Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shaft section connected to a handle that has a rigid handle part and a movable handle part. The surgical instrument also has a release mechanism that can be actuated such that the shaft section and the handle are decoupled from each other. The release mechanism has a preferably rocker-like actuating element that can be swiveled such that the shaft section and the handle are released from each other.

Abstract: A laparoscopic suturing device is provided. The suturing device can pass a suturing needle back and forth between jaws of a jaw assembly to suture tissue at a surgical site in a minimally invasive procedure. The jaw assembly can have a pivotable jaw member in each jaw to position the jaw assembly and needle in a low-profile stowed configuration for insertion through a low diameter surgical port. The jaw assembly can be actuated by a handle assembly that provides simultaneous needle passing from a driving jaw to a receiving jaw and latching the needle within the receiving jaw in a single trigger cycle.

Abstract: The disclosure includes methods, systems and devices for severing and optionally removing at least a portion of heart valve leaflets. Leaflets can be partially removed or entirely removed or otherwise, the leaflets can be severed or splayed in such a way as to avoid coronary blockage, LVOT obstruction, or access challenges in procedures where a prosthetic valve is to be implanted within a previously implanted prosthetic valve. The disclosure also relates to numerous devices for and methods of disabling one or more valve ligating devices to provide an unobstructed valve opening so that a prosthetic heart valve can be implanted within the opening. The ligation device(s) is disabled either by removing the ligation device(s) or severing one leaflet so that ligated leaflets can be separated. In some embodiments, the ligation device(s) are severed to disable the ligation device(s).

Abstract: A suture passing device includes a jaw assembly that is moved to an open configuration after exiting a hollow needle distal tip and moved to a closed configuration when retracted into the needle tip. The jaw assembly may include a pair of jaw members biased to a default diverging configuration. A suture capturing mechanism formed on the jaw members securely captures suture to both push and pull the captured when the jaw assembly is retracted into the hollow distal tip. The device may also include a second suture capturing mechanism that loosely captures suture and enables the captured suture to slide.

Abstract: Provided is a treatment tool including an elongated inserting section that is curveable or bendable, a wire that is disposed from an end effector to a proximal end side of the inserting section through the inserting section, the end effector being connected to a tip of the inserting section, and a power input section that is disposed on the proximal end side of the inserting section and configured to input power to a proximal end portion of the wire, and the wire transmits, to the end effector, power to drive the end effector, and the power input section is configured to increase the power to be input into the proximal end portion of the wire in response to displacement of the proximal end portion of the wire in a longitudinal direction, the displacement accompanying a curve or bend of the inserting section.

Abstract: In one general aspect, various embodiments are directed to systems and methods for controlling a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument may comprise an ultrasonic transducer, a blade extending distally from the ultrasonic transducer along a longitudinal axis, and a motor coupled to the ultrasonic transducer. The motor, when activated, may rotate the ultrasonic transducer and the blade about the longitudinal axis. A control system may receive an indication to operate the surgical instrument according to an ultrasonic-only mode. The control system may instruct the motor to rotate the blade to a park position, and activate the ultrasonic transducer to longitudinally vibrate the blade.

Abstract: A vessel sealer having a uniform pressure mechanism, detachable blade/cutter and detachable jaw assembly is disclosed. A bipolar surgical instrument, includes a jaw assembly having jaws connected to an outer tube, wherein the blade is connected to the blade pushing tube through a blade connector; a spring cap operatively engages said blade tube assembly wherein on disengagement of the said jaw assembly from an outer tube and said spring cap from said blade pushing tube are adapted to be detached from each other; a handle assembly, operatively coupled to said jaw assembly comprising a uniform pressure mechanism which contains primary spring, a secondary spring, wherein said uniform pressure mechanism enables closure of the jaws to ensure and exert a uniform pressure on the tissue and/or vessel.

Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for providing remote traction to tissue. Generally, the systems may include a grasper and a delivery device configured to releasably couple to the grasper. The grasper may have a first jaw and a second jaw and a main body having a barrel portion. The barrel portion may have a lumen extending therethrough, and a portion of the delivery device may be advanced through the lumen to rotate one or both of the jaws. The delivery devices may include a handle, a shaft, and a distal engagement portion. The delivery devices may further include an actuation rod which may be advanced through a barrel portion of a grasper to actuate the grasper. In some instances, the delivery device may further include a locking sheath, wherein the locking sheath is configured to temporarily couple to a grasper.

Abstract: The present subject matter is directed to an endoscopic grasping device for capturing objects within a human subject. The device includes a fork; and two jaws pivotally mounted about a pivot point to the fork, and movable between a predetermined closed position and a predetermined open position. Each jaw comprises front teeth near a distal end of the jaw. The front teeth of both jaws are configured to substantially mesh with each other when the jaws are in the closed position. The substantially meshed front teeth of both jaws in the closed position form a substantially hemisphere-shaped distal tip.

Abstract: A method of marking a tumor includes positioning a surgical instrument adjacent breast tissue, generating an image of a tumor in the breast tissue on a display using an ultrasonic probe of the surgical instrument, aligning a needle of the surgical instrument with the tumor using the image of the tumor generated on the display, deploying the needle from the ultrasound probe into the breast tissue, and deploying an elongated tissue marker from the needle into the tumor, thereby fixing a distal portion of the tissue marker in the tumor.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for workflow monitoring during x-ray mammography and related procedures. In one example, a vision system is utilized to monitor an x-ray mammography system, accessories associated with the system, and surrounding environment. Based on the detection and user indications, via a user interface for example, one or more of a current mode of operation of the x-ray system, a current workflow step in the current mode, and one or more errors may be identified using the vision system, and one or more of indications to the user and system adjustments may be performed based on the identification.

Abstract: A steerable guidewire. The steerable guidewire is fabricated includes an outer tube, an inner tube, a hub, and a distal articulating region. The steerable guidewire hub can be removed to permit advancement of catheters over its proximal end followed by re-attachment of the hub to permit deflection of the distal end of the steerable guidewire.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a housing, an ultrasonic transducer assembly, and a waveguide. The ultrasonic transducer assembly extends through a proximal opening into the housing and includes a horn disposed within the housing defining a first engagement member. The ultrasonic transducer assembly further includes an inner housing extending through the proximal opening and an outer knob disposed externally of the housing and slidably positioned about the inner housing in fixed rotational orientation relative thereto. The outer knob is selectively translatable relative to the inner housing from a proximal, unlocked position and a distal, locked position to rotationally lock the ultrasonic transducer relative to the housing. The waveguide defines a blade at a distal end and a second engagement member at a proximal end. The second engagement member is configured to releasably engage the first engagement member to thereby engage the waveguide with the ultrasonic transducer assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a shaft and an end effector is disclosed. The end effector is releasably attachable to the shaft by a lock biased into a locked condition to hold the end effector to the shaft.

Abstract: Provided is a cutting biopsy instrument facilitating loading by minimizing a change in a grip on a biopsy instrument and enhancing tissue sampling accuracy and safety and simplifying collection of sampled tissue by proposing a new shift relation between an stylet and an cannula at the shooting of the needles.

Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing having a shaft extending therefrom with an end effector disposed at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes a first and second jaw members having cam slots defined therein with distal and proximal sections at different angles relative to a longitudinal axis. Upon initial actuation of a handle, a cam pin engages the distal cam section of the first jaw member causing it to move relative to the second jaw member while the second jaw member remains stationary. Upon continued actuation of the handle, the cam pin engages the proximal cam section of the first jaw member causing the first jaw member to remain stationary while the second jaw member cams relative to the first jaw member to close against tissue disposed between the first and second jaw members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shaft for a medical instrument (12), in particular a homopolar or bipolar medical instrument, comprising a shaft member (16) that accommodates a tool (18) at the distal end, said tool (18) being provided with a first jaw part (19) and a second jaw part (21) which can be moved relative to each other from an open position (29) into a closed position (28) by a draw bar/push rod (26) that is guided inside the shaft member (16); at the proximal end, the shaft member (16) has a connecting piece (14) for attachment to a manipulating device (23) that allows the draw bar/push rod (26) to be moved back and forth; at the distal end, each jaw part (19, 21) is pivotally guided inside the shaft member (16) by means of a sliding block (49).

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for monitoring analyte levels using a self-powered analyte sensor and associated sensor electronics are provided.

Abstract: A single-insertion biopsy device includes a cannula having an extraction position at a distal end and a recovery opening at a proximal end. A first elongate element has a first distal end and a second elongate element has a second distal end. The first elongate element and the second elongate element are configured to move between the extraction position and the recovery opening, and to move with respect to each other to define an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the first and second distal ends are mutually radially opposite such that the first elongate element and the second elongate element surround a volume. A drive unit is configured to move the first elongate element and the second elongate element between the open and closed configurations, and to move the first and second distal ends in unison from the extraction position to the recovery opening.

Abstract: A needle steering system and apparatus provides active, semi-autonomous control of needle insertion paths while still enabling a clinician ultimate control over needle insertion. A method and system controls the needle path as the needle is inserted by precisely controlling the rotation of the needle as it continuously rotates during insertion. This enables underactuated 2 degree-of-freedom (DOF) control of the direction and the curvature of the needle from a single rotary actuator. Control of the rotary motion is therefore decoupled from the needle insertion. The rotary motion controls steering effort and direction, while the insertion controls needle depth or insertion speed. In one implementation, the proposed method does not require constant velocity insertion, interleaved insertion and rotation, or known insertion position or speed. The insertion may be provided by a robot or other automated method, may be a manual insertion, or may be a teleoperated insertion.

Abstract: Described herein are various implementations of systems and methods for accessing and modulating tissue (for example, systems and methods for accessing and ablating nerves or other tissue within or surrounding a vertebral body to treat chronic lower back pain). Assessment of vertebral endplate degeneration or defects (e.g., pre-Modic changes) to facilitate identification of treatment sites and protocols are also provided in several embodiments. Several embodiments comprise the use of biomarkers to confirm or otherwise assess ablation, pain relief, efficacy of treatment, etc. Some embodiments include robotic elements for, as an example, facilitating robotically controlled access, navigation, imaging, and/or treatment.

Abstract: An acetabular cup remover with a blade for removing tissue adjacent an acetabular cup. The blade is oscillated against an arcuate section of tissue. Once a section of tissue is cut, an indexing assembly rotates the blade. The blade is again oscillated to cut a new arcuate section of tissue.

Abstract: A robotic surgical instrument comprising a shaft, a first end effector element, an articulation connecting the first end effector element to a distal end of the shaft, the first end effector element being movable relative to the articulation, and a drive mechanism at a proximal end of the shaft. The drive mechanism comprises a first actuator connected to the first end effector element by a first pair of driving elements. The first pair of driving elements are configured such that a tension force applied by the first actuator to a first one of the first pair of driving elements causes the first end effector element to move relative to the articulation in a first motion direction, and the tension force applied to a second one of the first pair of driving elements causes the first end effector element to move relative to the articulation in a second motion direction.

Abstract: A medical member improved in yield is provided. The medical member is assembled with an assembly unit, is movable relative to at least part of the assembly unit, and is provided with: a conductor including a plurality of curved portions and a through hole extending along a plane including the plurality of curved portions; and a coating portion integrally formed with the conductor in such a manner as to cover the periphery of the conductor and fill the interior of the through hole.

Abstract: Versatile tissue collection devices that can provide reduced crossing profiles, fluid pressure release, and/or easy cleaning or removal. In particular, devices having tissue collection devices with multiple configurations to facilitate navigation through narrow vessel cross-sections while also providing adequate tissue storage capacity. Additionally, the devices may include detachable components that allow easy removal, cleaning, and replacement during a procedure. Furthermore, venting elements and sections may be included to relieve fluid buildup in storage reservoirs.

Abstract: The surgical wire twisting tool includes a hollow housing, a plunger, a rotating member, a jaw actuating rod and a hollow cylindrical guide. A portion of the plunger is received within a second end of the hollow housing, and the rotating member is received within the hollow housing, such that a portion of the rotating member projects through a first end of the hollow housing. A pair of jaws are mounted on one end of the jaw actuating rod. The hollow cylindrical guide is received within the hollow housing, such that the other end of the jaw actuating rod projects through a second end of the rotating member and into the hollow cylindrical guide. The plunger slides through a second end of the hollow cylindrical guide to drive movement of the jaw actuating rod. The pair of jaws may be rotated with respect to the hollow housing, and also locked.

Abstract: A method of performing a procedure on a meniscus, via an ultrasonic surgical tool. The ultrasonic tool includes a probe capable of transmitting ultrasonic vibration from a proximal end toward a front end. The probe includes a bent portion that is inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis of the probe, and a procedure portion that is disposed at the front end of the probe and has a plurality of cutting surfaces. The method includes: inserting the probe in a body; moving the probe through a space in between the femur and the tibia to position the procedure portion adjacent to the horizontal rupture in the meniscus; positioning a cutting surface of the procedure portion on a posterior portion of the meniscus; and resecting the horizontal rupture along an inclination of the meniscus to form an inclined resection plane.

Abstract: Methods and devices for using surgical devices with articulating end effectors are provided. Surgical devices with articulating end effectors can provide rotary driven pivoting of the end effector. In some embodiments, the device can include a handle, a first and a second tube extending from the handle, the second tube disposed within the first tube, and an end effector that includes a pair of distal jaws configured to move in response to rotation of the first tube about a longitudinal axis thereof and rotation of the second tube about a longitudinal axis thereof. The jaws can move in two different ways depending on whether the first and second tubes are rotating in a same direction as one another or in different ways than each other. The jaws can open/close and articulate using the same mechanical mechanism. The device can be powered, or the device can be non-powered.

Abstract: An explantation accessory includes a catheter with a steerable head carrying a tubular receptacle adapted to accommodate the proximal portion of the capsule. The explantation accessory further includes a lasso having a flexible wire extending along the catheter to and forming at its distal end a deformable loop. One end of the deformable loop is mobile so as to allow tightening of the loop under the effect of a traction exerted on the flexible wire along the catheter. The free end edge of the tubular receptacle comprises a protruding anterior portion, an axially recessed posterior portion with respect to the anterior portion and located diametrically opposite to the protruding anterior portion, and two beveled edges connecting the protruding anterior portion to the recessed posterior portion.

Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument comprises a body, a shaft assembly, an ultrasonic blade, and a pivoting member. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body. The ultrasonic blade is positioned distal to the shaft assembly. The pivoting member is pivotable with respect to the blade from an open position to a closed position to thereby clamp tissue between the pivoting member and the blade. One or both of the shaft assembly or the pivoting member comprise a guide feature. The guide feature is configured to provide lateral alignment of the distal portion of the pivoting member with the blade as the pivoting member is pivoted to the closed position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to the shaft and has a pair of first and second jaw members. A jaw insert is operably associated with the first and second jaw members. The jaw insert includes one or more cam slots defined therein configured to receive a cam pin that upon movement thereof rotates the first and second jaw members from an open position to a clamping position and an opening defined therein configured to securely house a pivot pin that provides a point of pivot for the first and second jaw members. The jaw insert is manufactured from an insulative medium to dielectrically isolate the first and second jaw members.

Abstract: Described herein are various implementations of systems and methods for accessing and modulating tissue (for example, systems and methods for accessing and ablating nerves or other tissue within or surrounding a vertebral body to treat chronic lower back pain). Assessment of vertebral endplate degeneration or defects (e.g., pre-Modic changes) to facilitate identification of treatment sites and protocols are also provided in several embodiments. Several embodiments comprise the use of biomarkers to confirm or otherwise assess ablation, pain relief, efficacy of treatment, etc. Some embodiments include robotic elements for, as an example, facilitating robotically controlled access, navigation, imaging, and/or treatment.

Abstract: An ultrasonic clamp coagulator apparatus is disclosed including a housing including an actuator, an outer tube, an ultrasonic waveguide, an ultrasonically actuated blade, a clamp member pivotable with respect to the blade, and a force limiting mechanism including a first compression spring having a first spring constant, positioned between the actuator and the clamp arm, and a second compression spring having a second spring constant less than the first spring constant. The first compression spring transfers a force at a first rate as a function of a motion of the actuator to pivotably move the clamp member toward the blade. The second compression spring transfers a force as a function of the tissue thickness positioned between the clamp member and the blade. At least one of the first and second compression springs is pre-compressed to provide a preload less than the respective spring constant.

Abstract: A medical needle location device (10) is disclosed. The device (10) has a housing (12) arranged to be gripped by a user and a needle (20) supported by the housing (12). The needle (20) depends from the housing (12) towards a needle tip (14B). The housing (12) comprises an excitation mechanism (28) for applying an oscillatory motion to the needle (20) during location within the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to liquid filled light distributor comprising an elongated tubular body with a tube wall defining an in inner lumen filled with a liquid, said tubular body having—a proximal end closed by first closing means—a distal end closed by second closing means. Wherein the proximal end is arranged to be in optical communication with a light source and wherein the refractive index of the tube wall is n1 and the refractive index of the fluid is n2 and n1/n2<1 so that light from the light source travels along the longitudinal direction of the tubular body and that a part of the light is emitted through the tube wall along at least a part of the tubular body. Further a method of use for the liquid filled light distributor is provided.

Abstract: A device for collecting multiple samples for use by a single user while avoiding cross-contamination under adverse conditions is disclosed. A multiple sampling device comprising a single handle actuator with a trigger, connected to a shaft assembly further connected to a claw assembly for actuating a self-sealing sampling sphere in the process of collecting a desired sample, is disclosed. The sampling sphere comprises two halves that separate when the trigger and claw assembly are actuated, and close together when the trigger is released using springs on the claw assembly and sampling sphere. Additional sampling spheres are stored on the shaft assembly. In operation, once a sample is collected by one sampling sphere, the sampling sphere is exchanged with an empty sampling sphere stored on the shaft assembly.

Abstract: A flexible medical needle for extended indwelling periods is provided. The medical needle apparatus includes a spine body and a flexible shaft portion. The spine body has a length between a first end, comprising a piercing tip, and a second end. The flexible shaft portion may be disposed on at least a portion of the spine body, forming a needle shaft having a passage along a portion of the length of the spine body. The spine body may also be coiled forming an axial passage within the spine body. In this latter embodiment, the flexible shaft portion surrounds the spine body. In each embodiment, the spine body is configured to facilitate bending, allowing for the medical needle to remain indwelling with reduced discomfort.

Abstract: A medical instrument having an aspiration needle, handle device and an actuation force limiter. The actuation force limiter provides an active or passive force release mechanism that keeps the force from overpowering operation of the needle.

Abstract: An assembly including an adapter assembly and an extension assembly for connecting an end effector to an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The adapter assembly includes a first pusher assembly configured for converting rotational motion into linear motion. The first pusher assembly includes a pusher member and first and second pawl assemblies for operable engagement with a flexible band assembly of the extension assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus, and methods of using same, for collecting blood from an umbilical cord in a sterile environment that includes an umbilical cord retaining assembly and a blood collection assembly rotatably connected to the umbilical cord retaining assembly. A cord cutting blade, which is carried by the blood collection assembly, functions to cut the umbilical cord when the blood collection assembly is rotated relative to the umbilical cord retaining assembly. After the umbilical cord is cut, blood flows by force of gravity into the blood collection region of the blood collection assembly to which a blood collection bag can be interconnected.

Abstract: A surgical appliance includes an elongate barrel having effector jaws mounted to a carrier secured to the distal end of the barrel. A handle includes a grip for opening and closing the effector jaws, a knob for articulating the carrier, a knob for rotating the barrel and a safety mechanism for automatically preventing inadvertent actuation of the grip. Each jaw pivots about a pin and is actuated by a rod which is engaged by the grip. A lever is pivotally mounted to the handle and includes a latch which blocks movement of the grip unless the lever is pivoted in a proximal direction against a spring bias. When the lever is released, the latch automatically returns to the blocking position. A toggle arm fixed to a cam shaft can be rotated such that a cam moves the latch to the disengaged position for repeated grip actuation.

Abstract: Systems and method for delivery and positioning of a sheet-like surgical implant to a target site including a means of deploying and orienting the sheet-like implant within the body.

Abstract: A surgical clamp for laparoscopic or endoscopic surgeries provides autonomous adjustable pressure and placement with a releasable or integrated remote manipulator. Two jaws move simultaneously with respect to the main body of the clamp to open and close to secure or release tissue and/or organs. In a first embodiment, the instrument is made up of two separable components; a remote manipulator component, and a releasable adjustable pressure clamp component that is linked or separated at an interlocking connection point. The main body of the clamp includes a central tubular port through which a pressure bar passes. An assembly of cam arms connects the push rod to jaws, allowing for symmetrical and simultaneous actuation. A compression spring is positioned around the pressure bar and is secured by an adjustable nut on the threaded end of the pressure bar. Adjustment varies the compressive force of the spring and thereby the gripping force.

Abstract: A biopsy forceps tool (preferably for endoscopic use) in which microwave energy is used to coagulate bleeding after a biological tissue sample is collected between a pair of jaws. The pair of jaws define an enclosure that is isolated from the microwave energy itself and insulated from any thermal changes that occur due to application of the microwave energy. The tool comprises a pair of jaws connected to a coaxial cable, each of the pair of jaws comprising an electrically conductive shell, the jaw assembly being movable between a closed position in which the electrically conductive shells enclose an internal volume for holding a tissue sample and an open position in which the internal volume is exposed in order to receive the tissue sample. The electrically conductive shells form a Faraday cage around the internal volume when in the closed position.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a motorized surgical instrument including an elongated shaft, a wrist member and a pair of working members with at least one working member moveable relative to other working member between open and closed position, is presented. The elongate shaft includes towards its proximal end a carriage plate that enables independent and controlled motion of the surgical instrument employing plurality of actuators securely held therein. Further, disclosed is a surgical instrument enabling easy and quick replacement of working members.

Abstract: A flexible auger design for low-torque transmitting drive shafts, which allows effective tissue material transport through curved, flexible tubes and channels. A hollow auger has a hollow center, so that the helical member hugs the inner wall of the tube and material is transported along the center axis and the inner wall of the tube. The hollow flexible auger allows for transportation of material from an operative location in the patient (material removal) as well as to operative location in the patient (material delivery).

Abstract: A sample collector to take and hold a biopsy sample from an organism upon being driven by an actuator into the organism, the collector comprising a punch that includes a cutter with a cutting edge formed at a cutting end of the punch to remove and retain a biopsy sample, and a unique identifier on or in the collector, the identifier being machine or human readable at the time of use of the collector to take the sample.

Abstract: A surgical system comprises an instrument and a teleoperated instrument operation system. The instrument comprises a drive member having an end effector coupled to the distal end and a ratchet assembly coupled to the proximal end. The ratchet assembly includes a pin, a gear, and a spring- loaded button. A lever is coupled to and configured to pivot relative to the ratchet assembly to engage the spring-loaded button to disengage the pin from the gear. The lever in a first position places the ratchet assembly in a gripping position in which the end effector grips a surgical accessory. The lever in a second position places the ratchet assembly in a release position in which the end effector releases the surgical accessory. The lever is movable while compressing the spring-loaded button. The teleoperated instrument operation system comprises a capture mechanism configured to move the lever between the first and second positions.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a body, a shaft, an ultrasonic transducer, a waveguide, and an end effector coupled to a distal end of the shaft. A rotation knob is rotatably coupled to the body and is configured to rotate the shaft, the waveguide, and the end effector together relative to the body. A torque transfer structure is positioned radially outwardly of and in direct contact with the waveguide at an acoustic node thereof. The torque transfer structure is rotationally fixed relative to the waveguide and is configured to rotationally couple the waveguide with the shaft and the rotation knob. The waveguide includes a first axial constraining feature defining a distally facing surface, and the torque transfer structure includes a second axial constraining feature defining a proximally facing surface configured to abut the distally facing surface to constrain the waveguide axially relative to the torque transfer structure and the body.

Abstract: A detachment system for delivering an implantable medical device to a target location of a body vessel has a generally hollow distal tube. The distal tube includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a compressible portion of the tube itself, between the proximal and distal ends which is axially movable from a compressed to an elongated condition. A generally hollow proximal tube has a proximal end and a distal end. An engagement system engages and deploys the implantable medical device engaged at the distal end of the distal tube. The engagement system moves the compressible portion to the compressed condition when engaging the implantable medical device, and deploys the implantable medical device and releases the compressible portion to the elongated condition.