Abstract: A tissue penetration device is provided that includes a bell-like, at least partially transparent housing. A valved port is provided in the housing for introduction of a penetrator therein. The valved port includes both a valve control and a port. A vacuum system, including a vacuum source, is securely and sealably attached through the housing to advance a patient's tissue onto the penetrator.

Abstract: Extraluminal and intraluminal devices and methods, and laparoscopic instrumentation, dramatically improve laparoscopic retraction of both the small and large intestine. A scaffolding external to or within a selected segment or segments of small and/or large bowel is created, allowing for the retraction of the entire selected segment or segments of bowel via grasping either the device or supported bowel wall with a laparoscopic instrument or instruments. The devices may be designed and placed in a modular fashion, with the surgeon building the final scaffolding intra-operatively, or the scaffolding may be manufactured or pre-assembled prior to intra-operative use.

Abstract: The invention provides a surgical electrocautery method and apparatus that achieves sealing along the entire tissue length, and that also is able to deliver adequate force to produce an effective electrocautery seal. This problem is solved by using an incompressible fluid contained in a sac or sacs positioned to support the one or more electrodes used for electrocauterization. The profile of the electrodes thus conforms to the tissue surface and thickness variations, while exerting an optimized pressure along the entire length of the surface.

Abstract: An electrode structure and a mechanism for automated or user-selected operation or compensation of the electrodes, for example to determine tissue coverage and/or prevent arcing between bottom electrodes during electrocautery is disclosed.

Abstract: An electrode structure and a mechanism for automated or user-selected operation or compensation of the electrodes, for example to determine tissue coverage and/or prevent arcing between bottom electrodes during electrocautery is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for locating and tracking persons by use of an implantable device. The described invention is an implantable device composed of biocompatible materials in all areas where contact with organic tissue occurs. The gross anatomic siting of the device includes any limb, the torso, including back and perineum, the neck, and the head. The surgical anatomic siting of the device includes: (1) Supramuscular: for example, deep to the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous fat, on or attached to muscle and/or muscle fascia. Such a location is currently used for implantation of commercially available buried intravenous access ports, which are positioned on, and attached to, the pectoralis major muscle fascia; (2) Intramuscular: for example, within or between the muscles of a limb; (3) Submuscular: for example, deep to a large muscle.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating female urinary incontinence by applying a form of energy to tissue in the vicinity of the urethra and/or bladder outlet to change tissue compliance without substantially narrowing the urethral and/or bladder outlet lumen. The apparatus comprises an elongated shaft having a means for treating urethral tissue and an expandable member deployable distal of the means for treating. The expandable member is configured to be anchored against the bladder outlet to dispose the means for treating at a desired treatment site in the urethra using only tactile feedback. The means for treating may include a needleless RF electrode, an ultrasound transducer, or a cryogenic probe configured to be advanced through a hollow needle, each of which are designed to reduce or eliminate symptoms associated with urinary incontinence.

Abstract: One method for performing procedures, such as vaginal hysterectomies, comprises engaging first and second energy transmitting elements against a lateral side of a uterus. The first and second energy transmitting elements are positioned against opposed surfaces of a tissue mass extending from and including a fallopian tube or round ligament to a tip of a cervix. Third and fourth energy transmitting elements are positioned against another lateral side of the uterus and against opposed surfaces of another tissue mass extending from and including another fallopian tube or round ligament to the tip of the cervix. Radio frequency or other high energy power is applied through the energy transmitting elements to the tissue masses. The power is applied for a time and in an amount sufficient to coagulate and seal the tissue masses within the energy transmitting elements. The coagulated tissue masses are then resected and the entire uterus removed.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump is provided that simplifies the loading of tubing and automatically self-centers the tubing relative to the pump wheel, wherein the pump includes an elongated arm having slotted pinch forks for engaging the tubing. The pinch forks are arranged substantially tangential to the pump wheel to reduce tubing kinking. The pump further includes a spring-loaded clamp that moves the elongated arm between engaged and disengaged positions, the clamp optionally including a sensor element used to detect when the pump is ready for operation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating female urinary incontinence by injecting a bulking agent at the interface between the mucosal and submucosal layers of the urethral wall. The remodeling device comprises an elongated shaft preferably having means for forming a localized inward protrusion of the urethral wall, and a needle, movable between retracted and deployed positions, for delivering a bulking agent into the urethral wall in the vicinity of the localized inward protrusion to thereby reduce or eliminate symptoms associated with urinary incontinence.

Abstract: Apparatus for remodeling in the urinary tract of a human female comprising a remodeling device having a shaft with a profile and with proximal and distal extremities. A handle is secured to the proximal extremity of the shaft. A member is mounted on the distal extremity of the shaft. A plurality of needle electrodes are carried by the distal extremity of the shaft and are disposed circumferentially of the shaft. A pusher is carried by the handle for moving the needle electrodes from a retracted position in which they are within the profile of the shaft and an extended position in which they extend sidewise beyond the profile of the shaft. A pump is connected to the handle for supplying a cooling liquid to the distal extremity of the shaft so that it exits from the shaft in the vicinity of the needle electrodes. An RF generator is coupled to the handle and to the needle electrodes for supplying radio frequency energy to the needle electrodes.