Abstract: Retraction and aspiration devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed toward an apparatus for use with a catheter system configured to enable intravascular delivery of an interventional device to a treatment site in a blood vessel. The apparatus can include a housing configured to be releasably coupled to a proximal portion of the catheter system and an actuation mechanism coupled to the housing. The actuation mechanism can include a lever movably coupled to the housing, a locking portion configured to engage a portion of the catheter system, and a pressure source coupled to the housing and the actuation mechanism. Movement of the lever simultaneously activates the pressure source to generate pressure, and moves the locking portion to engage and retract at least a portion of the catheter system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a clot in the blood vessel of a patient, and particularly the treatment of a pulmonary embolism is disclosed. The treatment includes restoring flow through the clot followed by clot removal, either partially or substantially completely. The clot treatment device is expandable into the blood vessel and may contain radial extensions that assist in restoring flow as well as in removing clot material.

Abstract: An occlusion device and method for occluding an undesirable vascular structure, such as a septal defect or left atrial appendage. The occlusion device includes a lattice structure that expands from a contracted catheter-deliverable state to an expanded state that occludes the vascular structure. The lattice structure has one or more braided layers, with structural braided layers that provide structural support to the device, and occlusive layers that provide a lattice braiding or pore sizes that promote further occlusion by a biological process, such as tissue ingrowth that further occludes the affected vascular structure.

Abstract: A device and method for intravascular treatment of an embolism, and particularly a pulmonary embolism, is disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed toward a clot treatment device that includes a support member configured to extend through a delivery catheter and a plurality of clot engagement members positioned about the circumference of a distal portion of the support member. The individual clot engagement members can have a first portion and a second portion extending from the first portion, and the first portions can have a proximal region attached to the support member. In the deployed state, the individual second portions can extend from the distal region of one of the first portions and project radially outwardly relative to the support member in a curve that has a proximally extending section which defines a proximally facing concave portion.

Abstract: A device and method for intravascular treatment of an embolism, and particularly an embolism within a small vessel, is disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed toward a clot treatment device that includes a support member configured to extend through a delivery catheter and a plurality of clot engagement members positioned about the circumference of a distal portion of the support member. The individual clot engagement members can have a first portion and a second portion extending from the first portion, and the first portions can have a proximal region attached to the support member. In the deployed state, the individual second portions can extend from the distal region of one of the first portions and project radially outwardly relative to the support member in a curve that has a proximally extending section which defines a proximally facing concave portion.

Abstract: Devices and methods for occluding the left atrial appendage are disclosed herein. An occlusion device can include an expandable lattice structure having a proximal portion configured to be positioned at or near the ostium of the LAA, a distal portion configured to extend into an interior portion of the LAA, and a contact portion between the proximal and distal portions. In several embodiments, the expandable lattice structure includes an occlusive braid configured to contact and seal with tissue of the LAA and a structural braid enveloped by the occlusive braid. The structural braid can be coupled to the occlusive braid at a proximal hub located at the proximal portion of the lattice structure. The structural braid is configured to drive the occlusive braid radially outward. The occlusive braid can have an atrial face at the proximal portion facing the left atrium LA, and the atrial face can have a low-profile contour that mitigates thrombus formation at the atrial face.

Abstract: An occlusion device and method for occluding an undesirable passage through tissue, such as a septal defect, that provides an expandable cylinder or other structure that occludes the passage internally or by covering one or more openings to the passage. The occlusion device includes a wire lattice or mesh that expands from a contracted catheter-deliverable state to an expanded state that occludes the passage. The lattice or mesh has one or more layers, with layers that provide structural support to the device, and layers that provide a lattice braiding or pore sizes that promote further occlusion by a biological process, such as tissue ingrowth that further occludes the affected passage.

Abstract: Embolic protection devices for placement in an arterial system of a human and methods of using such devices. In one embodiment, the device includes a filter having a first filter section configured to be deployed along the ascending aorta and aortic arch, a tapered second filter section extending proximally from the first filter section, and a proximal portion extending proximally from the second filter section. The second filter section is configured to be deployed along the descending aorta, and the proximal portion extends to a position below a renal artery. The embolic protection device can be configured to continuously filter the arterial system blood between a distal end of the first filter section to a position within the arterial system downstream of the renal artery.

Abstract: A marker delivery device includes an obturator having an elongated shaft, an internal lumen, a proximal end, and a substantially sealed distal end. The substantially sealed distal end is formed of a penetrable membrane. A marker delivery tube is configured to be slidably disposed within the internal lumen of the obturator. The marker delivery tube has a marker delivery lumen, a proximal end, and a distal tip. The marker delivery lumen is configured to contain one or more tissue markers. The distal tip is configured to puncture the penetrable membrane of the substantially sealed distal end of the obturator to form a passage through which the distal tip extends to facilitate delivery of the one or more tissue markers.

Abstract: A marker delivery device is described which has an obturator with an elongated shaft, an inner lumen, a proximal end, and a substantially sealed distal end. One or more tissue markers are deployed within the inner lumen of the elongated shaft of the obturator. Preferably, the tissue marker(s) is disposed within an inner lumen of a marker delivery tube which is disposed within the inner lumen of the elongated shaft of the obturator. The marker delivery tube has an opening for discharging the tissue markers into a body (e.g. biopsy) cavity. The distal tip of the marker delivery tube is configured to penetrate the substantially sealed distal end of the obturator so that tissue markers can be delivered while the obturator is in place within the body. Preferably, the obturator includes a detectable element capable of producing a relatively significant image signature during MRI.

Abstract: A device for encapsulating tissue specimens includes a wand assembly, a sheath, and a guide assembly. The guide assembly pulls, draws, or otherwise moves the sheath about the tissue specimen. The wand assembly is disposed proximate to the tissue specimen, typically either adjacent or through the specimen. In an aspect of the encapsulating device, the guide assembly has sheath deployment members that are disposed about the tissue specimen. The sheath, which is attached to ends of the sheath deployment members and the wand assembly, is drawn over the tissue specimen as the sheath deployment members are pushed or pulled. The guide assembly is an arm or a housing that rotates about the tissue specimen. The sheath, which is secured at one end to the guide assembly and at another end to the wand assembly, is drawn over the tissue specimen as the guide assembly rotates.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and device for separating and collecting a tissue specimen from a target site within a patient. The device includes a probe component which is releasably secured to the driver component. The probe component has an elongated tubular section, a penetrating distal tip and a tissue receiving aperture in the distal end of the tubular section proximal to the distal tip, and a tissue cutting member which is slidably disposed within the probe member to cut a tissue specimen drawn into the interior of the device through the aperture by applying a vacuum to the inner lumen of the tissue cutting member. The driver has drive members for operating the elements of the probe component. The tissue penetrating distal tip preferably has a triple concave curvature shape with three curved cutting edges leading to a sharp distal point.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and device for separating and collecting a tissue specimen from a target site within a patient. The device includes a probe component which is releasably secured to the driver component. The probe component has an elongated tubular section, a penetrating distal tip and a tissue receiving aperture in the distal end of the tubular section proximal to the distal tip, and a tissue cutting member which is slidably disposed within the probe member to cut a tissue specimen drawn into the interior of the device through the aperture by applying a vacuum to the inner lumen of the tissue cutting member. The driver has drive members for operating the elements of the probe component. The tissue penetrating distal tip preferably has a triple concave curvature shape with three curved cutting edges leading to a sharp distal point.

Abstract: A marker delivery device is described which has an obturator with an elongated shaft, an inner lumen, a proximal end, and a substantially sealed distal end. One or more tissue markers are deployed within the inner lumen of the elongated shaft of the obturator. Preferably, the tissue marker(s) is disposed within an inner lumen of a marker delivery tube which is disposed within the inner lumen of the elongated shaft of the obturator. The marker delivery tube has an opening for discharging the tissue markers into a body (e.g. biopsy) cavity. The distal tip of the marker delivery tube is configured to penetrate the substantially sealed distal end of the obturator so that tissue markers can be delivered while the obturator is in place within the body. Preferably, the obturator includes a detectable element capable of producing a relatively significant image signature during MRI.

Abstract: A device for localizing a target tissue mass in a body includes a tubular trocar portion having a distal end and a proximal end portion that is removably attachable to a handle portion. The trocar portion contains at least a first plurality of locator wires that are movable between a retracted position within the trocar and a deployed position extending radially from the trocar. The first plurality of locator wires mounted for axial movement within the trocar portion between a proximal retracted position and a deployed distal position. The second plurality of locator wires is mounted for movement between a distal retracted position and a proximal deployed position. The locator wires are electrically energized to facilitate their deployment electrosurgically.

Abstract: A high frequency electrosurgical power generator configured to produce electrical power at a frequency of about 1 to about 14 MHz and preferably having an essentially sinusoidal waveform with a voltage level up to 1,000 Vrms, and a current level up to 5 Amps. The output of the high frequency electrosurgical power generator is connected to an electrosurgical tool configured to receive the voltage and current produced by the electrosurgical power generator and deliver the voltage and current to an electrosurgical site. The output of the electrosurgical generator preferably is an essentially sinusoid waveform with a frequency between about 3 MHz and about 8 MHz, up to about 700 volts rms, up to about 2 amps, with a total power of up to 1,000 watts.

Abstract: A high frequency electrosurgical power generator configured to produce electrical power at a frequency of about 1 to about 14 MHz and preferably having an essentially sinusoidal waveform with a voltage level up to 1,000 Vrms, and a current level up to 5 Amps. The output of the high frequency electrosurgical power generator is connected to an electrosurgical tool configured to receive the voltage and current produced by the electrosurgical power generator and deliver the voltage and current to an electrosurgical site. The output of the electrosurgical generator preferably is an essentially sinusoid waveform with a frequency between about 3 MHz and about 8 MHz, up to about 700 volts rms, up to about 2 amps, with a total power of up to 1,000 watts.

Abstract: The invention is directed to devices and methods for accessing a desired target site within a patient's body and for separating and collecting a tissue specimen from the target site. The device includes a probe member or cannula with a penetrating distal tip, and a tissue cutting member which is disposed within the probe member to cut a tissue specimen from supporting tissue at the biopsy site. This probe is releasably secured to a housing to provide a plurality of discrete orientations of the probe about its longitudinal axis. Vacuum may be provided to the inner lumen of the cutting member to transport tissue through the inner lumen thereof. Rotation (and optionally longitudinal reciprocation) of the tissue cutter is effective to separate a tissue specimen from surrounding tissue at the target site. Vacuum or fluid pressure may be used to move the specimen cut from the target site proximally within the inner lumen defined at least in part by the cutting member for collection.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for separating and collecting one or more tissue specimens from a target site within a patient and flushing the specimen to remove blood, debris and the like before the specimen is removed from the biopsy device. The flow of flushing fluid to the tissue collector is preferably controlled to coincide with delivery of one or more specimens to the collecting tray or basket of the device or after the receipt of the specimen within the tissue collector to ensure that the fluid is applied to a fresh specimen. The tissue tray or basket within the tissue collector has an open or foraminous portion to facilitate removal of fluid, such as the applied fluid and blood, and other debris from the tissue specimens on the tray. Vacuum is provided within the tissue collector, preferably under the tray to remove fluid and debris from the collector interior.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for separating and collecting one or more tissue specimens from a target site within a patient and flushing the specimen to remove blood, debris and the like before the specimen is removed from the biopsy device. The flow of flushing fluid to the tissue collector is preferably controlled to coincide with delivery of one or more specimens to the collecting tray or basket of the device or after the receipt of the specimen within the tissue collector to ensure that the fluid is applied to a fresh specimen. The tissue tray or basket within the tissue collector has an open or foraminous portion to facilitate removal of fluid, such as the applied fluid and blood, and other debris from the tissue specimens on the tray. Vacuum is provided within the tissue collector, preferably under the tray to remove fluid and debris from the collector interior.