Abstract: A releasable coupling mechanism for coupling a delivery catheter and a dilator. The delivery catheter comprising a first mating member at the proximal end and the dilator comprising a second mating member at the proximal end. The proximal end of the first mating member comprises a first coupling means for releasably receiving a second coupling means which is positioned at a distal end of the second mating member. The first mating member further comprising a coupling member the coupling member comprising a pair of engagement members positioned on opposing sides of the coupling member and configured to releasably engage the second coupling means. The first mating member further comprising at least one indicia perpendicular from the pair of engagement members. The indicia indicate an orientation of the first mating member such that the second mating member disengages from the coupling member by simultaneously deflecting the pair of engagement members.

Abstract: An enhanced dilator includes a dilator shaft defining a lumen for receiving a functional device (e.g., a puncturing device) therethrough. The dilator shaft includes a proximal portion for manipulation by a user and a distal portion to placement in or near the heart. A dilator hub is coupled to the proximal portion of the dilator shaft and includes a rotational coupling structure for coupling to a corresponding hub of a therapy sheath.

Abstract: A lock for positioning a first medical device with respect to a second medical device includes a spacer for preventing advancement of the first medical device towards the second medical device. The spacer is movable between a lock position and an unlock position. In the lock position, the spacer is moved transverse to the longitudinal axis with respect to the unlock position. The lock further includes a rotary stop integral with the spacer for fixing the rotational position of the first medical device with respect to the second medical device. The lock further includes a clip integral with the spacer and removably securable to the first medical device in a first position to secure the spacer in the unlock position, and removably securable to the first medical device in a second position to secure the spacer in the lock position.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a cartridge are disclosed, for loading a suture onto a suturing instrument and, in some embodiments, for loading a pre-tied knot formed from the suture onto the suturing instrument. The suturing instrument is typically of the type having a suture passing member defining a suture receiving passage therein. The cartridge may be operable to load the suture and/or the knot onto the suturing instrument at a point of use. In some embodiments, the cartridge defines a path for insertion thereto and withdrawal therefrom of the suturing instrument. The cartridge further comprises a seat for releasably holding a portion of a suture and a mechanism for transferring the suture from seat to the suturing instrument, various features of which are described herein.

Abstract: A releasable coupling mechanism for coupling a delivery catheter and a dilator. The delivery catheter comprising a delivery catheter hub at the proximal end and the dilator comprising a dilator hub at the proximal end. The proximal end of the delivery catheter hub comprises a coupling member for releasably receiving a raised portion which is positioned at a distal end of the dilator hub. The coupling member has a pair of engagement members positioned on opposing sides of the coupling member and configured to releasably engage the raised portion. The delivery catheter hub further comprising at least one indicia on the housing. The indicia indicate an orientation of the delivery catheter hub such that the dilator hub disengages from the coupling member by simultaneously deflecting the pair of engagement members.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a cartridge are disclosed, for loading a suture onto a suturing instrument and, in some embodiments, for loading a pre-tied knot formed from the suture onto the suturing instrument. The suturing instrument is typically of the type having a suture passing member defining a suture receiving passage therein. The cartridge may be operable to load the suture and/or the knot onto the suturing instrument at a point of use. In some embodiments, the cartridge defines a path for insertion thereto and withdrawal therefrom of the suturing instrument. The cartridge further comprises a seat for releasably holding a portion of a suture and a mechanism for transferring the suture from seat to the suturing instrument, various features of which are described herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compression and distraction shaft assembly used to apply compression and distraction to bones including vertebrae. Shaft A assembly and shaft B assembly are attached together via a polyaxial fulcrum. The polyaxial fulcrum allows all rotational degrees of freedom between shaft A assembly and shaft B assembly. Such fulcrum, during compression and distraction, does not impart ancillary stresses or motion to vertebrae. An hourglass-shaped bore for engaging pliers is formed in approximately middle of both the shaft A assembly and the shaft B assembly. Distraction pliers having cylindrical tips are used to apply distraction to vertebrae. Once handles are pressed to impart an appropriate amount of distraction to the vertebrae, they are locked in this position. Compression pliers having cylindrical tips are used to apply compression to vertebrae. Once handles are pressed to impart an appropriate amount of compression to the vertebrae, they are locked in this position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compression and distraction shaft assembly used to apply compression and distraction to bones including vertebrae. Shaft A assembly and shaft B assembly are attached together via a polyaxial fulcrum. The polyaxial fulcrum allows all rotational degrees of freedom between shaft A assembly and shaft B assembly. Such fulcrum, during compression and distraction, does not impart ancillary stresses or motion to vertebrae. An hourglass-shaped bore for engaging pliers is formed in approximately middle of both the shaft A assembly and the shaft B assembly. Distraction pliers having cylindrical tips are used to apply distraction to vertebrae. Once handles are pressed to impart an appropriate amount of distraction to the vertebrae, they are locked in this position. Compression pliers having cylindrical tips are used to apply compression to vertebrae. Once handles are pressed to impart an appropriate amount of compression to the vertebrae, they are locked in this position.

Abstract: The instant disclosure is directed to methods and devices for passing suture bi-directionally using a hybrid approach. Embodiments of a method described herein include steps of advancing a suture at least partially through tissue; and retrieving the suture; wherein one of the steps of advancing and retrieving comprises manipulating the suture directly, and wherein the other step of advancing and retrieving comprises manipulating a suture trap to which the suture is coupled. Embodiments of a device that may be used to practice the method embodiments include a bi-directional suture passer having a proximal portion for holding a portion of a suture therein; a distal tip coupled to the proximal portion and defining a tissue receiving gap there-between; a reciprocally moveable suture passing member housed within the proximal portion for translating the suture portion between the proximal portion and the distal tip; and a knot carrier for indirectly coupling a knot to the device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for cutting a strand of suture. The apparatus comprises a solid outer member defining a lumen there-through. An inner member is received at least partially within the lumen, a portion of the inner member defining a curve. The inner member further defines a feature for retaining a strand of suture. At least one of the inner and outer members are moveable with respect to the other of the inner and outer members for cutting the strand of suture.

Abstract: The instant disclosure is directed to methods and devices for passing suture bi-directionally using a hybrid approach. Embodiments of a method described herein include steps of advancing a suture at least partially through tissue; and retrieving the suture; wherein one of the steps of advancing and retrieving comprises manipulating the suture directly, and wherein the other step of advancing and retrieving comprises manipulating a suture trap to which the suture is coupled.

Abstract: Embodiments of a knot pusher and methods of use thereof are disclosed, that are usable for pushing a knot formed from a suture, two limbs of the suture extending from the knot. The knot pusher comprises a distal head defining top and bottom walls terminating in a distal knot pushing surface. The distal head includes at least two side grooves defined between the top and bottom walls that extend proximally from the knot pushing surface. Each of these side grooves is operable to receive one of the limbs of suture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for cutting a strand of suture. The apparatus comprises a solid outer member defining a lumen there-through. An inner member is received at least partially within the lumen, a portion of the inner member defining a curve. The inner member further defines a feature for retaining a strand of suture. At least one of the inner and outer members are moveable with respect to the other of the inner and outer members for cutting the strand of suture.

Abstract: Embodiments of a knot pusher and methods of use thereof are disclosed, that are usable for pushing a knot formed from a suture, two limbs of the suture extending from the knot. The knot pusher comprises a distal head defining top and bottom walls terminating in a distal knot pushing surface. The distal head includes at least two side grooves defined between the top and bottom walls that extend proximally from the knot pushing surface. Each of these side grooves is operable to receive one of the limbs of suture. The distal head additionally comprises at least one suture guide coupled to the top and bottom walls for guiding the one of the limbs of suture into one of the side grooves.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a cartridge for loading a suture onto a suturing instrument are disclosed. In some embodiments, the cartridge is operable for loading a pre-tied knot formed from the suture onto the suturing instrument. The suturing instrument is typically of the type having a suture passing member defining a suture receiving passage therein. In some embodiments, the cartridge comprises a housing defining a chamber, and a partially pre-tied knot mounted about the housing or the chamber. The cartridge additionally provides a base coupled to the housing, the base defining a seat for releasably holding a portion of a suture to be aligned with, and transferred to, the suturing instrument. The portion of the suture may be held independently, or it may be coupled to a component such as a ferrule or shuttle.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a cartridge are disclosed, for loading a suture onto a suturing instrument and, in some embodiments, for loading a pre-tied knot formed from the suture onto the suturing instrument. The suturing instrument is typically of the type having a suture passing member defining a suture receiving passage therein. The cartridge may be operable to load the suture and/or the knot onto the suturing instrument at a point of use. In some embodiments, the cartridge defines a path for insertion thereto and withdrawal therefrom of the suturing instrument. The cartridge further comprises a seat for releasably holding a portion of a suture and a mechanism for transferring the suture from seat to the suturing instrument, various features of which are described herein.

Abstract: Apparatus and systems are disclosed that incorporate coupling mechanisms to enable coupling of two mating member such as medical devices such as introducers, sheaths, dilators. More specifically, the disclosure relates to releasable coupling mechanisms, to allow for releasable coupling of two medical devices such as a dilator and a sheath so the devices can be maneuvered and/or manipulated together for example during a part of a medical procedure.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a cartridge are disclosed, for loading a suture onto a suturing instrument and, in some embodiments, for loading a pre-tied knot formed from the suture onto the suturing instrument. The suturing instrument is typically of the type having a suture passing member defining a suture receiving passage therein. The cartridge may be operable to load the suture and/or the knot onto the suturing instrument at a point of use. In some embodiments, the cartridge defines a path for insertion thereto and withdrawal therefrom of the suturing instrument. The cartridge further comprises a seat for releasably holding a portion of a suture and a mechanism for transferring the suture from seat to the suturing instrument, various features of which are described herein.

Abstract: A lock for positioning a first medical device with respect to a second medical device includes a spacer for preventing advancement of the first medical device towards the second medical device. The spacer is movable between a lock position and an unlock position. In the lock position, the spacer is moved transverse to the longitudinal axis with respect to the unlock position. The lock further includes a rotary stop integral with the spacer for fixing the rotational position of the first medical device with respect to the second medical device. The lock further includes a clip integral with the spacer and removably securable to the first medical device in a first position to secure the spacer in the unlock position, and removably securable to the first medical device in a second position to secure the spacer in the lock position.

Abstract: Embodiments of a knot pusher and methods of use thereof are disclosed, that are usable for pushing various types of knots including sliding knots and overhand knots formed from a suture, two limbs of the suture extending from the knots, for example using a single device. The knot pusher comprises a distal head defining top and bottom walls terminating in a distal knot pushing surface. The distal head includes side grooves that are defined between the top and bottom walls. Each of these side grooves are operable to receive one of the two limbs of suture during advancement of the distal head to aid in pushing the overhand knot. The distal head additionally comprises a suture receiving element associated with the top wall for receiving one of the two suture limbs during advancement of the distal head to facilitate advancement of the sliding knot.