Abstract: A hemostatic clip delivery system cooperable with an elevator of an endoscope and a method of treating a target with the system are disclosed. The system comprises a delivery apparatus comprising an operating wire, an outer sheath and a handle. The operating wire is cooperable with the elevator of the endoscope and slidably disposed within the outer sheath. The system further comprises a hemostatic clip cooperable with the delivery apparatus. The clip comprises a first retainer, a plurality of arms extending distally from the first retainer, and a sliding ring disposed about the plurality of arms. The arms are shaped so that the arms tend to be spaced apart from each other. The sliding ring is configured to close the arms together as the elevator engages and moves the sliding ring toward the arms by retraction of the operating wire.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus cooperable with a grasping slot of an elevator of endoscope for enhanced delivery to a target location in a patient is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a catheter including an inner lumen and an outer surface. The outer surface has a projection formed thereon. The projection radially extends from the outer surface. The projection is configured to receive the elevator for enhanced delivery in the patient.

Abstract: A stapler for delivering a staple formed from a shape memory material is disclosed. The staple includes a first tine and a second tine connected by a bridge. The staple may be disposed within the stapler in an open position with the first tine distal of the second tine. The stapler is configured to sequentially deliver the first tine and the second tine, respectively, to opposing body tissues. The stapler includes an elongate shaft (e.g., a catheter) having a working lumen and a control mechanism for delivering the staple. A drive cable extends along the working lumen of the elongate shaft. Upon warming up to a temperature at or above a transformation temperature of the shape memory material, the staple may assume a closed position, thus drawing together opposing body tissues and closing an incision.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising an intragastric member re-configurable from a first configuration to a second configuration, the first configuration being sufficiently small to permit introduction of said intragastric member into a gastric lumen of a mammal, the second configuration being sufficiently large to prevent said intragastric device from passing through the mammal's pylorus, wherein said intragastric member comprises a plurality of spaced apart openings. The intragastric member comprises an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the elongate member is threaded through the openings of the intragastric member, and the intragastric member is disposed between the proximal end and the distal end of the elongate member. The apparatus also comprises a proximal stopper engaged to the distal end of the elongate member and a proximal stopper engaged to the proximal end of the elongate member for securing the intragastric member upon delivery into the gastric lumen of the patient.

Abstract: A hemostasis flushing device includes a main body having a proximal end and a distal end wherein a lumen extends between the proximal end and the distal end of the main body. A flush port is disposed between the proximal end and the distal end of the main body for passing fluid into or out of the main body. An access port is disposed along the proximal end of the main body for receiving an inserted elongate medical device. An attachment port is disposed on the distal end of the main body for allowing a hemostasis flushing device to be connected to an endoscope. The attachment port may also include an annular tip, wherein the annular tip provides an opening for the elongate medical device to extend into the accessory channel of the endoscope.

Abstract: A multi-clip device for hemostasis includes an introducing tube (outer sheath) insertable into a body cavity. An operating wire is disposed within the introducing tube, and is advanceable and retractable within the introducing tube. A plurality of detachable clips are arranged in a serial fashion within the introducing tube. Each clip has an engagement portion at the proximal end thereof and a plurality of arms extending towards the distal end thereof. The distal end of the operating wire engages the engagement portion of the proximal most clip, and the arms of the proximal most clip engage the engagement portion of the adjacent distally located clip. An expandable collar is slidably disposed about the arms of the clip and is configured such that when the collar is moved distally over the arms it closes and holds them in a closed position.

Abstract: An endoscopic cutting device is disclosed. The device comprises an inner catheter including an inner wall having an opening formed therethrough. The inner wall further has a cutting blade moveably disposed thereon and biasingly extends through the opening. The inner wall has a receiving member disposed thereon and is configured to cooperatively receive the cutting blade. The device further comprises an outer catheter including an outer wall moveably disposed about the inner catheter. The outer wall has an aperture formed therethrough. The aperture is configured to moveably align with the opening of the inner wall for allowing the cutting blade to biasingly extend through the opening and biasingly engage the cutting blade with the receiving member to cut.

Abstract: A biopsy forceps and method of using the biopsy forceps. The biopsy forceps includes a plurality of grasping members extending from an inner shaft. The plurality of grasping members are biased toward an open configuration. Sliding a sheath over the grasping members constrains the grasping members to a closed configuration. A method of performing a tissue biopsy is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method comprising at least one intragastric member or artificial bezoar made of a digestive-resistant or substantially indigestible material that is introduced into a gastric lumen of a mammal for the treatment of obesity. The intragastric member or artificial bezoar is typically at inserted into the gastric lumen in a partially compacted configuration, whereby it is then manipulated into, or allowed to assume, a second expanded configuration sufficiently large to remain within the reservoir of the stomach during normal activities and not be passed through the pylorus into the intestines. In animals, the present invention has been found to be effective in achieving weight loss over a several month period, while being easy to place and retrieve.

Abstract: A medical device for allowing a physician to unhand a scope or other instruments while maintaining control of the scope or other instruments during a medical procedure. The medical device includes at least one docks and a harness for attaching the dock to the physician's body. The harness can be adjustable, or sized to fit a specific physician. During a procedure, a physician outfitted with the medical device can place a scope and/or other instrument in the dock(s). Once the scope and/or other instrument is placed in the dock(s), the physicians hands are free to perform other procedures, while the physician continually controls the relative position of the scope with respect to the physician or the patient.

Abstract: A medical system for approximating the esophageal sacs in an infant afflicted with esophageal atresia. The medical device includes an esophageal catheter and a gastric catheter. The distal end of the esophageal catheter, which includes a magnetic tip, is passed through the esophagus to the upper esophageal sac. The distal end of the gastric catheter, which also includes a magnetic tip, is passed through a gastrostomy and into the lower esophageal sac. The magnetic forces created by both magnets results in approximation of the esophageal sacs. Pressure-induced necrosis establishes a passageway between the esophageal sacs. A stent or stent-graft can be deployed within the established passageway to prevent re-stenosis of the esophagus.

Abstract: A needle system is disclosed and a method for performing fine needle aspiration of a target tissue is disclosed. The disclosed needle system may be used during fine needle aspiration of a target tissue that is obstructed or partially obstructed by a tumor or other lesion by heating the needle system prior to advancing the needle system through the tumor or other lesion and subsequently advancing the heated needle system through the tumor or other lesion. This method may substantially prevent the seeding of cancerous cells during fine needle aspiration.