Abstract: Intragastric implant devices for obesity treatment are disclosed. The device is passive and does not autonomously change shape, but instead reacts to movement of the stomach to induce satiety. The device includes a series of connected, articulated clips that plicate the stomach wall nondestructively (no puncturing through the gastric wall) such that the overall volume of the stomach is reduced. Cam-shaped clamping surfaces prevent slippage of the stomach tissue from within the clips. Methods of implant are disclosed including delivering the device through a transoral delivery tube and advancing the device through the esophagus to be deployed within the stomach. Removal of the device occurs in the reverse.

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: 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: Implantable devices for providing tissue and/or organ restriction. Embodiments of an implantable magnetic device are described with respect to restricting gastric capacity while avoiding nutritional deficiencies and other complications. In at least one embodiment, the device comprises first and second bars that are biased to magnetically attract each other and engage a portion of tissue therebetween. In at least one embodiment, the device may comprise at least one strap and one or more pins, the pins configured to provide an amount of space between the first and second bars so that the tissue disposed therebetween is not overly compressed.

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 clip includes a pair of opposed arms joined at one end by an integrally formed flexible hinge. The hinge is configured to be cut in the event removal of the clip is desired. Accordingly, the hinge has a reduced thickness and/or width and is configured to maintain cutting space between the hinge and the clamping surfaces of the opposed arms. Each arm has a free end. One arm includes a male locking pin near the free end. The opposite arm includes a female aperture near the free end. The male locking pin is configured to penetrate tissue in the path of the male locking pin when the male locking pin is urged towards the female aperture. The clip may be comprised of a biocompatible metal or plastic or a bioabsorbable plastic. Each of the pair of arms includes a clamping side. The clamping side of one arm includes a wedge-shaped feature. The clamping side of the second arm includes a V-shaped trough that conforms to the shape of the wedge shaped feature.

Abstract: Embolic implants, delivery systems and methods of manufacture and delivery are disclosed. The devices can be used for aneurysm treatment and/or parent vessel occlusion. Implant designs offer low profile compressibility for delivery to neurovasculature, while maintaining other necessary features such as density for occlusion purposes and desirable radial strength characteristics.

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: The present invention relates generally to medical devices and methods for sealing and closing passages formed through tissue. More specifically, the present invention relates to devices for sealing or closing an opening formed through biological tissue comprising a distal or outside margin or surface, and a proximal or inside margin or surface (i.e., a wall thickness), and to apparatuses and methods for delivering such devices, to control (or prevent or stop) bleeding (or the flow of other biological fluid or tissue). The openings comprise percutaneously formed punctures, incisions, or other openings formed through biological tissue, such as in blood vessels, organs, and the like.

Abstract: A blood vessel clip applicator includes two twist pins at one end, between which a blood vessel is placed before occlusion. A magazine in the blood vessel clip applicator holds a plurality of blood vessel clips and can be rotated independently from a grip assembly, whereby the twist pins can be rotated to compress a blood vessel held between them. The blood vessel clip is placed on the blood vessel after it has been flattened. The blood vessel clip includes spring quality material, and has a head connected to a first leg and a second leg. The magazine has a constricted region adjacent to an exit aperture. As the head enters the constricted region, the compressive force exerted on the head by the constricted region opens the blood vessel clip to an open position.

Abstract: Release mechanism for medical device includes a bushing having a proximal end, a distal end and a channel extending therethrough. Plurality of extend proximally from the distal end are biased toward a release configuration in which engagement surfaces at distal ends thereof retract radially into the channel. A core pin insertable through the channel applies a radially expansive pressure to move the arms radially outward to a locking configuration. Engagement surfaces of the first and second arms connect to a retaining surface of a tissue treatment device containing capsule, which extends at an angle relative to the engagement surfaces selected so that a first portion of a force transmitted along an axis of the bushing moves the arms radially inward toward the release configuration before a second portion of the force exceeds a threshold level associated with the removal of a tissue treatment device from gripped tissue.

Abstract: A device and method for ligating diseased tissue. The device includes a flexible, substantially tubular sleeve adapted to be positioned around tissue to be ligated and having first and second ends, and at least one anchoring member coupled to the tubular sleeve having an anchoring element positioned substantially adjacent to the first end. The anchoring member has at least one projecting element extending therefrom and adapted to engage healthy tissue when the ligation device is positioned around the tissue to be ligated. The device further includes an elastic element positioned around the periphery of the sleeve and adapted to apply a constrictive force around the periphery of the sleeve.

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 to an occlusion site outside the lumen of an anatomical structure; deploying an occlusion instrument from the delivery device; and occluding the anatomical structure with the occlusion instrument. The advance of the delivery device and the deployment of the occlusion instrument are 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 occlusion instrument engaging the exterior of the structure.

Abstract: A medical device is provided which forms a physical barrier between the two ends of a cut vas during a vasectomy procedure, comprising a biodegradable, polymeric cap that is applied over at least one prostatic end of the vas, the cap including a fastener for preventing premature dislodgement.

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: The invention relates to a device for removal of bothersome acrochordons or skin tags from the skin. The device has an adhesive surface which allows manipulation and locking of the skin tag in such a way that acrochordon ectomic strangulation can occur without anesthetic or risk for bleeding or infections. The device includes three parts with one or several surfaces, the edges of which can be pivoted, folded, rotated or bent in relation to each other, whereby a more or less elastic strangulation of the skin tag causes an occlusion of the blood flow. The skin tag is simultaneously sealed to the skin surface and concealed by the device which makes the painless ectomic process cosmetically acceptable.

Abstract: An implantable device for restricting a cross-sectional area of a cavity formed by a stomach wall includes a member. The member has a first end connected with respect to a first portion of the stomach wall and an opposing second end connected with respect to a second portion of the stomach wall. The member has shape memory properties and is adapted to move the first end towards the second end.

Abstract: A novel bridge clip tissue connector includes two clips separated by a bridge portion. The clips allow for the connecting of tissue at two positions that are maintained by the bridge portion. The connector can be used for performing a wide variety of surgical procedures, including anastomosis and a horizontal mattress suture-like connection.

Abstract: An implantable system having internal circuitry configured to withstand a pre-determined amount of sterilization radiation is provided. In general, the system includes an internal control module in electrical communication with an implantable medical device. The internal control module can include a circuit board configured to withstand radiation and/or any number of integrated circuits (e.g., application specific integrated circuits) wherein the circuits or at least some portion thereof are fabricated so as to withstand some amount of radiation. For example, some portion of the circuitry can be fabricated utilizing radiation compliant material(s), silicon-on-insulator technology, and/or gallium arsenide technology. Additionally, the circuitry can include various components which are inherently resistant to such radiation (e.g., components fabricated utilizing magnetic field based technology, surface acoustical wave devices, etc.).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for occluding an anatomical structure including an occlusion apparatus having first and second beams and at least one connector for connecting the respective ends of the beams together. The occlusion apparatus may be adapted for use in a deployment device having a pair of jaws and optionally having a respective pair of shuttle bodies for releasably connecting an occlusion apparatus to the jaws while in an open position and for releasing the occlusion device from the jaws while in a closed position. A system for occluding an anatomical structure is also disclosed that includes an occlusion apparatus and a deployment device for holding the occlusion apparatus in an open position for locating the occlusion device adjacent the anatomical structure to be occluded and then moving the occlusion apparatus to a closed position and locking the occlusion apparatus in the closed position.

Abstract: Provided is alloy for medical use and a medical device that is novel and useful. The alloy for medical use according to, for example, an embodiment of the present invention is mainly composed of three kinds of elements of gold (Au), platinum (Pt), and niobium (Nb). A total content of the three kinds of elements can be no smaller than 99% by weight, in which a platinum content can be no smaller than 5% by weight and no greater than 50% by weight and a niobium content can be no smaller than 3% by weight and no greater than 15% by weight. By adjusting the content ratio of the three elements, for example, it is possible to reduce or prevent artifacts in an MRI. Non-magnetization is also possible.

Abstract: A surgical clip comprises an upper jaw (12) and a lower jaw 14), a section lining, and includes a complex shape for the upper jaw (12) comprising a first generally straight section (120) and a second shallow curved section (122) thereby enabling the clip to be inserted down a narrow magazine tube and to be able to be operable into a wide capture opening to capture larger vessels and then closed into a latched position on application of force the relatively straight section (120) and then to the shallow curved section (122).

Abstract: A motorized gastric ring or “AGM” including a motor acting on a diameter of the ring and actuated by induction toward an integrated receiving antenna from at least one outer transmitting antenna, wherein the ring includes at least one receiving antenna, the at least one antenna being disoriented relative to a plane extending through the gastric ring, and integrated electronics adapted to substantially optimally use energy received.

Abstract: A surgical clamp includes opposing jaws and a covering enhancing traction between the jaws and a body conduit. A multiplicity of fibers oriented to extend longitudinally between the clamp and conduit may be composed of filaments and either woven or non-woven to form a fabric. A variety of weaves are contemplated to provide different textures, each having its own traction characteristics. The nature of the weave can control characteristics such as smoothness, absorption, and texture. The fibers or filaments may be formed from any solid or semi-solid material, adding its own characteristics to the resulting fabric insert or clamp.

Abstract: Everting filter devices and methods for using the devices, including using the devices as intra-vascular filters to filter thrombus, emboli, and plaque fragments from blood vessels. The filter devices include a filter body nominally tubular in shape and having a large proximal opening. The filter body can extend from a proximal first end region distally over the non-everted exterior surface of the filter, further extending distally to a distal-most region, then converging inwardly and extending proximally toward the filter second end region, forming a distal everted cavity. The degree of eversion of the filter can be controlled by varying the distance between the filter first end region near the proximal opening and the closed second end region. Bringing the filter first and second end regions closer together can bring filter material previously on the non-everted filter exterior to occupy the distal-most region.

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-acrylamide-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: Natural orifice transenteric surgical methods and devices for placing a band or other appliance around a hollow bodily organ such as the stomach. In one alternative embodiment, such a band is placed in order to reduce the inner volume of the stomach.

Abstract: A weasand-ligating clip (10) made as a one-piece molding, the clip comprising two portions (11) hinged together at one end by a film hinge (13), and including a closure system (15, 16) at the other end, the portions (11) having teeth that clamp against the weasand when the clip is closed, the clip being characterized by the fact that a major longitudinal dimension (L) of the clip measured from the film hinge to the closure system is less than 45 mm, or indeed less than 42 mm, and better less than 40 mm.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a restriction and sensing an associated operational parameter, comprises a restriction device and a sensing device. The restriction device is configured to be secured around a portion of an anatomical structure. The restriction device is operable to form a restriction within the anatomical structure. The sensing device is configured to sense a parameter associated with operation of the restriction device. At least a portion of the sensing device is configured to be positioned adjacent to tissue of the anatomical structure. The restriction device may comprise a gastric band, among other things. The sensing device may comprise a pressure sensor, among other things.

Abstract: A hemostatic clip assembly for mounting on a delivery device comprises a capsule and a clip slidably mounted within the capsule so that, when the clip is drawn proximally into the capsule, arms of the clip are drawn together to a closed position, an abutting surface of at least one of the arms contacting a corresponding surface of the capsule when the clip is drawn to a predetermined position within the capsule to provide a first user feedback indicating closure of the clip in combination with a tension member connected to the clip arms and biasing the clip arms toward an open, tissue receiving configuration and a yoke slidably received within the capsule and releasably coupled to the tension member, the yoke including a ball cavity for receiving a ball connector of a control element of the delivery device to maintain the clip assembly coupled to the delivery device, wherein the control element is frangible to detach the yoke from the delivery device and to provide a second user feedback and, wherein release

Abstract: An apparatus for deployment of multiple hemostatic clips, includes a shaft connected to a handle and a control linkage operatively connected to the handle in combination with a magazine disposed at a distal end of the shaft, the magazine containing a plurality of clips arranged in a chain rotatable within the magazine, wherein a proximal-most one of the clips is coupled to the control linkage, a distal portion of the magazine being contoured to permit opening of a distal-most one of the clips during a distal stroke of the control linkage, and to assist closing and locking of the distal-most clip during a proximal stroke of the control linkage, the magazine including an expanded chamber sized to allow opening in any rotational orientation of a next clip located immediately proximal to the distal-most clip to a degree sufficient to disengage the distal-most clip.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to devices, systems and methods for use with cardiac defects. A closure device includes an elongate body with a first actuator segment and a second actuator segment associated with the elongate body that can be bent into a first predetermined position and then to a second predetermined position where the distal end and the proximal end are more closely positioned than when in the first predetermined position.

Abstract: A device for closing at least one opening leading to an anatomical cavity is delivered via a catheter positioned in a first opening leading to the anatomical cavity. An orientation control unit is positioned within the anatomical cavity. The orientation control unit defines an orientation of a portion of a tissue surface within the anatomical cavity that is skewed with respect to the first opening and orients a closure member of the device with the tissue surface. An occluding member and a constricting unit of the device are positioned within the anatomical cavity with the occluding member blocking a portion of an opening that is constricted by the constricting unit. An intermediate member of the device is positioned within the anatomical cavity and a closure unit employing at least one piercing element pierces through the intermediate member into a tissue wall surrounding the anatomical cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical implant made of a metallic material. After fulfilling its temporary support function, the implant is degraded by corrosion at a predetermined rate. Negative long-term effects are thus avoided.

Abstract: A clipping instrument for an endoscope is provided. The clipping instrument includes a flexible sheath, an operation wire, at least one detachable clip assembly, including a pair of openable and closable clipping arms and a fastening ring, the clipping arms being configured to be projected forward to open and to be closed according to forwarding and retracting movements of the fastening ring through the operation wire, a withdrawal stopper and an advancement stopper, which are provided in the vicinity of the distal end portion of the flexible sheath. The withdrawal stopper restricts the fastening ring from being retracted rearward into the withdrawal stopper once the fastening ring is forwarded to penetrate through the withdrawal stopper. The advancement stopper restricts the fastening ring from being forwarded further to penetrate out of the advancement stopper once the fastening ring is forwarded to penetrate through the withdrawal stopper.

Abstract: Microsurgery clamp, particularly a microincision capsulorhexis clamp, having a proximal handling portion or handle including two branches or arms interconnected at one of the ends thereof, so as to be suitable for being approached or separated elastically, and a distal clamping portion having two narrow and thin clamping blades connected to the distal ends of the handling branches and oriented laterally relative thereto. The distal end of each of the clamping blades being curved in a direction opposite to that of the handle, so as to form a clamping tip. The clamping blades are oriented in a direction or plane corresponding to the approaching or separation directions of the handling branches. The clamping blades are arranged above each other, relative to a vertical position of said handle, so that the approaching or separation movement of said handling branches results in the approaching or separation movement of said clamping tips, respectively.

Abstract: A medical method includes sliding two substantially straight unconnected arms over a fold of body tissue such that a first arm contacts a first portion of the fold and a second arm contacts a second portion. Then, each arm is bent completely through the fold such that both of the arms compress the portions of the fold into contact with each other. Another method includes releasably coupling first and second substantially linear arms to a bridge, each of the arms having a substantially straight sliding portion and a bendable piercing portion. The arms are slid over opposing sides of two body tissue layers, the first arm sliding over the first layer and the second over the second layer. While the sliding portions of the arms remain substantially straight, each piercing portion is bent completely through the adjacent layer and halfway through the other layer to compress the two layers together.

Abstract: A system and method for occluding an aneurysm formed in a dilatation area of a body vessel are disclosed. The system comprises a wire guide, a core wire, and an occlusion device. The wire guide comprises a proximal end and a distal end, and has a passageway that extends from the proximal end to the distal end. The core wire comprises a distal end and a proximal end, and is disposed through the passageway so that the proximal end of the core wire proximally extends beyond the proximal end of the wire guide. The occlusion device comprises a distal end and a proximal end, and has a deployed state and an undeployed state. The occlusion device has a pre-set spiraled coil shape when in the deployed state in the vessel. The occlusion device is disposed distally from the core wire in the passageway.

Abstract: Implants for placement in the fallopian tube are provided that comprise radiopaque material. Implants include an inner core of silicone, a radiopaque material, an outer porous portion surrounding the inner core, and, optionally, a sound-reflecting air pocket. The implant may be detected in a fluoroscopic image and/or via ultrasound after placement of the implant in the fallopian tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tissue clamp, a tool for grasping the clamp and a method of using the clamp for surgical procedures. The clamp has a fixture or fixtures positioned on the proximal end of the arms of the clamp so that a tool can be used by the surgeon to securely grasp the clamp during placement thereof on the vasculature or other tissue of the patient. The fixture can have a plurality of channels so that the user can select the angular orientation of the tool relative to the damp.

Abstract: A medical device for clamping the stomach in morbid obesity surgery consists of a silicone frame that is essentially U-shaped, having opposing legs self-hinged to a bight portion interconnecting the legs. The opposing legs have sufficient stiffness to permit limited bending and have inner surfaces that sealingly carry an inflatable balloon which can be selectively inflated or aspirated after the device has been clamped to the stomach to adjust the gastric restriction stoma. A flexible latch member carried by one of the legs has at least one serration which is inserted into a latch cavity of the opposing leg to lock the opposing legs in fixed spaced relationship. Lumens within the legs communicate with a fluid supply source and respective inflatable balloon for selective inflation or aspiration of the inflatable balloons. The medical device for clamping the stomach may be self-adjusting upon distention and contraction of the proximal stomach.

Abstract: A self-adjusting gastric band is automatically adjustable without complicated fluid control mechanisms, flow rate limiting devices, and/or valves. The self-adjusting gastric band may automatically adjust to allow a large bolus of food to pass through a constriction in the patient's stomach formed by the gastric band. The self-adjusting gastric band comprises an inflatable portion that is disposable about an esophageal-gastric junction of the patient. A first compliant portion is coupled to the inflatable portion. The first compliant portion automatically relaxes the constriction formed by the self-adjusting gastric band and allows the large bolus to pass through the constriction. After the bolus passes through the constriction, the self-adjusting gastric band automatically returns to its previous state.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for regulating a hydraulic restriction system. In general, the methods and devices can allow for non-invasive pressure control using a flow control mechanism. The flow control mechanism can be disposed between an implantable restriction device and a fluid source and include an adjustable, variably-sized fluid communication member in fluid communication with the restriction device and the fluid source. The geometry of the fluid communication member can control a rate of fluid flow between the restriction device and the fluid source, thereby also regulating a rate at which a pressure of fluid within the restriction device changes. Alternatively, the fluid flow control mechanism can include a biasing mechanism that can control the rate of fluid flow between the restriction device and the fluid source.

Abstract: Natural orifice transenteric surgical methods and devices for placing a semi-circumferential appliance around a hollow bodily organ such as the stomach. In one alternative embodiment, such an appliance is placed in order to reduce the inner volume of the stomach.

Abstract: A ligating apparatus includes a clip, a clip connecting member, a clip holding member, an operating wire, an inner sheath member, an outer sheath member and first and second movement restricting portions. The clip ligates a body tissue with arm portions. The clip connecting member connects to a clip base portion. The clip connecting member is inserted through the clip holding member. The operating wire connects to the clip connecting member. The inner sheath member encloses the operating wire to support the clip holding member. The outer sheath member covers an outer periphery of the inner sheath member and freely advances and retreats. The outer sheath member advances and/or retreats to change the degree of opening of the arm portions. The first movement restricting portion restricts the inward movement of the clip holding member. The second movement restricting portion restricts the outward movement of the clip holding member.

Abstract: A device for clipping tissue comprises a clip including first and second arms coupled to one another and biased toward an open configuration in which distal ends of the first and second arms are separated from one another and a core member including a proximal portion and a distal portion connected to one another via a frangible link configured to break when subjected to a predetermined tension, the distal end of the core member being directly coupled to the first arm in combination with a capsule slidably housing the distal end of the core member and a proximal portion of the clip, the capsule being dimensioned so that, when the clip is drawn proximally thereinto, contact between the arms and the capsule move the arms toward one another into a closed, tissue-gripping configuration, the core member and the capsule being longitudinally movable relative to one another to move the clip between and a closed tissue-gripping configuration and the open configuration.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a surgical ring, configured to be implanted around a biological organ having a pouch or a duct shape. A surgical ring according to the present invention forms a closed loop around the organ, altering its diameter. Variations in ring diameter are reversibly controlled by a system that, in one embodiment, includes a flexible filiform element slidably disposed within the body of the ring and coupled to a first extremity of the ring and also to an actuator disposed near a second extremity of the ring.

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 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: A device for supporting a tissue, the device has a shaft having a longitudinal axis and at least two atraumatic clamps coupled to the shaft. Each atraumatic clamp may have at least two oppositely polarized magnets. An atraumatic clamp may also have a mounting structure for the magnets. In at least one embodiment, the atraumatic clamps are mounted along the shaft so that when the shaft is positioned relative to a tissue having a length, the clamps may clamp the tissue so that the length of tissue positioned between the clamps is maintained substantially constant.