Abstract: A medical device may include a needle, including a plurality of links and a distal tip, reciprocally movable between a first configuration and a second configuration, and a conduit including a lumen extending through the needle, the conduit being coupled to the distal tip, wherein longitudinal movement of the conduit is configured to transition the needle between the first configuration and the second configuration.

Abstract: A tissue removal device includes a housing, an outer tube having a distal portion configured for transcervical insertion into a uterus, an inner tube slidably disposed within the outer tube lumen, a vacuum generation chamber disposed within the housing, a movable piston slidably disposed in the vacuum generation chamber, a collection chamber, a manual actuator moveably coupled to the housing and operatively coupled to the piston, and proximal and distal one-way valves. The outer tube has an outer tube lumen, a tissue in-take opening proximate a distal end thereof, and a proximal end coupled to the housing. The inner tube has an inner tube lumen extending from an open inner tube distal end to an open inner tube proximal end, the open inner tube distal end comprising a cutting edge configured to sever intrauterine tissue extending through the tissue in-take opening in the outer tube.

Abstract: A surface-modified cannula includes a hollow shaft having a proximal opening and one or more surface features along a portion of the length of the hollow shaft, the one or more surface features including one or more channels, one or more depressions, and/or two or more ports each extending at least partially between an outer diameter and an inner diameter of the hollow shaft. The one or more surface features are configured to enable, upon delivery of the cannula to a position proximate to a wound site in the blood vessel, collection of the patient's blood from the wound site, and ejection of the blood along an access path to the wound site, thereby enabling blood to migrate from the wound site to a region surrounding and extending from the wound site along the access path.

Abstract: A method for removing a tissue specimen from a patient includes introducing a bag at least partially into a cavity in the body of the patient, the bag comprising an open end and a port, positioning a tissue specimen to be removed from the patient into an interior of the bag by passing the tissue specimen through the open end of the bag, sealing the open end of the bag, removing gas from the interior of the bag through the port while the tissue specimen is contained in the interior of the bag, and entirely withdrawing the bag containing the tissue specimen from the cavity. The bag may include a closure device configured to hermetically seal the open end of the bag, and the port may include a one-way gas valve configured to prevent or retard gas from entering the interior of the bag through the port.

Abstract: The invention concerns an intervertebral prosthesis placement instrument which can be used to facilitate accurate positioning of a spinal disc prosthesis between adjacent spinal vertebrae. The instrument has opposed jaws formed with tips that are shaped for insertion between the vertebrae. The jaws can be moved apart from one another to distract the vertebrae, allowing the prosthesis to enter between the vertebrae. The jaws also have opposed surfaces which are shaped to embrace the prosthesis between them and to guide the prosthesis into position.

Abstract: A tissue guard includes a body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The body includes an inner body defining a passageway therethrough and an outer body disposed about the inner body such that an annular flow channel is defined therebetween. A proximal lip extends radially outwardly from the proximal end portion of the body. A plurality of ribs is disposed within the annular flow channel and arranged to define a helical configuration to establish a helical fluid flow path through the annular flow channel upon application of suction therethrough.

Abstract: A retractor member is configured for insertion through a channel of an access member and for moving soft tissue at a treatment site that is accessible through the channel. The retractor includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end and spaced from each other along a longitudinal direction. The distal end defines a retractor blade and the body defines a first surface and a second surface opposite each other along a transverse direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The retractor includes an attachment device configured to selectively attach the body to a portion of the access member such that the body is extendable through the working channel while the body is attached to the portion of the access member.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing an ocular surgery, the apparatus comprising: a support housing having a bottom configured to be positioned on the sclera of an eye during performance of an ocular surgery; a muscle hook holder connected to the support housing and configured to hold an ocular muscle hook so that the ocular muscle hook is translatable to elevate an ocular muscle away from the eye during performance of the surgery; and a set of graduation markings on the support housing useable to determine a distance that the ocular muscle hook is translated to elevate the ocular muscle.

Abstract: A surgical retractor system having a frame and a plurality of arms connected thereto is disclosed. At least one arm is moveable relative to the frame and the relative movement is constrained to a direction along the longitudinal axis of the arm. At least one retractor blade is removably connected to each of the plurality of arms. The blade is fixably rotatable about an axis normal to the longitudinal axis of the arm to which it is connected.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a tissue traction device for endoscopic procedures such as tissue dissection. For example, a tissue traction device may include first and second attachment members pivotably attached by first and second swivels to opposite ends of a stretchable traction band comprising a compliant or semi-compliant material.

Abstract: A tissue anchor includes a memory metal wire configured to transition between an at least partially straightened delivery configuration and an expanded deployed configuration forming an anchor and a suture-attachment feature configured to have a suture coupled thereto. In the expanded deployed configuration, one or more portions of the memory metal wire extend radially outward from a center of the tissue anchor.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present disclosure, a tissue retraction system may include a first anchor, a second anchor, and an elongate coupling member extending between the first anchor and the second anchor. The system also may include a holder for receiving the first anchor, the second anchor, and the elongate coupling element. The holder may include a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion may have a smaller width than the proximal portion such that the distal portion exerts a force on a proximal end of the first anchor during deployment of the first anchor from the holder. The force may move the first anchor into an open configuration for receiving tissue.

Abstract: A graft suspension device for suspending a ligament in a bone hole having a first loop and a second loop suspending from an 8-hole anchor, and a cradle at the opposite end of the loops to the anchor. The loose ends of the suture are routed through holes in the anchor separate from the loops and are joined together to form a single tail. A finger loop allows a surgeon to adjust the distance of the cradle from the anchor with the cradle staying centered with respect to the anchor as the distance is adjusted.

Abstract: A method of anchoring soft tissue to a suitable bone site, using a soft suture anchor, includes steps of disposing the soft suture anchor on a shaft of an inserter, and securing a proximal end of a tensioning suture limb, extending proximally from the soft suture anchor, to structure in a handle of the inserter, so that it is maintained in place at a first level of holding tension (Thold). The inserter shaft is inserted into a hone hole at a desired procedural site, so that the soft suture anchor is positioned at a location where it is to be anchored. A further step involves actuating a control mechanism in the inserter handle to move the structure proximally to apply a second level of deployment tension (Tload) to the tensioning suture limb.

Abstract: A knotless tissue repair assembly for attachment of tissue to bone includes an anchoring implant with a length of suture threaded therethrough. The implant is preferably a soft flexible three-dimensional structure. The implant may be actuated from a first elongate low profile shape into a second short radially expanded shape having a larger diameter than the hole through which it was placed. The suture extends through the anchor, through a tissue to be secured, and back through a designated suture-binding region or passageway within the anchor enabling the suture to be secured therein and without the need for a physician to tie a knot. Further tension applied to a suture leg approximates the tissue to the anchor until a desired tension or distance between the tissue and anchor is achieved.

Abstract: An anvil assembly suitable for trans-oral delivery includes an anvil head configured to receive a suture that secures the anvil head in a delivery position and is separable from the anvil head following delivery of the anvil assembly. An anvil delivery assembly includes the anvil assembly, a delivery assembly secured to the anvil assembly, and a suture selectively secured to the anvil assembly for securing the anvil assembly in a delivery position and retrieving the anvil assembly.

Abstract: A method includes passing a first flexible strand through a tissue section by a first needle coupled to a driver. The driver includes a longitudinal body defining an opening at a distal end. The first needle is positioned in the opening. A first hole is formed through a bone. The first flexible strand is passed through the first hole using a strand retriever. The strand retriever includes a body having a first longitudinal tube extending therefrom and a first snare slideably deployable from the first longitudinal tube. The first longitudinal tube is positioned from a first side of the bone in the first hole and the first snare is deployed on a second side of the bone. The first snare passes the first flexible strand through the first hole in the bone. The tissue section is secured to the bone using the first flexible strand.

Abstract: Surgical constructs that at least one fixation device, at least one flexible strand the forms at least one adjustable loop, and a self-locking mechanism, and methods of tissue repair using the same.

Abstract: A device for deploying a suture clip onto a suture can include a proximal handle portion that includes an actuation mechanism. The device can also include an outer shaft defining an inner lumen. A crimping assembly can be at least partially disposed within a distal end of the outer shaft. The crimping assembly can include a plurality of crimping members configured to receive and radially compress a suture clip. The actuating mechanism can be configured to move the plurality of crimping members radially inwardly from a first position, where the crimping members are configured to receive a suture clip, to a second position where the plurality of crimping members are configured to radially compress the suture clip, causing the suture clip to plastically deform and become secured around one or more sutures.

Abstract: A staple cartridge comprising a cartridge body, staples removably stored in the cartridge body, and a sled configured to drive the staples out of the cartridge body is disclosed. In use, the staple cartridge is seatable in a jaw of a stapling instrument which is positioned opposite a movable jaw. The surgical instrument further comprises a closure lockout which prevents the movable jaw from being closed if the staple cartridge is not seated in the stapling instrument. The surgical instrument also comprises a firing lockout which prevents the stapling instrument from being fired if the sled is not in a proximal unfired position when the staple firing stroke is initiated.

Abstract: A suture package includes a suture housing having a tray with a suture channel, and at least one suture disposed on the suture housing, whereby the suture includes a suture thread disposed within the suture channel of the tray. The package includes a suture straightening assembly provided on the suture housing. The suture straightening assembly defines a suture dispensing path for removing the suture thread from the suture housing. The suture straightening assembly includes a first suture thread straightening section that is configured to apply a first flexing force within a first plane upon an exterior surface of the suture thread as the suture thread is drawn along the suture dispensing path, and a second suture thread straightening section that is configured to apply a second flexing force within a second plane upon the exterior surface of the suture thread as the suture thread is drawn along the suture dispensing path.

Abstract: A replaceable staple cartridge for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The replaceable staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body, staple cavities defined in the cartridge body, staples removably positioned in the staple cavities, and staple drivers configured to support the staples in the staple cavities. The staple drivers are movable between an unfired position and a fired position. The staple cartridge further comprises a wedge sled, wherein the wedge sled is configured to motivate the staple drivers from the unfired position toward the fired position, and driver retention members extending into the staple cavities. The driver retention members are configured to retain the staple drivers in the unfired position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw, a second jaw rotatable relative to said first jaw, and jaw drive system is disclosed. The jaw drive system comprises a drive screw and a closure member threadably engaged with the drive screw configured to close the second jaw. The jaw drive system further comprises an opening link connecting the closure member to the second jaw which acts to open the second jaw when the closure member is driven in an opposite direction. In the event that the second jaw is not opened by the closure link, the jaw drive system further comprises a pull member which is pushed by the closure member to dislodge the second jaw into its open position.

Abstract: A staple cartridge for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body comprising a tissue-supporting surface, a staple cavity defined within the cartridge body, a staple removably positioned in the staple cavity, and a staple driver movably positioned within the staple cavity, wherein the staple driver is configured to support the staple. The staple cartridge further comprises a wedge sled translatable between a proximal end and a distal end of the staple cartridge, wherein the wedge sled is configured to move the staple driver from an unfired position to a fired position during a staple firing stroke, and a driver retention member configured to retain the staple driver in a retention position that allows for the wedge sled to be retracted after the staple firing stroke.

Abstract: Methods for operating a surgical instrument are disclosed. In various instances, the methods include preventing the operation of the surgical instrument in some capacity if an unspent staple cartridge is not seated in the surgical instrument. Moreover, in various instances, the methods include preventing the operation of the surgical instrument in some capacity if the surgical instrument cannot identify and/or authenticate the staple cartridge seated in the surgical instrument.

Abstract: An adapter assembly includes a cam housing defining a proximal cam slot and a distal cam slot, a first elongate shaft, and a second elongate shaft. The first elongate shaft has a proximal end portion received in the proximal cam slot, and a distal end portion configured to be coupled to a surgical loading unit. The second elongate shaft has a proximal end portion received in the distal cam slot, and a distal end portion configured to be coupled to the surgical loading unit. The first and second elongate shafts are configured to move in opposing longitudinal directions in response to a rotation of the cam housing to articulate the surgical loading unit.

Abstract: A replaceable staple cartridge is disclosed which is seatable in a jaw of a surgical stapling instrument. If the staple cartridge is not fully seated in the jaw, the closure of the surgical stapling instrument will fully seat the staple cartridge.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw, a second jaw rotatable relative to the first jaw, and a closure system for closing the second jaw is disclosed. The closure system comprises a multi-stage closure system. In at least one instance, the closure system comprises a first closure member which closes the second jaw quickly, but with low force, and a second closure member which closes the second jaw more slowly, but with a higher force.

Abstract: A staple cartridge comprising a cartridge body, staples removably stored in the cartridge body, and a sled configured to deploy the staples during a staple firing stroke is disclosed. The staple cartridge further comprises a spent cartridge lock switchable into a locked state during the staple firing stroke. The spent cartridge lock in its locked state prevents the sled from beign returned back into its unspent position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw, a second jaw rotatable relative to the first jaw about a pivot, and a firing system comprising a firing member is disclosed. The firing member is movable between a proximal unfired position and a distal fired position. When the firing member is in its proximal unfired position, the pivot is nested within a recess defined in the firing member. In at least one instance, the firing member comprises a tissue cutting knife. In various instances, the firing member comprises a first cam slideably positioned within the first jaw and a second cam slideably positioned within the second jaw. In at least one such instance, the second cam is contained within a chamber defined in the second jaw when the firing member is in its proximal unfired position.

Abstract: A staple cartridge comprising a cartridge body, staples removably stored in the cartridge body, a sled configured to eject said staples from said cartridge body, and a deployable tissue cutting knife. During use, a firing member of a stapling instrument is advanced into the staple cartridge to deploy the tissue cutting knife and advance the sled distally through a staple firing stroke.

Abstract: A staple cartridge comprising a firing member and a sled releasably attachable to the firing member is disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an end effector and an articulation joint configured to permit the end effector to be articulated into position is disclosed. The surgical instrument further comprises an articulation drive system powered by at least one electric motor for articulating the end effector.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising motor-driven drive systems is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises a control system configured to shift the surgical instrument between an end effector articulation mode and a staple firing mode.

Abstract: A staple cartridge for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The staple cartridge comprises an elongate slot extending from a proximal end toward a distal end, wherein the elongate slot defines a longitudinal axis, a cartridge body, and a deck surface. The staple cartridge further comprises a first longitudinal row of staple cavities defined in the cartridge body, wherein the first longitudinal row of staple cavities extends alongside the elongate slot. First cavity extenders protrude above said deck surface, wherein each first cavity extender surrounds a first section of a staple cavity from the first longitudinal row. The staple cartridge further comprises a second longitudinal row extending alongside the first longitudinal row of staple cavities. Second cavity extenders protrude above the deck surface, wherein each second protrusion surrounds a second section of a staple cavity from the second longitudinal row. The second section is different than the first section.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument comprising an end effector movable between an open configuration and a clamped configuration, a closure drive configured to place said end effector in the clamped configuration, and a staple firing drive is disclosed. The stapling instrument further comprises a control system which utilizes the closure drive during a staple firing stroke of the staple firing drive to configure the end effector. The control system can also be operated to utilize the staple firing drive to close the end effector in lieu of the closure drive.

Abstract: A staple cartridge for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The staple cartridge comprises an elongate slot, a deck surface, and a row of staple cavities. Each staple cavity comprises proximal and distal ends. The distal end is closer to the elongate slot than the proximal end. A firing member is configured to drive the staple drivers from an unfired position to a fired position. The distal end of the staple cavity is aligned with a first end of a staple driver, and the proximal end of the staple cavity is aligned with a second end of the staple driver. The first end of the staple driver extends a first distance above the deck surface and the second end of the staple driver extends a second distance above the deck surface when the staple driver is in the fired position. The first distance is different than the second distance.

Abstract: A volume filling device for treatment of obesity is placed outside the stomach wall of the patient to reduce the inner volume of the stomach, thereby affecting the patient's appetite. By providing the volume filling device outside the stomach wall, contact with stomach acids is avoided, thereby increasing the life of the device.

Abstract: A surgical instrument system includes a surgical fastener applier and a positioning guide. The positioning guide includes an implant guide. The implant guide defines a guide channel configured to receive a portion of an implant to support the implant relative to the end effector to enable the surgical fastener applier to fire one or more fasteners through the implant for securing the implant to tissue.

Abstract: An anvil assembly delivery system includes an anvil assembly having a center rod and an anvil head assembly pivotally secured to the center rod a flexible tube having a first end configured for oral insertion into a patient and a second end engaged with the anvil assembly, and a retrieval suture connected to the head assembly positioned to extend from the anvil assembly in a direction opposite to the flexible tube. The anvil assembly delivery system also includes a spacer suture tube positioned adjacent the anvil head assembly and defining a suture channel, which is supported on the retrieval suture and is dimensioned to prevent the retrieval suture from becoming trapped in the staple line of a stapling device. In an embodiment, the spacer is a suture tube defining a suture channel which receives the retrieval suture.

Abstract: A surgical clip may include a first leg member having a first inner surface with a curvature, the first leg member having a first thickness in a vertical direction, a first width in a lateral direction, and a first length in a longitudinal direction, where the first width is greater than the first thickness along at least half of the first length. The surgical clip may also include a second leg member having a second inner surface with a curvature, the second leg member having a plurality of teeth. The first width may be defined by first and second lateral protrusion extending from opposing side surfaces of the first leg member. The first width may be greater than a second width of an inner portion of the first leg member and a third width of an outer portion of the first leg member.

Abstract: Pulmonary treatment devices, systems and methods of use are provided which take into account the vast tissue damage of advanced COPD sufferers and provide treatments designed specifically to treat the particularly compromised lung tissues that are present in these patients. These treatments reduce trapped air volume, tension lung tissue and enhance lung elastic recoil. A variety of embodiments are provided, including pulmonary treatment devices that move portions of lung tissue around a rotational axis into a torqued configuration, anchoring such tissue in place for improved breathing mechanics.

Abstract: An embolic device and a corresponding embolic device delivery system and method. In one example, an embolic device delivery system comprises a delivery catheter, a coupler disposed inside the delivery catheter, and an embolic device that may be carried and placed by the coupler. The embolic device includes a primary winding that forms a hollow tube such that a coupler may be threaded therethrough. Further, the embolic device may include a slotted metal tube suited to be affixed to one end of the hollow tube formed by the primary winding. Additionally, the embolic device may include a retaining mechanism that includes one or more protrusions suited to engage with one or more slots of the slotted metal tube. In this manner, the retaining mechanism is affixed to the slotted metal tube and the hollow tube formed by the primary winding.

Abstract: A system, for deployment in a blood vessel includes an anchor device having a stent and a suture loop that joins distal end portions of the stent. A first filling structure and a second filling structure are at least partially insertable through the suture loop to an area within the stent when the stent is in an expanded state. The anchor device has a size such that at least a portion of the first filling structure and at least a portion of the second filling structure protrude through openings in the anchor device to form a seal against a wall of the blood vessel when the first filling structure and the second filling structure have been at least partially inserted through the suture loop and have been filled. A method allows for repairing one or more blood vessels using the system.

Abstract: Methods and devices for closing tissue apertures in a patient, such as PFO, are disclosed. A suturing device is used to place a suture through areas of tissue that are intended to be closed. Pledgets or buttons can be placed on the suture and each side of the tissue to help maintain the closure.

Abstract: Medical devices as wells as methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a left atrial appendage device. The left atrial appendage device may include an expandable frame configured to shift between a first configuration and an expanded configuration. A fabric mesh may be disposed along at least a portion of the expandable frame. An anti-thrombogenic coating may be disposed along the fabric mesh.

Abstract: A blood occlusion device (10) includes a catheter shaft (12), and an expandable occlusion member (14) assembled with the catheter shaft (12). The expandable occlusion member (14) includes interconnecting struts (16). Distal ends of at least some of the struts (16) have a foldable protrusion (20) connected thereto by a hinge member (22). The foldable protrusions (20) pivot about at least some of the struts (16) in one or more directions. One or more connecting links (26) are connected to the foldable protrusions (20). Manipulation of the connecting links (26) and the foldable protrusions (20) modifies occlusion ability of the foldable protrusions (20). A covering (24) covers the foldable protrusions (20). The covering (24) is impervious to blood flow. An outer contour of the covering (24) includes one or more non-smooth portions (36).

Abstract: An example implant can have a tubular braid. The tubular braid can have an intrasaccular section, an intravascular section, a pinched section, and a predetermined shape. In the predetermined shape, the intrasaccular section can have a sack and an opening. The pinched section can be positioned approximate the opening. The intravascular section can be substantially disk shaped and positioned to occlude the opening. The tubular braid can be movable from a collapsed shape sized to traverse a catheter to an implanted shape based at least in part on the predetermined shape. In the implanted shape, the intrasaccular section of the braid can be sized to be positioned within an aneurysm's sac and the intravascular section of the braid can be sized to appose a blood vessel wall approximate an aneurysm's neck.

Abstract: Inflatable compression devices are disclosed. In some embodiments the devices provide compression to the torso of a patient, including at a pocket configured to receive a pacing device. In some embodiments at least one securing strap is displaceable with respect to a compression member. In some embodiments a compression member is displaceable relative to at least one securing strap.

Abstract: A hemostatic device includes a covering member configured to cover a site where bleeding is to be stopped on a hand of a patient, a securing member configured to secure the covering member to the hand, an inflatable member connected to the covering member and inflatable by a fluid, and an auxiliary member having a smaller outer shape than the inflatable member. The covering member includes a body, a first arm protruding from a first side of the body, and a second arm protruding from a second side facing the first side. The body includes a first end portion located on a distal side of the body and a second end portion located on a proximal side thereof. The inflatable member is connected to the second end portion, and the auxiliary member is connected to the first end portion and is interposed between the body and the inflatable member.