Abstract: Compositions comprising carboxypolysaccharides (CPS) including carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are provided where the PEG is a PEG-epoxide covalently linked to the CPS. In certain embodiments, the PEG attaches to only one CPS, forming a decorated CPS. In other embodiments, bi-functional PEG molecules are attached to adjacent CPSs, thereby forming a covalently cross-linked composition. Additional embodiments include PEG/CMC compositions where the PEG is a multi-branch PEG and/or a multi-arm PEG. PEG/CMC compositions can be made with desired viscoelastic properties, and such compositions can be used as space-filling materials, load-bearing materials, anti-adhesion compositions, drug delivery vehicles or lubrication of tissues and medical instruments.

Abstract: Medical devices having a platform and an arm movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position. In some embodiments, the platform comprises at least one of a magnetically-attractive material and a material capable of being magnetically-charged. Methods of use.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and system for manipulating a surgical tool at an intended location, e.g., a confined or inaccessible space, which includes a surgical anchor having at least one opening, wherein the opening provides a catch for a pin; and at least one anchor point to position and orient a surgical tool inside a human body. The apparatus and system of the present invention allows for the use of multiple intra-abdominal surgical tools inserted through a single incision.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to medical devices and methods. The present medical devices comprises a platform comprising a magnetically-attractive material, and a camera coupled to the platform and configured to be moved in at least three degrees of freedom relative to the platform, where the camera's movement in each respective degree of freedom is controlled by a separate actuator coupled to the platform. The medical devices further comprise a housing disposed around at least a portion of the camera, the housing being at least partially transparent, and a wiper arm configured to move relative to the housing.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatuses, and methods and systems including apparatuses, configured to be magnetically coupled to a medical device within a body cavity of a patient. Some embodiments include one or more elements comprising at least one of a magnetically-attractive and magnetically-chargeable material; and a bumper extending around the one or more elements and configured to reduce the strength of a magnetic field of the one or more elements.

Abstract: Compositions comprising carboxypolysaccharides (CPS) including carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are provided where the PEG is a PEG-epoxide covalently linked to the CPS. In certain embodiments, the PEG attaches to only one CPS, forming a decorated CPS. In other embodiments, bi-functional PEG molecules are attached to adjacent CPSs, thereby forming a covalently cross-linked composition. Additional embodiments include PEG/CMC compositions where the PEG is a multi-branch PEG and/or a multi-arm PEG. PEG/CMC compositions can be made with desired viscoelastic properties, and such compositions can be used as space-filling materials, load-bearing materials, anti-adhesion compositions, drug delivery vehicles or lubrication of tissues and medical instruments.

Abstract: A device for manipulating a magnetic coupling force across tissue in response to a monitored coupling force is described. The device includes a magnetic field source assembly that includes at least one fixed magnet and a rotatable magnet positioned within a cavity defined by the fixed magnet that provide an external magnetic field source for providing a magnetic field across tissue. An actuation assembly is operatively connected to the magnetic field force assembly. A sensor is provided that senses a magnetic coupling force and communicates changes therein to a controller which directs the accuation assembly to adjust the speed of rotation of the rotatable magnet in response to the sensed changes in magnetic coupling force to effect a change of magnetic flux generated by the rotatable magnet.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and method of using a variety of laparoscopic or NOTES surgical tools at a confined or inaccessible space e.g., an intra-abdominal surgical and NOTES tool inserted through a single incision through the skin or hollow viscus. Generally, the laparoscopic or NOTES surgical devices include a device body having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side includes a positioning mechanism and the second side includes one or more of a variety of laparoscopic or NOTES tool.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatuses, and medical devices configured for transmural and/or transdermal magnetic actuation of a tool of a medical device (e.g., without translation of the medical device and/or relative to a platform of the medical device).

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatuses and/or medical devices, and systems and methods including apparatuses and/or medical devices, comprising one or more elements configured to define a U-shaped magnetic flux path and/or magnetic field.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatuses, and methods and systems including apparatuses, configured to be magnetically coupled to a medical device within a body cavity of a patient. Some embodiments include one or more elements comprising at least one of a magnetically-attractive and magnetically-chargeable material; and a bumper extending around the one or more elements and configured to reduce the strength of a magnetic field of the one or more elements.

Abstract: Provided are crosslinked polymer compositions that include a first synthetic polymer containing multiple nucleophilic groups covalently bound to a second synthetic polymer containing multiple electrophilic groups. The first synthetic polymer is preferably a synthetic polypeptide or a polyethylene glycol that has been modified to contain multiple nucleophilic groups, such as primary amino (—NH2) or thiol (—SH) groups. The second synthetic polymer may be a hydrophilic or hydrophobic synthetic polymer, which contains or has been derivatized to contain, two or more electrophilic groups, such as succinimidyl groups. The compositions may further include other components, such as naturally occurring polysaccharides or proteins (such as glycosaminoglycans or collagen) and/or biologically active agents.

Abstract: Compositions comprising carboxypolysaccharides (CPS) including carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are provided where the PEG is a PEG-epoxide covalently linked to the CPS. In certain embodiments, the PEG attaches to only one CPS, forming a decorated CPS. In other embodiments, bi-functional PEG molecules are attached to adjacent CPSs, thereby forming a covalently cross-linked composition. Additional embodiments include PEG/CMC compositions where the PEG is a multi-branch PEG and/or a multi-arm PEG. PEG/CMC compositions can be made with desired viscoelastic properties, and such compositions can be used as space-filling materials, load-bearing materials, anti-adhesion compositions, drug delivery vehicles or lubrication of tissues and medical instruments.

Abstract: Systems and methods for magnetically charging and discharging a member are disclosed. In certain embodiments, an external apparatus or internal device may comprise the member.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to medical devices and methods. The present medical devices comprises a platform comprising a magnetically-attractive material, and a camera coupled to the platform and configured to be moved in at least three degrees of freedom relative to the platform, where the camera's movement in each respective degree of freedom is controlled by a separate actuator coupled to the platform. The medical devices further comprise a housing disposed around at least a portion of the camera, the housing being at least partially transparent, and a wiper arm configured to move relative to the housing.

Abstract: Apparatuses and systems for enabling electrical communication with a device positionable within a body cavity of a patient. Apparatuses and systems for magnetically positioning a device within a body cavity of a patient. Medical devices. Methods of use.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for magnetically positioning a device within a body cavity of a patient, including a removable magnet unit that can be reused across procedures.

Abstract: Apparatuses and systems for enabling electrical communication with a device positionable within a body cavity of a patient. Apparatuses and systems for magnetically positioning a device within a body cavity of a patient. Medical devices. Methods of use.

Abstract: Medical devices having a platform and an arm movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position. In some embodiments, the platform comprises at least one of a magnetically-attractive material and a material capable of being magnetically-charged. Methods of use.

Abstract: Provided are crosslinked polymer compositions that include a first synthetic polymer containing multiple nucleophilic groups covalently bound to a second synthetic polymer containing multiple electrophilic groups. The first synthetic polymer is preferably a synthetic polypeptide or a polyethylene glycol that has been modified to contain multiple nucleophilic groups, such as primary amino (—NH2) or thiol (—SH) groups. The second synthetic polymer may be a hydrophilic or hydrophobic synthetic polymer, which contains or has been derivatized to contain, two or more electrophilic groups, such as succinimidyl groups. The compositions may further include other components, such as naturally occurring polysaccharides or proteins (such as glycosaminoglycans or collagen) and/or biologically active agents.