Abstract: An expandable vaginal dilator includes a stretchable sheath defining at least one fluid chamber therein and being shaped and sized according to vaginal measurements and physical examination. A support within the sheath seals and holds the sheath and provides one or more fluid channels configured for delivery of fluid into the at least one fluid chamber to expand the sheath. The support is configured to permit vaginal insertion of the sheath when the sheath is in an unexpanded state and to stabilize the sheath during expansion of the sheath. One or both of the sheath and support can be sized and shaped according to the physical exam of a patient. One or both of the sheath and support can be configured to provide differential expansion according to the physical patient information and a treatment plan.

Abstract: An esophageal deflection device includes an elongate outer tube that has a natural curved deflection at a position that corresponds to a targeted esophagus region for deflection. The curved deflection includes variable stiffness sections disposed longitudinally in the curved deflection to provide variation in stiffnesses in the longitudinal direction. The variable stiffness sections can be formed via variable material properties, variable wall thicknesses, and/or variable material omissions. An insertion rod or tube includes a portion that is stiffer than the curved deflection, and slides into the elongate outer tube to straighten the tube to guide the deflection device into an esophagus. Subsequent withdrawal of the insertion tube or rod will allow the curved deflection to return to its natural shape and deflect the targeted region of the esophagus. A three-dimensional array of temperature sensors can be disposed near an outer surface of the elongate outer tube.

Abstract: An esophageal deflection device includes an elongate outer tube that has a natural curved deflection at a position that corresponds to a targeted esophagus region for deflection. The outer diameter of the outer tube is substantially matched to an inner diameter of the esophagus to closely contact the esophagus wall, or is at least half of the inner diameter, or is smaller and includes suction ports for drawing the esophagus wall inward. An insertion rod or tube includes a portion that is stiffer than the curved deflection, and slides into the elongate outer tube to straighten the tube and can serve to guide the deflection device into an esophagus. Subsequent withdrawal of the insertion tube or rod will allow the curved deflection to return to its natural shape and deflect the targeted region of the esophagus.

Abstract: An antimicrobial coating is formed from a biocompatible flexible polymer having incorporated therein an active material having a reducible form of silver, where at least a portion of the active material is exposed at the surface of the polymer. The coating can be applied to the surface of a catheter to inhibit bacterial growth and biofilm formation.

Abstract: A rapid exchange detachable endoscope includes a transmission system having a shaft with two linear translation nuts mounted on oppositely threaded portions of the shaft so that rotation of the shaft in one direction moves the two linear translation nuts further away from one another and rotation of the shaft in an opposite direction moves the two linear translation nuts closer together to control an insertion tube tip. A control handle can be attached and detached from the transmission system, allowing an insertion tube associated with the transmission system to remain in vivo and allow for exchange of overtubes.

Abstract: An esophageal deflection device includes an elongate outer tube that has a natural curved deflection at a position that corresponds to a targeted esophagus region for deflection. The outer diameter of the outer tube is substantially matched to an inner diameter of the esophagus to closely contact the esophagus wall, or is at least half of the inner diameter, or is smaller and includes suction ports for drawing the esophagus wall inward. An insertion rod or tube includes a portion that is stiffer than the curved deflection, and slides into the elongate outer tube to straighten the tube and can serve to guide the deflection device into an esophagus. Subsequent withdrawal of the insertion tube or rod will allow the curved deflection to return to its natural shape and deflect the targeted region of the esophagus. A three-dimensional array of temperature sensors can be disposed near an outer surface of the elongate outer tube.