Abstract: Disclosed herein is a flexible single piece active element for use in connection with aspirating electrosurgical ablators, particularly those configured for bulk tissue vaporization. The active electrode elements of the present invention provide a simple construction suitable for use with a wide array of electrosurgical components and adjustable to wide range of angled positions to permit access to a variety of tissues, in an array of diverse environments and address a host of ablation needs. Additionally, the novel geometry and positioning of both ablation surface and aspiration ports permit aspiration flow to remove primarily waste heat rather than process heat, to thereby improve vaporization efficiency and reduce procedure time. Thus, active electrodes and ablation devices of the present invention maximize efficiency and adaptability while minimizing manufacturing cost and device profile.

Abstract: Methods and systems for modulating intraosseous nerves (e.g., nerves within bone) are provided. For example, the methods and systems described herein may be used to modulate (e.g., denervate, ablate) basivertebral nerves within vertebrae. The modulation of the basivertebral nerves may facilitate treatment of chronic back pain. The modulation may be performed by a neuromodulation device (e.g., an energy delivery device).

Abstract: Methods and systems for modulating intraosseous nerves (e.g., nerves within bone) are provided. For example, the methods and systems described herein may be used to modulate (e.g., denervate, ablate) basivertebral nerves within vertebrae. The modulation of the basivertebral nerves may facilitate treatment of chronic back pain. The modulation may be performed by a neuromodulation device (e.g., an energy delivery device).

Abstract: An electrosurgical Cobb elevator instrument, a soft tissue dissection and/or retraction tool, can be used with and without suction, and is capable of delivering monopolar or bipolar RF energy for cutting and coagulating soft tissue. The device is capable of footswitch or handswitch activation. The tool has a spoon-shaped edge that is preferably sharp to provide blunt dissection in addition to the energy-driven dissection. The instrument of the invention could be used in any procedure that requires soft tissue dissection and/or coagulation.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for removal of tissue from a patient and a method for doing the same. The electrosurgical instrument includes a pair of lever members each of which having an associated end effector associated. One of the end effectors includes a cutting element forming a loop on the end of the end effector. The cutting element is also configured to receive electrical energy from an electrical energy source. The other of the end effectors includes a pad that can be brought into a position generally opposing the cutting element during relative movement of the end effectors toward one another. When electrical energy is discharged from the cutting element and the end effectors moved toward one another, dissection and cauterization of tissue from a patient is facilitated.

Abstract: Surgical instruments are provided for performing laparoscopic or similar minimally invasive operations, including two clamping parts, which can move towards one another and which have clamping surfaces for gripping tissue when they are closed. A cutting device has a cutting edge that, in a cutting direction, can be displaced relative to the clamping parts for cutting the gripped tissue. In such an instrument the cutting direction extends at an acute angle to the clamping surfaces when they are closed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to elongation nails for long bones or similar. The elongation nail according to the invention is principally characterized in that it comprises a tube (10), another tube (20) mounted slidably and rotatably in the tube (10) in such a way that the end (21) of the tube (20) emerges from the end (11) of the tube (10), means (30) for coupling the two tubes (10, 20) in such a way that successive rotational oscillations of the two tubes with respect to each other about their longitudinal axis (100) cause a step-by-step translation of the two tubes with respect to each other.

Abstract: An intramedullary system for managing a fracture of a bone comprises a first rod for insertion into a medullary canal of the bone; and a second rod for insertion into the medullary canal of the bone. The intramedullary system may further include: a first hollow rod segment for receiving an end of the first rod near the first entry point; and a second hollow rod segment for receiving an end of the second rod near the second entry point, wherein the first hollow rod segment and the second hollow rod segment are tamped to force the first curved portion and the second curved portion of the first and second hollow rod segments inside of the bone, along with the first and second rods.

Abstract: An implant plate according to the invention, for use in surgery or orthopedics, serves to stabilize a fracture of an upper-arm head or a fracture of a proximal upper arm. A head portion of the implant plate is fitted with at least one raised receiving member for a flexible fastening member on a side facing away from a bone. Each receiving member has an aperture extending substantially parallel to an outer edge or contour, and to an upper and lower side of the implant plate for threading, passing-through, and drawing together the flexible fastening member. The receiving member can be formed using process and plant technology from strip material, or using externally fabricated receiving members that are welded, press-welded, soldered, screwed, or riveted onto an outer side of the implant plate. The invention also comprises a method for manufacturing the implant plates.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for longitudinal closure of a dissected sternum are provided. The system includes first and second reinforcing members, fasteners, and closure members. Each reinforcing member is configured to be placed on an outer surface of a respective sternum portion, such that each reinforcing member is longitudinally disposed on an opposite side of a sternum opening with respect to the other reinforcing member. Fasteners may be placed in holes defined in the reinforcing members to secure a respective reinforcing member to a corresponding sternum portion. The closure members, which may be sternal closing wires, may then be wrapped around the sternum portions and the reinforcing members transversely to close the sternum opening. The system provides for a low installed profile, enhancing patient comfort and facilitating healing, and also provides for quick and easy access to the thoracic cavity for re-do sternotomies, if needed.

Abstract: A total hip femoral prosthesis provides a shortened neck and more proximal coating level. Additionally, a means for strengthening the neck may be incorporated to increase stress transfer to the native bone. A method for reducing potential impingement that results from a high neck resection level includes instrumentation for cutting chamfered surfaces into the bone surrounding the proximal end of the implant. Instrumentation and methods of creating chamfered cuts are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for preparing a bone implant includes a cutting guide having a body including a plurality of sides that together define a cavity that is accessible via an opening defined by a first side of the plurality of sides. A second side of the plurality of sides defines a plurality of slots and is disposed adjacent to the first side. Each of the plurality of slots is in communication with the cavity that is sized and configured to receive a bone implant therein, and each of the plurality of slots is located at a different location of the second wall to facilitate cutting a bone implant into one of a plurality of sizes.

Abstract: Devices and methods for creating lumens in the articular process of the vertebra are provided. An embodiment of the invention can be a tool that can cut a curved lumen through the articular process. The tool can have a lumen-forming arm with a rotating drill contained within that can be powered by a drill motor. The lumen-forming arm can be axially translated to cut a path through the articular process. Methods of using the resulting lumens to anchor or stabilize facet joint prosthesis, and also altering the spacing and motion at the facet joints of the vertebral column, are provided.

Abstract: A method and a system for cutting the knee joint using a robot. A cantilevered cutter is introduced into the knee joint from inside and outside of upper and lower bones of the knee joint to realize a tunnel cutting technique in which cutting is conducted such that tunnels are defined in bone and remnant bone is cleared. The cutter includes a shaft in which a substantial axial portion is fitted into a sleeve and a remaining axial portion serves as a cantilever extending out of the sleeve, and a head which is formed at a distal end of the shaft. A length of the cantilever and a diameter of the head are determined to have minimum sizes as long as the head can be introduced into bone in such a way as to define a tunnel and can be moved in the bone while cutting the bone.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for penetrating the bone marrow is provided. The apparatus includes a housing, a penetrator assembly, operable to penetrate the bone marrow, a connector operable to releasably attach the penetrator assembly to a drill shaft, the drill shaft operable to connect the penetrator assembly to a gear assembly, a gear assembly operable to engage and rotate the drill shaft, a motor operable to engage the reduction gear assembly and drive the penetrator into the bone marrow by rotation of the drill shaft, and a power supply and associated circuitry operable to power the motor. The apparatus and method may be adapted to insert a probe through the skull and into the brain.

Abstract: A bone anchor assembly is provided, which may be used in cervical, thoracic, lumbar or sacral areas of the spine or other orthopedic locations. The anchor assembly includes a bone anchor, a receiver mounted to the bone anchor, a saddle within the receiver, a spacer within the receiver, and an engaging member. The receiver extends along a central longitudinal axis proximally away from the bone anchor. A rod or other elongated connecting element is received in a passage of the receiver in contact with the saddle, and the engaging member engages the connecting element against the saddle, which engages the saddle against the spacer, which in turn engages the proximal head of the bone anchor in the receiver. The orientation of the saddle in the receiver is adjustable to correspond to the orientation of the connecting element relative to the central longitudinal axis of the receiver.

Abstract: A woven retention device for interfacing with a bone surface includes interwoven filaments forming a tubular lattice with protuberances distributed on interior and exterior surfaces of the lattice at a predetermined spatial relationship. The protuberances are formed by intersecting interwoven filaments. The retention device receives and surrounds a fastener. In a first, relaxed state, the retention device has multiple combinations of filament cross-section geometries at the intersection points, and the multiple combinations of filament cross-section geometries form multiple protuberance thicknesses. In a second state when surrounding at least a portion of the fastener, the retention device distributes pressure from the fastener to multiple points of contact on the exterior surface of the retention device such that a spatial relationship of the protuberances changes as a function of bone density of the bone surface and as a function of an interfacing surface shape of the fastener.

Abstract: A customized patient-specific orthopaedic instrument for facilitating implantation of an acetabular cup prosthesis in a coxal bone of a patient includes a customized patient-specific acetabular reaming guide. The customized patient-specific acetabular reaming guide includes a longitudinal passageway for an acetabular reamer and a plurality of arms with attached feet. Each foot of the reaming guide is positioned relative to the body based on the contours of the coxal bone of the patient and a predetermined degree of version and inclination angles of the acetabular cup prosthesis when implanted in the patient's coxal bone.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a reference indication to a patient tissue includes a primary locating block having a patient-specific primary mating surface contoured for mating contact with a portion of the patient tissue in a predetermined primary mating orientation custom-configured responsive to preoperative imaging of the patient tissue. At least one mounting feature is provided to the primary locating block. At least one secondary item is configured for selective engagement with the primary locating block. The secondary item is at least one of a noncustomized secondary item and a patient-specific secondary item. The secondary item provides a reference indication to at least a portion of the patient tissue. The mounting feature of the primary locating block is configured for engagement with at least one secondary item in a predetermined secondary mounting relationship. The secondary mounting relationship is custom-configured for the patient tissue responsive to preoperative imaging of the patient tissue.

Abstract: A system for assessing an intervertebral disc space comprises an elongated catheter with proximal and distal ends and an expandable body carried at the distal end of the elongated catheter. The expandable body includes a distal cap portion. The system further includes a mandrel extending through the elongated catheter and the expandable body and attached to the distal cap portion. The mandrel is movable within the elongated catheter and the expandable body to reposition the distal cap portion relative to the distal end of the elongated catheter while the expandable body is positioned within the intervertebral disc space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the medical field, in particular relates to the practice of percutaneous vertebroplasty where a pair of syringes in the distal extreme of a lengthened hydraulic device, are united by a camera of intermediate connection of larger diameter (pressure exerting body) or modified inverted syringe tube with a bolster, a hydraulic connecting tube of flexible material that transmits the pressure of the smaller diameter manual or impulsion syringe in the proximal extreme of the device toward the intermediate cylindrical larger diameter camera (pressure exerting body), this camera is in an inverted position with regard to the first syringe (fluid control), this intermediate camera has a moving piston longitudinal to the axis of the cylinder that is controlled with the first syringe (manual) and in cooperation with the atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A surgical system for positioning a prosthetic component on an anatomy of a patient includes a surgical tool configured to engage the prosthetic component, a force system configured to provide at least some force to the surgical tool, and a controller programmed to compare a target pose of the prosthetic component and an actual pose of the prosthetic component engaged by the surgical tool and generate control signals that cause the force system to allow movement of the surgical tool within a range of movement and provide haptic feedback to constrain a user's ability to manually move the surgical tool beyond the range of movement. The haptic feedback resists movement of the surgical tool by the user that would cause substantial deviation between at least one aspect of the actual pose of the prosthetic component and a corresponding aspect of the target pose of the prosthetic component.

Abstract: A bone-tying cable tightening device is disclosed which makes itself unusable after having been used a predetermined number of times.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool in combination with a set screw for use in spinal implant systems, and more particularly to a tool for the deployment of set screws with a break-off neck portion comprising a handle portion, a stem portion extending from the handle portion, a set screw retaining means, and a driving means extending from the stem portion and disposed opposite the handle portion. The driving means is adapted to allow the installation of the set screw to the bone and applying torque for the shearing of the neck portion thereof, and at the same time is adapted to remove the installed screw portion of the said set screw when needed.

Abstract: Devices, delivery systems and delivery techniques for an occlusion device for the closure of physical anomalies, such as an atrial septal defect, a patent foramen ovale (PFO), and other septal and vascular defects are described. The devices, delivery systems and delivery techniques relate particularly to, but are not limited to, a patent foramen ovale (PFO) occluder made from a polymer tube. The securement systems enable the deployment (and retrieval) of the device. In one aspect, the second securement system employs a snare connection. The snare connection may have various configurations, including a single snare, double snare, and double criss-cross snare. The securement systems are detached when the device has been properly positioned. The securement systems can be manipulated by control systems provided in the control portion of the delivery system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for interventional navigation within a subject's body is provided in which a medical device having at least one electrostrictive element is adapted to cause the distal end of the medical device to bend in a given direction for improving navigation. The medical device may further comprise at least one magnetically responsive element on the distal end, which may be oriented in the approximate direction of a magnetic field that is applied to the subject's body. At least one method for navigating a medical device though a subject's body is provided, by changing the direction of an applied magnetic field to align a magnetically responsive element on the distal end for orienting the distal end, and by applying a voltage to at least one electrostrictive element disposed in the distal portion of the device for causing the distal end to change orientation from that achieved by application of the magnetic field alone.

Abstract: Devices and methods for forming and securing a tissue plication are disclosed herein. In one aspect, a tissue manipulation device is described that includes a first jaw member pivotally coupled to a distal end of an elongate shaft and having an articulating portion located distal to the proximal end of the first jaw member. The device also includes a second jaw member pivotally coupled to the first jaw member such that the jaws move in a first plane, and a fastener delivery member attached to the second jaw member. The articulating portion of the first jaw member is configured to move the first and second jaw members between a straight configuration in which a longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft is contained within the first plane and an articulated configuration in which the longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft is transverse to the first plane.

Abstract: A method for ligating an internal body tissue using an outer cylinder member and an inner cylinder member including the processes of projecting the inner cylinder from a front end of the outer cylinder member; attaching a ligation band member to an outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder member; contacting a front end of the inner cylinder member with an internal body tissue; suctioning an inside of the inner cylinder member via a channel communicated with the inside of the inner cylinder member such that the internal body tissue is drawn into the inner cylinder member; and ligating the internal body tissue with the ligation band member by disconnecting the ligation band member from the front end of the inner cylinder member when the inner cylinder member is drawn into the inside the outer cylinder member at a position where the ligation band member is disconnected.

Abstract: A device is provided to assist in closing an incision through body tissue that comprises a tubular body sized for introduction through the incision and carrying a plurality of stabilizer elements at the distal end thereof. The stabilizer elements are configured to be deployed within the body cavity to engage the lowermost tissue layer. In one method, the device is pulled with the stabilizer elements deployed to retract the body tissue away from adjacent body structure. In another method, a plurality of needle tips carrying sutures are guided through the body tissue to a retention device at the ends of the stabilizer elements. With the needle tips captured in the retention devices, the device is withdrawn from the incision so that the sutures form ligatures that can be tied off to close the incision.

Abstract: A method of suturing tissue includes driving a needle from a tool through tissue to form a channel in the tissue; inserting the needle into a capsule that is connected to a first length of suture attached to the capsule; engaging the needle with a second length of suture that is inserted through the capsule; and pulling both the first length of suture and the second length of suture through the channel formed in the tissue.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, composite implants for soft tissue repair are provided which comprise (a) a substantially two-dimensional piece of biologic matrix material and (b) one or more non-absorbable synthetic polymeric filaments.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus that includes a nerve conduit, a manifold and a support structure for providing a reduced pressure. Also provided is a system that includes a source of reduced pressure, a nerve conduit, a manifold, a support structure and a conduit for providing fluid communication between the manifold support and the source of reduced pressure. Additionally provided is a method that includes implanting the above nerve conduit, manifold and support structure at a site of damaged nerve tissue and applying a reduced pressure to the manifold thereby stimulating repair or regrowth of nerve tissue.

Abstract: A cutting balloon assembly and a method for fabrication of the assembly is described. The cutting balloon assembly comprises a delivery catheter, an expandable balloon mounted on the catheter distal end, and a scoring mesh disposed around the expandable balloon. The scoring mesh comprises interlacing filaments that extend from a mesh proximal end towards a mesh distal end, form distal filament loops at said mesh distal end, and then return to the mesh proximal end. At least a part of the interlacing filaments forms one or more permanent links with neighboring filaments between the mesh proximal end and the mesh distal end.

Abstract: A guarded surgical knife handle includes a handle portion with a blade holder, a chamber within the handle portion, and a slot. The guarded surgical knife handle also includes a guard having an open distal end slidably mounted within the handle portion that can slide longitudinally between an unguarded position and a guarded position. The guard is sized to surround the blade in the guarded position. The guarded surgical knife handle also includes a latch that latches the guard when the guard is slid into the guarded position and a first button that disengages the latch. The guarded surgical knife handle includes a bias member that forces the guard in a proximal direction to an unguarded position when the latch is disengaged along with a second button extending through the slot used to slide the guard in a distal direction into the guarded position.

Abstract: A method for assembling an ultrasonic surgical device includes the steps of rotatably freely connecting an ultrasonic waveguide to an ultrasonic surgical handle body, the ultrasonic waveguide having a proximal coupling end, substantially simultaneously removably coupling an ultrasonic-driving-wave-signal generating circuit to the ultrasonic surgical handle body and removably inserting an ultrasonic-movement-producing distal end of a cordless, rotatably free ultrasonic transducer into the ultrasonic surgical handle body opposite the proximal coupling end of the ultrasonic waveguide, and rotating the ultrasonic waveguide with respect to the ultrasonic transducer to fixedly couple the ultrasonic waveguide to the ultrasonic-movement-producing distal end of the ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing a transeptal puncture procedure are described. In certain embodiments, the device includes a blunt outer needle, and a second inner needle disposed longitudinally through the lumen of the outer needle, wherein the inner needle is flexible, e.g., has a flexible portion and/or a bend or other non-traumatic conformation at its tip.

Abstract: Methods and devices described herein facilitate improved access of locations within the body by providing a variety of dissection modes on a single access device.

Abstract: A minimally invasive dilation device includes a plurality of rigid arms radially arrayed about a center and a dilating member positioned between the arms. A stylus may occupy the center. An outer flexible sleeve may be circumferentially secured to the arms, lying within or without the plurality of arms. An inner mesh may surround the stylus and dilating member. The device may be introduced into tissue toward a targeted area, while in a closed configuration. The dilating member may be a balloon, wherein upon inflation of the balloon, the arms are pushed radially outward, expanding the device and dilating the surrounding tissue. The dilating member may be a tube, wherein upon insertion of the tube, the arms are pushed radially outward. A cannula may be inserted inside the plurality of arms to keep the arms in an open configuration, and the dilating member may be withdrawn, providing an open passageway through the device to the targeted area. The device may be used with a neural monitoring system.

Abstract: An obesity treatment device comprises a filament filler material movable between a substantially straight insertion/removal configuration and an operative configuration in which the filament extends along a predetermined curve to occupy a selected volume within the stomach and a retrieval device connected to a proximal end of the filler material facilitating grasping and withdrawal of the filler material. A method of treating obesity, comprises inserting to a desired position within the GI tract a filament filler in a substantially straight configuration and moving the filler into an operative configuration in which the filler curves along a predetermined path to define a desired volume in combination with, after a predetermined treatment period has elapsed, collapsing the filler into the substantially straight configuration for trans-oral removal.

Abstract: An instrument capable of providing large-area shielding within an isolated operating region, such as the eye, while being passable through a small incision in the region through which the instrument must be inserted. For example, an instrument capable of being passed through a typical 3 mm (or smaller) phacoemulsification incision without undue damage to ocular tissue, and which expands to provide large-area shielding, e.g. to occlude a large-diameter (e.g. approx. 6 mm) posterior capsule opening. The surgical instrument includes two or more leaves, the leaves being interconnected by at least one fastener in a manner that causes expansion of a leading or distal portion of the instrument when the following or proximal portions of each leaf are manipulated, whether by a user or through interaction with a wall of the incision.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating obesity are provided. More particularly, intragastric devices and methods of fabricating, deploying, inflating, monitoring, and retrieving the same are provided.

Abstract: A filter delivery device for implanting a vessel filter within a blood vessel of a patient's body. The filter delivery device includes a mechanism for preventing hooks and/or legs on a vessel filter from entangling with each other while the vessel filter is loaded within the delivery device. In one variation, the filter delivery device includes a delivery catheter with grooves at the distal end lumen opening. When a vessel filter with radially expanding legs is compressed and inserted into the distal end of the delivery catheter, the hooks on the distal end of the legs are received and separated by the corresponding grooves on the delivery catheter. In another variation, a pusher rod, with a receptacle for receiving the hooks, is positioned within a delivery catheter to prevent the entanglement of the hooks and/or legs of a filter loaded within the delivery catheter.

Abstract: A delivery wire assembly for delivering an occlusive device to a location in a patient's vasculature, includes delivery wire conduit defining a conduit lumen, a core wire disposed in the conduit lumen, the core wire having a distal detachment zone, and an enhancing coil disposed around the distal detachment zone, the enhancing coil configured to transfer a distally directed force from the delivery wire assembly to objects located distal of the delivery wire assembly without damaging the distal detachment zone. In one embodiment, the enhancing coil includes a proximal section having a first diameter, a distal section having a diameter larger than the diameter of the proximal section, and a transition section connecting the respective proximal and distal sections, wherein the transition section flares radially in a distal direction.

Abstract: An instrument for minimally invasive surgery suitable for use with a manipulator comprising a tube provided at its first end with a mouthpiece wherein control means for the mouthpiece pass through the tube, and wherein at a second end of the tube opposite to the first end comprising the mouthpiece control organs are provided that are coupled with the control means for the mouthpiece that are passing through the tube.

Abstract: Surgical assemblies and related methods are disclosed that provide for decoupling of instrument shaft roll and end effector actuation. A surgical assembly includes a base, an instrument shaft rotationally mounted to the base, an end effector supported at a distal end of the instrument shaft and including an actuation mechanism driven by a rotational motion, a drive shaft rotationally coupled with the actuation mechanism and configured to provide the rotational motion to the actuation mechanism, and a differential rotationally coupled to the drive shaft and receiving a first input motion and a second input motion. The differential combines the first and second input motions to generate an output motion that rotates the drive shaft. The first input motion is rotationally coupleable to an actuation source. The second input motion is coupled to rotation of the instrument shaft relative to the base.

Abstract: Surgical tools for use during scarless or near scarless surgical procedures. At least some of the surgical tools can include a handle portion and a working end removably connected to the handle portion.

Abstract: A vascular closure system includes a swellable or bioabsorbable sealing element and a plunger advancement tool. The sealing element and plunger advancement tool is configured to be inserted into the inside of a tubular medical device (such as a vascular introducer sheath, catheter, cannula, trocar, electrode wire, etc.) with the sealing element being advanced distally past the end of the tubular medical device to a desired area within the body (near or at least partially within an arteriotomy, for example) by the plunger. Once in contact with blood (or other fluid) the sealing element may swell, sealing the puncture site. The system may include one of several different features designed to assist the physician to position the sealing element in the desired location. Additional versions of the system described herein can be used for cardiovascular applications where hemostasis (temporary or permanent) is desired.

Abstract: A system and method for treating a defect. The system may comprise a first expandable barrier insertable into a defect interior space in a compact state and then expanded once positioned inside the defect. The first expandable barrier is expanded to be positioned against the inner surface of the defect. The system may also comprise a second barrier which may be expandable, positioned against the outer surface of the defect. Each of the first and second barriers may expand laterally to a greater extent than axially. The first and second barriers may be in communication through a connection member which couples the two barriers together. The barriers each obliterate the defect and can prevent subsequent CSF or other fluid leaks. Fibrin glue may be introduced into the defect to seal and secure the barriers to the defect. Each barrier may comprise a mesh, a basket, an umbrella or a balloon.

Abstract: An insertion device configured to provide access to a treatment site within a body cavity (e.g., an abdominal cavity) is provided herein. In general, the device includes any type of elongate sleeve (e.g., a trocar) having an inner lumen. Further, the device includes a tissue retraction mechanism configured to extend from a distal end of the sleeve wherein the tissue retraction mechanism is configured to securely engage a cavity wall such that in response to a retraction force the mechanism can pull the cavity wall over the distal end of the sleeve thereby positioning the sleeve across the cavity wall. Additionally, various embodiments of a method for providing access to a body cavity are also provided herein.

Abstract: Suture clips and suture clip loading, delivery, locking and severing devices in both catheter and endoscopic embodiments are disclosed that permit the delivery and application of suture clips directly in contact with or in close approximation to sutured tissue. The catheter or endoscopic versions incorporate a collet cage with a plurality of flexible collet fingers that captivate a suture clip ring and a suture clip plug for assembly with a suture. An outer sliding sleeve constrains the collet fingers when distally advanced to minimize potential trauma during delivery and assembly of the suture clip in close proximity to the stitched tissue. Proximal retraction of the sliding sleeve coupled with the distal advancement of a pusher against cam surfaces on the inner walls of the collet fingers causes the collet fingers to open. The catheter is designed to hold and assemble the suture clip in a first position and release the suture clip and sever the suture ends proximal to the suture clip in a second position.