Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing a first elongate medical device and short wire guide that are coupled together into a work site and remotely disconnecting them within the work site such that a secondary device comprising a catheter member can be introduced over the wire guide to the work site, and/or a second wire guide can be introduced to the work site via a passageway of the primary access device. A system of indicia, such as radiopaque or viewable markers, permit the operator to monitor the relative alignment of the devices within the work site to determine when uncoupling has occurred. In one example of the method, a wire guide and primary access device (e.g., a sphincterotome) is coupled to the wire guide and introduced via a duodenoscope into the biliary system. After performing a first medical operation, the devices are uncoupled with the wire guide being left within the biliary system such that a secondary access device, such as a balloon, biopsy device, stent delivery catheter, dilator, etc.

Abstract: A stent delivery system for positioning a first and second stent the first and second branch lumens of a bifurcation. The stent delivery system includes stent introducers and a sheath or catheter having a frangible wall. A method of delivering stents to anatomies such as bifurcated ducts or vessels.

Abstract: A stent introducer apparatus includes a handle having a housing and a rotatable reel. An inner stent carrier having a proximal end and a distal end is provided, with the proximal end being connected to the housing of the handle. An outer sheath movably disposed about the inner stent carrier and having a proximal end and a distal end is provided, with the proximal end being connected to the reel of the handle. Rotation of the reel relative to the housing peels the outer sheath away from the inner stent carrier so as to move the outer sheath proximally relative to the inner stent carrier, thereby exposing the distal end of the inner stent carrier. The inner stent carrier has a stent carrying portion at its distal end to carry a stent that is deployed when the distal end of the inner stent carrier is exposed.

Abstract: A stent delivery system for positioning a first and second stent the first and second branch lumens of a bifurcation. The stent delivery system includes stent introducers and a sheath or catheter having a frangible wall. A method of delivering stents to anatomies such as bifurcated ducts or vessels.

Abstract: An apparatus and method comprising one or more intragastric balloons comprising a foam material disposed within the gastric lumen of a mammal. When the foam material is disposed within the one or more balloons, the one or more intragastric balloons are configured to prevent the intragastric device from passing through the mammal's pylorus. The one or more intragastric balloons are loaded onto a delivery tube in a partially compacted first configuration and delivered through an overtube. The overtube includes a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen configured to receive the one or more intragastric balloons in the first configuration for delivery into the gastric lumen wherein the one or more intragastric balloons are expanded to a second configuration upon delivery of the foam material. The foam material is delivered through an inflation tube attached to an opening of the one or more intragastric balloons.

Abstract: A apparatus is disclosed that is adapted for delivery of a multiplicity of pre-loaded ligating bands within patient, such as to treat hemorrhoidal tissue. The apparatus comprises a delivery member that includes a tissue receiving chamber at the distal end that communicates with a passageway that represents part of the main suction pathway that connects with a suction means. The proximal portion of the apparatus includes an actuating mechanism that is operatively connected to one or more band carrier elements, such as strands with bead-like retainers, which receive and urge the ligating bands over the delivery member for deployment. The actuating mechanism and suction actuating interface are configured such that they can be controlled while the operator retains the other hand for another operation, such as to manipulate an anoscope. In one embodiment, the proximal portion includes a pistol-shaped grip portion, while the actuating mechanism comprises a knurled wheel.

Abstract: A stent introducer apparatus comprising an introducer catheter and a pusher assembly configured to deliver a stent, such as a self-expanding stent, within a tortuous duct or vessel, even if the pusher member is acutely positioned during deployment. The pusher assembly includes a first tubular portion comprising a material with high column strength and a shorter second tubular portion made of a highly flexible material. The second tubular portion is divided into a distal, stent-carrying section and a proximal, flexible section. The second tubular portion may be made of a smaller diameter than the first tubular portion to reduce possible impingement by the introducer catheter is the latter kinks during a procedure. A soft pusher member is disposed at location between the stent-carrying and flexible sections to absorb preload pressure and to urge the stent from the distal end of the introducer catheter.

Abstract: A apparatus is disclosed that is adapted for delivery of a multiplicity of pre-loaded ligating bands within patient, such as to treat hemorrhoidal tissue. The apparatus comprises a delivery member that includes a tissue receiving chamber at the distal end that communicates with a passageway that represents part of the main suction pathway that connects with a suction means. The proximal portion of the apparatus includes an actuating mechanism that is operatively connected to one or more band carrier elements, such as strands with bead-like retainers, which receive and urge the ligating bands over the delivery member for deployment. The actuating mechanism and suction actuating interface are configured such that they can be controlled while the operator retains the other hand for another operation, such as to manipulate an anoscope. In one embodiment, the proximal portion includes a pistol-shaped grip portion, while the actuating mechanism comprises a knurled wheel.