Abstract: An implantable medical device detachment system is provided with a carrier member having a compressible portion at a distal end thereof. The compressible portion is moved to a compressed condition to allow an engagement member of the system to releasably engage an implantable device, such as an embolic coil. The carrier member and associated implantable device are fed through a body vessel to a target location, where the device is disengaged from the engagement member. The compressible portion then moves from the compressed condition to an elongated condition to completely separate the implantable device from the engagement member.

Abstract: A gripping device for a catheter assembly is disclosed providing enhanced gripping power for the operator of the catheter assembly. The gripping device is situated at the proximal portion of the catheter assembly and the proximal terminus of an external catheter sheath is attached near or to the body of the gripping device.

Abstract: A balloon catheter may comprise a primary inflation balloon and a Secondary inflation balloon located to one side of the primary inflation balloon. The secondary balloon comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion located closer to the primary balloon. The second portion has a greater size than the first portion, and a portion of the second portion extends outwardly beyond the first portion and overhangs the first portion. In some embodiments, a cross-sectional shape of the secondary balloon in an inflated state comprises a mushroom shape.

Abstract: One preferred embodiment includes a guidewire manipulation device for manipulating a guidewire during a procedure. Preferably, the guidewire manipulation device includes a powered motor that drives a tandem roller assembly. The guidewire is passed through a hole positioned lengthwise through the device where the roller assembly engages the guidewire's outer surface. The interface of the manipulation device includes a power button that directs the internal roller assembly to roll the guidewire in a desired rotational direction. Additional interface controls are also preferable to provide a different roll patterns, depending upon surgeon preference and guidewire placement efficiency.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for limiting absorption of food products in specific parts of the digestive system is presented. A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the stomach and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for anchoring the device to the stomach and a flexible sleeve to limit absorption of nutrients in the duodenum. The anchor is collapsible for endoscopic delivery and removal.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus and devices for performing improved gynecologic and urologic procedures are disclosed. Patient benefit is achieved through improved outcomes, reduced pain, especially peri-procedural pain, and reduced recovery times. The various embodiments enable procedures to be performed outside the hospital setting, such as in a doctor's office or clinic. Distension is achieved mechanically, rather than with liquid distension media, thereby eliminating the risk of intravasation.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus and devices for performing improved gynecologic and urologic procedures are disclosed. An access sheath is provided with at least one lumen, and a lens attached thereto. The various embodiments enable procedures to be performed outside the hospital setting, such as in a doctor's office or clinic.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus and devices for performing improved gynecologic and urologic procedures are disclosed. An intrauterine access and procedure system includes a laterally deflectable sheath. The various embodiments enable procedures to be performed outside the hospital setting, such as in a doctor's office or clinic.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus and devices for performing improved gynecologic and urologic procedures are disclosed. The system and devices provide simplified use and reduced risk of adverse events. Patient benefit is achieved through improved outcomes, reduced pain, especially peri-procedural pain, and reduced recovery times. The various embodiments enable procedures to be performed outside the hospital setting, such as in a doctor's office or clinic. An intrauterine access end procedure system includes a mechanical distension element, to eliminate the need for liquid distension media at pressure sufficient to create a risk of intravasation.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus and devices for performing improved gynecologic and urologic procedures are disclosed. The system is configured to permit simultaneous tissue cutting and removal from a target site. The various embodiments enable procedures to be performed outside the hospital setting, such as in a doctor's office or clinic.

Abstract: A device disclosed is a device for protecting soft tissues and for assisting in the performance of surgical procedure involving incision of tissues. The incision having a longitude section and two ends, and the device comprises a flexible sheet configured to be placed on the tissue, wherein the sheet outlines the tissue. According to one preferred embodiment the device provides indication for the location for performing the incision. According to further embodiments the device can comprise attaching means for attaching the device.

Abstract: The invention is directed to instruments and procedures using such instruments for temporarily reducing or terminating blood flow through a female patient's uterine artery to treat post partum hemorrhage (PPH). The uterine artery is occluded by a clamping device which includes a pair of pivotally connected clamping members, with each of the clamping members having a handle and a clamping element at the distal end of the handle. The clamping elements are inclined with respect to the longitudinal axes of the handles at an included obtuse angle between about 120° and about 170°, preferably between about 130° and 160°. An artery locating sensor is provided on the distal end of at least one of the clamping elements. Preferably, the artery locating sensor is a Doppler ultrasound blood flow sensor.

Abstract: Perforating a biological membrane by (i) obtaining a medical device having a longitudinally elongated shaft and a blunt tipped contact face disposed at the longitudinal distal end of the shaft, and (ii) concurrently pressing the contact face against a biological membrane and rotating the shaft about the longitudinal axis so as to effect rotation of the contact face and the biological membrane about a longitudinal centerpoint on the contact face until the membrane is perforated.

Abstract: A medical device position guidance system having a noninvasive medical device communicable with an invasive medical device. The system provides outputs useful to assess the position of an invasive medical device in an animal, such as a human. A magnetic field is used to gather information about the position of the invasive device. Radio waves are used to communicate this information between the noninvasive device and the invasive device.

Abstract: Precision control systems for tissue visualization and manipulation assemblies are described herein where such devices may utilise a variety of apparatus and methods for facilitating advancement, articulation, control, navigation, etc. of systems which may be used to visual and/or treat tissue regions. Additionally, methods and devices for enhancing navigation of the device through a patient body are also described.

Abstract: A marking catheter made out of a flexible material and having a closed distal end and an open proximal end is provided. The marking catheter is sized and shaped to fit over the probe of a frameless stereotaxy system. One or more marking catheters may be positioned using the frameless stereotaxy system to define accurately an area identified in pre-operative imaging. For example, a plurality of marking catheters may be used to define physically the margins of a brain lesion. The brain lesion may then be removed to expose the positioned catheters, thereby assuring complete and effective lesion removal. The flexible catheters will move with any brain-shift occurring during lesion removal, thereby to maintain an accurate indication of the lesion margin.

Abstract: A ligating band dispenser for attachment to an endoscope having sliding elements that are positioned on the outer surface of a support structure of the ligating band dispenser. The sliding elements may be slidably engaged to the support structure. For example, the sliding elements may slide along a groove on the outer surface of the support structure. The sliding elements are advanced forward along the groove, causing the sliding elements to impact a ligating band and push the ligating band forward until it is deployed off the dispenser.

Abstract: A vascular closure delivery system for closing a tissue wall opening is provided. In one embodiment, the vascular closure delivery system comprises a suturing apparatus and suture delivery unit and a suture knot system. The suturing apparatus and suture delivery unit comprises at least one tube, at least one leg, a tensioning device, a pusher, a suturing apparatus, and an actuator. The at least one tube is configured to house the pusher and the suturing apparatus and has an expulsion end. The at least one leg has a first end and a second and is coupled to the at least one tube proximate the first end of the leg. The tensioning device is coupled to the at least one leg proximate the second end of the leg. The pusher has a suturing apparatus engaging end and is slidably disposed within the tube. The suturing apparatus has a sharp end and an opposite end and is slidably disposed within the tube. A suture is associated with the suturing apparatus. The actuator is operatively associated with the pusher.

Abstract: A suture delivery device for insertion into an internal tissue wall opening and delivery of a suturing apparatus to the internal tissue wall is provided. In one embodiment, the suture delivery device comprises at least one carrier tube, at least one leg, and a tensioning device. The at least one carrier tube is configured to house a pusher and a suturing apparatus, the carrier tube having an expulsion end. The at least one leg is coupled to the at least one tube at a first end of the leg. The tensioning device is pivotally coupled to the at least one leg at a second end of the leg. When the at least one leg is in an open position, the tensioning device exerts tension on the leg such that the leg is movably suspended and can pivot about the tensioning device in response to contacting a tissue wall, and the pusher and suturing apparatus are in an delivery configuration for delivery of the suturing apparatus to the internal tissue wall.

Abstract: An automated needle deployment device is provided. In one embodiment, the automated needle deployment device comprises a pusher, a needle, a tube, and an actuator. The pusher has a needle engaging end. The needle has a sharp end and an opposite end. A suture is associated with the needle. The pusher and needle are slidably disposed within the tube. The actuator comprises a control and a spring and is operatively associated with the pusher. Actuation of the actuator moves the pusher towards the needle expulsion end of the tube such that the needle engaging end of the pusher engages the needle and expels the needle from the tube.

Abstract: Suturing instruments and methods for placing mattress stitches in soft tissue allowing the practitioner to selectively control placement of each stitch of the mattress stitch and/or place the stitch deeper into tissue by pulling tissue farther into the device are described herein.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods and devices are provided for tensioning suture. The methods and devices are particularly useful in surgical suturing applications in which it is desirable to maintain tension on suture being delivered, yet to allow the tension to be released as desired without retracting the suture. Thus, when tension is released, a length of suture extended from the device can remain extended without any tension being applied thereto. Tension is only applied to any additional length of suture that is extended from the device. The tension applied to the suture is proportional to the length of the suture extended from the device until the tension is released and reset.

Abstract: A knot pusher device for deploying a plurality of pretied knots to a surgical site is provided. In one embodiment, the knot pusher device comprises a shaft, an inner tubular member, and an inner rod, each having a proximal end and a distal end. The inner tubular member is provided within the shaft and is radially translatable with respect to the shaft. The inner rod is provided within the inner tubular member and is slidably coupled to the inner tubular member and is axially translatable with respect thereto.

Abstract: The aim of the device is to achieve direct and supervised complete closure of the Port Site wound. The following advantages will be procured simultaneously: 1. Preservation of the initial shape of the wound channel. 2. Preservation of the stable layer structure of the Port Site wound during the suturing. 3. Precise, supervised, semi-automatic insertion of the thread-guiding members.

Abstract: Systems and methods for directly restoring the volume of one or more intervertebral foramen (IVF) within a spine.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal implant system includes an adjustable restriction device having a contact surface configured for at least partially engaging a surface of a gastrointestinal tract of a mammal. The implant system further includes an implantable interface including a first driving element, the first driving element being moveable and operatively coupled to the adjustable restriction device by an actuator configured to change the dimension or configuration of the contact surface in response to movement of the first driving element. The system also includes an external adjustment device having a second driving element configured to non-invasively engage the first driving element of the implantable interface from a location external to the mammal. In the system, actuation of the second driving element of the external adjustment device produces movement in the first driving element of the implantable interface and results in a change in the dimension or configuration of the contact surface.

Abstract: Devices for insertion into an atrial appendage of stasis reducing components such as mesh members, chemical bonding agents or expandable anchors are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides devices, systems and methods for tissue approximation and repair at treatment sites. The devices, systems and methods of the invention will find use in a variety of therapeutic procedures, including endovascular, minimally-invasive, and open surgical procedures, and can be used in various anatomical regions, including the abdomen, thorax, cardiovascular system, heart, intestinal tract, stomach, urinary tract, bladder, lung, and other organs, vessels, and tissues. The invention is particularly useful in those procedures requiring minimally-invasive or endovascular access to remote tissue locations, where the instruments utilized must negotiate long, narrow, and tortuous pathways to the treatment site. In addition, many of the devices and systems of the invention are adapted to be reversible and removable from the patient at any point without interference with or trauma to internal tissues.

Abstract: A surgical marker/connector can be provided in the form of a ring made of a fluoroscopic material, including a shape memory alloy such as NITINOL. The ring preferably includes a plurality of small suture attachments in the form of loops that are disposed on the periphery of the ring and which lie in a plane that includes the ring itself. The loops are large enough to receive sutures which, in turn, can be used to connect the ring to a portion of a patient's body, or to connect separate portions of a patient's body to each other using the marker/connector as an intermediate connector. If the ring is made of a shape memory alloy, the ring can be wrapped tightly about an elongate member such as a mandrel, which than can be inserted into the patient's body through a trochar or cannula. After insertion, the ring will change temperature and resume its original configuration where it can be sutured in place as desired.

Abstract: The invention describes a device and method for anchoring two or more body tissue layers to one another. The device in one form may be a hollow, collapsible, microthin polymeric shaft affixed to a noncollapsible tip at a distal end of die polymeric shaft. A preformed balloonable distention formed in a discrete region of the shaft proximal to die noncollapsible tip would be adapted to anchor against one of die body tissue layers within a body orifice. A rod attached at one end to the tip which extends along die shaft and terminates at a second end near a proximal end of the device would be used for transferring movement from the second end to die first end so as to effect a movement in the tip. The method pertains to the method of using such a device to secure one or more tissue layers together, ultimately to assist in the fusion of the layers.

Abstract: A hand tool and method of use for forming a flange on the end of a vascular graft is disclosed that includes a housing having a handle portion fixed to a trigger portion. A trigger is pivotally fixed within the housing at a lower side of the trigger portion, and includes a finger portion projecting downwardly from the housing. The trigger also includes an actuator portion, connected proximate a pivot that is connected itself to the finger portion. An anvil is pivotally fixed at a first end thereof within and to the trigger portion of the housing. Further, the anvil is slidably fixed at a second end to the actuator portion of the trigger. The anvil has a rigid top surface with a deformation portion thereon. A plurality of mandrels is adapted to laterally engage the deformation portion of the anvil, and each include a spring means for urging the mandrels towards the deformation portion of the anvil.

Abstract: An anastomosis device providing increased functionality, reliability and safety through the use of designs addressing potential puncture of an inflation balloon being used to hold and approximate tissue. The anastomosis device can include bladder retention structures configured to engage and retain tissue without pointed or sharpened surfaces that can rupture the inflation balloon. The anastomosis device can include a reinforced or otherwise protected inflation balloon to resist puncturing by a bladder retention structure. The anastomosis device can include a catheter wall profile selected to physically prevent bladder retention structures from being forcibly bent back so as to avoid potential contact with and puncture of the inflation balloon. The anastomosis device can include a catheter funnel with an internal spring for preventing kinking of the catheter lumen while providing for flexibility and stretch of the funnel to absorb pulling or shock force which can rupture the inflation balloon.

Abstract: An improved fluid port for use in an adjustable gastric banding system that can be laparoscopically-implanted around the upper stomach of an obese patient as part of a procedure to help in weight reduction. The improved fluid port is coupled to a conventional constriction collar of the banding system by way of bio-compatible fluid tubing. The fluid port includes a rigid liner having a needle cannula receiving fluid reservoir at one end thereof at which fluid is added to or withdrawn from the constriction collar and a reservoir extension at the opposite end to be mated to the fluid tubing. The fluid reservoir and the reservoir extension are aligned with one another at an angle so as to be oriented following implantation (e.g., below the xiphoid bone where layers of fat and muscle are minimal) to be quickly and easily located by palpating the patient's skin at the bottom of the sternum immediately below the xyphoid process.

Abstract: Thin film metallic devices implantable within a human subject for occlusion of an aneurysm or blood vessel are provided. The devices are movable from a porous, elongated, collapsed configuration for delivery to a deployed configuration within the body. The pores telescope as the device moves to its deployed configuration, which causes the device to longitudinally foreshorten and radially expand, while also decreasing in porosity for preventing blood flow. The occlusion devices may be either self-supporting or supported by a strut structure. Additionally, the occlusion devices may comprise a plurality of layers having unaligned pore systems which further reduce porosity in the deployed configuration.

Abstract: A system for securing an implantable apparatus to a mammal includes a mount including a base portion having a plurality of holes dimensioned to receive rotationally-driven fasteners, each fastener comprising a helical portion having a tip configured for tissue penetration, the mount configured to secure the implantable apparatus relative to tissue of the mammal upon driving the fasteners into the tissue. The system further includes a fastening tool configured to rotationally drive the helical portion of the fasteners into the tissue. The mount may be secured to the fascia covering the sternum via a subcutaneous securement method, or it may be attached to the intra-abdominal wall, behind the sternum, or it may be attached to the sternum directly via bone screws or the like.

Abstract: Pulmonary artery banding device (1) includes an inflating banding ring (2), to be installed around the patient's pulmonary artery (PA), an extending tube (3), and an insufflating button (4), the extending tube (3) connecting insufflating button (4) to the banding inflating ring, the banding ring being configured as a C-shape hydraulic sleeve forming a support for an inflating balloon, whose external wall (2a) is formed by a thin rigid silicon layer, and whose inside wall (2b) is formed by a thin flexible silicon layer, at the apart ends of the banding ring two brims being disposed (2c) to facilitate the size banding adjustment according with the pulmonary artery calibre (PA). The banding ring are provided with holes (2e) for passage of sutures fixating the ring on the pulmonary artery of the patient; the insufflating button being configured as a cylindrical reservoir and being provided with holes (4a) for sutures.

Abstract: A removing tool 1 having a tubular member 2 and guide wire 3 inserted into a vessel. The tubular member 2 has a removing portion 5 for removing an intravascular obstruction by contacting to the intravascular obstruction. The outer circumferential plane of the removing portion 5 has a spirally projecting portion 10. The tubular member 5 has an operating portion 6 held by an operator for operating the removing portion 5. A guide wire 3 guides the removing portion 5 to the position where the intravascular obstruction is formed. The operating portion 6 is operated by the operator to move the removing portion 5 back and forth in the longitudinal direction of the vessel.

Abstract: A device suitable for removing material from a living being is provided, featuring at least an aspiration pump, powered by a motor. The aspiration pump and any optional infusate pump preferably feature a helical pumping mechanism, and operate at a high rate of rotation, thereby ensuring adequate pumping performance and flexibility. The helical pumping mechanism may be a helical coiled wire about a central core tube. The helical coil wire, whether together with, or independent of, the core tube, may be rotated to cause a pumping action. Additionally, a narrow crossing profile is maintained, ensuring that the device may reach more tortuous regions of the vasculature. In one embodiment, the system comprises a wire-guided mono-rail catheter with a working head mounted on a flexible portion of the catheter that can laterally displace away from the guide wire to facilitate thrombus removal.

Abstract: A system for opening a lumen in an occluded blood vessel, e.g., a coronary bypass graft, of a living being. The method entails using an instrument to deploy the stent at occlusive material within the blood vessel to open the lumen, whereupon some debris may be produced. Operating a debris extraction system for removing debris during deployment of the stent.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument having a deflection detection circuit is disclosed. The instrument includes an ultrasonic probe configured to conduct electricity and positioned a predetermined distance from one or more tubes. The ultrasonic probe is adapted to be operatively connected to an ultrasonic generator for vibration. The instrument also includes a deflection detection circuit having a secondary power source and an indicator, the power source is configured to supply electrical current to the tube, the probe, and the indicator, wherein the circuit is configured to close in response to the probe contacting the tube when the probe is deflected toward the tube thereby activating the indicator.

Abstract: A skin incision device has a casing having a bottom surface with a slot formed therein, a cover positioned on the casing and slidable in a direction toward the bottom surface, a blade positioned in the casing adjacent the slot, an actuator cooperatively positioned between the cover and an interior of the casing, and a carriage element. The actuator engages the blade by its horizontal displacement triggered by the slidable movement of the cover toward the bottom surface of the casing. The carriage element guides the movement of the blade between a pre-actuated position and a post-actuated position. The blade moves outwardly through the slot, cuts with a horizontal movement, and returns inwardly through the slot.

Abstract: A lancing device comprises a cylinder, a plunger, a piston, a spring and an actuator. The cylinder includes a valve that is adapted to allow air to flow into the cylinder. The cylinder further forms an aperture. The plunger housing is adapted to seat a lancet therein. The piston is adapted to move within the cylinder. The piston is adapted to inhibit most of the air located within the cylinder from escaping between the cylinder and piston. The piston is attached to the plunger housing. The spring is located within the cylinder. The spring is located adjacent the piston opposite from the plunger housing. The actuator includes an inner shaft in which the inner shaft of the actuator extends into the cylinder through the aperture formed in the cylinder. The inner shaft is attached to the piston opposite from the plunger housing.

Abstract: A trocar obturator includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The trocar obturator also includes a tip positioned at the distal end of the shaft, the tip including a distally extending blade structure adapted to reduce penetration forces required during insertion of the trocar obturator. The blade structure includes a first cutting edge and a second cutting edge.

Abstract: A consecutive acupuncture device for consecutively inserting needles into afflicted sites of the body. The device comprises a cartridge charged with and storing one or more needles, a first magnet positioned at a side of the cartridge to pull a needle stored in the cartridge by magnetic force and automatically place the needle at a striking position, striking means positioned on the cartridge to strike the needle placed at the striking position and insert the needle into an afflicted site of the body, and a discharge section positioned underneath the cartridge and defined with a hole through which the needle struck by the striking means is discharged. By storing one or more needles in the cartridge in a disarranged state and pressing a button, the stored needles can be driven one by one into the afflicted sites of the body.

Abstract: There are disclosed various embodiments of a balloon dissector and balloon tip cannula assembly which are provided to facilitate forming an anatomical space within the body, such as, for example, an anatomical space in the abdominal cavity or extraperitoneal space for facilitating hernia repair surgeries. The balloon dissector and balloon tip cannula assembly generally includes a balloon tip cannula assembly for anchoring the device to the abdominal wall and a balloon dissector assembly having a dissection balloon at a distal end for separating apart tissue layers and forming an anatomical space. Various structures are provided to connect the balloon dissector assembly to the balloon tip cannula assembly. Obturators associated with the balloon dissector assembly and the balloon tip cannula assembly may also be provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides balloon dissection apparatus and methods of use in which an elongate balloon is utilized to dissect along a region that follows a naturally existing path alongside a vessel or structure, such as an artery, a vein, a lymphatic vessel, the trachea, the esophagus, or even a nerve bundle.

Abstract: A vascular occlusion device that includes an inner embolic member at least partially covered by an expandable generally tubular mesh. The expandable tubular mesh typically comprises a unitary wall with apertures through the wall to assist in the expansion of the generally tubular mesh.

Abstract: A biodegradable balloon adapted to exert pressure on a hole formed in a lumen in the body when placed adjacent to the hole, inside the body, and expanded, and adapted to remain in place thereafter and to be absorbed by the body.

Abstract: A method for inducing weight loss with a patient, using the step of providing an implant for placement within the stomach wherein the implant is a member having an undeployed shape for delivery to the stomach and a deployed shape for implantation therein. The method also involves the step of delivering the member to the stomach while in its undeployed shape. The method further involves the step of exerting an outward force against an interior of the stomach so as to bring together two substantially opposing surfaces of the hollow body by placing the member in its deployed position.

Abstract: An extractable device is used to insert a medicinal filling into a spinal disc. The device comprises a filling member and a flowable medicine. The filling member is made of a flexible and permeable wall and is provided with a holding portion and an injection port via which the flowable medicine is injected into the holding portion after the filling member is inserted into the spinal disc. The holding portion is provided with an opening which is releasably lashed by one end of one or more threads so as to make the opening leakproof. Upon completion of solidification of the flowable medicine in the holding portion of the filling member, other end of the thread is pulled to unlash the opening of the holding portion, thereby enabling the filling member to be extracted from the spinal disc so as to leave only the medicine in the spinal disc.