Abstract: An endoscopic device having reduced cross-section and a steering section of enhanced compliance. The device defines a smaller cross-section by eliminating need for pull wires and torsion sleeves. Use of a single fiber optic for steering opens up cross-sectional space to augment both irrigation and aspiration channels within a common catheter shaft. The single fiber optic may be utilized for “pulling” and/or “pushing” on the steering section, thereby providing unidirectional or bidirectional steering with a single fiber or fiber bundle. A distal steering section is configured to enhance compliance in response to the forces exerted by the single fiber optic. The enhanced compliance reduces the stoutness required of the fiber optic enabling a reduction in the size of the single fiber optic, thereby freeing up cross-section of the catheter for other uses. The enhanced compliance also enables tighter and more predictable articulation for better steering dexterity.

Abstract: A system for controlling pressure within a kidney that includes an irrigation channel configured with a pressure sensor, a distal end of the irrigation channel in fluid communication with an interior of a kidney, an aspiration channel in fluid communication with a drain reservoir, a distal end of the aspiration channel in fluid communication with the interior of the kidney, and a controller configured to: determine a fluid flow rate of irrigation fluid within the irrigation channel and receive a pressure measurement value from the sensor, calculate a pressure within the interior of the kidney based at least in part on the determined fluid flow rate and the pressure measurement, compare the calculated kidney pressure to a target kidney pressure value, and based on the comparison, control at least one of the fluid flow rates of irrigation fluid in the irrigation channel and the aspiration channel.

Abstract: An irrigation and aspiration system that includes a catheter shaft having a distal end that is in fluid communication with an interior of a kidney, an irrigation channel and an aspiration channel extending through the shaft, a bypass channel fluidly coupled with the irrigation channel and the aspiration channel a bypass valve configured to control a level of fluid communication between the irrigation and aspiration channels via the bypass channel, an aspiration pump, at least one valve disposed on the aspiration channel and configured to provide a pulsed flow of fluid in the aspiration channel, a pressure sensor in fluid communication with an interior of the kidney, and a controller configured to: receive at least one pressure measurement, compare the measured pressure to a threshold, and based on the comparison, send a control command to at least one of the bypass valve, aspiration pump, and the at least one valve.

Abstract: Catheter steering handles that are ergonomically designed to enable an operator to reduce hand fatigue. Various ergonomic aspects of the disclosed steering handles include geometries that more naturally conform to the palm of the hand and that enable the hand to be held in a natural, low stress posture during operation of the steering handle. In another aspect of the disclosure, the catheter steering handle is configured so that the operator can release or partially release the grip on the handle, thereby enabling the operator to relax and flex the hand, thereby reducing fatigue.

Abstract: An instrument for endoscopic applications, including urology. The instrument may include both irrigation and aspiration channels, effective attraction and suction of tissue and body stone fragments, enhanced viewing clarity of the operational area, illumination fibers with steering function for flexible version of the scopes. In some embodiments, a distal head is configured to locate a mouth of the working channel within a viewing angle of the visualization system. In some embodiments, a transparent cap is disposed at the distal end of endoscope to provide an enhanced view of the operational area. Irrigation and aspiration channels may be arranged so that consistent water flow will attract tissue and body stone particles and remove heated liquid. Illumination fibers may be utilized as pull linkages or push-pull linkages for deflection and steering of flexible embodiments of the scope.

Abstract: Catheter steering handles that are ergonomically designed to enable an operator to reduce hand fatigue. Various ergonomic aspects of the disclosed steering handles include geometries that more naturally conform to the palm of the hand and that enable the hand to be held in a natural, low stress posture during operation of the steering handle. In another aspect of the disclosure, the catheter steering handle is configured so that the operator can release or partially release the grip on the handle, thereby enabling the operator to relax and flex the hand, thereby reducing fatigue.

Abstract: Provided herein is an endoscopic suturing system configured for attachment to, and use with, an endoscope.

Abstract: Provided herein is an endoscopic suturing system configured for attachment to, and use with, an endoscope.

Abstract: Catheter steering handles that are ergonomically designed to enable an operator to reduce hand fatigue. Various ergonomic aspects of the disclosed steering handles include geometries that more naturally conform to the palm of the hand and that enable the hand to be held in a natural, low stress posture during operation of the steering handle. In another aspect of the disclosure, the catheter steering handle is configured so that the operator can release or partially release the grip on the handle, thereby enabling the operator to relax and flex the hand, thereby reducing fatigue.

Abstract: Steering handles with manifolds that enable an operator to configure an endoscopic system in situ for a variety of tasks, including irrigation, aspiration, or both. In addition, the disclosed endoscopic systems facilitate rapid reconfiguration of the location of a laser fiber optic within a catheter assembly. The laser fiber optic, for example, can be removed from an irrigation channel of the endoscopic system and reinserted in the aspiration channel during a laser lithotripsy procedure. In some embodiments, the removal and reinsertion can be performed in situ, without removing the catheter from the patient or the treated organ. These aspects of the disclosed system reduce the time required to perform laser lithotripsy procedures, with less trauma to the patient.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include an endoscope accessory assembly for use on an endoscope, during procedures. The endoscope accessory assembly may comprise an accessory device comprising a first base, a plurality of flexible struts, and webbing connecting each of the flexible struts. The accessory device is configured to receive a distal end of an endoscope. The endoscope accessory assembly may further comprise a dimension-compensating component comprising a second base, a plurality of flexible arms extending radially out from the second base, and at least one chamber at a distal end of the flexible arms. The accessory device is configured to be over-molded onto the dimension-compensating component in order to form the endoscope accessory assembly.

Abstract: Provided herein is an endoscopic suturing system configured for attachment to, and use with, an endoscope.

Abstract: Provided herein is an endoscopic suturing system configured for attachment to, and use with, an endoscope.

Abstract: Provided herein is an endoscopic suturing system configured for attachment to, and use with, an endoscope.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a medical device includes a first arm portion, a second arm portion and a base portion. The first arm portion has an inner surface and an outer surface. The second arm portion has a tissue piercing portion at a distal end, an inner surface and an outer surface. The base portion extends between the first arm portion and the second arm portion. A distance between the inner surface of the first arm portion and the inner surface of the second arm portion defines a depth of penetration into a tissue of a patient.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to cannulating devices and methods for exchanging cannulating devices in an endoscopic procedure. In one implementation, an apparatus for endoscopic operations is described. The apparatus includes a cannulating device to be introduced through an internal lumen of an endoscope via a biopsy port. The cannulating device has an elongated body. The elongated body includes a guidewire lumen configured to receive a guidewire therein, and a slit extending over at least a portion of the length of the elongated body from a distal tip to a proximal position of the elongated body.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods for merging a balloon catheter onto a locked guidewire. In one implementation, a balloon catheter may include an inflatable balloon affixed thereto and a slit extending from a distal end of a guidewire lumen to a position proximal of the balloon. The slit may be widened by a working member of an adapter to allow passage of the locked guidewire into the guidewire lumen of the balloon catheter. The balloon catheter may be merged onto the guidewire via the slit and delivered to the desired treatment device without requiring the guidewire to be unlocked. Advantageously, access to at least one desired treatment site may be maintained with the guidewire during merging of the balloon catheter.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods for merging an endoscopic basket delivery catheter onto a fixed guidewire. In one implementation, a catheter may include a sheath having a saddle secured to a distal portion thereof. The sheath may constrain an endoscopic tool such as a basket therein, while the saddle may receive a portion of a guidewire. The saddle may include a slit extending along its longitudinal length. The slit may be widened by a working member of an adapter to allow passage of a locked guidewire into the guidewire lumen of the saddle. The catheter may be merged onto the guidewire via the slit and delivered to the desired treatment device without unlocking of the guidewire. Advantageously, access to at least one desired treatment site may be maintained with the guidewire during merging of the catheter.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an implant includes a support member configured to be placed within a body of a patient and provide support to a portion of the body of the patient, a tether coupled to an end portion of the support member; and an anchor configured to be disposed within a tissue of the body of the patient to help retain the implant in place within the body of the patient. The tether is coupled to the anchor such that the tether may move with respect to the anchor in a first direction but is retrained from moving in a second direction.