Abstract: A brush for non-invasive biopsy may include a distal tip forming a cavity, where an opening of the cavity faces proximally. A shaft may be included, where the shaft is movable relative to the distal tip, where a distal end of the shaft is located within the cavity when the brush is in a first state, and where at least a portion of the distal end of the shaft is located outside the cavity when the brush is in a second state. A set of bristles may be located at the distal end of the shaft, where the bristles at least partially move from within the cavity of the distal tip to outside the cavity of the distal tip when the brush moves from the first state to the second state.

Abstract: Origami robots, and associated systems, methods of treatment, and methods of manufacture are provided. A system includes an origami robot encapsulated for ingestion by a patient, such as in a biocompatible material that is dissolvable or meltable within the gastrointestinal tract. A method of treatment includes delivering an origami robot in a folded position into a gastrointestinal tract of a patient, causing the origami robot to unfold within the gastrointestinal tract, and directing the origami robot to a site requiring treatment in the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: A medical/surgical device for performing tissue resection can include an endoscope with proximal and distal ends, defining working channels, and a snare assembly located in one of the working channels. The working channel may include a bend near the distal end and towards the outward radial wall of the endoscope. The snare assembly may include a snare loop and an actuation element imparted with the pre-formed angular bends and an actuation control handle. The bends of the actuation element and the working channel may be the same. The rotational manipulation of the actuation element may synchronize the pre-formed bend of the actuation element with the bend of the working channel to concentrically (or otherwise) align the deployed snare loop with the endoscope or endoscope attachments.

Abstract: A mitral cerclage annuloplasty apparatus includes a catheter with a blocking member and a capturing member. The blocking member is in the shape of a pigtail or a balloon, and is configured on the distal portion of the catheter preventing the catheter from traversing through an unsafe zone thereby enabling the catheter to pass through the safe zone. This prevents damage to critical cardiac tissues. The capturing member is adapted for pulling out a RVOT cerclage wire into the IVC, and comprises of an expandable and collapsible mesh so that the RVOT cerclage wire is captured and directed into the IVC through the safe zone. Thus the RVOT cerclage wire is passed through the RV without damaging the heart tissue forming a complete circle around the mitral valvular annulus.

Abstract: An anvil assembly suitable for trans-oral delivery includes an anvil head configured to receive a guide suture that is separable from the anvil assembly during a stapling procedure. An anvil delivery assembly includes the anvil assembly and a suture guide assembly secured to the anvil assembly.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for reducing ischemia-reperfusion injury and/or microvascular obstructions by administering to the subject effective amounts of carbon dioxide and oxygen before, during and/or after re-establishing perfusion. In some embodiments, the methods further include using therapeutic hypothermia.

Abstract: Origami robots, and associated systems, methods of treatment, and methods of manufacture are provided. A system includes an origami robot encapsulated for ingestion by a patient, such as in a biocompatible material that is dissolvable or meltable within the gastrointestinal tract. A method of treatment includes delivering an origami robot in a folded position into a gastrointestinal tract of a patient, causing the origami robot to unfold within the gastrointestinal tract, and directing the origami robot to a site requiring treatment in the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: A medical instrument and procedure for removing a food mass lodged in the esophagus of a patient. First, the food mass is magnetized. Thereafter, a medical instrument that includes a magnetic retriever is inserted into an endoscope, for example, into the esophagus. The magnetic retriever includes a magnet that applies a drawing force to the lodged magnetized food mass, causing the magnetized food mass to become dislodged. Once dislodged, the food mass is retrieved and removed from the esophagus.

Abstract: The devices and methods described herein relate to jointless construction of complex structures. Such devices have applicability in through-out the body, including clearing of blockages within body lumens, such as the vasculature, by addressing the frictional resistance on the obstruction prior to attempting to translate and/or mobilize the obstruction within the body lumen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fixating means adapted for use in hernia repair surgeries in attaching a mesh and mesh deployment means; said fixating means are attached to said mesh deployment means; and fixating means comprising: (a) a first portion coupled to said deployment means; and, (b) a second portion comprising a coil having a predetermined retracted shape; said coil is reconfigurable from a plurality of unretracted positions to a plurality of retracted positions and from said plurality of retracted positions to said plurality of unretracted positions; wherein said attachment between said deployment means and said mesh is obtained by reconfiguration of said coil from at least one of said unretracted positions to at least one of said retracted positions.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel are described. The devices are deployed in a collapsed condition and are then expanded within the body. The devices are then manipulated to engage and remove the obstruction.

Abstract: An ocular implant having an inlet portion and a Schlemm's canal portion distal to the inlet portion, the inlet portion being disposed at a proximal end of the implant and sized and configured to be placed within an anterior chamber of a human eye, the Schlemm's canal portion being arranged and configured to be disposed within Schlemm's canal of the eye when the inlet portion is disposed in the anterior chamber.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems facilitate gastric retention of a variety of therapeutic devices. devices generally include a support portion for preventing the device from passing through the pyloric valve or esophagus wherein a retaining member may optionally be included on the distal end of the positioning member for further maintaining a position of the device in the stomach. Some embodiments are deliverable into the stomach through the esophagus, either by swallowing or through a delivery tube or catheter. Some embodiments are fully reversible. Some embodiments self-expand within the stomach, while others are inflated or otherwise expanded.

Abstract: A medical retrieval basket used for entrapping and extracting objects such as urinary and biliary calculi from the body comprising a handle assembly, a flexible shaft, and a basket. The basket comprises a plurality of outwardly disposed shape memory wires and is bulbous in shape at its distal end. Located at the intersection point of the wires at the distal end of the basket is a hub that restricts the degree of relative movement between the wires. This hub also serves to increase contact points with the object to be retrieved and to stabilize the orientation of the basket wires. The substantially tipless configuration of the distal end of the basket permits the basket to retrieve objects from difficult to reach locations and reduces tissue trauma caused by the basket tip. The basket wires have varying cross sectional shapes and sizes in different sections of the basket to optimize the performance to the needs of each section within the basket.

Abstract: A prosthetic intervertebral spacer is disclosed. The spacer preferably includes a body and an interface extending away from the body for use during implantation of the spacer. Methods of implanting the spacer and tools used during such procedure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device may include a sheath including a lumen, a distal end, and a proximal end. The device may further include an end-effector unit and an elongate member connected to the end-effector unit. The end-effector unit and the sheath may be movable relative to each other to achieve a first state of the end-effector unit and a second state of the end-effector unit. Moreover, the medical device may include a handle having a first handle portion connected to the proximal end of the sheath, a second handle portion connected to the proximal end of the elongate member, and a compliant member longitudinally aligned with the sheath between the first handle portion and the second handle portion. The first and second handle portions may be configured such that relative movement of the first and second handle portions causes the end-effector to move between the first and second states.

Abstract: A surgical tissue cutting instrument comprises a tubular outer member, an inner member rotatably disposed within the outer member and having a cutting element, a handpiece, and an irrigation system. The irrigation system includes an irrigation channel composed of a first irrigation passage within the handpiece and a second irrigation passage within the thickness of the annular wall of the outer member, and a sleeve disposed over a front end of the handpiece and over the outer member adjacent an outlet opening of the second irrigation passage. The sleeve allows communication through the outlet opening of the second irrigation passage and an inlet port of the first passage. The inlet port is connectible with a source of irrigation fluid.

Abstract: A mechanism for removing a fluid-filled object from a patient. The apparatus includes a deflation tube with a puncture member at one end of the tube for piercing a hole in the object wall. The apparatus includes a retrieval mechanism slidable within the deflation tube lumen. The retrieval mechanism includes an expansion element that is expandable when positioned within the object from a first configuration with a dimension less than that of the deflation tube lumen to a second or deployed configuration with a dimension that is greater than an outer dimension of the puncture member. The expansion element contacts an inner surface of the inflatable object as the deflation tube and retrieval mechanism are withdrawn from the body cavity. The expansion element may be a T-bar, a foldable anchor, an inflatable member, or another expandable form.

Abstract: A deflation device for use in deflating an inflatable or implantable balloon device, comprising, in combination: an endoscope tube, having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen; a cap disposed at the distal end of the endoscope tube and having walls defining a balloon interface chamber; a coring device disposed within the lumen and configured to travel within the lumen such that a distal end of the coring device is extendable beyond the distal end of the cap; wherein the cap is configured to provide a normal surface of a balloon relative to the orientation of the coring device as the coring device is disposed near the distal end of the cap.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to clean a tonsil include a bite-piece and a fluid delivery tube. The bite piece has a longitudinal axis and the bite-piece is configured to be clenched between at least one upper side tooth and at least one lower side tooth within a user's mouth. A fluid delivery tube is slidingly engaged with the bite-piece. The fluid delivery tube is configured to direct a flow of water onto a tonsil and to wash debris from the tonsil.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in dislodging a particle from a choking person's airway. The apparatus including a venturi vacuum pump, a source of compressed fluid and a mask. The apparatus operating such that after the mask is placed over the choking person's nose and mouth, compressed fluid flowing through the venturi vacuum pump generates a low pressure region in the mask and correspondingly the person's airway which dislodges the particle.

Abstract: A mechanism for removing a fluid-filled object from a patient. The apparatus includes a deflation tube with a puncture member at one end of the tube for piercing a hole in the object wall. The apparatus includes a retrieval mechanism slidable within the deflation tube lumen. The retrieval mechanism includes an expansion element that is expandable when positioned within the object from a first configuration with a dimension less than that of the deflation tube lumen to a second or deployed configuration with a dimension that is greater than an outer dimension of the puncture member. The expansion element contacts an inner surface of the inflatable object as the deflation tube and retrieval mechanism are withdrawn from the body cavity. The expansion element may be a T-bar, a foldable anchor, an inflatable member, or another expandable form.

Abstract: An endoscope treatment instrument provided with a flexible transmitting member, a treatment portion that is attached to the distal end of the transmitting member, and an actuator which is attached to the proximal end of the transmitting member and is for operating the treatment portion, this endoscope treatment instrument being designed to transmit the action of the actuator to the treatment portion via the transmitting member. The transmitting member consists of the connection in the longitudinal direction of a first coil sheath that has excellent rotation follow-up and good relative bending properties, and a second coil sheath that has excellent rotation follow-up and good ease of motion in the relative longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A device for removing a mass lodged in a choking victim's throat comprises a manifold, piston, spool, and latch. The manifold has first, second, and third conduits in selective fluid communication with each other, with the second conduit terminating in an orifice in a mouthpiece. The spool, having a transverse orifice, may be disposed in the third conduit, slidable between a first position where the orifice permits fluid communication between the first and second conduits, and a second position where the spool blocks fluid communication. The piston is slidably disposed within the first conduit, and with the spool is in the second position, the latch is usable to secure the piston relative to the manifold at one or more discrete positions to create a measured amount of vacuum pressure in the first conduit. The vacuum pressure is transmitted to the mouthpiece by movement of the spool to said first position.

Abstract: A solution for removing debris from an individual's tonsil, such as loose and embedded tonsil stones and tonsil debris.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and methods to clear obstructions including foreign objects and food boluses during an EGD procedure. The medical device according to the present invention includes a flexible tubular housing, power transfer device, clamp, tool element, power source, and optional hood. The present invention drills through the obstruction to rupture it into pieces. Displaced obstructions, and/or pieces thereof, can be collected within the housing. The remainder of the obstruction can then be passed into the stomach where it can be digested, safely excreted, or actively removed by an endoscopist.

Abstract: A medical device removal system includes a vessel filter repositioning or removal device to remove and/or reposition a medical device, such as a vessel filter. The system includes a gripper to grip a medical device that is located within a body vessel, and a detector, linked to the gripper, to detect the proximity of the medical device to the gripper. The system may also include an output to indicate a signal from the detector.

Abstract: An airway implant device for maintaining and/or creating an opening in air passageways is disclosed. Methods and devices for removing, the device are also disclosed. Methods of treating airway disorders such as sleep apnea and snoring with the airway implant device are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A device for removing a mass lodged in a choking victim's throat comprises a manifold, piston, spool, and latch. The manifold has first, second, and third conduits in selective fluid communication with each other, with the second conduit terminating in an orifice in a mouthpiece. The spool, having a transverse orifice, may be disposed in the third conduit, slidable between a first position where the orifice permits fluid communication between the first and second conduits, and a second position where the spool blocks fluid communication. The piston is slidably disposed within the first conduit, and with the spool is in the second position, the latch is usable to secure the piston relative to the manifold at one or more discrete positions to create a measured amount of vacuum pressure in the first conduit. The vacuum pressure is transmitted to the mouthpiece by movement of the spool to said first position.

Abstract: A device for clearing obstructions from a medical tube, such as a chest tube, is disclosed in various embodiments. The device features a clearance member in the form of a loop. The loop desirably has a diameter that substantially corresponds to the inner diameter of the medical tube. Also desirably, the loop presents a substantially unobstructed pathway therethrough for the flow of material from a location in the medical tube distal to the loop to a location in the medical tube proximal to the loop regardless whether the clearance member is being translated or is at rest in the medical tube. Methods of utilizing such a device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical device removal system includes a vessel filter repositioning or removal device to remove and/or reposition a medical device, such as a vessel filter. The system includes a gripper to grip a medical device that is located within a body vessel, and a detector, linked to the gripper, to detect the proximity of the medical device to the gripper. The system may also include an output to indicate a signal from the detector.

Abstract: A hand-held suction device used to remove tonsilloliths, food, and other foreign matter from the mouth. Tonsilloliths form in the tonsil crypts or crevasses of the mouth and are a cause of chronic halitosis. Tonsilloliths generally become lodged in crevasses of the mouth and are unable to be removed without outside manipulation.

Abstract: The present application relates to a urinary catheter movement system for use with a urinary catheter located within an interior volume of a urinary catheter pouch. The system can include a catheter movement controller configured to selectively control longitudinal movement of the catheter relative to a port in the pouch. The system further can include a gripper assembly configured for gripping the catheter located within the interior volume of the urinary catheter pouch.

Abstract: A vessel filter having a first region having a first set of struts forming a mounting portion and a filter portion having a converging region at a first portion to direct particles toward the center of the filter. The mounting portion is flared in the expanded position to have a transverse dimension increasing toward a second portion opposite the first portion. A second set of struts forms a second mounting portion flared in the expanded position. A plurality of spaced apart struts extend between the first and second regions.

Abstract: A surgical magnetic retrieval tool for retrieving objects attractable by a magnet lost in a surgical cavity during a surgical procedure. The tool is a permanent magnet having a size and shape adapted to be placed in and moved through a surgical cavity to attract and hold the objects for retrieval of them from the cavity, and a flexible tether is attached to the magnet for supporting the magnet, pulling it through the cavity, and retrieving the magnet and objects attracted thereto from the cavity. In one form of the invention the magnet is a flexible magnetic sheet; in another form it is a sphere; in another form it is an oblate spheroid; and in another form it is a disc. The tool is disposable following use.

Abstract: Medical component systems are described in which individual hand-held components are enhanced by adjacent restraint and by combinations of function, including: suction devices with a port for regulating suction with single-finger-operable valve for repeatable incremental user control of suction-vacuum variation by aperture shapes like triangles and slots and tactile feedback means like plane changes for amplifying tactile feedback to a user to enhance distinguishing of control increments; clips and tubing restraints for attachment between devices; endotracheal tubes with feedback features so a user knows where the distal end is; wound kits and splash shields for use in combination with various irrigation sources; combination cough shields with medical components; endotracheal tube adapters with less dead space and improved flanges and monitoring ports; and improved long syringes and medical lights.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus including an elongate tubular member utilized by extending into an endotracheal tube. A cleaning assembly provided at a distal end of the elongate tubular member radially expands to engage the interior wall of the endotracheal tube, for cleaning thereof by an irregular configuration on an exterior surface, achieving an effective cleaning engagement. A fluid impervious bladder portion provides an effective seal preventing fluid seepage during cleaning withdrawal. Further, a ventilator coupling connects to the endotracheal tube, a first inlet port couples to a ventilator assembly to supply air to a patient, and a second inlet port receives the elongate tubular member there through into the endotracheal tube. Also, a bypass coupling assembly connects between the channel of the elongate tubular member and the ventilator assembly directing air into the channel of the elongate tubular member and out the distal end upon occlusion of airflow.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for retrieving an object from a body passage. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a first tube member, and optionally a second tube member. A proximal region of an arm is secured in place, while a distal region of the arm is coupled to a loop member of a snare. In use, proximal and distal advancement of a control member coupled to the loop member moves the loop member between collapsed and expanded states, respectively. In the collapsed state, the arm preferably does not extend radially beyond an outer diameter of the first tube member, thereby facilitating advancement of the retrieval device to a target site, e.g., via an endoscope. In the expanded state, the arm may move away from the first and second tube members, facilitate positioning of the loop member, and may facilitate capture of the object from the body passage.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in dislodging a particle from a choking person's airway. The apparatus including a venturi vacuum pump, a source of compressed fluid and a mask. The apparatus operating such that after the mask is placed over the choking person's nose and mouth, compressed fluid flowing through the venturi vacuum pump generates a low pressure region in the mask and correspondingly the person's airway which dislodges the particle.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for insertion into a body lumen (16) includes an elongate member (30) having a proximal end (32) and a distal end (34) insertable into the body lumen (16). At least one clamping arm (100) includes a first end (102) having a pivotal connection with the distal end (34) of the elongate member (30). The pivotal connection provides pivotal movement of the at least one clamping arm (100) relative to the elongate member (30). The at least one clamping arm (100) extends away from the pivotal connection toward the proximal end (32) of the elongate member (30). The apparatus (10) also includes a control mechanism (40) for controlling the pivotal movement of the at least one clamping arm (100) relative to the elongate member (30). The apparatus (10) may also include an assembly (150) for controlling advancement of the member (30) in the body lumen (16).

Abstract: The present invention is a system and methods to clear obstructions including foreign objects and food boluses during an EGD procedure. The medical device according to the present invention includes a flexible tubular housing, power transfer device, clamp, tool element, power source, and optional hood. The present invention drills through the obstruction to rupture it into pieces. Displaced obstructions, and/or pieces thereof, can be collected within the housing. The remainder of the obstruction can then be passed into the stomach where it can be digested, safely excreted, or actively removed by an endoscopist.

Abstract: A suction catheter having a spoon-shaped distal end designed to assist manual removal of large airway occluding particles from the oropharynx and mouth opening to near the epiglottis of a patient by an emergency caregiver. The tip of the spoon-shaped distal end defines an ovular orifice of sufficient size to remove both viscous and non-viscous matter including particulate matter from the airway of the patient. The catheter includes an elongated hollow member for conveying the unwanted viscous and non-viscous matter and is flexible about a portion displaced from the spoon-like distal end and includes a flexible stylet member therein to permit bending of the catheter and causing it to retain its bent shape with the proximal end thereof away from the patient to allow the caregiver more freedom to provide care to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and methods to clear obstructions including foreign objects and food boluses during an EGD procedure. The medical device according to the present invention includes a flexible tubular housing, power transfer device, clamp, tool element, power source, and optional hood. The present invention drills through the obstruction to rupture it into pieces. Displaced obstructions, and/or pieces thereof, can be collected into retainers positioned within the housing. The remainder of the obstruction can then be passed into the stomach where it can be digested, safely excreted, or actively removed by an endoscopist.

Abstract: An apparatus for sucking out an object stuck in a person's throat, comprising hollow first and second bellows elements each having an orifice with a one-way valve and an exit valve, a tube structure comprising first and second legs having free distal ends outside the first and second bellows element respectively and proximal ends extending into at least the respective orifices, the first leg and the second leg joined at their respective free distal ends to form a double hose having a pliable sealing structure integral thereto at a distal end to seal the trachea and esophagus, and a handle element connected to a top portion of the first and second bellows elements to contract the first and second bellows elements. When the handle is released a sucking of air through the tube structure occurs and the first and second bellows elements expand back to their original size.

Abstract: A mechanism for removing a fluid-filled object from a patient. The apparatus includes a deflation tube with a puncture member at one end of the tube for piercing a hole in the object wall. The apparatus includes a retrieval mechanism slidable within the deflation tube lumen. The retrieval mechanism includes an expansion element that is expandable when positioned within the object from a first configuration with a dimension less than that of the deflation tube lumen to a second or deployed configuration with a dimension that is greater than an outer dimension of the puncture member. The expansion element contacts an inner surface of the inflatable object as the deflation tube and retrieval mechanism are withdrawn from the body cavity. The expansion element may be a T-bar, a foldable anchor, an inflatable member, or another expandable form.

Abstract: A method of destroying formation in a body includes introducing a tubular member into a body to an area of a formation with a gripping unit movable between an open position and a closed position in which the gripping unit encloses a closed space to confine the formation inside the closed space, destroying the formation by a formation destroying element and withdrawing a device from a body with the formation and its fragments confined inside the closed space formed by the gripping unit in its closed position.

Abstract: An expansible and retractable mechanism of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,924,175 and/or a medical grasper of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,906,622 in which (1) the fixed flexure elements are self-biased to move into the expanded condition thereof. A handpiece for the medical grasper is constructed and arranged so that after a stone has been grasped, a further digital pull on the movable handpiece structure effects the application of a limiting resiliently yielding force to the gripping action.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a housing and at least one biopsy mechanism moveably connected to the housing. The biopsy can be provided on a biopsy arm. An actuator moves the biopsy arm and operates the biopsy mechanism. The biopsy arms with the biopsy mechanisms are preferably removable from the housing, such that the housing can be used again for subsequent biopsy procedures.

Abstract: A human airway cleaning tool is provided that aids in the removal of foreign or blocking material in the airway of humans. Resembling a Yankauer suction tube, the cleaning tube has a provision for the attachment of a conventional vacuum cleaner hose. This feature makes the invention suitable for use anywhere at almost anytime as long as a vacuum cleaner is available. Further featured is a round, ball-shaped, tip that easily enters a person's throat with causing damage. Shaped such that it is easily held, the cleaning tool is easily maneuvered while it is in a person's mouth.

Abstract: This invention provides, e.g., a catheter with a threaded loop type snare tool for retrieval of objects from blood vessels and/or body cavities. The snare tool of the invention provides, e.g., independently maneuverable probe wires and snare wires to encircle and releasably snare foreign objects inside human and veterinary patients. The invention further provides methods of using the catheter of the invention to retrieve objects from patients.