Abstract: A method and apparatus for functionally occluding the lumen of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is provided. Access to the LAA is through an epicardial approach. The devices function to capture the LAA through various non-invasive means. After capturing the LAA with the devices and methods provided, a clamping device is preferably disposed about the base of the appendage. In certain embodiments, the appendage remains viable subsequent to the functional occlusion of the lumen.

Abstract: A system and associated method for altering or destroying tissues and anatomical or other structures in medical applications for the purpose of treating diseases or disorders. In one aspect, the system includes a device configured to deploy devices for altering the lobes of a prostate.

Abstract: Sinusitis, tumors, infections, fractures and other disorders of the paranasal sinuses, are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches. Access devices may be used to facilitate insertion of working devices such catheters, balloon catheters, dilation catheters, tissue cutting or remodeling devices, suction or irrigation devices and biopsy devices.

Abstract: Sinusitis, enlarged nasal turbinates, tumors, infections, hearing disorders, allergic conditions, facial fractures and other disorders of the ear, nose and throat are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches and, in many cases, flexible catheters as opposed to instruments having rigid shafts. Various diagnostic procedures and devices are used to perform imaging studies, mucus flow studies, air/gas flow studies, anatomic dimension studies, endoscopic studies and transillumination studies. Access and occluder devices may be used to establish fluid tight seals in the anterior or posterior nasal cavities/nasopharynx and to facilitate insertion of working devices (e.g., scopes, guidewires, catheters, tissue cutting or remodeling devices, electrosurgical devices, energy emitting devices, devices for injecting diagnostic or therapeutic agents, devices for implanting devices such as stents, substance eluting devices, substance delivery implants, etc.

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: A grabbing device includes a transparent flexible cup that can be placed adjacent to a selected region of an inner surface of a body cavity. The flexible cup is visually put in place by the surgeon, and a vacuum is applied to draw a selected amount of tissue into the flexible cup, so that it may, e.g., be excised. The device may also retrieve the tissue excised from the body cavity.

Abstract: Compressed air dissector is a surgical dissector which is used in tumor dissection and excision phases in surgical branches and especially in neurosurgery and microsurgery. The problem at this point is removal of the tumoral tissue without damaging the adjacent normal tissue and the blood vessels feeding the normal tissue. Moreover, serious difficulties may be encounter in the dissection phase of the arachnoid matter in brain surgery. The occurring adhesions can easily be opened with the aid of the air dissector. This provides great convenience in aneurism surgery. The operation principle of the compressed air dissector is direction of the controlled, sterile compressed air (gas) to the brain parenchyma and removal of the dissected particles from the location with an aspirator system. In said system, the particles in the air are cleaned with a filter system. When the compressed air is directed to the tumor tissue it easily dissects and removes the tumor.

Abstract: A grabbing device includes a transparent flexible cup that can be placed adjacent to a selected region of an inner surface of a body cavity. The flexible cup is visually put in place by the surgeon, and a vacuum is applied to draw a selected amount of tissue into the flexible cup, so that it may, e.g., be excised. The device may also retrieve the tissue excised from the body cavity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for functionally occluding the lumen of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is provided. Access to the LAA is through an epicardial approach. The devices function to capture the LAA through various non-invasive means. After capturing the LAA with the devices and methods provided, a clamping device is preferably disposed about the base of the appendage. In certain embodiments, the appendage remains viable subsequent to the functional occlusion of the lumen.

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: An anoscope for inspection and/or surgery is provided. The anoscope includes a tubular body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis defined therebetween, where the tubular body includes at least one elongated slot. The anoscope also includes an insert removably attached to the at least one elongated slot in the tubular body. The insert including an elongated slot having a smaller width than the at least one elongated slot in the tubular body.

Abstract: An endoscopic needle device comprises a handle and a catheter sheath connected to the handle, wherein the catheter sheath has at least one lumen, for example a needle lumen and a stabilization lumen, extending therethrough. 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 system and method provides for the capture of body tissue samples such as lymph nodes. The system includes a bag formed of a flexible material having a first end opened for receiving the body tissue sample and a second end which is closed to the body tissue sample but which permits a vacuum to be pulled through the bag. The system further includes a vacuum tube in which the body tissue sample capture bag may be disposed and a vacuum source that pulls a vacuum through the body tissue sample capture bag for pulling the body tissue sample into the bag through the opened end of the bag.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the invention, an apparatus for moving a diseased portion of an anatomical structure with respect to a healthy portion of an anatomical structure includes a first vacuum section adapted to apply vacuum force to and hold the healthy portion, and a second vacuum section adapted to apply vacuum force to and hold the diseased portion, wherein the second vacuum section is adapted to withdraw within the first vacuum section.

Abstract: A system and method provides for the capture of body tissue samples such as lymph nodes. The system includes a bag formed of a flexible material having a first end opened for receiving the body tissue sample and a second end which is closed to the body tissue sample but which permits a vacuum to be pulled through the bag. The system further includes a vacuum tube in which the body tissue sample capture bag may be disposed and a vacuum source that pulls a vacuum through the body tissue sample capture bag for pulling the body tissue sample into the bag through the opened end of the bag.

Abstract: A cardiac constraint jacket is formed of flexible material defining a volume between an open upper end and a lower end. The jacket is dimensioned for an apex of a patient's heart to be inserted into the volume through the open upper end and for the jacket to be slipped over the heart. The jacket includes a receiving member along its upper end for engagement to a delivery apparatus, the apparatus used in positioning the jacket on the heart. The delivery apparatus includes a handle and a band. The band is generally hoop shaped having a first end and a second end attached to the handle, the first end fixedly attached to the handle and the second end releasably attached to the handle. Alternatively, the first end can be attached to a releasable end cap of the handle. In use, the second end of the band is released from the handle and inserted into the jacket receiving member. The jacket is threaded onto the band and the band end re-attached to the handle.

Abstract: A grabbing device includes a transparent flexible cup that can be placed adjacent to a selected region of an inner surface of a body cavity. The flexible cup is visually put in place by the surgeon, and a vacuum is applied to draw a selected amount of tissue into the flexible cup, so that it may, e.g., be excised. The device may also retrieve the tissue excised from the body cavity.

Abstract: A full-thickness resection system is disclosed. In an embodiment for the resection system, the system may include a flexible shaft, a flexible guide member disposed within the flexible shaft, a stapling mechanism disposed around the flexible guide member, and a grasper. The stapling mechanism has an elongated portion that is at least partially disposed within the flexible shaft. The stapling mechanism includes a stapling arm and an anvil arm. The stapling arm has a longitudinal axis and includes a stapling head having a longitudinal axis. The anvil includes an anvil head. The stapling arm and anvil arm extend from the elongated portion of the stapling mechanism and are moveable with respect to each other between a tissue receiving position and a stapling position. The grasper extends through the flexible shaft and is adapted to grasp a portion of a tissue that is to be excised from an organ in the patient's body.

Abstract: A system and method provides for the capture of body tissue samples such as lymph nodes. The system includes a bag formed of a flexible material having a first end opened for receiving the body tissue sample and a second end which is closed to the body tissue sample but which permits a vacuum to be pulled through the bag. The system further includes a vacuum tube in which the body tissue sample capture bag may be disposed and a vacuum source that pulls a vacuum through the body tissue sample capture bag for pulling the body tissue sample into the bag through the opened end of the bag.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing plaque, fatty deposits, and other occlusions from blood vessels using ultrasonic energy. The method and apparatus has particular application in removing plaque from the carotid artery in a non-thermal manner. The apparatus is designed to have as small a cross-sectional profile as possible, therefore allowing the apparatus to be used in a minimally-invasive manner. As a result, the apparatus can be used in both surgical and outpatient treatment with minimal post-operative complications and minimal damage to areas other than the area of treatment. An ultrasonic probe may include aspiration channels on its outer surface. An aspiration sheath may surround the ultrasonic probe, such that the location of an aspiration port may be varied axially relative to the ultrasonic tip.

Abstract: A grabbing device includes a transparent flexible cup that can be placed adjacent to a selected region of an inner surface of a body cavity. The flexible cup is visually put in place by the surgeon, and a vacuum is applied to draw a selected amount of tissue into the flexible cup, so that it may, e.g., be excised. The device may also retrieve the tissue excised from the body cavity.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use by a surgeon for grasping a tissue of a surgical patient without causing a crush injury of the tissue is disclosed. The instrument includes an elongate shaft having two ends with a handle at a first end of the shaft, and a grasping tip at a second end of the shaft. The grasping tip includes a body housing at least one suction element, wherein the at least one suction element mechanically produces suction locally (distally) within the grasping tip.

Abstract: A sleeve is provided for placing over a flexible endoscope. The sleeve has a port between its distal and proximal openings and the port is connected to a vacuum source. Once the endoscope is retracted proximal to the suction port, the sleeve's proximal opening is sealed off and the entire sleeve is turned into a suction lumen. Devices and methods in accordance with the invention provide improvement in removing materials from body cavities, especially in removing stones from the upper urinary tract.

Abstract: In an endoscope, an aspirated mucosa movement regulating portion is provided in a position intermediate between the distal end and the bottom of a tip hood for ensuring that the mucous membrane aspirated from the distal end of the tip hood toward an aspiration port will not get to viewing window.

Abstract: A device for treatment of venous congestion provides for subcutaneous introduction of anticoagulant through an incision positioned within a collection shell for withdrawal of an effused material. A widened delivery tip provides dispersal of the anticoagulant and may be agitated to disrupt clot formation.

Abstract: The invention provides a vacuum mouthpiece (2) for the acquisition and retention of resected biological specimens for retrieval from a body cavity, the mouthpiece being attached to a first tubular member (4) connectable to a vacuum source and having an active surface including at least one opening communicating with the first tubular member; the mouthpiece (2) being made of an elastically resilient material and having, in a free state, an outside diameter larger than the inside diameter of a second tubular member (24) into which it is insertible by elastic deformation. The invention further provides a closable pouch (20) for the entrapment and retrieval of a resected biological specimen from a body cavity, and a laparoscopic system and method utilizing the above.

Abstract: A catheter for injecting and extracting fluids to interact with material at a treatment site in the body.

Abstract: A grabbing device includes a transparent flexible cup that can be placed adjacent to a selected region of an inner surface of a body cavity. The flexible cup is visually put in place by the surgeon, and a vacuum is applied to draw a selected amount of tissue into the flexible cup, so that it may, e.g., be excised. The device may also retrieve the tissue excised from the body cavity.

Abstract: The manipulator includes a support and at least one member affixed to and extending away from the support. The member has at least two differentially activatable areas of conductivity. The members are configured to establish a first electromagnetic field in vivo between selected areas of conductivity sufficient to manipulate a molecule relative to a target tissue and to establish a second, typically higher, electromagnetic field sufficient to cause transient permeability of a cell membrane within the target tissue. Restraining means are also described for restricting movement of the members with relation to each other. One method of using the device is for enhancing the delivery of a molecule into a tissue site; another is for poration of the tissue alone or in combination with the migration. The target tissue may include a tumor, organ, or wound site.

Abstract: A grabbing device includes a transparent flexible cup that can be placed adjacent to a selected region of an inner surface of a body cavity. The flexible cup is visually put in place by the surgeon, and a vacuum is applied to draw a selected amount of tissue into the flexible cup, so that it may, e.g., be excised. The device may also retrieve the tissue excised from the body cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high frequency surgical instrument comprising a handling part (11) which has a guide channel (12) which is open at at least one end and a holding element (13) which is axially displaceably guided therein and on which a high frequency voltage acts. The holding element (13) is axially displaceable by means of an actuating part (14) axially displaceable relative to the handling part (11) and is electrically conductively connected at its free end to a preferably elastic cutting loop (15) in such a way that, through axial adjustment of the actuating part (14), the cutting loop (15) can be drawn to a greater or lesser degree into the guide channel (12), or into a tube (16) which continues it outwardly, or can be pushed out of the guide channel (12), or out of the tube (16) continuing it outwardly, whereby the loop size can be changed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument assembly for use in snare cauterization operations includes a first tubular sheath member containing a metallic electrical snare cauterization loop. A second tubular sheath member is disposed inside of the first tubular sheath member. A flexible suture member is releasably connected to the cauterization loop, and is provided with a one-way slip knot at its distal end thereby forming a loop of a size corresponding to that of the cauterization loop. The proximal end of the suture member is disposed in the distal end of the second tubular sheath member and is releasably joined to a manually-controlled flexible tensioning device. During use of the instrument, the cauterization loop and connected suture member is expanded from a collapsed configuration and passed over a polyp or other body tissue that is to be removed.

Abstract: An endoscope for use in the removal of tumors from hollow body organs such as the bladder. The endoscope consists of a sheath (49) through which extends a telescope (40) and a suction diathermy tube (2, 31, 60) the non-operation end (3, 33) of which communicates with a suction device. Provision (51, 52) is made for an irrigation fluid to be passed through the endoscope. The diathermy tube (2, 31, 60) has an electrode tip (7, 8) which may be formed from electrically conducting resistance wire connected (5, 39, 63) to a diathermy machine. The electrode tip is found adjacent an aperture (4, 9, 41) at the operative of the tube whereby tissue can be immediately removed by suction after severance by the electrode tip. The degree of suction applied to the tube (2, 31, 61) is controlled by a finger hole (38a, 55, 66) located at or near the end (3, 33) of the tube (2, 31, 61).

Abstract: Disclosed is an endoscope for use in the removal of tumours from hollow body organs such as the bladder. The endoscope consists of sheath (49) through which extends a telescope (46) and a suction diathermy tube (2, 31, 60) the non-operation end (3, 33) of which communicates with a suction device. Provision (51, 52) is made for an irrigation fluid to be passed through the endoscope. The diathermy tube (2, 31 60) may be a flexible plastics tube (2, 61) and the diathermy electrode tip (7, 8) may be formed from electrically conducting resistance wire connected (5, 39, 63) to a diathermy machine. The electrode tip is found adjacent an aperture (4, 9, 41) at the operative of the tube whereby tissue can be immediately removed by suction after severance by the electrode tip. The degree of suction applied to the tube (2, 31 61) being controlled by a finger hole (38a55, 66) located at or near the end (3, 33) of the tube (2, 31, 61).

Abstract: A method for removing a polyp from inside a patient, comprises the steps of inserting an endoscopic insertion member into a patient, ejecting a cauterization loop from the insertion member, and maneuvering the insertion member and the cauterization loop from outside the patient to place the cauterization loop over a polyp inside the patient. A web member is ejected also from the endoscopic insertion member and is opened from a collapsed configuration to a substantially cup shaped opened configuration having a concave inner surface. The endoscope insertion member and the opened web member are maniipulated from outside the patient to juxtapose the concave inner surface of the web with the polyp, whereupon suction is applied to the web member to form a negative pressure zone between the web member and the polyp, thereby attaching the web member to the polyp in a vacuum seal. Then electrical current is conducted to the cauterization loop to sever the polyp from the patient.

Abstract: A procedure for endoscopically removing a polyp utilizes an elongate tubular member having a cup-shaped web member at a distal end portion and an electrically conductive cauterization loop inserted through the tubular member. Upon insertion of an endoscope assembly into a patient, the distal end portion of the tubular member and the cauterization loop are ejected from the distal end of the biopsy channel of the endoscope assembly. Upon a subsequent opening of the cauterization loop, the cauterization loop is placed over a polyp to be removed, the web member is then opened and suction is applied through the tubular member to entrain the polyp to the web member. Electrical current is conducted to the cauterization loop to sever the polyp from the patient, and the loop is closed. The severed polyp is held in the web member by suction and is subsequently removed from the patient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for lifting an abdominal wall during laparoscopic diagnostic and surgical procedures. The surgical lift device includes a gripping portion for contacting and holding an external skin surface adjacent the abdominal wall. The gripping portion is selectively detachable from the skin surface. The device further includes a lifting portion that extends outwardly from the gripping portion. In accordance with alternative embodiments, the gripping portion may comprise an adhesive sheet or a suction member and the lifting portion may comprise a wire member or a portion of a hook and loop-type fastener.

Abstract: The instrument for the ligation of hemorrhoids or the like includes a substantially cylindrical container with a coupling for the connection of an air aspiration apparatus and a grip handle for the operator. The container is suitable for internally accommodating a hemorrhoid or the like aspirated through its open end, on which a dilated ring-like elastic ligature, to be transferred so as to throttle the "neck" of the hemorrhoid or the like, is arrangeable externally and circumferentially. The instrument is characterized in that the container is provided with a thumb-actuated hole for adjusting the pressure inside it while the aspiration apparatus is operating.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for retrieval, dissection and removal of small organs and tissue from a patient's body. The instrument includes a collapsible basket defining a basket cavity. An anvil is attached to the distal end of the basket to form an impacting surface. A cutting cannula defining a cutting cavity is positioned to be reciprocatingly movable to pass through the basket cavity and impact the anvil. The cutting cannula is manually and reciprocatingly driven to pass into and through the basket cavity, cutting any tissue contained in the basket cavity. The cut tissue is then suctioned from the body for analysis.