Abstract: A medical cauterization snare assembly with a tubular member, an electrically conductive cauterization loop ejectable from a distal end of the tubular member, and a capture pouch also ejectable from the distal end of the tubular member. The pouch is attached to an auxiliary loop which has a size larger than that of the cauterization loop. Alternatively, the tubular member is formed at its distal end with a first port or opening and in a distal end portion with a second port or opening spaced from the first port or opening. The two ports or openings both face in a distal direction (i.e., away from the user). The cauterization loop is alternately ejectable from and retractable into the first port or opening, while the capture pouch is separately ejectable from the second port or opening. Alternatively, the capture pouch is attached to the cauterization loop, to only a proximal portion of the loop to divide the loop's area into a proximal section covered by the pouch and an open or uncovered distal section.

Abstract: A surgical device for ligating and severing a vessel. The surgical device including: a housing; a flexible suture having a looped portion extending from a distal end of the housing for capturing a periphery of the vessel; ligating means for tightening the looped portion around the periphery of the vessel; and a cutter for cutting the vessel. Also provided is a method for ligating and severing a vessel including: looping a flexible suture material around a periphery of the vessel; looping a flexible cutting material around the periphery of the vessel; ligating the vessel by decreasing the size of the loop of flexible suture material; and severing the vessel by decreasing the size of the loop of flexible cutting material. The method preferably further includes drawing the vessel against a cutting surface, such as a knife blade, which is retractable in a housing.

Abstract: A medical retrieval device is used to retrieve and/or fragment stones (and/or other objects) from the body of a patient. The device has a retrieval basket with a releasable tip. The tip release is designed to release in a controlled pre-determined manner and under a predetermined force before any other component of the device fails due to a force exerted on the basket.

Abstract: A novel capture device apparatus comprising: (a) a capture device portion, at least a part of which is adaptable for insertion into a patient and (b) a control unit. The capture device portion comprises one or more apertures and one or more electroactive polymer actuators that open and close the one or more apertures based on control signals sent from the control unit. In another aspect of the present invention, a method of capturing a specimen within a patient's body of provided. The method comprises (a) providing a capture device apparatus like that above, (b) inserting at least a portion of the capture device portion of the apparatus into the patient such that the capture device portion is adjacent the specimen; and (c) closing the one or more apertures using the control unit, thereby capturing the specimen.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of treating a patient's left atrial appendage through the pericardial space. The process takes place through the pericardial space from an access point outside the pericardium or pericardial space.

Abstract: This relates to methods and devices for treating reversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and more particularly, relates to a device for exchanging energy with airway tissue such as that found in the airway of human lungs. The exchange of energy with this airway tissue in the airways reduces the ability of the air ways to constrict and/or reduces the resistance within the airway to the flow of air through the airway. This also relates to a method for decreasing responsiveness or decreasing resistance to airflow of airways involves the transfer of energy to or from the airway walls to prevent or reduce airway constriction and other symptoms of lung diseases. The treatment reduces the ability of the airway to contract during an acute narrowing of the airways, reduces mucus plugging of the airways, and/or increases the airway diameter.

Abstract: A device for cutting and retrieving tissue, including a handle having a tube, a first set of wires positioned within the tube and extending from the handle to distal ends, and a control tip at the distal ends thereof. A second set of wires are positioned within the tube and extend from the handle. A retaining pin portion at the control tip, extends between at least two of the second set of wires, allows the second set of wires to be extended from the tube and through the control tip, and prevents the second set of wires from being withdrawn from the control tip and into the tube. The retaining pin portion also extends the second set of wires from the tube upon the first set of wires being extended from the tube.

Abstract: A retrieval basket device includes a flexible sheath, a control wire which is inserted in the flexible sheath to be movable therein along an axis of the flexible sheath, and a basket constructed from a plurality of resilient wires and connected to a distal end of the control wire, wherein advancing and retreating movements of the control wire in the flexible sheath cause the basket to project out of, and retract into, a distal end of the flexible sheath whereby the basket bulges and narrows, respectively. The plurality of resilient wires are positioned at non-uniform angular intervals as viewed from the axial direction of the control wire.

Abstract: A method of delivering a device with an endoscope comprises the steps of: providing an endoscope having a sheath with a hollow passage, a wire assembly slidably positioned within the hollow passage, an actuating member operably connected to a proximal end of the wire assembly, and a flexible loop connected to a distal end of the wire assembly; positioning the flexible loop around at least a portion of the device to be delivered; drawing a retractable portion of the loop into the sheath with a first tensile force; delivering the device to its destination location; and drawing the retractable portion of the loop further into the sheath with a second tensile force. Once the flexible loop has been positioned around at least a portion of the device to be delivered, the retractable portion of the loop is drawn into the sheath with the first tensile force, which is sufficient to tighten the loop around the device so that the device can be effectively delivered to a destination location with the endoscope.

Abstract: A medical retrieval device includes a handle and a hollow sheath extending forward from the handle. A slide is attached to the handle for longitudinal movement along a path between a rearward location and a forward location. A rotary actuator having an axis of rotation generally transverse to the path of movement of the slide is mounted to the slide for rotational movement with respect thereto. A basket having at least three legs is located at a forward end of the sheath. Two adjacent basket legs are connected to a first side of the rotary actuator, and the remaining basket legs are connected to the opposite side of the rotary actuator such that rotation of the rotary actuator displaces the two legs in a first direction with respect to the sheath and displaces the remainder of the legs in a direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: An instrument for removal of an object, e.g., a blood clot lodged in a blood vessel, has a longitudinally extending support that defines an axis. The support has a flexible distal section having a compressed state, in which it defines a first path relative to the axis. A core-wire extending along the axis has a relaxed state in which it defines a second path relative to the axis. An anchor disposed on the flexible distal section and attached to the core-wire causes the flexible distal section to follow the same path. An actuator engaged to a proximal end of the core-wire enables selective application of a tensile force thereto. This tensile force causes the core-wire and the flexible distal section to transition together between the first path and the second path.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a stent assembly for use in temporarily securing a surgical component during a surgical procedure. The stent assembly includes a catheter assembly having at least one primary passageway extending there through. The stent assembly further includes a securing assembly for exerting a force against the surgical component for temporarily securing the surgical component during the surgical procedure. The securing assembly includes a portion that extends through the at least one primary passageway. The catheter assembly may include a secondary passageway. The secondary passageway is adapted to receive a guide device therein. The securing assembly has a retracted position and an extended position. The securing assembly exerts a force against the surgical component while the securing means is in the extended position. The securing assembly may contain a coating which increases the gripping force of the securing assembly.

Abstract: An intravascular snare device for use in capturing debris found in blood vessels. The snare device is fabricated from a tube and includes longitudinally and circumferentially extending members. The snare device specifically embodies structure that provides enhanced radial opening and angular resistance to collapse.

Abstract: Baskets with atraumatic distal tips allow the capture of material from difficult-to-reach areas of the body, while reducing the risk of tissue damage.

Abstract: A device for cutting and retrieving tissue, including a handle having a tube, a first set of wires positioned within the tube and extending from the handle to distal ends, and a control tip at the distal ends thereof. A second set of wires are positioned within the tube and extend from the handle. A retaining pin portion at the control tip, extends between at least two of the second set of wires, allows the second set of wires to be extended from the tube and through the control tip, and prevents the second set of wires from being withdrawn from the control tip and into the tube. The retaining pin portion also extends the second set of wires from the tube upon the first set of wires being extended from the tube.

Abstract: A polypectomy device and method which includes a snare cable, a fixed jaw and a moveable jaw. The snare cable is routed through both the fixed jaw and the moveable jaw. The snare cable forms a hoop for encircling the polyp. Shortening the snare cable positions the jaws about the base of the polyp and further shortening the cable closes the jaws. The fixed jaw includes a heating element which cauterizes the base of the polyp. The closing of the jaws and the heating of the heating element cuts and seals the polyp.

Abstract: A polypectomy device and method which includes a snare cable, a fixed jaw and a moveable jaw. The snare cable is routed through both the fixed jaw and the moveable jaw. The snare cable forms a hoop for encircling the polyp. Shortening the snare cable positions the jaws about the base of the polyp and further shortening the cable closes the jaws. The fixed jaw includes a heating element which cauterizes the base of the polyp. The closing of the jaws and the heating of the heating element cuts and seals the polyp.

Abstract: A medical instrument converts linear movement of a shaft at a proximal end of the instrument to a rotational movement of an end effector of the instrument. According to one embodiment, the medical instrument includes an end effector formed of a snare loop connected to a shaft that is located within a sleeve. Once the sleeve is located near a desired location within a patient, the snare loop may be rotationally positioned with linear movement of the shaft by the operator. The shaft is formed with a threaded portion that matches threads formed in a torque transmitter element fixed within the sleeve. Linear movement of the shaft through the torque transmitter element causes the shaft to rotate. The medical instrument may also include a pivot connector for reducing torque build-up of the shaft and/or a clutch assembly for restricting controlled rotation of the snare loop to only one direction.

Abstract: There is disclosed a treatment device for an endoscope, comprising a treatment portion in which an operation wire is forward/backward moveably inserted into a main tube of an elongated flexible tube to be inserted into a body, a tip end of the operation wire forms a loop for treatment by itself in a projection state from the main tube, and the loop is adapted to be retractable and storable in the main tube, wherein the treatment portion is formed with a wire rope obtained by integrally intertwining a plurality of side strand wires with a core strand wire, and spiral convex or concave portions continuously disposed along the outer periphery of the wire rope are formed with the side strand wires.

Abstract: This reinforcement consists of a reinforcement piece (2) and of a flap (3) connected to this reinforcement piece (2); the reinforcement piece (2) is made of a prosthetic knit and has a slit (5) for its engagement around the spermatic cord; the flap (3) is able to be folded over the slit (5).

Abstract: A surgical snare (10) includes an elongate barrel (11) having a distal end (12) and a proximal end (13). A handle (14) having holes (15, 16) which can accommodate the fingers of a surgeon, is connected to the proximal end (13) of the barrel (11). The handle (14) is connected to a rod that extends along a central bore of the elongate barrel (11). The handle (14) can slide along a slot (18) formed in a proximal end portion (19) of the snare (10). Moving the handle (14) towards the proximal end of the snare (10) causes a loop of wire (17) to be retracted into the central bore of the elongate barrel (11). The distal end (12) of the snare consists of a flattened, widened portion (23) which has two cutting edges (21, 22). The cutting edges (21, 22) can be used in conjunction with the loop of wire (17) to assist in dissection of tissue. The snare may also include a vacuum port for removing smoke and blood from the site of the operation. The snare can be an eloctrosurgery snare.

Abstract: A tool actuating assembly for a multi-function surgical instrument is disclosed. The tool actuating assembly of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of differently configured multi-function surgical instruments and can be embodied in various physical configurations. The tool actuating assembly of the present invention provides for more efficient use of the tools of the instrument by the surgeon who is utilizing the instrument.

Abstract: A device for cutting and retrieving tissue, including a handle having a tube, a first set of wires positioned within the tube and extending from the handle to distal ends, and a control tip secured to the distal ends. A second set of wires are positioned within the tube and extend from the handle, through a slot in the control tip, to coupled distal ends. A retaining pin is secured to the control tip, extends between at least two of the second set of wires, allows the second set of wires to be extended from the tube and through the control tip, and prevents the second set of wires from being withdrawn from the control tip and into the tube. The retaining pin also extends the second set of wires from the tube upon the first set of wires being extended from the tube.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and method for facilitating the capture of objects during surgery are provided. The surgical instrument comprises a flexible tube having a proximal tube end and a distal tube end, the flexible tube defining a cable passageway and being configured for insertion of at least a distal portion of the flexible tube into a body cavity of a patient. The surgical instrument further comprises a flexible cable having a proximal cable end and a distal cable end. At least a portion of the flexible cable is slidably disposed in the cable passageway. A snare loop having a loop member is attached to the distal cable end. The snare loop and the cable are adapted so that the snare loop can be selectively retracted within the cable passageway by sliding the flexible cable proximally within the cable passageway.

Abstract: A small-diameter surgical snare device that is capable of fitting through existing balloon or guiding catheters includes metal tubing along a section of a core wire. The distal end of the core wire connects to one or more snare wires that form the snaring loop. The distal end of the snaring loop supports a radiopaque coil or collar that makes the end of the loop visible under fluoroscopy. The snaring loop may consist of one or two wires or an overlap of a tapered end of the core wire. A radiopaque coil is attached to a distal end of the metal tubing, to provide flexibility and visibility to a distal region of the device. Alternatively, a polyimide tube and a short radiopaque marker may be included at a distal end of the metal tubing. The polyimide tube fits inside of the metal tubing, to add strength and torsion control to the distal region of the device, while the radiopaque marker adds visibility.

Abstract: A cataract instrument has a tubular body. The tubular body has an aperture defined at a tapering front end thereof and an end cover provided at a rear and thereof. A shaft is received in the tubular body and has a loop formed at a front end of the shaft. Two flexible leaves are oppositely mounted on the tubular body and operatively mounted on the shaft. A resilient member is mounted between a rear end of the shaft and the end cover. When the flexible leaves are pressed, the shaft is moved forward and the loop is extended out from the aperture to attach with a cataract opaque tissue in a patient's eye. Then, the flexible leaves are released, the shaft is pulled backward by the resilient member and the loop is retracted in the tubular body to remove the cataract opaque tissue.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that creates a circular cut 42 of almost any diameter in the lens capsule 50 of the eye, yet its entire diameter is less than 1 mm when inserted into the eye. A cutting edge 14 is affixed to the distal tip of a super-elastic rod 11 with its distal end formed into a circular loop. The circular loop is first retracted inside of an outer tube member 12, and then the tube 12 is inserted into the eye. The loop is then expelled from the tube 12, allowing the loop to reform inside of the eye. As the loop is retracted back into the tube 12, the cutting edge 14 follows the circular path of the loop, cutting a circular opening (a capsulorrhexis) 42, into the lens capsule 50.

Abstract: A cataract instrument has a tubular body. The tubular body has an aperture defined at a tapering front end thereof and an end cover provided at a rear end thereof. A shaft is received in the tubular body and has a loop formed at a front end of the shaft. Two flexible leaves are oppositely mounted on the tubular body and operatively mounted on the shaft. A resilient member is mounted between a rear end of the shaft and the end cover. When the flexible leaves are pressed, the shaft is moved forward and the loop is extended out from the aperture to attach with a cataract opaque tissue in a patient's eye. Then, the flexible leaves are released, the shaft is pulled backward by the resilient member and the loop is retracted in the tubular body to remove the cataract opaque tissue.

Abstract: A device for cutting and retrieving tissue, including a handle having a tube, a first set of wires positioned within the tube and extending from the handle to distal ends, and a control tip secured to the distal ends. A second set of wires are positioned within the tube and extend from the handle, through a slot in the control tip, to coupled distal ends. A retaining pin is secured to the control tip, extends between at least two of the second set of wires, allows the second set of wires to be extended from the tube and through the control tip, and prevents the second set of wires from being withdrawn from the control tip and into the tube. The retaining pin also extends the second set of wires from the tube upon the first set of wires being extended from the tube.

Abstract: Target tissues are accessed and removed using various types of devices and methods.

Abstract: A medical retrieval device includes a basket formed of two or more loops. The basket may be used to retrieve material (e.g., a urinary stone) from a body. The basket opens and closes for end-encapsulation of a stone and is strengthened by support members that interconnect the basket loops. A captured stone may be released from the basket with the basket still in the body by opening the loops.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and kit are provided for removal of polyps, especially pursuant to colonoscopic surgery. The apparatus includes an endoscopic guide tube, a heating element, a power transmitting element traversing through the guide tube and communicating with the heating element, at least one temperature sensor for measuring temperature near the polyp, and optionally an external monitor for receiving temperature data from the sensor and then activating a power source for adjusting the temperature of the heating element in a controlled manner. An operator/physician can manually set the temperature range and temperature increase rate, but preferentially this is achieved automatically through a pre-programmed computer schedule.

Abstract: A retrieval device or snare for grasping foreign articles and retrieving them from the body of a patient. The retrieval device includes a catheter open at both ends such that it may be advanced along a guidewire. The distal end of a wire is attached to the first catheter near an opening system within the catheter. The opening system may be a slot or a pair of holes. A portion of the wire is oriented external of the catheter. Manipulation of the proximal end of the wire causes a portion of the wire to form a loop external of the catheter. The catheter may be tapered, as may be the wire. A reinforcing- material may be attached to the portion of the wire that forms the loop. Another reinforcing material may also be attached to the proximal portion of the wire in order to stiffen the wire and improve its pushability.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an intravascular foreign object retrieval catheter having an elongated, flexible first outer containment catheter having a second basket catheter contained therein and having a third microcatheter contained therein and having a fourth snare wire contained therein having a loop on the end thereof. The containment catheter, the basket catheter and the microcatheter work together as coaxial tubes. The basket catheter is slidable within the containment catheter, the microcatheter is slidable within the basket catheter, and the wire is slidable within the microcatheter. The basket catheter has a containment basket on its distal end which is used to surround a foreign object whereupon the innermost wire having a loop on its end is then placed around the foreign object. Thereafter, the microcatheter is advanced along the innermost wire in order to tighten the loop around the foreign object.

Abstract: This invention relates broadly to surgical instruments. More particularly, this invention relates to a surgical snare instrument for excising polyps. Preferably, the instrument includes a coupling member that may increase ability to actuate the snare. According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a surgical instrument for insertion through an endoscope having a handle and a working channel, said surgical instrument including an elongate flexible tubular sheath having proximal and distal ends; a flexible shaft extending through and axially movable relative to the sheath, said shaft having proximal and distal ends; an end effector coupled to or formed at said distal end of said shaft; and a coupling member disposed at said distal end of said shaft.

Abstract: An endoscopic stone extraction device includes a handle that supports a sheath, and a filament such as a wire slidably disposed in the sheath. One end of the wire is mounted to the handle for rotation with respect to the handle and the other end of the handle supports a stone extraction basket. A manipulator is provided on the wire to allow a user to rotate the filament and therefore the basket with respect to the handle. The basket can have a side-facing opening or a rear-facing opening. In either case, a stone retention region is provided with relatively small openings sized to retain stones smaller than two millimeters in diameter.

Abstract: A catheter stripping apparatus (10) for removing a fibrin sheath (80) from the outlet end (101) of an indwelling access catheter (100) disposed in a patient's vascular system wherein the apparatus (10) includes: a stripping catheter unit (11) comprising an elongated hollow tubular housing member (20) having a rearwardly curved distal end (23) dimensioned to be received within the access catheter and further provided with an elongated soft pliably guide tip element (25); a wire noose unit (12) including an elongated strand of wire (30) dimensioned to be slidably received within the hollow tubular housing member (20) and having a distal end (31) provided with a wire noose element (32); and a retractor unit (13) for extending and retracting the wire noose element (32) relative to both the distal end of the hollow tubular housing member (20) and the outlet end (101) of the access catheter (100).

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical instruments and more specifically to surgical instruments for removing polyps and growths from within a patient's body. The surgical instrument of the present invention comprises an electrically conductive probe and a shape memory alloy filament attached to the working end of the electrically conductive probe. The shape memory alloy has a first working position and a second working position and is capable of acquiring the second working position in response to the passage of electrical current flowing through, and elevating the temperature of the filament.

Abstract: An extraction device for the removal of clots and foreign bodies from vasculature. The extractor device is connected to an elongate mandrel and is located within a longitudinally extending lumen defined by a catheter. A clot or foreign material extracted from a vessel by moving the extraction device and catheter proximally until the clot or foreign material does not perfuse a critical organ.

Abstract: Devices for welding suture segments in lieu of tying knots in sutures applied during endoscopic surgery. The devices provide for snaring loose suture ends and drawing the suture ends into a space between heating surfaces, and provide for closing the heating surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical instrument to be used in certain endoscopic surgical operations, such as laparoscopic surgery, in order to fix, enclose, and extract a specimen, such as an organ or tissue. The device in accordance with the invention comprises a shank part and an entrapment part mounted on one end of the shank part. The characteristic features of the invention are that the entrapment part is provided with at least one opening for insertion of the specimen, such as an organ or tissue, said opening being expandable to an open condition and contractible to an at least partly closed condition, and in that assumes a fusiform configuration, at least when the opening is in its closed condition.

Abstract: An endoscopic stone extraction device includes a handle that supports a sheath, and a filament such as a wire slidably disposed in the sheath. One end of the wire is mounted to the handle for rotation with respect to the handle and the other end of the handle supports a stone extraction basket. A manipulator is provided on the wire to allow a user to rotate the filament and therefore the basket with respect to the handle. The basket can have a side-facing opening or a rear-facing opening. In either case, a stone retention region is provided with relatively small openings sized to retain stones smaller than two millimeters in diameter.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for the removal of biological material from a patient. The surgical instrument includes a specimen retrieval bag having a flexible wall and a closed end and an open end, wherein the open end is for receiving biological materials. The instrument includes a noose adjacent to the open end, wherein the noose constricts the open end to substantially close the open end. The bag includes a row of alternating flexible and stiff areas on its wall adjacent to and about a periphery of the open end, whereby when the open end is noosed, the flexible areas buckle before the stiff areas.

Abstract: An ultrasonically vibrating snare wire at the end of an elongate flexible waveguide can fit through an endoscope inserted in a patient's intestine. The wire loop can be extended past the distal end of the endoscope to grasp a polyp projecting from the intestinal wall. While the wire is vibrating at ultrasonic frequency, the loop is closed. This cuts and coagulates the tissue to stop bleeding. The ultrasonic cutting is more localized than electrocautery for more precise excision.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing polyps by which an elongated tubular member is generally positionable within the working channel of an endoscopic device. The tubular member carries a selectively extendable severing device and capturing device at its distal end. Control apparatus at the proximal end of the tubular member enables a physician to extend and retract the severing and capturing devices. The physician retracts the capturing device to grasp the portion of the polyp to be severed and retracts the severing device to sever the polyp. The capturing device retains the severed portion of the polyp for removal with the tubular member. In one embodiment, the capturing device includes an injection needle.

Abstract: An endoscopic needle device having a handle and a catheter sheath connected to the handle, wherein the catheter sheath has at least one lumen, for example a needle lumnen and a stabilization lumen, extending there through. A needle is selectively movable within the needle lumen between a needle retracted position and a needle extended position and a stabilization element is selectively movable within the stabilization lumen between a stabilizer retracted position and a stabilizer extended position. A linking mechanism may operatively connect the needle and the stabilization element so that when the needle is in the needle retracted position the stabilization element is in the stabilizer extended position and when the needle is in the needle extended position the stabilization element is in the stabilizer retracted position.

Abstract: A surgical snare instrument includes an elongated tubular sheath having proximal and distal ends, a flexible torqueable shaft having proximal and distal ends extending through and axially movable relative to the sheath, a snare loop at the distal end of the shaft, and a handle coupled to the proximal ends of the sheath and shaft for moving the shaft relative to the sheath and for rotating the shaft relative to the sheath so that the snare loop, when extended beyond the distal end of the sheath, is rotatable relative to the distal end of the sheath. The shaft is preferably a multifilament twisted and drawn cable. The filaments of the multifilament twisted and drawn cable are preferably either stainless steel, nickel-titanium alloy, or a combination of the two. Such a shaft has been demonstrated to provide the high torqueability necessary for controlled rotation of the snare loop.

Abstract: A replaceable handle for side loading the proximal end of a medical device therein, which is typically inserted with the operating lumen of an endoscope. The replaceable handle can side-load the proximal end of the device into the handle for added manipulation of the distal end such as in removing a stone from the kidney or ureter leading therefrom. An inner housing is rotatable within an outer housing of the handle to secure the medical device in the housing passageway, and is spring biased to then move proximally with respect to the outer housing, moving the inner control rod of the medical device proximally to withdraw the stone basket mostly into the outer cannula and capture the stone for removal from the patient. A push button in the proximal end portion of the inner housing is depressible to permit insertion or withdrawal of the proximal end of the inner control rod of the stone retriever within the inner housing, and is releasable to secure the inner control rod in the handle.

Abstract: Baskets with multiple portions and multiple deployed configurations allow the capture and release of material within the body.

Abstract: A hydrodissection apparatus for treatment of the prostate of a patient using a moving apparatus for moving the prostate away from the adjacent rectum and heat used to heat the prostate while keeping the rectum protected from any damage that could be caused by the heat.