Abstract: An embodiment includes a system comprising: an outer conduit; a shape memory polymer (SMP) foam; a metal backbone including: (a)(i) a first portion that extends from the SMP foam proximal end to the SMP foam distal end and which is generally covered by the SMP foam, and (a)(ii) a distal portion that extends distally from the SMP foam distal end and which is not covered by the SMP foam; wherein: (b)(i) SMP foam and the metal backbone are both included within the outer conduit adjacent to the outer conduit distal end; (b)(ii) the metal backbone distal portion transitions from a secondary shape that is uncoiled to a primary shape that is coiled; and (b)(iii) the metal backbone distal portion is in the metal backbone distal portion secondary shape and is located between the SMP foam distal end and the distal end of the outer conduit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a personal, reusable straw and a case comprising a holder for the straw, where the case comprises elements to flush, wash, clean, sanitize, and/or dry the straw in the holder. A pump may pump fluid from a fluid reservoir to lead fluid into and/or around the straw. A fan may blow air to the straw for drying the outside and/or inside of the straw. A heating element may dry the straw. A UV or other light source may provide light which is directed to sanitize the outer and inner surfaces of the straw. A controller in the case may control these elements. The controller may include a wireless transceiver for communication with a mobile application to enable a user to control the elements manually and/or via a program.

Abstract: A cuff for use an as artificial sphincter includes an inflatable chamber and a backing. The inflatable chamber includes opposing inside and outside surfaces and inflated and deflated states. The backing is adjacent the outside surface of the chamber. The inside surface of the chamber includes two or more grooves that define the location of fold lines of the inflatable chamber when the inflatable chamber is in the inflated state. The inflatable chamber and backing are configured to surround a duct of a patient with the inside surface of the chamber facing the duct and the grooves extending substantially parallel to the duct.

Abstract: The present invention is: a blood flow sensor that sandwiches a longitudinal-direction section of a blood vessel of a subject, from the outer circumference of such section, to generate an electrical signal corresponding to the blood flow; and a blood flow measurement instrument that processes the electrical signal from the blood flow sensor and converts the signal to an electrical signal indicating blood flow. The blood flow sensor and the blood flow measurement instrument are provided with connectors so as to be mechanically and electrically separable from each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a male contraception apparatus for obtaining a time-limited sterility of a male mammalian individual. The apparatus comprises a restriction device adapted to restrict the lumen of a vas deferens of the mammalian, and a controller operable to control the restriction device to restrict the lumen of the vas deferens during a controlled period to prevent sperms from reaching the urethra of the mammalian. The apparatus further comprises an implantable constriction device configured to gently constrict at least one portion of a tissue wall of the vas deferens to restrict the lumen of the vas deferens such that the flow of sperms in the vas deferens is restricted, and a stimulation device configured to stimulate the constricted wall portion of the tissue wall.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for treating and occluding a female patient's fallopian tubes to provide permanent birth control or sterilization.

Abstract: According to the invention, an uterotubal implant device is provided. Said uterotubal implant device comprises at least two compressible self-expanding bodies which are composed of a grid structure and are coupled to one another in a longitudinal direction such that one body is arranged distally in the longitudinal direction and the other body is arranged proximally in the longitudinal direction, at least one of the bodies having a spindle- or funnel-shaped design.

Abstract: A system for reversible contraceptive sterilization is described. It is proposed to provide an implantable tube valve for implanting in a human vessel, in particular, the fallopian tube. The implantable tube valve includes: an implantable tube having an inner tube wall extending between two axial tube ends and includes a mount inside the tube; and a valve member mounted in the mount and pivotable between an open position and a closed position. The valve member includes a sealing edge that contacts the inner tube wall, when pivoted in the closed position, with the valve member closing off passage through the implantable tube. The valve member further includes an outer face conformal to the inner tube wall and an inner face conformal to the outer face, thereby providing unobstructed passage through the implantable tube when pivoted in the open position.

Abstract: A device for use with a uterine tamponade apparatus, such as the Bakri® postpartum hemorrhage balloon, is disclosed. The device comprises an anchor for deployment within the vagina to securely retain the balloon in its proper position within the uterine cavity, allowing the balloon to function as intended for the control and management of postpartum hemorrhage and uterine bleeding. Methods of use of the vaginal anchor are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to the ability of autologous CD133+ bone marrow stem cells (BMDSC) to induce endometrial regeneration and treat endometrial pathologies such as Asherman's syndrome and endometrial atrophy. Methods to induce endometrial regeneration are provided, which comprises administering an effective amount of autologous CD133+ bone marrow derived stem cells (BMDSC) into uterine arteries of a subject in need thereof to induce endometrial regeneration.

Abstract: A fallopian biocompatible plug can include differently expandable portions. A method of treating a uterine abnormality of a patient includes: providing an endoscope having a working channel; inflating a uterine cavity with a fluid; delivering a biocompatible plug into an ostium of a fallopian tube of the patient, wherein the biocompatible plug is substantially cylindrical in form and configured to be radially expandable, wherein the biocompatible plug is configured to expand in the ostium of the fallopian tube to seal the fallopian tube from the uterine cavity; delivering a resection device through the working channel; and resecting the uterine abnormality.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for delivering fluid are provided. Devices include a housing configured for intravaginal deployment and retention, at least one reservoir configured to contain a fluid, and a fluid dispensing mechanism configured to dispense the fluid past the cervix and to the uterus of the subject. Methods include intravaginally deploying and retaining a device in the subject, and dispensing the fluid from the device such that the fluid is driven past the cervix to the uterus of the subject.

Abstract: A method of customizing a component of a hearing device to the ear of a hearing device user. The method includes the steps of providing the hearing device component as a pre-form including a shape-memory material, heating the hearing device component, and bringing the hearing device component in contact with at least a portion of the ear after reaching a pre-set contact temperature such that the hearing device component conforms to the individual shape of the at least a portion of ear. The shape of the hearing device component is fixed by attending a hardening time of the shape-memory material. Therefore, the hearing device component perfectly fits to the geometry of the user's ear canal.

Abstract: A minimally invasive method for treating varices in especially sensitive areas, including pelvic varices in females, varicoceles, and also oesophageal varices is presented. The method comprises the steps of making a micro incision into the blood vessels of a patient, endoscopically inserting a catheter device into the blood vessel of a patient and advancing the distal end of the catheter to reach the varix or varices. Insertion can be made in the femoral vein and advanced using a catheter. A first localizer is placed on the distal end of said catheter to allow use of x-ray, angiography, or other imaging techniques to visualize and position the catheter. An optical fiber is then inserted into the catheter and the distal end is advanced to a predetermined point near the varix or varices. A second localizer is present on the distal end of said optical fiber to allow use of x-ray, angiography, or other imaging techniques to visualize and position the optical fiber as well.

Abstract: A system for the intravascular placement of a medical device including a guidewire having a first end and a second end, the first end having a microwhisk positional between a feeding state and a deployed state, a guidewire sheath surrounding the guidewire; and an anchoring device for cooperatively fixing the microwhisk relative to a patient. Also, the method of the intravascular placement of the medical device by inserting the medical device through the body with the guidewire and the microwhisk contained within the guidewire sheath, driving the microwhisk out of the guidewire sheath to position the microwhisk to its deployed state, and engaging the anchoring device from the outside of the body through a body surface into the microwhisk, and further into a stabilizing body component.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for treating and occluding a female patient's fallopian tubes to provide permanent birth control or sterilization.

Abstract: The application provides for an elastic band application ligation device. The following medical device medical device features an embowed inner tube, having a wall and a flat tip, a pusher which is complementarily shaped to said inner tube; and a receiving port, which is configured to removably attach to a device capable of generating suction. Preferably, this device capable of generating suction will be a disposable luer lock syringe.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for occluding hollow body structures, such as blood vessels, and for attaching tissue layers together by providing implantable elements on opposite sides of the structure or tissue layers and drawing the implants together to occlude the body structure and/or bring the tissue layers together. The implants are deliverable in a low profile configuration and self-expand to an enlarged configuration. The implantable elements are delivered by transfixing the body structure, then releasing the implants on opposite sides of the body structure and drawing the implants together to effect an occlusion or attachment. The implants are configured to apply oppositely directed forces to opposite surfaces of the tissue layers at alternate, circumferentially spaced locations and may constrain the tissue in a serpentine pattern or in a direct clamping pattern. The implants grip the tissue in a manner that defines a pressure zone about the transfixion aperture that prevents leakage from the aperture.

Abstract: A compression ring to grip and compress body structure such as diverticulum, hemorrhoids, and tissue adjacent a hole. A resilient ring-shaped body defines a compression channel, and an elongated axially rigid gripping member extends diametrically across the through-opening. The gripping member can rest on a flange on the opposite side of the through-opening or engage with a second gripping member that extends diametrically across the through-opening from the opposite side of the ring. Or, a flexible cage structure can be disposed in the through-opening.

Abstract: A system for accessing a patient's uterine cavity and detecting perforations in the uterus includes an elongated probe having a flow channel extending to a terminal outlet in a distal region of the probe. A fluid source is coupled to the flow channel, and a seal on the probe is positionable in an endocervical canal. The probe may be trans-cervically inserted into the uterine cavity, and a fluid may be introduced through the channel to flow outwardly from the terminal outlet into the uterine cavity. A parameter of said fluid flow is monitored to detect a perforation in the uterus.

Abstract: There is provided a method for controlling a flow of sperms in a uterine tube formed by a uterine tube wall of a patient. The method comprises gently constricting (i.e., without substantially hampering the blood circulation in the uterine tube wall) at least one portion of the uterine tube wall to influence the flow of sperms in the uterine tube, and stimulating the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the uterine tube wall portion to further influence the flow of sperms in the uterine tube. The method can be used for restricting or stopping the flow of sperms in the uterine tube, or for actively moving the fluid in the uterine tube, with a low risk of injuring the uterine tube.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, and a staple cartridge. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body. The end effector includes an anvil and a lower jaw. The anvil is pivotable toward the lower jaw to capture tissue between the anvil and the lower jaw. The staple cartridge is coupled with the lower jaw. The staple cartridge includes a deck, a plurality of staples, and at least one compressible feature. The deck faces the anvil. The staples are positioned in a plurality of staple openings formed through the deck. The at least one compressible feature extends toward the anvil. The at least one compressible feature is positioned along an outer region of the deck. The at least one compressible feature is configured to compress tissue against the anvil.

Abstract: An embryo transfer catheter (10) is described comprising an outer catheter body (12) having first and second lumens (14, 16). The second lumen (16) is adapted to receive an internal catheter (not shown) with a single lumen which, in use, will allow passage of an embryo or embryo-containing cannula (not shown) into the uterus (18) of the recipient. An inflatable balloon (20) is provided at a distal end of the first lumen (14). The inflatable balloon (20) is designed to be as small as possible in its inflated condition while still being retained in the uterus (18). The shape of the balloon (20) is adapted in its inflated state to conform to just the lowest part of the uterus (18). The aim in designing the balloon (20) as small as possible is to leave as much endometrium accessible to the embryo for implantation as possible, and to occupy as little volume as possible within the uterine cavity and to exert as little pressure as possible to avoid causing contractions, while still being retained in the uterus (18).

Abstract: A birth control assembly for inhibiting sperm from entering a uterus includes a tube that may be inserted into a cervix. A valve is coupled to the tube. The valve inhibits sperm from entering the tube thereby facilitating the tube to control birth. The valve facilitates menstrual fluid to exit the cervix.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of delivering an agent to the lumen of the vas deferens under guidance of ultrasound imaging. The methods include vas-occlusive contraception in which the vas deferens is non-surgically isolated and an occlusive substance is percutaneously administered into the lumen of the vas deferens under ultrasound. Also disclosed are methods of reversal of vas-occlusive contraception and methods of delivering an agent to the lumen of the vas deferens. Also disclosed are compositions for use in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a solenoid valve device may include a body having a first fluid conduit, a second fluid conduit, and a chamber which may couple the first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit together. A valve seat may be positioned within the chamber and all fluid passing through the chamber may be directed through the valve seat. A seal element may be movably positioned within the chamber and the seal element may be movable between a first position, in which the seal element is contacting the valve seat, and a second position, in which the seal element is not contacting the valve seat. A body magnet may motivate the seal element into the first position or the second position. Conversely, an electromagnet may overcome the magnetic communication of the body magnet and motivate the seal element into the second position or the first position.

Abstract: A device for repair of a heart valve leaflet includes an elongated body having a lumen extending therethrough in a longitudinal direction, a proximal end, and an open distal end. The device further includes a plurality of clips disposed at spaced positions within the lumen, the plurality of clips being configured and arranged to couple to a portion of the heart valve leaflet. At least one clip in the plurality of clips and the heart valve leaflet are capable of translation relative to one another in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for evaluating the integrity of a uterine cavity. A method comprises introducing transcervically a probe into a patient's uterine cavity, providing a flow of a fluid (e.g., CO2) through the probe into the uterine cavity and monitoring the rate of the flow to characterize the uterine cavity as perforated or non-perforated based on a change in the flow rate.

Abstract: A coil electrode for use with an RFA (radio frequency ablation) apparatus, has a lead portion, and a helical portion coupled to the lead portion, the helical portion being formed of Nitinol SE510. Further, an RFA (radio frequency ablation) apparatus, comprises an applicator, the applicator including a handle and a cannulating delivery needle mounted to the handle, the cannulating delivery needle including a tip spaced apart from the handle. A coil electrode includes a lead portion housed in the cannulating delivery needle, and a helical portion coupled to the lead portion, the helical portion formed of Nitinol. The helical portion has a retracted state when housed within the cannulating delivery needle and a deployed state when moved out of the tip of the cannulating delivery needle.

Abstract: A suture passing device includes a grasping mechanism and cannula having a sharp edge on a distal end. The grasper mechanism includes a hollow shaft slidably disposed within the cannula, with a first jaw fixedly secured thereto, and a second jaw pivotally coupled thereto, to pivot between a closed position wherein the second jaw engages the first jaw, and an open position. The slidable shaft permits the jaws to occupy a retracted position within the cannula, and an extended position. A plunger is slidably disposed within the hollow shaft, and pivotally coupled to the second jaw. A first handle is secured to the shaft, while a second handle is secured to the plunger, for jaw engagement/disengagement. The device also include means for locking sliding travel of the shaft relative to the cannula, after a full cycle of the slidable travel of the jaws between the extended and retracted positions has occurred.

Abstract: This invention provides an electrosurgical device comprising a handle, a shaft member distal to the handle, a first electrode tip and a second electrode tip at a distal end of the shaft member with the first electrode tip laterally spaced from the second electrode tip, and an electrode sheath movable to cover and uncover a side of the electrode tips while a distal end of the electrode tips is uncovered to treat tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus which includes a closure member and delivery systems for closing vessels in the body of a patient is disclosed. In one embodiment, the closure member is a hemostatic closure member having a cylindrical shape and an expandable volume on contact with fluids. The hemostatic member includes a functional passageway through the length of the member so that it may be mounted over a delivery catheter or wire guide for delivery against a vessel puncture or into another vacuslar environment, such as to fill an aneurysm sac. In another embodiment the closure member is a fallopian tube closure member which is deployed into the fallopian tube over a guide wire to prevent conception. The fallopian tube member includes a loop-shaped frame having barbs, a first layer of material, a binding wire, a second layer of material, and an expandable volume on contact with fluids.

Abstract: A plug (1) for use in occluding a fallopian tube hysterescopically, said plug comprising: an elongate body (2) having an external thread (3), characterized in that: said body is fenestrated (6,17; 7,18; 8,19).

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for delivering fluid are provided. Devices include a housing configured for intravaginal deployment and retention, at least one reservoir configured to contain a fluid, and a fluid dispensing mechanism configured to dispense the fluid past the cervix and to the uterus of the subject. Methods include intravaginally deploying and retaining a device in the subject, and dispensing the fluid from the device such that the fluid is driven past the cervix to the uterus of the subject.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for evaluating the integrity of a uterine cavity. A method comprises introducing transcervically a probe into a patient's uterine cavity, providing a flow of a fluid (e.g., CO2) through the probe into the uterine cavity and monitoring the rate of the flow to characterize the uterine cavity as perforated or non-perforated based on a change in the flow rate.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a female reproductive system are disclosed. An intrafallopian device, which may be at least partially non-conductive, is delivered to a fallopian tube. A subsequent uterine ablation may be performed. The ablation element may include insulators at portions of the ablation element contactable with a fallopian tube or intrafallopian device.

Abstract: A method of sizing a cavity to fit an organ is disclosed. The method may include inserting the organ into the cavity. The method may also include inserting a support member into the cavity and inserting a substance into the cavity or the support member. The support member and the substance may at least partially fill a void space in the cavity after the organ is inserted therein.

Abstract: An implantable graft, which may be inserted into a fistula tract to occlude the primary opening of the fistula, is provided. The graft may have a curved, generally conical shape with a trumpet-like head end that continuously tapers to a smaller tail end. The graft may be an integral unit made of a single material, such as a heterograft material. Methods of closing single and multiple fistulae are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and procedure for defining the area for a thermo-electric knife to perform a bloodless intrastromal abdominal hysterectomy procedure while minimizing damage to the pericervical ring. The apparatus is configured to be inserted into the center cavity of the cervix and uterus to engage the uterine wall. The apparatus comprises an elongate member having a first end configured to extend into the center cavity of the uterus and cervix, and a thermo-electric knife guide plate secured concentrically to the elongate member proximal to the second end of the member to define the area for dissection of connective tissue between the cervix and the pericervical ring by a thermo-electric knife. A barb is secured to the elongate member between the first end and the guide plate, and configured to engage the uterine wall so that upon removal of the apparatus when in use the barb becomes attached to the uterus sufficient to remove the uterus and cervix through the abdomen.

Abstract: A method and devices that endoscopically create an anastomosis between two sections of the digestive tract, thereby allowing at least some chyme to bypass a section of the digestive tract while, optionally, the remaining chyme passes through the entire tract.

Abstract: Apparatus for sterilization of a female mammal comprising at least one separation member for separation of a fallopian tube from a uterine cavity of the female mammal, a circulation assembly which is operatively connected to said at least one separation member, and at least one sterilization lumen which is operatively connected to said circulation assembly and debouching at a distal side of said at least one separation member, said at least one sterilization lumen being adapted for injection in use of a tissue necrotizing fluid capable of necrotizing a lining of at least a part of said fallopian tube, wherein said circulation assembly is adapted to circulate said tissue necrotizing fluid within said sterilization lumen and said fallopian tube. The apparatus allows quick, simple, safe and reliable sterilization.

Abstract: The present invention comprises systems, methods and devices for the delivery of compositions for diagnosing or treating conduits. The delivery system is positioned to allow for placement of the composition into the body conduit. Use of delivery systems, methods and devices for delivering to a body conduit are also included.

Abstract: A repair device includes a first elongate member, a second elongate member, and a seal member. The first elongate member includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion and defines a lumen therebetween. The second elongate member includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion and is movably disposed within the lumen. The distal end portion of the second elongate member is configured to puncture an endoluminal stent graft disposed within an artery of a patient and to be inserted, at least partially, into an aneurysm sac. The seal member is releasably coupled to the distal end portion of the first elongate member. The seal member is configured to be coupled to the endoluminal stent graft to seal an opening formed by the distal end portion of the second elongate member.

Abstract: A device for occluding body lumens such as fallopian tubes which has an occluder element which has a lumen and a fixation element located in the lumen of the occluder element. The fixation element has at least one looped wire which has a proximal region which is biased radially outwardly and be constrained prior to deployment of the device.

Abstract: Applicator for delivering an occluding compound in a fallopian tube includes a lumen extending between a proximal end connectable to a dispenser for containing uncured occluding compound, and a distal end. A spiral wire with a first end is connected to the distal end of the lumen and a free second end. A disconnecting member is configured to disconnect the spiral wire from the distal end. An actuator is configured to actuate the disconnecting member. The distal end of the lumen can be inserted into the fallopian tube. The spiral wire functions as a guide wire. The curable compound embeds the spiral wire. The actuator can be actuated to disconnect the embedded spiral wire from the distal end of the lumen.

Abstract: An intrauterine device for occluding orifices of fallopian tubes includes a resilient body having an elongated member with a first end and a second end. The elongated member further includes a first leg ending with the first end of the elongated member, a second leg ending with the second end of the elongated member and a connection member positioned therebetween. A first orifice plug is secured at the first end of the elongated member and a second orifice plug is secured at the second end of the elongated member. The first and second orifice plugs are shaped and dimensioned to seat at the orifices of the fallopian tubes or within the fallopian tubes as the elongated member spreads outwardly with the first end and second end moving apart.

Abstract: A delivery system and spring assembly are disclosed. In an embodiment, the delivery system includes a spring-loaded release mechanism movable from a first position to a second position to cause withdrawal of a release wire form an occlusion device. In an embodiment, a spring assembly includes a damper ring that rotates along a helical track of a bore upon linear contraction of an extension spring in order to dampen the spring force of the extension spring.

Abstract: According to one claim of the invention, a method for occluding a fallopian tube in a vertebrate subject is described, which comprises comprising transcervically delivering a solid blocking material into the fallopian tube. In various embodiments, a fluid sealing material is delivered along with the solid blocking material. Other claims of the invention pertain to articles of manufacture, delivery devices and kits for use in occluding the fallopian tubes of a vertebrate subject.

Abstract: The invention describes methods and apparatus for creating permanent occlusion of body lumens such as the fallopian tubes. The methods and apparatus use non-surgical approaches to deliver permanent implants which create acute occlusion of desired body lumens which resolve to permanent occlusions of the lumens.

Abstract: The present invention comprises systems. Methods and devices for the delivery of compositions for occluding or of elements for opening conduits. The implantable occlusive material may be delivered preformed or in situ cured and, may be a resorbable or degradable material that supports tissue ingrowth or wound healing or a similar response that replaces the cured occlusive-material leaving little or no original occlusive material in place. The delivery system is positioned to allow for placement of the occlusive material into the body conduit. Use of delivery systems, methods and devices for re-opening an occluded body conduit are also included.