Abstract: Embodiments of the invention may be directed to apparatuses for securing and sealing apertures in tissue and related methods of use.

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 a 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: Systems, apparatus and methods for distribution and interface for multimedia content and associated context are described herein. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving an input from a user for multimedia content through a multimedia device. The method includes transmitting the input to a multimedia content provider. The method also includes receiving a result of the input for multimedia content from the multimedia content provider, into the multimedia device. The method includes receiving a context for the result that includes identification of other multimedia content that can be retrieved, into the multimedia device. The method also includes displaying the result and the context together on a display of the multimedia device.

Abstract: A control system for allowing a physician to control the orientation of a medical device or a medical instrument in a variety of directions with one hand. 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 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: Several embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to medical visualization systems that comprise combinations of disposable and resuable 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. Some embodiments of the invention are directed to in-vivo visualization devices and systems comprising user-actuatable control features and steering devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscope channel cap that may be used separately with two or more endoscopes each having a cap interface portion with a different configuration. The channel cap also may include one or more seals to maintain insufflation pressure both when an endoscopic instrument is inserted in a working channel of the endoscope and when the instrument is not inserted in the channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscope channel cap that may be used separately with two or more endoscopes each having a cap interface portion with a different configuration. The channel cap also may include one or more seals to maintain insufflation pressure both when an endoscopic instrument is inserted in a working channel of the endoscope and when the instrument is not inserted in the channel.

Abstract: Several embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to medical visualization systems that comprise combinations of disposable and resuable 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: A delivery handle and assembly are provided which allow for deployment and reconstrainment of a stent. The delivery assembly may include a catheter having a lumen extending therethrough; and, a housing having an aperture, the catheter extending through the aperture. A driver is movably coupled to the housing such that the driver can selectively move in different first and second directions relative to the housing. The driver is disposed to engage the catheter such that movement of the driver in the first direction causes a distal end of the catheter to move distally, and that movement of the driver in the second direction causes the distal end of the catheter to move proximally.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscope channel cap that may be used separately with two or more endoscopes each having a cap interface portion with a different configuration. The channel cap also may include one or more seals to maintain insufflation pressure both when an endoscopic instrument is inserted in a working channel of the endoscope and when the instrument is not inserted in the channel.

Abstract: A system and method for routing telephone calls is based on identifying caller goals, and maximizing the benefit of routing the call to the appropriate call center. The appropriate call center is identified as the call center best equipped to respond to the needs of the caller. The cost or benefit is based on the fastest and least expensive way to answer a query posed by a caller. A probabilistic model of the caller's goals or call topics based on a response to a top-level prompt is used, along with a set of functions associating a utility or benefit with routing those call topics to destinations within the center. Maximum benefit routing allows for the separation of the caller's goals from those of the call center, thereby optimizing use of available resources.

Abstract: The invention includes a forceps and collection assembly for acquiring and storing a plurality of tissue samples in a single pass, and accompanying mechanisms for use with the forceps and collection assembly. The accompanying mechanisms include an endoscope working channel cap assembly configured to minimize compression of a pouch of the forceps and collection assembly as it traverses a seal of the cap assembly, and a flush adapter configured to be coupled to the pouch so as to assist in removing tissue samples in the pouch by flowing fluid through the pouch.

Abstract: A medical instrument has a tubular member having a distal end and a proximal end, a handle attached to the proximal end of the tubular member, a distal assembly including a pivot and an end effector assembly supported on the pivot. The end effector assembly has a pair of end effectors. The medical instrument also includes an elongate member corresponding to each of the pair of end effectors. Each elongate member extends through the tubular member and has a proximal end attached to the handle and a distal end attached to the end effector assembly.

Abstract: A debt instrument structured as a plurality (N) of strips (S). Each of the strips includes a zero coupon instrument having a different maturity date and a talon (T). The talon represents future payments due subsequent to the maturation date of a last-maturing one of the of strips. The aggregate value of the strips at maturation plus the value of the talon equals an outstanding value. The product is structured such that upon maturation of each strip, the strip's value becomes due to a holder of the strip, a current amount of the outstanding value is reduced by the maturing strip's value yielding a new amount of the outstanding value, and a new strip is generated by stripping the talon. The new strip has a value that is determined based on the talon value, and the talon value is reduced after the stripping by the value of the new strip.

Abstract: A light weight battery powered x-ray source capable of producing high intensity x-ray emissions with low power consumption. A modular construction locates all high voltage components including the x-ray tube, spark gap trigger, spiral capacitor and the secondary of a step-up transformer in a sealed canister which can be decoupled both mechanically and electrically by unscrewing a simple threaded coupling. A center module contains the primary of the step-up transformer, circuit boards for electronic components and a pulse counter/selector. A battery pack with rechargeable Nicad batteries is removably connectable to the center module. High intensity pulses are achieved in part by connecting the spiral capacitor at midlength to the spark gap trigger. An improved x-ray tube with light weight but effective lead shielding and an overall length of less than two inches is also disclosed.

Abstract: A light weight battery powered x-ray source capable of producing high intensity x-ray emissions with low power consumption. A modular construction locates all high voltage components including the x-ray tube, spark gap trigger, spiral capacitor and the secondary of a step-up transformer in a sealed canister which can be decoupled both mechanically and electrically by unscrewing a simple threaded coupling. A center module contains the primary of the step-up transformer, circuit boards for electronic components and a pulse counter/selector. A battery pack with rechargeable Nicad batteries is removably connectable to the center module. High intensity pulses are achieved in part by connecting the spiral capacitor at midlength to the spark gap trigger. An improved x-ray tube with light weight but effective lead shielding and an overall length of less than two inches is also disclosed.

Abstract: A floatable radio antenna (releasable from a submarine) includes a solid hemisphere of conductive material concentric with a hollow hemisphere of dielectric material. The hemispheres are contained in a floatation jacket which carries them above the surface of a liquid on which the jacket floats. Concentric spheres may be used if desired. The dielectric material permits an antenna of small physical dimensions.