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.

Abstract: A device for passing a needle and suture longitudinally through a target tissue includes a proximal jaw including a proximal recess and a proximal retention mechanism for releasably engaging a first end of a needle received within the proximal recess and a distal jaw movably coupled to the proximal jaw such that the proximal and distal jaws are longitudinally movable relative to one another. The distal jaw includes a distal recess and a distal retention mechanism for releasably engaging a second end of the needle received within the distal recess. The proximal and distal jaws are movable between a first state, in which the proximal retention mechanism is in a locked configuration and the distal retention mechanism is in an unlocked configuration, and a second state, in which the proximal retention mechanism is in an unlocked configuration and the distal retention mechanism is in a locked configuration.

Abstract: A system for treating tissue includes a first anchoring device including a first anchoring element at a distal end thereof for anchoring the first anchoring device in a first target portion of tissue extending about a periphery of a tissue defect to be treated and a first suture receiving feature at a proximal end thereof. The system also includes a second anchoring device including a second anchoring element at a distal end thereof for anchoring the second anchoring device in a second target portion of tissue about the periphery of the tissue defect and a second suture receiving feature at a proximal end thereof. Furthermore, the system includes a suture configured to be passed through the first and second suture receiving features such that a tension applied to the suture draws the first and second anchoring devices toward one another to close the tissue defect.

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: This invention is directed to a flexible device having a longitudinal axis, a first elongate member configured to move the flexible device in a first direction relative to the longitudinal axis, and a second elongate member configured to move the flexible device in a second direction relative to the longitudinal axis that is different to the first direction. The flexible device can also have an articulation section including a plurality of articulation links, wherein at least one of the plurality of articulation links can include a body configured to receive the first elongate member and the second elongate member.

Abstract: A device for treating a tissue opening includes a proximal portion including an elongated flexible member, a capsule releasably coupled to a distal end of the flexible member and including a lumen extending therethrough and a clip including a pair of arms movably housed within the capsule. A suture extending along a first one of the pair of arms and including a loop at a distal end thereof extending across an opening extending through the first one of the pair of arms. A suture grabbing element extending laterally from a second one of the pair of arms and including a hook so that, when the pair of arms are moved toward a closed configuration, the hook extends through the opening to grab the loop and draw the distal end of the suture from the first one of the pair of arms toward the second one of the pair of arms.

Abstract: A fixation assembly and associated methods for making and using the assembly. The assembly includes a hub assembly having a needle hub secured to a needle and a stylet hub secured to a stylet extending through a lumen of the needle. The stylet hub is selectively actuatable relative to the needle hub between a first position and a second position. A stop is removably coupled to the hub assembly when the stylet hub is in the first position to prevent actuation of the stylet hub to the second position. The stop is removed from the hub assembly to allow actuation of the stylet hub to the second position.

Abstract: A control system for allowing a user to control the orientation of a medical device or a medical instrument in a variety of directions. An actuator selectively tensions one or more control cables having ends secured at or adjacent a distal tip of the medical device in order to bend the distal tip in a desired direction. In one embodiment, a physician can adjust the movement of the distal tip in a desired direction without affecting the orientation of the medical device in other directions.

Abstract: A system for clipping tissue includes a clip having first and second jaws. Each of the first and second jaws defines an opening through which a control wire passes. A collapsible member is coupled between the first and second jaws. The member is biased to urge the first and second jaws away from one another along an axis of the control wire to a first expanded configuration. The first and second jaws are movable against the bias of the member via the control wire to a second contracted configuration in which the first and second jaws are moved along the axis of the control wire toward one another to lockingly engage tissue received therebetween. The movement of control wire causes a corresponding movement of the first jaw relative to the second jaw to move the first and second jaws from the first expanded configuration to the second contracted configuration.

Abstract: A device for causing hemostasis includes an elongated body extending from a first end to a second end, a first clipping anchor coupled to the first end of the elongated body and being movable between a radially contracted insertion configuration and a radially expanded tissue engagement configuration and a second clipping anchor coupled to the second end of the elongated body and being movable between a radially contracted insertion configuration and a radially expanded tissue engagement configuration. The first clipping anchor is movable along a longitudinal axis of the elongated body one of toward and away from the second clipping anchor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for guiding, supporting, and/or housing instruments. One exemplary system includes a guide tube having a manipulation section and mated with rails carrying instrument control members. Moving the rails with respect to the guide tube, or another point of reference, can control movement of the manipulation section.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for guiding, supporting, and/or housing instruments. One exemplary system includes a guide tube having a manipulation section and mated with rails carrying instrument control members. Moving the rails with respect to the guide tube, or another point of reference, can control movement of the manipulation section.

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 apparatues, 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: Apparatuses of the type broadly applicable to numerous medical applications in which it is desirable to insert one or more steerable or non-steerable catheters or similar devices into a working channel of an associated device, such as an endoscope, catheter, etc., or passageway of a patient, are disclosed. The apparatuses may include catheters having a dedicated guide wire channel and one or more of the following: viewing capabilities, a working channel, and auxiliary channels, such as insufflation/irrigation channels. The catheters may include a guide wire channel that is configured to provide the catheter or other device with rapid exchange capabilities.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a medical device for deploying a ligation band may include a tubular body. The tubular body may include a proximal end, a distal end, a radially inner surface defining a lumen through the tubular body, and a radially outer surface. The radially outer surface may include protrusions arranged in rows extending at least partially around a proximal region of the radially outer surface. Protrusions in adjacent rows may be separated by a first distance. Surface features may extend at least partially around a distal region of the radially outer surface. Adjacent surface features may be separated by a second distance larger than the first distance.

Abstract: The medical device may include an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end, and a plurality of legs coupled to the distal end of the elongate member. The medical device may also include a moveable element distal to the distal end of the elongate member, disposed around the plurality of legs. The moveable element may be reciprocally moveable relative to the elongate member and plurality of legs between a first and second position. The plurality of legs may be in a collapsed configuration when the moveable element is in the first position, and may be in an expanded configuration when the moveable element is in the second position.

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 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: A medical device may include an elongate member including a proximal end and a distal end. The medical device may also include a rotatable member at the distal end of the elongate member. The rotatable member may be rotatably coupled to the distal end of the elongate member. The rotatable member may include a longitudinal axis, and may be configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis. The rotatable member may also include a gripping element configured to engage a layer of tissue. The gripping element may be configured to selectively couple at least a portion of the layer of tissue to a surface of the rotatable member, to restrict relative movement between the portion of the layer of tissue and the surface of the rotatable member, during rotation of the rotatable member.