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: Disclosed are single-incision surgical procedures for treatment of urinary incontinence and/or pelvic floor disorders and related uses, devices, kits, and methods. Implants are also disclosed for use in the exemplary procedures. In certain embodiments, soft tissue anchors are used to anchor the surgical implants to obturator membranes of a patient.

Abstract: Disclosed are single-incision surgical procedures for treatment of urinary incontinence and/or pelvic floor disorders and related uses, devices, kits, and methods. Implants are also disclosed for use in the exemplary procedures. In certain embodiments, soft tissue anchors are used to anchor the surgical implants to obturator membranes of a patient.

Abstract: A vehicle position aggregation system receives position information for service vehicles from various fleet management systems, and maintains the current location of the vehicles in a database, including information identifying each vehicle's associated fleet and related contact information. End users can query the vehicle position aggregation system to obtain information about service vehicles in the vicinity of the user's input location.

Abstract: A medical catheter assembly including a removable inner sleeve. In one embodiment, the assembly is a low profile percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) device and comprises a body, a clamp, a feeding tube, a cap and an inner sleeve assembly. The body includes a base portion and a sleeve portion, the base portion being dimensioned to engage the skin of a patient and having a transverse bore, the sleeve portion extending upwardly from the base portion and having a longitudinal slot aligned with the transverse bore and a transverse slot intersecting the longitudinal bore. The clamp, which is slidably mounted on the base portion and across the transverse slot of the sleeve, comprises a plate having a transverse opening. The transverse opening has a wide region and a narrow region, the two regions being alternately alignable with the longitudinal bore to open and to close, respectively, the feeding tube.

Abstract: A suture knot can be tied during a medical procedure by use of a suture retainer ring in connection with a suturing instrument. The retainer ring allows a user to orient a suture about the instrument, such that a knot in the suture is automatically advanced and tightened by withdrawing the instrument from a surgical site after placing the suture. The retainer ring can be an integral part of the suturing instrument, or it can be removably coupled to the suturing instrument to facilitate use of the retainer ring with other suturing instruments.

Abstract: A suturing instrument including multiple needle and suture assemblies that are at least partially disposed within the suturing instrument allows a surgeon to place multiple sutures intercorporally without having to remove the instrument from a surgical site and reload the instrument between placing each suture. The suturing instrument includes an elongate body member that includes a distal portion defining an opening. The suturing instrument further includes a first needle disposed within the opening, a second needle disposed within the opening, and a needle deployment mechanism disposed at least partially within the elongate body member and connectable sequentially to the first needle and the second needle.

Abstract: Low profile adaptor for use with a medical catheter, such as a gastrostomy feeding tube. In a preferred embodiment, the adaptor comprises a body having a lower portion and an upper portion. A first channel is provided in the lower portion, and a second channel is provided in the upper portion, the first and second channels being perpendicular to and in fluid communication with one another. A generally cylindrical stem is coaxially positioned within the second channel, the stem being rotatably mounted about its longitudinal axis. The stem is hollow and has an open front end, a closed rear end and a hole in its side wall, the hole being rotatably alignable with the first channel. To facilitate rotational alignment of the hole with the first channel, a stop is formed on the exterior of the stem, the stop being engageable with a surface positioned within the second channel. The front end of the stem is recessed relative to the front end of the second channel to prevent unwanted rotation of the stem.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for delivering an implantable sling to an atomical location in a patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a formulation into a body in integer amounts includes a cannula with an insertion end for insertion into the body. The cannula includes a channel such as a tube to store the formulation. A rod is inserted into an end of the cannula opposite the insertion end; the rod has one end to contact the formulation and another end. The actuator controllably moves the rod through the tube of the cannula to deliver the formulation through the insertion end of the cannula.

Abstract: The suturing instrument includes an elongate member having an articulating distal portion biased offset from the elongate member, and a sheath slideably disposed about the elongate member. The user positions the sheath in contact with the articulating distal portion to actuate the distal portion relative to the elongate member. The articulating distal portion is pivotally coupled to the elongate member for improved maneuverability within the body of a patient during surgical procedures.

Abstract: The invention, in various embodiments, is directed to systems, devices, and methods relating to pre-pubic approaches to delivering a supportive sling to periurethral tissue of a patient.

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: Systems, methods, and devices employing a push tube to deliver an implant are disclosed.

Abstract: A suturing instrument is configured for to apply sutures to approximate, ligate, or fixate tissue in, for example, open, mini-incision, trans-vaginal, or endoscopic surgical procedures. The suturing instrument includes an elongate body member, a needle exit port, a needle receiving port, and a needle deployment mechanism. The suturing instrument eliminates the need for a preassembled needle and suture and reduces or eliminates the possibility of needle loss during suturing.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for associating an implantable sling with a delivery device for delivering the sling to an anatomical location in a patient.

Abstract: An anti-reflux ureteral stent includes an elongated member with a distal end having a first retention structure and a proximal end having a second retention structure. A lumen extends between the distal and proximal ends. The elongated member may include a valve near the proximal end and distal to the second retention structure. The valve may include one or more slits or windows tending to render the elongated member collapsible. The valve may include one or more protrusions to partially occlude the lumen. A protrusion, if present, may be shaped as a helical thread. The second retention structure may be shaped as a barb to engage a ureteral orifice in a bladder.

Abstract: Implant delivery systems are disclosed. In general overview, an exemplary system includes any number of the following: a delivery device, a sling assembly, guide members, and connectors that interconnect the above. Embodiments of all the above components and their combinations are disclosed. Methods of using the above system in suprapubic, prepubic, transvaginal, trans-obturator and other approaches are also disclosed.

Abstract: Implant delivery systems are disclosed. In general overview, an exemplary system includes any number of the following: a delivery device, a sling assembly, guide members, and connectors that interconnect the above. Embodiments of all the above components and their combinations are disclosed. Methods of using the above system in suprapubic, prepubic, transvaginal, trans-obturator and other approaches are also disclosed.

Abstract: Implant delivery systems are disclosed. In general overview, an exemplary system includes any number of the following: a delivery device, a sling assembly, guide members, and connectors that interconnect the above. Embodiments of all the above components and their combinations are disclosed. Methods of using the above system in suprapubic, prepubic, transvaginal, trans-obturator and other approaches are also disclosed.