Abstract: A medical device includes a fluid collection element, a fluid communication element and a pulling element. The pulling element is attached to a distal end of the fluid collection element and/or fluid communication element. The medical device can be included in a medical kit.

Abstract: A method for implanting an interventional medical device, including the following steps: delivering the distal end of the puncture needle into the right atrium via the inferior vena cava; locating the puncture site on atrial septum under X-ray fluoroscopy in a first perspective angle and a second perspective angle, and puncturing the atrial septum by the puncture needle through the puncture site; delivering the medical device to the left atrial appendage or left atrium for release under X-ray fluoroscopy in a first perspective angle. The implanting method of the disclosure does not require the use of a TEE device during implementation and provides benefits of a simple operation, short operation time, and easy implementation conditions, while also be easy to promote and popularize.

Abstract: A vascular closure device includes an anchor, a suture carrying portion, and at least three needles. The anchor is positionable through a vessel puncture in a vessel wall and operable between expanded and retracted positions. The suture carrying portion is positioned distal of the anchor and configured to carry at least one suture. The needles are operable between an advanced position extending through the vessel wall adjacent to the vessel puncture to connect to the at least one suture, and a retracted position in which the needles position the at least one suture through the vessel wall. The needles and sutures are configurable to close large bore openings in the vessel wall.

Abstract: Synthetic chord devices and methods for using the same for connecting tissues are provided. Aspects of the synthetic chord devices include a first flexible connector having first and second ends. Located at the first end is an attachment element that includes a tissue piercing member coupled to a securing member. The securing member includes an elongated shape memory coil that is present in a removable sheath configured to maintain elongation of the shape memory coil. A reinforcing element is located at the second end. The devices and methods of the invention find use in a variety of applications, such as cardiac valve, e.g., mitral valve, repair.

Abstract: A device for securing an article to a tissue may include a body, transitionable from a deployment state to a securing state, having a first portion, a second portion, and a medial portion therebetween. The first portion and the second portion may each have an end configured to pierce the tissue. The device in the deployment state may have a linearly extended or a U-shaped structure. In the securing state, the first portion may be embedded in the tissue and the medial portion may contact the article. A system for securing the article to the tissue may releasably engage the device while in the deployment state. A method for securing the article may include contacting the article with a tissue surface and releasing the device from the system so that the device, in the securing state, may anchor the article to the tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for accessing the interior of the heart through a wall thereof. The device includes a main body, a flange at an end thereof, and a passage therethrough to allow for access to the interior of the heart when the device is placed on an outer surface thereof. The device can be formed of any suitable biocompatible and/or biodegradable material, and can have a passage sized to allow for transmittance of tools/devices normally used for interventions in the interior of the heart therethrough.

Abstract: An example closure device is disclosed. The closure device includes a framework including a first end region, a second end region and a medial region extending therebetween. The medical device also includes a biodegradable tissue ingrowth member extending over at least a portion of the framework, wherein the tissue ingrowth member is configured to promote tissue ingrowth thereupon, and wherein the tissue ingrowth is configured to seal an opening in the heart.

Abstract: Implantable occlusion devices that include one or more flanges extending from a tubular body are disclosed. The flange or flanges may assist in retention of the device within a vessel, cavity, appendage, etc. At least one flange on the occlusion device may include a concave surface proximate one end of a body. Because of the shape of the flange, e.g., its concavity, the occlusion device may resist dislocation due to e.g., the forces generated within the left atrial appendage during atrial fibrillation.

Abstract: A drug supply device for supplying drug to a living body surface that includes a shaft and a drug holding sheet attached to the distal end of the shaft. The drug holding sheet has a first face that faces distally and a second face opposite the first face that faces proximally when the drug holding sheet is expanded. The drug holding sheet includes folded portions that fold such that the first face is positioned to face radially inward while exposing the second face to an outside environment when the drug holding sheet is in a folded state. A drug is applied on the first face of the drug holding sheet. The drug supply device includes an expandable member on the second face of the drug holding sheet. The expandable member is expandable to cause the drug holding sheet to expand from the folded state into the expanded state.

Abstract: A left atrial appendage (LAA) occluder is provided. The LAA occluder includes a sealing disc and an anchoring device, both of which are mutually connected; a part where an LAA cooperates with the anchoring device is an anchoring net, and the anchoring net is of a backboneless structure. The whole anchoring device is of the backboneless structure. The anchoring device is formed by weaving super elastic metal wires or shape memory alloy wires, a distal end of the anchoring device is opened, and a proximal end of the anchoring device is constricted and is connected with the sealing disc to form a conical net. The distal end of the anchoring device is opened and is rolled towards the proximal end to form the anchoring net, and the anchoring net surrounds the conical net. The anchoring net is connected with the conical net through an arc transition area.

Abstract: Systems for monitoring left atrial pressure using implantable cardiac monitoring devices and, more specifically, to a left atrial pressure sensor implanted through a septal wall are presented herein.

Abstract: A method for fetoscopic surgery using a collapsible medical device for occluding an opening includes a tubular woven metal fabric composed of braided metal strands, said woven metal fabric having an expanded preset configuration comprising an hourglass-shaped element and a waist element at a midpoint, wherein each end of the hourglass-shaped element has a diameter of about 5 mm, wherein the waist element has a diameter that is less than a diameter of each end of the hourglass-shaped element, said woven metal fabric further includes a bulbous element coupled to one end of the hourglass-shaped element via a shaft, wherein the woven metal fabric is deformable to a lesser cross-sectional dimension for delivery through a channel in a patient's body to said opening, and the woven metal fabric having a memory property whereby the medical device returns to said expanded preset configuration when unconstrained.

Abstract: A system includes a filling structure deployable at least partially in a common iliac artery and an external iliac artery, and a scaffold positioned within a first lumen of the filling structure. The scaffold has a fenestration in a side of the scaffold that is positionable toward an internal iliac artery. The filling structure has a second lumen extending from the first lumen and positionable toward the internal iliac artery. A method includes deploying a filling structure at least partially in a common iliac artery and an external iliac artery and positioning a scaffold within a lumen of the filling structure such that a fenestration in a side of the scaffold is positioned toward an internal iliac artery.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides collapsible medical devices that may be introduced via a delivery device into a pre-existing patent foramen ovale or trans-septal puncture hole and left in place to provide both a sealing function on the atrial wall and a septal-access function for additional procedures. The disclosed medical devices include a penetrable and re-sealable gasket material disposed in an open lumen in the medical device. This penetrable and re-sealable material allows catheters or other medical devices to pass therethough for providing additional therapy to an individual. By allowing the access point or portal to be opened by a guidewire or another medical tool, the medical devices as disclosed herein may be particularly suitable for a variety of cardiac procedures including, for example, atrial fibrillation, mitral valve replacement or repair, left atrial appendage closures, and the like.

Abstract: Novel recessed surgical fastening devices are disclosed. The fastening devices have a compressible member and a fastening element disposed at least partially within the compressible member. The fastening element has at least one tissue engagement member that is extensible through the compressible member to engage tissue when a force is applied to the fastening device.

Abstract: Devices, instruments and tools for minimally invasive surgical procedures. Port devices and methods for hemostatically sealing and providing a port through a tissue wall that interfaces with a fluid containing chamber, by minimally invasive techniques. Assemblies, instruments and methods for minimally invasive access to and through a tissue wall that interfaces with a fluid containing chamber, and for visualizing same. Instruments, assemblies and methods for minimally invasive surgical procedures, including ablation.

Abstract: An exemplary valve repair device for repairing a native valve of a patient includes: a strip of material having first and second edges surrounding a central portion; a coaption element formed from the strip of material; and a pair of paddles formed from the strip of material and connected to the coaption element. The paddles are movable between an open position and a closed position and are configured to attach to the native valve of the patient.

Abstract: A filter formed from a sheet is described herein. In one aspect of the invention, a filter is formed from a sheet of material and, following removal of portions of the sheet, the filter is folded into a shape for insertion into a blood vessel. In another aspect of the invention, features for a filter are formed from a sheet of material and incorporated into the filter.

Abstract: A soft tissue fixation system, most typically applicable to orthopedic joint repairs, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee repair procedures, comprises an implant which is placeable in a tunnel disposed in a portion of hone, wherein the tunnel is defined by walls comprised of bone. A first member is deployable outwardly to engage the tunnel walls for anchoring the implant in place in the tunnel, and a second member is deployable outwardly to engage tissue material to be fixed within the tunnel. The second member also functions to move the tissue material outwardly into contact with the tunnel walls to promote tendon-bone fixation. Extra graft length is eliminated by compression of the tendon against the bone at the aperture of the femoral tunnel, which more closely replicates the native ACL and increases graft stiffness. The inventive device provides high fixation of tendon to bone and active tendon-bone compression.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hemostatic member using chitosan having superior hemostatic activity, and more particularly to a chitosan-based hemostatic member for the cervix, suitable for use through insertion into an affected part upon cervical biopsy or surgery, configured to include a hemostatic pack having a projection at an upper end thereof through tying with a thread so as to form a spherical shape using chitosan nonwoven fabrics having a hemostatic function, wherein the thread contains an X-ray-sensitive material, thereby realizing effective hemostasis of the affected part upon cervical biopsy or surgery.

Abstract: The present teachings provide a device to close a ductus arteriosus percutaneously. One aspect of the present teachings provides a device comprising at least one flange portion configured to be positioned against a vascular wall outside one end of a ductus arteriosus, and a body portion configured to be positioned inside the ductus arteriosus. The body portion of the device has a length adjustable in order for the device to fit inside patients with various ductus arteriosus lengths. The at least one flange portion of the device has pivotability in order for at least one flange to deflect from the longitudinal axis of the body portion so that the deployed device can be positioned at a treatment site allowing the discs to sit flat against the vascular tissue to promote closure while avoiding disruption of flow within the pulmonary artery and aorta or applying excess pressure to the surrounding vascular tissue.

Abstract: Surgical fasteners for use with articulating surgical instruments are disclosed. In one embodiment, a surgical fastener may include a head, a shaft extending distally from the head, and a through bore extending through the shaft from a proximal surface of the head to a distal end of the shaft. A fastener carrier of a surgical instrument may be slidably received in the through bore, and the through bore may be sized and shaped to have two or fewer contact points with the fastener carrier when the fastener carrier is in a fully articulated configuration. In another embodiment, a fastener may include a head, a shaft extending distally from the head and including a distal tip, a sloped surface sloping toward the distal tip, and a through bore passing through the head, shaft, and sloped surface. The sloped surface may terminate at two shoulders located on opposing sides of the through bore.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe includes a first bent extending portion provided on a distal side with respect to a narrowed portion and extending in such a state as to bend toward a first crossing direction side crossing a longitudinal axis, and a second bent extending portion continuous with the distal side of the first bent extending portion and extending in such a state as to bend toward second crossing direction side opposite to the first crossing direction. The second bent extending portion includes a blade portion, and in a projection seen from the distal side, the first bent extending portion and the second bent extending portion are located within a minimum inside diameter of a sheath.

Abstract: A medical occlusion device with proximal and distal portions separated by a connecting member. The proximal and distal portions are shaped to reduce the occurrence of paravalvular leakage by including a peripheral edge that is characterized by rounded corners.

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 such as defects consisting of an opening connecting a front side and a back side of a tissue. More particularly the present invention relates to occlusion devices for closing septal abnormalities such as atrial septal defects and patent foramen ovale, delivering systems for such occlusion devices, kits comprising the occlusion devices and the delivering systems and to methods of closing an anatomical defect in a tissue consisting of an opening connecting a front side and a back side of a tissue.

Abstract: An implant delivery system, comprising: an implantable device comprising a plurality of supports extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the supports being moveable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, a proximal guide tube at the proximal end of the supports extending toward the distal end, and a distal guide tube at the distal end of the supports extending toward the proximal end, wherein the proximal and distal guide tubes are telescoping and become further engaged as the supports move from the collapsed to the expanded configuration.

Abstract: An improved type of tourniquet is disclosed herein. This tourniquet includes an elongated elastomeric body that includes first and second distal ends. The body is provided with a row of holes, where each hole is spaced a determined distance from one another. A first subset of at least three holes are located proximately to the first distal end and a second subset of at least three holes are located proximately to the second distal end. The tourniquet also includes a buckle that is affixed to or otherwise secured near the first distal end. Additionally, the tourniquet includes a set of one or more protruding spikes that are affixed to the elongated elastomeric body and that are positioned proximately to the buckle.

Abstract: This specification describes methods of attaching a mesh to a loop member, which includes covering a wire with a layer, manipulating the wire along with the layer to form the loop member, placing the mesh over the loop member, transferring heat to the layer to cause it to partially melt and become tacky, allowing the mesh to fuse with the tacky layer and form a secure bond on cooling, and trimming portions of the mesh extending beyond the circumference of the loop member. A retrieval device formed by the methods include the loop member and attached mesh positioned, and longitudinally movable within, a tubular sheath. The loop member and mesh are deployed to capture a target object and partially retracted for removal of the object.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a body portion with a toe portion, a heel portion, a top portion, a sole portion, a rear portion, and a front portion having a face portion with a face portion thickness extending between a front surface and a back surface. The body portion may be associated with a body portion volume. The golf club head may also include an interior cavity. The interior cavity may include an elastic polymer material including a radiocontrast material. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: Calendered surgical meshes comprising polyhydroxyalkanoate polymers have been developed. These meshes, preferably made from poly-4-hydroxybutyrate or copolymer thereof, have a thickness that is between 50 to 99% of the thickness of the mesh prior to calendering, and a burst strength that is not less than 20% of the burst strength of the mesh prior to calendering. The thinner calendered meshes are particularly suitable for surgical applications where a thinner profile mesh with high burst strength is required, and where it is advantageous to have a mesh with a smooth surface. The meshes may be partially or fully resorbable, and are particularly suitable for use in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse.

Abstract: Implant deployment device for delivering and deploying an implant. Includes: deployment device body for pushing implant in subject's blood vessel, across an interatrial septum and into subject's heart left atrium; and a handle operatively connected to deployment device and having controls assigned to selectively operate positioning of the deployment device, to facilitate determining compression extent of an implant body, and detaching of deployment device from the implant. Also disclosed are: a method for fixating an elongated implant across an organ wall in a subject's body, and a method for sealing a wall opening in a septal wall in a subject's body.

Abstract: Several embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions and methods for treating or repairing damage to ocular tissue. In particular, several embodiments relate to patches that interact, e.g., by way of an adhesive, with damaged retinal tissue to repair or mend a hole, tear or detachment of the retina from underlying ocular tissue. Still additional embodiments relate to self-assembling patches.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heart implant comprising a tubular attachment element (1) for attaching a sheath, particularly having a sheath being coaxially positioned around at least a part of the tubular attachment element (1) and fixed to it, the tubular attachment element (1) having a lower end (1a) and an upper end (1b) and being split into several strips (2) at the upper end (1b), the strips (2) forming an expandable cage (C), particularly for fixing the heart implant to the atrium of the heart by surface contact between an exterior surface of the expandable cage (C) and an interior atrium surface, wherein in an expanded state the strips (2) extend from the upper end (1b) towards the lower end (1a) of the tubular attachment element (1) and form an expanded cage (C) being positioned around at least an upper part of the tubular attachment element (1).

Abstract: A closure system, assembly and attended method for closing and opening in the tissue of the patient includes first and second closure members each including a biased construction operative for disposition of the closure members into an out of retracted and expanded orientations. A connector is disposed in interconnecting relation with the closure members and structured to establish at least a partial spacing there between. The biased construction and the interconnection of the closure members facilitate con current disposition of the closure members with one another into and through an introductory instrument as well as independent and successive disposition of the first and second closure members into a closing relation to the tissue opening upon exiting the introductory instrument.

Abstract: An absorbable occluder (100) comprises a woven mesh (110), wherein the woven mesh (110) comprises at least two polymer filaments with different centralized degradation time periods, or comprises a polymer filament made by blending at least two polymers with different centralized degradation time periods. The absorbable occluder (100) can avoid the tissue inflammatory response caused by the polymer filaments of the woven mesh (110) centralized degrading within the same period.

Abstract: Tissue adjustment implants useful for adjusting a position of tissue in a patient are described. In an embodiment, a tissue adjustment implant includes a main body having a series of outwardly-extending projections. The tissue adjustment implants can be used in a variety of treatments, such as in the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and snoring.

Abstract: In this patent disclosure, a machine-learning-based system for automatically turning on/off a light source of an endoscope camera during a surgical procedure is disclosed. The disclosed system can receive a sequence of video images captured by the endoscope camera when the light source is turned on. The system next analyzes the sequence of video images using a machine-learning classifier to classify each video image as a first class of image of being inside the patient's body or a second class of image of being outside of the patient's body. The system next determines whether the endoscope camera is inside or outside of the patient's body based on the classified video images. When the endoscope camera is determined to be outside of the patient's body, the system generates a control signal for turning off the light source, wherein the control signal is used to immediately turn off the light source.

Abstract: An improved left atrial appendage (LAA) occluder is provided. The improved LAA occluder includes a sealing disc and an anchoring device, both of which are mutually connected, At least two flow blocking membranes are arranged in the sealing disc. A part, cooperating with an LAA, of the anchoring device is an anchoring net, and the anchoring net is of a backboneless structure. The whole anchoring device is of the backboneless structure. The anchoring device is formed by weaving metal wires, a distal end of the anchoring device is opened, a proximal end of the anchoring device is constricted and is connected with the sealing disc to form a conical net, the distal end of the anchoring device is opened and is rolled towards the proximal end to form the anchoring net, and the anchoring net surrounds the conical net.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for the securement of dermal tissues. The device provides approximation and eversion of the tissue as well as the placement of a fixation element that bridges a wound. The fixation element may be produced in several fixed or dynamic configurations that may or may not alter the ability to engage tissue in response to stresses placed upon the fixation member post-deployment. The delivery device inserts the fastener percutaneously through the epidermis into the sub-dermal position without entering the wound margins with any part of the approximation portion of the delivery device.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to methods and systems for percutaneously treating dissections in a patient's vasculature, such as, without limitation, the aorta. The method can include deploying a catheter containing a collapsed anchoring element, frame, and cover through a first vessel to an entry point of the dissection. The anchoring element can be secured to the second branch vessel. The frame can be expanded in the first branch vessel. The cover can be unfolded over at least a portion of the entry point. The cover then reduces blood flow into the entry point.

Abstract: A hemostatic device includes a first tube defining a first lumen configured to channel a fluid therethrough, and a second tube housing at least a portion of the first tube and at least partially defining a second lumen configured to retain a hemocoagulant agent therein. The second tube is moveable with respect to the first tube, such that the hemocoagulant agent is at least substantially retained within the second lumen when the second tube is in a first position, and the hemocoagulant agent is at least partially exposed when the second tube is in a second position.

Abstract: Among other things, there are shown embodiments of internal members for closure of vascular wall or other bodily openings, particularly useful in closing larger holes (e.g. larger than 10 French). Embodiments create a better seal or meeting with a vascular or other tissue wall by distributing force outward from the center, and/or by including rib, groove or hinge features that allow the internal member, as it is pulled toward tissue, to close the hole and engage tissue more closely or firmly.

Abstract: An implantable sealing device is disclosed herein and includes an elongated elastic member having distal and a proximal ends, at least one sealing element including braiding having outside and inside faces. The braiding can include of a plurality of fine threads of a memory metal alloy and wherein at least one face of the braiding is coated by a membrane. The braiding can also include a fixing member positioned at one of the distal and proximal ends of the elastic member and being positioned opposite to the braiding.

Abstract: An occlusive device, occlusive device delivery system, method of using, and method of delivering an occlusive device, and method of making an occlusive device to treat various intravascular conditions is described.

Abstract: Methods for reaction electrospinning are provided to form collagen fibers. The method can include: acidifying a collagen in an acidic solvent to form an acidic collagen solution; electrospinning the acidic collagen solution within an alkaline atmosphere (e.g., including ammonia vapor) to form collagen fibers; and collecting the collagen fibers within a salt bath (e.g., including ammonium sulfate). The acidic solvent can include water and an alcohol, and can have a pH of about 2 to about 4 (e.g., including a strong acid, such as HCl). An albumin rubber is also provided, which can include albumin crosslinked with glutaraldehyde.

Abstract: Closure systems, kits and methods for sealing a percutaneous puncture or other opening in a blood vessel wall, body cavity or biopsy tract are disclosed. A closure system can comprise an implant assembly, a delivery assembly, and an introducer sheath. The closure system can further comprise a valve bypass and a dilator. The implant assembly can include an inner member, a sealing membrane, and an outer member, each of which can be delivered by the delivery assembly. The inner member can be extended through the puncture or opening and positioned adjacent an inner tissue surface. The outer member can be positioned adjacent an outer tissue surface. The sealing membrane can have a distal end attached to the inner member, a proximal end including an opening configured to receive the outer member, and a mid-region therebetween.

Abstract: A wound closure system includes a device having a first main body and a second main body. Each of the first main body and the second main body has an adhesive backing. The first main body is coupled to the second main body by an adjustable connector. The adjustable connector is permitted to move in a single direction. In the event of an injury, the first and second main bodies are placed on opposite sides of a wound and are then pulled together, thereby sealing the wound.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to medical devices for treating a target site. For example, a medical device comprises a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end, the tubular member having an expanded preset configuration when deployed at the target site and a reduced configuration for delivery to the target site. The tubular member comprises at least one layer of braided fabric, and the at least one layer of braided fabric comprises a plurality of first strands having a first diameter and a plurality of second strands having a second diameter. The first diameter is larger than the second diameter. The plurality of first strands and the plurality of second strands are intertwined to define regions of varying radial stiffness between the proximal and distal ends of the tubular member.

Abstract: Medical devices capable of delivering and/or sensing electromagnetic radiation within an organism body are described. Placement of a location for delivering and/or sending the electromagnetic radiation is done through the skin of the organism body. Devices described include a needle with a wave guiding structure configured to direct the electromagnetic radiation to/from a location within the organism body.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument includes a staple cartridge assembly having a plurality of rows of staple receiving slots and an anvil assembly having a plurality of rows of staple forming recesses. The staple cartridge assembly, the anvil assembly, or both have one or more attachment members overmolded thereon. A staple line reinforcement material is attached to the attachment members.