Abstract: Apparatus is provided for repairing a valve of a heart of a patient which includes an annulus and at least first and second leaflets. The apparatus includes an annuloplasty structure, a plurality of tissue anchors, and a plurality of flexible longitudinal guide members removably coupled to the structure. Each of the guide members is configured to facilitate anchoring of the annuloplasty structure to the annulus of the patient by a respective one of the anchors. The guide members are configured to be advanced toward the annulus simultaneously with the annuloplasty structure. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an automated, a semi-automated, a surgeon-guided quasi-automated and/or a fully surgeon's controlled surgical system surgical system useful for performing a fully automated medical procedure within a body cavity such that faultless and quick medical procedure is obtained. Each of the surgical systems comprises: (a) at least one effecter for performing the medical procedure; (b) at least one maneuverable platform reversibly coupled with the effecter; the platform provides the effecter with a scheduled set of independent displacements selected from a group consisting of up to six (degrees of freedom) DOFs, namely linear movement along the X,Y,Z-coordinates, and radial movement around the X,Y,Z coordinates, such that the time-resolved spatial position of the effecter is defined by the up to six coordinates (three-dimensional spatial position, 3DSP); and (c) sensing and processing means.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided, including an intraluminal tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the tube being shaped to provide a longitudinal lumen. A treatment element, having a proximal end and a distal end, is disposed within the lumen of the tube. A handle assembly is coupled to the proximal end of the tube. A user offset controller is coupled to the handle assembly, and is configured to set an offset of the distal end of the treatment element with respect to the distal end of the tube. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a cutting wire electrode, comprising at least one elongated shaft with a main longitudinal axis having at least one bore located at its distal portion, said bore being approximately perpendicular to said main longitudinal axis; and at least one wire loop located in the distal portion of said shaft; said loop comprising at least one continuous portion adapted to cut biological tissues, especially by electrocoagulation, and at least one abutment, wherein said abutment is adapted to be anchored within said bore and hence integrating said loop with said shaft.

Abstract: An assisted anastomosis apparatus and a method thereby for reconnecting the urethral stump to the neck of the bladder after removal of the prostate during a prostatectomy, comprising two suture units, namely a urethral stump suturing unit (1a) and a bladder suturing unit (1b), at least a section of said urethral stump suturing unit (1a) has suitable dimensions to be introduced into a bladder neck and at least a section of said bladder suturing unit (1b) has suitable dimensions to be introduced into a urethral stump; such that each needle pulls the suture leading from its equivalent position on the urethral stump through the wall of the bladder neck.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for repairing a valve of a patient, the valve including an annulus and at least first and second leaflets. The apparatus includes at least a first discrete segment and a second discrete segment of an annuloplasty structure, each segment being shaped to provide a respective lateral wall, each lateral wall being shaped to define at least one lumen of the respective segment. The apparatus further includes at least a first and a second control wire, each control wire configured for sliding advancement through both the first and second segments. The first control wire is configured to control a relative disposition of a first end of the first segment and a first end of the second segment. The second control wire is configured to control a relative disposition of a second end of the first segment and a second end of the second segment. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A sleeve for use with a circulation enhancement device, including a first layer that is adapted to substantially encircle a user's limb, a second layer that is adapted to interface the circulation enhancement device, a connection between the first layer and the second layer at a preset position; and wherein the second layer is adapted to be attached to various position along the circumference of the first layer and at least partially encircle the first layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cost effective working tool useful for lateral resection of biological tissues by means of a flexible blade with an adjustable curve size. Said rod-like tool has a distal end, adapted to be inserted into a body cavity, and a proximal end, located adjacent to a user. The longitudinal axis of said maneuverable blade is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the said tool or shifted in respect to the same. The working tool comprising a bending mechanism, adapted to adjust the bending of said blade to a predetermined measure and a rotating mechanism, adapted to rotate said blade in a lateral, bi-directional movement in respect to the resected tissue such that a side-to-side resection is obtained. A novel method of lateral resecting of biological tissues by the same is also presented.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dual action linear-rotational resectoscope comprising: (a) a resection loop and loop shaft which are raised to high electrical tension for either resection or cauterisation; (b) an endoscope tube electrically insulated from the loop shaft; (c) an insulating sheath comprising an inner and outer sheath between which fluid is free to flow, surrounding both the loop shaft and the endoscope tube; (d) a handle by which an operator controls both linear and rotational motion of the resector-loop such that the operator performs a resection by using either rotational motion of the resector-loop, linear motion of the resector-loop or any combination of the two; and, (e) a dual-action actuating mechanism useful for manoeuvring the resector-loop adjacent to a body portion to be treated in a sequence of rotational and linear maneuvers; the maneuvers are selected from a group consisting of linear motion followed by rotational motion, rotational motion followed by linear motion, only rotation

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for enhancing circulation by intermittently tightening and relaxing a closure encircling a limb. The device comprises a continuously operating motor, at least one rotating element and a mechanism driven by the motor for intermittently rotating the rotating element in a first direction to tighten said closure and in a second opposite direction to relax said closure, thereby applying a cyclic pressure on the limb.

Abstract: A system and method for modulating cardiac blood flow of a patient by applying intermittent pressure on a limb of the patient, the system comprising a limb attachment, substantially surrounding the limb perimeter and an actuator pulling and releasing a flat member; a sensor for determining a physiological parameter relating to the patient; and a processing unit for receiving data from the sensor and issuing commands to the actuator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable device for enhancing circulation in a limb comprising at least one strap for encircling the limb, a motor and a mechanism driven by said motor for intermittently actuating a first transition from a relaxed state to a strained state of the strap and a second transition from the strained state to the relaxed state. The mechanism includes at least one energy storing element operatively disposed between the motor and the strap and at least one energy releasing mechanism coupling between the energy storing element and the strap. The energy releasing mechanism enables fast release of energy stored in said storing element and the use of the energy so released to effectuate at least one abrupt transition between said relaxed and strained states.

Abstract: A motorized syringe or pump for producing a controlled, slow-delivery of a fluid-like substance, includes: a housing having, at one end, an expansible-contractible chamber for receiving a quantity of the fluid-like substance and an outlet for discharging the substance upon the contraction of the chamber; and a drive at the opposite end of the housing including an electrical motor and a plunger for contracting the chamber to discharge the substance via the outlet. The housing is constituted of a first section housing the expansible-contractible chamber, and a second section housing the drive. The first housing section is attachable to and detachable from the second housing section to permit disposal of the first housing section after a one-time use.