Abstract: Pre-polymers for use as tissue sealants and adhesives, and methods of making and using thereof are provided. The pre-polymers have flow characteristics such that they can be applied through a syringe or catheter but are sufficiently viscous to remain in place at the site of application and not run off the tissue. The pre-polymers are also sufficiently hydrophobic to resist washout by bodily fluids. The pre-polymers are stable in bodily fluids; that is the pre-polymer does not spontaneously crosslink in bodily fluids absent the presence of an intentionally applied stimulus to initiate crosslinking. Upon crosslinking, the adhesive exhibits significant adhesive strength in the presence of blood and other bodily fluids. The adhesive is sufficiently elastic that it is able to resist movement of the underlying tissue. The adhesive can provide a hemostatic seal. The adhesive is biodegradable and biocompatible, causing minimal inflammatory response.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a trocar including an insert end, the insert end including a fluid and airtight chamber. Also provided is a method of maintaining a fluid and airtight environment when introducing a surgical instrument into a patient by inserting the instrument into the patient through a fluid and airtight chamber of a trocar.

Abstract: Pre-polymers for use as tissue sealants and adhesives, and methods of making and using thereof are provided. The pre-polymers have flow characteristics such that they can be applied through a syringe or catheter but are sufficiently viscous to remain in place at the site of application and not run off the tissue. The pre-polymers are also sufficiently hydrophobic to resist washout by bodily fluids. The pre-polymers are stable in bodily fluids; that is the pre-polymer does not spontaneously crosslink in bodily fluids absent the presence of an intentionally applied stimulus to initiate crosslinking. Upon crosslinking, the adhesive exhibits significant adhesive strength in the presence of blood and other bodily fluids. The adhesive is sufficiently elastic that it is able to resist movement of the underlying tissue. The adhesive can provide a hemostatic seal. The adhesive is biodegradable and biocompatible, causing minimal inflammatory response.

Abstract: A catheter system allows for percutaneous intervention on the fast-moving structures inside the heart. The device consists of a steerable catheter sheath, an actuated, multi-degree of freedom moving catheter, and a catheter end effector, such as a fixation device. An actuator controls the motion of the catheter guide-wire in the catheter sheath to follow the motion of the target tissue. A control system controls the actuator and compensates for mechanical characteristics of the system including friction and backlash. A 3-D imaging system can be used to view the motion of the target tissue and the catheter end effector and produce 3-D imaging data. The 3-D imaging data can be used by the control system to track the target tissue and accurately position the end effector with respect to the moving target tissue allowing a clinician to repair the target tissue while it is moving.

Abstract: A deployment device for deploying a material into a patient, said deployment device having a housing and a placement device including a retracted condition within the housing for holding a material, in a collapsed condition, within the housing and an extended condition from the housing for disposing and releasing the material at a predetermined site in an uncollapsed condition. A method of deploying a material by placing the placement device in an extended condition and affixing the material to the extended placement device, retracting the placement device into the housing with the material in a collapsed condition, extending the placement device, and placing the material at a predetermined site in an uncollapsed condition.