Abstract: Devices for the occlusion of body cavities, such as the embolization of vascular aneurysms and the like, and methods for making and using such devices are described.

Abstract: A positioning and retrieval device manipulated by carrying element coupled to a handle and driven by an actuator that allows for axial movement and rotational movement of a capturing portion on the carrying element.

Abstract: Provided is a ureteral stent for placement in a bladder, a kidney and a ureteral passageway connecting the bladder and the kidney. The ureteral stent includes a solid bladder portion free of a lumen positionable in the bladder, a tubular kidney portion positionable in the kidney and the ureteral passageway, and a tether connecting the bladder portion and the ureter portion to allow the bladder portion to float in the bladder and to allow a ureter orifice connecting the ureteral passageway to the bladder to move between a compressed state and an uncompressed state. By not having a lumen, the solid bladder portion allows the bladder to have a smaller diameter while maintaining a necessary uncoil force. The smaller diameter also allows the bladder portion to be inserted into a scope alongside a pusher tube, thereby avoiding loading the bladder portion onto a guidewire.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve structure, for use at a native atrioventricular heart valve, includes a frame, prosthetic leaflets, an upper skirt, and a lower skirt. The frame circumscribes a longitudinal axis of the structure. The leaflets are configured to facilitate upstream-to-downstream bloodflow through the structure. The upper skirt has an upstream perimeter. The lower skirt is downstream of the upper skirt, and has a downstream perimeter. The upper skirt extends away from the lower skirt, in an upstream direction and radially outward toward the upstream perimeter. The lower skirt extends away from the upper skirt, in a downstream direction and radially outward toward the downstream perimeter. A downstream portion of the frame is disposed downstream of at least part of the downstream perimeter of the lower skirt.

Abstract: Provided is a liquid embolic agent composition capable of solving problems of conventional embolic agents, which can be used in a treatment of a vascular disease such as cerebral aneurysm. The problems are solved by a liquid embolic agent composition characterized in containing a hydrogel forming component having a calcium ion entrapping ability, and an anti-biodegradation component. The hydrogel forming component having a calcium ion entrapping ability is at least one kind of acidic polysaccharide selected from the group consisting of alginate, gellan gum, carrageenan, and carboxymethyl cellulose salt; and the anti-biodegradation component is at least one kind selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polyallylamine, poly-N-vinyl acetamide, and cellulose acetate.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for implanting a prosthetic implant in a native lumen of the body includes a handle portion, and a first shaft extending from and movable relative to the handle portion. The first shaft has a proximal end portion coupled to the handle portion and a distal end portion. The delivery apparatus further includes a second shaft extending from the handle portion and coaxially disposed within the first shaft. The second shaft has a proximal end portion coupled to the handle portion and a distal end portion configured to mount a prosthetic implant in a radially compressed state. The handle portion of the delivery apparatus also includes a steering assembly configured to move the first shaft longitudinally relative to the second shaft while concurrently flexing the second shaft.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a transvascular prosthetic heart valve delivery apparatus including a handle housing, a main shaft extending distally from the handle housing, the main shaft configured to be coupled to a distal valve sheath that is configured to retain a prosthetic heart valve in a radially compressed state within the valve sheath, a screw shaft, a control knob that is rotatable relative to the handle housing and the screw shaft, a screw engagement latch that is adjustable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the latch can couple the control knob to the screw shaft such that rotation of the control knob relative to the handle housing causes the main shaft to move axially relative to the handle housing. In the disengaged position, the latch can decouple the control knob from the screw shaft such that the main shaft can move axially relative to the handle housing without rotation of the control knob.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are provided for performing endovascular repair of atrioventricular and other cardiac valves in the heart. A delivery device for staged deployment of an implantable device to a target area. The delivery device includes a deployment handle and one or more lock lines extending from the deployment handle through the catheter to the implantable device, the one or more lock lines being configured to engage with the implantable device to allow locking of the implantable device.

Abstract: A method of promoting lung disinsufflation including inserting a catheter into a bronchial passage of a patient's lung. The catheter contains an implantable artificial bronchus compressed within the catheter. The method further includes using the catheter to position the implantable artificial bronchus in the bronchial passage such that the implantable artificial bronchus extends across openings of a plurality of other bronchial passages and withdrawing the catheter from the bronchial passage to cause the implantable artificial bronchus to naturally expand and remain in the bronchial passage. The implantable artificial bronchus is configured to promote enlargement of the bronchial passage and allow air to exit from the plurality of other bronchial passages and into the implantable artificial bronchus through one or more of the plurality of side openings.

Abstract: A balloon system for delivery of a device. The balloon system includes a balloon including: an elongated central portion including a proximal tapered cone and a distal tapered cone, the elongated central portion and the proximal and distal tapered cones being in an uninflated state; a proximal receiving trench adjacent the proximal tapered cone and a distal receiving trench adjacent the distal tapered cone, and a distal backstop adjacent the distal receiving trench, the distal receiving trench being defined by the distal backstop and the distal tapered cone; and a proximal retractable cuff disposed over the proximal receiving trench and the proximal tapered cone and a distal retractable cuff disposed over the distal receiving trench and the distal tapered cone.

Abstract: Described herein are low-profile electrodes for use with an angioplasty shockwave catheter. A low-profile electrode assembly may have an inner electrode, an insulating layer disposed over the inner electrode such that an opening in the insulating layer is aligned with the inner electrode, and an outer electrode sheath disposed over the insulating layer such that an opening in the outer electrode sheath is coaxially aligned with the opening in the insulating layer. This layered configuration allows for the generation of shockwaves that propagate outward from the side of the catheter. In some variations, the electrode assembly has a second inner electrode, and the insulating layer and outer electrode may each have a second opening that are coaxially aligned with the second inner electrode. An angioplasty shockwave catheter may have a plurality of such low-profile electrode assemblies along its length to break up calcified plaques along a length of a vessel.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed a method of facilitating treatment via a vascular wall defining a vascular lumen containing an occlusion therein. The method may include providing a first intravascular device having a distal portion and at least one aperture and positioning the distal portion of the first intravascular device in the vascular wall. The method may further include providing a reentry device having a body and a distal tip, the distal tip having a natural state and a compressed state and inserting the distal tip, in the compressed state, in the distal portion of the first intravascular device. The method may further include advancing the distal tip, in the natural state, through the at least one aperture of the first intravascular device.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument for transapical aortic valve resection includes a cutting unit arranged on the distal end of a tool shaft and at least one mechanical cutting element for making a circular incision. The at least one cutting element can be adapted, in particular continuously adapted to different aortic diameters by means of a radially movable actuating mechanism.

Abstract: Treatment of an aneurysm or other vascular defect can be facilitated or enhanced by an implant delivered with a thermally activated detachment system. A delivery system can include an implant with a proximal portion that defines a port. A pusher device can include arms extending distally from a junction of the pusher device and through the port, with distal sections of the arms disposed within the implant. The arms can, at a certain temperature, transition from engagement with the implant to a shape that facilitates release of the implant. Additionally or alternatively, a coil can engage an outer surface of the implant at the proximal portion and transition to a shape that facilitates release of the implant.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for subcutaneous implantation in a patient using a tunneling instrument. The implantation apparatus comprises a vascular graft and a connector adapted to couple a distal end of the tunneling instrument and a proximal end of the graft. The connector comprises a tip, a first end of the tip configured to be received within the proximal end of the graft, a clip for securing the graft to the tip, and a coupler for a rotatable connection of the tip to the tunneling instrument such that the tip is rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the coupler to facilitate attachment of the graft to the tunneling instrument. The implantation apparatus may further comprise a removable sheath configured to substantially cover the length of the graft.

Abstract: A surgical sheath for use in endoscopic trans-nasal or intra-ocular surgery is made of a braid material. The sheath may be manufactured by placing a length of braided tube material over a mandrel. The braid material is conformed to the shape of the mandrel and is then heat set. An atraumatic end may be made by folding or rolling one or both ends of the sheath. A coating may also optionally be applied to the braid material. The sheath reduces collateral trauma to the tissues in the surgical pathway.

Abstract: A flexible, fluid flow tubing is configured to be kink resistant, and a medical device is configured with such kink resistant tubing. The tubing has a length L and a circular cross-section shape taken perpendicular to the length dimension. The tubing has an inside radius r and an outside radius R, wherein L/R?34.8, and wherein R/r?1.5. The tubing may be made of a polyether block amide (PEBA) or other thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The tubing may be received in a channel of a hollow needle, wherein the needle is slideable in the axial dimension relative to the tubing, to selectively slide off of at least a portion of the tubing.

Abstract: A system for dilating a stenosed vessel is provided. The system includes a balloon mounted on a catheter shaft, the balloon being composed of a first material and fibers forming a grid attached to a surface of the balloon or integrated within a wall thereof. The fibers are composed of a second material having less elasticity than the first material such that when the balloon is inflated beyond a predetermined pressure balloon regions protrude from the grid formed by the fibers.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes an instrument shaft with exit holes near a distal end of the shaft, a tool coupled to the distal end of the shaft, and a backend. The backend may include a mechanism that manipulates a drive element that extends through the shaft and couples to the tool, a fluid inlet, and a fluid channel assembly providing fluid communication between the fluid inlet and the proximal end of the shaft. Cleaning fluid is directed into the fluid inlet, through the fluid channel assembly, and into the shaft. A chassis or other structural piece of the backend may form part of the fluid channel assembly.

Abstract: A catheter-based system for percutaneously supporting and articulating a septal wall of a heart includes a catheter and a flanged device. The flanged device includes a distal anchor and a proximal anchor, and has a radially collapsed configuration and a radially expanded configuration. When the flanged device is in the radially expanded configuration and disposed through a transseptal puncture in the septal wall, the flanged device is configured to anchor to the septal wall to permit manipulation thereof whereby an angle between an axis through the transseptal puncture and an axis through a native valve is reduced. The proximal anchor and the distal anchor may each be self-expanding or balloon expandable. The flanged device may further include a flanged device shaft. The flanged device shaft may be releasably coupled to the catheter.

Abstract: A dilation apparatus includes a shaft, a dilation balloon, and a standoff member. The shaft includes a first lumen and a second lumen. The distal end of the second lumen is proximal to the distal end of the first lumen. The dilation balloon encompasses the second distal end of the second lumen such that the dilation balloon defines an interior in fluid communication with the second lumen. A distal portion of the standoff member is positioned within the interior of the dilation balloon. The distal portion of the standoff member is distal to the second distal end of the second lumen. The standoff member provides a pathway for fluid communication between the interior of the dilation balloon and the second lumen. The standoff member may include a tube, a thread, polymeric beading, or other structures.

Abstract: A robotic catheter system includes a cassette including a housing, a first pair of engagement surfaces, and a second pair of engagement surfaces. The housing includes a front end, a rear end, a sidewall, a first channel, and a second channel. The first pair of engagement surfaces are arranged to contact a guide wire with sufficient pressure such that when the engagement surfaces are driven, axial movement is imparted to the guide wire. The guide wire extends along the first channel, through the rear end of the housing, and through the front end of the housing. The second pair of engagement surfaces are arranged to contact a catheter with sufficient pressure such that when the engagement surfaces are driven, axial movement is imparted to the catheter. The catheter device extends along the second channel, the second channel arranged at an angle with respect to the first channel.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis system includes a graft having a tubular body with a proximal end and a distal end. A lumen extends from the proximal end to the distal end. A proximal portion of the graft includes the proximal end; a distal portion of the graft includes the distal end; and a middle portion of the graft extends from the proximal portion to the distal portion. A plurality of connection branches are attached to the middle portion. Each of the connection branches has an inner opening at an inner end attached to the middle portion and an outer opening at an outer end disposed radially outwardly from the inner end. Each of the connection branches is pivotable in a proximal and distal direction and a circumferential direction relative to the middle portion. Further, each of the connection branches includes an expandable seal stent at the outer end.

Abstract: A surgical sheath adapted for use in the nasal cavity has an elongated hollow body made of a braided material having interstitial spaces with a dimension of 0.25 mm to 1.50 mm. The interstitial spaces filled with a filling material, such as silicone. The sheath has a low profile configuration during placement into the naris, and may be stretched into an expanded configuration. In methods of placing the sheath in the naris, the sheath is folded and then pulled into the naris using a surgical tool.

Abstract: A reentry apparatus has an outer catheter configured to accommodate a first reentry device and an inner catheter configured to fit within the outer catheter. The inner catheter has a series of expanding anchors extending from the outer surface of the inner catheter and a reentry channel configured to accommodate a second reentry device. A retaining wire extends along the upper surface of the expanding anchors. A reentry channel is located in the configured to accommodate a second reentry device.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for delivering and deploying an intravascular device into the vessel including an outer and inner tube that are axially linked by a housing structure at the proximal end of the catheter, and a retractable sleeve structure having a middle tube and sleeve tip. The sleeve tip is sealed to the inner tube at the distal end, and continuously extends into the middle tube. At the proximal end of the sleeve structure, the middle tube is sealed to either a housing structure or slideable proximal ring, forming a sealed chamber between the inner tube and the sleeve structure. A radial space is formed between the sleeve tip and the inner tube optimized for intravascular device placement. During retraction of the sleeve structure, the fold of the sleeve tip peels away from the device, which expands to its deployed state while minimizing axial forces and friction.

Abstract: A positioning and retrieval device manipulated by carrying element coupled to an handle and driven by an actuator that allows for axial movement and rotational movement of a capturing portion on the carrying element.

Abstract: Distal tips for use with delivery catheters are disclosed that are configured to maintain complete engagement between the distal tip and a distal opening of a sheath component of the delivery catheter so as to prevent separation therebetween and/or to prevent fish-mouthing of a distal leading edge of the sheath component during in vivo use. Distal tips so configured realize one or more of the objectives of safer tracking of the delivery catheter through the vasculature, safe crossing of the delivery catheter through structural components of the vasculature and heart, such as through native valves, and safe removal of the delivery catheter post deployment.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering an electrical microstimulator having a microstimulator body comprises a handle having a handle body. An elongate delivery rod includes a delivery sleeve and a stretching shaft, with one of the delivery sleeve and the stretching shaft configured for reciprocal movement with respect to the handle body, and the other extending longitudinally from, and stationary relative to, the handle body. The delivery sleeve selectively engages a fixation aperture of a microstimulator docking feature having a fixation base and a fixation member, concurrent with the stretching shaft engaging a proximal end of the microstimulator body. Longitudinal motion of the delivery sleeve with respect to the stretching shaft causes longitudinal motion of the fixation base to responsively move the fixation member between substantially linear and substantially coiled states. A method of delivering an electrical microstimulator to a target implant site of a patient's body is also provided.

Abstract: Devices, methods, systems and procedures for localized, targeted treatment of angiogenic-based therapy in at least one region of interest in one or more layers of cardiac tissue. Various methods can include diagnosing a patient with ischemic heart disease or “at-risk” of manifesting ischemic heart disease, placing the patient into a specific angiogenic-based treatment therapy group, collecting image data, confirming image data and other diagnostic test results, developing a preoperative plan to target region of interest, inserting the catheter into a heart chamber, monitoring the distal end of the catheter tip within the heart on a visual display, contacting at least one layer of cardiac tissue, creating one or more channels in the heart tissue and/or administering the angiogenic-based therapy.

Abstract: An implant delivery device (100) includes a casing (110); and inner and outer tube driving members (150, 160), an inner tube (120), an intermediate tube (130), an outer tube (140) and an air-evacuation locking assembly (170), each at least partially accommodated in the casing (110). The three tubes are sequentially nested in one another, and first, second and third spaces are formed between neighbouring tubes. The inner tube driving member (150) has a proximal end that is sealingly fixed to a proximal end of the inner tube (120), and the outer tube driving member (160) is sealingly fixed to a proximal end of the outer tube (140). The intermediate tube (130) has a proximal end that is sealingly fixed to the inner tube driving member (150), and the intermediate tube extends through and is sealingly connected to the outer tube driving member (160). The air-evacuation locking assembly (170) is detachably coupled to the inner tube driving member (150).

Abstract: A vascular intervention robot includes a catheter rotation unit for rotating a catheter on an axis parallel to a longitudinal direction of the catheter, a guide wire rotation and supply unit that is provided at one side of the catheter rotation unit and that is provided for transferring a guide wire in a longitudinal direction of the guide wire and for rotating the guide wire on an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the guide wire in a state in which the guide wire is inserted in the catheter, a transfer unit for transferring the catheter rotation unit and the guide wire rotation and supply unit in the longitudinal direction of the catheter, and an expanding and contracting unit that is provided at another side of the catheter rotation unit and that is expandable and contractible along the longitudinal direction of the catheter while supporting the catheter when the transfer unit transfers the catheter rotation unit and the guide wire rotation and supply unit in the longitudinal direction of the c

Abstract: A removable seal assembly configured to engage an access device includes a body including a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a passageway extending longitudinally therethrough. The proximal portion defines an annular distally-oriented surface and the distal portion defines an annular proximally-oriented surface. The body is configured for positioning within an access device such that the annular distally-oriented surface and the annular proximally-oriented surface engage opposing surfaces of the access device therebetween. An O-ring disposed about the body between the annular distally-oriented surface and the annular proximally-oriented surface. The O-ring is configured to establish a fluid tight-seal between the body and the access device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a lead insertion tool for inserting a lead connector end of an implantable lead into a lead receptacle of a header of an implantable pulse generator, the implantable lead including a lead body extending distally from the lead connector end. The tool includes a lead pathway and an engagement mechanism. The lead pathway extends through the tool and is configured to receive the implantable lead. The engagement mechanism includes an engaged state and a self-biasing non-engaged state. When the engagement mechanism is self-biased into the non-engaged state, the implantable lead is free to displace along the lead pathway. When the engagement mechanism is forced into the engaged state, the lead cannot displace along the lead pathway.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a prosthesis delivery device is described. The handle assembly comprises a stationary main handle having a proximal end and a distal end and an outer surface extending there between. A first handle extends proximally from the main handle and is rotationally moveable relative to the main handle, the first handle having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a first handle interior. A second handle extends distally from the main handle and is rotationally moveable relative to the main handle, the second handle having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a second handle interior. The first handle comprises a threaded internal surface extending between the proximal and distal ends and the second handle comprises a threaded internal surface extending between the proximal and distal ends.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes delivery cables for delivering a medical device. In one embodiment, a delivery cable includes a flexible inner core, a proximal outer coil, and a distal outer coil. The proximal outer coil has a first rigidity. The distal outer coil surrounds at least a portion of a distal section of the flexible inner core and has a second rigidity less than the first rigidity thereby, thereby reducing bias placed on the medical device by the delivery cable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a release system for a self-expanding endoprosthesis, comprising a catheter, an endoprosthesis (2) having a first volume-reduced shape under an external constraint and, after elimination of the external constraint, assuming a second expanded shape at the placement site and being movably arranged in the catheter, a means for holding (6, 7) the endoprosthesis (2) in the catheter as well as means suitable to exert the external force on the endoprosthesis (2), wherein the means for exerting the external force on the endoprosthesis (2) is a tubular film (3) whose distal end encloses the endoprosthesis (2) in its reduced-volume form and whose proximal end extends to the proximal end of the catheter in such a way that it can be withdrawn from the endoprosthesis (2) thus eliminating the external constraint.

Abstract: System for connecting a connection device to a bone with a bone pin, wherein the connection device is provided with an opening for receiving the bone pin, wherein the system comprises: —said connection device; —a guiding tube arranged to guide the bone pin from the connection device to the bone for connecting the bone pin to the bone, wherein the inner diameter of the guiding tube corresponds to the outer diameter of the bone pin and wherein the guiding tube can be slidably received in the opening, the guiding tube being slidable with respect to the connection device along an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the opening; —a locking device arranged to be received in the opening of the connection device and arranged to engage the bone pin for locking the bone pin with respect to the connection device, wherein the guiding tube is movable with respect to the connection device and bone pin such that the guiding tube is removable from the combination of the bone pin and the connection device and wherein the

Abstract: A magnetometer-based metal detection device and methods of use are described. The device includes a proximal portion, a central body and a distal portion, and at least one magnetometer positioned within or on the distal portion. The at least one magnetometer includes at least one sensor capable of sensing a magnetic field in three orthogonal axes. Also described is a method of calibrating the device to achieve rotational invariance, and a method of determining a directionality or directional line along which a target metal object lies.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating patients exhibiting symptoms of hypertension, isolated systolic hypertension, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, May-Thuner Syndrome or dyspnea by diagnosing and reducing narrowing of a patient's iliac vein caused by extrinsic localized compression using a stent having circumferential differential radial stiffness and delivery catheter for aligning and deploying such stents.

Abstract: A stent delivery device for deploying a low column strength stent may include an inner member having a distal region and a stent receiving area disposed therein. A low column strength stent convertible between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration may be disposed on the stent receiving area. The stent receiving area may include a soft durometer polymer configured to permit the low column strength stent to sink into the soft durometer polymer when the low column strength stent is in the compressed configuration. An outer member may be moveable between an extended position in which the outer member extends over the stent and a retracted position in which the outer member is proximal of the stent.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a seal assembly having a seal housing and a gimbal mount disposed within the seal housing, the seal housing defining a central longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal passage for receiving at least one surgical object therethrough and the gimbal mount adapted for angular movement relative to the central longitudinal axis. The seal assembly also includes a bellows configured to engage at least a portion of the gimbal mount, the bellows dimensioned and adapted to establish a biasing relationship with the gimbal mount, such that the bellows biases the gimbal mount to align with the central longitudinal axis of the seal housing. The bellows is configured to be attached to a proximal wall of the seal housing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to embolic coils that eliminate kick-back into a parent vessel by providing a proximal end that retracts following deployment within the vasculature. Also disclosed are methods of making such coils, delivery systems that comprise such coils, and methods of delivering such coils to a patient.

Abstract: Described herein are delivery devices and systems for delivering a detachable medical device and various associated methods of using such devices and systems.

Abstract: Stent delivery systems and methods for making and using stent delivery systems are disclosed. An example stent delivery system may include a guide catheter. A push catheter may be slidably disposed over the guide catheter. A stent may be slidably disposed over the guide catheter and disposed adjacent to a distal end of the push catheter. An attachment mechanism may be coupled to the push catheter that is configured to engage the stent. The attachment mechanism may include a base and at least one cantilever extending from the base.

Abstract: An assembly of a retrieving element and a retrievable device of which one is a helical spring having an outer part of a winding which extends away from a main portion of the spring and thus is able to engage a thread of the other of the retrieving element and a retrievable device. The other of the retrieving element and a retrievable device may have an outer or an inner thread. The assembly may be used for retrieving devices temporarily positioned in a blood vessel of a person.

Abstract: A delivery assembly and methods for accurately positioning a stent within a body lumen are disclosed. The delivery assembly comprises a stent releasably attached to the distal end of an inner catheter. A handle at the proximal end of the assembly is operatively connected to the proximal end of an outer catheter and is configured for imparting axial movement to the outer catheter. A sheath is fixed to the handle or inner catheter and disposed about at least a portion of the outer catheter. The sheath comprises indicia visible to the user of the assembly to identify a particular measured distance from a selected point on the sheath to a selected point on one or more components of the delivery device. The inner catheter and sheath are fixed components that do not move relative to each other during axial movement of the outer catheter.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use at a native valve of a heart of a subject. The apparatus includes a delivery tube, transluminally advanceable to the heart; and a prosthetic valve support, configured to support a prosthetic valve at the native valve, and comprising an upstream support portion. The upstream support portion has a working configuration in which it is generally annular and has (1) a tissue-contacting side configured to be placed against an atrial surface of the native valve, and (2) an opposing side, and defines an opening therebetween. The upstream support portion also has a delivery configuration in which the upstream support portion is rolled up to define a channel, and is disposed within the delivery tube. The upstream support portion is configured to be transitioned from the delivery configuration to the working configuration by being exposed from the delivery tube, and unrolled.

Abstract: A replica control tool (70) for remotely controlling a control handle (42) of an interventional tool (e.g., a probe, a catheter and a flexible scope) is robotically controlled by a robotic actuator (50). The replica control tool (70) employs a replica control handle (71) is substantially a replica of a structural configuration of the control handle (42) of the interventional tool. A control input device (72) (e.g., a joystick or a trackball) is movable relative to the replica control handle (71). The replica control tool (70) further employs a robotic actuator controller (75) for remotely controlling the robotic actuator (50) in response to any movement of the control input device (72) relative to the replica control handle. The replica control tool (70) may further employ an electromechanical device (73) (e.g.

Abstract: A delivery system for delivery of an implantable stented device to a body lumen that includes an elongated member having a distal tip and a proximal end portion, a wire connection member positioned between the distal tip and proximal end portion of the elongated member, and a plurality of capturing wires extending from a distal end of the wire connection member. Each of the capturing wires includes a distal end having a lower portion that is moveable relative to an upper portion between an open position and a closed position, and a slot defined by the upper and lower portions when they are in the closed position.