Abstract: A polyp removal device includes an outer tubular body; an inner tubular body; a tubular cutter coupled to or formed as part of the distal end of the inner tubular body; a spring positioned to bias the inner tubular body in an extended direction with respect to the outer tubular body; a handle coupled to the proximal end of the outer tubular body; an actuation member movably coupled to the handle; and a disconnect mechanism for selectively coupling the actuation member to the inner tubular body and decoupling the actuation member from the inner tubular body, the disconnect mechanism is configured to automatically decouple the inner tubular body from the actuation member when the actuation member is moved in a first direction for a distance greater than a predetermined distance.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to position a device at adjacent tissues near a urethra to overcome the problem of urine leakage during physical movement or activity by changing a contour of a urethra. The devices may include mechanisms such as an inflatable pouch or a pillow anchored to the adjacent tissues of a urethra by an anchoring hook. The inflation of the pouch by an external fluid flexes the pouch towards a urethra and changes the contour of the urethra. The devices may also or alternatively include one or more tissue grasping T-fasteners having forward-facing and reverse-facing barbs to anchor the tissues adjacent to a urethra and bend the contour of the urethra. The device may also include actuators, clips or spring jacks having inflatable bands. The device may include a cap, one-way valves and a combination of a plug and cap to block urethral ostium to temporarily block urine flow from a bladder.

Abstract: A polyp removal device comprises an outer tubular body; an inner tubular body; a tubular cutter coupled to or formed as part of the distal end of the inner tubular body; a spring positioned to bias the inner tubular body in an extended direction with respect to the outer tubular body; a handle coupled to the proximal end of the outer tubular body; an actuation member movably coupled to the handle; and a disconnect mechanism for selectively coupling the actuation member to the inner tubular body and decoupling the actuation member from the inner tubular body, the disconnect mechanism is configured to automatically decouple the inner tubular body from the actuation member when the actuation member is moved in a first direction for a distance greater than a predetermined distance.

Abstract: Systems and methods of cannulating a body orifice such as a bladder are disclosed. An indwelling bladder catheter having reduced trauma risk can include a proximal end, a distal end, and a flexible elongate tubular body therebetween, the distal end having at least one distal port in fluid communication with a lumen extending within the tubular body, the distal end further having a distal tip comprising a blunt shape; a first proximal port for at least one of fluid inflow or outflow, the first proximal port in fluid communication with the lumen extending within the tubular body; an inflatable balloon near the distal end of the catheter, the balloon transformable from an unexpanded to an expanded configuration, wherein the balloon in its expanded configuration comprises a low profile oblong shape suitable for anchoring within a human bladder; and a second proximal port balloon inflation, in fluid connection with the balloon.

Abstract: Systems and methods of cannulating a body orifice such as a bladder are disclosed. An indwelling bladder catheter having reduced trauma risk can include a proximal end, a distal end, and a flexible elongate tubular body therebetween, the distal end having at least one distal port in fluid communication with a lumen extending within the tubular body, the distal end further having a distal tip comprising a blunt shape; a first proximal port for at least one of fluid inflow or outflow, the first proximal port in fluid communication with the lumen extending within the tubular body; an inflatable balloon near the distal end of the catheter, the balloon transformable from an unexpanded to an expanded configuration, wherein the balloon in its expanded configuration comprises a low profile oblong shape suitable for anchoring within a human bladder; and a second proximal port balloon inflation, in fluid connection with the balloon.

Abstract: A tissue removal system includes a morcellator having a cannula comprising a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, a sidewall, and at least one lumen extending between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion. A cutting blade is disposed within a lumen of the cannula. Also included is a tissue shield that has an expandable frame element and a shield element attached to the expandable frame element, wherein the tissue shield serves to isolate non-target tissues from at least the cutting blade of the system so that such tissues remain unaffected by a surgical procedure conducted with the system.

Abstract: A polyp removal device includes an outer tubular body; an inner tubular body; a tubular cutter coupled to or formed as part of the distal end of the inner tubular body; a spring positioned to bias the inner tubular body in an extended direction with respect to the outer tubular body; a handle coupled to the proximal end of the outer tubular body; an actuation member movably coupled to the handle; and a disconnect mechanism for selectively coupling the actuation member to the inner tubular body and decoupling the actuation member from the inner tubular body, the disconnect mechanism is configured to automatically decouple the inner tubular body from the actuation member when the actuation member is moved in a first direction for a distance greater than a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A polyp removal device comprises an outer tubular body; an inner tubular body; a tubular cutter coupled to or formed as part of the distal end of the inner tubular body; a spring positioned to bias the inner tubular body in an extended direction with respect to the outer tubular body; a handle coupled to the proximal end of the outer tubular body; an actuation member movably coupled to the handle; and a disconnect mechanism for selectively coupling the actuation member to the inner tubular body and decoupling the actuation member from the inner tubular body, the disconnect mechanism is configured to automatically decouple the inner tubular body from the actuation member when the actuation member is moved in a first direction for a distance greater than a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A polyp removal device comprises an outer tubular body; an inner tubular body being movable with respect to the outer tubular body; a handle; an actuation member configured to cause movement of the inner tubular body with respect to the outer tubular body when the actuation member is moved with respect to the handle; a vacuum port for coupling thereto of a vacuum source; and an opening near a distal end of the polyp removal device, the opening configured to allow fluid communication between an environment external to the polyp removal device and the lumen of the inner tubular body, wherein a size of the opening is variable based on the movement of the inner tubular body with respect to the outer tubular body.

Abstract: A polyp removal device comprises an outer tubular body; an inner tubular body being movable with respect to the outer tubular body; a handle; an actuation member configured to cause movement of the inner tubular body with respect to the outer tubular body when the actuation member is moved with respect to the handle; a vacuum port for coupling thereto of a vacuum source; and an opening near a distal end of the polyp removal device, the opening configured to allow fluid communication between an environment external to the polyp removal device and the lumen of the inner tubular body, wherein a size of the opening is variable based on the movement of the inner tubular body with respect to the outer tubular body.

Abstract: A polyp removal device comprises an outer tubular body; an inner tubular body being movable with respect to the outer tubular body; a handle; an actuation member configured to cause movement of the inner tubular body with respect to the outer tubular body when the actuation member is moved with respect to the handle; a vacuum port for coupling thereto of a vacuum source; and an opening near a distal end of the polyp removal device, the opening configured to allow fluid communication between an environment external to the polyp removal device and the lumen of the inner tubular body, wherein a size of the opening is variable based on the movement of the inner tubular body with respect to the outer tubular body.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed, for performing therapeutic or diagnostic procedures at a remote site. According to one embodiment, the methods include the use of a system including an introducer designed for transcervical insertion into the uterus. The introducer is constructed to include a fluid lumen, an instrument lumen, and a visualization lumen. The system may include a fluid source, which is coupled to the fluid lumen and is used to deliver a fluid to the uterus either for washing the uterus or for fluid distension of the uterus. The system additionally includes a tissue modifying device, such as a morcellator, and a distension device for distending the uterus and/or for maintaining the uterus in a distended state. The tissue modifying device and the distension device are alternately deliverable to the uterus through the instrument lumen. The system may further include a hysteroscope deliverable to the uterus through the visualization lumen.

Abstract: Method and device for distending a gynecological cavity. According to one embodiment, a mechanical, non-fluid device is used to distend the gynecological cavity. Such devices include, for example, self-expanding members, such as resilient baskets, coils, whisks, prongs, and loops, or mechanically expanded members, such as inflatable balloons, mechanically-expanded cages and loops, and scissor jacks. The device may serve a purpose in addition to distension, such as illumination, imaging, irrigation, drug delivery, resection and cauterization.

Abstract: Systems and methods of cannulating a body orifice such as a bladder are disclosed. A cystoscopy catheter can include a proximal end, a distal end having at least one exit port, and a flexible elongate tubular body therebetween; an inflatable balloon near the distal end of the catheter, the balloon transformable from an unexpanded and an expanded configuration; a first proximal port for fluid inflow; a second proximal port for fluid outflow; a third proximal port for balloon inflation, in fluid connection with the balloon; and a fourth proximal port for insertion of a diagnostic and/or therapeutic instrument such as a cystoscope therethrough, wherein the first, second, and fourth proximal ports are fluidly connected to a common central lumen extending through the elongate tubular body to the exit port on the distal end.

Abstract: A tissue removal system includes a morcellator having a cannula comprising a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, a sidewall, and at least one lumen extending between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion. A cutting blade is disposed within a lumen of the cannula. Also included is a tissue shield that has an expandable frame element and a shield element attached to the expandable frame element, wherein the tissue shield serves to isolate non-target tissues from at least the cutting blade of the system so that such tissues remain unaffected by a surgical procedure conducted with the system.

Abstract: Method and device for distending a gynecological cavity. According to one embodiment, a mechanical, non-fluid device is used to distend the gynecological cavity. Such devices include, for example, self-expanding members, such as resilient baskets, coils, whisks, prongs, and loops, or mechanically expanded members, such as inflatable balloons, mechanically-expanded cages and loops, and scissor jacks. The device may serve a purpose in addition to distension, such as illumination, imaging, irrigation, drug delivery, resection and cauterization.

Abstract: A tissue removal device includes an outer tubular member coupled to a housing and a having a tissue resection window, an inner tubular member slidably disposed within the outer tubular member, a tissue trap having a sealed interior in fluid communication with a vacuum chamber, an open proximal end of the inner tubular member being disposed within the tissue trap interior, and an actuator moveably coupled to the housing and operatively connected to a movable piston in the vacuum chamber, such that movement of the actuator relative to the housing generates a vacuum in the tissue trap.

Abstract: Systems and methods of cannulating a body orifice such as a bladder are disclosed. A cystoscopy catheter can include a proximal end, a distal end having at least one exit port, and a flexible elongate tubular body therebetween; an inflatable balloon near the distal end of the catheter, the balloon transformable from an unexpanded and an expanded configuration; a first proximal port for fluid inflow; a second proximal port for fluid outflow; a third proximal port for balloon inflation, in fluid connection with the balloon; and a fourth proximal port for insertion of a diagnostic and/or therapeutic instrument such as a cystoscope therethrough, wherein the first, second, and fourth proximal ports are fluidly connected to a common central lumen extending through the elongate tubular body to the exit port on the distal end.