Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a medical instrument that includes a flexible elongate member and a distal assembly. The distal assembly is coupled to a distal end of the elongate member. The distal assembly includes a blunt member and a cutting tool pivotably attached to the blunt member. The blunt member is configured for insertion into a tissue layer. The cutting tool is arranged relative to the blunt member so that the cutting tool does not cut tissue as the blunt member is inserted into the tissue layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure may include a medical device comprising a flexible elongate member including a longitudinal axis and a tool connected to the elongate member near a pivot, wherein the tool may be configured for at least one of suction and infusion, and wherein the tool may be configured to pivot towards both sides of the longitudinal axis relative to the elongate member at the pivot.

Abstract: A medical device may include an end effector configured to perform a therapeutic procedure. The medical device may further include a guide having a modifiable shape. The guide may be adapted for insertion through a lumen of an access tube. Also, the end effector may be selectively attachable to the guide and configured to move along the guide.

Abstract: A medical device for monitoring physical, chemical, or biological characteristics of an organ, such as the urinary bladder. The medical device may include an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end. The device may further include an end-effector assembly extending distally from the distal end of the elongate member. The end-effector assembly may also include a plurality of sensing elements for detecting abnormal organ function. Each of the plurality of sensing elements may include one or more of mechanical, visual, chemical, and biological sensors.

Abstract: A medical device and related methods of use are provided for capture and removal of tissue from body lumens. The device includes an end-effector unit configured to capture tissue, having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end and the proximal end form a substantially closed structure, and the distal end is more flexible than the proximal end. The device also includes a control member at the proximal end for holding and controlling the severing device.

Abstract: Medical devices are disclosed including polypectomy snare devices. An example polypectomy snare device may include an elongated sheath having a distal end. A hollow shaft may extend through and be movable relative to the sheath. A distal portion of the shaft may have a slit formed therein. The shaft may be shiftable between a first configuration wherein the distal portion is substantially straight and a second configuration wherein the distal portion includes a bend. A snare wire may be disposed within the shaft. A distal section of the snare wire may extend through the slit when the shaft is in the second configuration.

Abstract: A snare for retrieving foreign objects within the body of a patient including a hollow elongate tubular member comprising an inner surface and an outer surface and a lumen defined by the inner surface, a proximal end and a distal end, the hollow elongate tubular member forms a loop at the distal end, the loop having an open position and a closed position, the loop comprising at least one opening and a wire slidably disposed in the lumen of the elongate tubular member, the wire comprising at least one engaging member for engaging tissue, the at least one engaging member extends through the at least one opening in the hollow elongate tubular member when the wire is in a first position and the at least one engaging member retracts into the lumen of the elongate tubular member when the wire moved to a in a second position.

Abstract: Catheter devices having an expandable balloon for delivering a therapeutic agent to a body site. In one aspect, one or more sheaths are disposed around the balloon with the therapeutic agent being disposed within the sheath, being disposed over the sheath, being contained in the space between the sheath and the balloon, or being otherwise associated with the sheath. In another aspect, the balloon includes a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) for drug delivery.

Abstract: Catheter devices having an expandable balloon for delivering a therapeutic agent to a body site. In one aspect, one or more sheaths are disposed around the balloon with the therapeutic agent being disposed within the sheath, being disposed over the sheath, being contained in the space between the sheath and the balloon, or being otherwise associated with the sheath. In another aspect, the balloon includes a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) for drug delivery.

Abstract: A method for modulating remodeling of an infarct region of a myocardium, the method including the controlled local delivery of therapeutic agent(s) employing microparticles as a carrier, and devices and compositions relating thereto.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an intrathecally-implantable depot having a biodegradable core for extended release of pain-relieving drug into the intrathecal space over at time period of at least a month. The present disclosure further provides methods for preparing a self-contained intrathecally-implantable depot and methods for continuously relieving pain in a subject by implanting an intrathecally-implantable depot having a biodegradable core and releasing a therapeutically-effective amount of analgesic composition from the biodegrading core over a time period of at least one month.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for delivering a therapeutic agent to a heart valve.