Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a medical device for deploying a ligation band may include a tubular body. The tubular body may include a proximal end, a distal end, a radially inner surface defining a lumen through the tubular body, and a radially outer surface. The radially outer surface may include protrusions arranged in rows extending at least partially around a proximal region of the radially outer surface. Protrusions in adjacent rows may be separated by a first distance. Surface features may extend at least partially around a distal region of the radially outer surface. Adjacent surface features may be separated by a second distance larger than the first distance.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a medical device for deploying a ligation band may include a tubular body. The tubular body may include a proximal end, a distal end, a radially inner surface defining a lumen through the tubular body, and a radially outer surface. The radially outer surface may include protrusions arranged in rows extending at least partially around a proximal region of the radially outer surface. Protrusions in adjacent rows may be separated by a first distance. Surface features may extend at least partially around a distal region of the radially outer surface. Adjacent surface features may be separated by a second distance larger than the first distance.

Abstract: A rapid exchange catheter comprises a guide wire lumen including a substantially sealed portion in which a lumen wall extends around an entire periphery thereof and a channel portion including a channel opening the lumen to an exterior of the catheter, wherein a width of the channel is less than a maximum width of the channel portion. A guide wire ramp extends into the channel portion, with the ramp extending further into the lumen of the channel portion as a distal end of the ramp is approached.

Abstract: A rapid exchange catheter comprises a guide wire lumen including a substantially sealed portion in which a lumen wall extends around an entire periphery thereof and a channel portion including a channel opening the lumen to an exterior of the catheter, wherein a width of the channel is less than a maximum width of the channel portion. A guide wire ramp extends into the channel portion, with the ramp extending further into the lumen of the channel portion as a distal end of the ramp is approached.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a medical device including, among other things, an elongated member having a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one channel. A distal portion of the at least one channel may be displaced relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongated.

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: The present disclosure is directed to a tissue removal device. The tissue removal device may include a distal portion. The distal portion may include an outer distal portion including a tissue removal tool, and an inner distal portion positioned within the outer distal portion and having a closed distal end, a lumen, and at least one side port, wherein the lumen is configured to receive a medical device, and the inner distal portion is movable relative to the outer distal portion and the medical device.

Abstract: A device for accessing tissue within a body lumen comprises an elongated body portion defining a lumen and an anchoring mechanism including an expanding structure on a distal portion of the elongated body portion. The anchoring mechanism moves the expanding structure from an insertion configuration in which the expanding structure is constricted against the device to an operative configuration in a body in which the expanding structure expands away from the device without altering a length of the anchoring mechanism in combination with a control. mechanism for selectively engaging the anchoring mechanism.

Abstract: A device for accessing tissue within a body lumen comprises an elongated body portion defining a lumen and an anchoring mechanism including an expanding structure on a distal portion of the elongated body portion. The anchoring mechanism moves the expanding structure from an insertion configuration in which the expanding structure is constricted against the device to an operative configuration in a body in which the expanding structure expands away from the device without altering a length of the anchoring mechanism in combination with a control mechanism for selectively engaging the anchoring mechanism.

Abstract: A device for collecting a tissue sample includes a needle body extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end and including a channel extending longitudinally therethrough and a plurality of cut outs extending laterally into the needle body, each of the plurality of cut outs extending at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis from an outer surface of the needle body toward the distal end thereof so that the channel is open to an exterior of the needle body via the plurality of cut outs.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for, and a method of, accurate positioning of endoscopic instruments. Accurate positioning of the instruments is accomplished through the inclusion of a steering ability within the device. After the endoscopic instrument is properly positioned, the present invention may use rapid exchange technology, soft locks, and mechanical locks to maintain the position of the endoscopic instrument. Rapid exchange technology is used to minimize displacement forces present on the guidewire or catheters. Soft locks and mechanical locks resist movements caused by displacement forces.

Abstract: Several embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to medical visualization systems that comprise combinations of disposable and reusable 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: A catheter includes an elongated catheter body having a proximal portion and a distal portion. A first longitudinally accessible lumen and a second lumen extend side by side within and along the proximal portion, and the first lumen and the second lumen form a single common lumen within the distal portion which extends to a distal end of the distal portion. The first lumen and second lumen are co-axial within the distal portion prior to forming a single common lumen.

Abstract: Endoscopes and methods for making and using endoscopes. An example endoscope includes a handle portion and a shaft portion. The shaft portion may include one or more channels. A catheter and/or wire locking member may be coupled to a channel.

Abstract: A securement structure is positioned inside a channel of a first medical device to facilitate securement of the first medical device to a second medical device. The first medical device may be a ligation banding cap, and the second medical device may be an endoscope. The securement structure is adapted to be compressed between the second medical device and the first medical device to secure them together. This allows parts of different sizes to fit together.

Abstract: A securement structure is positioned inside a channel of a first medical device to facilitate securement of the first medical device to a second medical device. The first medical device may be a ligation banding cap, and the second medical device may be an endoscope. The securement structure is adapted to be compressed between the second medical device and the first medical device to secure them together. This allows parts of different sizes to fit together.

Abstract: A device for accessing tissue within a body lumen comprises an elongated body portion defining a lumen and an anchoring mechanism including an expanding structure on a distal portion of the elongated body portion. The anchoring mechanism moves the expanding structure from an insertion configuration in which the expanding structure is constricted against the device to an operative configuration in a body in which the expanding structure expands away from the device without altering a length of the anchoring mechanism in combination with a control mechanism for selectively engaging the anchoring mechanism.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a medical device for deploying a ligation band may include a tubular body. The tubular body may include a proximal end, a distal end, a radially inner surface defining a lumen through the tubular body, and a radially outer surface. The radially outer surface may include protrusions arranged in rows extending at least partially around a proximal region of the radially outer surface. Protrusions in adjacent rows may be separated by a first distance. Surface features may extend at least partially around a distal region of the radially outer surface. Adjacent surface features may be separated by a second distance larger than the first distance.

Abstract: A rapid exchange catheter comprises a guide wire lumen including a substantially sealed portion in which a lumen wall extends around an entire periphery thereof and a channel portion including a channel opening the lumen to an exterior of the catheter, wherein a width of the channel is less than a maximum width of the channel portion. A guide wire ramp extends into the channel portion, with the ramp extending further into the lumen of the channel portion as a distal end of the ramp is approached.

Abstract: A rapid exchange catheter comprises a guide wire lumen including a substantially sealed portion in which a lumen wall extends around an entire periphery thereof and a channel portion including a channel opening the lumen to an exterior of the catheter, wherein a width of the channel is less than a maximum width of the channel portion. A guide wire ramp extends into the channel portion, with the ramp extending further into the lumen of the channel portion as a distal end of the ramp is approached.