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: A surgical tool which comprises an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, first and second sets of tissue approximating structures having deployed and retracted positions relative to the elongated body, an actuating mechanism extending from the proximal end of the elongated body for independently deploying and retracting each of the first and second sets of tissue approximating structures, a drainage lumen extending from a drainage aperture at the distal end of the elongated body to the proximal end, a main balloon adjacent to the distal end of the elongated body, and a strap connector extending from the elongated body that is connectable with a stabilization strap.

Abstract: An anastomosis surgical device comprising an elongate body having a drainage aperture at a distal end for communication with a proximal end of the elongate body, tissue approximating structure extendable from the elongate body and spaced proximally from the drainage aperture along the length of the elongate body. The device further includes an actuating mechanism extending from the proximal end of the elongate body and comprising at least one tissue approximating structure control mechanism, and a protective enclosure surrounding at least a portion of the actuating mechanism.

Abstract: The tissue approximating structures for the anastomosis devices of the invention preferably include two sets of approximating structures or tines spaced from each other along the length of a catheter body that can be extended and retracted from the catheter body. Each of the sets of tissue approximating structures is preferably sequentially deployable in such a way that the surgeon can activate a first set of tines to engage a first tissue structure, verify that an adjacent second tissue structure is properly positioned relative to the first tissue structure, then activate a second set of tines to engage that adjacent second tissue structure. Each of the sets of tines is preferably controlled by a single actuation mechanism that is attached to the anastomosis device and is positioned outside the patient's body.

Abstract: The anastomosis devices of the invention advantageously provide reinforcement structures or components that increase the strength and/or flexibility of the device. These features can be especially beneficial to protect the integrity of the installation of the device within a patient to facilitate the healing process. These features may provide resistance to tearing or ripping of the catheter body or sheath by the tissue approximating structures and/or may provide strength in other areas of the catheter body. The anastomosis devices of the invention may further include method and devices for placing markers on the anastomosis device to facilitate accurate placement of the device within the patient.

Abstract: Described are surgical implants that include a central support portion adapted to be positioned to support pelvic tissue, between mesh end portions adapted to be passed through body tissue, wherein edges of the end portions exhibit extensions that are resistant to deformation.

Abstract: Described are surgical implants, tools, systems, and related methods, useful for implantation of surgical implants, such as those used to treat pelvic conditions including incontinence.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a braided wire stent to a predetermined length such that a ball or sphere is formed on the end of each cut wire of the stent. These spheres are advantageous in that they provide added comfort to the patient and also act against the other wires of the stent to prevent the stent from becoming unbraided during the process of collapsing and expanding the stent such as is done when the stent is being inserted into a patient. The apparatus releasably holds and precisely positions the wires while the spheres are being formed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a braided wire stent to a predetermined length such that a ball or sphere is formed on the end of each cut wire of the stent. These spheres are advantageous in that they provide added comfort to the patient and also act against the other wires of the stent to prevent the stent from becoming unbraided during the process of collapsing and expanding the stent such as is done when the stent is being inserted into a patient. The apparatus releasably holds and precisely positions the wires while the spheres are being formed.

Abstract: Described are devices and methods related to the needleless injection of fluid into tissue of the lower urinary tract, such as the urethra and prostate.

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 method and apparatus for cutting a braided wire stent to a predetermined length such that a ball or sphere is formed on the end of each cut wire of the stent. These spheres are advantageous in that they provide added comfort to the patient and also act against the other wires of the stent to prevent the stent from becoming unbraided during the process of collapsing and expanding the stent such as is done when the stent is being inserted into a patient. The apparatus releasably holds and precisely positions the wires while the spheres are being formed.