anatomical structure. The apparatus can further include a liquid source for providing a liquid flow over the optical fiber at a predetermined liquid flow rate.

Abstract: One embodiment of the apparatus comprises a housing with a sheath portion projecting distally therefrom. The sheath portion has a sheath with a lumen, and a bearing surface in the sheath lumen or aligned with the sheath lumen, and located at or near a distal end of the sheath. The implant is at least partially positioned in the apparatus, and comprises an implant body and a tether connected to the implant body. The tether extends from the implant body distally within the sheath portion and around the bearing surface, where the tether changes direction, and extends back proximally from the bearing surface along and within the sheath portion. The apparatus is configured to move the first tether portion proximally and thereby draw the implant body distally along and within the sheath lumen.

Abstract: One embodiment of the apparatus comprises a housing with a sheath portion projecting distally therefrom. The sheath portion has a sheath with a lumen, and a bearing surface in the sheath lumen or aligned with the sheath lumen, and located at or near a distal end of the sheath. The implant is at least partially positioned in the apparatus, and comprises an implant body and a tether connected to the implant body. The tether extends from the implant body distally within the sheath portion and around the bearing surface, where the tether changes direction, and extends back proximally from the bearing surface along and within the sheath portion. The apparatus is configured to move the first tether portion proximally and thereby draw the implant body distally along and within the sheath lumen.

Abstract: One embodiment of the apparatus comprises a housing with a sheath portion projecting distally therefrom. The sheath portion has a sheath with a lumen, and a bearing surface in the sheath lumen or aligned with the sheath lumen, and located at or near a distal end of the sheath. The implant is at least partially positioned in the apparatus, and comprises an implant body and a tether connected to the implant body. The tether extends from the implant body distally within the sheath portion and around the bearing surface, where the tether changes direction, and extends back proximally from the bearing surface along and within the sheath portion. The apparatus is configured to move the first tether portion proximally and thereby draw the implant body distally along and within the sheath lumen.

Abstract: A method of performing therapy on tissue using a medical apparatus. The apparatus includes a shaft configured for insertion into a hollow anatomical structure (HAS) and has a tissue sensor and a therapeutic energy application device both located on the shaft. The method comprises: receiving electrical power at a first power level and directing the first-level power to the tissue sensor and not to the therapeutic energy application device, thereby enabling tissue sensing with the tissue sensor; receiving electrical power at a second power level higher than the first-level power; and, in response to receipt of the second-level power, directing the second-level power to the therapeutic energy application device, thereby enabling performance of therapy on the tissue with the therapeutic energy application device. Additional methods and apparatus are disclosed as well.

Abstract: A method of performing therapy on tissue using a medical apparatus. The apparatus includes a shaft configured for insertion into a hollow anatomical structure (HAS) and has a tissue sensor and a therapeutic energy application device both located on the shaft. The method comprises: receiving electrical power at a first power level and directing the first-level power to the tissue sensor and not to the therapeutic energy application device, thereby enabling tissue sensing with the tissue sensor; receiving electrical power at a second power level higher than the first-level power; and, in response to receipt of the second-level power, directing the second-level power to the therapeutic energy application device, thereby enabling performance of therapy on the tissue with the therapeutic energy application device. Additional methods and apparatus are disclosed as well.

Abstract: A method comprising (a) illuminating a blood vessel in a relatively low-light surgical field by inserting a subcutaneous light source into tissue near the blood vessel and to a first location in the tissue underlying the blood vessel, and causing emission of light from the subcutaneous light source while the subcutaneous light source is at the first location, so that light from the subcutaneous light source passes through the tissue near the blood vessel, toward an observer; (b) drawing a portion of the tissue near the blood vessel through an incision in the skin; and (c) illuminating the drawn portion of tissue by activating an external light source in a hands-free manner, thereby facilitating determining whether the drawn tissue is the blood vessel.

Abstract: Method of identification and quantitative analysis of carboxylic acid(s) in a sample by mass spectrometry using stable isotope labeled internal standard is provided. Said internal standard is prepared by reaction of an authentic sample of said carboxylic acid with a stable isotope labeled reagent, and is added to a sample containing said carboxylic acid. Said carboxylic acid in said sample is then quantitatively converted to a chemical compound of identical structure, except the stable isotope atoms, as that of said internal standard using a non-labeled reagent. Said sample is then extracted and the extract is analyzed by mass spectrometry. Identification and quantification of said carboxylic acid are made from a plot of ion ratio of said converted carboxylic acid to said internal standard versus carboxylic acid concentration.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a hollow anatomical structure can include a light delivery device. The light delivery device comprises an optical fiber that is located in a lumen of a shaft suitable for insertion into the hollow anatomical structure and has a fiber tip located proximal of a distal end of the shaft during treatment of the hollow anatomical structure. The apparatus can further include a liquid source for providing a liquid flow over the optical fiber at a predetermined liquid flow rate.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the system is configured to remove from or fragment materials in a vessel by inserting a catheter into a vessel, wherein the distal tip of the catheter is placed at the surgical site and a liquid spray is applied to materials to remove or fragment (as defined herein) the materials. In certain embodiments, the system comprises a liquid spray emanating from a fragmentation lumen and across a fragmentation opening.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for generating foam are disclosed. The inventions can be used for generating foam for sclerotherapy. A foaming element can be agitated within a foaming chamber by a drive unit that does not touch the foaming element, but actuates it from outside the foaming chamber. The foaming element and drive unit can be magnetically coupled. A syringe can be used to form a foaming chamber.