Abstract: Method and system for treating a patient using a compressible, pressure-attenuating device. According to one embodiment, the system is used to treat urinary tract disorders and can include one or more of an access device, a delivery device, a pressure-attenuating device, and a removal device. The access device may be used to create a passageway to an anatomical structure, such as the patient's bladder. The delivery device may be inserted through the passageway created by the access device and may be used to deliver the pressure-attenuating device to the anatomical structure. The removal device may be inserted through the passageway created by the access device and may be used to view the bladder and/or to capture, to deflate and to remove the pressure-attenuating device.

Abstract: Method and system for treating a patient using a compressible, pressure-attenuating device. According to one embodiment, the system is used to treat urinary tract disorders and can include one or more of an access device, a delivery device, a pressure-attenuating device, and a removal device. The access device may be used to create a passageway to an anatomical structure, such as the patient's bladder. The delivery device may be inserted through the passageway created by the access device and may be used to deliver the pressure-attenuating device to the anatomical structure. The removal device may be inserted through the passageway created by the access device and may be used to view the bladder and/or to capture, to deflate and to remove the pressure-attenuating device.

Abstract: Method and system for treating a patient using a compressible, pressure-attenuating device. According to one embodiment, the system is used to treat urinary tract disorders and can include one or more of an access device, a delivery device, a pressure-attenuating device, and a removal device. The access device may be used to create a passageway to an anatomical structure, such as the patient's bladder. The delivery device may be inserted through the passageway created by the access device and may be used to deliver the pressure-attenuating device to the anatomical structure. The removal device may be inserted through the passageway created by the access device and may be used to view the bladder and/or to capture, to deflate and to remove the pressure-attenuating device.

Abstract: An implant delivery system can be configured to deliver an inflatable implant into a bladder via a urethra. The delivery system can comprise an elongate tubular body, an inflation tube and an implant decoupler. The tubular body can comprise a central lumen configured to hold an inflatable implant in an initial un-inflated state for delivery of the implant into the bladder. A method of use can include passing a distal tip of the elongate tubular body into the bladder. The implant can be inflated and released into the bladder.

Abstract: An implant delivery system can be configured to deliver an inflatable implant into a bladder via a urethra. The delivery system can comprise an elongate tubular body, an inflation tube and an implant decoupler. The tubular body can comprise a central lumen configured to hold an inflatable implant in an initial un-inflated state for delivery of the implant into the bladder. A method of use can include passing a distal tip of the elongate tubular body into the bladder. The implant can be inflated and released into the bladder.

Abstract: Designs and methods for devices that prevent accidental or inadvertent lateral removal of a guidewire from the guidewire entry tool of a rapid exchange catheter. A first device takes the form of a funnel sized and shaped to slide into the guidewire entry tool. Another illustrative device is shaped and adapted to slide into the guidewire exit slot of the guidewire entry tool, blocking the slot until the converter is removed. In further embodiments, guidewire entry tools include a guidewire exit slot allowing for selective movement of a guidewire laterally from within a catheter. The slot may be designed with structures adapted to prevent inadvertent lateral movement of a guidewire from within the slot. The slot may be formed in a zigzag shape or may include a number of protrusions. Alternatively, the guidewire entry tool may include a split ring that rotates from a first position to a second position, the first position allowing lateral removal of a guidewire and the second position preventing such removal.

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongated catheter body having a proximal portion and a distal portion. A first longitudinally accessible lumen and a second lumen extend side by side within and along the proximal portion, and the first lumen and the second lumen form a single common lumen within the distal portion which extends to a distal end of the distal portion. The first lumen and second lumen are co-axial within the distal portion prior to forming a single common lumen.

Abstract: A multi-function surgical instrument is disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the surgical instrument includes a catheter, a bipolar hemostat assembly, an attachment member, and a surgical tool. The bipolar hemostat assembly includes an electrical connector at a proximal end, a bipolar electrode assembly at a distal end, and first and second electrical leads extending from the proximal end to the distal end and disposed within the catheter. The bipolar electrode assembly includes an aperture that extends axially therethrough. The attachment member is disposed within the catheter and has a proximal end and a distal end where the distal end is movable within the aperture of the bipolar electrode assembly between a first position wherein the distal end is extended from the bipolar electrode assembly and a second position wherein the distal end is retracted within the bipolar electrode assembly. The surgical tool is attached to the distal end of the attachment member.

Abstract: A multi-function surgical instrument is disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the surgical instrument includes a catheter, a bipolar hemostat assembly, an attachment member, and a surgical tool. The bipolar hemostat assembly includes an electrical connector at a proximal end, a bipolar electrode assembly at a distal end, and first and second electrical leads extending from the proximal end to the distal end and disposed within the catheter. The bipolar electrode assembly includes an aperture that extends axially therethrough. The attachment member is disposed within the catheter and has a proximal end and a distal end where the distal end is movable within the aperture of the bipolar electrode assembly between a first position wherein the distal end is extended from the bipolar electrode assembly and a second position wherein the distal end is retracted within the bipolar electrode assembly. The surgical tool is attached to the distal end of the attachment member.

Abstract: A multi-function surgical instrument is disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the surgical instrument includes a catheter, a bipolar hemostat assembly, an attachment member, and a surgical tool. The bipolar hemostat assembly includes an electrical connector at a proximal end, a bipolar electrode assembly at a distal end, and first and second electrical leads extending from the proximal end to the distal end and disposed within the catheter. The bipolar electrode assembly includes an aperture that extends axially therethrough. The attachment member is disposed within the catheter and has a proximal end and a distal end where the distal end is movable within the aperture of the bipolar electrode assembly between a first position wherein the distal end is extended from the bipolar electrode assembly and a second position wherein the distal end is retracted within the bipolar electrode assembly. The surgical tool is attached to the distal end of the attachment member.

Abstract: A multi-function surgical instrument is disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the surgical instrument includes a catheter, a bipolar hemostat assembly, an attachment member, and a surgical tool. The bipolar hemostat assembly includes an electrical connector at a proximal end, a bipolar electrode assembly at a distal end, and first and second electrical leads extending from the proximal end to the distal end and disposed within the catheter. The bipolar electrode assembly includes an aperture that extends axially therethrough. The attachment member is disposed within the catheter and has a proximal end and a distal end where the distal end is movable within the aperture of the bipolar electrode assembly between a first position wherein the distal end is extended from the bipolar electrode assembly and a second position wherein the distal end is retracted within the bipolar electrode assembly. The surgical tool is attached to the distal end of the attachment member.

Abstract: A multi-function surgical instrument is disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the surgical instrument includes a catheter, a bipolar hemostat assembly, an attachment member, and a surgical tool. The bipolar hemostat assembly includes an electrical connector at a proximal end, a bipolar electrode assembly at a distal end, and first and second electrical leads extending from the proximal end to the distal end and disposed within the catheter. The bipolar electrode assembly includes an aperture that extends axially therethrough. The attachment member is disposed within the catheter and has a proximal end and a distal end where the distal end is movable within the aperture of the bipolar electrode assembly between a first position wherein the distal end is extended from the bipolar electrode assembly and a second position wherein the distal end is retracted within the bipolar electrode assembly. The surgical tool is attached to the distal end of the attachment member.

Abstract: A multi-function surgical instrument is disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the surgical instrument includes a catheter, a bipolar hemostat assembly, an attachment member, and a surgical tool. The bipolar hemostat assembly includes an electrical connector at a proximal end, a bipolar electrode assembly at a distal end, and first and second electrical leads extending from the proximal end to the distal end and disposed within the catheter. The bipolar electrode assembly includes an aperture that extends axially therethrough. The attachment member is disposed within the catheter and has a proximal end and a distal end where the distal end is movable within the aperture of the bipolar electrode assembly between a first position wherein the distal end is extended from the bipolar electrode assembly and a second position wherein the distal end is retracted within the bipolar electrode assembly. The surgical tool is attached to the distal end of the attachment member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the percutaneous placement of gastro-intestinal tubes, the apparatus comprising a longitudinal penetration device; a hollow, tapered dilator; and a sheath having a central lumen extending therethrough. The penetration device is placed within the sheath, pushed distally to penetrate the target organ, and then removed from the sheath. After the penetration device is removed, the dilator is inserted into the central lumen of the sheath until it penetrates the target organ, so that the sheath and the penetration are radially dilated as the dilator passes through the sheath. The sheath is then pulled in the proximal direction to counter-balance the distal insertion force. A gastro-intestinal tube is inserted into the hollow center, and pushed distally until it exits the distal end of the dilator. The dilator and sheath are then removed from the target organ.