| Patent application number | Description | Published |
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| 20080222243 | Client-side method for identifying an optimal server - A client player performs a query to a nameserver against a network map of Internet traffic conditions. The query is made asking for a particular service (e.g., RTSP) via a particular protocol (TCP) in a particular domain. In response, the nameserver returns a set of one or more tokens, with each token defining a machine or, in the preferred embodiment, a group of machines, from which the player should seek to obtain the stream. The player may then optionally perform one or more tests to determine which of a set of servers provides a best quality of service for the stream. That server is then used to retrieve the stream. Periodically, the client player code repeats the query during stream playback to determine whether there is a better source for the stream. If a better source exists, the player performs a switch to the better stream source “on the fly” if appropriate to maintain and/or enhance the quality of service. Preferably, the client player publishes data identifying why it selected a particular server, and such data may be used to augment the network map used for subsequent request routing determinations. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080285759 | Method for data privacy in a fixed content distributed data storage - An archival storage cluster of preferably symmetric nodes includes a data privacy scheme that implements key management through secret sharing. In one embodiment, the protection scheme is implemented at install time. At install, an encryption key is generated, split, and the constituent pieces written to respective archive nodes. The key is not written to a drive to ensure that it cannot be stolen or otherwise compromised. Due to the secret sharing scheme, any t of the n nodes must be present before the cluster can mount the drives. Thus, to un-share the secret, a process runs before the cluster comes up. It contacts as many nodes as possible to attempt to reach a sufficient t value. Once it does, the process un-shares the secret and mounts the drives locally. Given bidirectional communication, this mount occurs more or less at the same time on all t nodes. Once the drives are mounted, the cluster can continue to boot as normal. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20100138384 | Policy-based management of a redundant array of independent nodes - An archive cluster application runs in a distributed manner across a redundant array of independent nodes. Each node preferably runs a complete archive cluster application instance. A given nodes provides a data repository, which stores up to a large amount (e.g., a terabyte) of data, while also acting as a portal that enables access to archive files. Each symmetric node has a set of software processes, e.g., a request manager, a storage manager, a metadata manager, and a policy manager. The request manager manages requests to the node for data (i.e., file data), the storage manager manages data read/write functions from a disk associated with the node, and the metadata manager facilitates metadata transactions and recovery across the distributed database. The policy manager implements one or more policies, which are operations that determine the behavior of an “archive object” within the cluster. The archive cluster application provides object-based storage. Preferably, the application permanently associates metadata and policies with the raw archived data, which together comprise an archive object. Object policies govern the object's behavior in the archive. As a result, the archive manages itself independently of client applications, acting automatically to ensure that all object policies are valid. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20120030261 | Versioned file system with pruning - A versioned file system comprises a set of structured data representations, such as XML. Each structured data representation corresponds to a “version,” and each version comprises a tree of write-once objects rooted at a root directory manifest. Each version in the versioned file system has associated therewith a “borrow window.” When it is desired to reconstruct the file system to a point in time (or, more generally, a given state), i.e., to perform a “restore,” it is only required to walk (use) a single structured data representation (a tree). During a restore, metadata is pulled back from the cloud first, so users can see the existence of needed files immediately. The remainder of the data is then pulled back from the cloud if/when the user goes to open the file. As a result, the entire file system (or any portion thereof) can be restored to a previous time nearly instantaneously. A “fast” restore is performed if an object being restored exists within a “borrow window” of the version from which the system is restoring. A version is pruned from the versioned file system by deleting all objects in the tree (associated with the version) that, at the time of pruning: (i) are not being lent to any other version within the borrow window of the version being pruned, and (ii) are not referenced in any other version whose borrow window is sufficiently large enough such that an object in the version could have been restored from that other version. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120089569 | Versioned file system with sharing - A method of data sharing among multiple entities is provided. Each entity exports to a data store a structured data representation comprising a versioned file system local to that entity. The method begins by forming a sharing group that includes two or more entities. Sharing of the structured data representations by members of the sharing group is enabled. The filers use a single distributed lock to protect each version of the file system. This lock is managed to allow each filer access to the shared file system volume to create its new version. To share a fully-versioned file system, asynchronous updates at each of the filers is permitted, and each node is then allowed to “push” its individual changes to the store to form the next version of the file system. A mechanism also may be used to reduce the period during which filers in the group operate under lock. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120246126 | Policy-based management of a redundant array of independent nodes - An archive cluster application runs across a redundant array of independent nodes. Each node runs an archive cluster application instance comprising a set of software processes: a request manager, a storage manager, a metadata manager, and a policy manager. The request manager manages requests for data, the storage manager manages data read/write functions, and the metadata manager facilitates metadata transactions and recovery. The policy manager implements policies, which are operations that determine the behavior of an “archive object” within the cluster. The archive cluster application provides object-based storage. It associates metadata and policies with the raw archived data, which together comprise an archive object. Object policies govern the object's behavior in the archive. The archive manages itself independently of client applications, acting automatically to ensure that object policies are valid. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20130339738 | Method for data privacy in a fixed content distributed data storage - A storage cluster of symmetric nodes includes a data privacy scheme that implements key management through secret sharing. The protection scheme preferably is implemented at install time. At install, an encryption key is generated, split, and the constituent pieces written to respective archive nodes. The key is not written to a drive to ensure that it cannot be stolen. Due to the secret sharing, any t of the n nodes must be present before the cluster can mount the drives. To un-share the secret, a process runs before the cluster comes up. It contacts as many nodes as possible to attempt to reach a sufficient t value. Once it does, the process un-shares the secret and mounts the drives locally. Given bidirectional communication, this mount occurs more or less at the same time on all t nodes. Once the drives are mounted, the cluster can continue to boot as normal. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20140181055 | Policy-based management of a redundant array of independent nodes - An archive cluster application runs across a redundant array of independent nodes. Each node runs an archive cluster application instance comprising a set of software processes: a request manager, a storage manager, a metadata manager, and a policy manager. The request manager manages requests for data, the storage manager manages data read/write functions, and the metadata manager facilitates metadata transactions and recovery. The policy manager implements policies, which are operations that determine the behavior of an “archive object” within the cluster. The archive cluster application provides object-based storage. It associates metadata and policies with the raw archived data, which together comprise an archive object. Object policies govern the object's behavior in the archive. The archive manages itself independently of client applications, acting automatically to ensure that object policies are valid. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140324929 | Versioned file system with sharing - A method of data sharing among multiple entities is provided. Each entity exports to a data store a structured data representation comprising a versioned file system local to that entity. The method begins by forming a sharing group that includes two or more entities. Sharing of the structured data representations by members of the sharing group is enabled. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20150120675 | Versioned file system with fast restore - A versioned file system comprises a set of structured data representations. Each structured data representation corresponds to a version, and each version comprises a tree of write-once objects. Each version in the versioned file system has associated therewith a borrow window. When it is desired to reconstruct the file system to a point in time, i.e., to perform a “restore,” it is only required to walk a single structured data representation. During a restore, metadata is pulled back from the cloud first, so users can see the existence of needed files immediately. The remainder of the data is pulled back from the cloud when the user goes to open the file. As a result, the entire file system is restored to a previous time nearly instantaneously. A fast restore is performed if an object being restored exists within a borrow window of the version from which the system is restoring. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150341323 | METHOD FOR DATA PRIVACY IN A FIXED CONTENT DISTRIBUTED DATA STORAGE - A storage cluster of symmetric nodes includes a data privacy scheme that implements key management through secret sharing. The protection scheme preferably is implemented at install time. At install, an encryption key is generated, split, and the constituent pieces written to respective archive nodes. The key is not written to a drive to ensure that it cannot be stolen. Due to the secret sharing, any t of the n nodes must be present before the cluster can mount the drives. To un-share the secret, a process runs before the cluster comes up. It contacts as many nodes as possible to attempt to reach a sufficient t value. Once it does, the process un-shares the secret and mounts the drives locally. Given bidirectional communication, this mount occurs more or less at the same time on all t nodes. Once the drives are mounted, the cluster can continue to boot as normal. | 11-26-2015 |
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| 20110152627 | Neural Tissue Retraction and Preservation Device - A self-retaining neural retraction clip, preferably having controlled retraction level and an off-set retraction means. This device can reduce operative site clutter to enhance disc access while providing consistent and stable dural retraction. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110319898 | Instruments and Methods for Non-Parallel Disc Space Preparation - Flexible shavers and curved access ports that reduce access and trajectory problems associated with conventional lateral approaches to the lower spine. These devices and methods allow for preparing a disc space in the lower spine at an angle that is parallel to the disc space. Consequently, these devices and methods allow for preparing with less endplate damage. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110319995 | Enhanced Cage Insertion Device - A method of delivering a fusion cage to an intervertebral disc space bounded by adjacent vertebral endplates, comprising the step of delivering the fusion cage into the disc space without contacting its teeth to the vertebral endplates during delivery, wherein a sheath is interposed between a cage surface and the endplates to prevent contact therebetween during delivery. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110320000 | Multi-Segment Lateral Cage Adapted to Flex Substantially in the Coronal Plane - The present invention concerns several fusion devices and methods for laterally inserting a fusion device at an initial trajectory that is not parallel to the disc space. Each fusion device incorporates components that enable flexing, bending or pivoting of the device during its final approach to the prepared disc space. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20120078373 | STAND ALONE INTERVERTEBRAL FUSION DEVICE - An angled fixation device, such as an angled screw. This angled fixation device may be used by the surgeon to secure a spacer to a spinal disc space. The proximal end portion of the angled fixation device is driven perpendicular to the anterior wall of the spacer, and so is parallel to the vertebral endplates and in-line with the inserter. The distal end portion of the angled fixation device is oriented at about a 45 degree angle (plus or minus 30 degrees) to the vertebral endplate it enters. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20150297356 | Stand Alone Intervertebral Fusion Device - An angled fixation device, such as an angled screw. This angled fixation device may be used by the surgeon to secure a spacer to a spinal disc space. The proximal end portion of the angled fixation device is driven perpendicular to the anterior wall of the spacer, and so is parallel to the vertebral endplates and in-line with the inserter. The distal end portion of the angled fixation device is oriented at about a 45 degree angle (plus or minus 30 degrees) to the vertebral endplate it enters. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150313721 | Stand Alone Intervertebral Fusion Device - An angled fixation device, such as an angled screw. This angled fixation device may be used by the surgeon to secure a spacer to a spinal disc space. The proximal end portion of the angled fixation device is driven perpendicular to the anterior wall of the spacer, and so is parallel to the vertebral endplates and in-line with the inserter. The distal end portion of the angled fixation device is oriented at about a 45 degree angle (plus or minus 30 degrees) to the vertebral endplate it enters. | 11-05-2015 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
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| 20130289356 | Neural Tissue Retraction and Preservation Device - A self-retaining neural retraction clip, preferably having controlled retraction level and an off-set retraction means. This device can reduce operative site clutter to enhance disc access while providing consistent and stable dural retraction. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20140277153 | Bone Anchor Assemblies and Methods With Improved Locking - Various exemplary methods and devices are provided for fixing bone anchors to bone. In general, the methods and devices can allow for a bone anchor to be fixed to a bone at a desired angle to a receiver member. In an exemplary embodiment, a bone anchor assembly is provided that includes a bone anchor configured to engage bone, a receiver member that polyaxially seats a spherical head of the bone anchor, and a compression member seated within the receiver member, proximally of the head of the bone anchor. The compression member can have a distal end with gripping features thereon configured to create at least one line contact and/or one band contact with the head of the bone anchor, thus providing a firm grip on the head of the bone anchor and reducing a risk of slippage of the bone anchor with respect to the receiver member. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140277161 | Bone Anchor Assemblies and Methods With Improved Locking - Various exemplary methods and devices are provided for fixing bone anchors to bone. In general, the methods and devices can allow for a bone anchor to be fixed to a bone at a desired angle to a receiver member. In an exemplary embodiment, a bone anchor assembly is provided that includes a bone anchor configured to engage bone, a receiver member that seats a spherical head of the bone anchor and a spinal fixation element, a compression member seated within the receiver member, proximally of the head of the bone anchor, and a closure mechanism seated within the receiver member, proximally of the compression member. One or more of the receiver member, the compression member, and the closure mechanism can have gripping features thereon configured to secure the bone anchor and/or the spinal fixation element within the receiver member, thereby reducing a risk of slippage of the bone anchor and/or the spinal fixation element with respect to the receiver member. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20150157470 | Enhanced Cage Insertion Assembly - A method of delivering a fusion cage to an intervertebral disc space bounded by adjacent vertebral endplates, comprising the step of delivering the fusion cage into the disc space without contacting its teeth to the vertebral endplates during delivery, wherein a sheath is interposed between a cage surface and the endplates to prevent contact therebetween during delivery. | 06-11-2015 |
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| 20100015218 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR POTENTIATED ACTIVITY OF BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE MOLECULES - The present invention relates to novel compositions and methods for potentiating the activity of biologically active molecules in conjunction with one or more delivery vehicles and one or more carrier molecules. Specifically, the invention features the use of a carrier molecule in combination with a delivery vehicle and a biologically active molecule of interest to potentiate the activity of the biologically active molecule. The carrier molecule can be biologically inert, inactive, or attenuated; or can alternately be biologically active in the same or different manner than the biologically active molecule of interest. Specifically, the invention features novel particle forming delivery agents including cationic lipids, microparticles, and nanoparticles that are useful for delivering various biologically active molecules to cells in conjunction with a carrier molecule. The invention also features compositions, and methods of use for the study, diagnosis, and treatment of traits, diseases and conditions that respond to the modulation of gene expression and/or activity in a subject or organism that are delivered intracellularly in conjunction with a carrier molecule. In various embodiments, the invention relates to novel cationic lipids, microparticles, nanoparticles and transfection agents that effectively transfect or deliver biologically active molecules, such as antibodies (e.g., monoclonal, chimeric, humanized etc.), cholesterol, hormones, antivirals, peptides, proteins, chemotherapeutics, small molecules, vitamins, co-factors, nucleosides, nucleotides, oligonucleotides, enzymatic nucleic acids, antisense nucleic acids, triplex forming oligonucleotides, 2,5-A chimeras, allozymes, aptamers, decoys and analogs thereof, and small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules, to relevant cells and/or tissues, such as in a subject or organism, in conjunction with one or more carrier molecules. Such novel cationic lipids, microparticles, nanoparticles and transfection agents that are used in conjunction with one or more carrier molecules are useful, for example, in providing compositions to prevent, inhibit, or treat diseases, conditions, or traits in a cell, subject or organism. | 01-21-2010 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
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| 20080312731 | MEDICAL DEVICES - Medical devices including one or more ceramic fibers are disclosed. In some embodiments, each dimension of the ceramic fiber(s) is equal to or greater than one micron. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20090216265 | Tissue fasteners and related deployment systems and methods - Surgical tissue fasteners and related deployment systems and methods are disclosed. A tissue fastener used to join multiple tissue layers includes a first member, a second member, and a connecting member connecting the first and second members. In some embodiments, the first and second members are configured to expand from a delivered state to a deployed state in which the fastener secures the tissue layers together. Other tissue fastener embodiments include means for applying a substantially constant force on the tissue layers and/or means for adjusting a length of the connecting member between the first and second members. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20100087781 | MINIMALLY INVASIVE METHODS FOR THERMAL TREATMENT - An embodiment of the invention includes inserting into a gastrointestinal lumen, a catheter having a first balloon and a second balloon spaced from the first balloon. The first balloon and the second balloon are inflated to sealingly engage the lumen. A liquid is introduced into a volume bounded by the first balloon, the second balloon and the lumen so that the liquid contacts at least a portion of the lumen. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100125272 | Endoscopic Devices And Related Methods Of Use - Embodiments of the invention include a medical device including a handle portion, an end effector assembly, an elongate member connecting the handle portion and the end effector assembly, and one or more treatment devices extendable through the elongate member and end effector assembly. The end effector assembly includes an electrode assembly configured to cauterize tissue. The treatment devices may include an elongate cutting member with a safety tip. The treatment devices may include a multi-lumen catheter with a lumen configured to deliver fluid and another lumen configured to accommodate an injection needle, a cutting member, or other therapeutic or diagnostic devices. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100204710 | Snare with Loop Made of Heat Shrinkable Shape Memory Material and Method of Use Thereof - A tissue snare comprises an elongated member having a distal end and a loop formed of a shape memory material, the loop including a tissue receiving interior opening and being connected to the distal end of the elongated member, properties of the shape memory material being selected so that, when a temperature of the loop exceeds a critical temperature thereof, the loop constricts from an expanded state to a constricted state. A method of treating tissue comprises placing a loop of a snare around a portion of tissue to be treated while the loop is in an expanded configuration, the loop being formed of a shape memory material having a critical temperature so that, when a temperature of the loop is above the critical temperature, the loop transitions from the expanded configuration to a constricted configuration in combination with transitioning, after the loop has been placed around the portion of tissue to be treated, the loop from the expanded configuration to the constricted configuration to tighten the loop around the portion of tissue to be treated. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20110124963 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR FASTENING TISSUE LAYERS - Endoscopic devices and methods used for fastening multiple tissue layers, such as, for example, an endoscopic fundoplication procedure, are disclosed. The device may include, for example, an elongated tubular member having a proximal end for extending outside of the body and a distal end for positioning proximate the multiple tissue layers, a grasper configured for positioning proximate the distal end of the tubular member and for grasping at least one of the multiple tissue layers, a device coupled to the distal end of the tubular member for folding the multiple tissue layers together, a tissue fastener configured to be inserted into the tissue layers to hold the tissue layers together, and a fastener head for inserting the tissue fastener into the tissue layers. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110224575 | Needle with Helical Grooves Converting Axial Movement to Rotational Movement - A device for penetrating tissues within a living body, comprises a shaft extending from a proximal end which, in an operative position, remains outside the body to a distal end which, in the operative position, is within a living body, the shaft comprising a channel extending therethrough from the proximal end to an opening at the distal end. The device also comprises a needle extending within the channel and comprising a tissue penetrating tip. A portion of an outer surface of the needle includes a first structure wrapping therearound and configured to mate with a second structure formed on a corresponding portion of an inner wall of the shaft. The first and second structures mate with one another so that, as the needle is urged axially through the channel, the mating causes the needle to rotate about an axis of the channel. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110295265 | Delivery System Having Stent Retention Structure - A drainage stent delivery system including an elongate shaft of a medical device, a drainage catheter or stent, and an engagement member, such as a distensible member or a compressible member, for selectively coupling the stent to the elongate shaft. The engagement member is positioned between the inner surface of the stent and the outer surface of the elongate shaft and is elongatable from a first length to a second length by longitudinal movement generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the stent to release the stent. At the first length, the engagement member is engaged with the inner surface of the stent to secure the stent on the elongate shaft, and at the second length the engagement member is sufficiently disengaged from the inner surface of the stent to release the stent from the elongate shaft such that the elongate shaft may be withdrawn from the stent. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20120004502 | DIRECT DRIVE ENDOSCOPY SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for facilitating control of a tool or tools. The systems can allow a user to control multiple degrees of freedom. One such system allows a user to control multiple degrees of freedom of two tools simultaneously. Another such system allows a user to control multiple degrees of freedom with a single hand. Frames and rails for supporting and/or constraining movement of a tool or tools are also described herein. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120004505 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TISSUE INVAGINATION - Surgical devices and methods used for invaginating tissue during, for example, an endoscopic fundoplication procedure, are disclosed. The device includes an elongated tube having a proximal end configured to extend outside of the body and a distal end configured to extend proximate the tissue to be invaginated, and a distal member coupled to the distal end of the tube. The distal member is configured to hold or grasp the tissue to be invaginated. The devices may include a protective distal sleeve. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120010571 | CATHETER ASSEMBY AND METHOD FOR INTERNALLY ANCHORING A CATHETER IN A PATIENT - A catheter assembly and method for internally anchoring a catheter in a patient. According to one embodiment, the catheter assembly includes a catheter, a tubular fitting coupled to one end of the catheter, and an internal bolster coaxially mounted around the tubular fitting. The tubular fitting has a waist portion, and the internal bolster is secured thereto by a snap-fit. To internally anchor the catheter in a patient, one inserts the end of the catheter to which the fitting is coupled into the patient and then, while the fitting and its coupled end of the catheter are within the patient, inserts the internal bolster over the fitting until it snap-fits into place over the waist portion, thereby internally anchoring the catheter within the patient. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120316603 | TISSUE FASTENING DEVICES AND PROCESSES THAT PROMOTE TISSUE ADHESION - The invention in certain aspects relates to a surgical fastener for fastening tissue segments having tissue surfaces. The fastener includes a first fastener member having a base and a piercing element connected to the base for piercing the tissue segments to be fastened, a second fastener member having an opening for receiving and retaining the piercing element of the first fastener member such that the tissue segments to be fastened are retained between the first and second fastening members, and means for promoting adhesion between the tissue surfaces. The invention also relates to related methods and devices for promoting adhesion of tissue segments and preventing fastener migration, especially in an endoscopic procedure for the treatment of GERD. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20130317500 | ENDOSCOPIC DEVICES AND RELATED METHODS OF USE - Embodiments of the invention include a medical device including a handle portion, an end effector assembly, an elongate member connecting the handle portion and the end effector assembly, and one or more treatment devices extendable through the elongate member and end effector assembly. The end effector assembly includes an electrode assembly configured to cauterize tissue. The treatment devices may include an elongate cutting member with a safety tip. The treatment devices may include a multi-lumen catheter with a lumen configured to deliver fluid and another lumen configured to accommodate an injection needle, a cutting member, or other therapeutic or diagnostic devices. | 11-28-2013 |
| 20140031841 | TISSUE FASTENERS AND RELATED DEPLOYMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Surgical tissue fasteners and related deployment systems and methods are disclosed. A tissue fastener used to join multiple tissue layers includes a first member, a second member, and a connecting member connecting the first and second members. In some embodiments, the first and second members are configured to expand from a delivered state to a deployed state in which the fastener secures the tissue layers together. Other tissue fastener embodiments include means for applying a substantially constant force on the tissue layers and/or means for adjusting a length of the connecting member between the first and second members. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140222030 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR FASTENING TISSUE LAYERS - Endoscopic devices and methods used for fastening multiple tissue layers, such as, for example, an endoscopic fundoplication procedure, are disclosed. The device may include, for example, an elongated tubular member having a proximal end for extending outside of the body and a distal end for positioning proximate the multiple tissue layers, a grasper configured for positioning proximate the distal end of the tubular member and for grasping at least one of the multiple tissue layers, a device coupled to the distal end of the tubular member for folding the multiple tissue layers together, a tissue fastener configured to be inserted into the tissue layers to hold the tissue layers together, and a fastener head for inserting the tissue fastener into the tissue layers. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140276924 | GEL SWEEPER FOR RESIDUAL STONE FRAGMENT REMOVAL - Systems and methods for performing medical procedures in body lumens are described. Embodiments of the methods include forming a plug to partially or fully occlude the lumen and moving the plug through a surgical field. Embodiments of the systems include an elongate body graspable by a surgical instrument or by a surgeon that are adapted to anchor to the plug. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140336673 | TISSUE FASTENING DEVICES AND PROCESSES THAT PROMOTE TISSUE ADHESION - The invention in certain aspects relates to a surgical fastener for fastening tissue segments having tissue surfaces. The fastener includes a first fastener member having a base and a piercing element connected to the base for piercing the tissue segments to be fastened, a second fastener member having an opening for receiving and retaining the piercing element of the first fastener member such that the tissue segments to be fastened are retained between the first and second fastening members, and means for promoting adhesion between the tissue surfaces. The invention also relates to related methods and devices for promoting adhesion of tissue segments and preventing fastener migration, especially in an endoscopic procedure for the treatment of GERD. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20150087901 | CATHETER FOR USE WITH AN ENDOSCOPE - Endoscopes, medical devices for use with endoscopes, and methods for making and using endoscopes. An example medical device for use with an endoscope is a catheter having one or more ridges formed on an outer surface thereof. The ridges may interact, for example, with the elevator of an endoscope. | 03-26-2015 |
