Abstract: A foreign body retrieval device is disclosed. The device moves between an open position for receiving the foreign body and a closed position for capturing the foreign body. A novel method for retrieving a foreign body such as a stent is also disclosed.

Abstract: Described are methods and devices relating to reconnecting the urethra and bladder after a radical prostatectomy, wherein the devices incorporate tissue approximating structure to maintain contact between a severed bladder neck tissue and a severed urethral stump tissue, preferably without the use of sutures.

Abstract: Method and surgical instrument for treating prostate tissue including a surgical instrument having a main body, a needle deployment port, a needle, first and second handles and a lockout release mechanism to limit needle extension. Additionally, a kit includes the surgical instrument, together with a cystoscope, and optionally a syringe and reservoir of ethanol. The method includes needle-less injection and visualizing the ethanol injection by delivering both an echogenic agent and ethanol either by needle or needle-less injection or by providing an ultrasonically visible marker near the tip of the ethanol delivery cannula. The method also includes extending the needle transversely of the instrument housing using a link assembly.

Abstract: A removable stent system and method for extraction of a removable stent from a target site is disclosed. The removable stent includes-a removable stent having a collapsible end and a collapsing element configured for coupling with a removal tool. The collapsing element can be configured as a lasso or can be movable between two positions when deployed at a target site in vivo. The removable stent overcomes disadvantages and limitations of previous types of stents as well as overcoming complications during or following stent deployment in vivo. The removable stent further includes features that increase its ease of use and reduce the maneuvering required of devices or tools used to remove the stent. This then decreases the amount of effort required by the physician, the procedure time, and the level of discomfort experienced by a patient during the procedure.

Abstract: A device for treating leakage from an external orifice in the body of a patent which comprises a first member having a body-contacting first surface and an opposing second surface about an aperture, which first surface is attachable to the patient with said aperture positioned over said orifice, and a second member integral with said second surface, which second member comprises a valve mounted over said aperture, which valve has a closed position which prevents leakage of fluid through the device and an open position which allows fluid to flow through said aperture when desired, the closed and open positions being achievable without removing the device from the body of the patient.

Abstract: A pump assembly for a penile implant is provided having a mechanism that prevents spontaneous inflation of the cylinders implanted within the patient. The preventative mechanism includes a switching mechanism for moving a valve into either a closed or an open position. When closed, the locking valve prevents fluid flow in an adverse direction. While open, the pump functions normally allowing the cylinders to be inflated.

Abstract: A foreign body retrieval device is disclosed. The device moves between an open position for receiving the foreign body and a closed position for capturing the foreign body. A novel method for retrieving a foreign body such as a stent is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pump assembly for a penile implant is provided having a mechanism that prevents spontaneous inflation of the cylinders implanted within the patient. The preventative mechanism includes a switching mechanism for moving a valve into either a closed or an open position. When closed, the locking valve prevents fluid flow in an adverse direction. While open, the pump functions normally allowing the cylinders to be inflated.

Abstract: A design and method of manufacture are disclosed for a female continence augmentor device used to alleviate urinary incontinence. The female continence augmentor includes a mount formed of a resilient material, an intralumenal part carried on the mount and a resilient portion carried on the intralumenal part of device. The mount adheres to the female body about the urethral exit to support the female augmentor into position to prevent inadvertent urine loss. The intralumenal part of the device extends from the mount into the urethral lumen at least to the mid-urethra. In particular, the resilient portion of the intralumenal part extends into the urethra and is adapted to at least urge the dorsal urethral wall in the dorsal direction to stretch and/or reshape the mid-urethral lumen to have a more arcuate shape. Thus, the mid-urethral lumen in cross-section would preferably exhibit a crescent shape of smaller radius.

Abstract: A device for treating leakage from an external orifice in the body of a patient which comprises a first member having a body-contacting first surface and an opposing second surface about an aperture, which first surface is attachable to the patient with said aperture positioned over said orifice, and a second member integral with said second surface, which second member comprises a valve mounted over said aperture, which valve has a closed position which prevents leakage of fluid through the device and an open position which allows fluid to flow through said aperture when desired, the closed and open positions being achievable without removing the device from the body of the patient.

Abstract: A female continence augmentor stops involuntary urine loss due to transient increases in bladder pressure but allows urine flow when automatically opened by transmitted bladder pressure during voluntary voiding. The augmentor improves coaptation and increases midurethral resistance to opening with a resilient mount releasably adhered adhesively to the body in position to prevent inadvertent urine loss. An intralumenal part on the mount has a resilient portion extending into the urethra for urging the dorsal midurethral wall in a dorsal direction for stretching and/or reshaping the midurethral lumen to an arc. The portion has a member located to engage the midurethral wall. A coaptation improver on the member engages with the adjacent midurethra. The improver carries biocompatible hydrophilic material adapted to coact with mucus and mucosa within the urethra. A coated biocompatible hydrophilic membrane can be the member with opposed generally rectangular major surfaces and is circumscribed by an edge.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering laser energy to a target through a radiation-transmitting waveguide having a distal end terminating in a tip which is in contact with the target during delivery, while protecting the tip from heat damage, which apparatus comprises a waveguide for transmitting laser radiation and having a distal end terminating in a tip adapted to be placed in contact with the target to deliver laser energy directly to the target at the site of contact, and means for delivering a controlled small amount of liquid to the target adjacent to the tip, which small amount is just sufficient to limit the temperature at the target to not more than the failure temperature of the tip. An apparatus assembly for performing ILC incorporating a waveguide and a method for protecting the tip of a waveguide from damage is also disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable penile prosthesis comprises a tubular body for implantation in a patient's penis and a fluid reservoir for implantation in a patient's body outside the penis. The tubular body and reservoir are in fluid communication with each other. The tubular body comprises a tubular chamber which is inflatable from a flaccid to an erect state when filled substantially to capacity. Fluid flow to and from the chamber is by way of a manually actuatable valve system. The valve system moves between an open position allowing for change from the erect state to the flaccid state, and a closed position allowing for change from the flaccid state to the erect state.

Abstract: An implantable penile prosthesis comprises a tubular body for implantation in a patient's penis and a fluid reservoir for implantation in a patient's body outside the penis. The tubular body and reservoir are in fluid communication with each other. The tubular body comprises a tubular chamber which is inflatable from a flaccid to an erect state when filled substantially to capacity. Fluid flow to and from the chamber is by way of a manually actuatable valve system. The valve system moves between an open position allowing for change from the erect state to the flaccid state, and a closed position allowing for change from the flaccid state to the erect state. The valve system is movable from the second closed position to the first open position by bending of the penis.