Abstract: An implantable device monitors a pressure of fluid within an inflatable portion of a gastric band. The implantable device comprises a tube defining a lumen, and a pressure sensor positioned within at least one of the lumen or the tube. The pressure sensor is configured to sense the pressure of the fluid within the inflatable portion of the gastric band. The pressure sensor is also configured to transmit a pressure signal based on the pressure to a microcontroller, which transmits the pressure signal to a remote control device. The pressure sensor confers strain relief upon at least a portion of the tube, and the pressure sensor shields at least a portion of the tube from puncture by a needle.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides medical devices possessing reactants thereon, which further promote adherence of the device to tissue in vivo and/or release of bioactive agents from the device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions comprising a copolymer that includes a first monomer and a second monomer that is different from the first monomer, wherein both the first and second monomer are selected from the group consisting of 3-sulfopropyl acrylate potassium salt, sodium acrylate, N-(tris(hydroxyl methyl)methyl)acrylamide, and 2-acrylamideo-2-methyl-1-propane sulfonic acid. The present disclosure further relates to methods for preparing the copolymer compositions and shaped articles comprising the copolymers.

Abstract: A hemostatic clip includes: a clip body formed by folding an intermediate section of a belt-like member; and a holding tube. The clip body includes: a first member formed of a first metallic material that is elastically deformable; and a pair of second members that are formed of a second metallic material having a lower elastic strain limit than an elastic strain limit of the first metallic member and are connected to respective both ends of the first member. The holding tube is configured to change an opening width of the clip body by holding part of the clip body in the holding tube.

Abstract: A device for occluding a septal defect is provided. In general, the occluding device has a contracted state that allows the occluding device to be received within a delivery device for deployment to the site of the defect and an expanded state that is achieved when the occluding device is deployed from the delivery device. The occluding device has a proximal portion, which may be substantially circular, a distal portion, which may be substantially ovaloid, and a connecting portion extending between the two. The distal portion may define first and second outer parts at opposite ends of the major axis, which may be bent or curved. The configuration of the proximal and distal portions allow the occluding device to securely engage the septal wall and be kept in position at the septal defect without causing substantial interference with the functioning of adjacent heart structures.

Abstract: Generally described herein are certain embodiments directed to an orientation-independent injection port fluidly coupled to a gastric banding system. The injection port may be configured to simplify the port-targeting process when a medical professional attempts to penetrate the injection port with a needle during a gastric band-adjusting procedure. For example, the injection port may be orientation-independent with the entire outer shell acting as the needle access point. Alternatively, and/or in addition, the inner core of the injection port may be hard or firm, thereby allowing for easier locating (e.g., when the medical professional performs palpation). Furthermore, the hard inner core may prevent needle over-throws, and help stabilize pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus for occluding a space between a first structure and a second structure, said apparatus comprising: an occluder, said occluder comprising a distal implant and a proximal implant, wherein: said distal implant comprises a body and a locking shaft mounted to said body, wherein said body of said distal implant comprises a plurality of legs which may assume (i) a diametrically-reduced configuration for disposition within the lumen of a tube, and (ii) a diametrically-expanded configuration for disposition against the first structure, and further wherein said locking shaft comprises a first locking element for selective connection to said proximal implant and a second locking element for selective connection to an inserter for deploying said occluder; and said proximal implant comprises a body having an opening, wherein said body of said proximal implant comprises a plurality of legs which may assume (i) a diametrically-reduced configuration for disposition within the lumen of a tube, and (ii) a diametr

Abstract: A surgical ligation clip and method of operation are described and include a top jaw member and bottom jaw member joined at a hinge section for movement about the hinge section. The hinge section can be offset or space laterally from one or both of the jaw members. Teeth arrangements and distributions are also described, as well as closing and jaw ends engagement configurations, for example for more easily engaging/piercing connective or other tissue.

Abstract: A cannula has a longitudinal base member having a first clamping end and a longitudinal arm member pivotally attached to the longitudinal base member and having a second clamping end, the cannula being in a closed position when the first and second clamping ends are brought together. A first clamp member is located at the first clamping end and has a first passage. A second clamp member is rotatably attached to the arm member at the second clamping end and has a second passage. The first and second passages form a combined passage when the clamp is in the closed position. The cannula may have a first locking member positioned on the arm member and a second locking member positioned on the base member. The first and second locking members interact with each other to lock the cannula in the closed position.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering a surgical clip to a surgical site within a patient's body to compress body, tissue is disclosed. In one embodiment for the system of the present invention, the system includes an endoscopic device that has an endoscope cap disposed on a distal end of the endoscopic device. A surgical clip is removably disposed on an outside surface of the endoscope cap. A deployment device is associated with the surgical clip for deploying the surgical clip from the endoscope cap to the body tissue that is to be compressed. The surgical clip can be a deformable clip that is deployed in a non deformed configuration, and is then deformed so as to apply compression on selected tissue. The surgical clip can be a multi-legged clip, having a plurality of legs that can be locked in a closed position to apply compression to body tissue.

Abstract: An introducer sheath. The introducer sheath includes a tubular body. The tubular body extends from a distal end toward a proximal end. The tubular body includes a lumen. The lumen is defined at least partially by a wall. The tubular body includes a secondary channel. The secondary channel is disposed within the wall. The secondary channel is configured to receive a guidewire.

Abstract: A surgical clip for occluding a vein, artery or other body passageway 2 comprises a base portion 3, a pair of resilient limbs 4a, 4b configured to extend generally laterally outwardly from the base portion and each having a free end disposed forward of the base portion, and a reaction portion 9a/b mounted to the base portion 3, the reaction portion defining a generally forwardly directed reaction surface 10 disposed between the base portion 3 and the free ends of the limbs 4a, 4b, the limbs (4a, 4b) being movable under a resilient restoring force from a first, open, condition, in which a gap is provided between the limbs and the reaction portion for receiving the body passageway into the clip, to a second, closed, condition, in which the limbs cooperate with the reaction portion to grip the body passageway to occlude the same.

Abstract: Percutaneous medical procedures are provided, which use endovascular instruments to install mechanical closures for closing vessels, such as veins. The mechanical closures can be one or more sutures that are anchored to the vessel walls and then cinched to closed the vessel. The mechanical closures can also be resilient clips or stents that are expanded within the vessel to pierce the vessel walls, and are then contracted to pull the vessel closed. Various techniques for installing the mechanical closures are also described.

Abstract: Devices and systems to fit around a tissue or organ and methods of using the same. In at least one embodiment of an implantable device of the present disclosure, the implantable device comprises a first engaging component comprising a first rigid inner plate at least partially surrounded by a first flexible coating, a second engaging component comprising a second rigid inner plate at least partially surrounded by a coating selected from the group consisting of the first flexible coating and the second flexible coating, a first c-ring and a second c-ring coupled to the engaging components, and a cover flap coupled to either the first engaging component or the second engaging component and capable of either further coupling to the second engaging component when initially coupled to the first engaging component or further coupling to the first engaging component when initially coupled to the second engaging component.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a hollow member having a sidewall provided with a window and a closure member movably connected to the hollow member for alternately covering and uncovering the window. The hollow member has a first clamping surface along an edge of the window, while the closure member has a second clamping surface opposing the first clamping surface and disposable substantially adjacent thereto in a clamping or closure configuration of the instrument. The instrument additionally comprises a tissue occlusion component mounted to at least one of the hollow member and the closure member for acting on tissues gripped between the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface, to couple the tissues to each other.

Abstract: An occlusion device for occluding a body vessel is provided. The occlusion device has a tubular expandable body having an interior side and an exterior side. A restricting ring is located around the exterior side of the tubular expandable body and collapses a portion of the tubular expandable body. The occlusion device is configured to move between an expanded state for occlusion within a body vessel and a collapsed state for delivery or retrieval of the device, and the device is configured to open radially to define the expanded state and to collapse along the longitudinal axis to define the collapsed state. A delivery assembly for an occlusion device and a method of constructing an occlusion device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A biodegradable suture clip for joining bodily soft tissue is described. The suture clip has a pair of identical flexible compression strips which are identical and adapted to interlock with one another. Each strip has at least two piercing teeth having pointed free ends and opposed latch formations and also has at least two tooth latching guide openings for captive engagement with the piercing teeth. The openings are provided with latching guide ramps provided with arresting gripping formations wherein opposed latch formations of the teeth engage with associated ones of the gripping formations.

Abstract: A power management system provides wireless power to operate components of a remotely adjustable gastric banding system. The power management system comprises an external power component transmitting power, and an implantable power management component receiving power and converting the power for use in powering one or more components of the remotely adjustable gastric banding system, such as a pump. The internal power management component and the external power component may be tunable. By utilizing the power management system, implantable batteries may be eliminated.

Abstract: A closing assembly for a clamping device having first and second jaw members includes a closing mechanism connected between the first and second jaw members, the jaws extending distally from the closing mechanism; and a member for applying a separating force to the first and second jaw members proximally of the closing mechanism, whereby the first and second jaw members can be maintained substantially parallel during closing. The clamp has a very strong clamping force.

Abstract: The present invention includes a source reservoir with potential energy for a system for facilitating obesity control. The system includes a remote transmitter, a gastric band including at least one inflatable portion for containing a fluid, at least one reservoir for containing the fluid, and a high precision pump unit in communication with the reservoir for controlling pressure within the inflatable portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices for closing septal defects, such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The closure devices include a proximal anchor member, a distal anchor member, and at least one flexible center joint connecting the two anchor members. According to some embodiments, the proximal and/or distal anchor members may include a generally cylindrical member split along the central portion of its length to form an elongate oval. The proximal and/or distal anchor members may further include a tissue scaffold. At least some of the closure devices according to the present invention are repositionable and retrievable.

Abstract: A clip is provided that can be used for ligating tissue, such as vessels, other tubular ducts, and the like. The clip has opposed first and second leg members having proximal and distal ends. The proximal end of each leg member is connected by an apex. The clip has a compliant portion formed on the inner surface of at least one of the first and second leg members. The compliant portion can fill gaps left by springback of the clip after formation.

Abstract: An implantable vessel occlusive device and method for occluding a vessel are described, for example to occlude the urethra or bladder neck. The devices and methods described utilize an occlusive member connected to a control mechanism. The occlusive member is reversibly changed from a non-occlusive condition to an occlusive condition, for example by depressing an activation button contained within a resilient, elastomeric cover surrounding the control mechanism. In the occlusive position, an initial tension is applied to the occlusive member through a tensioning suture. The tension is translated into an occlusive pressure applied to the urethra or bladder neck that is sufficient to prevent urinary leakage. The non-occlusive position can be obtained by depressing the de-activation button. The occlusive member is constructed to allow elution of drugs, such as may be required to combat infection or tissue encapsulation from its surface.

Abstract: The invention provides improved medical devices, therapeutic treatment systems, and treatment methods for treatment of the lung. A lung volume reduction system includes an implantable device having an elongate body that is sized and shaped for delivery via the airway system to a lung airway of a patient. The implant is inserted and positioned while the implant is in a delivery configuration, and is reconfigured to a deployed configuration so as to locally compress adjacent tissue of the lung, with portions of the elongate body generally moving laterally within the airway so as to laterally compress lung tissue. A plurality of such implants will often be used to treat a lung of a patient.

Abstract: A device for closing a left atrial appendage of a patient comprising a containment member having a first configuration for passage into the left atrial appendage and a second larger configuration, and a wire movable into the containment member in situ to expand the containment member in the left atrial appendage to the second configuration.

Abstract: A device for pinching an opening in a vessel wall, comprising an introducer sheath, a lumen having a distal opening and a bleed hole; an anchoring having a cylindrical shape in a first constrained state and a flared shape in a second unconstrained state; a pincher member slidably disposed between the anchoring member and the introducer sheath comprising at its distal end a plurality of elongate pincher arms, each of the plurality of elongate pincher arms having a free distal end such that when the pincher member distal end is unconstrained, the free distal ends of the elongate pincher arms are biased to expand radially; and an interior support member slidably disposed in the anchoring member comprising a plurality of elongate support legs, each having a free distal end such that when the distal end of the interior support member is unconstrained, the free distal ends curve outwardly.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for the use of floating magnetic elements in medical implants. The magnetic elements within the medical implant are allowed to rotate freely to align with a strong external magnetic field, such as that of an MRI scanner, and align to attract each other during the normal functioning of the medical implant in the absence of a strong external magnetic field.

Abstract: An occlusion clamp comprising: (a) an occlusion tongs including a primary spring coupling a first longitudinal arm to a second longitudinal arm, the first longitudinal arm including a first linear occlusion surface configured to be parallel to and overlap a second linear occlusion surface of the second longitudinal arm, each of the first and second longitudinal arms having a free distal end; and, (b) a secondary spring removably coupled to the occlusion tongs.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. The elongated member has a compressible ventral surface and a substantially rigid dorsal periphery, wherein the elongated member includes a fluid bladder positioned along the ventral surface. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. Alternate embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for the repair of a cardiovascular valve has leaflets comprising a grasper capable of grabbing and co-apting the leaflets of the valve. In a preferred embodiment, the grasper has jaws that grasp and immobilize the leaflets, and then a fastener is inserted to co-apt the leaflets. The apparatus is particularly useful for repairing mitral valves to cure mitral regurgitation.

Abstract: A collapsible medical device for occluding an aperture in a body, e.g., a patent foramen ovale (PFO), is disclosed. The device includes a distal end and a distal portion for contacting the distal side of tissue, a proximal end and a proximal portion for contacting the proximal side tissue, a center joint for extending through the aperture and being hollow in the center. The center joint engages the distal and proximal portions and has a variable length to accommodate tissues of different thickness. The device also includes a catch system for holding the collapsible medical device in an expanded configuration. The catch system includes a distal threaded catch portion engaging the distal end and a proximal threaded catch portion engaging the proximate end. The threaded portions rotate relative to one another and cooperate through the center joint to vary a distance between the distal and proximal ends.

Abstract: Medical device used to cause hemostasis of blood vessels using a clip arrangement delivered to a target region through an endoscope. Method for using the device to cause hemostasis of a blood vessel through an endoscope. Medical device including a reversibly closeable clip, a locking arrangement, a control wire, a sheath, and a handle with an actuating trigger. Through the endoscope, hemostatic clipping device that is fully reversible and lockable. Hemostatic clip that reversibly targets and clips bleeding ulcers.

Abstract: A ligature device and method of use are disclosed. More specifically, a ligature device capable of maintaining a ligature band in an elongated position, applying a preformed ligation band to an object to be ligated, manually releasing the ligation band from an elongated position, and securing a ligation band in a tensioned position is described. The ligation device may be used to apply ligation bands to various body parts of various animals.

Abstract: A system and method of occluding a reproductive body lumen (34) to prevent the passage of reproductive cells through body lumen is disclosed. The system can include a catheter delivery system (10) having a handle device (18), a catheter (10) operatively coupled with the handle device (20), and an occluding device adapted for deployment within the body lumen. The handle device can include a damper device adapted to reduce the vibration on the handle device from deployment of the occluding device from the catheter. Further, the handle device can include an indexing member operatively coupled with the catheter to provide indexing of the catheter.

Abstract: A ligation apparatus that ligatures living tissue using a clip and provides an optimal ligation apparatus for ligaturing living tissue in a body cavity. The ligation apparatus includes a clip with a clip claw member that is advanced and retreated relative to a pressing member to open and close, a sheath configured to accommodate the clip such that the clip claw member is not exposed to the outside, an advance and retreat restricting mechanism which restricts advance and retreat of the pressing member relative to the sheath at a distal end portion of the sheath and allows advance and retreat of the clip claw member relative to the pressing member according to advance and retreat of the operation wire relative to the sheath to allow the clip ligaturing living tissue, and a releasing mechanism which releases at least a portion of the clip when the clip ligatures the living tissue.

Abstract: A treatment method on tissues in a body cavity includes: a first step of forming a hole for communicating first body tissue with second body tissue while both are in close contact with each other; and a second step of endoscopically inserting a treatment device into the second body tissue through the hole.

Abstract: Medical device used to cause hemostasis of blood vessels using a clip arrangement delivered to a target region through an endoscope. Method for using the device to cause hemostasis of a blood vessel through an endoscope. Medical device including a reversibly closeable clip, a locking arrangement, a control wire, a sheath, and a handle with an actuating trigger. Through the endoscope, hemostatic clipping device that is fully reversible and lockable. Hemostatic clip that reversibly targets and clips bleeding ulcers.

Abstract: A surgical method of treating morbid obesity via bariatric procedures, carried out endoluminally and transluminally using endoscopic devices that are introduced through natural body openings without the necessity of creating any incisions in the abdominal wall.

Abstract: At least on aspect of the present disclosure relates to a surgical clamping device, comprising first and second shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof, a gripping member disposed on the first shaft member, and a gear system disposed on the second shaft member and configured to receive the gripping member and incrementally lock the gripping member in at least one predefined position.

Abstract: A surgical clamp may have two elongated members with a bight portion that joins the two elongated members at a proximal end of the clamp and that may bias the two elongated members in an open position at a distal end. The bight portion may have one or more engagement features, such as a slotted aperture or other engagement or coupling feature. A clasp mechanism at the distal end of the clamp may have a male or first component disposed on or adjacent one of the two elongated members and a female or second component disposed on or adjacent the other of the two elongated members at the distal end of the clamp.

Abstract: A lung volume reduction system is disclosed comprising an implantable device adapted to be delivered to a lung airway of a patient in a delivery configuration and to change to a deployed configuration to bend the lung airway. The invention also discloses a method of bending a lung airway of a patient comprising inserting a device into the airway in a delivery configuration and bending the device into a deployed configuration, thereby bending the airway.

Abstract: A self-piercing blind rivet is provided for apposing biological tissue together with a device for setting the same, especially through the instrumental channel of a flexible endoscope. Without the help of further instruments, it is possible to fix, approximate and appose tissue layers, the contact force while connecting the tissue layers being adjustable. The rivets are stored in the setting device, so that they can be applied in order. The rivet and setting device enable the surgeon to combine tissue discontinuities conveniently by means of an endoscope. The surgical procedure is simplified further because the rivets can remain in the body.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes a first handle member having a first handle portion and a first shaft portion; a first end member connected to the first handle member having a first instrument portion and a tab; a second end member connected to the tab of the first end member having a second instrument portion and a shaft portion; a second handle member connected to the shaft portion of the second end member; and a lock that releasably connects the second handle member to the shaft portion of the first handle member.

Abstract: A bariatric clamp may include substrate members overmolded in polymer forming first and second elongated portions, a bight portion having a flexible hinge, a fastener portion, and an engagement portion for retaining the clamp in a closed position to partition the stomach. A method for installing may include creating an opening in a patient's abdominal cavity to access the stomach, removing tissue connected to the stomach adjacent areas the clamp is to be positioned, positioning the clamp in an open position wherein first ends of the first and second elongated portions are open relative to one another, inserting the clamp into the abdominal cavity in the open position and the first and second elongated portions of the clamp separately pass through the opening in the abdominal cavity, positioning the first and second elongated portions adjacent first and second sides of the stomach, and closing the clamp to partition the stomach.

Abstract: A for gathering tissue of a heart valve leaflet may include an outer tube extending in an elongation direction and having an open distal end, a capture tool movable in the outer tube between a contained position and a use position, a tissue securing component disposed at the open distal end of the outer tube, a nosecone removably assembled over the open distal end of the outer tube in a protective condition, and an actuation member joined to a central portion of the nosecone and extending into a lumen of the outer tube. The capture tool may be operable to capture tissue of the heart valve leaflet. The nosecone may have a central portion that extends across the open distal end of the outer tube and a peripheral portion surrounding the central portion and overlying an outer surface of the outer tube adjacent the open distal end.

Abstract: A ligation device is disclosed that is capable of containing a fluid, e.g., a biomechanical medium or an antimicrobial solution. The ligation device comprises an upper clip and a lower clip, each having a locking feature that enables the upper clip and the lower clip to be movably attached to each other.

Abstract: A shaft assembly that has a flexible shaft and a series of alternating rigid beads around the flexible shaft that ensure the shaft is kept rigid while in any position when the shaft is locked. The flexible shaft having a proximal end that is operatively coupled to the handle assembly and a distal end that operatively coupled to the gripping assembly. The shaft assembly also has a rigid element that can be placed in a first position where the rigid element supports the shaft in a manner where the shaft cannot be bent, and in a second position where the shaft can be bent. The series of alternating beads is made up of an alternating series of 2 types of beads.

Abstract: A lung volume reduction system is disclosed comprising an elongate implantable device adapted to be delivered to a lung airway of a patient in a delivery configuration and to change to a deployed configuration to compress lung tissue. The implant may be longer in axial length than an axial length of the target axial region in which it is deployed. Deployment may involve allowing an end of the implant to move relative to surrounding tissue while the implant is progressively deployed.

Abstract: A clip is provided that can be used for ligating tissue, such as vessels, other tubular ducts, and the like. The clip has opposed first and second leg members having proximal and distal ends. The proximal end of each leg member is connected by an apex. The clip has a compliant portion formed on the inner surface of at least one of the first and second leg members. The compliant portion can fill gaps left by springback of the clip after formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical clamps and clamp devices that provide a handle-free surgical field. The clamp jaws may be opened or closed by a rotationally or translationally moveable drive element that may be actuated from a position proximal or distal to the jaws. The surgical clamps may also be deployed using a clamp applier which slidably engages the clamp along a wire to releasably attach itself to the clamp.