Abstract: Embodiments for aligning a volume to a standard alignment are provided. One example method of aligning a volume constructed from captured image data to a standard orientation includes determining an orientation and a scale of the volume based on a comparison of a volume model representing the volume to captured image data of the volume over time and adjusting the volume according to the determined orientation and scale.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method (100) of visualizing a sequence of 3D ultrasound images of an object (10) in motion, wherein said motion is a complex motion composed of motion components from a plurality of origins, the method comprising acquiring (120) said sequence of 3D ultra-sound images; providing (130) a motion tracking model modelling a contribution to the complex motion, said contribution originating from a subset of said motion components; determining (150) said complex motion from the first and second 3D ultrasound images; and visualizing (160) a contribution of the motion tracking model to the complex motion of said object in order to obtain a motion-decomposed visualization of said complex motion. A computer program product for implementing such a method on an ultrasound system and an ultrasound system including such a computer program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: Operation of a patient's heart or lungs may be analyzed by transmitting ultrasound energy into the patient's lung, and detecting Doppler shifts of reflected ultrasound induced by moving borders between blood vessels in the lung and air filled alveoli that surround the blood vessels. Movement of the border is caused by pressure waves in the blood vessels that result in changes in diameter of those blood vessels. The detected Doppler shifts are processed with an algorithm designed to increase signal from the moving border with respect to other reflected ultrasound signals and the results are then displayed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating an ultrasound image. The systems and methods acquire three dimensional (3D) ultrasound data of a volumetric region of interest (ROI) from an ultrasound probe. The systems and methods further identify a select set of the 3D ultrasound data that includes a plurality of anatomical markers. The one or more anatomical markers may correspond to an anatomy of interest within the volumetric ROI. The systems and methods further generate a two dimensional (2D) ultrasound image based on the select set of the 3D ultrasound data, and display the 2D ultrasound image on a display.

Abstract: A plurality of transmit foci (a plurality of virtual sources) (F1-F7) are formed upon a scan plane with a two-dimensional pattern. Specifically, first transmission beams having first transmission foci and second transmission beams having second transmission foci are formed alternately in a scan direction. A plurality of first sub-images (LRI1, LRI3, LRI7) are formed by the forming of the plurality of first transmission beams, and a plurality of second sub-images (LRI2, LRI4, LRI6) are formed by the forming of the plurality of second transmission beams. At time of reception, a parallel reception technology is applied.

Abstract: A system for automatically determining a thickness of a wall of an artery of a subject includes an ECG monitoring device that captures an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal from the subject, and an ultrasound video imaging device, coupled to the ECG monitoring device, that receives the ECG signal from the ECG monitoring device, and captures a corresponding ultrasound video of the wall of the artery of the subject. The system produces a plurality of frames of video comprising the ultrasound video of the wall of the artery of the subject and an image of the ECG signal. A processor is configured to select a subset of the plurality of frames of the ultrasound video based on the image of the (ECG) signal, locate automatically a region of interest (ROI) in each frame of the subset of the plurality of frames of the video using a machine-based artificial neural network and measure automatically a thickness of the wall of the artery in each ROI using the machine-based artificial neural network.

Abstract: Methods and systems for diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Specifically, the present invention relates to the use of breath tests based on isotope-labeled octanoate in the detection and monitoring of HCC.

Abstract: A method for collecting and analyzing urine at the time it is released uses a urine collecting tube joined with a canister. Suction is produced in the collecting tube to join the tube with a penis or to the exterior surface of a female urethra orifice. Once suction is achieved the collecting tube stays in place by suction action. When urine flows into the urine collecting tube a sensor triggers a vacuum pump to produce a higher level of suction to flush the urine into the canister where a level sensor determines the quantity of urine received. Various sensors in the canister determine levels of non-urine partials such as occult blood, drugs, salt, and other substances. When urine is no longer detected within the urine tube, the vacuum pump is turned off and a low-level vacuum remains to assure interconnection with the urine tube.

Abstract: Bodily fluid indicator devices and methods are provided. Such devices and methods can effectively indicate whether the amount of bodily fluid being produced is within a measurable range. In an exemplary embodiment, a bodily fluid indicator device includes a substrate having a surface. Some portions of the surface are covered with a region of absorbent material and other portions of the surface are devoid of the absorbent material. A graduated scale or a reactive feature is printed on the absorbent material. The device is configured to indicate an amount and/or a composition a bodily fluid present on an area of a patient or subject.

Abstract: An arrangement for taking a biopsy in a human or animal tissue, comprising an elongated hollow member, comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the elongated hollow member has a circular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said hollow member, and said distal end is provided with a cutting edge. The arrangement further comprising an elongated rod configured to fit inside said elongated hollow member, a longitudinal movement generating unit configured to generate an oscillating longitudinal movement of said elongated hollow member, or of an assembly of said elongated hollow member and said elongated rod via a connection assembly. The connection assembly is provided configured to assemble the elongated hollow member and the elongated rod by detachably fixating said elongated rod inside said elongated hollow member in a longitudinal position relative to said elongated hollow member.

Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods for closure of a hole or other defect, for example in context of a laparoscopic surgical procedure. For example, a suturing device and method of use involve inserting the device into a hole, positioning material around the hole into a notch of the device, passing a needle through a cavity in the device and the material positioned in the notch, passing a suture through the eye of the needle, and removing the needle from the material with the suture. The suture can be removed and the process can be repeated with another end of the suture at another location through the material, around the hole. When the suture is passed through the second point of penetration, the suture can now extend both into and out of the material at different points around the hole and can be tied, thereby closing the hole.

Abstract: A wound closure device includes a shaft, a sleeve, a suture, and a cartridge. The sleeve is disposed about the shaft and defines first and second sleeve arms movable between a retracted position, wherein the sleeve arms extend along the shaft, and a deployed position, wherein the sleeve arms extend outwardly from the shaft. The cartridge includes a base and first and second cartridge arms. The base is configured for releasable coupling with the shaft and defining a pocket configured to retain an intermediate portion of the suture. The first and second cartridge arms are configured for positioning adjacent the respective first and second sleeve arms and are configured to move in conjunction with the respective first and second sleeve arms between the retracted and deployed positions. The first and second cartridge arms are configured to retain first and second ends of the suture, respectively.

Abstract: A laparoscopic wound closure device includes an elongated body portion including a proximal end, a distal end, and a pair of vertical suture channels. Each vertical suture channel has an entrance at the proximal end and an exit near the distal end for passing a suture needle through, and travels parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body portion of the device. The vertical suture channels are designed to cause a suture needle to deflect laterally as it exits the wound closure device. The wound closure device can be an obturator or a sheath of a trocar assembly, and can be used to inject local anesthetic at the conclusion of surgery.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a mount body, a joint member, an arm, and a working end. The mount body has a top portion, a distal end, a proximal end and a bottom portion. The joint member is pivotally mounted at a distal end portion of the mount body, to allow positioning of a proximal portion of an arm extending distally from the joint member. The joint member is also configured to at least partially constrain movement of the proximal portion of the arm to a plane. The working end is mounted to a distal end portion of the arm. The surgical instrument can be configured as a heart stabilizer or a heart positioner. The joint member may further be configured as a slotted ball, a disk member, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A retractor assembly includes a base, a first side assembly coupled to a first side of the base and configured to translate relative to the base along a first direction, a first tap assembly coupled to the first side assembly and configured to threadingly engage bone, a second side assembly coupled to a second side of the base and configured to translate relative to the base along the first direction independent from the first side assembly, a second tap assembly coupled to the second side assembly and configured to threadingly engage bone, and a center assembly coupled to a center portion of the base. At least a portion of the center assembly is configured to translate relative to the base along a second direction different from the first direction.

Abstract: A scleral depressor includes an elongated handle defining a first axis. An extension member has one end attached to the proximal end of the handle and includes a blade at the remote end thereof. The extension member defines a second axis and extends from the handle at approximately 90° thereby defining a plane. A bulbous or cylindrically shaped blade located at the remote end of the extension member has its rounded surface extending out of the plane. By properly manipulating the handle, such as by rotating the same, the rounded surface of the blade is used to depress the sclera.

Abstract: A system for fastening soft tissue to bone includes a bone screw having a threaded shaft and a screw head having an underside with malleable protuberances that project toward a distal end of the threaded shaft. A fixation plate is coupled with the threaded shaft. The fixation plate has a proximal face that opposes the underside of the screw head, a distal face that faces away from the underside of the screw head, an outer peripheral edge that extends between the proximal and distal faces, a central opening for receiving the threaded shaft, and protrusions spaced from one another around the outer peripheral edge that extend distally beyond the distal face of the fixation plate. The system includes an insertion tool having a handle and a tubular shaft extending distally from the handle.

Abstract: A device for surgical ligation is provided, which comprises: a housing, where a pulling portion is provided therein; and an opening portion provided at one end of the housing and connected to the pulling portion, where a line delivery element is provided therein. The line delivery element comprises: a first arc unit having a first coupling portion and a slot thereon; a second arc unit having a second coupling portion corresponding to the first coupling portion; and a gear assembly comprising a plurality of gears engaging with each other, wherein a first gear is engaged with the pulling portion while a second gear is engaged with the second arc unit.

Abstract: A trocar wound closure system includes a suture passing needle and a guide for directing the needle through the wound site. A distal portion of the needle includes a capture rod with a slot. An obturator tube with a cutout section can be axially actuated to align the cutout section with the slot, and then moved out of alignment so as to capture the suture. The guide includes at least two tracks for directing the needle through the tissue track. A suture catcher is located adjacent to the exit of each track, and configured to be actuated from a radially extended configuration to a retracted configuration so as to capture the suture section inserted through each loop. Radially expandable arms at distal section are movable between an expanded configuration and a slender configuration.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge.

Abstract: A staple for attaching a sheet-like implant to tissue or bone may include first and second arms, and first and second flukes. In some embodiments, the first arm has a proximal end and a distal end, and the second arm has a proximal end and a distal end. A bridge extends from the proximal end of the first arm to the proximal end of the second arm. The first fluke has a proximal end abutting the distal end of the first arm, and the first fluke extends distally from the first arm. The first fluke has a lateral extent larger than a lateral extent of the first arm and is mounted eccentrically thereto. The first fluke includes a proximal surface projecting at an outward angle in a proximal direction away from the distal end of the first arm to engage the tissue or bone when inserted therein. The second fluke has similar features. This arrangement causes the first and second flukes to rotate in response to a pullout force on the bridge.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method and apparatus for delivering an article formed of a shape memory alloy to a surgical implantation site. The apparatus may include a body having a passage for receiving the proximal portion of the shape memory article, the passage being shaped to substantially prevent the shape memory article from deforming in accordance with its shape memory properties when the proximal portion of the shape memory article is positioned in the passage. An exemplary involves placing the distal portions of legs of a staple in at least one passage in a constraining device that substantially constrains the legs from deforming; and placing the proximal portions of the legs of the staple in at least one passage in an apparatus that, independently of the constraining device, substantially prevents the legs from deforming.

Abstract: The present invention provides a linear stapler having a multi-functional retaining pin subassembly. The linear stapler comprises a handle stem connecting an anvil to a handle, and the retaining pin subassembly is movably supported on the handle stem and comprises a connecting cover having a retaining pin extending from the connecting cover. The present invention also provides a multi-functional retaining pin subassembly. The retaining pin subassembly can achieve cartridge alignment and tissue retention during the firing of the stapler and protect tissue from unintended damage.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a surgical instrument with a robotics system, a memory device and an end effector having an elongate channel, knife position sensor(s) and a firing bar coupled to a knife. In response to drive motions initiated by the robotics system, the firing bar may translate within the elongate channel. As the firing bar translates, the sensor(s) transmit a signal to the memory device. The position of the knife may be determined from the output signals and may be communicated to the robotics system or instrument user. The sensors may be Hall Effect sensors.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument comprises an end effector that has a shaft coupled thereto that is coupled to a robotic system. A tool mounting portion includes an electric, DC motor connected to a drive train in the shaft for powering the drive train. A power pack that comprises at least one charge-accumulating device connected to the DC motor for powering the DC motor is provided.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a handle assembly, a body, a tool assembly and an articulation assembly is disclosed. The articulation mechanism includes a receptacle, and a main shaft. A lower clutch is fixedly positioned within the receptacle and has a serrated portion including a plurality of serrations. An upper clutch includes at least one projection positioned to engage the serrations of the lower clutch to releasably retain the main shaft at a rotatably fixed position. An angle between a first pair of adjacent serrations is defined as a first angle, an angle between a second pair of adjacent serrations is defined as a second angle, and an angle between a third pair of adjacent serrations is defined as a third angle. The first angle, the second angle, and the third angle are each different from one another.

Abstract: A buttress material and mounting structure assembly is provided for use with a circular surgical stapling device. The assembly comprises a ring-like mounting structure sized to have an outer diameter that frictionally engages a radial inner surface of a staple cartridge assembly, wherein the mounting structure is disposed within the radial inner surface of the staple cartridge assembly; an annular buttress material overlaying a tissue facing surface of the staple cartridge assembly, the annular buttress material defining an outer radial terminal edge extending radially beyond a pair of annular arrays of staple receiving slots, and a radial inner terminal edge extending across the mounting structure; and at least one suture securing the buttress material to the mounting structure.

Abstract: A wound closure system and a method of closing a wound are disclosed. The disclosure is directed to a wound closure system comprising a skin anchor mechanically attached to external skin tissue on a first side of a generally linear wound, an anchorable tensioning apparatus mechanically attached to external skin tissue on an opposite side of the wound, and a line extending between the skin anchor and the tensioning apparatus to movably connect the anchor to the tensioning apparatus. The line is fixedly engaged with an anchor on one side of the wound while the tensioning apparatus provides tension on the line to draw the skin anchor and the tensioning apparatus toward each other and toward the wound.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprised of a stapling end effector having a staple-applying assembly with opposing stapling surfaces defining a closure distance therebetween, wherein at least one stapling surface is movable, and a handle connected to the stapling end effector and comprising a staple-firing assembly that causes the staple-applying assembly to staple tissue between the stapling surfaces. The handle further comprises a power source, electric motor, and closure assembly that has a drive part movable by the motor, detection mechanism, a controller. The drive part is connected to the stapling end effector. When the motor is supplied with power, the drive part advances the movable stapling surface towards the opposing stapling surface. The detection mechanism detects a position of the drive part along the drive-part axis and the controller is configured to prevent stapling unless the drive part is at a position corresponding to a closure distance within a pre-defined range.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a handle assembly, an elongated body portion extending distally from the handle assembly, a head portion and a preload assembly is disclosed. The head portion is disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated body portion and includes an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The anvil assembly is movable in relation to the shell assembly between spaced and approximated positions. The preload assembly is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the shell assembly and enables longitudinal movement of the shell assembly with respect to the elongated body portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a duplex tissue clamp, which is provided with two tissue clamps of a parallel structure. Each of the tissue clamps comprises a V-shaped clamp body integrally formed by a first arc-shaped clamp arm (5) and a second arc-shaped clamp arm (6). The free ends of each first arc-shaped clamp arm (5) and the corresponding second arc-shaped clamp arm (6) are respectively a clamping hook (4) and a clamping groove (7, 7-1). A “hinge” structure is formed between each first arc-shaped clamp arm (5) and the corresponding second arc-shaped clamp arm (6). Each V-shaped clamp body is formed when the corresponding first arc-shaped clamp arm (5) and the corresponding second arc-shaped clamp arm (6) are in a free state. The two tissue clamps are provided with the two clamping grooves (7, 7-1) corresponding to the clamping hooks (4).

Abstract: A clip cartridge assembly for use with a reposable surgical clip applier includes a clip tray, a plurality of surgical clips, and a cover. The clip tray includes a plurality of distally oriented, deflectable, resilient fingers projecting from a base wall thereof. Each resilient finger terminates in a distal shoulder and a proximal end of the clip tray is configured for selective connection with a clip pusher bar of an endoscopic assembly of the reposable surgical clip applier. The cover includes a plurality of distally oriented, deflectable, resilient fingers projecting within a channel defined through proximal and distal ends thereof. Each resilient finger of the cover terminates in a distal shoulder and the cover includes a pair of opposed slots defined within sidewalls of the channel configured to slidably retain the clip tray and the plurality of surgical clips therein. A reposable surgical clip applier is also provided.

Abstract: Aneurysms are treated by placing a scaffold across an aneurysmal sac to provide a blood flow lumen therethrough. An aneurysmal space surrounding the scaffold is filled with one or more expandable structures which are simultaneously or sequentially expanded to fill the aneurysmal space and reduce the risk of endoluminal leaks and scaffold migration. The expandable structures are typically inflatable and delivered by delivery catheter, optionally with an inflation tube or structure attached to the expandable structure.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention provides a method for the treatment of lithiasis, which mitigates the risk of damage to surrounding body tissue when removing a calculi (e.g., biological concretions, such as urinary, biliary, and pancreatic stones) that obstructs or may otherwise be present within a body's anatomical lumen. In one embodiment, the instant invention provides a method of using a polymer plug to occlude a lumen distal to a calculi, whereby calculi fragments resulting from lithotripsy are prevented from traveling up the lumen. In certain embodiments, a dual lumen catheter is utilized to inject two solutions proximal to the calculi, the mixing of said solutions causing a polymer plug to form.

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 bleeding from a first artery is stopped by compressing the first artery at the puncture site using inflation of the first balloon and the blood flow in the first artery is increased by compression of a second artery using inflation of the second balloon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing an orthopaedic surgical procedure on a femur includes attaching a proximal end of an intramedullary adaptor to an intramedullary orthopaedic surgical instrument, securing a distal end of an intramedullary adaptor to a base cutting block, inserting the intramedullary orthopaedic surgical instrument into a medullary canal using the base cutting block, and positioning the base cutting block on a distal end of the femur.

Abstract: A surgical device of a drill/driver with bit recognition to set a desired application mode and a method of utilization thereof is provided. Various operating modes of the drill/driver are automatically set by a sensor which recognizes the bit applied to the drill/driver. A method of utilizing the drill/driver allows the drill driver to apply surgical screws at very high speeds while automatically preventing excessive torque levels that would strip out the surgical screw from the patient's bone.

Abstract: An instrument for preparing an acetabulum. The instrument includes a handle having a reamer coupling feature and a trial coupling feature. The instrument further includes an acetabular reamer having an outer cutting surface and an inner concave surface having an apex. The acetabular reamer has a first handle coupling feature located at the apex adapted to couple to the reamer coupling feature of the handle. A trial having an outer convex surface having an apex is also included. The outer convex surface adapted to fit inside the inner concave surface of the acetabular reamer. The trial has a second handle coupling feature located at the apex of the outer convex surface adapted to couple to the trial coupling feature of the handle.

Abstract: Methods of creating a curvilinear cavity within a vertebral body or other bony structure and devices that may be used to perform the steps to create the curvilinear cavity. In one embodiment, a method of forming a curvilinear void in bony structure may include the steps of accessing a bony structure with a cannula, inserting a distal end of a drill device through the cannula and into the bony structure, manipulating the distal end of the drill device to create a curvilinear void in the bony structure, enlarging the void by expansion of a balloon element mounted to the drill device, and deflating the balloon element and removing the drill device from the cannula.

Abstract: The invention is related with an external fixator that is used in High Tibial Osteotomy (HTO) surgeries, including at least one positioner (1) for gripping the leg from both sides, at least one angulation device (3) and a proximal arch (8) that is connected to the positioner (1), at least one proximal schanz holder (7) on the proximal arch (8), at least one distal schanz holder (4) at the bottom of the angulation device (3), at least one osteotomy block (5) that enables to set the size and the location of the incision on the proximal arch (8), at least one fibular head positioning device (2) that is connected to the angulation device (3) and at least one angular indicator (scale) (19) on the fixator, on which the correction can be adjusted and controlled.

Abstract: A technique for accessing extra articular lesions or abnormalities or intra osseous lesions or abnormalities or bone marrow lesions or all has the step of positioning the localizing pinning member onto cartilage or subchondral bone to define a virtual pathway through the cartilage or subchondral bone towards or into or through the lesion or abnormality or a desired target to create the virtual pathway utilizing an intra articular localizing pinning member to determine a location of the lesion or abnormality wherein the utilization of the localizing pinning member includes the step to locate or stabilize or both and thereafter using the virtual pathway to create an entry access.

Abstract: Systems and methods for joint replacement are provided. The systems and methods include a surgical orientation device and at least one orthopedic fixture. The surgical orientation device and orthopedic fixtures can be used to locate the orientation of an axis in the body, to adjust an orientation of a cutting plane or planes along a bony surface, to distract a joint, or to otherwise assist in an orthopedic procedure or procedures.

Abstract: A system, devices and methods arc provided for facilitating stabilization of periarticular fractures. The system includes a compression plate and one or more of a cerclage cable for encircling the bone and securing the compression plate to the bone, a crimp lug for securing the cable in tension relative to the bone and/or a plate, and a supplemental plate coupled to the compression plate and adapted to receive bicortical or unicortical bone screws to further secure the compression plate relative to the bone. In addition, the system includes a cable tensioner for temporarily retaining the cable in tension and then applying a tension to the cable until a desired compression is effected between a plate and bone and while a cable retaining structure is secured to the cable to retain the applied tension on the cable. Also provided is a jig for use with plates for minimally invasive fracture stabilization.

Abstract: Provided is a medical device designed to be inserted into a lumen of a living body, the medical device including: a long shaft part; and a cylindrical hollow body. The shaft part has a center axis at position which differs from a center axis of the hollow body on a cross section perpendicular to the center axis of the shaft part. The hollow body has a housing part extending along the center axis of the hollow body, the hollow body being a groove depressed from an outer peripheral surface to an inner peripheral surface or a slit penetrating from an outer peripheral surface to an inner peripheral surface. The shaft part is positioned between inner surfaces facing from the outer peripheral surface to the inner peripheral surface in such a way that at least a portion of the shaft part constitutes the slit or the groove of the housing part.

Abstract: A medical device designed to be inserted into a lumen of a living body so as to block a flow of fluid in the lumen of the living body. The medical device includes: a long shaft part; an expandable part; and a covering part. The expandable part is an elastically deformable cylindrical body, and the cylindrical body having a proximal part connected to the shaft part. The covering part takes on a cylindrical shape and is flexible and deformable independently of the expandable part, and the cylindrical shape has a proximal part connected to a proximal part of the expandable part or connected to the shaft part located at a proximal side with respect to the expandable part. The covering part defines a space in the radial direction between a distal side end part of the cylindrical shape and the expandable part.

Abstract: A method of aspirating a vascular occlusion from a remote site is provided. The method includes the steps of advancing a first elongate tubular body through a vascular access site and into a body vessel, advancing a second tubular body distally to extend beyond the first elongate tubular body to reach the remote site, and aspirating thrombus from the site into the lumen by applying pulsatile vacuum to the first elongate tubular body. The second tubular body has a lumen and a length that is shorter than the first elongate tubular body. The pulsatile application of vacuum may cause the distal tip of the second tubular body to open and close like a jaw, which facilitates reshaping the thrombus or biting or nibbling the thrombus material into strands or pieces to facilitate proximal withdrawal under negative pressure through the lumen of the second tubular body.

Abstract: A neurovascular catheter is provided, such as for distal neurovascular access or aspiration. The catheter includes an elongate flexible tubular body, having a proximal end, a distal end and a side wall defining a central lumen. A distal zone of the tubular body includes a tubular inner liner, a tie layer separated from the lumen by the inner liner, a helical coil surrounding the tie layer, an outer jacket surrounding the helical coil, and an opening at the distal end. Adjacent windings of the helical coil are spaced progressively further apart in the distal direction. The opening at the distal end of the tubular body is enlargeable from a first inside diameter for transluminal navigation to a second, larger inside diameter to facilitate aspiration of thrombus into the lumen.

Abstract: An embodiment of a medical device includes a proximal handle, a distal end effector, an elongate member connecting the end effector to the handle, and a sheath enclosing at least a portion of the elongate member. The handle may include a first mechanism coupled to one of the sheath and the elongate member to move the sheath relative to the elongate member, a second mechanism coupled to the elongate member to rotate the elongate member relative to the handle, and a locking mechanism coupled to the first mechanism to hold the first mechanism in a default position. Embodiments also include methods of positioning the medical device to perform a medical procedure.

Abstract: A telescoping catheter is provided such as for distal neurovascular aspiration or access. The catheter includes an elongate, flexible tubular body, having a proximal section with at least one lumen and a distal section which is axially movably positioned within the lumen. A control is provided for advancing the distal section from a first, proximally retracted position within the proximal section to a second extended position, extending distally beyond the proximal section. The distal end of at least one of the proximal and distal sections may be provided with at least one active feature, such as at least one movable jaw or rotatable agitator, to assist in the capture of vascular obstruction. The jaw may be operable in response to application of pulsatile negative pressure through the catheter.