USGI Medical, Inc. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140257351 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR REVISION OF OBESITY PROCEDURES - Methods and apparatus for the endoluminal revision of previously performed obesity procedures which have failed are described. One or more endoluminal instruments may be advanced per-orally into the previously formed failed pouch where a number of different procedures can be performed. One or more tissue folds can be formed and secured to reduce the size of the pouch, or the stoma connecting the pouch to the intestinal tract can be reduced in size using endoluminally deployed tissue anchors. These procedures can be performed entirely from within the pouch lumen or upon the exterior surface of the pouch via transgastric entry of the instruments into the peritoneal cavity of a patient. Alternatively, the interior tissue within the pouch can be injured or sclerosed to shrink the pouch lumen. In another alternative, a length of the Roux limb can be shortened endoluminally to create a malabsorptive region. | 09-11-2014 |
20140148828 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR FORMING AND SECURING GASTROINTESTINAL TISSUE FOLDS - Apparatus and methods are provided for forming a gastrointestinal tissue fold by engaging tissue at a first tissue contact point and moving the first tissue contact point from a position initially distal to, or in line with, a second tissue contact point to a position proximal of the second contact point, thereby forming the tissue fold, and extending an anchor assembly through the tissue fold from a vicinity of the second tissue contact point. Adjustable anchor assemblies; as well as anchor delivery systems, shape-lockable guides and methods for endoluminally performing medical procedures, such as gastric reduction, treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, resection of lesions, and treatment of bleeding sites; are also provided. | 05-29-2014 |
20140128668 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ENDOLUMENAL WEIGHT LOSS TREATMENTS - Devices and methods for forming and securing tissue folds, elongated invaginations, and tissue appositions in stomach tissue are used as a treatment for obesity. In a first embodiment, a plurality of tissue folds is formed in the fundus region of the stomach. In a second embodiment, one or more elongated invaginations are formed in the body region and/or antrum of the stomach. In a third embodiment, a plurality of tissue folds is formed in the fundus region of the stomach and one or more elongated invaginations is formed in the body region and/or antrum of the stomach. In other embodiments, a plurality of tissue folds is formed in the fundus region of the stomach and one or more tissue appositions are formed in the body region and/or antrum of the stomach. Additional embodiments include various combinations of tissue folds, elongated invaginations, tissue appositions, and other reconfigurations of stomach tissue. | 05-08-2014 |
20140107570 | ENDOLUMINAL SURGICAL TOOL WITH SMALL BEND RADIUS STEERING SECTION - An endoluminal surgical instrument has first and second steering controls on a handle. A flexible shaft attached to the handle has a distal steerable end including a first link and a second link separated by a plurality of intermediate links. First and second steering elements, such as pairs of steering wires, are linked to first and second steering controls and to the first and second links. One or more of the links is pivotable through an angle of at least 30 degrees relative to an adjoining link. The set back position of the second steering elements from the first steering elements, and the pivoting capability of the links allows the steerable end to be steered into a small bend radius. This makes the instrument highly maneuverable for use in endoluminal surgery, such as incision-less surgery of the stomach. | 04-17-2014 |
20140025092 | ENDOSCOPIC LIGATION - A ligature delivery device includes a control member, an elongated shaft, and an end effector attached to the distal end of the elongated shaft. An activation mechanism provides an user-operable connection between the control member and the end effector. In several embodiments, the end effector includes a reverse grasping mechanism. Several embodiments of ligature devices are adapted to be deployed endoscopically and/or translumenally using the reverse-grasping delivery device. | 01-23-2014 |
20130217957 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR THE ENDOLUMENAL TREATMENT OF OBESITY - A surgical method for treating obesity by reducing the size and/or function of the stomach includes forming at least two plications or tissue folds in tissue of a patient using anchor assemblies having a loop. The plications are then optionally allowed to heal. A loop suture or wire is threaded through the loops. The loop suture is then tensioned to draw the plications towards each other. The loop suture is then secured via a knot or a cinch. When the method is performed in the stomach for treatment of obesity, forming the plications reduces the volume of the stomach. Drawing the plications together creates a contracted tissue area which further reduces the volume of the stomach. Additional plications may also be formed and drawn together with the same loop suture, or with a different loop suture. | 08-22-2013 |
20130138151 | COMPRESSIBLE TISSUE ANCHOR ASSEMBLIES - Apparatus and methods optimize anchoring force in securing tissue folds. Over-compression of the tissue directly underlying the anchors is avoided by utilizing tissue anchors having expandable designs configured to minimize contact area between the anchor and tissue. When the anchor is in its expanded configuration, a load is applied to the anchor until it is optimally configured to accommodate a range of deflections while the anchor itself exerts a substantially constant force against the tissue. | 05-30-2013 |
20130041214 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR OFF-AXIS VISUALIZATION - Methods and apparatus for off-axis visualization are described herein. An endoluminal tissue manipulation assembly is disclosed which provides for a stable endoluminal platform and which also provides for effective triangulation of tools. Such an apparatus may comprise an optionally shape-lockable elongate body defining a longitudinal axis and adapted for endoluminal advancement in a patient body, at least one articulatable visualization lumen disposed near or at a distal region of the elongate body, the at least one articulating visualization lumen being adapted to articulate off-axis relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate body, and at least one articulatable tool arm member disposed near or at the distal region of the elongate body, the at least one articulatable tool arm member being adapted to articulate off-axis and manipulate a tissue region of interest. | 02-14-2013 |
20120303059 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR POSITIONING AND SECURING ANCHORS - Apparatus and methods for positioning and securing anchors are disclosed herein. The anchors are adapted to be delivered and implanted into or upon tissue, particularly tissue within the gastrointestinal system of a patient. The anchor is adapted to slide uni-directionally over suture such that a tissue plication may be cinched between anchors. A locking mechanism, either within the anchor itself or positioned proximally of the anchor, may allow for the uni-directional translation of the anchor while enabling the anchor to be locked onto the suture if the anchor is pulled, pushed, or otherwise urged in the opposite direction along the suture. This uni-directional anchor locking mechanism facilitates cinching of the tissue plication between the anchors, and it may be utilized in one or several anchors in cinching a tissue fold. | 11-29-2012 |
20120296348 | APPARATUS FOR MANIPULATING AND SECURING TISSUE - Apparatus for manipulating and securing tissue are described herein. In creating tissue folds within the body of a patient, a tissue manipulation assembly may generally have an elongate tubular member, an engagement member slidably dispose through the tubular member and a distal end adapted to engage tissue via a helical member, tissue stabilizing members positioned at the tubular member distal end which are adapted to stabilize tissue therebetween, and a delivery tube pivotable about the tissue stabilizer. The stabilizing members can be adapted to become angled relative to longitudinal axis of the elongate tubular member. Moreover, one or all the articulation controls and functions can be integrated into a singular handle assembly connectable to the tissue manipulation assembly via a rigid or flexible tubular body. | 11-22-2012 |
20120283756 | TREATMENT OF HYPERTENSION AND HEART DISEASE VIA SURGERY OF THE STOMACH - Devices and methods for endolumenally manipulating stomach fundus tissue alter the function of nearby nerves. The altered function of the nerves interacts with the cardiopulmonary system to cause a substantially permanent reduction in blood pressure. The altered nerve function may also treat heart disease as well. This application also relates to devices and methods for endolumenally manipulating stomach tissue to alter hormone production from cells associated with stomach tissue, providing a therapeutic effect in treating hypertension and heart disease, not conventionally associated with the stomach. | 11-08-2012 |
20120277775 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR FORMING AND SECURING GASTROINTESTINAL TISSUE FOLDS - Apparatus and methods are provided for forming a gastrointestinal tissue fold by engaging tissue at a first tissue contact point, moving the first tissue contact point from a position initially distal to a second tissue contact point to a position proximal of the second contact point to form a tissue fold, and extending an anchor assembly through the tissue fold near the second tissue contact point. Adjustable anchor assemblies, as well as anchor delivery systems, are also provided. | 11-01-2012 |
20120238952 | ENDOLUMINAL SURGICAL TOOL WITH SMALL BEND RADIUS STEERING SECTION - An endoluminal surgical instrument has first and second steering controls on a handle. A flexible shaft attached to the handle has a distal steerable end including a first link and a second link separated by a plurality of intermediate links. First and second steering elements, such as pairs of steering wires, are linked to first and second steering controls and to the first and, second links. One or more of the links is pivotable through an angle of at least 30 degrees relative to an adjoining link. The set back position of the second steering elements from the first steering elements, and the pivoting capability of the links allows the steerable end to be steered into a small bend radius. This makes the instrument highly maneuverable for use in endoluminal surgery, such as incision-less surgery of the stomach. | 09-20-2012 |
20120232568 | SURGICAL TREATMENT OF GASTRIC EMPTYING DISORDERS - Devices and methods for surgically altering stomach tissue to change gastric emptying. Plications are formed in the stomach speed up or slow down gastric emptying, depending on the number and locations of plications used. The plications may be formed endolumenally. | 09-13-2012 |
20120184972 | ENDOSCOPIC TISSUE ANCHOR DEPLOYMENT - An endoscopic tissue anchor deployment device includes a handle, an elongated shaft defining an internal lumen, and an end effector attached to the distal end of the elongated shaft. A tissue anchor catheter is removably inserted through the lumen of the elongated shaft, the catheter having a tissue anchor assembly that is deployable from its distal end. The handle may include a pin and track assembly that define a series of handle actuation steps corresponding to deployment steps for the deployment device end effector and the tissue anchor catheter. In some embodiments, the handle includes a catheter stop member that prevents movement of the tissue anchor catheter under certain circumstances, and a handle stop member that prevents actuation of the handle under certain circumstances. | 07-19-2012 |
20120071900 | METHODS FOR REDUCTION OF GASTRIC LUMEN - A method of reducing the cross-sectional area of a gastrointestinal lumen is provided wherein a delivery catheter having a needle, one or more anchors disposed within the needle and a suture coupled to each anchor is advanced into the gastrointestinal lumen, the needle extended through the tissue wall, and an anchor ejected from a distal tip of the needle through the tissue wall. The needle is then repositioned against an opposing tissue wall, another anchor deployed from the needle through the opposing tissue wall, and the tissue walls approximated by applying tension to the sutures. | 03-22-2012 |
20110245846 | ENDOSCOPIC TISSUE ANCHOR DEPLOYMENT DEVICES AND METHODS - An endoscopic tissue anchor deployment device includes a handle, an elongated shaft defining an internal lumen, and an end effector attached to the distal end of the elongated shaft. A tissue anchor catheter is removably inserted through the lumen of the elongated shaft, the catheter having a tissue anchor assembly that is deployable from its distal end. In some embodiments, the handle includes a pin and track assembly that defines a series of handle actuation steps corresponding to deployment steps for the deployment device end effector and the tissue anchor catheter. In some embodiments, the handle includes a catheter stop member that prevents movement of the tissue anchor catheter under certain circumstances, and a handle stop member that prevents actuation of the handle under certain circumstances. | 10-06-2011 |
20110213385 | DELIVERY SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GASTRIC REDUCTION - A delivery catheter for a gastric reduction system includes an elongate torqueable tube, a needle translatably disposed within the torqueable tube, an anchor translatably disposed within the needle and a stabilization device for holding a distal tip of the torqueable tube against a tissue wall. | 09-01-2011 |
20110208209 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR LAPAROSCOPIC GASTRIC TISSUE RECONFIGURATION - Devices and methods for forming and securing tissue folds and elongated invaginations in gastric tissue are used as a treatment for obesity. In several embodiments, a plurality of tissue folds is formed along the greater curvature of the stomach using laparoscopic tissue anchor deployment devices. Additional embodiments include various combinations of tissue folds, elongated invaginations, and other reconfigurations of stomach tissue using laparoscopic devices or laparoscopic devices in combination with endoscopic devices. | 08-25-2011 |
20110196392 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PERFORMING TRANSLUMINAL GASTROINTESTINAL PROCEDURES - Methods and apparatus are provided for diagnosing and treating digestive or other organs (as well as other parts of the body) endoluminally and transluminally, via instruments passed into the GI tract per-orally and/or per-anally. The instruments may, for example, pass transluminally out of the stomach and/or the colon through a breach formed therein in order to conduct diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, such as gastroenterostomy. | 08-11-2011 |
20110098725 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ENDOLUMENAL WEIGHT LOSS TREATMENTS - Devices and methods for forming and securing tissue folds, elongated invaginations, and tissue appositions in stomach tissue are used as a treatment for obesity. In a first embodiment, a plurality of tissue folds is formed in the fundus region of the stomach. In a second embodiment, one or more elongated invaginations are formed in the body region and/or antrum of the stomach. In a third embodiment, a plurality of tissue folds is formed in the fundus region of the stomach and one or more elongated invaginations is formed in the body region and/or antrum of the stomach. In other embodiments, a plurality of tissue folds is formed in the fundus region of the stomach and one or more tissue appositions are formed in the body region and/or antrum of the stomach. Additional embodiments include various combinations of tissue folds, elongated invaginations, tissue appositions, and other reconfigurations of stomach tissue. | 04-28-2011 |
20110046441 | ENDOLUMINAL TOOL DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM - Systems, devices and methods are provided for endoscopic procedures involving tissue manipulations beyond the capabilities of traditional endoscopic instruments. Embodiments of the systems include an elongated main body having a scope therethrough. Some embodiments of the systems include an elongated main body which is rigidizable and/or torque transmitting to improve manipulation through passageways in the body. | 02-24-2011 |
20100286478 | FLEXIBLE SURGERY ACCESS SYSTEMS - A flexible surgery access and instrument management system includes a base unit and an insertion unit. The base unit provides a platform having a connection mechanism to which the insertion unit is attached. The insertion unit includes an elongated conduit having one or more tubes providing instrument passages, and a connection mechanism adapted to selectively couple with the mating connection mechanism provided on the base unit. The elongated conduit of the insertion unit is preferably steerable. One or more flexible instruments may be inserted through the tubes of the elongated conduit, with the proximal ends of the instruments being attached to the base unit such that the user is able to control and manipulate the instruments. | 11-11-2010 |
20100249814 | TISSUE MANIPULATION AND SECUREMENT SYSTEM - Tissue manipulation and securement systems are described herein. A tissue manipulation assembly is pivotably coupled to the distal end of a tubular member and has a lower jaw member and an upper jaw member pivotably coupled to the lower jaw member. A reconfigurable launch tube is also pivotably coupled to the upper jaw member and is used to urge the jaw members from a low-profile configuration to an open configuration for receiving tissue. The tissue manipulation assembly may be advanced through a shape-lockable endoscopic device, a conventional endoscope, or directly by itself into a patient. A second tool can be used in combination with the tissue manipulation assembly to engage tissue and manipulate the tissue in conjunction with the tissue manipulation assembly. | 09-30-2010 |
20100249500 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR ENDOSCOPIC SUTURING - Apparatus & methods for endoscopic suturing are described herein. A distal tip of the endoscopic device engages the tissue and then approximates the engaged tissue to form a tissue fold. A needle body positioned within a flexible catheter is deployed into or through the newly created tissue fold where it is then detached or released from the endoscopic device. The needle body has a length of suture which depends therefrom and can be used to secure the tissue fold. The entire endoscopic device or its tissue engaging assembly can then be rotated relative to the tissue fold while maintaining engagement with the tissue to maneuver the flexible catheter to the opposing side of the penetrated tissue fold. This procedure can be repeated any number of times to create an interrupted, continuous, or running suture to secure the tissue fold. | 09-30-2010 |
20100211086 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR FORMING AND SECURING GASTROINTESTINAL TISSUE FOLDS - Apparatus and methods are provided for forming a gastrointestinal tissue fold by engaging tissue at a first tissue contact point and moving the first tissue contact point from a position initially distal to, or in line with, a second tissue contact point to a position proximal of the second contact point, thereby forming the tissue fold, and extending an anchor assembly through the tissue fold from a vicinity of the second tissue contact point. Adjustable anchor assemblies; as well as anchor delivery systems, shape-lockable guides and methods for endoluminally performing medical procedures, such as gastric reduction, treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, resection of lesions, and treatment of bleeding sites; are also provided. | 08-19-2010 |
20100174312 | COMPRESSIBLE TISSUE ANCHOR ASSEMBLIES - Apparatus and methods for optimizing anchoring force are described herein. In securing tissue folds, over-compression of the tissue directly underlying the anchors is avoided by utilizing tissue anchors having expandable arms configured to minimize contact area between the anchor and tissue. When the anchor is in its expanded configuration, a load is applied to the anchor until it is optimally configured to accommodate a range of deflections while the anchor itself exerts a substantially constant force against the tissue. Various devices, e.g., stops, spring members, fuses, strain gauges, etc., can be used to indicate when the anchor has been deflected to a predetermined level within the optimal range. Moreover, other factors to affect the anchor characteristics include, e.g., varying the number of arms or struts of the anchor, positioning of the arms, configuration of the arms, the length of the collars, etc. | 07-08-2010 |
20100137681 | ENDOSCOPIC INSTRUMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - Endoscopic instrument management systems are described herein which allow one or more operators to manage multiple different instruments utilized in endoscopic procedures. In one aspect, responsibility for instrumentation management between one or more operators may be configured such that a first set of instruments is controlled by a primary operator and a second set of instruments is controlled by a secondary operator. The division of instrumentation may be facilitated by the use of separated instrumentation platforms or a single platform which separates each instrument for use by the primary operator. Such platforms may be configured as trays, instrument support arms, multi-instrument channels, as well as rigidized portions of instruments to facilitate its handling, among others. In another aspect, one or more plastically deformable instrument manifolds are provided to guide flexible endoscopic instruments into and through an endoscopic access device. | 06-03-2010 |
20100042115 | NEEDLE ASSEMBLY FOR TISSUE MANIPULATION - Needle assemblies for tissue manipulation are described herein. In creating tissue folds within the body of a patient, a tissue manipulation assembly may generally have an elongate tubular member, an engagement member slidably disposed through the tubular member and a distal end adapted to engage tissue via a helical member, tissue stabilizing members positioned at the tubular member distal end which are adapted to stabilize tissue therebetween, and a delivery tube pivotable about the tissue stabilizer. A needle deployment assembly is deployable through the tissue manipulation assembly via a handle assembly, through the tubular member, and into or through tissue. An elongate pusher is translationally disposed within a sheath of the needle deployment assembly and can be urged distally for deploying an anchor assembly from the sheath distal end. The anchor assembly is positioned distally of the pusher within the sheath. | 02-18-2010 |
20100010457 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR FORMING GASTROINTESTINAL TISSUE APPROXIMATIONS - Apparatus and methods are provided for forming a gastrointestinal tissue fold by engaging tissue at a first tissue contact point, moving the first tissue contact point from a position initially distal to a second tissue contact point to a position proximal of the second contact point to form a tissue fold, and extending an anchor assembly through the tissue fold near the second tissue contact point. | 01-14-2010 |
20090326578 | INTERLOCKING TISSUE ANCHOR APPARATUS AND METHODS - Interlocking tissue anchor apparatus and methods are described herein. In creating tissue folds within the body of a patient, a tissue manipulation assembly may generally have an elongate tubular member, an engagement member slidably disposed through the tubular member and a distal end adapted to engage tissue via a helical member, tissue stabilizing members positioned at the tubular member distal end which are adapted to stabilize tissue therebetween, and a delivery tube pivotable about the tissue stabilizer. Anchor assemblies can be delivered via the tissue manipulation assembly into or through the tissue. The anchors can incorporate various temporary interlocking features or spacing elements between one another to ensure that an anchor is not prematurely ejected from the needle assembly. This allows the anchor assembly to be advanced distally as well as withdrawn proximally within a deployment sheath while avoiding inadvertently ejecting an anchor. | 12-31-2009 |
20090312603 | ENDOSCOPIC TISSUE ANCHOR DEPLOYMENT - An endoscopic tissue anchor deployment device includes a handle, an elongated shaft defining an internal lumen, and an end effector attached to the distal end of the elongated shaft. A tissue anchor catheter is removably inserted through the lumen of the elongated shaft, the catheter having a tissue anchor assembly that is deployable from its distal end. In some embodiments, the handle includes a pin and track assembly that define a series of handle actuation steps corresponding to deployment steps for the deployment device end effector and the tissue anchor catheter. In some embodiments, the handle includes a catheter stop member that prevents movement of the tissue anchor catheter under certain circumstances, and a handle stop member that prevents actuation of the handle under certain circumstances. | 12-17-2009 |
20090270856 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PERFORMING MUCOSECTOMY - Apparatus and methods are provided for performing mucosectomy, such as to map out gastrointestinal surgery, including endoluminal gastric reduction. In one variation, tie apparatus comprises a separating element and an integrated resection element. In one variation, the apparatus is configured to simultaneously separate mucosal tissue from underlying muscularis tissue and to resect the separated mucosal tissue. Methods of using the apparatus are provided. | 10-29-2009 |
20090259141 | STEERABLE TOOL GUIDE FOR USE WITH FLEXIBLE ENDOSCOPIC MEDICAL DEVICES - An articulatable, steerable tool guide includes a maneuverable head subassembly, a flexible or rigid insertion tube subassembly, and a handle subassembly. The tool guide defines at least one inner lumen extending through the length of the tool guide, with each such lumen being adapted to receive a flexible endoscopic medical device. | 10-15-2009 |
20090255544 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR THE ENDOLUMENAL TREATMENT OF OBESITY - Devices and methods for forming and securing tissue folds and elongated invaginations in stomach tissue are used as a treatment for obesity. In a first embodiment, a plurality of tissue folds is formed in the fundus region of the stomach. In a second embodiment, one or more elongated invaginations is formed in the body region of the stomach. In a third embodiment, a plurality of tissue folds is formed in the fundus region of the stomach and one or more elongated invaginations is formed in the body region of the stomach. Additional embodiments include various combinations of tissue folds, elongated invaginations, and other reconfigurations of stomach tissue. | 10-15-2009 |
20090253961 | ENDOSCOPIC SYSTEM WITH TORQUE TRANSMITTING SHEATH - An endoscopic system includes a sheath having a flexible sheath body. A tip is attached to a distal end of the sheath body. A handle is attached to the proximal end of the sheath body. A steerable section may be provided in the sheath adjacent to the tip. Steering controls may then be provided on the handle for steering the steerable section. Lumens extend from the tip to the handle. The distal end of each lumen is sealed to the tip. Bodily fluids can only enter into the lumens and not other areas within the sheath. In some embodiments, a shapelock assembly has an elongated hollow body positionable within the sheath body. The shapelock body may be switched between generally rigid and flexible conditions The sheath provides a sterile barrier around the shapelock body. The shapelock assembly can be readily reused and the sheath may be disposable. In other embodiments, the flexible sheath has a composite construction that provides improved torque transmission capabilities. | 10-08-2009 |
20090209984 | METHODS FOR PERFORMING GASTROPLASTY - Methods for performing gastroplasty include reducing the effective volume or cross-sectional area of the stomach via approximation of gastric tissue. Such reduction preferably is achieved endoluminally, either with or without laparoscopic ports. In one variation, a sleeve, pouch, Magenstrasse and Mill, Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (“VBG”), etc., is formed within the stomach by approximating opposing anterior and posterior segments or ridges of the stomach wall at locations inferior to the gastroesophageal junction. In another variation, opposing walls of the stomach are approximated at a plurality of substantially random locations to reduce an effective volume of the stomach. In yet another variation, both a sleeve and random approximations are formed, the random approximations preferably disposed in a portion of the stomach excluded by the sleeve. In still another variation, opposing walls of the stomach are approximated over significant lengths at random or specified locations. | 08-20-2009 |
20090209814 | FLEXIBLE TUBULAR LINER COATING SYSTEM - Flexible tubular liner coating systems are described herein. A method for coating and forming the flexible tubular inner liner may comprise, in one example, coating at least a first surface of a flexible elongate strip having a first and a second edge and then bringing the first and second edges of the flexible elongate strip into proximity of one another. Once the edges are brought towards one another, they may be joined such that a flexible tubular liner is formed having the coated first surface formed as an inner surface of the flexible tubular liner. Flexible tubular liner coating systems are described herein. A method for coating and forming the flexible tubular inner liner may comprise, in one example, coating at least a first surface of a flexible elongate strip having a first and a second edge and then bringing the first and second edges of the flexible elongate strip into proximity of one another. Once the edges are brought towards one another, they may be joined such that a flexible tubular liner is formed having the coated first surface formed as an inner surface of the flexible tubular liner. | 08-20-2009 |
20090171161 | STEERABLE ENDOSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS - Flexible, steerable, endoscopic instruments include a handle, a flexible shaft, and an end effector. The handle includes an actuator for controlling the end effector. The handle also includes a steering mechanism for steering the endoscopic instrument. The steering mechanism includes one or more tensioning members configured to increase or decrease a tension force on one or more steering wires that are attached to one or more steerable portions of the flexible shaft. | 07-02-2009 |
20090125038 | ENDOSCOPIC LIGATION - A ligature delivery device includes a control member, an elongated shaft, and an end effector attached to the distal end of the elongated shaft. An activation mechanism provides an user-operable connection between the control member and the end effector. In several embodiments, the end effector includes a reverse grasping mechanism. Several embodiments of ligature devices are adapted to be deployed endoscopically and/or translumenally using the reverse-grasping delivery device. | 05-14-2009 |
20090023985 | ENDOLUMINAL INSTRUMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - Endoluminal instrument management systems are described herein which allow one or more operators to manage multiple different instruments utilized in endoluminal procedures. Responsibility for instrumentation management between one or more operators may be configured such that a first set of instruments is controlled by a primary operator and a second set of instruments is controlled by a secondary operator. The division of instrumentation may be facilitated by the use of separated instrumentation platforms or a single platform which separates each instrument for use by the primary operator. Such platforms may be configured as trays, instrument support arms, multi-instrument channels, as well as rigidized portions of instruments to facilitate its handling, among others. | 01-22-2009 |
20090018552 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR FORMING AND SECURING GASTROINTESTINAL TISSUE FOLDS - Apparatus and methods are provided for forming a gastrointestinal tissue fold by engaging tissue at a first tissue contact point, moving the first tissue contact point from a position initially distal to a second tissue contact point to a position proximal of the second contact point to form a tissue fold, and extending an anchor assembly through the tissue fold near the second tissue contact point. Adjustable anchor assemblies, as well as anchor delivery systems, are also provided. | 01-15-2009 |
20080262539 | TISSUE GRASPING APPARATUS - A tissue grasping apparatus includes a control member, an elongated shaft, and a tissue grasping member attached to the distal end of the elongated shaft. An activation mechanism provides an user-operable connection between the control member and the tissue grasping member. In an embodiment, the tissue grasping member includes a pair of jaws configured to open to an included angle between the jaws of 180 degrees or more. In an embodiment, the activation mechanism includes a flexible drive wire attached to the penetrating member. | 10-23-2008 |
20080262525 | TISSUE PENETRATION AND GRASPING APPARATUS - A tissue grasping apparatus includes a control member, an elongated shaft, and a tissue penetrating and grasping member attached to the distal end of the elongated shaft. An activation mechanism provides an user-operable connection between the control member and the tissue penetrating and grasping member. In an embodiment, the tissue penetrating and grasping member includes a rigid penetrating member that is rotatably attached to the distal end of the elongated shaft. In an embodiment, the activation mechanism includes a flexible drive wire attached to the penetrating member. | 10-23-2008 |
20080262300 | ENDOSCOPIC SYSTEM WITH DISPOSABLE SHEATH - An endoscopic system includes a sheath having a flexible sheath body. A tip is attached to a distal end of the sheath body. A handle is attached to the proximal end of the sheath body. A steerable section may be provided in the sheath adjacent to the tip. Steering controls may then be provided on the handle for steering the steerable section. Lumens extend from the tip to the handle. The distal end of each lumen is sealed to the tip. Bodily fluids can only enter into the lumens and not other areas within the sheath. A shapelock assembly has an elongated hollow body positionable within the sheath body. The shapelock body may be switched between generally rigid and flexible conditions. The sheath provides a sterile barrier around the shapelock body. The shapelock assembly can be readily reused and the sheath may be disposable. | 10-23-2008 |
20080262294 | ENDOSCOPIC SYSTEM WITH DISPOSABLE SHEATH - An endoscopic system includes a sheath having a flexible sheath body. A tip is attached to a distal end of the sheath body. A handle is attached to the proximal end of the sheath body. A steerable section may be provided in the sheath adjacent to the tip. Steering controls may then be provided on the handle for steering the steerable section. Lumens extend from the tip to the handle. The distal end of each lumen is sealed to the tip. Bodily fluids can only enter into the lumens and not other areas within the sheath. A shapelock assembly has an elongated hollow body positionable within the sheath body. The shapelock body may be switched between generally rigid and flexible conditions. The sheath provides a sterile barrier around the shapelock body. The shapelock assembly can be readily reused and the sheath may be disposable. | 10-23-2008 |
20080200930 | APPARATUS FOR MANIPULATING AND SECURING TISSUE - Apparatus for manipulating and securing tissue are described herein. In creating tissue folds within the body of a patient, a tissue manipulation assembly may generally have an elongate tubular member, an engagement member slidably disposed through the tubular member and a distal end adapted to engage tissue via a helical member, tissue stabilizing members positioned at the tubular member distal end which are adapted to stabilize tissue therebetween, and a delivery tube pivotable about the tissue stabilizer. The stabilizing members can be adapted to become angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate tubular member. Moreover, one or all the articulation controls and functions can be integrated into a singular handle assembly connectable to the tissue manipulation assembly via a rigid or flexible tubular body. | 08-21-2008 |