Abstract: The invention relates to a suturing device used to place sutures inside the human body during various medical procedures. The suturing device includes an elongate body member, a needle deployment mechanism and a needle receiving portion. The elongate body member has a distal portion that defines an opening. The needle deployment mechanism is disposed at least partially within the elongate body member for moving a needle out of the opening at the distal portion of the elongate body member into a tissue; and the needle receiving portion is provided at the distal portion of the elongate body member to capture the needle. The needle receiving portion has a non-planar surface with walls that are non-parallel with respect to a longitudinal direction of the needle receiving portion such that the walls converge to form an aperture formed in the needle receiving portion to receive the needle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suturing device used to place sutures inside the human body during various medical procedures. The suturing device includes an elongate body member, a needle deployment mechanism and a needle receiving portion. The elongate body member has a distal portion that defines an opening. The needle deployment mechanism is disposed at least partially within the elongate body member for moving a needle out of the opening at the distal portion of the elongate body member into a tissue; and the needle receiving portion is provided at the distal portion of the elongate body member to capture the needle. The needle receiving portion has a non-planar surface with walls that are non-parallel with respect to a longitudinal direction of the needle receiving portion such that the walls converge to form an aperture formed in the needle receiving portion to receive the needle.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating tissue, comprising a sheath defining a lumen sized and shaped to receive a treatment device therein, a guide member coupled to the sheath and extending a predetermined distance substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sheath, and a stabilizer element for engaging an anchoring device coupled to tissue to stabilize the sheath and the treatment device, the stabilizing element being movably coupled to the guide member for movement therealong substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sheath wherein, when in a proximal-most position, the stabilizer element is located proximally of a proximal end of the guide member.

Abstract: A medical device and related methods of use are disclosed. The medical device includes a tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The medical device further includes an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end, such that at least a portion of the elongate member is movably disposed within the lumen of the tubular member. The distal end of the elongate member includes an end-effector, wherein a portion of the elongate member between the proximal end and the distal end transitions automatically from a first state to a second state when the portion is advanced out of the lumen of the tubular member, and wherein the portion is proximal of the end-effector.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating tissue, comprising a sheath defining a lumen sized and shaped to receive a treatment device therein, a guide member coupled to the sheath and extending a predetermined distance substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sheath, and a stabilizer element for engaging an anchoring device coupled to tissue to stabilize the sheath and the treatment device, the stabilizing element being movably coupled to the guide member for movement therealong substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sheath wherein, when in a proximal-most position, the stabilizer element is located proximally of a proximal end of the guide member.

Abstract: A tissue ablation probe is provided. The tissue ablation probe comprises an elongated shaft, at least one electrode tine carried by the elongated shaft, at least one tine exit from which the electrode tine(s) can be deployed from the elongated shaft and retracted within the elongated shaft, and a sheath covering the electrode tine exit(s). The sheath may, e.g., line an exterior surface of the elongated shaft or an interior surface of the elongated shaft. The sheath has at least one tine valve (e.g., a slit) positioned over the electrode tine exit(s) and configured to open when the electrode tine is deployed and to close when the electrode tine(s) is retracted. In one embodiment, the tine valve(s) is configured to open in response to pressure exerted during deployment of the electrode tine(s). In another embodiment, the tine valve(s) is configured to hinder the entry of biological material within the elongated shaft.

Abstract: An ablation device includes a cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal and the distal ends, and a first array of electrodes at least partially disposed within the lumen, the first array of electrodes slidable relative to the cannula, each of the electrodes having a first configuration when inside the lumen, and a second configuration when unconfined outside the lumen, wherein one of the electrodes has a flared deployed profile.

Abstract: A tissue ablation probe is provided. The probe comprises a proximal electrode element, which includes a proximal electrode stem and a deployable proximal electrode array, and a distal electrode element, which includes a distal electrode stem and a deployable distal electrode array. The probe is configured, such that a majority of electrical energy conveyed between the proximal and distal electrode elements is conveyed between distal termini of the electrode arrays, whereas a relatively small amount of the electrical energy is conveyed between the electrode stems. One or more of the electrodes on the arrays may be optionally insulated to further enhance the electrical characteristics of the arrays.