Abstract: A medical retrieval device of an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a proximal handle, a sheath, and a retrieval assembly. The sheath extends from the handle and includes a lumen and a distal end opposite the handle. The retrieval assembly is moveable relative to the sheath to achieve a collapsed position of the retrieval assembly within the lumen and an expanded position of the retrieval assembly when extended outside the lumen. The retrieval assembly includes a plurality of legs. At least one of the legs includes a wire having an inner core at least partially surrounded by an outer layer.

Abstract: A thrombectomy catheter deployment for operation of a thrombectomy catheter includes a stand alone drive unit and a disposable pump/catheter assembly which is manually placed into a carriage assembly in the drive unit. The pump/catheter assembly has a plurality of preconnected components including tubular structure and a thrombectomy catheter connected thereto and is transported into or out of the interior of the drive unit for automatic high pressure pump piston head engagement or disengagement with a reciprocating linear actuator and for automatic engagement of disengagement of an effluent waste tube with a roller pump. A barcode reader senses specific operational data pertaining to an individual pump and provides an interface for operation of the reciprocating linear actuator.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke that provide immediate blood flow restoration to a vessel occluded by a clot and, after reestablishing blood flow, address the clot itself. Immediate blood flow restoration advantageously can facilitate natural lysis of the clot and also can reduce or obviate the concern for distal embolization due to fragmentation of the clot. Several embodiments of the invention provide for progressive, or modular, treatment based upon the nature of the clot. For example, the progressive treatment can include immediate restoration of blood flow, in-situ clot management, and/or clot removal depending on the particular circumstances of the treatment. The in-situ clot management can include, for example, lysis, maceration, and/or removal.

Abstract: A system for removing an undesirable material from within a vessel is provided. The system includes a cannula designed for maneuvering within a blood vessel to a site of interest and applying a suction force, such that the undesirable material can be captured and removed along the cannula away from the site. The system also may include a catheter having a balloon at its distal end. The balloon may be designed to be positioned adjacent to the undesirable material such that the undesirable material is situated between the balloon and the cannula. The catheter may also be designed to subsequently impart a force onto the undesirable material for removal of the undesirable material. A method for removing an undesirable material from within a vessel is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an obstruction removing device and a method for making the obstruction removing device. The method includes two mandrels with an elongate element being wound around the first mandrel and then wrapped around the second mandrel. The mandrels are movable relative to one another so that the second mandrel may be moved closer to the first mandrel after winding the element around the first mandrel and before winding the element around the second mandrel.

Abstract: A specimen retrieval device is provided. The specimen retrieval device includes an applicator. A specimen retrieval pouch operably is disposed within the applicator and deployable therefrom. The specimen retrieval pouch defines a longitudinal axis therethrough and includes a closed bottom portion and an open upper portion. The closed bottom portion includes a plurality of spikes configured to grasp a specimen positioned within the confines closed bottom portion. The upper closed portion includes one or more axial folds that are movable from a folded configuration to an unfolded configuration when a predetermined force is applied to a portion of the specimen retrieval pouch.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke that provide immediate blood flow restoration to a vessel occluded by a clot and, after reestablishing blood flow, address the clot itself. Immediate blood flow restoration advantageously can facilitate natural lysis of the clot and also can reduce or obviate the concern for distal embolization due to fragmentation of the clot. Several embodiments of the invention provide for progressive, or modular, treatment based upon the nature of the clot. For example, the progressive treatment can comprise a three-step progressive treatment process that includes immediate restoration of blood flow, in-situ clot management, and/or clot removal depending on the particular circumstances of the treatment. The in-situ clot management can include, for example, lysis and maceration. The progressive, or modular, treatment can be provided by a system or kit of one or more treatment devices.

Abstract: A device for capturing a clot in a blood vessel comprises an outer shaft, an inner shaft slidably disposed in a lumen of the outer shaft, and clot capture arms secured to a distal end of the inner shaft. The device is navigated and advanced through the vasculature to reach the location of a blood clot. An anchoring element on the outer shaft is expanded to anchor the device at the location of the blood clot. The clot capture arms are extended from the open end of the outer shaft. As the clot capture arms are extended, the distal portions of the arms gradually open into radially inwardly curved configurations to capture the clot. With the clot captured, the arms are retracted back into the outer shaft along with the clot. The anchoring element is then collapsed, and the device, with the clot captured therein, is retracted from the vasculature.

Abstract: An arterial access device has an internal lumen and a proximal port, the arterial access device sized and shaped to be inserted directly into an arterial access site in the common carotid artery such that the lumen provides a passageway for an interventional device to be inserted via the proximal port into the carotid artery. The arterial access device has a distal portion that is configured to be inserted into an arterial pathway through the access site, and a proximal portion configured to extend outward from the access site when the distal portion is in the arterial pathway.

Abstract: A medical instrument for an endoscope according to the invention is the medical instrument to be used in the endoscope by being inserted therein, and the medical instrument includes: a flexible elongated sheath having a first lumen and a second lumen; a conductive wire which is inserted into the first lumen and of which a portion of a distal side is exposed to the outside of the sheath as an instrument unit; and a balloon which is attached to the sheath and is expandable with the supply of fluid from the second lumen. The balloon is configured such that an axial dimension thereof is larger than a radial dimension upon expansion and a distal end of the balloon upon expansion is located closer to a proximal side than the treatment unit exposed from the sheath.

Abstract: A stone catching instrument for use, for example, as a stone catching basket and a wire filter unit for medical instruments, and method for producing the same, are provided. The stone catching basket instrument has a multiwire basket unit with several wire sections connected with one another as a cohesive wire complex, the wire complex cut in one piece out of a planar material in a rosette-shape and bent to form the wire basket unit. The wire sections extend essentially radially and are cohesive with one another at their inner radial ends at a wire linkage area. The wire basket unit when in a widened condition is arranged to catch particles caught through spaces between the wire sections, and when moved to a drawn-together condition, holds particles in the wire basket unit.

Abstract: A medical device, such as a guidewire, catheter, or the like, that includes an elongated tubular member that includes a plurality of angled slots defined in at least a distal section thereof. The plurality of angled slots can form a generally spiral shaped pattern about the longitudinal axis of the tubular member, and can be useful, for example, in aiding a user of the device in crossing an occlusion in a vessel of a patient. In some embodiments, the distal section of the tubular member may have an outer diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of a proximal section of the tubular member. In some embodiments, a proximal section of the tubular member may include a plurality of slots defined therein, for example, that may be configured to increase the lateral flexibility of the tubular member.

Abstract: A device and related method of use is provided for the capture and removal of various unwanted objects present within the body's anatomical lumens. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the device includes an external elongate member; an internal elongate member disposed within the external elongate member; and a retrieval assembly connected to the internal elongate member and retractable within and extendable from a lumen of the external elongate member. The retrieval assembly includes an end configured to be selectively open or substantially closed.

Abstract: An atherectomy device has cannula systems having lumens adapted for insertion of a blood filter and an atherectomy catheter useful for performing atherectomy directly on a patient's cardiovascular tissue. Other embodiments include a lumen for arterial perfusion useful in providing oxygenated blood to the aorta during cardiopulmonary bypass. The distal end of the atherectomy catheter includes an assembly that has a pincer, a loop with or without a mesh, laser, hydraulics, or other suitable mechanism adapted for removing atheroma from a cardiac or vascular tissue. Methods of using the systems for vascular atherectomy are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, a system, and a method for removing kidney stones from the urinary system of a patient with reduced pain and expenses. The system includes expandable, elongated balloon sheaths that deliver and retrieve forceps and a urethral sparing prosthetic stent. The stent is reconstrainable with interwoven nylon strands that are strategically positioned amongst the struts to ensure smooth collapse for removal. An atraumatic coating of PTFE or PET lining on the stent extends from the struts through the tip of the penis to assist patients in passing stones while the stent is in place at the bladder neck. The stent can stay in place for several days while permitting urine drainage. The basket-shaped forceps device has multiple curved, rigid arms to dilate the urethra and capture occluded or embedded stones with a built-in camera. The method is for removing stones through a protected urethral canal.

Abstract: Devices, processes and systems facilitate and enable treatment of acute stroke conditions, providing reperfusion while therapy is made available by preserving structure in the arterial tree. Using a Rapid Exchange approach with at least dual lumens in a microcatheter facilitates embolus/clot removal without damaging sensitive vasculature.

Abstract: A device and method for treating bodily diseases and/or conditions, for example, varicose veins, tumors and aneutisms including for example insertion of a blocking device toward a target destination using a catheter and delivery of sclerosing or other agents to the vessel while maintaining minimal, for example zero pressure in the treatment area, The blocking device may prevent treatment materials, embolisms, debris etc., from entering the upstream section of vessel. The blocking device may include, for example, a cap or other concave shape and may be expandable or extendible towards the vessel walls.

Abstract: A medical device can be used to entrain biological or foreign material during a medical procedure for the fragmentation of the material. The device also can be used to remove the material safely from the body. The device has a core element with a first portion extending substantially longitudinally and a second portion wound to form at least a helical coil in the shape of cone. A flat wire can substantially wrap the first and second portions of the core element, or a wire can substantially wrap the first portion and a sheath can substantially cover the second portion.

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

Abstract: Various medical devices and methods are described herein. For example, various detachable control handle configurations for inclusion with a medical device are described. In another example, various probe configurations are described herein. Furthermore, various methods of treatment using a control handle are described.

Abstract: Medical devices, methods and kits useful in the disruption and removal of unwanted materials, such as calculi and other formations, from within body lumens are described. The disclosure describes particular embodiments and methods useful in the lithotriptic removal of stones from the salivary glands.

Abstract: A device for extracting (or inserting) objects from the body, such as urinary stones, using a low pressure inflatable toroidal balloon that serves to engulf the object during extraction (or insertion) while dilating and protecting the passageway. The balloon loads onto an ureteroscope prior to insertion, rather than through the ureteroscope as do existing balloons. The toroidal balloon is a simple and unique device that may be applied external to the extracting telescope and does not interfere with existing methods for stone manipulation such as laser lithotripsy, irrigation and basket extraction in the case of urinary stone manipulation.

Abstract: Devices including, but not limited to, a self-expandable member having a proximal end portion and a main body portion. The self-expandable member is movable from a first delivery position to a second placement position, in the first delivery position the expandable member being in an unexpanded position and having a nominal first diameter and in the second position the expandable member being in a radially expanded position and having a second nominal diameter greater than the first nominal diameter for deployment within a vessel or duct of a patient. The expandable member includes a plurality of cell structures with the cell structures in the main body portion extending circumferentially around a longitudinal axis of the expandable member and the cell structures in the proximal end portion extending less than circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the expandable member to form first and second peripheral rails that vary in width along their lengths.

Abstract: A ureteral calculus suction instrument having a shaft through which a suction channel that can be connected to a suction device passes, wherein a collecting container having a distal opening and a proximal opening is arranged distally from the shaft, of which openings the proximal opening is connected to the distal end of the suction channel

Abstract: Stabilizing an object in the body of a patient involves the injection of a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) material or other flowable material into the body of the patient so that the material contacts the object. The LCST material or other flowable material then forms a gel in the body such that the object is contained at least partially within the gel and thereby stabilized by the gel such that the object can then be easily fragmented within the body and/or retrieved from the body.

Abstract: A medical retrieval device and method used in endoscopic procedures to retrieve stones has a shaft comprising a sheath with a lumen and a drive wire slidably disposed within the lumen for operating a stone entrapping mechanism on the distal end of the retrieval device. The shaft has an average outside diameter of less than 1.9 Fr. The shaft, sheath and drive wire each have proximal, intermediate and distal portions, and each of the corresponding portions are in generally similar locations along the longitudinal length of the device. The proximal portions of the shaft and the drive wire are preferably stiffer than the corresponding intermediate portions of the shaft and drive wire. The proximal and intermediate portions of the sheath have generally similar stiffnesses. The shaft reduces flow resistance within the working channel of an endoscope, increasing the flow of irrigation fluid in order to improve procedural visibility.

Abstract: This invention relates to a gripping device (10), e.g. a surgical retrieval device. The device includes an inversible tubular member (28), which is composed of interengaged stitches of resiliently flexible filamentary material and which is progressively transformable between an everted condition and an inverted condition. The device includes also actuation means (12,20) carrying the inversible tubular member and operable for effecting progressive inversion and eversion of the inversible tubular member. Through progressive inversion of the inversible tubular member, an object can be gripped thereby.

Abstract: A medical retrieval device of an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a proximal handle, a sheath, and a retrieval assembly. The sheath extends from the handle and includes a lumen and a distal end opposite the handle. The retrieval assembly is moveable relative to the sheath to achieve a collapsed position of the retrieval assembly within the lumen and an expanded position of the retrieval assembly when extended outside the lumen. The retrieval assembly includes a plurality of legs. At least one of the legs includes a wire having an inner core at least partially surrounded by an outer layer.

Abstract: A kit for surgically removing stones comprising: a double barreled sheath including a first barrel and a second barrel joined side-by-side; a first connector which is engaged at the proximal end of the first barrel; a second connector which is engaged at the proximal end of the second barrel; a first rigid tube interconnecting the first barrel with the first connector with the first connector being releasably engaged to the first rigid tube and the first rigid tube, first barrel and first connector being co-axial; a second rigid tube interconnecting the second barrel with the second connector with the second connector being releasably engaged to the second rigid tube and the second rigid tube, second barrel and second connector being co-axial; and a wire basket retriever adapted for insertion into one the barrel and being releasably engaged with a connector or an actuation device.

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

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to catheters that can be placed in or around bodily conduits to occlude or widen a biological lumen without imparting significant trauma to the lumen. In certain embodiments, the invention particularly relates to the use of a polymer composition which can be made to gel upon insertion into said balloon or skirt. In certain embodiments, the inflating viscous polymer composition is a liquid at room temperature and a gel at mammalian physiological temperature. In certain embodiments, the inflating viscous polymer composition comprises an optionally purified inverse thermosensitive polymer.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of using peristalsis to force a polymer plug through a mammalian lumen, thereby removing any calculi and/or calculi fragments present in the lumen. In one embodiment, the method is used as an alternative to conventional lithotripsy. In another embodiment, the method is used in conjunction with lithotripsy, thereby removing the small calculi fragments that result from such procedures.

Abstract: A luminal occlusion device comprises a tension member, an elongate shaft, and a flat film having an axial receptacle which is received over a distal portion of the tension member. The flat film has proximal and distal ends which are attached to the distal ends of the tension member and the elongate shaft, respectively. Thus, distal advancement of the tension member relative to the shaft will cause the flat film to assume a low profile configuration, while proximal retraction of the tension member relative to the elongate shaft will cause the flat film to assume a foreshortened, compacted configuration. The film usually includes one or more radioopaque markers which help shape the compacted film.

Abstract: A cross stream thrombectomy catheter with a flexible and expandable cage preferably formed of nitinol for removal of hardened and aged thrombotic material stubbornly attached to the interior of a blood vessel. The cage, which can be mesh or of straight or spiral filament design, is located close to inflow and outflow orifices at the distal portion of a catheter tube and is deployed and extended at a thrombus site for intimate contact therewith and for action of a positionable assembly and subsequent rotation and lineal actuation to abrade, grate, scrape, or otherwise loosen and dislodge difficult to remove thrombus which can interact with cross stream flows to exhaust free and loosened thrombotic particulate through the catheter tube. An alternative embodiment discloses a mechanism involving a threaded tube in rotatable engagement with an internally threaded sleeve to incrementally control the deployment and expansion of the flexible and expandable cages.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for removing an obstruction from a ureter using a catheter including a distal end sized for introduction into a ureter, an infusion lumen, and an aspiration lumen. An infusion tip is provided on the distal end that includes infusion ports communicating with the infusion lumen, and one or more aspiration ports communicating with the aspiration lumen. One or more sources of fluid and/or vacuum are connectable to the tubular member such that fluid is delivered into the infusion lumen and suction is delivered into the aspiration lumen. A controller is coupled to the source(s) to control delivery of fluid to generate a radially outward pressure against a wall of a ureter adjacent the infusion tip and to control suction through the aspiration port(s) to apply a suction force against a kidney stone located adjacent the infusion tip.

Abstract: A medical retrieval device has a multi-prong retrieval assembly. The multi-prong retrieval assembly has a first position, in which the retrieval assembly extends from the distal end of the sheath to form an open ended grasping device, and a second position, in which the retrieval assembly extends from the distal end of the sheath to form a substantially close ended basket-type retrieval device. When the retrieval assembly is used as a basket-type retrieval device, the distal ends of the prongs of the retrieval assembly that form the basket are not connected to each other. Thus, captured objects may be released by the operator, or by applying sufficient force to separate one or more of the prongs.

Abstract: A retrieval apparatus for entrapping and retaining an object located in a body for its extraction therefrom is described. The retrieval apparatus includes a snare and a snare control assembly. The snare has a proximal section and a distal section, and comprises a plurality of filaments extending from a proximal end of the proximal section towards the distal section, and then returning to the proximal end to form a plurality of loops. In the deployed state, the loops are interlaced to each other within the proximal section and are free and not interleaved within the distal section. Segments of the filaments of the distal section are bent with respect to segments of the filaments of the proximal section such that the retrieval snare in the contracted state forms a hollow cavity extending from the distal section towards the proximal section.

Abstract: A method for making a tool to remove a discrete object from the body of a human or animal patient includes a single length of Nitinol tubing and a sheath. The tubing includes a tool head section at a distal end of the tubing and a shaft section extending from a proximal end of the tubing to the tool head section. The tool head section includes a slitted section and a non-slitted section. The non-slitted section is disposed at a distal most end of the tubing. The slitted section includes a plurality of longitudinal slits forming a plurality of strands.

Abstract: A device for removing blood clots and methods of making and using the same. The clot pulling device may include a first spine, a second spine disposed parallel to the first spine, and a basket disposed between and coupled to the spines. In addition, a pushing member may be coupled to the first spine and extend proximally therefrom.

Abstract: A thromboembolic removal system for treating ischemic stroke, including a guide and occlusion catheter, a delivery and aspiration catheter, an aspiration pump, a thromboembolic receiver, and a thromboembolic separator.

Abstract: Endoscopes, endoscopic instruments, and methods for making and using the same. An illustrative endoscopic instrument includes a catheter that can extend through the working channel of an endoscope. The catheter may include an end effector passing region.

Abstract: A device captures and assists in the removal of a thrombus in arteries, even in small arteries. The device uses a soft coil mesh to engage the surface of a thrombus, and a guidewire is used to retract the soft coil mesh with the captured thrombus. The soft coil is formed by an elongated microcoil element that forms the helical elements of a macrocoil element. The microcoil element provides a relatively elastic effect to the helical element forming the macrocoil and allows for control of gripping forces on the thrombus while reducing non-rigid contact of the device with arterial walls.

Abstract: Catheters including guidewire tubes having a limited length and methods of using the catheters are described. The catheters may be delivered over guidewires in procedures that are commonly referred to as rapid-exchange delivery.

Abstract: A medical device for removing concretions from hollow organs of the body, with a functional element, which has a rotationally symmetrical lattice structure, and a device for holding a concretion in the structure, and a catheter for introducing the element into the body and removing it. The element can be converted from a compressed state in the catheter to an expanded state outside the catheter, in the expanded state the element is arranged distally from the catheter. The structure has a cutting area with webs, adapted so they at least partially pass radially through the concretion when the element is converted from the compressed to the expanded state. A holding element is connected on one hand to the structure and on the other hand to a guide wire arranged in the catheter, so that the holding element is deflected radially inwards in the expanded state of the functional element.

Abstract: A specimen retrieval instrument comprises a handle assembly, an actuating rod, an introducer tube, and a retrieval bag. In some versions the specimen retrieval instrument further comprises a modular cartridge containing the retrieval bag. Upon translation of the actuating rod within the tube, the cartridge opens, releasing and opening the retrieval bag for receiving a specimen. A center spindle may be included where the spindle includes a slot for inserting a portion of the retrieval bag and wrapping the retrieval bag about the spindle. Some versions of the specimen retrieval instrument further comprise a rotating cam actuator that opens and closes a pair of support arms attached to the retrieval bag. Some versions of the specimen retrieval instrument further comprise rotating curved support arms operable to open and close the retrieval bag. Pins registered to helical grooves may provide rotation of the support arms as the support arms translate.

Abstract: A medical retrieval device has a multi-prong retrieval assembly. The multi-prong retrieval assembly has a first position, in which the retrieval assembly extends from the distal end of the sheath to form an open ended grasping device, and a second position, in which the retrieval assembly extends from the distal end of the sheath to form a substantially close ended basket-type retrieval device. When the retrieval assembly is used as a basket-type retrieval device, the distal ends of the prongs of the retrieval assembly that form the basket are not connected to each other. Thus, captured objects may be released by the operator, or by applying sufficient force to separate one or more of the prongs.

Abstract: A foreign body retrieval catheter having a distal segment which is movable from a reduced outside diameter for positioning at a target site, and an enlarged outside diameter to suitable for thrombectomy or foreign body retrieval.

Abstract: A motorized rotary catheter, for breaking down and aspirating an obstruction from within a bodily vessel comprising a flexible tube containing a motor-driven, flexible, hollow shaft that is rotatable and slidable over a guidewire; a distal portion of the shaft is made of a closely wound spiraled wire and a distal portion of that spiraled wire is extendable out of a distal end of the tube; a bit affixed to a distal end of the spiraled wire forms therewith a tip that has first and second opposing sides for impacting and breaking down the obstruction as the shaft rotates; the tip also has a base and an opposing crown that is offset away from a longitudinal axis of the shaft further than the base is, enlarging the area that the tip sweeps as it rotates; a distance between the sides being smaller than a distance between the crown and the base, enhancing the ability of the tip to pass through tight spots along the vessel; as the tip rotates and the crown atraumatically slides against a wall of the vessel it displac

Abstract: A tissue retrieval device comprises a tissue retrieval bag and resilient arms. The bag is releasably engaged with the resilient arms. One or two resilient arms expand the bag along a first plane to open the mouth of the bag. Another resilient arm expands the bag along a second plane to unfurl the bag. The first plane is substantially perpendicular to the second plane. The device further comprises a support tube having a passageway and a push/pull rod slidingly positioned within the passageway. The resilient arms are engaged with the push/pull rod such that the resilient arms and the push/pull rod travel uniformly relative to the longitudinal axis of the support tube. The arms collapse within the support tube and are resiliently biased to extend outwardly when the push/pull rod is translated distally relative to the support tube to expose the bag and arms.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for removing a foreign object from the body of a human or animal patient, the device being formed from a single length of tubing, slit lengthwise at its distal end to define an envelope of a basket cavity, the envelope featuring a set of second strands, each formed by slitting one of the first strands over a distal portion of the first strand, which distal portion is less than the full length of the first strand.