Abstract: Various apparatuses to attach a first medical device to a second medical device are described that allow the physician to grasp only a single device while the other device remains securely attached to the one being grasped. The apparatuses, once they are attached to the first medical device, are designed to be easily and quickly attached and detached to a second medical device, normally only requiring the use of one hand. Furthermore, the apparatuses oftentimes include a base that can easily couple and decouple from the portion that is attached to the second medical device so that if the need arises to separately use the second medical device, it can be decoupled from the first medical device without completely removing the apparatus from the second medical device.

Abstract: A tissue closure device includes a needle and a suture extending therefrom, a proximal head including a proximal slot and a proximal locking mechanism for releasably engaging a first end of the needle in the proximal slot in a first configuration, and a distal head movably coupled to the proximal head so that the proximal and distal heads are movable relative to one another between an open configuration, in which a target tissue is received therebetween, and a closed configuration, in which the target tissue gripped therebetween. The distal head includes a distal slot and a distal locking mechanism for releasably engaging a second end of the needle in the distal slot in a second configuration, the needle movable between the first and second configurations by rotating the needle, the needle alternatingly passed between the proximal and distal heads to thread the suture through the target tissue.

Abstract: Various apparatuses to attach a first medical device to a second medical device are described that allow the physician to grasp only a single device while the other device remains securely attached to the one being grasped. The apparatuses, once they are attached to the first medical device, are designed to be easily and quickly attached and detached to a second medical device, normally only requiring the use of one hand. Furthermore, the apparatuses oftentimes include a base that can easily couple and decouple from the portion that is attached to the second medical device so that if the need arises to separately use the second medical device, it can be decoupled from the first medical device without completely removing the apparatus from the second medical device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for facilitating control of a tool or tools. The systems can allow a user to control multiple degrees of freedom. One such system allows a user to control multiple degrees of freedom of two tools simultaneously. Another such system allows a user to control multiple degrees of freedom with a single hand. Frames and rails for supporting and/or constraining movement of a tool or tools are also described herein.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods are disclosed in the present application. In one illustrative example a medical device may comprise a catheter shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end and the catheter shaft may include a plurality of catheter shaft lumens extending through at least a portion of the catheter shaft. The device may further include a first balloon member defining a first lumen in fluid communication with a first one of the plurality of catheter shaft lumens and a second balloon member defining a second lumen in fluid communication with a second one of the plurality of catheter shaft lumens. In some embodiments, the second balloon member may be disposed around the first balloon member and comprise a plurality of ports and a first raised portion and a second raised portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure may include a medical device comprising a flexible elongate member including a longitudinal axis and a tool connected to the elongate member at a pivot axis, wherein the tool may be configured to conduct electricity and deliver a fluid, and wherein the tool may be configured to pivot towards either side of the longitudinal axis relative to the elongate member at the pivot axis.

Abstract: Methods and devices for locating and dilating a stricture are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a device for locating strictures comprises an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end. In at least some additional embodiments, a stopper is attached to the distal end of the elongate member. Additionally, in at least some examples, distance markings are disposed on the elongate member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various instruments, systems, and methods of use. The instruments can have various control members and/or handles for controlling various degrees of freedom. In addition, the control members can include various control mechanisms for transferring user inputs from a handle to a distal portion of the instrument. In one aspect, an instrument can comprise a control member and a catheter. The catheter can be adjustably and/or detachably connected to the control member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure may include a medical device comprising a flexible elongate member including a longitudinal axis and a tool connected to the elongate member at a pivot axis, wherein the tool may be configured to conduct electricity and deliver a fluid, and wherein the tool may be configured to pivot towards either side of the longitudinal axis relative to the elongate member at the pivot axis.

Abstract: A device for treating tissue includes a capsule extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a lumen extending therein and a clip slidably received within the lumen of the capsule. The clip includes a middle prong, a first outer prong and a second outer prong. The first prong is coupled to the middle prong so that the first prong is movable relative to the middle prong between a first open configuration and a first closed configuration. The second outer prong coupled to the middle prong so that the second prong is movable relative to the middle prong between a second open configuration and a second closed configuration. The first and second outer prongs are independently movable relative to the middle prong to be moved between the first and second open configurations to the first and second open configurations and the first and second closed configurations.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for facilitating control of a tool or tools. The systems can allow a user to control multiple degrees of freedom. One such system allows a user to control multiple degrees of freedom of two tools simultaneously. Another such system allows a user to control multiple degrees of freedom with a single hand. Frames and rails for supporting and/or constraining movement of a tool or tools are also described herein.

Abstract: This disclosure provides design, material, manufacturing method, and use alternatives for medical devices. An example medical device may include a medical device for delivery of a surgical closure member. The medical device includes an elongate tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending therein. The elongate tubular member is adapted to be delivered through the working channel of an endoscope and the lumen is adapted to receive a surgical closure member. The medical device also includes a tissue support extending from the distal end of the elongate tubular member. The tissue support includes a support surface and the support surface is adapted to support tissue as a surgical closure member engages the tissue thereon.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for facilitating control of a tool or tools. The systems can allow a user to control multiple degrees of freedom. One such system allows a user to control multiple degrees of freedom of two tools simultaneously. Another such system allows a user to control multiple degrees of freedom with a single hand. Frames and rails for supporting and/or constraining movement of a tool or tools are also described herein.

Abstract: Several embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to medical visualization systems that comprise combinations of disposable and reusable components, such as catheters, functional handles, hubs, optical devices, etc. Other embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to features and aspects of an in-vivo visualization system that comprises an endoscope having a working channel through which a catheter having viewing capabilities is routed. the catheter may obtain viewing capabilities by being constructed as a vision catheter or by having a fiberscope or other viewing device selectively routed through one of its channels. The catheter is preferably of the steerable type so that the distal end of the catheter may be steered from its proximal end as it is advanced with the body. A suitable use for the in-vivo visualization system includes but is not limited to diagnosis and/or treatment of the duodenum, and particularly the biliary tree.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for traversing an anatomic wall. A system can include a port that mates with an anatomic wall and provides a lumen for the passage of a guide tube of a transluminal device. The port can inhibit the passage of biological materials through the anatomic wall. Further described herein are methods for implanting the port and/or for inserting the transluminal device into a body cavity.

Abstract: Described herein are drive systems and methods. One exemplary system includes a tool having a proximal handle and a catheter body. The tool can be mated with a rail and the rail mated with a frame. The connection between the tool and rail and/or the rail and frame can allow relative movement of the tool with respect to the frame, a patient, and/or a point of reference. In one exemplary configuration the handle of the tool rotates around an axis that corresponds to a portion of the catheter body, such that rotational movement of the handle has a minimal impact on longitudinal movement and/or position of a distal end of the tool.

Abstract: A medical device for advancement over a guidewire includes a number of lumens therein including a working channel lumen, one or more control wire lumens, and a guidewire lumen. A flexible support within the device includes number of interlocking elements that resist longitudinal compression, transfer rotational torque, and can bend side to side. The flexible support also includes a slot that is aligned with the guidewire lumen. An outer jacket includes a perforation, slot, slit, or thinned area that is aligned with the slot in the support member and the guidewire lumen in order to allow a device such as a guidewire to be removed from the guidewire lumen and through the support member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure may include a medical device comprising a flexible elongate member including a longitudinal axis and a tool connected to the elongate member at a pivot axis, wherein the tool may be configured to conduct electricity and deliver a fluid, and wherein the tool may be configured to pivot towards either side of the longitudinal axis relative to the elongate member at the pivot axis.

Abstract: A device for collecting a tissue sample includes an outer sheath extending from a proximal end to a distal end and including a lumen extending therethrough. The device also includes a needle movably housed within the outer sheath. The needle extends from a proximal end to a serrated distal end and including a channel extending therethrough. The needle is longitudinally movable relative to the outer sheath between an insertion configuration, in which the distal end of the needle is proximal of the distal end of the outer sheath, and a tissue collecting configuration, in which the distal end of the needle extends distally past the distal end of the outer sheath to penetrate tissue and collect a tissue sample in the channel. In addition, the device includes a drive mechanism rotating a distal portion of the needle about a longitudinal axis thereof as the needle is moved between the insertion and tissue collecting configurations.

Abstract: Described herein are drive systems and methods. One exemplary system includes a tool having a proximal handle and a catheter body. The tool can be mated with a rail and the rail mated with a frame. The connection between the tool and rail and/or the rail and frame can allow relative movement of the tool with respect to the frame, a patient, and/or a point of reference. In one exemplary configuration the handle of the tool rotates around an axis that corresponds to a portion of the catheter body, such that rotational movement of the handle has a minimal impact on longitudinal movement and/or position of a distal end of the tool.