Abstract: A surgical access system is disclosed. The surgical access system having a cannula may include a distal tip having one or more longitudinal channels distributed around a circumference of the distal tip, and one or more circumferential channels around the distal tip. The surgical access system also includes an obturator coaxially insertable within the cannula which may include a distal tip and a retractable cutting element having an actuator. The surgical access system also includes an articulation interface. The surgical access system may also include a distal tip of the cannula that may further include one or more bridges distributed circumferentially along the one or more circumferential channels of the distal tip. The obturator further may include an elongated tube and a slidable plunger element configured to control fluid flow inside the elongated tube of the obturator.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an access instrument for creating a surgical working portal includes a body having a first end and a body length, a first slot having a first slot length running along the length of the body from the first end, and a second slot having a second slot length running along the length of the body from the first end, wherein the first slot length and the second slot length are less than the body length.

Abstract: A system for performing angioplasty and a method of utilizing same are provided. The system includes a balloon mounted on a catheter shaft and an expandable constraining structure mounted over the balloon. The expandable constraining structure includes a plurality of axial struts crossing a plurality of radially-expandable rings being for constraining said balloon such that isolated balloon regions protrude through openings in said constraining structure when the balloon is inflated.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of acid reflux disease has an implantable movement restriction device adapted to be at least partly invaginated by a patient's stomach fundus wall. A substantial part of the outer surface of the movement restriction device is adapted to rest against the stomach wall without injuring the latter in a position between the patient's diaphragm and at least a portion of the lower part of the invaginated stomach fundus wall, such that movement of the cardiac notch of the patient's stomach towards the patient's diaphragm is restricted, to thereby prevent the cardia from sliding through the patient's diaphragm opening into the patient's thorax, so as to maintain the supporting pressure against the patient's cardia sphincter muscle exerted from the patient's abdomen. The movement restriction device has a size of at least 125 mm3 and a circumference of at least 15 mm.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of producing high purity pentagalloyl glucose (PGG), analogues or derivatives thereof, at least 99.9% pure, by washing with dimethyl ether. The PGG may be provided in a kit, including a hydrolyzer for dissolving the PGG and a saline solution. Also disclosed herein is a device for delivery of a therapeutic solution to a blood vessel. The device may be a catheter having an upstream balloon and a downstream balloon. The upstream balloon may be expanded to anchor the catheter and occlude antegrade blood flow. The downstream balloon may be expanded to occlude retrograde blood flow, creating a sealed volume within the blood vessel. The downstream balloon may have pores configured to deliver the therapeutic solution into the sealed volume or a portion of the sealed volume The downstream balloon may be expanded by an expansion of a balloon disposed inside the downstream balloon.

Abstract: A cutting grasper for valve leaflet laceration is described. The cutting grasper extends from a distal end of a flexible shaft so that the flexible shaft is configured to advance the cutting grasper through a vascular system of a patient. The cutting grasper includes a base member having a proximal end that is attached to the distal end of the flexible shaft. The cutting grasper also includes an actuating member. A proximal end of the actuating member is rotatably attached to the distal end of the base member forming a hinge of the cutting grasper. The actuating member is configured to rotate relative to the base member about the hinge between open and closed positions. The cutting grasper is configured to grasp a target leaflet in the open position, close into the closed position with the target leaflet disposed between the base and actuating members, and divide the target leaflet.

Abstract: A method of implanting a prosthetic heart valve includes advancing a delivery catheter toward a native heart valve, wherein the delivery catheter has a distal capsule containing a prosthetic valve in a compressed state. The prosthetic valve includes a self-expandable interior stent and a self-expandable exterior wire mesh surrounding the interior stent. The exterior wire mesh preferably has a lower radial strength than the interior stent for conforming to a surrounding shape of the native valve. The prosthetic valve is expelled from the distal capsule and allowed to expand within the native valve. Capturing elements extending from a ventricular end of the interior stent trap native leaflets between the capturing elements and an outer surface of the wire mesh.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for attaching an operator-manipulatable tether(s) to the stent for: loading and/or collapsing the expandable stent into a delivery catheter or sheath, translating the collapsed stent along the delivery catheter or sheath, delivering the expandable stent into the subject heart chamber, repositioning the expandable stent as necessary within the subject heart chamber, recapturing or resheathing the expandable stent within the delivery catheter or sheath if needed, and deploying the expandable stent to, and within, the subject heart chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for accessing the spine to place implants. In one embodiment, a system includes an adjustable rod structure having four rods radially surrounding a probe, a ring and a retractor. The adjustable rod structure is configured to have a closed and open profile controlled by the retractor such that the open profile creates a space between rods of the structure. The ring is configured to be placed within retracted rods to maintain the open profile after retraction. In a method embodiment, the adjustable rod structure is inserted through a percutaneous incision in the closed position until it reaches a target site. The retractor is then attached to the rods and used to retract the rods. The probe is then removed from within an opening created and a ring is advanced into the opening to hold the rods in place.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes an elongate member having a cross-sectional dimension that is less than 0.00085 inch, wherein the elongate member is made from a material comprising a platinum-tungsten alloy having a percentage of tungsten that is at least 10% by weight or alternatively the implantable medical device includes an elongate member made from a material comprising an alloy containing rhenium.

Abstract: An embolic coil implant having a stretch resistant fiber therethrough and dual-functional engagement feature at its proximal end is provided. The stretch resistant fiber can be effective to limiting separation of windings of the embolic coil. The engagement feature can provide an attachment for securing the embolic coil to an engagement system of a delivery tube and for securing the stretch resistant fiber at the proximal end of the embolic coil.

Abstract: Universal endovascular grafts are provided for evaluation and repair of damaged or aneurismal blood vessels. More particularly, the present invention relates to universal fenestrated and universal branched endografts for repair of blood vessels with branches, methods for implanting the endografts in the vessel and for making connection with one or more branches. The universal fenestrated endografts have a body with a first end, a second end, a first wall, a second wall, and an interior passage or lumen. The body further includes openings in communication with the passage at the first and second ends and one or more lateral fenestrations in communication with the lumen. The body further has a necked portion between the ends and a cannulation member. The universal branched endografts have a tubular body with a main lumen and four branch lumens. A large branch extends from the body. The four lumens are positioned about a circumference of the tubular body.

Abstract: Improved methods and devices for performing an endoscopic surgery are provided. Systems are taught for operatively treating gastrointestinal disorders endoscopically in a stable, yet dynamic operative environment, and in a minimally-invasive manner. Such systems include, for example, an endoscopic surgical suite. The surgical suite can have a reversibly-expandable retractor that expands to provide a stable, operative environment within a subject. The expansion can be asymmetric around a stabilizer subsystem to maximize space for a tool and an endoscope to each be maneuvered independently to visualize a target tissue and treat the target tissue from outside the patient in a minimally invasive manner.

Abstract: A dry shape memory adhesive material for adhering a target surface in the presence of fluid and for providing tunable mechanical contraction of an adhered surface. The dry shape memory adhesive material is pre-stretched and dried to provide an adhesive structure that implements a hydration-based shape memory mechanism to achieve both uniaxial and biaxial contractions of the adhered surface. According to preferred embodiments, the shape memory adhesive material includes a combination of one or more hydrophilic polymers or copolymers, one or more amine coupling group, and one or more cross linkers.

Abstract: An assembly can comprise a prosthetic valve comprising a radially expandable and compressible frame and a rotatable screw connected to the frame, where the screw comprises a screw head having an annular bore with internal threads, and where the screw is rotatable to radially expand the frame. The assembly further comprises a delivery apparatus releasably coupled to the screw, the delivery apparatus comprising a first shaft and a first head disposed at an end of the first shaft, the first head comprising external threads configured to engage with the internal threads of the screw head, and a second shaft that is coaxial with and surrounds the first shaft, the second shaft comprising a second head disposed at an end of the second shaft. The second head is configured to releasably engage with an exterior surface of the screw head and rotate the screw.

Abstract: A vaso-occlusive coil formed of a wire having a primary configuration in a constrained condition. The coil assumes a secondary configuration in a relaxed, unconstrained condition. The secondary configuration comprises a primary portion comprising a plurality of primary loops, including a distal-most primary loop. A distal anchoring loop is connected to the distal end of the distal-most primary loop. The distal anchoring loop has a substantially triangular shape and is much smaller than the distal-most primary loop. The distal anchoring loop prevents herniation of the device during deployment and retention within an anatomical cavity.

Abstract: Delivery systems for expandable elements, such as stents or scaffolds having spikes, flails, or other protruding features for delivering drugs and/or penetrating target tissue within a human patient and associated methods for using such systems. The delivery systems can be configured to deliver and position expandable structures within a body lumen (e.g., vessel). In addition, these delivery systems can also be configured to deploy and expand the expandable structures in the body lumen. The delivery systems can further be configured to engage with the expanded structure and collapse the structure for removal from the body lumen. The delivery systems can be configured to deliver another expandable structure or the same expandable structure to another body lumen, or the same body lumen, in a single procedure or during a plurality of procedures.

Abstract: Stent device has a stent cover bonding to the stent wires forming the stent body at a plurality of bonding portions that are remote from the cross over points of the stent wire. By allocating the bonding portions to the stent wires in between the cross over portions, the axial flexibility of the stent device is maintained. The stent cover bonded by the disclosed bonding portions contributes to preventing lumen tissues to penetrate into the stent body and clogging the stent while placement of the bonding portions bonding the stent cover to the stent device provides variations of positive effects to the cover stent device and to the patient in which the stent device is placed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tube body cleaning apparatus. A tube body cleaning apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a body having a set length and formed from a flexible material; a work member positioned at one point of the length direction of the body and rotatable, about a shaft provided in the length direction of the body, with respect to the body; and an expansion member positioned at one point of the length direction of the body and enabling a volume, which protrudes outward from the body, to increase by expanding.

Abstract: A catheter for dilating and/or destroying a stenosis in a vessel of a patient includes a catheter shaft having a cavity, at least one first active element within the cavity fixedly connected to a wall delimiting the cavity, and at least one radially protruding scoring element arranged on the outside of the catheter shaft at the cavity for exerting a pressure force on a stenosis in a vessel. The at least one first active element is configured to react to an axially movable element by radially expanding the catheter shaft and thereby radially expanding the at least one radially protruding scoring element.

Abstract: Implant delivery systems for delivering sheet-like implants include a delivery shaft, an implant expander, a sheath, and a sheet-like implant. In some embodiments, the delivery shaft has a proximal end and a distal end. The implant expander is mounted to the distal end of the delivery shaft. The implant expander includes a central portion and a plurality of leg portions radiating from the central portion. The implant expander is evertable between an unstressed configuration in which a distal surface of the implant expander defines a concave surface, and a first compact configuration in which the distal surface of the implant expander defines a convex surface. The implant expander has a first lateral extent when the implant expander is free to assume the unstressed configuration. The sheath defines a lumen having a lumen diameter. At least a portion of the delivery shaft is slidably disposed in the lumen.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating vascular defects, such as, for example, balloon-type aneurysms, are described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an insertion portion and an expandable implant. The expandable implant is configured to be deployed in an aneurysm and is coupled to the insertion portion. The expandable implant has a first portion and a second portion coupled to the first portion. The expandable implant is movable between a first configuration in which the first portion and the second portion are substantially linearly aligned and a second configuration in which the second portion at least partially overlaps the first portion.

Abstract: Neurovascular flow diverter and delivery systems, and methods of using the same are disclosed herein. The systems can include an introducer sheath, a catheter, a deployable flow diverter that can be contained in the introducer sheath or in the catheter, a core wire, and one or several deployment features coupled to the core wire and engaging the flow diverter. The deployment features can include one or more of a pusher, one or several friction bumps, one or several deployment coils, a claw mechanism, a self-expanding element, a supporting coil, a tip coil, and/or an atraumatic tip. One or more of the deployment features can be radiopaque.

Abstract: A balloon system for delivery of a device. The balloon system includes a balloon including: an elongated central portion including a proximal tapered cone and a distal tapered cone, the elongated central portion and the proximal and distal tapered cones being in an uninflated state; a proximal receiving trench adjacent the proximal tapered cone and a distal receiving trench adjacent the distal tapered cone, and a distal backstop adjacent the distal receiving trench, the distal receiving trench being defined by the distal backstop and the distal tapered cone; and a proximal retractable cuff disposed over the proximal receiving trench and the proximal tapered cone and a distal retractable cuff disposed over the distal receiving trench and the distal tapered cone.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral implant is disclosed for use in between adjacent vertebral bodies in a spine. An expandable intervertebral implant may include an upper plate having a first upper side and a second upper side, a lower plate having a first lower side, a second lower side, and a first lattice that connects the first upper side to the first lower side. The expandable intervertebral implant may further include a second lattice that connects the second upper side of the upper plate to the second lower side of the lower plate and an opening having a longitudinal axis between the upper plate, lower plate, first lattice, and second lattice. The expandable intervertebral implant may further include an expansion mechanism comprising a driver that expands the upper plate and the lower plate away from each other along a cephalad-caudal axis by deforming the first lattice and the second lattice.

Abstract: In vivo positionable filtration devices are provided that filter one or more therapeutic agents in blood flowing in a blood vessel. The filtration devices include an elongated member and a filtering component coupled to the elongated member. The elongated member and the filtering component are dimensioned for positioning within the blood vessel. Further, the filtering component includes a filtration material to filter the one or more therapeutic agents from the blood. Methods of in vivo filtration of the one or more therapeutic agents are also provided. The methods include positioning a filtration device of the filtration devices in the blood vessel, and administering a therapeutic agent of the one or more therapeutic agents upstream from a target tissue site to direct flow of the therapeutic agent to the target tissue site and then to the filtration device. The filtration device is positioned downstream from the target tissue site.

Abstract: A system including a flow diverter for delivering bone cement. A cannula coupler is coupled to the flow diverter and configured to be coupled to a delivery cannula. A drool accumulator is coupled to the flow diverter. A user input mechanism is coupled to the flow diverter and configured to actuate a valve and establish fluid communication between the cement reservoir and one of the cannula coupler and the drool accumulator. The fluid communication may be interrupted between the cement reservoir and the other one of the cannula coupler and the drool accumulator. A cement delivery input mechanism may be coupled to the cement reservoir and configured to be actuated to direct the bone cement from the cement reservoir towards the flow diverter. An actuator may be coupled to the drool accumulator and configured to direct the bone cement received in the drool volume towards the flow diverter.

Abstract: A stent delivery device for delivering a self-expanding stent comprises an inner sheath including a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, a stent stopper including a stopper main body that is circumferentially disposed over at least a portion of the inner sheath at the proximal end portion, and at least one projection extending radially outward from the stopper main body for releasably engaging a portion of the self-expanding stent, and an outer sheath slidably disposed over the inner sheath and the stent stopper. The at least one projection includes a distal end surface and a proximal end surface, and the proximal end surface includes a recess extending into a body of the projection toward the distal end surface.

Abstract: A cardiac device comprises a first anchoring element configured to be attached to a first side of a tissue wall, a second anchoring element configured to be attached to a second side of the tissue wall, and a cinching device. The cinching device is configured to attach to the first anchoring element and the second anchoring element and apply force to the first anchoring element to move the first anchoring element towards the second anchoring element and at least partially compress the tissue wall.

Abstract: A tissue access and closure system for piercing through biological tissue and providing access to internal structures; particularly, intra-abdominal structures, and closing an opening in the tissue. The system includes a suture passer sub-system that is adapted to releasably secure sutures and insert the sutures into and through the tissue, and a suture guide sub-system that is adapted to cooperate with the suture passer sub-system, the cooperation including engaging and retaining sutures releasably secured to the suture passer sub-system after the sutures are inserted into and through the tissue with the suture passer sub-system, the suture passer sub-system and sutures are advanced into the suture guide sub-system, and the suture passer sub-system and sutures are subsequently withdrawn out of the suture guide sub-system.

Abstract: A lateral retractor system for forming a pathway to a patient's intervertebral disc space includes a single dilator and a retractable dual-tapered-blade assembly. The dilator may feature a narrow rectangular body for insertion at an insertion orientation parallel to the fibers of the patient's psoas muscle, at an approximate 45-degree angle to the patient's spine. The retractable dual-tapered- blade assembly consists of only two blade subassemblies, each having a blade bordered by adjustable wings, along with built-in lighting and video capabilities. The dual-tapered-blade assembly may be passed over the single dilator at the insertion orientation and rotated approximately 45-50 degrees to a final rotated orientation parallel to the intervertebral disc space before the two blade subassemblies are retracted away from one another to create the surgical pathway, while simultaneously and continuously assessing for encroachment upon one or more nerve structures within 360-degrees of the instrument.

Abstract: Balloon catheters, sleeves, cages, and endoluminal prostheses are provided with stress-applying and spacing features coupled to expandable surfaces thereof. The stress-applying features may have blunt and/or rounded contact regions which contact tissue or calcified regions in the vasculature. The contact regions dent or fracture occlusive material on the wall of a vascular lumen and/or patient valve leaflets when expanded. The spacing features permit blood, drug, and contrast perfusion past structures expanded in the vasculature, particularly balloon catheters.

Abstract: An improved catheter is provided for removing an obstruction(s) from a blood vessel, for example, for retrieving a clot/thrombus in the neurovasculature for the treatment of stroke. The catheter has a collapsed state sufficiently small and flexible for easier delivery through challenging vasculature and also has an expanded state sufficiently sized and robust for removing the obstruction. The catheter may include a self-collapsing and expanding mechanism to transition a portion of an outer tube (e.g., a braided portion) between the collapsed and expanded states. Such mechanism may include an inner actuator tube slidable over an actuation wire to collapse a distal branched section of the actuation wire, thereby collapsing the braided portion. The catheter may also include an intermediate coiled tube for reinforcing the braided portion in the expanded state.

Abstract: A system for treating aortic dissection includes a sinotubular junction magnetic array having a first plurality of magnetic elements, a counter-magnetic array having a second plurality of magnetic elements, and an ascending aortic stent graft comprising a third plurality of magnetic elements. A method for treating aortic dissection includes the steps of positioning a sinotubular junction magnetic array at the sinotubular junction, advancing counter magnetic constructs from the femoral vein and positioning them in the right atrium, expanding the sinotubular junction ring at a target position, advancing the counter magnetic array to form an at least partial circumferential seal, and advancing and positioning an ascending magnetic graft within an interior of the sinotubular junction magnetic array. A system for treating aortic dissection, a fixation device for anchoring an ascending aortic stent graft, and a transcatheter device for treating aortic dissection are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to embodiments of an occlusive medical device including a frame and at least one closure coupled to the frame. The frame includes a distal annular flange having a radially outer surface and a radially inner surface, a proximal annular flange having a radially outer surface and a radially inner surface, and a waist portion extending between and connecting the distal annular flange to the proximal annular flange. The radially inner surface of the distal annular flange, the waist member, and the radially inner surface of the proximal annular flange define an unobstructed passageway through the frame. The at least one closure is configured to close the passageway to: (i) provide an occlusive effect, and (ii) enable subsequent access through the passageway.

Abstract: A modular dilation device is provided for inserting multiple dilators into a target patient tissue site. The modular dilation device includes a first dilator and a second dilator. The first dilator has a first dilator distal end and a first dilator inner lumen. The first dilator has a first dilator side wall opening. The first dilator distal end has a first dilator open tip. The first dilator has a first dilator open slit. The first dilator open slit extends between the first dilator side wall opening and the first dilator open tip. The second dilator has a second dilator distal end and a second dilator inner lumen. The second dilator distal end has a second dilator open tip. When the second dilator is joined to the first dilator, the second dilator open tip is adjacent to the first dilator side wall opening.

Abstract: An embolic implant includes a detachment feature configured to engage and be released from a delivery member's engagement system. The engagement system can include a loop wire extending through an opening of the detachment feature a pull wire extending through the loop wire to secure the detachment feature to a delivery tube of the delivery member. The detachment feature can include a distal extension configured to engage a distal end of the pull wire to inhibit the pull wire from moving distally into the implant. The detachment feature can also include a sleeve to align the pull wire to the distal extension and/or provide a friction force against the pull wire to inhibit longitudinal movement of the distal end of the pull wire.

Abstract: A stent delivery apparatus and/or system including a hollow tubular body with a proximal opening at a proximal end of the hollow tubular body and a distal opening at a distal end of the hollow tubular body. The hollow tubular body can define the proximal opening and the distal opening. A support rod can be passed through the proximal opening and/or the distal opening. The support rod may have a tip, and tip can be olive shaped. A stent may be supported by and/or surround the support rod. The tip of the support rod may also engage with the stent during delivery.

Abstract: A system to assist delivery of a mechanical intravascular treatment device, wherein the system includes a first assist device having a first linear sliding mechanism. The linear sliding mechanism includes: a first non-slidable section; a first slidable section linearly displaceable relative to the first non-slidable section; and a first tension device connected to the first slidable section to move together; the first tension device being transitionable between an unsecured state and a secured state. A first securing hub is fixedly attached to the first non-slidable section, wherein the first securing hub is transitionable between an unsecured state and a secured state. The system may also include a second assist device. The assist devices provide enhanced control of movement of the delivery wire and/or guide catheter.

Abstract: Mitral valve prolapse and mitral regurgitation can be treating by implanting in the mitral annulus a transvalvular intraannular band. The band has a first end, a first anchoring portion located proximate the first end, a second end, a second anchoring portion located proximate the second end, and a central portion. The central portion is positioned so that it extends transversely across a coaptive edge formed by the closure of the mitral valve leaflets. The band may be implanted via translumenal access or via thoracotomy.

Abstract: Devices for palliating gastrointestinal strictures using rapid exchange type enteral stent placement catheters. The catheter may include an inner member and an outer member, with the two members being slidable with respect to one another. In various device embodiments, a ramp for directing a guidewire out from within the catheter is provided using portions of the outer member or a shaped mandrel. The inner member may take a number of forms, including a tubular distal portion, a skived or integrally attached elongate midsection, and a proximal portion. A mandrel can be used in a portion proximal of the guidewire ramp, with the mandrel taking one of several disclosed forms.

Abstract: A uterine manipulator includes a cervical cup assembly having a cervical cup with an adjustable diameter to facilitate use of the uterine manipulator with patients having a wide range of cervical sizes. In embodiments, the cervical cup is formed from a plurality of slats that are connected to a base member by a living hinge. An actuator is positioned in relation to the cervical cup to move the slats towards or away from adjacent slats to vary the diameter of the cervical cup.

Abstract: Versatile tissue collection devices that can provide reduced crossing profiles, fluid pressure release, and/or easy cleaning or removal. In particular, devices having tissue collection devices with multiple configurations to facilitate navigation through narrow vessel cross-sections while also providing adequate tissue storage capacity. Additionally, the devices may include detachable components that allow easy removal, cleaning, and replacement during a procedure. Furthermore, venting elements and sections may be included to relieve fluid buildup in storage reservoirs.

Abstract: A system for replacing a heart valve of a patient. The system includes a delivery device and a prosthetic heart valve. The system is configured to be transitionable between a loaded state, a partially deployed state and a deployed state. In the loaded state, the prosthetic heart valve engages a coupling structure and is compressively retained within a primary capsule, which constrains the prosthetic heart valve in a compressed arrangement. In the partially deployed state, the prosthetic heart valve engages the coupling structure and is compressively retained within a secondary capsule, which constrains the prosthetic heart valve to a partially deployed arrangement. The partially deployed arrangement is less compressed than the compressed arrangement and less expanded than a deployed arrangement. In the deployed state, the primary and secondary capsules are retracted from over the prosthetic heart valve, which expands to the deployed arrangement and is released from the coupling structure.

Abstract: Vascular expandable devices and associated methods are disclosed herein. An expandable vascular device can include a generally tubular sidewall formed of a plurality of braided strands. The device can have a compressed state for delivery in which the device has a compressed state diameter of 0.027 inches or less. The device can have an expanded state in which the device has an expanded state diameter. A full expansion distance of the device corresponds to a longitudinal unconstrained distance at which the distal end of the expandable device attains the expanded state diameter. The full expansion distance can be 20 mm or less.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns systems and methods related to an adjustable surgical dilation device for the mechanical dilation of an anatomical opening, including, but not limited to, an endoscopic or robotic port. In specific embodiments, this device may create and expand an anatomical opening with a novel petal-like mechanism. In specific embodiments, this device may be utilized in laparoscopic procedures including, but not limited to, thyroid or parathyroid removal.

Abstract: Lacrimal implants for treating diseases or disorders are disclosed. More particularly, lacrimal implants, methods of making such implants, and methods of treating ocular, respiration, inner ear or other diseases or disorders using such implants are disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein is a system and method for identifying elastic lamina during interventional procedures, such as atherectomy. Such identification can be used to avoid trauma to the external elastic lamina during the procedure.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems are described for expandable stent delivery apparatus to cover an access site. The method may include delivering the stent through an access site and deploying a distal portion of the stent from within an outer sheath. In some cases, the method may further include pushing a proximal portion of the stent from the outer sheath such that upon fully exiting the outer sheath, the proximal portion extends proximally to at least partially cover the access site with the stent. The system for delivering the stent into the body lumen may include a stent, a stent delivery apparatus, and an outer sheath. The system may further include an internal pusher configured to push a proximal portion of the stent from the outer sheath and axially compress the stent such that upon fully exiting the outer sheath, the proximal portion extends proximally to cover the access site.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing electrocautery on a site of a subject that includes inserting a trocar device into the location of the site of the subject and electro-cauterizing the site of the subject using a diode included with the trocar device. A method and apparatus for performing electrocautery on a site of a subject that includes inserting one or more medical tubes or medical instruments or devices that extends through an expandable sheath; and electro-cauterizing the site of the subject using a diode included with the expandable sheath device.