Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080275370 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATING VISUAL DISORDERS - In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end and an ultrasound transducer coupled to the distal end of the elongate body. A cooling member is coupled to the ultrasound transducer. The cooling member and/or the ultrasound transducer is configured to directly contact an outer surface of an eye such that ultrasound energy can be applied to a targeted portion of the eye. A method includes disposing a medical device such that a distal end of the medical device is in contact with an outer surface of an eye. The medical device includes an elongate body and an ultrasound transducer coupled to a distal end of the elongate body. Ultrasound energy is applied to a targeted portion of the eye while the medical device is disposed in contact with the outer surface of the eye to reshape the cornea of the eye. | 11-06-2008 |
20080287741 | ARTICULATING TORQUEABLE HOLLOW DEVICE - An articulating mechanism for use in a medical device, such as an endoscope or a catheter, includes a series of stacked links disposed adjacent to one another and movable with respect to each other. Each link includes a front face tapered to a pair of pivot points and a rear face defining a wedge shaped recess for receiving the pivot points of the adjacent link. Pull-wires provide tension and hold the staked links together while also allowing for controlled bending of the distal portion by movement of one or more of the pull-wires. | 11-20-2008 |
20090009771 | DIFFRACTION GRATING BASED INTERFEROMETRIC SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Diffraction grating based fiber optic interferometric systems for use in optical coherence tomography, wherein sample and reference light beams are formed by a first beam splitter and the sample light beam received from a sample and a reference light beam are combined on a second beam splitter. In one embodiment, the first beam splitter is an approximately 50/50 beam splitter, and the second beam splitter is a non 50/50 beam splitter. More than half of the energy of the sample light beam is directed into the combined beam and less than half of the energy of the reference light beam are directed into the combined beam by the second beam splitter. In another embodiment, the first beam splitter is a non 50/50 beam splitter and the second beam splitter is an approximately 50/50 beam splitter. An optical circulator is provided to enable the sample light beam to bypass the first beam splitter after interaction with a sample. Two combined beams are formed by the second beam splitter for detection by two respective detectors. More than half of the energy of the light source provided to the first beam splitter is directed into the sample light beam and less than half of the energy is directed into the reference light beam. The energy distribution between the sample and reference light beams can be controlled by selection of the characteristics of the beam splitters. | 01-08-2009 |
20090069632 | MEDICAL INSTRUMENT WITH A DEFLECTABLE DISTAL PORTION - A deflection assembly of a medical instrument (such as an endoscope or a flexible ureteroscope) allows an operator to deflect a distal portion of the instrument using one or more controls located at a proximal portion of the instrument. The instrument allows the operator to achieve multi-directional deflection of the distal portion. | 03-12-2009 |
20090118728 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TISSUE ABLATION - A tissue ablation device comprises first and second electrodes of opposite polarities, the first electrode being mounted to a first elongated member for movement relative to the second electrode for separation therefrom by a desired distance. A method of ablating a tissue comprises inserting first and second electrodes to desired initial positions relative to a tissue mass to be ablated and applying electrical energy to the first and second electrodes to ablate a first portion of tissue between the first and second electrodes in combination with the step of applying electrical energy to desired second positions separated from the desired initial positions by a distance selected to transfer electrical energy around the first portion of tissue through a second portion of tissue to be ablated, the second portion of tissue surrounding the first portion of tissue. | 05-07-2009 |
20090157070 | MEDICAL TREATMENT USING PULSED ENERGY - An apparatus and methods for the treatment of tissue includes compressing a portion of the tissue to be treated using an expandable member and emitting a plurality of energy pulses toward that portion of the tissue. The pulses can be pulses of electromagnetic radiation and can be based on a pulse parameter value. The pulse parameter value can be modified based on a signal from a sensor. | 06-18-2009 |
20090160112 | STRUCTURE FOR USE AS PART OF A MEDICAL DEVICE - A low cost, flexible, torqueable structure for use as at least a portion of a medical device comprises a coil formed of a wound element. The coil includes a plurality of adjacent windings. Connected portions of a region between the adjacent windings are formed (by, for example, laser welding) such that torque can be transmitted between adjacent windings. | 06-25-2009 |
20090171275 | CONTROLLING MOVEMENT OF DISTAL PORTION OF MEDICAL DEVICE - A medical device allows movement control of a distal end portion of the medical device and is adapted for one-handed operation. The medical device is capable of omni-directional control of the distal end portion of the device. The device has an elongated member including a deflectable portion at a distal end portion of the elongated member. The device also has a control portion disposed on the elongated member. This control portion can be a handle for one-handed use by an operator of the medical device. The control portion comprises an elastic element and a flexible element. Angular movement of a first portion of the control portion with respect to a second portion of the control portion results in amplification of that angular movement in the deflectable portion of the device. | 07-02-2009 |
20090192495 | STRUCTURE FOR USE AS PART OF A MEDICAL DEVICE - The present invention generally relates to an articulating structure for use as at least part of a medical device. In one aspect, the invention features an articulating structure comprising an inner member, a sleeve, a pull wire, and an outer member. The inner member defines at least one channel on the outer surface of the inner member, the at least one channel extending along a length of the inner member. The inner member further defines at least one lumen extending through the inner member. The sleeve is disposed in the at least one channel. The pull wire extends within a lumen of the sleeve. The outer member is disposed over the inner member and defines a lumen through which the inner member extends. | 07-30-2009 |
20090240109 | FLEXIBLE ENDOSCOPE WITH CORE MEMBER - A digital imaging endoscope with an elongated shaft has a core member for imparting flexibility and column strength to the shaft. The shaft extends distally from a proximal handle, and at least part of the shaft, or the entire shaft, comprises an inner member, the core member, and an outer member. The inner member defines at least three lumens. A first lumen is for receiving an instrument, a second lumen is for receiving one or more wires for connecting a digital imaging device at a distal portion of the shaft to a display unit, and a third lumen is for receiving the core member. The core member can occupy the space within the shaft that was traditionally occupied by a fiber optic bundle in non-digital imaging endoscopes. The outer member is disposed over the inner member of the shaft, and the outer member defines a lumen through which the inner member extends. | 09-24-2009 |
20090259150 | Device and Method for Detecting and Treating Lesions - A device for treating tissue comprises an enlongate probe and a light delivery unit illuminating a target area with light within a first wavelength band selected to enhance identification of target tissue in combination with an ultrasound crystal mounted at a distal end of the probe, the crystal being stimulated to treat target tissue identified using the light delivery unit. | 10-15-2009 |
20090287245 | Surgical Composite Barbed Suture - In one embodiment, a medical device includes an elongate member configured to be inserted into a body. The elongate member has a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The elongate member includes a retaining member extending from the elongate member. The retaining member is configured to anchor the elongate member with respect to bodily tissue. The first end portion of the elongate member includes a coupling portion configured to be coupled to a filament. The second end portion of the elongate member includes a coupling portion configured to be coupled to the filament. | 11-19-2009 |
20090299352 | STEERABLE LASER-ENERGY DELIVERY DEVICE - In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an optical fiber that includes a fiber core with a substantially constant outer diameter of less than or equal to 250 microns extending to a distal end of the optical fiber. The optical fiber is also configured to deliver laser energy up to at least 100 watts to a target area within a patient. The optical fiber is sufficiently flexible such that the optical fiber can be moved between a first configuration in which a distal end portion of the optical fiber is substantially linear and defines a longitudinal axis and a second configuration in which the distal end portion of the optical fiber is moved off its longitudinal axis. The apparatus also includes a steering mechanism coupled to the optical fiber. The steering mechanism is configured to move the optical fiber between its first configuration and its second configuration. | 12-03-2009 |
20090326450 | STEERABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A steerable medical device is used to controllably introduce a guidewire or other medical instrument into a body of a patient and direct placement of the guidewire or other medical instrument in the body of the patient. The steerable medical device can include an elongated member, a steering mechanism, and an attachment member. The elongated member extends along a longitudinal axis and comprises a deflectable distal portion that is deflectable off of the longitudinal axis. The steering mechanism is adapted to control longitudinal and rotational movement of the elongated member and to control off-axis deflection of its deflectable portion. The attachment member is removably couplable to another medical device. The attachment member is moveably coupled to the steering mechanism and the elongated member. | 12-31-2009 |
20100004591 | MULTI-PLANE MOTION CONTROL MECHANISM - A hand-holdable steering mechanism is used as part of a medical device such as a catheter or an endoscope to allow movement of a steerable distal portion of the catheter or endoscope. The mechanism can include a housing and an actuation system. The actuation system is adapted for one-handed operation by a user, and it allows the user to achieve 360 degree articulation of the steerable distal portion. The actuation system can include a first actuator and a second actuator where the first and second actuators are movable with respect to each other. The first actuator can be at least partially disposed within the second actuator. | 01-07-2010 |
20100121147 | STEERING MECHANISM - A steering mechanism is used as part of a medical device such as a catheter or an endoscope to allow movement of a steerable distal portion of the catheter or endoscope. The mechanism can include a elongate housing and an actuation system. The elongate housing is adapted to be coupled to the steerable portion of the medical device. The actuation system includes an actuator, a first cam, and a second cam. The actuator can move the first cam between a first position and a second position as the actuator is moved along a first axis (or about a second axis different than the first axis). Movement of the first cam between its first and second positions moves the steerable portion of the medical device along a first plane. The actuator can move the second cam between a first position and a second position as the actuator is moved along the second axis (or about the first axis). Movement of the second cam between its first and second positions moves the steerable portion of the medical device along a second plane different than the first plane. | 05-13-2010 |
20100160848 | Ureteral Stent - In some embodiments, a ureteral stent includes an elongate member having a first portion and a second portion, which is coupled to the first portion. The first portion of the elongate member is configured to be disposed within a kidney of a patient. The second portion of the elongate member, which has a sidewall that defines a lumen, is configured to deliver fluid from a first location of the sidewall of the second portion to a second location of the sidewall of the second portion via capillary action. The second portion of the elongate member is configured to be disposed within at least one of a bladder and a ureter of the patient. | 06-24-2010 |
20100268255 | APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF DELIVERING AND ANCHORING IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - An apparatus includes an elongate member having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion. The elongate member defines a longitudinal axis. The distal end portion of the elongate member defines a notch having a face defining an axis. The axis of the face and the longitudinal axis define an acute angle with respect to a first direction along the longitudinal axis. The notch is configured to retain a loop of a suture when the elongate member is moved through a tissue of a patient in the first direction along the longitudinal axis. The notch is configured to release the loop of the suture when the elongate member is moved through the tissue of the patient in a second direction different than the first direction. The suture has at least one tissue anchor configured to be disposed within the tissue of the patient. | 10-21-2010 |
20100280421 | Ultrasound Heater-Agitator for Thermal Tissue Treatment - A method and a device to deliver heat and mechanical agitation in a liquid with ultrasound. The method and device may be used for thermal treatment of tissue within a living body, the device comprises a housing extending from a distal end to a proximal end, the housing including a first opening exposing an inner chamber of the device to the fluid, the housing being sized and shaped for insertion to a target location within the body and a piezoelectric element fixed within the housing and generating pulses of ultrasound energy directed substantially along a longitudinal axis of the housing in combination with first and second deflecting elements, the first deflecting element being mounted within the housing on a distal side of the piezoelectric element, the second deflecting element being mounted within the housing on a proximal side of the piezoelectric element, the first and second deflecting elements deflecting a portion of ultrasound energy from the piezoelectric element away from the axis of the housing so that the deflected ultrasound energy exits the housing via the first opening. | 11-04-2010 |
20100305434 | MEDICAL SCANNING SYSTEM AND RELATED METHOD OF SCANNING - The present invention is directed to a scanning system that uses uniform rotary motion of an optical reflector to create reciprocal linear scanning. The system converts uniform rotation into uniform longitudinal scanning. The system thereby creates mechanical reciprocal linear scanning free of reciprocally moving mechanical parts common in conventional scanning systems. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the scanning system is incorporated within an imaging catheter for medical scanning. The optical reflector is rotatable and includes a spiral reflecting portion. The spiral reflecting portion may be a single uniform reflecting surface or may include several reflection surfaces arranged in a spiral configuration. | 12-02-2010 |
20110009700 | CONTROLLING MOVEMENT OF DISTAL PORTION OF MEDICAL DEVICE - A medical device allows movement control of a distal end portion of the medical device and is adapted for one-handed operation. The medical device is capable of omni-directional control of the distal end portion of the device. The device has an elongated member including a deflectable portion at a distal end portion of the elongated member. The device also has a control portion disposed on the elongated member. This control portion can be a handle for one-handed use by an operator of the medical device. The control portion comprises an elastic element and a flexible element. Angular movement of a first portion of the control portion with respect to a second portion of the control portion results in amplification of that angular movement in the deflectable portion of the device. | 01-13-2011 |
20110077558 | ULTRASOUND ENDOSCOPIC SYSTEM - Embodiments of the invention include a device having an elongate section extending from a distal end to a proximal end, the elongate section may be configured to be inserted into a cavity of a body. The device may also include an end effector at the distal end of the elongate section. The end effector may have an end face. The end face may include a transducer configured to vibrate in response to an electric current. The elongate section may include a conduit configured to circulate coolant to the end effector. | 03-31-2011 |
20110098529 | Method and Apparatus Related to a Flexible Assembly at a Distal End Portion of a Medical Device - In one embodiment, an apparatus may include an endoscopic housing defining an opening disposed along a plane substantially normal to a longitudinal axis of the endoscopic housing. A rotatable member may be coupled to the endoscopic housing and may have a proximal portion configured to move from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration when the proximal portion of the rotatable member is rotated about an axis substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the endoscopic housing. The proximal portion of the rotatable member may be disposed on a distal side of the plane when in the stowed configuration and disposed on a proximal side of the plane associated with the opening when in the deployed configuration. | 04-28-2011 |
20110098701 | BIPOLAR RADIO FREQUENCY ABLATION DEVICE WITH RETRACTABLE INSULATOR AND METHOD OF USING SAME - An ablation device, comprises a first tubular element and a first electrode which, when in an insertion configuration, is received within the first tubular element, the first electrode being deployable from the first tubular element to anchor in a target portion of tissue at a first electrode operative position in combination with a second electrode which, when in the insertion configuration, is received within the first tubular element, the second electrode being deployable from the first tubular element to anchor in the target portion of tissue at a second electrode operative position separated from the first electrode operative position, the second electrode being deployable independently of the first electrode and an insulating element movable relative to the first electrode to insulate selected portions of the first electrode. A method of ablating tissue, comprises anchoring a first electrode at a first location in a target portion of tissue, deploying a second electrode at a second location in the target portion of tissue and applying current between the first and second electrodes to ablate a first ablation portion of tissue between the first and second electrodes in combination with moving an insulative cover relative to the first electrode to move a conductive portion of the first electrode to a third location within the target tissue, the third location being further from the second location than the first location, moving the second electrode to a fourth location within the target tissue, the fourth location being further from the first location than the second location and applying current between the conductive portion of the first electrode and the second electrode to ablate a second ablation portion of tissue surrounding the first ablation portion of tissue. | 04-28-2011 |
20110106108 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DELIVERY OF MESH-BASED DEVICES - In some embodiments, a stylet includes a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and a medial portion between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion. The distal end portion of the stylet is configured to be releasably coupled to a first portion of an implant. The medial portion of the stylet has at least one retention member configured to be releasably coupled to a second portion of the implant. | 05-05-2011 |
20110125032 | Devices and Methods for the Treatment of Endometriosis - A tissue treatment device comprises an insertion section sized and shaped for insertion into the body via a trocar and a diagnostic element coupled to the insertion section, the diagnostic element illuminating tissue with light of a wavelength selected to facilitate identification of target tissue in combination with an ultrasound element coupled to the insertion section for delivering to a portion of tissue illuminated by the diagnostic element ultrasound energy. | 05-26-2011 |
20110152914 | LESS TRAUMATIC METHOD OF DELIVERY OF MESH-BASED DEVICES INTO HUMAN BODY - In some embodiments, a method includes extending a dilator into a body of a patient in a first direction such that a distal end portion of the dilator extends from the body. The dilator defines a lumen therethrough. At least a portion of the dilator is disposed within the body when the distal end portion extends from the body. At least a portion of an implant is passed through the lumen defined by the dilator. The dilator is removed from the body by moving the dilator in the first direction. | 06-23-2011 |
20110160714 | DISPOSABLE PROBE FOR HYDROTHERMAL ABLATION WITH DIGITAL MINIATURE CAMERA AND ARTICULATING DISTAL SECTION - A device includes an elongated shaft configured for insertion through a body lumen to a desired position within an organ, the shaft defining a first shaft lumen extending therethrough. An articulating section is located at a distal end of the shaft and is movable out of longitudinal alignment with the shaft under user control, the articulating section comprising a first articulating section lumen extending therethrough from a proximal end open to the first shaft lumen to a distal opening in a distal face thereof. A data transmission wire extends through the shaft between a distal end connected to a camera mounted on a distal face of the articulating section and a proximal end remaining external to the body for attachment to an external image processing device. A light source at the distal face of the articulating section is aimed to illuminate an area within the camera's field of view. | 06-30-2011 |
20110160715 | COLLAPSIBLE IRRIGATION CHANNEL FOR PROCEDURES INVOLVING FLUID CIRCULATION - A device for providing fluid to an organ within a living body comprises an elongate member including a distal portion configured for insertion to a target location within a living body. The elongate member includes a withdrawal lumen extending from an outlet in a proximal end thereof to an inlet at a distal end of the elongate member, the inlet opening into a target organ when the distal portion of the elongate member is in the target location. The elongate member further includes an infusion lumen extending from an inlet in the proximal end thereof to an outlet which, when the distal portion of the elongate member is in the target location, opens into the target organ. A first portion of a wall separating the withdrawal lumen from the infusion lumen is configured to move between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration in which the cross-sectional area of a first portion of the infusion lumen adjacent to the first portion of the wall is reduced as compared to the expanded configuration so that a cross-sectional area of a first portion of the withdrawal lumen adjacent to the first portion of the wall is greater when the first portion of the wall is in the collapsed configuration than when the first portion of the wall is in the expanded configuration. | 06-30-2011 |
20110208041 | TRANSDUCER/SENSOR ASSEMBLY - An imaging transducer assembly is combined with a sensor of a medical positioning system, forming a transducer/sensor assembly. In one embodiment, the sensor includes a coil proximally coupled with the imaging transducer. A cable having first and second wires are proximally coupled to the coil. A non-conductive potting layer is wrapped around the coil. Traces are formed in the non-conductive potting layer that are used to electrically couple the imaging transducer with the first and second wires of the cable. | 08-25-2011 |
20110251525 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING LUNG TISSUE - A system for treating lung tissue includes a tube having a distal end, an anchoring device secured to the tube, the anchoring device configured to anchor at least a portion of the tube against an esophagus, a trachea, or a bronchus; and an ablation device carried within a lumen of the tube. | 10-13-2011 |
20110268395 | SIDE FIRE LASER ASSEMBLY - Embodiments include an apparatus including an optical fiber having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the optical fiber has a surface configured to emit energy transverse to a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber. The apparatus also includes a tube including a channel, and the distal end of the optical fiber is disposed in the channel of the tube. The apparatus further includes an element disposed at a distal end of the tube such that a pocket is formed in the channel of the tube between the element and the distal end of the optical fiber. | 11-03-2011 |
20120010466 | TRANSDUCER/SENSOR ASSEMBLY - An imaging transducer assembly is combined with a sensor of a medical positioning system, forming a transducer/sensor assembly. In one embodiment, the sensor includes a coil proximally coupled with the imaging transducer. A cable having first and second wires are proximally coupled to the coil. A non-conductive potting layer is wrapped around the coil. Traces are formed in the non-conductive potting layer that are used to electrically couple the imaging transducer with the first and second wires of the cable. | 01-12-2012 |
20120029273 | IMPLANTS AND METHODS FOR ENHANCING IN-VIVO ULTRASOUND IMAGES OF THE SAME - An implant includes a substrate and a carrier coupled to the substrate. The carrier including a plurality of objects configured to reflect energy emitted by an ultrasound device. In some embodiments, the carrier includes a plurality of air bubbles that are configured to reflect energy emitted by an ultrasound device. In one embodiment, a method of forming a bodily implant includes forming a substrate, disposing a plurality of air bubbles within a carrier, and applying the carrier to the substrate. | 02-02-2012 |
20120035627 | ADJUSTABLE IMPLANTS AND METHODS OF IMPLANTING THE SAME - In one embodiment, an implant includes a support member configured to be placed within a body of a patient and provide support to a portion of the body of the patient, a tether coupled to an end portion of the support member; and an anchor configured to be disposed within a tissue of the body of the patient to help retain the implant in place within the body of the patient. The tether is coupled to the anchor such that the tether may move with respect to the anchor in a first direction but is retrained from moving in a second direction. In one embodiment, a method of placing an implant within a body of a patient includes making an incision in the body of the patient, inserting the implant into the body of the patient through the incision, placing the implant within the body of the patient such that a support member provides support to a portion of the body and an anchor helps retain the implant in place within the body of the patient, closing the incision, and adjusting the tension of the implant after closing the incision. | 02-09-2012 |
20120158009 | MOVABLE CURVED NEEDLE FOR DELIVERING IMPLANTS AND METHODS OF DELIVERING IMPLANTS - In one general aspect, a medical device can include a base having a guide and a handle. The medical device can also include a needle member that has a curved portion and a handle portion. The curved portion of the needle member can be configured to slidably move within the guide of the base from a first position to a second position different than the first position when the handle portion of the needle member is moved towards the handle of the base. | 06-21-2012 |
20120191006 | STEERABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A steerable medical device is used to controllably introduce a guidewire or other medical instrument into a body of a patient and direct placement of the guidewire or other medical instrument in the body of the patient. The steerable medical device can include an elongated member, a steering mechanism, and an attachment member. The elongated member extends along a longitudinal axis and comprises a deflectable distal portion that is deflectable off of the longitudinal axis. The steering mechanism is adapted to control longitudinal and rotational movement of the elongated member and to control off-axis deflection of its deflectable portion. The attachment member is removably couplable to another medical device. The attachment member is moveably coupled to the steering mechanism and the elongated member. | 07-26-2012 |
20120220995 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TISSUE ABLATION - A tissue ablation device comprises first and second electrodes of opposite polarities, the first electrode being mounted to a first elongated member for movement relative to the second electrode for separation therefrom by a desired distance. A method of ablating a tissue comprises inserting first and second electrodes to desired initial positions relative to a tissue mass to be ablated and applying electrical energy to the first and second electrodes to ablate a first portion of tissue between the first and second electrodes in combination with the step of applying electrical energy to desired second positions separated from the desired initial positions by a distance selected to transfer electrical energy around the first portion of tissue through a second portion of tissue to be ablated, the second portion of tissue surrounding the first portion of tissue. | 08-30-2012 |
20120232573 | MULTI-ARM INSIDE-OUT TOOL FOR DELIVERING IMPLANTS AND METHODS THEREOF - In a general aspect, a medical device can include an external arm having a receiving mechanism, and an internal arm coupled to the external arm such that the receiving mechanism of the external arm is movable with respect to the internal arm. The medical device can also include a sliding component including a needle configured to be coupled to a portion of an implant and configured to slidably move the needle toward the receiving mechanism of the external arm. | 09-13-2012 |
20120253275 | MULTI-PLANE MOTION CONTROL MECHANISM - A hand-holdable steering mechanism is used as part of a medical device such as a catheter or an endoscope to allow movement of a steerable distal portion of the catheter or endoscope. The mechanism can include a housing and an actuation system. The actuation system is adapted for one-handed operation by a user, and it allows the user to achieve 360 degree articulation of the steerable distal portion. The actuation system can include a first actuator and a second actuator where the first and second actuators are movable with respect to each other. The first actuator can be at least partially disposed within the second actuator. | 10-04-2012 |
20120253277 | STEERING MECHANISM - A hand-holdable steering mechanism is used as part of a medical device such as a catheter or an endoscope to allow movement of a steerable distal portion of the catheter or endoscope. The mechanism can include a housing, a first actuator, and a second actuator. The first actuator is configured to move the steerable portion along a first plane when the first actuator is moved between first and second positions. The second actuator is configured to move the steerable portion along a second plane different than the first plane when the second actuator is moved between first and second positions. | 10-04-2012 |
20120265133 | CONTROLLING MOVEMENT OF DISTAL PORTION OF MEDICAL DEVICE - A medical device allows movement control of a distal end portion of the medical device and is adapted for one-handed operation. The medical device is capable of omni-directional control of the distal end portion of the device. The device has an elongated member including a deflectable portion at a distal end portion of the elongated member. The device also has a control portion disposed on the elongated member. This control portion can be a handle for one-handed use by an operator of the medical device. The control portion comprises an elastic element and a flexible element. Angular movement of a first portion of the control portion with respect to a second portion of the control portion results in amplification of that angular movement in the deflectable portion of the device. | 10-18-2012 |
20120289980 | ANCHORS FOR BODILY IMPLANTS AND METHODS FOR ANCHORING BODILY IMPLANTS INTO A PATIENT'S BODY - An anchor is provided for anchoring a bodily implant within a body of a patient. The anchor includes an implant engaging portion for engaging the bodily implant, wherein the implant engaging portion is disposed on a lateral portion of the anchor. The anchor further includes a distal end portion configured to pass through a passageway in the patient's body, the passageway defining a first axis and a proximal end portion disposed longitudinally opposite to the distal end portion on the anchor. The anchor defines a second axis extending from the distal end portion to the proximal end portion. The anchor is configured to rotate when a force is applied to the bodily implant such that the second axis defined by the anchor forms an angle with the first axis defined by the passageway. | 11-15-2012 |
20130012843 | Ultrasound Heater-Agitator for Thermal Tissue Treatment - A device is for thermal treatment of tissue. The device includes (a) an elongated member extending from a proximal end to a distal end insertable to a target position within a body; (b) a housing coupled to the distal end of the elongated member sized and shaped for insertion to a target organ within a living body, the housing including an opening permitting fluid surrounding the housing to enter the housing, the housing further including first and second deflecting elements shaped to diffuse pulses of fluid directed thereagainst; and (c) a piezoelectric element mounted within the housing between the first and second deflecting elements. The piezoelectric element is oriented to generate pulses in liquid received within the housing toward the first and second deflecting elements. | 01-10-2013 |
20130041398 | Dilator - A device for dilating a body passage includes an inner element including a shaft portion extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and an enlarged portion situated in the distal end and an outer sleeve extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a lumen extending therethrough. The lumen is sized and shaped to slidably accommodate the shaft portion of the inner element such that the device is movable between an insertion configuration, in which the enlarged portion extends distally past the distal end of the outer sleeve, and an expanded configuration, in which the distal end of the outer sleeve receives the enlarged portion of the inner element therein. | 02-14-2013 |
20130060261 | MULTI-ARM TOOL FOR DELIVERING IMPLANTS AND METHODS THEREOF - In a general aspect, a medical device includes a receiving arm configured to be coupled to at least a portion of an implant, and a clamping arm having a proximal end coupled to the receiving arm and having a track at a distal end of the clamping arm. The medical device also includes a sliding component including a needle and configured to slidably move along the track of the clamping arm. | 03-07-2013 |
20130158347 | Devices and Methods for the Treatment of Endometriosis - A tissue treatment device comprises an insertion section sized and shaped for insertion into the body via a trocar and a diagnostic element coupled to the insertion section, the diagnostic element illuminating tissue with light of a wavelength selected to facilitate identification of target tissue in combination with an ultrasound element coupled to the insertion section for delivering to a portion of tissue illuminated by the diagnostic element ultrasound energy. | 06-20-2013 |
20130253542 | SUTURING DEVICE - In some embodiments, the present invention discloses a suturing device including an elongate member having a head portion, a tail portion and a needle receiving portion provided on the head portion. The needle receiving portion has a recess that is configured to receive a suture and hold it within the recess. The needle receiving portion is fixed with respect to an opening defined at the head portion. The suturing device further includes a needle having a retracted state and a deployed state. The needle includes a needle notch at a distal portion of the needle. The needle is configured to enter the recess of the needle receiving portion and receive the suture within the needle notch. | 09-26-2013 |
20130261397 | ARTICULATING TORQUEABLE HOLLOW DEVICE - An articulating mechanism for use in a medical device, such as an endoscope or a catheter, includes a series of stacked links disposed adjacent to one another and movable with respect to each other. Each link includes a front face tapered to a pair of pivot points and a rear face defining a wedge shaped recess for receiving the pivot points of the adjacent link. Pull-wires provide tension and hold the staked links together while also allowing for controlled bending of the distal portion by movement of one or more of the pull-wires. | 10-03-2013 |
20130331948 | URETERAL STENT - In some embodiments, a ureteral stent includes an elongate member having a first portion and a second portion, which is coupled to the first portion. The first portion of the elongate member is configured to be disposed within a kidney of a patient. The second portion of the elongate member, which has a sidewall that defines a lumen, is configured to deliver fluid from a first location of the sidewall of the second portion to a second location of the sidewall of the second portion via capillary action. The second portion of the elongate member is configured to be disposed within at least one of a bladder and a ureter of the patient. | 12-12-2013 |
20140039522 | STEERING MECHANISM - A hand-holdable steering mechanism is used as part of a medical device such as a catheter or an endoscope to allow movement of a steerable distal portion of the catheter or endoscope. The mechanism can include a housing, a first actuator, and a second actuator. The first actuator is configured to move the steerable portion along a first plane when the first actuator is moved between first and second positions. The second actuator is configured to move the steerable portion along a second plane different than the first plane when the second actuator is moved between first and second positions. | 02-06-2014 |
20140257022 | DEVICES FOR DELIVERING IMPLANTS - This invention generally relates to devices and methods that allow an operator to deliver a suture and an implant coupled to the suture into the body of a patient without the need for direct-vision of the operator. In one aspect, a medical device includes a receiving arm that releasably holds an implant or suture in place for capture and a clamping arm that includes a needle deployment mechanism for advancing a needle directly to the implant for capture and for retracting the needle with the implant attached to deliver the implant into the desired location. The receiving arm includes a cavity with inner walls that are angled to direct the needle through the opening after the advancing needle pierces and goes through tissue of the patient. The angled walls facilitate movement of the needle into a position within the cavity where the implant gets engaged with the needle. | 09-11-2014 |
20140257023 | MEDICAL DEVICES AND IMPLANT ASSEMBLIES FOR IMPLANT CAPTURE - This invention generally relates to devices and methods that allow an operator to position an implant into the body of a patient without the need for direct-vision of the operator or the need to hand-guide a needle in order to capture an implant. In one aspect, a multi-arm delivery device includes a receiving arm that releasably holds an implant in place for capture and a clamping arm that includes a needle deployment mechanism for advancing a needle directly to the implant for capture and for retracting the needle with the implant attached to deliver the implant into the desired location. In one embodiment, the needle includes a plurality of retaining slots. In another embodiment, an end portion of the implant is configured to receive a needle into the end portion and at least some of the end portion of the implant is configured to be retained into one or more retaining slots of the needle. | 09-11-2014 |
20140257340 | TISSUE ANCHOR WITH INSERTION DEVICE - In one embodiment, a medical device includes a first arm portion, a second arm portion and a base portion. The first arm portion has an inner surface and an outer surface. The second arm portion has a tissue piercing portion at a distal end, an inner surface and an outer surface. The base portion extends between the first arm portion and the second arm portion. A distance between the inner surface of the first arm portion and the inner surface of the second arm portion defines a depth of penetration into a tissue of a patient. | 09-11-2014 |
20140350342 | STEERING MECHANISM - A steering mechanism is used as part of a medical device such as a catheter or an endoscope to allow movement of a steerable distal portion of the catheter or endoscope. The mechanism can include a elongate housing and an actuation system. The elongate housing is adapted to be coupled to the steerable portion of the medical device. The actuation system includes an actuator, a first cam, and a second cam. The actuator can move the first cam between a first position and a second position as the actuator is moved along a first axis (or about a second axis different than the first axis). Movement of the first cam between its first and second positions moves the steerable portion of the medical device along a first plane. The actuator can move the second cam between a first position and a second position as the actuator is moved along the second axis (or about the first axis). Movement of the second cam between its first and second positions moves the steerable portion of the medical device along a second plane different than the first plane. | 11-27-2014 |
20150045612 | WIRE COIL TISSUE FIXATION DEVICE - In one embodiment, a medical device includes an elongate member, a fixation device and a driving member. The elongate member defines a lumen and includes a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the elongate member has an opening. The fixation device is at least partially disposed within the elongate member and includes a tissue piercing portion at a distal end of the fixation device. The driving member is at least partially disposed within the elongate member and is configured to move the fixation device from a position within the lumen to a location outside of the lumen through the opening. The opening at the distal end of the elongate member is angled to insert the fixation device in a tissue of a patient at an angle to a plane of the tissue of the patient to fasten a bodily implant to the tissue. | 02-12-2015 |