Abstract: An implantable device for control over the size of emphysematous bullae in a lung, including: an elongated central region having a fixed axial length; a first end including a first anchor; and a second end including a second anchor.

Abstract: The deflectable tip catheters can be used with a primary delivery system (e.g., a bronchoscope, endoscope, or other surgical access device) to access a certain target tissue, such as a tumor (e.g., a lung tumor). The primary access device provides initial access and the deflectable tip catheter can be passed through the primary access device to reach the target tissue which is not otherwise accessible by the primary access device. The deflectable tip catheters have an internal bore free of obstructions such that a drug delivery device (e.g., a needle) or a diagnostic tool can be passed therethrough to directly access the target tissue.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods and devices (10, 110, 210) for delivering liquid therapeutic agents in solid tumors are provided. In general, a delivery device configured to deliver a liquid therapeutic agent into a solid tumor or other soft tissue can be configured to compress tissue and seal any fluid gaps around the delivery device during the delivery of the liquid therapeutic agent. In an exemplary embodiment the delivery device includes three elongate tubular shafts (12, 14, 16, 112, 114, 116, 212, 214, 216) configured to move longitudinally relative to one another. The elongate tubular shafts are configured to cooperate with one another to deliver the liquid therapeutic agent through a passageway of the delivery device to the solid tumor or other soft tissue and seal any fluid gaps around the delivery device while the liquid therapeutic agent is delivered into the solid tumor or other soft tissue.

Abstract: Various exemplary steerable needles, methods of using steerable needles, and methods of manufacturing steerable needles are provided. In general, a needle configured to be advanced through soft tissue can be configured to be passively steered in a desired direction through the soft tissue. The needle can include a distal tip configured to facilitate the steering. The needle's distal tip can include a beveled or chamfered edge on one side thereof. The distal tip of the needle can be configured to bend relative to a remainder of the needle in a direction opposite to the side of the distal tip that includes the chamfered edge. The soft tissue can provide resistance to the distal tip being advanced therein such that the distal tip automatically bends in a direction away from the chamfered edge. The needle can also include a bendable portion that is proximal to the distal tip.

Abstract: An implantable device for control over the size of emphysematous bullae in a lung, including: an elongated central region having a fixed axial length; a first end including a first anchor; and a second end including a second anchor.

Abstract: A device and method for reducing the volume of a tissue region, the device including a first fixation element, a second fixation element, and a tethering device, where the first and second fixation elements are slidably secured onto said tether, and the first and second fixation elements are radially self-expanding fixation elements.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering fluid within a lumen may be provided. For example, a device can include an elongated tubular structure having a central opening through which fluid may flow. The central opening can be defined by an open proximal end and an open distal end. The elongated tubular structure can have an elastic section toward the open distal end. The device can also include a blocking device such as a balloon within the central opening of the elongated tubular structure that can help or be configured to prevent the flow of fluid through the central opening between the open proximal end and the open distal end. The device can further include a balloon disposed on an outer surface of the elongated tubular structure. The balloon can be affixed to the outer surface of the elongated tubular structure at a proximal and/or distal attachment site.

Abstract: An implantable device for control over the size of emphysematous bullae in a lung, including: an elongated central region having a fixed axial length; a first end including a first anchor; and a second end including a second anchor.

Abstract: A device and method for reducing the volume of a tissue region, the device including a first fixation element, a second fixation element, and a tethering device, where the first and second fixation elements are slidably secured onto said tether, and the first and second fixation elements are radially self-expanding fixation elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a delivery system for delivering a device for closing a passageway in a body, for example a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in a heart. The delivery system has an elongate member having a proximal and distal end. A deflectable needle assembly having luminal and abluminal surfaces is slideably engaged within the elongate member. An actuator is slideabley engaged within the elongate member and attached to the needle tip assembly such that translational movement of the actuator causes deflection of the deflectable needle assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for the treatment of mitral valve regurgitation by reshaping the mitral valve annulus using one or more plications of annular or adjacent tissue each fixed by a retainer is described. The system includes four devices to achieve such percutaneous direct plication annuloplasty. The first is a crossing catheter having a prolapseable or curved tip. Second, a deflecting guide catheter is used to provide a means for guiding the plication device into proper position at the subvalvular region of the mitral valve annulus. Third, the plication device is then used to make plications in the subvalvular region of the mitral valve annulus. Fourth, a “C” shaped retainer with deformable ends is deployed by the plication device in order to retain the plicated tissue in the plicated form.

Abstract: A device and method for deploying a mechanical closure device for closing a passageway in a body, for example a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in a heart. The single disc mechanical closure device is comprise of a distal and proximal anchor constrained by a closure line to facilitate mechanical closure by bringing the distal and proximal anchors into close proximity along the closure line.

Abstract: A system and method for the treatment of mitral valve regurgitation by reshaping the mitral valve annulus using one or more plications of annular or adjacent tissue each fixed by a retainer is described. The system includes four devices to achieve such percutaneous direct plication annuloplasty. The first is a crossing catheter having a prolapseable or curved tip. Second, a deflecting guide catheter is used to provide a means for guiding the plication device into proper position at the subvalvular region of the mitral valve annulus. Third, the plication device is then used to make plications in the subvalvular region of the mitral valve annulus. Fourth, a “C” shaped retainer with deformable ends is deployed by the plication device in order to retain the plicated tissue in the plicated form. A transseptal approach may be used to plicate and retain tissue on the atrial side of the mitral valve to achieve a reduction in mitral valve regurgitation.

Abstract: A deflecting guide catheter for use in minimally invasive medical procedures such as the treatment of mitral valve regurgitation by reshaping the mitral valve annulus using one or more plications of annular or adjacent tissue each fixed by a retainer is described. The catheter includes an elongated tubular portion having various durometers along its length and at least one puller wire attached to an anchor band near the distal end. The deflecting guide catheter is used to provide a means for guiding a plication device or other medical instrument into a desired position within the vasculature or heart chambers of a patient.

Abstract: A device and method for deploying a mechanical closure device for closing a passageway in a body, for example a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in a heart. The single disc mechanical closure device is comprise of a distal and proximal anchor constrained by a closure line to facilitate mechanical closure by bringing the distal and proximal anchors into close proximity along the closure line.

Abstract: A system for the treatment of mitral valve regurgitation by reshaping the mitral valve annulus using one or more plications of annular tissue each fixed by a retaining clip is described. The system includes four devices to achieve such percutaneous direct plication annuloplasty. The first is a prolapsable crossing catheter. Second, a deflecting guide catheter is used to provide a means for guiding the plication device into proper position at the subvalvular region of the mitral valve annulus. The plication device is then used to make plications in the subvalvular region of the mitral valve annulus. Fourth, a formable linear retainer clip is deployed by the plication device in order to retain the plicated tissue in the plicated form. The formable linear retainer is formed into a reverse “C” clip by the jaws of the plication device acting in conjunction with a retainer pusher.

Abstract: A deflecting guide catheter for use in minimally invasive medical procedures such as the treatment of mitral valve regurgitation by reshaping the mitral valve annulus using one or more plications of annular or adjacent tissue each fixed by a retainer is described. The catheter includes an elongated tubular portion having various durometers along its length and at least one puller wire attached to an anchor band near the distal end. The deflecting guide catheter is used to provide a means for guiding a plication device or other medical instrument into a desired position within the vasculature or heart chambers of a patient.

Abstract: A system for using a helical retainer in the treatment of mitral valve regurgitation by reshaping the mitral valve annulus using one or more plications of annular tissue each fixed by a retaining clip is described. The system includes four devices to achieve such percutaneous direct plication annuloplasty. The first is a preferably prolapsable crossing catheter. Second, a deflecting guide catheter is used to provide a means for guiding the plication device into proper position at the subvalvular region of the mitral valve annulus. Third, the plication device is then used to make plications in at or near the subvalvular region of the mitral valve annulus. Fourth, a helical retainer clip deployed by the plication device in order to retain the plicated tissue in the plicated form. Alternatively, the fourth device is a retainer delivery catheter that enables delivery of a helical retainer over the outside of the plication device.

Abstract: A system for using a barbed tubular retainer in the treatment of mitral valve regurgitation by reshaping the mitral valve annulus using one or more plications of annular tissue each fixed by a retaining clip is described. The system includes four devices to achieve such percutaneous direct plication annuloplasty. The first is a crossing catheter. Second, a deflecting guide catheter is used to provide a means for guiding the plication device into proper position at the subvalvular region of the mitral valve annulus. Third, the plication device is then used to make placations in the subvalvular region of the mitral valve annulus. Fourth, a barbed tubular retainer deployed by the plication device in order to retain the plicated tissue in the plicated form. Alternatively, the fourth device is a retainer delivery catheter that enables delivery of a barbed tubular retainer that is attached to its distal end over the outside of the plication device.

Abstract: A system and method for the treatment of mitral valve regurgitation by reshaping the mitral valve annulus using one or more plications of annular or adjacent tissue each fixed by a retainer is described. The system includes four devices to achieve such percutaneous direct plication annuloplasty. The first is a crossing catheter having a prolapseable or curved tip. Second, a deflecting guide catheter is used to provide a means for guiding the plication device into proper position at the subvalvular region of the mitral valve annulus. Third, the plication device is then used to make plications in the subvalvular region of the mitral valve annulus. Fourth, a “C” shaped retainer with deformable ends is deployed by the plication device in order to retain the plicated tissue in the plicated form. A transseptal approach may be used to plicate and retain tissue on the atrial side of the mitral valve to achieve a reduction in mitral valve regurgitation.