Abstract: A hybrid imaging system includes a first imaging system configured to acquire anatomical data of a first field of view of an anatomical structure. A second imaging system configured to acquire functional data of the anatomical structure, the second imaging system acquiring functional data in a two-pass list-mode acquisition scheme. A reconstruction processor configured to reconstruct the functional data based on attenuation data into an attenuation corrected image and reconstruct the anatomical data into one or more high resolution images of one or more regions of interest.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radiographic imaging device including: a detecting section that detects a dose of radiation that has been irradiated when imaging a radiographic image corresponding to irradiated radiation; and a determining section that determines whether the radiographic image is a valid image on the basis of the dose of radiation that has been detected by the detecting section.

Abstract: An evaluation aid which can be used as a phantom (imitation lesion) when a digital X-ray image is taken and then evaluation is carried out through the digital X-ray image. The evaluation aid can be used to easily evaluate image qualities of a digital X-ray image for object parts having different X-ray absorption ratios at once. The evaluation aid is adapted to be used for taking a digital X-ray image thereof through which evaluation is carried out, and contains a substrate (plate-like body) including a plurality of regions having different X-ray absorption ratios; and step members provided on the plate-like body so as to correspond to the plurality of regions, respectively. Each step member includes a plurality of subregions having different X-ray absorption ratios. Thicknesses and/or constituent materials of the plurality of regions of the substrate may be different from each other to establish regions having different X-ray absorption ratios.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that constructs and displays a 3-dimensional elastic image showing the hardness or softness of a biological tissue of an object to be examined, and a method of displaying an ultrasonic image. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is characterized by being provided with an elastic image constructing unit (24) that constructs 2-dimensional elastic image data on the basis of the strain or elasticity modulus acquired by the elasticity information calculating unit (23), an elastic volume data creating unit (26) that creates elastic volume data from plural sets of the 2-dimensional elastic image data, and 3-dimensional elastic image constructing unit (28) that constructs a 3-dimensional elastic image from the elastic volume data.

Abstract: In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, electrosurgical systems are provided generally including at least one energy-delivery device for delivering energy to tissue when inserted or embedded within tissue. The energy-delivery device can be a tissue ablation device, such as an ablation probe, needle, etc. for ablating tissue as commonly known in the art. The electrosurgical systems include at least one structure and/or operational characteristic for enhancing ultrasonic visibility of the energy-delivery devices within tissue during ultrasonography.

Abstract: A system and method for determining location and orientation of an in-vivo device, with respect to an external system in which the device is located include a frame with external magnets attached thereon. An in-vivo device is inserted into the patient's body, which is placed within the system, and the external magnets apply magnetic forces on the in-vivo device. A radio beacon transmitter is attached to the frame for transmitting a radio pulse. The in-vivo device includes an ultrasonic transmitter for transmitting an ultrasonic signal, which is triggered by the radio pulse. At least three transponders are placed on the patient's body, each transponder sending a first acoustic signal triggered by the radio pulse, and each sending a second acoustic signal triggered by the device's ultrasonic signal.

Abstract: An ultrasound endoscope includes: a bending portion; a distal end rigid portion which is located on a distal end side with respect to the bending portion; and a connection portion making up the distal end rigid portion, for connecting the ultrasound observation section with the bending portion, wherein the connection portion is inclined with respect to a central axis of the bending portion, an interface between the connection portion and the bending portion is perpendicular to the central axis, and the connection portion has a swept shape which is obtained by making a cross-section of the interface slide in a direction perpendicular to the central axis while keeping the perpendicularity along a straight line intersecting with the central axis.

Abstract: In ARFI imaging, a cost function is used to identify a time of displacement that best or sufficiently indicates the desired information. For example, the displacements associated with a combination of contrast and signal-to-noise ratio are identified. The time at which the desired displacements occur may be other than the time of the maximum. Since the time is common to displacements for one or more scan lines, the displacement image may be assembled line-by-line or by groups of lines.

Abstract: Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) scanning uses a swept focus in transmit. Using a changing delay or phase profile across the array during the generation of the ARFI pulse, a time varying focus is provided for the ARFI beam. This time varying focus may be used to extend the focus in depth, azimuth, and/or elevation. Less repetition may be needed to measure tissue characteristics from displacements due to the multi or continuous change in foci within a given ARFI transmit beam.

Abstract: An ultrasound observation system includes an ultrasound transducer that generates an ultrasound signal by transmitting and receiving ultrasound to and from a subject, an automatic pressurizing mechanism that applies a pressing force to the subject to cause pressurizing displacement, an elastic-image-generation displacement measuring circuit that measures an imaging displacement amount of the subject based on the ultrasound signal, an elastic modulus calculation circuit that calculates an elastic modulus of the subject based on the imaging displacement amount, a pressurizing-mechanism-control displacement measuring circuit that measures a controlling displacement amount in accordance with spontaneous displacement of the subject based on the ultrasound signal, and a pressurizing mechanism control circuit that controls the automatic pressurizing mechanism based on the controlling displacement amount.

Abstract: A method of managing an ultrasound image, the method including storing a plurality of pieces of setting information to respectively match a plurality of observation operations for diagnosing an object, each of the plurality of pieces of setting information including at least one from among information about an observation plane that splits ultrasound volume data in a predetermined direction, information about a split method of splitting the ultrasound volume data, and information about a reference point; displaying a plurality of plane images for a current observation operation, wherein the plurality of plane images are obtained based on a piece of the setting information matching the current observation operation; storing an image selected from among the plurality of plane images according to an external input signal such that the selected image matches the current observation operation.

Abstract: Methods and systems for data communication in an ultrasound system are provided. One method includes acquiring ultrasound data using an ultrasound probe having a plurality of transducer elements, wherein the ultrasound data includes echo information acquired from the plurality of transducer elements and the ultrasound data is acquired using a plurality of transmit events of the ultrasound probe. The method also includes digitizing the acquired ultrasound data. The method further includes communicating a subset of the digitized ultrasound data for at least some of the plurality of transmit events, wherein the subsets of communicated digitized ultrasound data are different for the plurality transmit events.

Abstract: An assay test device comprises a cup container having a detachable top cover that has a volume-reducing internal structure. A pocket shaped and dimensioned to nest a chromatographic test strip cartridge is mounted against a flattened transparent portion of the cup side wall. The cartridge is held in a vertical position with an aperture near the top edge of the cup. A splash shield projects for the brim region of the cup over that aperture preventing any part of the sample fluid poured into the cup from entering the cartridge and contacting the test strips prematurely. When the lid is installed and the cup flipped upside-down, the internally projecting structure raises the level of sample fluid for better access to the cartridge aperture. The structure can be adapted to extend all the way through the inside of the cup to contact its closed bottom. A central cavity in the structure having a open end captures a small volume of fluid and preserves it for later confirmatory analysis.

Abstract: A device with a vessel for saliva that has one or more optical indicators to show the volume of saliva in the container. The optical indicators use the principle of total internal reflection together with the difference in refractive index between saliva and air. In embodiments, suitable visual indicators are either visible or invisible, when reflecting surfaces are either not immersed or immersed in saliva or vice versa. The device may comprise a vessel with a saliva pathway, a saliva containment region defining a saliva reservoir, the reservoir having a desired fill level, and an optical viewing window adjacent an angled reflective surface for level indication and/or validating a fill level. The device may include patient interface components and chemical test strips.

Abstract: A fluid flow control apparatus used in medical fluid sampling. The apparatus includes a valve assembly, first and second ports, and a cap. The valve assembly comprises a body rotatably assembled to a housing and defining a passageway and at least two recesses defined by an interior surface of the housing and the body which is formed separate from the passageway. The ports extend from the housing and are configured for connection to medical devices. The valve assembly is operable to interchangeably align the passageway and the recesses with the ports. Finally, the cap is connected to the housing, and forms an opening for coupling to a specimen container.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes coaxially disposed inner and outer needles in which the outer needle tip is configured for obtaining a tissue sample. The inner surface of the outer needle includes a tissue retention feature which may include a countersink and/or a feature formed in the inner surface. The device may be introduced to a biopsy site through an introducer in which the introducer is vented and/or a certain ratio of introducer inner diameter and biopsy device outer diameter is maintained.

Abstract: Biopsy systems, as well as related methods and components, are disclosed. In some embodiments, a biopsy system can include a biopsy gun and a spacer. The biopsy gun can include a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, and a biopsy needle having a proximal end and a distal end. A lumen can extend partially through the housing, and can have a distal end that is defined by the distal end of the housing. A lumen also can extend through the spacer, which can be associated with the distal end of the housing. The biopsy needle can have a first position in which its distal end is disposed within the lumen of the housing or the lumen of the spacer, and a second position in which its distal end is disposed external to the lumen of the housing and the lumen of the spacer.

Abstract: An aspiration apparatus includes a barrel having a needle receiving end and a piston receiving end. The barrel has an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The piston receiving end of the barrel has substantially the same inner diameter as the inner diameter of the barrel. The barrel has an opening therein through a sidewall of the barrel. The opening is between the needle receiving end and the piston receiving end. The opening is distant from the needle receiving end. The aspiration apparatus also includes a needle sealingly attached to the needle receiving end of the barrel, and a piston having an end which substantially seals to the inner diameter of the barrel. The piston is capable of a number of positions including a first position near the needle receiving end, a third position past the opening in the barrel.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for needle biopsy having a novel delivery handle system for interchangeably delivering needles of various sizes to a biopsy site. The delivery handle system is adjustable in length and includes a proximal handle member slideably disposed over a middle handle member, and the middle handle member is slideably disposed over a distal handle member. The proximal handle member includes an inner hub housing component configured to interchangeably receive a needle subassembly that can be inserting into and withdrawn from the proximal handle member. The needle subassembly includes a needle of a plurality of different sizes, a needle luer, a needle hub coupled to a proximal end portion of the needle, and a needle protector subassembly. The needle protector subassembly includes a needle protection hub configured to receive the distal end of a needle.

Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator may generally comprise a first layer comprising a first medicament, a second layer comprising a second medicament, and a third layer comprising a third medicament. The tissue thickness compensator may comprise a first layer comprising a first medicament, a second layer comprising a second medicament, and a reservoir comprising a third medicament disposed within the reservoir. The medicaments may be independently selected from a haemostatic agent, an anti-inflammatory agent, an antibiotic agent, anti-microbial agent, an anti-adhesion agent, an anti-coagulant agent, a pharmaceutically active agent, a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor, and combinations thereof. Articles of manufacture comprising the tissue thickness compensator and methods of making and using the tissue thickness compensator are also described.

Abstract: An occlusion device for vascular surgery, suitable for clogging treatments of vascular entry sites and for endovascular interventions such as embolizations of blood vessels, treatment of arteriovenous malformations or small aneurysms, arterial dissections and the like, by releasing in an operation region a quick setting surgical glue or haemostatic fluid, through an outlet mouth of a duct. The device prevents the surgical glue from contacting within the duct a patient's biological fluids, in particular blood, which would close the duct. In the case of clogging treatments of vascular entry sites, a backflow preventing device may be provided, preferably provided by a coupling device between the duct and an introducer sheath by which an outlet mouth is kept in contact to keep in a one-way fluid tight contact against the outer surface of the introducer sheath until an injection pressure P2 is applied to cause release of the surgical glue.

Abstract: A tissue closure device including a hub and first and second flanges extending therefrom. The hub extends along a central longitudinal axis between a proximal surface and an opposing distal surface. The first flange is frameless and extends from the hub adjacent the proximal surface thereof. The second flange extends from the hub adjacent the distal surface thereof. The first and second flanges are moveable between: a closed position, in which the first and second flanges extend radially away from the hub and are substantially orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis; and an open position, in which the first and second flanges extend longitudinally away from the hub in opposite directions from each other and are substantially parallel with the central longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A closure device for closing a bodily passageway is provided. The device includes first and second frames and first and second crossbars. A sheet of biocompatible material is attached to one or more of the frames. The first crossbar extends across the first frame and has terminal crossbar ends connectively linked to separate sites on the first frame; the second crossbar is similarly linked to the second frame. The crossbars are attached to each other at a connection point, and they are each configured to bend away from the connection point when the closure device is deployed to close a bodily passageway. A method of making the closure device is provided, as well as a method for closing a bodily passageway using such a device. Further, a closure device assembly is provided, including a closure device, a delivery catheter housing, and a delivery release member.

Abstract: Kits, apparatus, devices and methods for treating varicose veins caused by an incompetent venous junction (e.g., the saphenofemoral and/or saphenopopliteal junctions) are disclosed. The kits may include a sheath, a vein closure device, and an injection device. Alternatively, a vein closure device may include an integral injection channel and injection device. Methods may include injecting a vein with a sclerosing agent through a needle that extends in a direction that is not aligned with a longitudinal axis of a sheath or shaft.

Abstract: Systems and methods for AC joint dislocation surgical repairs, without knot tying. The surgical systems include two fixation devices (for example, a button and an anchor) joined by strand of flexible material having a knotless, self-cinching, adjustable loop with two splices that attach to the two fixation devices. The knotless, adjustable loop/fixation devices allow for tensioning of the AC repair after the anchor implantation.

Abstract: Knot pushers and suture cutter apparatuses to be used arthroscopically, for example, in an arthroscopic knee surgery may be operated with a single control to both lock the suture within the distal end of the apparatus and cut the suture once the knot has been pushed to the appropriate location. The apparatus may include a safety lock preventing deployment of the cutter until the safety lock (e.g., cutter release) has been released.

Abstract: A closure device for closing an opening in tissue is provided. The closure device includes an elongate member through which needles may be deployed. The closure device also includes a closure element having a foot portion and a needle guide portion. The foot portion and the needle guide portion are each movable between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration. The foot portion includes cuffs removably mounted thereon and having sutures connected therebetween. The needle guide portion includes needle guide apertures that guide the needles to the cuffs. The needles securely engage the cuffs and draw the cuffs and suture through the lumen wall so that the opening in the lumen wall can be closed with the sutures.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved medical devices for use in surgical procedures and methods for manufacturing improved medical devices. In some embodiments, the improved medical devices can include improved surgical needles that are capable of being repeatedly passed through tissue using minimal force. More particularly, the improved surgical needles can be manufactured with two or more different coatings that provide the surgical needles with both durability and lubricity for ease of repeated and successive passes through tissue. Improved methods for manufacturing the surgical needles and for providing and applying coatings to the surgical needles are also provided.

Abstract: A method of forming and deploying an improved absorbable fastener for hernia mesh fixation is disclosed. The absorbable fastener of the present invention functions to securely fasten tough, non macro-porous, and relative inelastic mesh to soft tissue. The fastener is formed from co-polymers of lactide and glycolide.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge assembly. The fastener cartridge assembly can comprise a fastener, a cartridge body, and a tissue thickness compensator. The fastener can comprise a base, a first leg extending from the base, and a second leg extending from the base. The cartridge body can comprise a fastener cavity for receiving the fastener and a trajectory control for controlling the trajectory of the first and second legs of the fastener. The fastener can be removable from the fastener cavity along a fastener axis. The trajectory control can extend inwardly toward the fastener axis and can bias the first leg and the second leg toward alignment with the fastener axis when the fastener is positioned in the fastener cavity.

Abstract: An exemplary surgical staple may include a base including a first end and a second end; a single tine extending from the second end of the base; and a barb extending from the base at a location between the first end of the base and the second end of the base. An end of such a staple may be frangibly affixed to a feeder belt. Another exemplary surgical apparatus may include at least one staple including a base including a first end and a second end, a first tine extending from the second end of the base, and a second tine extending from the base at a location between the first end of the base and the second end of the base.

Abstract: A medical stapler according to the present invention includes a magazine containing staples, a rail for aligning the staples, and a mechanism for punching out staples; a lever for actuating the mechanism for punching out the staples; and a housing for enclosing and connecting the magazine and the lever. An inner surface of the housing includes a linear positioning portion continuing from an opening of the housing, and a latching portion for latching the magazine, a surface of the magazine tangent to the inner surface of the housing includes a positioning portion conforming to the positioning portion of the housing, and a latching portion conforming to the latching portion of the housing, and combining the positioning portion of the housing and the positioning portion of the magazine, and fitting the latching portion of the housing and the latching portion of the magazine connect the housing and the magazine.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument may be operated compensating for the effect of splay in flexible knife bands on transection length of a powered surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes a processor and a memory. A relationship between articulation angle of an end effector and effective transection length distal of an articulation joint is characterized. The characterization data is accessed by the processor from the memory of the surgical instrument. The articulation angle of the end effector is tracked by the processor during use of the surgical instrument. The target transection length is adjusted by the processor based on the known articulation angle and the stored characterization data.

Abstract: Medical device used to cause hemostasis of blood vessels using a clip arrangement delivered to a target region through an endoscope. Method for using the device to cause hemostasis of a blood vessel through an endoscope. Medical device including a reversibly closeable clip, a locking arrangement, a control wire, a sheath, and a handle with an actuating trigger. Through the endoscope, hemostatic clipping device that is fully reversible and lockable. Hemostatic clip that reversibly targets and clips bleeding ulcers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical instrument for removing a surgical clip applied to a hollow organ, said clip comprising two clamping arms having two free ends and two ends connected to each other and defining a connecting region, and said instrument having a proximal and a distal end, wherein a spreading device for grasping and spreading apart an applied clip from an applied position to a released position is arranged at the distal end.

Abstract: Magnetic compression anastomosis can be carried out by placing cooperating magnets, one in the ileal conduit and one in the ureter, to lock together and form the anastomosis. The magnets may be placed to form a side-to-side anastomosis. At least one of the magnets can include radioactive material. Catheters may be used to place the magnets, and the catheters may have at least one deflatable or retractable tissue spacer.

Abstract: Adhesive articles containing microtopography, such as microprotrusions, and a coating of adhesive glue, such an adhesive having known toxicity and/or tissue reactive functional groups are described herein. The articles described herein contain a substrate, a plurality of microfeatures, and an adhesive, such as an adhesive glue. The articles described herein exhibit a 90° pull off adhesion of at least about 1.5 N/cm2. The articles described herein can contain less adhesive than when the adhesive is used alone without microtopography and yet exhibit equivalent adhesive strength with little or no toxicity or other adverse side effects (e.g., exothermic reaction).

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for securing a polymeric sheet to rib components of a frame structure, wherein the rib components are jointed at a hub to form an expandable and collapsible implant. In general, the method may include the steps of decreasing a diameter of the frame structure; placing the frame structure into an assembly fixture, wherein the assembly fixture is configured to hold the frame structure in a loaded configuration with a decreased diameter; placing a polymeric sheet into the assembly fixture; and heating the assembly under pressure to fuse the sheet to the frame structure. In general, a fixture may include a first and second platen having a shaping portion and a rim portion positioned around the periphery of the platen, wherein the shaping portions are configured to hold the rib components of the frame structure in a loaded configuration with a decreased diameter.

Abstract: Described herein are devices, systems and methods for delivering an endocardial device. The systems for delivering the device transvascularly may generally include an elongate guide catheter having a proximal end and a distal end; a conical dilator at the distal end of the elongate guide catheter, the conical dilator being removable to enable delivery of the ventricular portioning device; a delivery catheter having a proximal and distal end; an expansion member near the distal end of the delivery catheter and configured to expand a plurality of struts of the partitioning device; and a coupling element configured to deployably secure to a hub of the partitioning device. The systems for delivering the device transapically may generally include an elongate access sheath; an elongate delivery catheter; an expansion member; and a coupling element proximal to the expansion member and configured to deployably secure to a hub of the partitioning device.

Abstract: A hemostatic device is provided to stop bleeding at a puncture site on the wrist of a patient, the device comprising a transparent flexible band to be wrapped at the site where the bleeding is to be stopped, a curved frame having an inner peripheral side and possessing a first curved portion in its first half and a second curved portion in its second half, a first balloon provided on the inner peripheral side in the first half of the curved frame and a second balloon provided on the inner peripheral side in the second half of the curved frame, the first balloon being larger than the second balloon. The bleeding from radial artery is stopped by compressing the radial artery at the puncture site using inflation of the first balloon and radial artery flow is increased by compression of ipsilateral ulnar artery using inflation of the second balloon.

Abstract: A bone-harvesting tool for use with a manual handle or with an oscillating surgical device. The tool has upper and lower planar surfaces and is symmetrical about a central window that is formed by a pair of elongated facing shaving edges at the lower surface of the tool. Additional sharp shaving edges can optionally be formed in the exterior surface of the tool.

Abstract: Devices are described relating to the retaining of surgical tools within the chuck of a reciprocating surgical instrument, such as a reciprocating saw. A securing chuck is disclosed for securing a surgical tool to a reciprocating surgical instrument that comprises a shaft and a securing member. The shaft defines an axis and has a cylindrical bore extending along the axis. The bore is shaped to receive a substantially rounded tool shank. A pair of transverse slots extends into the shaft along a plane passing through the axis for receiving a substantially flattened tool shank. The transverse slots intersect with the cylindrical bore. The securing member is carried by the shaft and is radially movable relative to the bore both inwardly and outwardly to secure the surgical tool in the chuck.

Abstract: A device (1) for indicating on an object to be cut the cutting depth of a cutting tool, the device comprising: a first arm (2) having a first end (3) and a second end (4), a second arm (5) having a first end (6) and a second end (7), wherein the first arm (2) and the second arm (5) are joined together such that the distance between the first end (3) of the first arm (2) and the first end (6) of the second arm (5) is equal to the length of the cutting tool so that when, in use, the device (1) is aligned with an object to be cut the device indicates the cutting depth of the cutting tool. A method of indicating on an object to be cut the cutting depth of a cutting tool using such a device.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a catheter having a combined infusion/aspiration lumen, a three lumen proximal portion and a two lumen distal portion. An infusion/aspiration valve located at the distal end of the catheter facilitates performing infusion and aspiration through the same lumen, which in turn reduces the number of lumens, and enables the combined infusion/aspiration lumen to be made larger without the need to increase the diameter of the catheter. Differing material properties in the proximal and distal portions of the catheter enable the proximal portion to be made stiffer for pushability, while the distal portion is more flexible to navigate tortuous vasculature and enable a greater amplitude agitator to be received within the catheter.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a catheter having a combined infusion/aspiration lumen, a three lumen proximal portion and a two lumen distal portion. An infusion/aspiration valve located at the distal end of the catheter facilitates performing infusion and aspiration through the same lumen, which in turn reduces the number of lumens, and enables the combined infusion/aspiration lumen to be made larger without the need to increase the diameter of the catheter. Differing material properties in the proximal and distal portions of the catheter enable the proximal portion to be made stiffer for pushability, while the distal portion is more flexible to navigate tortuous vasculature and enable a greater amplitude agitator to be received within the catheter.

Abstract: A system that breaks calcium in a liquid includes a catheter including first and second electrodes arranged to receive there-across a high electrical voltage at an initial low current. The high electrical voltage causes an electrical arc to form across the electrodes creating a gas bubble within the liquid, a high current to flow through the electrodes, and a mechanical shock wave. A power source provides the electrodes with the high electrical voltage at the initial current and terminates the high electrical voltage in response to the high current flow through the electrodes.

Abstract: A medical device comprises a handle comprises an actuator. A shaft extends distally from the handle. A first shaft segment extends proximally from the handle and has a proximal end and a distal end. A second shaft segment has a proximal end and a distal end and is pivotably supported with respect to the distal end of the first shaft segment at a position offset from a longitudinal axis of the shaft in a first offset direction. A third shaft segment has a proximal end and a distal end and is pivotably supported with respect to the distal end of the second shaft segment at a position offset from the longitudinal axis of the shaft in a second offset direction different from the first offset direction. A first member extends through at least a portion of the first shaft segment and is operatively associated with the actuator. A second member extends through at least a portion of the second shaft segment.

Abstract: An endoscopic forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom. An end effector assembly is operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of pivotably coupled first and second jaw members. The jaw members are movable relative to one another. A drive mechanism includes a driving structure that is operably associated with the shaft and is operably disposed adjacent the end effector assembly. One of a driving structure guide and movable cam operably couples to the driving structure and is configured to facilitate movement of the jaw members.

Abstract: A medical device including an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The medical device may further include an end-effector disposed at the distal end of the elongate member. The end-effector may include a plurality of arms pivotally connected to one another, wherein each arm includes a tissue-contacting surface, a first portion of the tissue-contacting surface including a plurality of ridges configured to grasp tissue. Further, the tissue-contacting surface may include a channel oriented substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the medical device.

Abstract: A medical instrument has a distal end area on which jaw parts are arranged which are movable relative to one another and pivotable about an axle pin. Said axle pin is received in an opening in said medical instrument. Said axle pin comprises a head which is non-circular, and the opening has a contour corresponding to the head.