Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve can comprise a stent frame radially movable between a contracted configuration and a maximum expanded configuration. The stent assembly can comprise a plurality of longitudinally extending jack strut assemblies, wherein each jack strut assembly comprises a proximal jack strut comprising a distal surface, a distal jack strut comprising a proximal surface, and a jack screw connecting the proximal jack strut and the distal jack strut. The proximal surface of each distal jack strut does not contact the distal surface of each respective proximal jack strut when the stent assembly is in the contracted configuration. The proximal surface of each distal jack strut contacts the distal surface of each respective proximal jack strut when the stent assembly is in the maximum expanded configuration.

Abstract: A surgical clip delivery device end effector that is configured to implant a clip having a pair of opposing clip struts each having a proximal end and a distal end includes a clevis, a pair of jaws connected to the clevis, and a pair of clip-connecting ends configured to removably connect respectively to the pair of clip struts, at least one of the pair of clip-connecting ends connected to at least one of the pair of jaws with two angular degrees of freedom such that, responsive to connection of the clip struts of the clip to the clip-connecting ends, a movement of the jaws in an initial opening action separates the proximal ends of the clip struts before separating the distal ends of the clip struts.

Abstract: A recapturable external LAA exclusion clip system includes a clip comprising first and second clip struts, at least one of the struts having a connector interface comprising a first portion of a lock, and a delivery device comprising a handle and an end effector. The handle comprises jaw and lock controls. The end effector is connected to the handle and comprises a clevis and first and second jaws. The jaws are connected to the clevis and operatively connected to the jaw control to actively articulate at least one of the jaws with respect to the other. At least one of the jaws has a connector comprising a second portion of the lock operatively connected to the lock control to removably lock with the first portion of the lock. The first and second portions of the lock have a locked state and are configured to unlock the locked state upon actuation of the lock control.

Abstract: An LAA exclusion system includes a clip comprising first and second separate clip struts, and a bias device comprising spring portions, and a delivery device having clip-contacting ends. The first clip strut has a first proximal end. The second clip strut has a second proximal end adjacent the first proximal end. The clip struts together define a first exterior surface and an opposing second exterior surface. The first spring portion connects the first clip strut to the second clip strut along the first exterior surface and the second spring portion connects the first clip strut to the second clip strut along the second exterior surface. The spring portions define therebetween a strut-securing area at the first and second proximal ends. The clip-contacting ends are configured to removably connect to the proximal ends of the clip struts through the strut-securing area.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a frame, a valve, and an expansion element. The frame is movable between contracted and expanded configurations and includes first struts and second struts non-hingedly coupled together. The second struts are configured to pivot relative to the first struts as the frame moves between the contracted and expanded configurations. The valve is coupled to the frame and includes leaflets. The expansion element extends through a lumen of the first struts. The expansion element is slidable relative to the lumen of the first struts and is configured to move the frame incrementally from the contracted configuration and the expanded configuration and from the expanded configuration to the contracted configuration.

Abstract: The invention in certain aspects relates to a surgical fastener for fastening tissue segments having tissue surfaces. The fastener includes a first fastener member having a base and a piercing element connected to the base for piercing the tissue segments to be fastened, a second fastener member having an opening for receiving and retaining the piercing element of the first fastener member such that the tissue segments to be fastened are retained between the first and second fastening members, and means for promoting adhesion between the tissue surfaces. The invention also relates to related methods and devices for promoting adhesion of tissue segments and preventing fastener migration, especially in an endoscopic procedure for the treatment of GERD.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for applying sutures to tissue includes a needle deployment mechanism and a catch mechanism. In some embodiments, the needle deployment mechanism employs a linear path. Alternatively, it can employ a curved needle. The surgical instrument may include a rotatable head, a bend, and/or a malleable elongated body member formable into various shapes.

Abstract: The invention in certain aspects relates to a surgical fastener for fastening tissue segments having tissue surfaces. The fastener includes a first fastener member having a base and a piercing element connected to the base for piercing the tissue segments to be fastened, a second fastener member having an opening for receiving and retaining the piercing element of the first fastener member such that the tissue segments to be fastened are retained between the first and second fastening members, and means for promoting adhesion between the tissue surfaces. The invention also relates to related methods and devices for promoting adhesion of tissue segments and preventing fastener migration, especially in an endoscopic procedure for the treatment of GERD.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for applying sutures to tissue includes a needle deployment mechanism and a catch mechanism. In some embodiments, the needle deployment mechanism employs a linear path. Alternatively, it can employ a curved needle. The surgical instrument may include a rotatable head, a bend, and/or a malleable elongated body member formable into various shapes.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously surgically sterilizing and charging a battery, which comprises providing an inductively powered battery charger inside a selectively sealable surgical sterilization enclosure of a surgical sterilization device. The surgical sterilization device is operable to surgically sterilize at least one rechargeable battery of a battery-operated surgical instrument placed therewithin. The charger has an inductive power receiver sub-assembly operable to receive power inductively and to supply charging power to the at least one rechargeable battery. The at least one rechargeable battery is electrically charged while being surgically sterilized by supplying power inductively from a power supply positioned outside the surgical sterilization enclosure to the inductive power receiver sub-assembly through the surgical sterilization enclosure.

Abstract: A retrofitting, inductive-battery-charging device for use with a surgical sterilization device, comprising an inductive charging assembly and an inductively powered battery-charging platform that is sterilizable inside a surgical sterilization device and is operable to charge at least one rechargeable battery of a battery-operated surgical instrument when the rechargeable battery is placed at the platform. The inductive charging assembly comprises an inductive-power-supply sub-assembly electrically connected to a power supply and is operable to supply power inductively over a distance at least equal to a width of a wall of the surgical sterilization device, and an inductive-power-receiver sub-assembly that is sterilizable inside the surgical sterilization device and electrically coupled to the platform.

Abstract: A device for sterilizing and charging a battery of a surgical instrument, comprising a surgical sterilization device that has a sealable sterilization enclosure and is operable to surgically sterilize a rechargeable battery of a battery-operated surgical instrument when the battery is sealed in the sterilization enclosure. An inductively powered battery-charging platform is also disposed inside the sterilization enclosure and has a charger that conductively charges the battery when the battery is placed at the charger. A power receiver sub-assembly that is electrically coupled to the charger receives electrical power inductively from a power supply that is disposed outside the sterilization enclosure. Thus, the battery is charged without breaching the sealed sterilization enclosure and simultaneously while the battery is being sterilized.

Abstract: A medical method includes sliding two substantially straight unconnected arms over a fold of body tissue such that a first arm contacts a first portion of the fold and a second arm contacts a second portion. Then, each arm is bent completely through the fold such that both of the arms compress the portions of the fold into contact with each other. Another method includes releasably coupling first and second substantially linear arms to a bridge, each of the arms having a substantially straight sliding portion and a bendable piercing portion. The arms are slid over opposing sides of two body tissue layers, the first arm sliding over the first layer and the second over the second layer. While the sliding portions of the arms remain substantially straight, each piercing portion is bent completely through the adjacent layer and halfway through the other layer to compress the two layers together.

Abstract: A retrofitting, inductive-battery-charging device for use with a surgical sterilization device, comprising an inductive charging assembly and an inductively powered battery-charging platform that is sterilizable inside a surgical sterilization device and is operable to charge at least one rechargeable battery of a battery-operated surgical instrument when the rechargeable battery is placed at the platform. The inductive charging assembly comprises an inductive-power-supply sub-assembly electrically connected to a power supply and is operable to supply power inductively over a distance at least equal to a width of a wall of the surgical sterilization device, and an inductive-power-receiver sub-assembly that is sterilizable inside the surgical sterilization device and electrically coupled to the platform.

Abstract: A medical method includes sliding two substantially straight unconnected arms over a fold of body tissue such that a first arm contacts a first portion of the fold and a second arm contacts a second portion. Then, each arm is bent completely through the fold such that both of the arms compress the portions of the fold into contact with each other. Another method includes releasably coupling first and second substantially linear arms to a bridge, each of the arms having a substantially straight sliding portion and a bendable piercing portion. The arms are slid over opposing sides of two body tissue layers, the first arm sliding over the first layer and the second over the second layer. While the sliding portions of the arms remain substantially straight, each piercing portion is bent completely through the adjacent layer and halfway through the other layer to compress the two layers together.

Abstract: Surgical clips, which are particularly useful in the transoral invagination and fundoplication of the stomach to the esophagus, and methods of applying the surgical clips to living tissue are disclosed. The clips include first and second arms joined by a bridge to form a substantially U-shape, and which are provided with a first structure adapted to prevent a movement of the clip in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the clip after the clip is applied to tissue. In addition, the clips preferably also include a second structure adapted to prevent rotation of the clip about the longitudinal axis of the clip after the clip is applied to tissue.

Abstract: Surgical clips, which are particularly useful in the transoral invagination and fundoplication of the stomach to the esophagus, and methods of applying the surgical clips to living tissue are disclosed. The clips include first and second arms joined by a bridge to form a substantially U-shape, and which are provided with a first structure adapted to prevent a movement of the clip in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the clip after the clip is applied to tissue. In addition, the clips preferably also include a second structure adapted to prevent rotation of the clip about the longitudinal axis of the clip after the clip is applied to tissue.

Abstract: Surgical clips, which are particularly useful in the transoral invagination and fundoplication of the stomach to the esophagus, are disclosed. The clips include first and second arms joined by a bridge to form a substantially U-shape. The arms are provided with a first structure adapted to prevent a movement of the clip in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the clip after the clip is applied to tissue. In addition, the clips preferably also include a second structure adapted to prevent rotation of the clip about the longitudinal axis of the clip after the clip is applied to tissue.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously surgically sterilizing and charging a battery, which comprises providing an inductively powered battery charger inside a selectively sealable surgical sterilization enclosure of a surgical sterilization device. The surgical sterilization device is operable to surgically sterilize at least one rechargeable battery of a battery-operated surgical instrument placed therewithin. The charger has an inductive power receiver sub-assembly operable to receive power inductively and to supply charging power to the at least one rechargeable battery. The at least one rechargeable battery is electrically charged while being surgically sterilized by supplying power inductively from a power supply positioned outside the surgical sterilization enclosure to the inductive power receiver sub-assembly through the surgical sterilization enclosure.

Abstract: A device for sterilizing and charging a battery of a surgical instrument, comprising a surgical sterilization device that has a sealable sterilization enclosure and is operable to surgically sterilize a rechargeable battery of a battery-operated surgical instrument when the battery is sealed in the sterilization enclosure. An inductively powered battery-charging platform is also disposed inside the sterilization enclosure and has a charger that conductively charges the battery when the battery is placed at the charger. A power receiver sub-assembly that is electrically coupled to the charger receives electrical power inductively from a power supply that is disposed outside the sterilization enclosure. Thus, the battery is charged without breaching the sealed sterilization enclosure and simultaneously while the battery is being sterilized.