Abstract: A notched tissue-collection needle configured similarly to a fine-needle-aspiration needle is provided with a cutting edge disposed in the notch and configured to excise tissue into the notch for collection. A stylet may be provided through a lumen of the needle during introduction into a patient body. The needle may be provided with echogenicity-enhancing features.

Abstract: A notched tissue-collection needle configured similarly to a fine-needle-aspiration needle is provided with a cutting edge disposed in the notch and configured to excise tissue into the notch for collection. A stylet may be provided through a lumen of the needle during introduction into a patient body. The needle may be provided with echogenicity-enhancing features.

Abstract: A notched tissue-collection needle configured similarly to a fine-needle-aspiration needle is provided with a cutting edge disposed in the notch and configured to excise tissue into the notch for collection. A stylet may be provided through a lumen of the needle during introduction into a patient body. The needle may be provided with echogenicity-enhancing features.

Abstract: An attachment system for tissue apposition or manipulation and a method of attaching a suture to a tissue for apposition or manipulation of the tissue are provided. The system includes an attachment device including a body having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The attachment device further includes a tissue attachment portion operably connected to the distal portion wherein the tissue attachment portion has a shape that is maintained throughout a tissue apposition procedure. The attachment device also includes a suture operably connected to the body and having an unconnected proximal end and a retaining structure at the proximal portion of the body. The retaining structure configured to releasably mate with a complementary retaining structure on a stylet.

Abstract: A stent and a method for implanting a stent for decompression and anastomosis formation are provided. The stent includes a non-expandable, generally tubular body having a proximal portion and a distal portion, a lumen extending through at least a portion of the body, a distal opening in the distal portion in fluid communication with the lumen and a proximal opening in the proximal portion in fluid communication with the lumen. The stent further includes a first magnetic element positioned on the distal portion of the tubular body and a second magnetic element movably positionable on the proximal portion of the tubular body. The second magnetic element is configured to surround and move over the proximal portion of the tubular body towards the first magnetic element.

Abstract: A magnet delivery system for forming an anastomosis that comprises a wire guide; a catheter having a delivery portion for advancement into a intracorporeal space, the delivery portion having a lumen extending at least partially therethrough, and a strand connected to the catheter, whereby the magnet is disposed over the wire guide and distal to the catheter, and retained by the strand being releasably connected to the wire guide.

Abstract: A magnet delivery system for forming an anastomosis that comprises a wire guide; a catheter having a delivery portion for advancement into a jejunal space, the delivery portion having a lumen extending at least partially therethrough, a first port and a second port through which the wire guide is disposed; a magnet comprising a lumen therethrough wherein the magnet is removably secured to the delivery portion of the catheter between the first and second ports by disposing the wire guide through the lumen of the magnet, the first port, and the second port.

Abstract: A notched tissue-collection needle configured similarly to a fine-needle-aspiration needle is provided with a cutting edge disposed in the notch and configured to excise tissue into the notch for collection. A stylet may be provided through a lumen of the needle during introduction into a patient body. The needle may be provided with echogenicity-enhancing features.

Abstract: A magnet delivery system for forming an anastomosis that comprises a wire guide; a catheter having a delivery portion for advancement into a intracorporeal space, the delivery portion having a lumen extending at least partially therethrough, and a strand connected to the catheter, whereby the magnet is disposed over the wire guide and distal to the catheter, and retained by the strand being releasably connected to the wire guide.

Abstract: A balloon catheter may include a distal anchoring balloon and a proximal hub that is removable from the catheter body. The catheter body may include a valve structure providing for maintaining the balloon in an inflated state during and after removal of the proximal hub. The valve preferably is constructed such that removal of the hub provides a low-profile proximal catheter end that will allow that proximal catheter end to pass through an endoscopic surgical device such as, for example, through an accessory channel of a standard duodenoscope and/or an ultra-slim endoscope/cholangioscope, facilitating a scope-exchange for use during, for example, a cholangioscopy or pancreatoscopy procedure. A method useful for scope exchange and/or introducing another elongate surgical device may utilize a balloon catheter with a distal anchoring balloon and a proximal hub that is removable from the catheter body.

Abstract: A stent and a method for implanting a stent for decompression and anastomosis formation are provided. The stent includes a non-expandable, generally tubular body having a proximal portion and a distal portion, a lumen extending through at least a portion of the body, a distal opening in the distal portion in fluid communication with the lumen and a proximal opening in the proximal portion in fluid communication with the lumen. The stent further includes a first magnetic element positioned on the distal portion of the tubular body and a second magnetic element movably positionable on the proximal portion of the tubular body. The second magnetic element is configured to surround and move over the proximal portion of the tubular body towards the first magnetic element.

Abstract: A magnet delivery system for forming an anastomosis that comprises a wire guide; a catheter having a delivery portion for advancement into a jejunal space, the delivery portion having a lumen extending at least partially therethrough, a first port and a second port through which the wire guide is disposed; a magnet comprising a lumen therethrough wherein the magnet is removably secured to the delivery portion of the catheter between the first and second ports by disposing the wire guide through the lumen of the magnet, the first port, and the second port.

Abstract: A stent delivery system and a method for delivering a stent are provided. The stent delivery system includes an outer sheath having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a first lumen extending at least partially through the sheath. The system further includes an inner shaft slidably received within the first lumen and extending at least partially through the sheath. A tubular non-expandable stent is slidably positionable within the first lumen, disposed distal to the inner shaft and operably contacts a pushing surface on the inner shaft. The inner shaft and the stent are slidable relative to the outer sheath, the outer sheath providing sufficient rigidity to the stent for delivery of the stent to a delivery site.