Abstract: In surgery using monopolar HF, there is a constant risk of patients suffering burns at the neutral electrode. Said problem stems from the fact that numerous methods have been devised by which relatively high HF currents are applied for extended periods of time. The present invention solves said problem by providing a neutral electrode, device that is to be used for applying an HF current to a biological tissue. Said improved neutral electrode device comprises at least one latent heat accumulator for absorbing heat. Thus heat peaks can be at least temporarily accumulated until the accumulated thermal energy can be safely released.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a hair removal device having a light emission unit having a substrate and a plurality of first LED dies that are mounted on the substrate on an area of at least 0.2 cm2, in particular of at least 1 cm2, the first LED dies having a peak emission wavelength in the far red or infrared wavelength range of between 700 nm and 980 nm, wherein the hair removal device is arranged to emit a treatment light pulse having a pulse length in the range of between 60 ms and 120 ms and the first LED dies have a radiant flux such that a radiant fluence on the skin of a user in the range of between 3 J/cm2 and 7 J/cm2 is achieved by application of the treatment light pulse.

Abstract: The present invention relates to comprehensive systems, devices and methods for delivering energy to tissue for a wide variety of applications, including medical procedures (e.g., tissue ablation, resection, cautery, vascular thrombosis, treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and dysrhythmias, electrosurgery, tissue harvest, etc.). In certain embodiments, systems, devices, and methods are provided for delivering energy to difficult to access tissue regions (e.g. peripheral lung tissues), and/or reducing the amount of undesired heat given off during energy delivery.

Abstract: A cosmetic method of directionally tightening human skin tissue includes providing an ablative laser source and a non-ablative laser source, then using the ablative laser source to form one or more overlapping circular shaped microchannels in the skin tissue; the overlapping microchannels formed have a longitudinal dimension larger than their cross dimension; then, using the non-ablative laser source to weld the microchannels, whereby the welding causes the skin tissue to tighten.

Abstract: A catheter is disclosed for locating radiation tagged tissue within a mammalian body and treating tagged tissue or untagged tissue adjacent to the tagged tissue in a single procedure. The catheter includes in or on a distal end thereof one or more detectors for locating labeled tissue. A lumen extending from a proximal end of said tube to the distal end of said tube, includes a retractable and extendable needle positioned adjacent the distal end of said tube for delivering a liquid treatment modality. I the alternative the injector for delivering the treatment modality may be placed adjacent to the catheter for delivery of the treatment.

Abstract: In the present invention, an imaging system and method is provided to obtain a fusion image of a patient anatomy used as a navigational 3D roadmap to guide an interventional device into the anatomy. The fusion image fuses in real-time, fluoroscopy images taken during the interventional procedure with pre-operative CTA images, so that the operator can see the anatomy in the fluoroscopy image without having to inject contrast agent. To correct for the deformation in the anatomy from the pre-op CTA images form the insertion of interventional devices during the procedure, a 3D ultrasound image is obtained after the insertion of the devices. The 3D ultrasound images are then utilized to correct the pre-op CTA images and provide the current vascular anatomy of the patient. This updated CTA image is fused with the intra-op fluoro images to provide an accurate 3D roadmap image that matches the deformed anatomy.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for registration of location sensors. In one aspect, a system includes an instrument and a processor configured to provide a first set of commands to drive the instrument along a first branch of the luminal network, the first branch being outside a path to a target within a model. The processor is also configured to track a set of one or more registration parameters during the driving of the instrument along the first branch and determine that the set of registration parameters satisfy a registration criterion. The processor is further configured to determine a registration between a location sensor coordinate system and a model coordinate system based on location data received from a set of location sensors during the driving of the instrument along the first branch and a second branch.

Abstract: An exemplary drive apparatus may include a roller assembly and a roller support. The roller assembly may have a first continuous surface, a second continuous surface, an open configuration for receiving an elongate member, and a closed configuration for securing the elongate member in the roller assembly. The roller assembly imparts axial motion to the elongate member along the first continuous surface, which maintains contact with the elongate member during the axial motion. The roller support rotates the roller assembly about the second continuous surface, which maintains contact with the roller support during rotational motion. The roller assembly and roller support to impart axial and rotational motion, respectively, independently of one another.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tool having a wrist mechanism that provides pitch and yaw rotation in such a way that the tool has no singularity in roll, pitch, and yaw. In one embodiment, a minimally invasive surgical instrument includes an elongate shaft having a working end, a proximal end, and a shaft axis between the working end and the proximal end; and an end effector. A wrist member has a flexible tube including an axis extending through an interior surrounded by a wall. The wall of the flexible tube includes a plurality of lumens oriented generally parallel to the axis of the flexible tube. The wrist member has a proximal portion connected to the working end of the elongate shaft and a distal portion connected to the end effector.

Abstract: An apparatus may be used to form an opening in a sinus wall. The apparatus comprises a first cutting member and a second cutting member. The first cutting member comprises a helical blade. The second cutting member is slidably disposed about the first cutting member. The second cutting member comprises a sharp distal edge. An outer sheath is slidably disposed about the first and second cutting member. The sheath may be retracted to uncover the helical blade. The second cutting member may be advanced over the first cutting member to form a circular opening in the sinus wall. The sheath may include an obliquely angled distal edge. A cleaning instrument may be used to clean debris from the first cutting member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument may comprise a shaft comprising a wrist at a first end, an end effector coupled to the wrist, and an actuation element that extends along the shaft and the wrist. The actuation element may follow a twisted path along at least a portion of the wrist. The twisted path may have an angular extent of less than 360 degrees along an entire length of the wrist. A method of configuring a surgical instrument wrist is also contemplated, as well as a support structure for an actuation element of a surgical instrument. The support structure may comprise at least one passage defining a twisted path about a longitudinal axis of the support structure. The passage may have an angular extent of less than 360 degrees from a first end of the passage to a second end of the passage.

Abstract: A controller stores the orientations of a master tool grip and a slave surgical instrument tip upon completion of a master-slave alignment process, and enters following. During following each commanded movement of the slave surgical instrument tip from the master tool grip is processed by the controller to compensate for any alignment error between the master tool grip and the slave surgical instrument tip before following was entered. The result of this processing is that the motion of the slave surgical instrument tip intuitively corresponds to the motion of the master tool grip despite an initial swooping orientation misalignment between the master tool grip and the slave surgical instrument tip.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system including a control circuit configured to: (i) generate an energy control signal to deliver an electrosurgical energy signal to a first electrode and a second electrode, (ii) measure a current supplied and a voltage applied to the first and second electrodes, (iii) calculate impedance based on the measured current and voltage, (iv) compare the calculated impedance to a predetermined impedance level, (v) generate a subsequent energy control signal to deliver a subsequent electrosurgical energy signal to the first and second electrodes, when the calculated impedance is less than the predetermined impedance level, by adjusting at least one energy signal characteristic between the delivered electrosurgical energy signal and the subsequent electrosurgical energy signal based on the calculated impedance, and (vi) generate a drive control signal to activate a blade when the calculated impedance is greater than or equal to the predetermined impedance level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for receiving and handling specific medical waste products to be stored in a safe container (10; 100), comprising a receiving mechanism (14; 126) arranged with a compartment (48; 131) for receiving a medicament container, which compartment (48; 131) is operably arranged to be moved from a first position wherein a medical waste product may be entered into said compartment to a second position wherein the medical waste product is entered into the safe container (10; 100), at least one first locking element (25; 118) operably arranged to releasably lock said compartment (48; 131) from being moved to said second position, said at least one first locking element (25; 118) being configured such that a medical waste product placed in said compartment (48; 131) constitutes a keying element for unlocking said compartment (48), and a monitoring unit (60; 200) comprising a detection mechanism (64; 150, 170) capable of detecting that said compartment (48; 131) has been moved from

Abstract: A forceps includes a pair of shafts each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. One (or both) of the shafts is moveable relative to the other about a pivot pin between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position to move the jaw members between an open position and a closed position. A knife assembly includes a knife blade mechanically keyed to the pivot pin and moveable between an initial position, wherein the knife blade is disposed within one of the jaw members, and an extended position, wherein the knife blade extends between the jaw members. An actuator arm(s) is mechanically keyed to the pivot pin and extends therefrom. The actuator arm(s) is moveable between an un-actuated position and an actuated position to rotate the pivot pin relative to the jaw members to move the knife blade between the initial position and the extended position.

Abstract: Tissue localization devices and methods of localizing tissue using tissue localization devices are disclosed. The tissue localization device can comprise a handle comprising a delivery control, a delivery needle extending out from the handle, and a localization element within the delivery needle. The localization element can be deployed out of the delivery needle or retracted back into the delivery needle when the delivery control is translated in a first direction or a second direction, respectively. The localization element can be coupled to a flexible tracking wire.

Abstract: A system for monitoring cleaning efforts of care givers using stethoscopes including one or more stations capable of cleaning a head portion of a stethoscope presented thereto. The system includes an identification apparatus operably associated with each of a plurality of stethoscopes. The identification apparatus serves to identify a particular stethoscope and, thus, a particular care provider. A mechanism for detecting and signaling each time a particular stethoscope comes within predetermined radius of a cleaning station forms part of the system. Another mechanism for detecting and signaling each time a particular stethoscope is presented to a station to have a cleaning event performed thereon also forms part of the system. An analysis unit is operably connected to each detecting mechanism and is configured for calculating the cleanliness level of each stethoscope. A method for monitoring cleaning efforts of care providers using stethoscopes is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dental implant screwdriver harness system enables a dentist to restrain and stabilize an implant screwdriver, while simultaneously turning the driver head using only one hand. A tether attached to the dentist's hand/finger connects to a stepped socket assembly, comprising multiple driver sockets, which seat driver heads of several standard diameters. A flexible perforated driver shaft strap wraps over the driver shaft and holds the driver head down against a central socket base.

Abstract: A dental device for shaping matrix bands. The device has a first arm pivotally connected to a second arm. A male head component having a curved, convex inner sidewall with a flattened surface centrally disposed thereon is connected to a bar portion of the first arm. A female head component having a curved, concave inner sidewall with a flattened surface centrally disposed thereon is connected to a bar portion of the second arm. When a handle portion of the first arm is pivoted towards a handle portion of the second arm, the first bar portion pivots toward the second bar portion. The male head component mates with the female head component such that the inner sidewall of the male head component interfaces with the inner sidewall of the female head component, and the flattened surface of the male head component interfaces with the flattened surface of the female head component.

Abstract: Apparatus, system, and methods for utilizing one or more computing devices to stage the movement of teeth during an alignment treatment are disclosed. The computing device receives an electronic representation of the patient's teeth in their initial position and an electronic representation of the teeth a final position for each tooth. A route each tooth will travel to reach its final position is determined, and the teeth are scheduled to move according to a movement pattern. Moreover, the schedule of movement takes into account a maximum rate of tooth movement for each tooth, the path of movement for each tooth, the distance each tooth needs to move, any needed tooth staggering, any needed round-tripping or tooth movement slowing. The invention also includes techniques for determining an optimum number of stages for the treatment based on the schedule of movement.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to prevent interference between two physical tooth models in a physical dental arch model by acquiring the coordinates of a plurality of points on the surfaces of each of the two physical tooth models and digitally representing the surfaces of each of the two physical tooth models by a mesh of points in three dimensions using the acquired coordinates. The meshes representing the surfaces of the two physical tooth models intersect at least at one point to form an overlapping portion. The method also includes calculating the depth of the overlapping portion between the two meshes to quantify the interference of the two physical tooth models.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for a patterned dental positioning appliance. One method embodiment includes receiving a dental mold of a patient's dentition, applying a pattern to a portion of the dental mold, and applying a material to the dental mold to form the removable dental positioning appliance that includes either the pattern on the portion of the dental mold or an inverse thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a removable lingual-vestibular dental alignment device comprising an assembly of independent caps (12). The inner part of each cover (12) includes a fissure (14) for coupling to a fixing element (21, 24, and 27) adhered to the tooth (20) and outer elements (13) facilitating the passage of the dental arch (16) having a circular, square or rectangular section. The invention also relates to a method for the production of the caps (12) that includes scanning the mold of the denture and working on a virtual mold in order to include the corrective elements. The caps (12, 35) are produced after printing the result of the denture (9) with the different elements and subsequent stamping method or from the printing of a file corresponding to a virtual cap produced on the virtual denture (8) that includes the virtual cuboids (4) and virtual half-spheres (5).

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket assembly includes a mounting plate configured to be coupled to a tooth and a bracket member. The bracket member has a first portion generally extending in a first direction, a second portion generally extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a slot defined intermediate the first and second portions. The slot is configured to receive a wire. Additionally, each of the first and second portions includes a curved surface defining an entrance of the slot.

Abstract: A dental device having an abutment body including a substantially radial mark on its external part, the abutment body adapted, to be connected, to an implant by a connecting member, such that the substantially radial mark is distinguishable from the abutment body in an image taken by an imaging device when the implant and abutment are installed.

Abstract: A dental method and associated apparatus is disclosed in which a navigation body, comprising a plurality of navigation elements, is scanned using a scanner. Relative locations of the navigation elements are determined and, based on the relative locations, a scanner coordinate system is determined. A dental model is also scanned using the scanner to obtain three-dimensional virtual image data of the dental model and the scanner coordinate system is associated with the image data. A three-dimensional virtual image of the dental model is positioned, based on the three-dimensional virtual image data, within a three-dimensional virtual scene.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for providing patient data useful for dental procedures, including scanning a dental structure of a patient when coupled to a geometric structure to provide a virtual model representative of the coupling and the dental structure, and relating the virtual model to a body reference of the patient.

Abstract: The invention concerns a preform for a CAD/CAM machining apparatus having an upper face and a lower face a11d in which at least one of the cells is filled with a composite material to be machined by CAD/CAM, said material comprising long unidirectional fibers embedded in a cross-linked polymer matrix.

Abstract: The present invention is an oral hygiene system for providing pressurized water to a person's teeth or gums for oral hygiene. The oral hygiene system includes a main valve assembly, a filter assembly, a pressure tank assembly, a syphon assembly and a waterpik assembly. The main valve assembly is connectable to a water line, and includes a valve unit for controlling water flow. The filter assembly includes a filter cartridge, and is in fluid communication with the main valve assembly. The pressure tank assembly is in fluid communication with the filter assembly. The syphon assembly is capable of storing a liquid, and can include a syphon tube capable of dispensing the liquid into the water received from the pressure tank assembly. The waterpik assembly is in fluid communication with the syphon assembly, and is capable of allowing a user to provide pressurized water to a person's teeth or gums.

Abstract: The present invention provides a saliva evacuator system for removing saliva, and optionally debris, from the mouth of a dental patient. The saliva evacuator system includes a vacuum pump, a flexible tubing connected at one end to the vacuum pump, and a tip assembly at the other end of the tubing, the tip assembly carrying a vacuum on/off valve. The on/off valve is positioned so that the on/off valve remains outside of the patient's mouth when the tip assembly is inserted into the patient's mouth. The on/off valve is a single-piece body push valve that is transversely movable within a hollow body of the tip assembly and is retained on the hollow by opposite ends of the on/off valve. One end of the on/off valve preferably clips onto the hollow body. The tip assembly can include a saliva ejector tip, a high-volume evacuator tip or a surgical high-volume evacuator tip.

Abstract: The power toothbrush includes a handle portion which includes a power drive assembly and a brushhead assembly (32) which includes a brushhead arm (36) and a brush element (38) at a distal end thereof. A V-spring assembly (14) converts the action of the power drive assembly to drive the brushhead assembly in a back-and-forth action. A mounting member (55) at the rear end of the V-spring assembly provides a base for a magnet (56). The V-spring assembly and the brushhead assembly comprises a unit which moves about a pivot point at the forward end of the V-spring assembly, so that the back end of the V-spring assembly is displaced in accordance with pressure applied to the brush member. A Hall effect sensor (58) is mounted within the changing magnetic field produced by the magnet as the rear end of the V-spring assembly is displaced due to pressure on the brushhead.

Abstract: A medical device for retrieving an inferior vena cava filter from an inferior vena cava having a handle having a distal end, wherein a longitudinal axis is defined thereby; a grasping assembly coupled to the handle, wherein the grasping assembly comprises a grasper for grasping the inferior vena cava filter positioned within the inferior vena cava, and an articulation assembly coupled to the grasping assembly for causing the grasping assembly to move laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle. Methods of retrieving an inferior vena cava filter from an inferior vena cava are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for deploying and/or retrieving an object (e.g., a vena cava filter) in a cavity (e.g., a vena cava) using a system configured to: (i) maintain grip of the unsheathed object in the cavity until deliberately released, (ii) prevent premature release of the object in the cavity, and/or (iii) facilitate retrieval by first everting said object, then withdrawing the object through a guiding catheter (e.g., retrieval via eversion).

Abstract: A vascular repair device assembly includes a main prostheses, first internal prostheses, an optional second internal prostheses, and at least two sub-prostheses. Methods for delivering vascular repair devices include delivering a vascular repair device through a blood vessel to the aneurysm site, aligning a proximal open end of a main prosthesis cranially to the site of the aneurysm patient and directing a distal end of at least one additional one vascular repair device through a proximal end of at least a first internal lumen, and aligning the proximal end of the additional vascular repair device into a distal end of the at least one sub-prosthesis.

Abstract: A device includes a first end portion, a second end portion, an intermediate portion, and a graft material. The first end portion has a first end diameter. The second end portion has a second end diameter smaller than the first end diameter. The first end portion comprises a first material. The second end portion comprises a second material different than the first material. The intermediate portion is between the first end portion and the second end portion. The intermediate portion tapers between the first end portion and the second end portion. The graft material is coupled to at least the intermediate portion.

Abstract: There is disclosed a collagen construct comprising a plurality of elongate strips, wherein each strip contains a plurality of collagen fibres that are substantially aligned along the length of the respective strips, and the strips are braided or woven together to produce a collagen construct in the form of a rope that can be used for replacing tendons or ligaments, such as cruciate ligaments. Also disclosed is a method for making or producing the collagen construct from a collagen membrane having a plurality of collagen fibres being substantially aligned parallel to each other in a common direction. The membrane is cut along cut lines that are orientated substantially parallel to that common direction, thereby to separate elongate strips from the membrane. The strips are then braided or woven together to form the collagen construct.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis is provided for reconstructing an anatomical feature, such as a breast nipple. The prosthesis may be formed from a biologic and/or synthetic material. The prosthesis may include a body with a shape that is suitable for reconstructing the anatomical feature. A base may be located at an end of the body to facilitate anchoring the prosthesis in position. The prosthesis may be provided with openings that allow fluid flow therethrough, tissue ingrowth, revascularization, neovascularization and/or fat or stem cell deposition. The prosthesis may include a plurality of layers of biocompatible material arranged in a stacked configuration. The layers may be in spaced relation relative to each other and secured or fixed in position to maintain the spacing therebetween. Each layer may have one or more openings extending therethrough. The spaced layer arrangement may provide a desired tactile response and/or natural movement for the prosthesis.

Abstract: A breast implant is provided which includes a filling, or core having a lower overall density relative to silicone gel-filled or saline-filled implant. The core may be a composite including flexible, bodies, for example, air-containing, or gas-containing, bodies, and a gel medium between or around the bodies.

Abstract: An improved self-centering phakic refractive lens is disclosed. The lens floats freely in the posterior chamber of the eye and corrects vision of the patient but also prevents buildup of intraocular pressure, cataract induction and iris pigment dispersion. The lens comprises an optical body, haptic members which extend outward from the optical body, and a small hole in the approximate center of the optical body for the purpose of allowing aqueous humor to flow through that hole. The lens is designed such that its posterior surface conforms to the shape of the anterior surface of the patient's natural crystalline lens.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multifocal lens (1), in particular an intraocular lens or contact lens, having a refractive focus (Fr) and a first and a second diffractive structure (6, 7) that at least partially overlap, said two diffractive structures (6, 7) being different. A first order focus (F1;1) of the first diffractive structure (6) coincides with a first order focus (F2,1) of the second diffractive structure (7). The invention further relates to a method for producing such a multifocal lens (1).

Abstract: The present invention provides an accommodative intraocular lens (AIOL) system and method for improving accommodation with an intraocular lens. The method involves insertion into the capsular bag of a flexible optic holder comprising a plurality of haptics configured to allow the capsular bag to be sectioned at regular intervals following fusion of the capsular bag. The haptics of the optic holder are designed to allow maximum fusion of the anterior and posterior leaves of the capsular bag following placement of the optic holder in the capsular bag. Following introduction of the optic holder into the capsular bag, the natural or assisted process of fibrosis/fusion of the capsular bag occurs, thereby sealing and securely capturing the haptics within the capsular bag.

Abstract: A replacement heart valve can have an expandable frame configured to engage a native valve annulus. A valve body can be mounted onto the expandable frame to provide functionality similar to a natural valve. The valve body has an upstream end and a downstream end, and a diameter at the downstream end is greater than a diameter at the upstream end.

Abstract: Prosthetic valves are provided with a leaflet assembly having at least one leaflet (3) attached to a supporting element (2), which leaflet has a free margin that can move between a first position wherein the free margin is flexed away from a closure surface (700) to allow body fluid to flow through the valve, and a second position wherein the free margin abuts the closure surface to close the valve, and wherein the leaflet, without pulsatile load on the valve, can form a coaptation height H of more than 0.1 mm along the length of the free margin. Such prosthetic valve provides good performance during prolonged time, and can be made using various materials for the leaflets. The invention also relates to a leaflet assembly for use in a prosthetic valve, and to methods of making the prosthetic valve, including making the leaflet assembly.

Abstract: Prosthetic valves and methods of use of prosthetic valves may be provided. In one implementation, an expandable prosthetic valve may be configured for implantation within a native heart valve. The prosthetic valve may include an expandable outer frame formed at least partially of outer frame struts. The prosthetic valve may also include an inner frame with tissue anchors extending therefrom, the inner frame being formed at least partially of inner frame struts. The struts along the downstream ends of the outer and inner frames may be arranged in undulating configurations to extend between peaks and troughs. A trough of the outer frame may be configured to be situated downstream from a peak of the inner frame.

Abstract: Medical devices for positioning a valve in a subject's body, such as a prosthetic heart valve in a subject's heart, are disclosed. The prosthetic heart valve may include a valve assembly, a frame, and a control arm. The prosthetic heart valve may include a commissural post or multiple commissural posts. The prosthetic heart valve may include a positional marker on a control arm. The prosthetic heart valve may include multiple positional markers on one or more control arms. The positional markers can be shapes, characters, or other symbols. The positional markers may themselves be asymmetric. The positional markers may be placed in an asymmetric location on a control arm. The control arm may be asymmetrically shaped.

Abstract: Embodiments of an expandable sheath can be used in conjunction with a catheter assembly to introduce a prosthetic device, such as a heart valve, into a patient. Such embodiments can minimize trauma to the vessel by allowing for temporary expansion of a portion of the introducer sheath to accommodate the delivery apparatus, followed by a return to the original diameter once the prosthetic device passes through. Some embodiments can include a sheath with inner and outer layers, where a folded portion of the inner layer extends through a slit in the outer layer and a portion of the outer layer overlaps the folded portion of the inner layer. Some embodiments include an elastic outer cover positioned outside the outer layer. Embodiments of the present expandable sheath can avoid the need for multiple insertions for the dilation of the vessel, thus offering advantages over prior art introducer sheaths.

Abstract: Embodiments of an expandable sheath can be used in conjunction with a catheter assembly to introduce a prosthetic device, such as a heart valve, into a patient. Such embodiments can minimize trauma to the vessel by allowing for temporary expansion of a portion of the introducer sheath to accommodate the delivery apparatus, followed by a return to the original diameter once the prosthetic device passes through. Some embodiments can include a sheath with inner and outer layers, where a folded portion of the inner layer extends through a slit in the outer layer and a portion of the outer layer overlaps the folded portion of the inner layer. Some embodiments include an elastic outer cover positioned outside the outer layer. Embodiments of the present expandable sheath can avoid the need for multiple insertions for the dilation of the vessel, thus offering advantages over prior art introducer sheaths.

Abstract: Embodiments of an expandable sheath can be used in conjunction with a catheter assembly to introduce a prosthetic device, such as a heart valve, into a patient. Such embodiments can minimize trauma to the vessel by allowing for temporary expansion of a portion of the introducer sheath to accommodate the delivery apparatus, followed by a return to the original diameter once the prosthetic device passes through. Some embodiments can include a sheath with inner and outer layers, where a folded portion of the inner layer extends through a slit in the outer layer and a portion of the outer layer overlaps the folded portion of the inner layer. Some embodiments include an elastic outer cover positioned outside the outer layer. Embodiments of the present expandable sheath can avoid the need for multiple insertions for the dilation of the vessel, thus offering advantages over prior art introducer sheaths.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of deploying a stent graft having a proximal anchor stent ring includes restraining proximal apexes of the proximal anchor stent ring between a spindle body of a spindle and a control release sleeve of a tapered tip. The control release sleeve is advanced relative to the spindle to release a first proximal apex through an opening in the control release sleeve while the remaining proximal apexes remain restrained by the control release sleeve. The control release sleeve is further advanced relative to the spindle to release the remaining proximal apexes from the control release sleeve. In another example, a stent capture fitting has variable length stent capture fitting arms. As the stent capture fitting is retracted, the proximal apexes of the proximal anchor stent ring are sequentially exposed from and released by the variable length stent capture fitting arms.

Abstract: A delivery device for an implantable medical device includes an inner shaft extending in a longitudinal direction and an outer shaft surrounding at least a longitudinal portion of the inner shaft. The outer shaft is slidable relative to the inner shaft in the longitudinal direction. A sheath surrounds a longitudinal portion of the outer shaft, the sheath having an outer diameter and being slidable in the longitudinal direction between a first position enclosing the medical device and a second position exposing the medical device to permit full functionality of the medical device. A retaining cage is coupled to the outer shaft, the retaining cage being configured and arrange to collapse the medical device during resheathing.