Abstract: A scope system, includes an elongate tube having a lumen extending therethrough, the elongate tube including a distal portion; and an accessory channel shaft including a tubular structure with an accessory lumen extending therethrough, wherein the accessory channel shaft is movably disposed at least partially within the lumen of the elongate tube; and a steerable sheath extending at least partially through the accessory lumen, wherein the steerable sheath includes a steerable distal end that is moveable in at least one direction out of an axial direction relative to a distal section of the accessory channel shaft, and an in-line control actuator located at a proximal end of the scope system, wherein operation of the control actuator causes deflection of the steerable distal end relative to the distal section of the accessory channel shaft.

Abstract: Among other things, there is disclosed structure and methods for maintaining access to a location in the body while reducing or eliminating the potential for pulling an access device (e.g. a catheter) back through an opening. An introducer sheath includes a distal indented portion and a balloon, so that once placed in a desired location through tissue, the balloon can be inflated to anchor the sheath against retraction. In particular embodiments, structure and methods for accessing the pericardial cavity via the right atrial appendage are shown.

Abstract: Among other things, there are disclosed embodiments of belts or bands that can be used in treatments for tricuspid valve regurgitation. In some embodiments, such belts may be heat-set in a particular configuration to effectively decrease tricuspid annulus when deployed around the atrioventricular groove. Embodiments include one or more tensioning sutures for applying cinching or tightening to belts when deployed, and structure for effectively distributing force during such tightening. Embodiments of tensioning members, protective members, and devices and methods for open-surgical placement (e.g. around a heart for annuloplasty) are also disclosed.

Abstract: A scope system is provided including an elongate tube with a distal portion and a lumen extending therethrough. The scope system also includes at least one accessory channel including a tubular structure with an accessory lumen extending therethrough, the at least one accessory channel movably disposed at least partially within the lumen of the elongate tube. The at least one accessory channel includes a distal section and a forward-viewing configuration and a side-viewing configuration. In the forward-viewing configuration, the distal section of the at least one accessory channel is substantially parallel to the distal portion of the elongate tube and in the side-viewing configuration, the distal section of the at least one accessory channel is arced at a radius greater than a radius of the distal portion of the elongate tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a long-lasting medical product for protecting or treating a lesion in the gastrointestinal tract. The medical product includes a protective covering, wherein the medical product upon application at and about the site of the lesion adheres to the gastrointestinal tissue and is capable of remaining at and about the site of the lesion for a time sufficient to allow the lesion to heal or be treated.

Abstract: A medical scope device may have a first steerable device extending to a distal end of the medical scope device. The medical scope device may also include a second steerable device extending to the distal end of the medical scope device. The device may also include a first steering actuator. A selector switch may be mechanically coupled to the first steering actuator, where the first steering actuator controls a movement of a distal end of the first steerable device when the selector switch is in a first position, and where the first steering actuator controls a movement of a distal end of the second steerable device when the selector switch is in a second position.

Abstract: A scope system is provided including an elongate tube with a distal portion and a lumen extending therethrough. The scope system also includes at least one accessory channel including a tubular structure with an accessory lumen extending therethrough, the at least one accessory channel movably disposed at least partially within the lumen of the elongate tube. The at least one accessory channel includes a distal section and a forward-viewing configuration and a side-viewing configuration. In the forward-viewing configuration, the distal section of the at least one accessory channel is substantially parallel to the distal portion of the elongate tube and in the side-viewing configuration, the distal section of the at least one accessory channel is arced at a radius greater than a radius of the distal portion of the elongate tube.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an endoscope system and a handle for a medical device that allows for rotation of the device when a locking member is disengaged by an operator, but does not allow for rotation when the locking member is engaged. Such a handle allows for an operator to maintain the position of an endoscope even when the operator removes his or her hand from the controls of the scope.

Abstract: A scope system may comprise an elongate tube having a lumen extending therethrough. The elongate tube may have a distal portion. The scope system may further comprise at least one accessory channel extending at least partially through the lumen. The accessory channel may comprise a tubular structure having an accessory lumen extending therethrough. The accessory channel may be moveable relative to the distal portion of the elongate tube and may be configured to direct fluid to an irrigation opening located at a distal end of the accessory channel.

Abstract: A scope system including a handle that may be changed from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration by removing a removable handle lock is provided. The handle includes features for storage of a movable elongate member on the side of the handle when the handle is in the locked configuration. In the unlocked configuration, the movable elongate member can be connected to the handle to perform desired procedures.

Abstract: Among other things, there is disclosed structure and methods for maintaining access to a location in the body while reducing or eliminating the potential for pulling an access device (e.g. a catheter) back through an opening. An introducer sheath includes a distal indented portion and a balloon, so that once placed in a desired location through tissue, the balloon can be inflated to anchor the sheath against retraction. In particular embodiments, structure and methods for accessing the pericardial cavity via the right atrial appendage are shown.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide an expandable mesh comprising a first coupling element, a second coupling element, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first coupling element and the second coupling element. Proximal retraction of the first coupling element relative to the second coupling element causes the intermediate portion to flare out to an enlarged width. In one embodiment, the first coupling element comprises a first tube and the second coupling element comprises a second tube.

Abstract: A wire lock assembly for an access port of an elongate medical tube includes a body having an exterior surface, an interior surface, and a central opening disposed therethrough, an attachment mechanism disposed through the exterior surface of the body, the attachment mechanism having an open end and a closed end, at least one notch arranged on the body and positioned proximate to the central opening and at least one seal supported within the interior surface of the body in communication with the central opening, the seal comprising a passageway therethrough, where the interior surface of the body defines a non-linear pathway for securing one or more medical devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a long-lasting medical product for protecting or treating a lesion in the gastrointestinal tract. The medical product includes a protective covering, wherein the medical product upon application at and about the site of the lesion adheres to the gastrointestinal tissue and is capable of remaining at and about the site of the lesion for a time sufficient to allow the lesion to heal or be treated.

Abstract: A scope system is provided including an elongate tube, a movable member extending longitudinally at least partially within a lumen of the elongate tube, and a light on a distal portion of the elongate tube, the light configured to be controlled by proximal or distal movement of the movable member relative to the elongate tube along a longitudinal axis and/or rotational movement of the movable member about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide an expandable mesh comprising a first coupling element, a second coupling element, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first coupling element and the second coupling element. Proximal retraction of the first coupling element relative to the second coupling element causes the intermediate portion to flare out to an enlarged width. In one embodiment, the first coupling element comprises a first tube and the second coupling element comprises a second tube.

Abstract: There are shown and described embodiments of a closure device for closing holes in tissue, for example in the right atrial appendage. The closure device in particular embodiments includes first and second mesh closure members and a tether or stem connecting them. Embodiments of a delivery device for the closure device are also described.

Abstract: A scope system is provided including an elongate tube with a distal portion and a lumen extending therethrough, the distal portion comprising a distal end section comprising a pivot arm, the scope system further comprising a plurality of lights distributed on and connected to the distal end section and the pivot arm. The plurality of lights is configured to be connected by an electrical wire and/or a conductor to a power source.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a medical device including a camera including a movable member including an outer surface with a longitudinally-extending cross-sectional geometry configured to complement a longitudinally-extending cross-sectional geometry of a surface of a lumen in an elongate tube housing the movable member so as to prevent rotation of the movable member relative to the elongate tube. The device allows the operator to maintain visual orientation as the movable member is translated proximally and distally relative to the elongate tube.

Abstract: There are shown and described embodiments of a closure device for closing holes in tissue, for example in the right atrial appendage. The closure device in particular embodiments includes first and second mesh closure members and a tether or stem connecting them. Embodiments of a delivery device for the closure device are also described.