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: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the formation of an arteriovenous fistula in the limb of the patient. Embodiments include an apparatus for the creation, modification and maintenance of a fistula, including the modification of an existing dialysis fistula; and a method of supplying oxygenated blood to the venous circulation of a patient. A kit of anastomotic implants is described which supports a broad base of patient anatomies and fistula locations. The devices, systems and methods can be used to treat patients with one or more numerous ailments including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, hypotension, respiratory failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension, lung fibrosis and adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Abstract: A fatigue-resistant inflatable gastric banding device suitable for laparoscopic placement around the stomach of a patient for the treatment of obesity and a method for such treatment are disclosed. The device includes a gastric band having a chambered inflatable member, substantially coextensive with an inner stomach facing surface of the band, that does not crease, wrinkle or fold when adjusted, so as to present a substantially smooth contour along the inner circumference, and to avoid fatigue or failure of the member itself. A gastric band having multiple inflatable compartments or chambers, which may be inflated together or individually is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an implantable fistula closure device. The device may include an expandable longitudinally segmented body including a proximal end and a distal end. The segmented body may further include a plurality of porous bodies and a connecting member operably joining together the plurality of porous bodies. The plurality of porous bodies includes a first porous body with a proximal end and a distal end and a second porous body with a proximal end and a distal end, and the connecting member operably connects the proximal end of the first porous body with the distal end of the second porous body.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a surgically implantable adjustable ring comprises a ring body, which includes a closure system having first and second end parts. The ring body is designed to be closed around a tubular organ by the closure system, constricting the tubular organ by forming a loop. The first end part is shaped like a sleeve having a first and second end portions, and is designed to receive the second end part of the ring. The sleeve is substantially perpendicular to the main direction of the first end part of the ring, and the second end part of the ring includes a locking protrusion adapted to hold the sleeve in position, securing the ring in a closed position by engaging the locking protrusion in an opening disposed on the sleeve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical implant in the form of an elongated helix wherein at least one part of the helix is preformed in such a manner that it has a secondary structure of identically sized loops which it assumes during implantation at the placement site, with said structure in turn forming at the placement site during implantation a polyhedral tertiary structure, and the polyhedron being provided with at least one additional loop.

Abstract: A modification to allow delivery of a two port medical flow restrictor over a guidewire, and a means to mechanically collapse the new device. A thin walled, foil-like shell, is compacted for delivery. The invention includes the device, delivery assemblies, and methods of placing, and using, the device. A device with an aneurysm lobe and an artery lobe self-aligns its waist at the neck of an aneurysm as the device shell is pressure expanded. Mechanical force collapses both the aneurysm lobe and the artery lobe, captivating the neck of the aneurysm and securing the device. The device works for aneurysms at bifurcations and aneurysms near side-branch arteries. The device, unlike endovascular coiling, excludes the weak neck of the aneurysm from circulation, while leaving the aneurysm relatively empty. Unlike stent-based exclusion, the device does not block perforator arteries. This exclusion device can also limit flow through body lumens or orifices.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for closing a puncture wound. In one exemplary embodiment, a puncture closure device is provided having an elongate tubular body that is disposable through a puncture in tissue and that includes proximal and distal portions. The proximal portion can be adapted to expand to form proximal wings upon rotation of the elongate tubular body, preferably in a first direction. The distal portion can be adapted to expand to form distal wings upon rotation of the elongate tubular body, preferably in a second, opposite direction. The proximal and distal portions can also be adapted to be moved toward one another as they expand upon rotation. As a result, the proximal and distal wings can engage tissue therebetween.

Abstract: An occlusion clip for permanently occluding a bodily vessel, such as the vas deferens. The occlusion clip has a first leg, a second leg, joined on their proximal ends by a spring coil. The spring coil provides a biased torsional force to the first leg and the second leg, to force them into a closed position. The first leg and the second leg have on their distal ends a vessel occlusion portion that occludes the targeted vessel when the clip is in a closed position.

Abstract: An occlusion device has a right disc made from a metal mesh having a plurality of openings, and a left disc having at least two skeletons that are covered by a membrane. Each skeleton passes through openings of the metal mesh to interlock the right and left discs, and a coil is wrapped around each opposing end segment of the skeletons. The skeletons can have a looped section where the skeleton is twisted or looped to cross or overlap itself. In addition, each skeleton can be formed from a braided strand of a plurality of wires.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of transcatheter device closure techniques for closing an opening in a tissue and more particularly, to occlusion devices for closing anatomical defects in tissue. More particularly the present invention refers to occlusion devices for closing septal abnormalities such as atrial septal defects and patent foramen ovale, and to methods of closing an anatomical defect in a tissue.

Abstract: A band forming apparatus for banding an internal body part and method of using same. The band forming apparatus is initially supplied as a relatively straight structure so that it can be, for example, inserted through a catheter or narrow incision such as when using endoscopic or robotic surgery techniques. Alternatively, the band forming apparatus may be used or inserted using conventional surgical techniques. In use, the initially straight assembly can be formed into a loop or band around an internal body part. Embodiments of the band forming apparatus include a compressible tube having first and second tube ends and an orifice in the tube wall between the first and second tube ends. A string is received in the tube, the string having a first end extending out of the first end of the tube and a second end extending out of the orifice. Alternatively the second string end may extend out of the second tube end.

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.

Abstract: Thin film metallic devices implantable within a human subject for occlusion of an aneurysm or blood vessel are provided. The devices are movable from a porous, elongated, collapsed configuration for delivery to a deployed configuration within the body. The pores telescope as the device moves to its deployed configuration, which causes the device to longitudinally foreshorten and radially expand, while also decreasing in porosity for preventing blood flow. The occlusion devices may be either self-supporting or supported by a strut structure. Additionally, the occlusion devices may comprise a plurality of layers having unaligned pore systems which further reduce porosity in the deployed configuration.

Abstract: A balloon-type gastric band that includes a balloon and a belt secured to the balloon. The balloon includes a mechanism for contrasting the balloon from surrounding tissue when placed within a patient.

Abstract: A surgical fastener comprising a clip movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and a biasing member contacting the clip and biasing the dip to its open configuration when the biasing member is actuated. The biasing member and clip both tend to assume the closed configuration when no external forces are applied to them. A needle may be releasably attached to the clip. Methods for making the fasteners are also disclosed, in which both the clip and the biasing member are set in the closed position.

Abstract: A saliva control device for controlling saliva flow from a salivary duct without damaging the salivary duct and surrounding soft oral tissue includes an elastic body, a constriction hole formed through the elastic body, and an interior wall defining the constriction hole. The interior wall is substantially smooth and the elastic body sufficiently stretchable that the constriction hole expands during placement around a salivary duct and the wall constricts around the salivary duct to prevent flow of saliva without substantially cutting off blood flow to and damaging the salivary duct and soft oral tissue surrounding the salivary duct.

Abstract: This invention includes a clip having arms which grip living tissue, a press tube serving as a clamping member which is fitted and mounted on the clip to close the arms of the clip, a coupling member which can be inserted into the press tube and engages with the clip, and projections serving as lock portions which hold the arms of the clip in a closed state when the clip engages with the press tube.

Abstract: A surgical implant includes an inflatable element that is inflatable responsive to fluid pressure; a tank for fluid under pressure in communication with the inflatable element to regulate the pressure of the element; a manually controlled pump in communication firstly with the inflatable element via a one-way check valve, and secondly with the tank via a one-way check valve; and a control unit incorporating the tank and the manual pump. The control unit presents a through opening for the fluid, the opening being in communication firstly on the inside of the control unit with the tank and the manual pump, and secondly on the outside of the control unit solely with the inflatable elements via a catheter mounted between the inflatable element and the control unit. The tank is formed by a leaktight chamber of fluid under pressure defined by a movable piston elastically biased by a spring.

Abstract: A device (10) for occlusion of a skin tag (1) projecting from a skin area including a base member (11) having an upper side (12), an underside (13), and an aperture (14) for enclosing the skin tag, a first pressure member (16) connected to the base member at one end (16a) of the first pressure member, a first occlusion member (17) connected to an other end (16b) of the first pressure member for applying an occlusion force to the enclosed skin tag, a second pressure member connected to the base member at one end of the second pressure member, a second occlusion member connected to an other end of the second pressure member for applying an occlusion force to the enclosed skin tag, and a gap (18) between the first and second occlusion members configured to apply an occlusion force sufficient to occlude blood flow to the skin tag, and a method of using the device are disclosed.

Abstract: A device for restricting a cross-sectional area of a cavity formed by a stomach wall includes a band defining a cylindrical wall and a plurality of retaining members formed within the wall. Each retaining member is movable between a retracted position substantially coplanar with an outer surface of the wall and an extended position extending radially outwardly from the wall to facilitate coupling the device to the stomach wall.

Abstract: A method of treating a vein comprises accessing a vein at an access point spaced from a sapheno-femoral junction. A bioabsorbable fibrous body is implanted into the vein through the access point. The body is moved in the vein toward the sapheno-femoral junction.

Abstract: Methods and systems for closing an opening or defect in tissue, closing a lumen or tubular structure, cinching or remodeling a cavity or repairing a valve preferably utilizing a purse string or elastic device. The preferred devices and methods are directed toward catheter-based percutaneous, transvascular techniques used to facilitate placement of the devices within lumens, such as blood vessels, or on or within the heart to perform structural defect repair, such as valvular or ventricular remodeling. In some methods, the catheter is positioned within the right ventricle, wherein the myocardial wall or left ventricle may be accessed through the septal wall to position a device configured to permit reshaping of the ventricle. The device may include a line or a plurality of anchors interconnected by a line. In one arrangement, the line is a coiled member.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems are provided for occluding an opening within the tissue of a body, such as a left atrial appendage. In one embodiment, a delivery system for use in occluding an opening in the tissue of a body includes an actuation assembly operatively coupled to a medical device including an anchor portion and an occluder portion. The actuation assembly is configured to move the anchor portion between a deployed state and retracted state while the occluder portion maintains a deployed state. With this arrangement, the deployed occluder portion can be visualized via imaging at a preferred position prior to deploying the anchor portion of the medical device.

Abstract: A system for regulating the functioning of an organ or duct generally includes an implantable band structured to at least partially circumscribe an organ or duct and an actuating mechanism operable to effect constriction of the band. The system further includes a plurality of incompressible cushion segments defining a substantially star-shaped inner circumference of the band, the star-shape effective to prevent pinching and necrosis of tissue during adjustment.

Abstract: A self-regulating gastric band apparatus for adjusting stoma size. The apparatus includes an adjustable gastric band that has an inner ring expanding with injected fluid. A band adjustment assembly is provided for implanting with the gastric band that includes a sensor for sensing fluid pressure in the inner ring. The band adjustment assembly further includes a pump assembly connected to the expandable inner ring and to a controller that can operate the pump assembly to adjust the volume of the fluid in the band based on the sensed fluid pressure. The band adjustment assembly includes memory storing an operating range relative to a target fluid pressure, and the pump assembly is operated to maintain the sensed band pressure within the operating range. The target pressure being set to maintain pressure variations below a predefined variation limit generally corresponding with satiated fill volumes for a particular patient and implanted band.

Abstract: A shaft for use with a clamp device, includes a cable which extends through a bore of the shaft; and a plurality of alternating first beads and second beads defining the shaft, each of the first and second beads having an inner opening defining the bore of the shaft, and having a surface, wherein each of the second beads has a larger inner diameter of the inner opening than each of the first beads, each of the second beads is supported on the surface of two adjacent first beads at a line of contact, and the surface of each of the second beads has a convex shape at the line of contact, wherein the first beads and the second beads have a three-dimensional convex torus configuration.

Abstract: A vascular occlusion device for occluding a body cavity. The device includes an elongate member having an inflation lumen, an occlusion lumen, and a first portion extending distally from a proximal end and a second portion extending distally from the first portion to the distal end. An inflatable proximal balloon is disposed about the first portion and an inflatable distal balloon is disposed about the second portion. The inflation lumen is configured to inflate at least one of the balloons. The occlusion lumen is configured to introduce an occlusive material into the body cavity by way of an occlusion port located between the two balloons to occlude the body cavity. In some examples, the body cavity includes a patent foramen ovale.

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 compression ring to grip and compress body structure such as diverticulum, hemorrhoids, and tissue adjacent a hole. A resilient ring-shaped body defines a compression channel, and an elongated axially rigid gripping member extends diametrically across the through-opening. The gripping member can rest on a flange on the opposite side of the through-opening or engage with a second gripping member that extends diametrically across the through-opening from the opposite side of the ring. Or, a flexible cage structure can be disposed in the through-opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a hollow anatomical structure comprises an implant sized for insertion into a hollow anatomical structure. The implant comprises a plurality of loose, bulked fibers. The fibers are formed from one or more bioabsorbable materials.

Abstract: A device for clamping a tissue, the device having a clamp (100) with at least one magnetic portion. In at least one embodiment, the clamp (100) has two oppositely polarized magnets (102, 104) and a mounting structure (106) for the magnets. In some other embodiments, a clamp has an electromagnetic collar (500) and a power source (300) to provide power to the collar (500) via an electrical connector (302). In at least some embodiments, the clamps (100) may also be electromagnetic.

Abstract: A method and device for facilitating the anastomotic healing of a patient after a radical prostatectomy surgical procedure, without a urethral catheter, comprising the steps of performing a radical prostatectomy, fixedly positioning a splinting element between the urethra and the bladder, across the urethral opening, placing the splinting element during the performing of the radical prostatectomy and prior to surgical closure. The fixed positioning is effected from a position within the bladder with anchoring the splinting element in position relative to the interior of the bladder, setting a separate urine drainage tube, and removing the splinting element, after anastomotic healing, with a retrieval element on the splinting element or with dissolving of the splinting element.

Abstract: Methods and devices for partitioning or plicating a region of a hollow body organ are described herein. These methods and devices relate generally to medical apparatus and methods and more particularly to devices and methods for affecting a change in the function of a hollow body organ, particularly a stomach, intestine or gastrointestinal tract. These changes can include reducing the volume capacity of the hollow body organ, disrupting or altering the normal function of the organ, functionally excluding certain sections of the organ either by affixing adjacent tissue or excising certain regions, or affecting or correcting the response of the organ to naturally occurring stimuli, such as ingestion.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system includes a master manipulator, slave robotic units having a surgical instrument for performing a Minimal Invasive Surgery (MIS), and a control system for electrically associating the master manipulator with the slave robotic units. The slave robotic unit includes the driving mechanisms which are more compact than those of the conventional MIS system. In use, the existing surgical instruments used in the conventional MIS procedure can be applied to the slave robotic unit. Moreover, by using the pivotal mechanism of the driving mechanisms, a pivot point of the surgical instrument is allowed to be shifted with respect to an incision of a patient. So, the patient's tissues surrounding the surgical instrument are not excessively affected by the surgical instrument during the procedure.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for providing direction to surgical tools. In one embodiment, a surgical device can include a cannulated elongate shaft with a cannulated curved distal tip. The device can be configured to be introduced into a body of a patient, and one portion of the device can be configured to be positioned on a proximal side of a tissue wall and a distal-most portion of the device including at least a portion of the curved distal tip can be configured to be positioned on the other, distal side of the tissue wall. A surgical tool can be configured to be advanced through the device to pass the surgical tool through the tissue wall with the curved distal tip providing direction for the surgical tool.

Abstract: A method for treatment of COPD, hypertension, and left ventricular hypertrophy, and chronic hypoxia including creation of an artificial arterio-venous fistula and installation of a flow mediating device proximate the fistula. The flow mediating device is operated to limit flow as medically indicated to provide the optimum amount of bypass flow.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an implantable fistula closure device. The device may include an expandable longitudinally segmented body including a proximal end and a distal end. The segmented body may further include a plurality of porous bodies and a connecting member operably joining together the plurality of porous bodies. The plurality of porous bodies includes a first porous body with a proximal end and a distal end and a second porous body with a proximal end and a distal end, and the connecting member operably connects the proximal end of the first porous body with the distal end of the second porous body.

Abstract: An umbilical cord clamping and cutting device assembled within opposing shields for minimizing the spray of blood during severing of the umbilical cord.

Abstract: A method for occluding a vessel includes exposing a vessel and wrapping a cellulose tube suture around the vessel. The cellulose tube includes first and second opposed ends. The first opposed end is fixed to the second opposed end, and the cellulose tube extends around the vessel. The method further includes inflaming the vessel adjacent to the cellulose tube, inflammation of the vessel gradually occluding the vessel.

Abstract: A method for occluding an anatomical structure (such as a vessel or duct) having a lumen comprises: introducing percutaneously into the body of the patient a delivery device; advancing the delivery device through an extraluminal space within the patient's body to an occlusion site outside the lumen of an anatomical structure; deploying a pair of longitudinally-extending clamping jaws from the delivery device; and occluding the anatomical structure with the clamping jaws. The advance of the delivery device and the deployment of the clamping jaws is guided by near-real-time imaging of a target region of a body of a patient, the target region including the occlusion site on the anatomical structure. The delivery device is guided to the occlusion site outside the lumen of the anatomical structure, and the structure is occluded with the deployed clamping jaws engaging the exterior of the structure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an implantable fistula closure device. The device may include an expandable longitudinally segmented body including a proximal end and a distal end. The segmented body may further include a plurality of porous bodies and a connecting member operably joining together the plurality of porous bodies. The plurality of porous bodies includes a first porous body with a proximal end and a distal end and a second porous body with a proximal end and a distal end, and the connecting member operably connects the proximal end of the first porous body with the distal end of the second porous body.

Abstract: An aneurysm clip has a biological membrane and a metal clip. The membrane is harvested from an animal, crosslinked, and then has its antigens minimized. The membrane also has an active layer coupled thereto. The metal clip has a first clip bar and a second clip bar that are attached to each in a biased manner, a first clip arm that extends perpendicularly from the second clip bar, and a second clip arm that extends perpendicularly from the first clip bar. A first end of the biological membrane is coupled to the first clip arm, and a second end of the biological membrane is coupled to the second clip arm in a manner that defines a receiving portion.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for closing a puncture wound. In one exemplary embodiment, a puncture closure device is provided having an elongate tubular body that is disposable through a puncture in tissue and that includes proximal and distal portions. The proximal portion can be adapted to expand to form proximal wings upon rotation of the elongate tubular body, preferably in a first direction. The distal portion can be adapted to expand to form distal wings upon rotation of the elongate tubular body, preferably in a second, opposite direction. The proximal and distal portions can also be adapted to be moved toward one another as they expand upon rotation. As a result, the proximal and distal wings can engage tissue therebetween.

Abstract: Devices and methods for achieving hemostasis and leakage control in hollow body vessels such as the small and large intestines, arteries, and veins as well as ducts leading to the gall bladder and other organs. The devices and methods disclosed are especially useful in the emergency, trauma surgery or military setting, and most especially during damage control procedures. In such cases, the patient may have received trauma to the abdomen, extremities, neck or thoracic region. The devices utilize removable or permanently implanted, broad, soft, parallel jaw clips with minimal projections to maintain vessel contents without damage to the tissue comprising the vessel. These clips are applied using either standard instruments or custom devices that are subsequently removed leaving the clips implanted, on a temporary or permanent basis, to provide for hemostasis or leakage prevention, or both. These clips overcome the limitations of clips and sutures that are currently used for the same purposes.

Abstract: A gastric band includes a belt and a balloon secured to the belt. The balloon and belt are shaped and dimensioned to circumscribe the stomach at a predetermined location. The balloon includes a longitudinally extending body having a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end respectively including mating profiles which align to create generally continuous surfaces along an outer surface of the gastric band and an inner surface of the gastric band as the outer surface and the inner surface transition between the first and second ends of the balloon.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an implantable fistula closure device. The device may include an expandable longitudinally segmented body including a proximal end and a distal end. The segmented body may further include a plurality of porous bodies and a connecting member operably joining together the plurality of porous bodies. The plurality of porous bodies includes a first porous body with a proximal end and a distal end and a second porous body with a proximal end and a distal end, and the connecting member operably connects the proximal end of the first porous body with the distal end of the second porous body.

Abstract: This is a medical device for forming an embolism within the vasculature of a patient. More particularly, it concerns an occlusion device comprising an inner core covered with a polymer. The medical device encourages cellular attachment and growth while maintaining favorable handling, deployment and visualization characteristics.

Abstract: The instant disclosure is directed to devices and methods for deploying a biased occlusion clamp. In addition, the present disclosure includes devices and methods for deploying a biased occlusion clamp using robotics. Moreover, the present disclosure includes devices and methods for reducing the force necessary to open an occlusion clamp without permanently compromising the clamping force of the clamp itself.

Abstract: A device, system and method for providing tissue and organ restriction. Embodiments of an implantable magnetic device are described with respect to restricting gastric capacity while avoiding nutritional deficiencies and other complications. Further, a delivery device is described for facilitating the delivery of the magnetic device to a targeted site. Additionally, methods are described for delivering the magnetic devices to a stomach.