Abstract: A tissue retrieval device includes an introducer tube and a tissue retrieval bag. The introducer tube is insertable into a patient through a trocar. The bag may be selectively exposed at the distal end of the introducer tube, receive a tissue specimen, and be withdrawn from the patient. The bag includes a plurality of folds allowing the bag to transition from a folded configuration to an unfolded configuration. The folds may extend along a length of the bag transverse to the introducer tube; or along a length of the bag parallel to the introducer tube. The folds may extend about a perimeter of the bag, such as a circumference of the bag, and may be spaced apart along a length of the bag transverse to the introducer tube. The folds may be formed by petals that provide the bag with a generally spherical configuration when the bag is unfolded.

Abstract: A specimen retrieval instrument comprises a tubular member, a resilient member, and a retrieval bag. The resilient member is associated with a distal end of the tubular member. The bag is secured to the resilient member. The resilient member is compressible such that the resilient member and bag fit within a hollow interior portion of the tubular member. A rod may advance the resilient member and bag out of the tubular member. Alternatively, the tubular member may comprise a sheath that is retractable to reveal the resilient member and bag. The resilient member may have a hoop, spiral, or rolled strip configuration. The resilient member may alternatively comprise telescoping arms. The resilient member opens the bag when the resilient member and bag are deployed relative to the tubular member. The resilient member may also unfurl the bag when the resilient member and bag are deployed.

Abstract: A tissue retrieval device includes an introducer tube and a tissue retrieval bag. The introducer tube is sized to be inserted into a patient through a trocar. The tissue retrieval bag may be selectively exposed at the distal end of the introducer tube within the patient. The tissue retrieval bag may receive a tissue specimen and be withdrawn from the patient. The tissue retrieval bag may include an inflatable portion. When inflated, the inflatable portion may extend the tissue retrieval bag from a contracted configuration to an expanded configuration. The inflatable portion may substantially seal a tissue specimen within the tissue retrieval bag. The tissue retrieval bag may me formed of an environmentally sensitive material such that the size of the tissue retrieval bag expands when the tissue retrieval bag is exposed within the patient.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a surgical device that combines tissue cutting and spraying in a single device and related methods of use are disclosed. The device may include an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end, an end effector proximate the distal end of the elongated member, and a nozzle member configured to substantially seal the distal end of the elongated member. The nozzle member may define a flow path in fluid communication between inside and outside of the elongated member when the distal end of the elongated member is sealed with the nozzle member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wire basket unit with a balloon-shaped wire basket composed of several wire strands (2a, 2b, 2d, 2e) which extend between a front end of the wire basket and a rear end of the wire basket and are formed from one or more wire segments, and with a fixing disc element (13a) on which the wire strands are fixed at the front end of the wire basket so as to form a front closure of the wire basket, wherein the fixing disc element has at least a first through-opening (14a) and a second through-opening (14b). According to the invention, at least a first (2a) of the wire strands is formed from a first wire segment which is looped through a first (14a) of the through-openings of the fixing disc element from the rear forwards and, forming a U-shaped deflection (2c), is looped through a second (14b) of the through-openings of the fixing disc element from the front to the rear again and is thus fixed on the fixing disc element. Use, for example, for medical basket instruments for retrieving stones.

Abstract: A tissue retrieval system can include a tissue retrieval bag with an elongate profile. The tissue retrieval bag can have a relatively large volume, but be rollable to a stowed configuration to fit in a relatively small diameter introducer. The tissue retrieval system can include one or more support arms coupled to the tissue retrieval bag, the support arms biased to position the tissue retrieval bag in an access position once deployed from the introducer. A tissue retrieval system can have a hybrid tissue retrieval bag including material properties that vary along the depth of the bag from an open end to a closed end. A tissue retrieval bag can be used in conjunction with an introducer, or as a stand alone tissue retrieval bag.

Abstract: An extensible polyp retrieval apparatus designed to be slidably disposed along the outer surface of an endoscope that is fully or partially inserted in the lumen of a patient using a “connect and push” polyp retrieval apparatus to reach the distal end of the inserted endoscope. The polyp retrieval apparatus comprises: a flexible cylindrical polymeric tube capable of being deployed from a few centimeters in mounted length on an endoscope to over 210 centimeters in total length when partially deployed or fully extended, respectively; a multiplicity of clamping fasteners permanently mounted to the flexible cylindrical polymeric tube; a movable snare like device that is designed as an cooperating component of the polyp retrieval system to enable the grasping and storage of polyps therein so as to avoid the complete removal of the endoscope from the lumen as is normal to remove a large polyp after cauterization or after a piecemeal polypectomy.

Abstract: A medical instrument captures and removes very large intraocular foreign bodies. The foreign bodies may have an irregular shape, a low coefficient of friction, and be made of non-magnetic materials. A fixed position hollow rod is mounted to a leading end of an elongate base and a lid is mounted to the distal end of the hollow rod. A control rod is slideably received within the hollow rod and a control knob slideably mounted on the elongate base is connected to the control rod to control extension and retraction of the control rod. A silicone basket depends from a rim formed at the distal end of the control rod. A silicone wire interconnects the hollow rod and a bottom of the basket so that the basket is drawn parallel to the control rod when the control rod is extended. The lid covers the basket when the control rod is retracted.

Abstract: A peelable sheath is used to provide an atraumatic cover for an elongate medical device positionable through an incision. The peelable sheath includes a flexible tube, a pair of tabs on a proximal portion of the flexible tube, and a collar on a proximal portion of the flexible tube. The tabs extend laterally through at least one sidewall opening in the collar. The flexible tube is slidably disposed in a lumen of the collar. In use, the sheath is positioned covering at least a distal portion of the elongate medical device, and the elongate medical device is inserted into an incision or other opening in a patient. The sheath is withdrawn from the elongated medical device by pulling the tabs outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis of the flexible tube, causing at least a proximal portion of the flexible tube to split longitudinally into at least two longitudinal sections. The longitudinal sections move proximally through the at least one sidewall opening as the tabs are pulled.

Abstract: A collapsible filter element (40) for a transcatheter embolic protection device (1). The filter element (40) comprises a collapsible filter body (41) which is movable between a collapsed stored position for movement through a vascular system and an expanded position for extension across a blood vessel such that blood passing through the blood vessel is delivered through the filter element (40). A proximal inlet portion of the filter body (41) has two inlet openings (50) sized to allow blood and embolic material enter the filter body (41), and a distal outlet portion of the filter body (41) has a plurality of small outlet openings (51) to allow through-passage of blood, but to retain embolic material within the filter body (41). The filter body (41) is of an oriented polymeric material.

Abstract: A collapsible filter element (40) for a transcatheter embolic protection device (1). The filter element (40) comprises a collapsible filter body (41) which is movable between a collapsed stored position for movement through a vascular system and an expanded position for extension across a blood vessel such that blood passing through the blood vessel is delivered through the filter element (40). A proximal inlet portion of the filter body (41) has two inlet openings (50) sized to allow blood and embolic material enter the filter body (41), and a distal outlet portion of the filter body (41) has a plurality of small outlet openings (51) to allow through-passage of blood, but to retain embolic material within the filter body (41). The filter body (41) is of an oriented polymeric material.

Abstract: An endoscope of an endoscope system includes a channel of which a distal end forms a distal opening at a distal end of an insertion portion, of which a proximal end forms a proximal opening at an operating portion, and used for at least suction, and a suction duct of which a distal end forms a suction opening at the operating portion and of which a proximal end is connected to a suction device. An endoscopic accessory includes a capture portion to be connected to an accessory insertion portion and detachably attached to the operating portion of the endoscope, and the capture portion includes a communication path to communicate the proximal opening with the suction opening when the capture portion is attached to the endoscope, and a capture unit interposed in the communication path and to capture the tissue being sucked from the channel into the suction duct.

Abstract: In a tissue removal device for receiving and removing body tissue from an interior portion of a body in a minimally invasive surgical procedure, the tissue removal device including a tubular body having a distal end, a proximal end and defining a lumen therethrough, a bag support structure configured and dimensioned to be receivable within the lumen of the tubular body, wherein the bag support structure has a first configuration for positioning within the lumen of the tubular body and a second configuration for opening a bag operatively coupled thereto, and a bag operatively coupled to the bag support structure, the bag including a first end portion defining an open end.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for cutting a tissue mass comprising an elongated housing having a distal portion, a rotatable shaft positioned in the elongated housing, and a plurality of flexible electrocautery cutting blades extending from the housing, wherein the plurality of cutting blades are radially expandable from a first position defining a first diameter to a second larger diameter and the blades are rotatable and transmit electrical energy to cut the tissue mass.

Abstract: A wire for removing an intravascular foreign body comprises a flexible wire body, a branch part branching out from the forward end of the wire body, and a plurality of filaments extending across the branch part. The branch part and the filaments form a space for capturing a foreign body therein. At least one of the filaments is changeable in length so that the loop formed by the filament and the branch part changes in size. The wire is capable of relatively reliably capturing and removing a foreign body in the vessel.

Abstract: A surgical retrieval apparatus includes an elongate tubular member having a drive rod slidably disposed therein. A support member is operably coupled to a distal end of the drive rod. A pouch is attached to the support member and has a closed end and an open end. The pouch may be releasably coupled to the support member. An end effector is repositionable with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tubular member. The support member may include an expandable member.

Abstract: A medical device includes a sheath having a lumen and an elongate member disposed within the lumen of the sheath. The elongate member is moveable relative to the sheath and includes a retrieval assembly. The retrieval assembly has a collapsed position within the lumen of the sheath and an expanded position when extended beyond a distal end of the sheath. The elongate member defines a lumen configured to receive a laser.

Abstract: A medical grasping device (10) for vascular use, having an outer sheath (12), an elongate control member (50) extending within an outer sheath (12) to a distal tip section (54), and a proximal control assembly (22) including an actuation section (24) joined to the elongate control member (50). Adjacent to the distal tip section (54) is a grasping portion (70, 70?) that is extendable from the outer sheath (12) to create loops (74, 74?) for grasping a target object (T) for repositioning within the vascular system, or for removal from the patient, with loops being retractable into the outer sheath to hold the target object against the device (10) during movement of the device. Elongate control member (50) is preferably a cannula or tube having a lumen (58) extending completely therethrough for placement over a guide wire (28) already in the patient.

Abstract: A device and method for treating an occluded infection collection along the digestive tract with a stent delivered to an appendix, diverticulum or other anatomical structure of the digestive tract. A device and method to remove an obstruction from an occluded infection collection along the digestive tract with an obstruction removal device delivered to an appendix, diverticulum or other anatomical structure of the digestive tract.

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 specimen removal apparatus includes a pouch assembly fabricated from a flexible membrane, a pouch support, a drawstring having a knot and forming a noose disposed circumferentially around a mouth of the pouch assembly, an endoscopic tubular portion, and a drive rod. The pouch assembly includes a plurality of circumferentially disposed guide members advantageously circumferentially spaced apart to define gaps therebetween. The guide members are disposed in a circumferential pathway proximal to the mouth of the pouch assembly. When the drawstring is pulled, the knot is stopped at an end of a guide member and the noose is closed, thereby closing the mouth of the pouch assembly. The pouch assembly is detachable from the apparatus.

Abstract: A coaxial tube assembly, a bag, a bag-translating assembly, a de-bulking tool, and a drive assembly. The bag is delivered into a cavity in a patient's body either manually for open surgery or through the coaxial tube assembly by operation of the drive assembly for minimally invasive surgery. After a mass of tissue is placed in the bag, which is now secured to the bag-translating assembly, the drive assembly is operated to activate the bag-translation assembly to retract the bag into the annular space of the coaxial tube assembly. As the bag is being retracted, the mass in the bag is pulled into engagement with the de-bulking tool, which extends through the lumen of the coaxial tube assembly. The drive assembly activates the de-bulking tool to morcellate the mass in the bag and convey the morcellated bits of the mass through the lumen of the coaxial tube assembly.

Abstract: An expansion frame system for deploying medical devices in a patient's body cavity. The system typically includes an inner wire disposed within a lumen of an outer wire. Distal ends of the inner and outer wires are attached to a substantially circular frame at first and second points. During use, the outer wire is displaced relative to the inner wire, causing the circular frame to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the line defined by the first and second points. Medical devices, such as a filter, a stent, an occluder or a manometer, can be mounted on the circular frame. The diameter of the expansion frame can be varied to achieve optimal contact with the luminal wall of the body cavity. Methods of using the expansion frame system for temporary or permanent placement of a medical device is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and assemblies are described for capturing embolic material in a blood vessel or other body cavity during cardiovascular or valve replacement and repair surgery, wherein access is provided through the apical area of the patient's heart. The distal embolic protection assembly generally comprises a sleeve having a lumen, an actuating member having proximal and distal ends, wherein the actuating member is movably disposed within the lumen, and a filter assembly coupled to the distal end of the actuating member. The filter assembly generally comprises a porous bag having an open proximal end, a collapsible and expandable frame that is coupled to the open proximal end of the porous bag, and at least one support spine disposed at least a part of the longitudinal axis of the porous bag. The porous bag is configured such that it permits blood to perfuse freely through while capturing embolic material and other debris.

Abstract: An intravascular obstruction removing wire includes an elongate wire body, at least two non-branched wire portions having distal ends and proximal ends which are connected to a distal end of the wire main body, and a plurality of filament portions extending across the wire portions. The non-branched wire portions and the filament portions form a trapping portion. The trapping portion is deformable from a large-diameter state in which the non-branched portions branch to the distal end of the wire body forward in different directions and the filament portions are separated from each other, so that a space surrounded by the non-branched wire portions and the filament portions is formed to trap therein an obstruction in a blood vessel, to a small-diameter state in which the non-branched wire portions are positioned so that a distance between the wire portions is smaller than that of the wire portions in the large-diameter state.

Abstract: A specimen removal apparatus includes a pouch assembly fabricated from a flexible membrane, a pouch support, a drawstring having a knot and forming a noose disposed circumferentially around a mouth of the pouch assembly, an endoscopic tubular portion, and a drive rod. The pouch support includes a rocker arm assembly attached to a distal end of the drive rod. Proximal pulling of the drawstring closes the noose, thereby closing the mouth of the pouch assembly. The pouch assembly is detachable from the apparatus.

Abstract: Described herein are elongate device for modifying tissue having a plurality of flexibly connected rungs or links, and methods of using them, including methods of using them to decompress stenotic spinal tissue. These devices may be included as part of a system for modifying tissue. In general, these devices include a plurality of blades positioned on (or formed from) rungs that are flexibly connected. The rungs are typically rigid, somewhat flat and wider than they are long (e.g., rectangular). The rungs may be arranged, ladder like, and may be connected by a flexible connector substrate or between two or more cables. Different sized rungs may be used. The blades (on the rungs) may be arranged in a staggered arrangement. A tissue-collection or tissue capture element (e.g., chamber, bag, or the like) may be used to collect the cut or modified tissue. In some variations the tissue modification devices may have a non-linear axial shape, or may be converted from a first axial shape to a second axial shape.

Abstract: A convenient surgical auxiliary tool for covering of exo-serous membrane exposed tumor, capable of preventing any man-caused dissipation of tumor cells attributed to surgical manipulation in the digestive organs, etc. There is provided a surgical auxiliary tool comprising a pair of frame members having the respective free end portions rotatably coupled with each other; an accommodation bag having its rim of opening portion fixed to the coupled pair of frame members; and a locking part disposed at substantially the center of the frame members and capable of maintaining the closed state of the pair of frame members. By virtue of this construction, the intestine on the periphery of an area of infiltration of the serous membrane can be pinched by means of the pair of frame members having the respective free end portions rotatably coupled with each other.

Abstract: A medical instrument comprises a tubular introducer member, an operative element, an elongate shifter connected at a distal end to the operative element, a handle, at least one stop component, and an override. The shifter and the operative element are movable relative to the tubular member, while the first part of the handle is fixed to a proximal end of the tubular member and the second part of the handle is fixed to a proximal end of the shifter. The stop component is disposed on the first part or second part to limit relative motion of the first part and the second part and concomitantly to stop travel of the operative element at a predetermined location relative to a distal end of the tubular member. The override enables a user to override or passivate the stop component and thereby permit travel of the operative element past the predetermined location.

Abstract: A loop section has a bending portion at the distal end. The bending portion bends in a direction that intersects the plane formed by the loop section. A diathermic snare is used in combination with an endoscope. When the loop section expands along the inner circumference of an engagement projection of a cap section, the bending portion of the loop section conforms to the corner of the bending portion of the projection.

Abstract: Medical devices that have a novel mechanical trap(s) on the distal end of a shaft that is used for the removal of material from the body. Further an expandable channel is included to entrap the material that aid with removal or obliteration of tissue or foreign bodies is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an endobag for endoscopic surgery. The endobag comprises a vinyl bag, which includes harmless transparent vinyl material and is prepared such that an upper end of the vinyl bag forms an inlet, and a pair of flaps that protrude from the inlet of the folded vinyl bag such that the vinyl bag inserted into an abdomen through a trocar is easily unfolded. The flaps have a color for indicating the inlet of the vinyl bag and protrude from front and rear sides of the inlet of the vinyl bag while being offset from each other.

Abstract: A blood-vessel detecting device includes a partially-deforming device which can be inserted into the body cavity so as to come into contact with the tissue surface in order to deform a part of the tissue surface so that turbulence is generated in a blood flow within blood vessels extending underneath the tissue surface, thereby enabling detection of the presence or absence of blood vessels underneath the tissue surface. Turbulent sound due to the turbulence generated at a part of the tissue surface deformed by the partially-deforming device is converted into electric signals by a converting device, following which the electric signals are subjected to signal processing such as amplification and so forth by a signal processing device.

Abstract: A surgical tissue retrieval instrument has a collapsible pouch at the distal end of an elongated pusher rod that is introduced into a patient's abdomen through a cannula. The instrument includes a two-jaw fork that forms a loop when in an unconstrained configuration and that supports the pouch. Deployment and operation of the fork and the pouch are controlled by a toggle means. The two jaws and the toggle means are slid in a hem surrounding the opening of the pouch when the device is assembled. An especially advantageous embodiment features two jaws of unequal length.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device which can be used to resect and remove polyps, stones or foreign bodies. It accomplishes this goal by using a two stage snare basket.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical specimen retrieval device that allows one-handed use by incorporating a geared spool to amplify take up of a flexible line to close the mouth of the specimen bag after the surgical specimen is deposited in the bag. The retrieval device includes a spool with an attached gear that is rotated by movement of a deployment rod with serrated teeth. A flexible line has a proximal end attached to the spool and the distal end attached to the mouth of the bag. When the deployment reel is moved from an extended position to an inserted position, the spool rotates and pays out flexible line to allow the mouth of the deployed bag to open. Once a specimen is taken and deposited in the bag, the deployment rod is moved from the inserted position toward the extended position. This rod movement rotates the spool to take up the line and close the mouth of the bag.

Abstract: A tissue excision device comprises a handle. In addition, the tissue excision device comprises an elongate tissue capture member extending from the handle. The tissue capture member has a longitudinal axis and comprises a free end distal the handle. Further, the free end of the tissue capture member includes a tip, a tissue capture recess, and at least one slot extending through the free end in the tissue capture recess. Still further, the tissue excision device comprises an elongate tubular cutting member coupled to the handle. The cutting member slidingly and coaxially receives the tissue capture member. In addition, the cutting member has a free end distal the handle that includes a cutting.

Abstract: A device for modifying tissue in a patient may include: an elongate body having a rigid proximal portion and a flexible distal portion having first and second major surfaces; a proximal handle coupled with the proximal portion of the body; one or more tissue modifying members disposed along the first major surface of the distal portion of the body; a guidewire coupled with and extending from the distal portion of the body; and a distal handle removably coupleable with the guidewire outside the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of precisely controlling deflection or twisting of a surgical instrument during surgery is applied to a surgical instrument incorporating a shape memory alloy. An example of such an instrument is a Nitinol urological retrieval coil. The shape memory alloy is caused to assume a predetermined shape when heated to a predetermined temperature not more than a few degrees above body temperature, by delivering irrigating fluid having a temperature above the transformation temperature of the shape memory alloy.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an endoscopic retrieval instrument for receiving and retrieving one or more objects from the human body, the instrument comprising an insertion instrument, a retrieval container, and a coupling mechanism configured to selectively disconnect the retrieval container from the insertion instrument.

Abstract: A surgical tool captures and removes very large intraocular foreign bodies from the eye. An elongate bore is formed in an elongate base that is held in the palm of a hand. A user retracts a foreign body capturing device including a handle, rim, and net into the elongate bore by sliding a thumb-engagable control member in a first direction. The device is extended by sliding the control member in a second direction opposite to the first. The rim is formed of a material having memory so that it expands into an elliptical shape when extended from the elongate bore. The net depends from the rim and is used to capture intraocular foreign bodies. Gradual curves at the trailing end of the rim facilitate its re-entry into the elongate bore when a foreign body is captured in the net. The incision in the eye is small.

Abstract: A surgical retrieval device, and related method, for removing material, such as calculi, from a patient's body has the ability to capture and release the material. The surgical retrieval device has a handle, a sheath, and a retrieval assembly that includes a plurality of legs. At least one of the legs of the retrieval assembly has a hollow passageway. In one embodiment according to the invention, a prong is disposed within the hollow passageway of the leg.

Abstract: Devices and methods for a minimally invasive procedure for cutting tissue are disclosed. The device generally includes a probe with a distal exit at an exit angle relative to the probe, a cutting loop with shape memory having a preconfigured shape, and a loop securing mechanism to secure the cutting loop in a penetrating configuration and to release the cutting loop into a cutting configuration. The cutting loop is generally within a profile of the probe in the penetrating configuration. In the cutting configuration, the cutting loop extends through the cutting loop exit and generally returns to the preconfigured shape at a cutting angle generally defined by the exit angle. The cutting loop securing mechanism may be, for example, a cover slidable over the probe, a slidable member extending from a distal tip of the probe, or a groove defined in the probe proximal to the cutting loop exit.

Abstract: An electrically activated surgical device includes a probe body, an active element and a structure for selectively electrically insulating and/or physically isolating the active element from the patient's tissue when the device is in use. The probe body defines an outer surface, a proximal end, a distal end and a window defined within the outer surface near or at the distal end. The active element is electrically connected to a power source and is configured to selectively assume a non-deployed configuration and a variable deployed configuration in which the active element at least partially emerges from the window out of the probe body. The insulating structure selectively insulates the active element from the patient's tissue when the device is inserted therein.

Abstract: In a vascular anchoring device intended to be introduced into a blood vessel by a catheter and including braces (2) that are expandable in the radial direction, the anchoring device is formed by a substantially hollow-cylindrical part (1) including axially extending braces (2) departing from an end side, and a locking member (3) coaxially guided within the hollow-cylindrical part (1) along a guide wire (4) of the catheter. The locking member (3) carries at least one ramp surface (9) on its end facing the braces (2), which ramp surface causes the braces (2) to expand by an axial displacement relative to the braces (2), and at least one stop (10) cooperating with the hollow-cylindrical part (1) in the expanded position. The guide wire (4) carries a further stop (7) which cooperates with a counter stop surface (8) of the locking member (3), upon displacement of the guide wire (4).

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: The invention relates to a medical instrument for creating a cavity for an endoscopic intervention in a human or animal body, comprising a hollow cylindrical encasing trocar tube which can be inserted into an artificial body opening and an expander which can be extracted from and retracted into said tube. The above-mentioned medical instrument consists of a small number of parts and is easy to handle. It is characterized in that the expander comprises a retaining element which is arranged outside the trocar tube in addition to at least two spring blades which are made of a flexible material and form an arc in the respective median sections thereof, whereby the two ends thereof are respectively fixed to the retaining element, extending through the tube of the trocar. The invention also relates to a method for the use of said medical instrument.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for cutting a tissue mass comprising an elongated housing having a distal portion, a rotatable shaft positioned in the elongated housing, and a plurality of flexible electrocautery cutting blades extending from the housing, wherein the plurality of cutting blades are radially expandable from a first position defining a first diameter to a second larger diameter and the blades are rotatable and transmit electrical energy to cut the tissue mass.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for determining valve leaflet orientation. A catheter is provided with a conformable, radiopaque target. The target is deployed within a valve, such as the mitral valve. The conformable target conforms to the coaptation axis in response to closing of the valve leaflets. That coaptation axis may then be visualized, and utilized to determine information about valve operation, or to assist in placement of devices in the vicinity of the valve.

Abstract: An improved retractable cleat device having a housing and a telescopic cleat member absent a handle. The telescopic cleat member is lockable in the housing in a retracted position via a cam channel having at least one interval engaging a cam follower. The cam channel includes at least one interval which unlocks the telescopic cleat and allows the telescopic cleat to move to an upraised position via a bias force of a compression spring.