Abstract: The invention relates to bulking agents and apparatus and methods for using the disclosed bulking agents. The bulking agents can be used to treat such conditions as urinary and fecal incontinence, gastro-esophageal reflux, aneurismal blockages, and cosmetic deformities. The invention also relates to an injection method that reduces the injection pressure required to place the bulking agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to bulking agents and apparatus and methods for using the disclosed bulking agents. The bulking agents can be used to treat such conditions as urinary and fecal incontinence, gastro-esophageal reflux, ancurismal blockages, and cosmetic deformities. The invention also relates to an injection method that reduces the injection pressure required to place the bulking agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to bulking agents and apparatus and methods for using the disclosed bulking agents. The bulking agents can be used to treat such conditions as urinary and fecal incontinence, gastro-esophageal reflux, ancurismal blockages, and cosmetic deformities. The invention also relates to an injection method that reduces the injection pressure required to place the bulking agents.

Abstract: Described herein are various implant delivery methods and systems that include a detachable link for connecting an implantable device and a control wire. The detachable link can include an elongate body comprising a first arm with a mating surface having a slot extending the width of the elongate body and a second arm having a mating surface that includes a extension portion adapted to mate with the slot. A guide member can extend between the first and second arms and inhibit relative transverse and/or rotational movement between the first and second arms.

Abstract: Pressure activated valves for catheters with improved tolerance of high pressure and high flow conditions are described. Embodiments of the valve comprise a flexible membrane with one or more linear slits therethrough, and means for applying tension to the flexible membrane in-line with the linear slits. The application of tension may optionally be facilitated by structural features of both the flexible membrane and the valve housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to bulking agents and apparatus and methods for using the disclosed bulking agents. The bulking agents can be used to treat such conditions as urinary and fecal incontinence, gastro-esophageal reflux, ancurismal blockages, and cosmetic deformities. The invention also relates to an injection method that reduces the injection pressure required to place the bulking agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to bulking agents and apparatus and methods for using the disclosed bulking agents. The bulking agents can be used to treat such conditions as urinary and fecal incontinence, gastro-esophageal reflux, aneurismal blockages, and cosmetic deformities. The invention also relates to an injection method that reduces the injection pressure required to place the bulking agents.

Abstract: Vessel occlusion method including the steps of positioning a coil anchor in a large diameter blood vessel, wherein the coil anchor includes a radially expandable sidewall, a proximal opening dimensioned to receive an embolic coil, a distal opening, and the coil anchor further comprising at least one coil retaining element configured to retain an embolic coil within the blood vessel. The vessel occlusion method further including the steps of expanding the coil anchor within the blood vessel; and delivering at least one embolic coil into the blood vessel, wherein the retaining element prevents the at least one embolic coil from migrating downstream of the coil anchor.

Abstract: A resection device includes an elongated probe shaft and a tissue resection member disposed at a distal end of the elongated probe shaft. The tissue resection member has a cutting surface configured for being placed in contact with tissue. In one aspect of the invention, at least one ejection port is located adjacent to the cutting surface of the tissue resection member, wherein the at least one ejection port is coupled to a source of a polymerizable hemostasis-promoting material that is delivered to the resection site of interest. In certain embodiments, polymerization of the hemostasis-promoting material may be accelerated by application of heat, radiofrequency energy, or ultra violet light.

Abstract: The present invention includes an introducer sheath. The sheath may comprise a first proximal elongated section having a first outer diameter and a first inner diameter, and a main body elongated section having a second inner diameter and a second outer diameter, wherein the second outer diameter is larger than the first outer diameter. The sheath may further include a distal section having an outer wall that tapers from the second outer diameter of the main body elongated section to a smaller distal outer diameter.

Abstract: The invention relates to bulking agents and apparatus and methods for using the disclosed bulking agents. The bulking agents can be used to treat such conditions as urinary and fecal incontinence, gastro-esophageal reflux, aneurismal blockages, and cosmetic deformities. The invention also relates to an injection method that reduces the injection pressure required to place the bulking agents.

Abstract: Pressure activated valves for catheters with improved tolerance of high pressure and high flow conditions are described. Embodiments of the valve comprise a flexible membrane with one or more linear slits therethrough, and means for applying tension to the flexible membrane in-line with the linear slits. The application of tension may optionally be facilitated by structural features of both the flexible membrane and the valve housing.

Abstract: Vessel occlusion method including the steps of positioning a coil anchor in a large diameter blood vessel, wherein the coil anchor includes a radially expandable sidewall, a proximal opening dimensioned to receive an embolic coil, a distal opening, and the coil anchor further comprising at least one coil retaining element configured to retain an embolic coil within the blood vessel. The vessel occlusion method further including the steps of expanding the coil anchor within the blood vessel; and delivering at least one embolic coil into the blood vessel, wherein the retaining element prevents the at least one embolic coil from migrating downstream of the coil anchor.

Abstract: An implantable port for accessing internal body structures, the port comprises a proximal housing including an opening providing access to an interior of the port and a distal housing adapted for assembly with the proximal housing, the distal housing including a reservoir which, when the distal housing is mated with the proximal housing is in fluid communication with the opening of the proximal housing in combination with a radiopaque element in one of the proximal and distal housings, a shape of the radiopaque element identifying, when imaged, a structural characteristic of the port not otherwise identifiable visually.

Abstract: An implantable port for accessing internal body structures, the port comprises a proximal housing including an opening providing access to an interior of the port and a distal housing adapted for assembly with the proximal housing, the distal housing including a reservoir which, when the distal housing is mated with the proximal housing is in fluid communication with the opening of the proximal housing in combination with a radiopaque element in one of the proximal and distal housings, a shape of the radiopaque element identifying, when imaged, a structural characteristic of the port not otherwise identifiable visually.

Abstract: A resection device includes an elongated probe shaft and a tissue resection member disposed at a distal end of the elongated probe shaft. The tissue resection member has a cutting surface configured for being placed in contact with tissue. In one aspect of the invention, at least one ejection port is located adjacent to the cutting surface of the tissue resection member, wherein the at least one ejection port is coupled to a source of a polymerizable hemostasis-promoting material that is delivered to the resection site of interest. In certain embodiments, polymerization of the hemostasis-promoting material may be accelerated by application of heat, radiofrequency energy, or ultra violet light.

Abstract: A drug delivery particle including a reservoir region having primarily large pores and a metering region. The particle can be highly spherical.

Abstract: A medical device at least partially insertable into a patient. The device comprises a catheter portion comprising a flexible tube that is at least partially insertable into the patient, and a valve portion proximal to the catheter portion. The valve portion comprises a planar flexible member comprising first and second valve portions separated from one another by an internal slit. The thickness of the planar flexible member at the internal slit is less than the thickness of the planar flexible member at any other location.

Abstract: The invention relates to bulking agents and apparatus and methods for using the disclosed bulking agents. The bulking agents can be used to treat such conditions as urinary and fecal incontinence, gastro-esophageal reflux, aneurismal blockages, and cosmetic deformities. The invention also relates to an injection method that reduces the injection pressure required to place the bulking agents.

Abstract: Particles and related methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of making particles can include forming a stream of a mixture including first and second materials, exposing the stream to a vibration, and treating the stream to form particles. The vibration can have, for example, a sinusoidal, triangular, and/or sawtooth waveform.