Abstract: Veins are removed using a pull catheter introduced over a guidewire which extends between first and second percutaneous access points. Optionally, a side branch management tool including an excision device and/or a viewing scope can be advanced over the same guidewire in the direction opposite to that of the pull catheter. In that way, as the pull catheter inverts the vein being removed, side branches can be selectively viewed and/or severed using the side branch management tool. Arteriovenous fistulas are formed by inverting a length of a vein, mobilizing the inverted length relocating the mobilized end of the vein, and connecting the mobilized end to an artery.

Abstract: According to the present invention, improved methods and apparatus are provided for regaining hemostasis or otherwise minimizing leakage during endoluminal, surgical or percutaneous intraluminal procedures, and for providing a seal during laparoscopic surgical procedures where there is leakage of the CO2 insufflation, when the primary means of hemostasis or pneumatic CO2 seal is compromised or fails. More particularly the present invention relates to devices having a front hub and a rear hub, one or other of which is adapted to retain a compression seal such that when the front and rear hub are matingly engaged, axial and radial pressure is applied to the compression plug and any devices located therebetween, thereby achieving a seal. The compression device can be applied while a guidewire or additional devices remain within the leaking sheath or trocar, thereby allowing the physician to maintain hemostasis or adequate CO2 insufflation, without exchanging the introducer sheath or laparoscopic port.

Abstract: A space occupying device for deployment within a patient's stomach and methods of deploying and removing the device. The device includes an expandable member and fasteners, such as sutures, that extend to least partially through the patient's stomach wall, and that anchor the device with the patient's stomach. The device can be deployed and/or removed through transesophageal approaches and/or through a combination of transesophageal and transabdominal approaches.

Abstract: According to the present invention, improved methods and apparatus are provided for regaining hemostasis or otherwise minimizing leakage during endoluminal, surgical or percutaneous intraluminal procedures, and for providing a seal during laparoscopic surgical procedures where there is leakage of the CO2 insufflation, when the primary means of hemostasis or pneumatic CO2 seal is compromised or fails. More particularly the present invention relates to devices having a front hub and a rear hub, one or other of which is adapted to retain a compression seal such that when the front and rear hub are matingly engaged, axial and radial pressure is applied to the compression plug and any devices located therebetween, thereby achieving a seal. The compression device can be applied while a guidewire or additional devices remain within the leaking sheath or trocar, thereby allowing the physician to maintain hemostasis or adequate CO2 insufflation, without exchanging the introducer sheath or laparoscopic port.