Abstract: A laparoscopic device comprising: (a) a housing operatively coupled to a first control and a second control; (b) an end effector operatively coupled to the first control, the end effector comprising a first component and a second component selectively repositionable with respect to one another within an X-Y plane, the end effector also including a third component selectively repositionable with respect to the second component within an Y-Z plane; (c) a laparoscopic conduit extending between the housing and the end effector; and, (d) an occlusion clip deployment device operatively coupled to the end effector and the second control.

Abstract: A laparoscopic device comprising: (a) a housing operatively coupled to a first control and a second control; (b) an end effector operatively coupled to the first control, the end effector comprising a first component and a second component selectively repositionable with respect to one another within an X-Y plane, the end effector also including a third component selectively repositionable with respect to the second component within an Y-Z plane; (c) a laparoscopic conduit extending between the housing and the end effector; and, (d) an occlusion clip deployment device operatively coupled to the end effector and the second control.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to electro-hydraulically actuated lithotripters and methods for fragmenting stones using such lithotripters. In an embodiment, a lithotripter apparatus for fragmenting at least one stone in a body is disclosed. The lithotripter apparatus includes a chamber configured to contain an electro-conductive fluid, which includes a proximal end wall and a distal end wall spaced from the proximal end wall. A chisel is coupled to the chamber and located at least proximate to the distal end wall. A proximal electrode is located at least partially in the chamber. A distal electrode is located at least partially in the chamber and spaced from the proximal electrode. Responsive to an effective voltage applied between the proximal and distal electrodes, the proximal and distal electrodes are configured to electrically discharge into the electro-conductive fluid to generate shock waves in the chamber that accelerate the chisel toward the at least one stone.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to an access sheath and access systems. In some embodiments, the access sheath may be non-adjustable access sheath or an adjustable access sheath. For example, a length of the adjustable access sheath may be modified or customized (e.g., before insertion thereof in a patient) to a suitable length for a particular patient. In some embodiments, the access sheath and/or dilator may have a substantially fixed or predetermined length.

Abstract: A laparoscopic device comprising: (a) a housing operatively coupled to a first control and a second control; (b) an end effector operatively coupled to the first control, the end effector comprising a first component and a second component selectively repositionable with respect to one another within an X-Y plane, the end effector also including a third component selectively repositionable with respect to the second component within an Y-Z plane; (c) a laparoscopic conduit extending between the housing and the end effector; and, (d) an occlusion clip deployment device operatively coupled to the end effector and the second control.

Abstract: A laparoscopic device comprising: (a) a housing operatively coupled to a first control and a second control; (b) an end effector operatively coupled to the first control, the end effector comprising a first component and a second component selectively repositionable with respect to one another within an X-Y plane, the end effector also including a third component selectively repositionable with respect to the second component within an Y-Z plane; (c) a laparoscopic conduit extending between the housing and the end effector; and, (d) an occlusion clip deployment device operatively coupled to the end effector and the second control.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to an access sheath and access systems. In some embodiments, the access sheath may be non-adjustable access sheath or an adjustable access sheath. For example, a length of the adjustable access sheath may be modified or customized (e.g., before insertion thereof in a patient) to a suitable length for a particular patient. In some embodiments, the access sheath and/or dilator may have a substantially fixed or predetermined length.

Abstract: A guidewire, methods of manufacture, and methods of use is described. The guidewire may include a core having one or more preformed ribs along a portion thereof. The ribs may form a portion of the outer surface of the guidewire or form a texture or shape of the outer surface of the guidewire. The ribs and outer texture of the guidewire can beneficially help the guidewire remain in a desired location in a body and help prevent or limit migration. Forming the ribs on the outer surface of the core may enable the guidewire to have greater rigidity and stiffness. The core may include a reduced diameter region distal of the ribs. The guidewire may include a cap over the reduced diameter region of the core.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to electro-hydraulically actuated lithotripters and methods for fragmenting stones using such lithotripters. In an embodiment, a lithotripter apparatus for fragmenting at least one stone in a body is disclosed. The lithotripter apparatus includes a chamber configured to contain an electro-conductive fluid, which includes a proximal end wall and a distal end wall spaced from the proximal end wall. A chisel is coupled to the chamber and located at least proximate to the distal end wall. A proximal electrode is located at least partially in the chamber. A distal electrode is located at least partially in the chamber and spaced from the proximal electrode. Responsive to an effective voltage applied between the proximal and distal electrodes, the proximal and distal electrodes are configured to electrically discharge into the electro-conductive fluid to generate shock waves in the chamber that accelerate the chisel toward the at least one stone.

Abstract: A guidewire, methods of manufacture, and methods of use is described. The guidewire may include a core having one or more preformed ribs along a portion thereof. The ribs may form a portion of the outer surface of the guidewire or form a texture or shape of the outer surface of the guidewire. The ribs and outer texture of the guidewire can beneficially help the guidewire remain in a desired location in a body and help prevent or limit migration. Forming the ribs on the outer surface of the core may enable the guidewire to have greater rigidity and stiffness. The core may include a reduced diameter region distal of the ribs. The guidewire may include a cap over the reduced diameter region of the core.

Abstract: A laparoscopic device comprising: (a) a housing operatively coupled to a first control and a second control; (b) an end effector operatively coupled to the first control, the end effector comprising a first component and a second component selectively repositionable with respect to one another within an X-Y plane, the end effector also including a third component selectively repositionable with respect to the second component within an Y-Z plane; (c) a laparoscopic conduit extending between the housing and the end effector; and, (d) an occlusion clip deployment device operatively coupled to the end effector and the second control.

Abstract: A laparoscopic device comprising: (a) a housing operatively coupled to a first control and a second control; (b) an end effector operatively coupled to the first control, the end effector comprising a first component and a second component selectively repositionable with respect to one another within an X-Y plane, the end effector also including a third component selectively repositionable with respect to the second component within an Y-Z plane; (c) a laparoscopic conduit extending between the housing and the end effector; and, (d) an occlusion clip deployment device operatively coupled to the end effector and the second control.

Abstract: A laparoscopic device comprising: (a) a housing operatively coupled to a first control and a second control; (b) an end effector operatively coupled to the first control, the end effector comprising a first component and a second component selectively repositionable with respect to one another within an X-Y plane, the end effector also including a third component selectively repositionable with respect to the second component within an Y-Z plane; (c) a laparoscopic conduit extending between the housing and the end effector; and, (d) an occlusion clip deployment device operatively coupled to the end effector and the second control.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is an illumination system including a source of incoherent light capable of generating light in a first wavelength range and an elongate body that emits light in a second wavelength range when illuminated by light in the first wavelength range. The body has a length dimension, a width dimension and a height dimension. At least a portion of the body is tapered so as to increase in width and/or height along the length dimension. The body further includes an extraction surface. A first non-extraction surface extends along at least a portion of the length of the body and is disposed so as to share a common edge with the extraction surface. At least some of the light at the second wavelength is totally internally reflected at the non-extraction surface. At least one external reflector is disposed proximate to the non-extraction surface so as to create a gap between the external reflector and the non-extraction surface.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is an illumination system including a source of incoherent light capable of generating light in a first wavelength range and an elongate body that emits light in a second wavelength range when illuminated by light in the first wavelength range. The body further includes an extraction surface. A first non-extraction surface extends along at least a portion of the length of the body and is disposed so as to share a common edge with the extraction surface. At least some of the light at the second wavelength is totally internally reflected at the non-extraction surface. At least one external reflector is disposed proximate to the non-extraction surface so as to create a gap of less than 100 microns between the external reflector and the non-extraction surface.

Abstract: An illumination system including a plurality of light source modules each including a light-emitting surface and a dome lens, an illumination target and at least one optical device disposed between at least one of the light source modules and the illumination target. Each optical device includes an alignment mechanism engaging the dome lens, and at least one optical element fixed to the alignment mechanism, the optical element having an optical axis. The alignment mechanism is releasably securable between a first position and a second position relative to the dome lens for adjusting the optical device between the first position where the optical axis passes through the light-emitting surface and the illumination target, and second position where the optical axis passes through the light-emitting surface.

Abstract: The invention is an illumination system including a plurality of light source modules, each light source module includes a light-emitting surface and a dome lens. Additionally, the illumination system includes an illumination target and at least one optical device disposed between at least one of the light source modules and the illumination target. Each optical device includes an alignment mechanism engaging the dome lens. Additionally, each optical device includes at least one optical element having optical power such as a lens, fixed to the alignment mechanism, the optical element having an optical axis. The alignment mechanism is releasably securable between a first position and a second position relative to the dome lens. The optical device is adjustable between the first and second position. In the first position, the optical axis passes through the light-emitting surface and through the illumination target, and in the second position, the optical axis passes through the light-emitting surface.

Abstract: Three dimensional configurations of a portion of an object (12), such as a patient's tooth, are determined using intensity patterns produced by a projection unit (20) and detected by a sensor unit (22). In some embodiments, the intensity patterns are produced using a set of slides (16A,16B,16C), e.g., a set of photographic slides, while in others they are produced using a transmissive liquid crystal device (60) or a single slide (16) which is moved by a piezoelectric translator (64). Methods and apparatus for reducing the effects of ambient light are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for implanting a biopsy marker at a biopsy site within bodily tissue is disclosed. A marker applier is provided which has a marker cannula for receiving the biopsy marker. The marker cannula has a lateral marker window, and the marker is positioned at the window for ejection therefrom. The marker applier also has an ejector rod moveable longitudinally in the marker cannula which, when actuated, forces the ejection of the biopsy marker from the marker cannula through the window and into the tissue. The marker applier is inserted into a biopsy cannula positioned at the biopsy site. The biopsy cannula also has a lateral window, and it is necessary to orient the lateral marker window into alignment with the lateral biopsy window. Upon proper orientation, the ejector rod is actuated, and the biopsy marker is ejected from the marker cannula for implantation in the tissue in a direction substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal movement of the ejector rod.