Abstract: An implantable device for regulating blood flow through a blood vessel comprising an elongated support dimensioned and configured to be implanted in a blood vessel. The support includes a linking member linking axially spaced apart portions to one another. A valve membrane extends between the axially spaced apart support portions and includes first region folded over the first linking member and attached thereto and a second region adjacent the first region and unattached to the first linking member. The second region is movable between a first position to enable blood flow and a second position to inhibit blood flow.

Abstract: A tool is described for delivering and applying a clamping implant (9; 109) via a puncture in skin tissue (3) and underlying tissue (2) of a patient, comprising a hollow needle (4; 104) bounding a lumen (5; 105) and forming a helix, a plunger (6; 106) of which a distal portion extends in longitudinal direction inside the lumen (5; 105), and a plunger operating member (7; 107) engaging a proximal portion of the plunger (6; 106) projecting from the needle (4; 104), for screwing the plunger (6; 106) further into or out of the needle (4; 104) by screwing rotation of the needle (4; 104) relative to the plunger (6; 106). A system is also described, including such a tool, and a method is also described for delivering and applying a clamping implant (9; 109) using such an instrument.

Abstract: An extractor for removing an implanted lead from a patient. The extractor includes a lumen dimensioned to receive the lead therein, a cutter at the distal portion for cutting tissue adjacent the lead, a distal clamping structure and a proximal clamping structure The proximal clamping structure and lead are relatively movable to extract the lead.

Abstract: An implantable device for regulating blood flow through a blood vessel comprising an elongated support dimensioned and configured to be implanted in a blood vessel. The support includes a linking member linking axially spaced apart portions to one another. A valve membrane extends between the axially spaced apart support portions and includes first region folded over the first linking member and attached thereto and a second region adjacent the first region and unattached to the first linking member. The second region is movable between a first position to enable blood flow and a second position to inhibit blood flow.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for cutting and grasping tissue comprising a handle assembly, an elongated member and first and second jaws. A first movable member moves the second jaw in a first direction about a first pivot axis in a grasping action and a second movable member moves the second jaw in a second direction different than the first direction and about a second pivot axis in a cutting action. A switch is positioned at the proximal portion of the instrument and a selecting member is actuated by movement of the switch, the selecting member movable between a first position to enable movement of the second jaw in the first direction and prohibit movement in the second direction and a second position to enable movement of the second jaw in the second direction and prohibit movement in the first direction.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for cutting and grasping tissue comprising a handle assembly, an elongated member and first and second jaws. A first movable member moves the second jaw in a first direction about a first pivot axis in a grasping action and a second movable member moves the second jaw in a second direction different than the first direction and about a second pivot axis in a cutting action. A switch is positioned at the proximal portion of the instrument and a selecting member is actuated by movement of the switch, the selecting member movable between a first position to enable movement of the second jaw in the first direction and prohibit movement in the second direction and a second position to enable movement of the second jaw in the second direction and prohibit movement in the first direction.

Abstract: An implantable device for regulating blood flow through a blood vessel includes an elongated support. The support includes axially spaced apart first and second substantially annular support portions, and an x-shaped linking member linking the axially spaced apart portions to one another. The device also includes a valve membrane extending between the axially spaced apart support portions and having an upper portion, a lower portion and an intermediate portion. The valve membrane includes a first region and a second lower region. The first region is folded over the linking member for attachment and the second region is adjacent the first region and unattached to the linking member. The second region is movable between a first position to enable blood flow and a second position to inhibit blood flow.

Abstract: An extractor for removing an implanted lead from a patient, the extractor comprising a proximal portion, a distal portion, a lumen dimensioned to receive the lead therein, a cutter at the distal portion for cutting tissue adjacent the implanted lead, and a first clamping member movable between a clamping position to clamp the lead and an unclamping position to unclamp the lead. The extractor and lead are relatively movable to remove the lead.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for cutting and grasping tissue comprising a handle assembly, an elongated member and first and second jaws. A first movable member moves the second jaw in a first direction about a first pivot axis in a grasping action and a second movable member moves the second jaw in a second direction different than the first direction and about a second pivot axis in a cutting action. A switch is positioned at the proximal portion of the instrument and a selecting member is actuated by movement of the switch, the selecting member movable between a first position to enable movement of the second jaw in the first direction and prohibit movement in the second direction and a second position to enable movement of the second jaw in the second direction and prohibit movement in the first direction.

Abstract: The artificial valves and methods described herein and shown in the drawings, provide for artificial valves with superior properties including fatigue resistance, biocompatibility, and ease of manufacture.

Abstract: An implantable device for regulating blood flow through a blood vessel includes an elongated support. The support includes axially spaced apart first and second substantially annular support portions, and an x-shaped linking member linking the axially spaced apart portions to one another. The device also includes a valve membrane extending between the axially spaced apart support portions and having an upper portion, a lower portion and an intermediate portion. The valve membrane includes a first region and a second lower region. The first region is folded over the linking member for attachment and the second region is adjacent the first region and unattached to the linking member. The second region is movable between a first position to enable blood flow and a second position to inhibit blood flow.

Abstract: An implantable device for regulating blood flow through a blood vessel comprising an elongated support dimensioned and configured to be implanted in a blood vessel. The support includes a linking member linking axially spaced apart portions to one another. A valve membrane extends between the axially spaced apart support portions and includes first region folded over the first linking member and attached thereto and a second region adjacent the first region and unattached to the first linking member. The second region is movable between a first position to enable blood flow and a second position to inhibit blood flow.

Abstract: An implantable device for regulating blood flow through a blood vessel includes an elongated support. The support includes axially spaced apart first and second substantially annular support portions, and an x-shaped linking member linking the axially spaced apart portions to one another. The device also includes a valve membrane extending between the axially spaced apart support portions and having an upper portion, a lower portion and an intermediate portion. The valve membrane includes a first region and a second lower region. The first region is folded over the linking member for attachment and the second region is adjacent the first region and unattached to the linking member. The second region is movable between a first position to enable blood flow and a second position to inhibit blood flow.

Abstract: An implantable device for regulating blood flow through a blood vessel comprising an elongated support dimensioned and configured to be implanted in a blood vessel. The support includes a linking member linking axially spaced apart portions to one another. A valve membrane extends between the axially spaced apart support portions and includes first region folded over the first linking member and attached thereto and a second region adjacent the first region and unattached to the first linking member. The second region is movable between a first position to enable blood flow and a second position to inhibit blood flow.

Abstract: An elongated support dimensioned and configured for implantation in a blood vessel. The support has two axially spaced apart portions, which may be in the form of an expandable crown or a similar structure. At least one linking member connects the two portions to one another. A valve membrane is supported between the axially spaced apart portions. The valve membrane is adapted and configured for movement between a first position in which blood flow through the support is permitted and a second position in which blood flow through the support is inhibited.

Abstract: An implantable device for regulating blood flow through a blood vessel includes an elongated support. The support includes axially spaced apart first and second substantially annular support portions, and an x-shaped linking member linking the axially spaced apart portions to one another. The device also includes a valve membrane extending between the axially spaced apart support portions and having an upper portion, a lower portion and an intermediate portion. The valve membrane includes a first region and a second lower region. The first region is folded over the linking member for attachment and the second region is adjacent the first region and unattached to the linking member. The second region is movable between a first position to enable blood flow and a second position to inhibit blood flow.

Abstract: An implantable device for regulating blood flow through a blood vessel comprising an elongated support dimensioned and configured to be implanted in a blood vessel. The support includes a linking member linking axially spaced apart portions to one another. A valve membrane extends between the axially spaced apart support portions and includes first region folded over the first linking member and attached thereto and a second region adjacent the first region and unattached to the first linking member. The second region is movable between a first position to enable blood flow and a second position to inhibit blood flow.

Abstract: A surgical device (101) for grasping and severing body tissue comprises a housing (140) which defines a proximal end (102) and a distal end (104), a user operating handle (160) at the proximal end (102), and two blade elements (110, 120) at the distal end (104). The user operating handle (160) may be activated to pivot the blade elements (110, 120) about two parallel grasping pivot axes to grasp a piece of body tissue which is located between the blade elements (110, 120). The user operating handle (160) may also be activated to pivot the blade elements (110, 120) about a severing pivot axis to sever a piece of body tissue which is located between the blade elements (110, 120).

Abstract: A vein filter includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart elongated legs having opposed proximal and distal leg portions. Adjacent distal leg portions are connected to one another by bridging structure and the legs are adapted and configured for movement between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the proximal leg portions are substantially parallel to one another. In the second position, the proximal leg portions are circumferentially divergent from one another to anchor the filter within a blood vessel. Methods of placing or relocating a vein filter in a vein utilize a catheter balloon to move the vein filter legs between first and second positions. Kits include a vein filter, a catheter balloon for moving the legs of the vein filter, and a delivery sheath for housing the vein filter for delivery within a blood vessel.

Abstract: A surgical device (101) for grasping and severing body tissue comprises a housing (140) which defines a proximal end (102) and a distal end (104), a user operating handle (160) at the proximal end (102), and two blade elements (110, 120) at the distal end (104). The user operating handle (160) may be activated to pivot the blade elements (110, 120) about two parallel grasping pivot axes to grasp a piece of body tissue which is located between the blade elements (110, 120). The user operating handle (160) may also be activated to pivot the blade elements (110, 120) about a severing pivot axis to sever a piece of body tissue which is located between the blade elements (110, 120).