Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130041399 | BALLOON CATHETER WITH DILATING ELEMENTS - A balloon catheter is provided that may be used to dilate hardened regions of a stenosis. The balloon catheter is provided with dilation elements that extend along a surface of a balloon. The dilation elements may comprise a coil and dilation wire. The coil and wire may be configured in various ways such that inflation of the balloon creates a concentration of forces along the dilating wires which are thereafter transmitted to stenosed regions of a vessel wall. The force exerted by the dilation elements against the stenosed region is sufficient to fracture plaque from the vessel wall. | 02-14-2013 |
20130046201 | HALF CANNULA FULL CORE BIOPSY NEEDLE - There is disclosed, among other things, embodiments of a biopsy needle for taking a full core sample through soft tissue. In the illustrated embodiments, an inner tubular member having a semi-cylindrical distal end is within and slidable with respect to an outer tubular member. A semi-cylindrical channel is in the distal end, as well as a planar end surface. The channel has a set of one or more protrusions or texture, and a complementary set of protrusions or texture are placed on the inside of the outer member so that the sets of protrusions or texture face each other when the distal ends of the members are adjacent each other. Methods for using these embodiments are also described. | 02-21-2013 |
20130060329 | Artificial Venous Valve with Discrete Shaping Members - The invention relates to a prosthetic valve for regulating flow through a body lumen. The medical device comprises discrete shaping members, a flexible covering, and a valve member. The discrete shaping members are operatively attached to the flexible covering, such that the medical device may exhibit low radial force and dynamic movement. | 03-07-2013 |
20130071447 | METHODS FOR PRODUCING ECM-BASED BIOMATERIALS - A method for forming an extracellular matrix material (ECM) material includes providing at least an ECM composition containing ECM particles varying in their capacity for migration through a fluid medium, including at least one population of expanded ECM particles. The ECM composition is combined in a fluid medium to form a flowable ECM composition. The flowable ECM composition is subjected to a centrifugal force in a mold for a period of time sufficient to distribute the ECM particles according to differences in their physical characteristics. The ECM composition is dried to form a dried ECM material having a density gradient extending from a less dense region to a more dense region. The dried ECM material may formed as a porous, substantially acellular ECM material expandable in an aqueous fluid environment by at least 100% in volume. | 03-21-2013 |
20130074712 | APPARATUS FOR COMPRESSING AN EXPANDABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - Various systems for compressing and loading an expandable medical device into a sheath are disclosed. One system comprises an array of moveable blades radially disposed about a central axis and forming a radially contractible aperture. The blade array includes at least a first plurality of blades and a second plurality of blades. The first plurality of blades is independently moveable with respect to the second plurality of blades. Additional aspects of the invention include methods of using the various compressor systems to compress and load an expandable medical device into a sheath. | 03-28-2013 |
20130079758 | SNARE SYSTEM - A snare for deployment or retrieval of an implantable medical apparatus. The snare includes a shaft, and a tip distal of the shaft. The tip includes an extendable member capable of self-centering the implantable apparatus during a deployment or retrieval. The extendable member is selectively receivable in the tip, distally extendable from the tip, and rotatable relative to the tip. An activatable handle is engaged with the shaft. A wire has an end engaged with the handle and an end engaged with the tip. Upon activation, the wire is urged in a proximal direction, resulting in a flexure of the tip. An elongated mechanism has a proximal portion engaged with the handle, and a distal portion engaged with the tip extendable member. The elongated mechanism is configured for selectively controlling the receiving, deploying, and rotating of the extendable member. | 03-28-2013 |
20130079870 | ENDOLUMINAL PROSTHESIS WITH STEERABLE BRANCH - An endoluminal prosthesis may include a tubular main graft body including a sidewall and proximal and distal ends. A first stent may be positioned near the proximal end of the main graft body. A second stent may be positioned adjacent to and distal of the first stent. An opening in the sidewall may be positioned longitudinally between a peak of the first stent and a valley of the second stent. A tubular branch may be disposed in the opening. The branch may include first and second end openings. The branch may be flexibly orientable between a retrograde configuration in which the first end opening is oriented toward the distal end and the second end opening is oriented toward the proximal end and an antegrade configuration in which the first end opening is oriented toward the proximal end and the second end opening is oriented toward the distal end. | 03-28-2013 |
20130085339 | SURGICAL RETRACTOR - The exemplary embodiments illustrated provide the discovery of apparatuses and methods of use of surgical retractors that solve the problems presently posed through use of the Trendelenberg position, present graspers, and present retractors. The embodiments are conformable into a sufficiently small configuration for introduction and positioning within a surgical site, and thereafter, are configurable into a larger, more rigid structure to sufficiently retain tissues and organs from the surgical site. | 04-04-2013 |
20130087598 | Medical Stapler - A medical device for delivering a staple formed from a shape memory material is disclosed. The staple includes a first tine and a second tine connected by a bridge. The staple may be disposed within the medical device in an open position. The medical device is configured to sequentially deliver the first tine and the second tine, respectively, to opposing body tissues. Upon warming up to a temperature at or above a transformation temperature of the shape memory material, the staple may assume a closed position, thus drawing together opposing body tissues and closing an incision. | 04-11-2013 |
20130090654 | COMBINATION CYSTOTOME AND ACCESS NEEDLE DEVICE AND METHOD - A system and method are provided for accessing and cannulating a target mass. The system includes a combined cystotome and access needle that provides for efficient operation. The access needle may be embodied as a polymeric sheath with a piercing stylet configured to extend beyond its distal end. The device embodiments allow a user to access and cannulate a target site such as, for example, a pancreatic pseudocyst with a single device. The device is also configured to allow introduction of a wire guide such that the cannulated target site can readily receive a wire-guided stent, or a stent delivered over the access needle. | 04-11-2013 |
20130090714 | STENT DELIVERY, REPOSITIONING, AND REMOVAL SYSTEM - A system for the delivery, repositioning, and removal of a stent is provided that utilizes inherent properties of stents, such as wire woven helical stents, including foreshortening. The stent can be radially constrained to reduce its diameter by applying a tensile force along its proximal and distal ends to collapse the stent permitting the delivery, repositioning, and removal of the stent. | 04-11-2013 |
20130095228 | INTRODUCER SHEATH WITH ENCAPSULATED REINFORCING MEMBER - An introducer sheath and a method for making the sheath. The sheath includes a fluoropolymer liner having a passageway extending longitudinally therethrough. An inner jacket is positioned longitudinally over the liner, and the inner surface of the inner jacket is bonded to the outer surface of the liner. An outer jacket is positioned longitudinally over the inner jacket, and the inner surface of the outer jacket is bonded to the outer surface of the inner jacket. A reinforcing coil is encapsulated within the inner jacket and the outer jacket. | 04-18-2013 |
20130096427 | Engaged Fiducials and System for Deployment - Embodiments include a fiducial deployment system including a needle and at least two adjacent and releasably-engaged fiducials retained within a lumen of the needle by engagement with each other and/or by engagement with a pusher element. A fiducial may include one or more mechanical engagement structures that interengage with and/or are rupturably attached to one or more adjacent fiducials. The needle, which may include echogenic enhancements, may be configured to deliver a plurality of fiducials to a target location in serial fashion, one at a time. A variety of releasably-engaged fiducials are disclosed, as are methods for use. | 04-18-2013 |
20130103036 | GHOST RING GUIDE FOR ASSISTANCE IN PERCUTANEOUS INSERTIONS - Among other things, there is disclosed embodiments of devices for assisting in aiming and inserting percutaneous medical tools or devices. A mandrel portion with a sharpened end has two or more guiding or directing members attached to it. The guiding or directing members at least partially define spaces that form part of a channel that is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mandrel portion, and one or both can be easily visualizable using imaging technology. The clinician can insert the aiming or guiding device into the patient, use imaging technology along the axis of the channel of the device to see whether the device is accurately placed, and if so, the guiding or directing members can be used to guide the percutaneous insertion of a medical tool or device. | 04-25-2013 |
20130103133 | Placement of Multiple Intraluminal Medical Devices within a Body Vessel - Medical device delivery systems and related kits and methods for placing multiple expandable medical devices within a body vessel are provided. A delivery system includes first and second expandable medical devices having the same or different dimensions. Placement of the first and second expandable medical devices in a body vessel can be achieved without requiring withdrawal of one or more components of the delivery system and insertion of secondary components. | 04-25-2013 |
20130123907 | PRELOADED WIRE FOR ENDOLUMINAL DEVICE - A system may include an endoluminal prosthesis and a guide wire. The prosthesis may include a tubular body including a graft material wall, a proximal end opening, a distal end opening, and a lumen extending longitudinally therein. The prosthesis may include first and second fenestrations in the graft material wall. The first and second fenestrations may be spaced from one another circumferentially about the tubular body. The guide wire may have a first end and a second end both extending from a region proximal of the proximal end opening. The guide wire may enter the proximal end opening, exit the first fenestration, partially traverse an exterior surface of the prosthesis, enter the second fenestration, and exit the proximal end opening. No portion of the guide wire may extend distally beyond the distal end opening. | 05-16-2013 |
20130131450 | ENDOSCOPE STABILIZATION SYSTEM - The exemplary embodiments illustrated provide the discovery of systems, methods, and apparatuses of endoscope stabilization devices for use with, for example, slim scopes, so as to provide, for example, a flexible outer structure capable of bending and holding a fixed position so as to provide, for example, support to make cannulation with a slim scope and target anatomy easier and more efficient. | 05-23-2013 |
20130131547 | ROTATING FULL-CORE BIOPSY NEEDLE - There is disclosed, among other things, embodiments of a biopsy needle for taking a full core sample through soft tissue. In the illustrated embodiments, the needle includes a single monolithic tubular member having a notch cut part-way through a distal portion of the tubular member to form an arch-shaped finger. At least a portion of the finger is bent toward the notch and into the lumen of the tubular member. Methods for using these embodiments are also described. | 05-23-2013 |
20130131548 | COAXIAL INCISIONAL FULL-CORE BIOPSY NEEDLE - Among other things, there are disclosed embodiments of full-core biopsy needles having an outer needle component and a middle cannula through a lumen in the outer component, through which a mandrel may be placed. The outer component includes an internal boss that reduces its internal diameter, and the cannula includes fingers that extend distally. When the needle is inserted for biopsy, tissue enters the outer component and cannula. Moving the cannula forward causes the fingers to engage a surface of the internal boss, resulting in the fingers curving into the tissue. The fingers pinch the tissue while reducing or eliminating compression of the sample to provide an easier removal of the tissue from adjacent tissue, as well as providing a block or backstop keeping the tissue within the needle. Gaps are provided between the fingers to further reduce damage to the tissue sample. | 05-23-2013 |
20130131775 | ENDOLUMINAL PROSTHESIS INTRODUCER - An endoluminal prosthesis introducer may include a rotatable inner cannula including a proximal end. The introducer may include a proximal tip disposed at the proximal end of the inner cannula and including a distal end. The introducer may include a retaining member including an engaging member extending radially outward. The retaining member may be disposed about the proximal end of the inner cannula. In response to rotation of the inner cannula with respect to the retaining member, the proximal tip may be longitudinally movable relative to the engaging member between a retaining configuration and a releasing configuration. The proximal tip and the engaging member may be spaced from one another by a greater longitudinal distance in the releasing configuration than in the retaining configuration. | 05-23-2013 |
20130131777 | BRANCH STENT GRAFT DEPLOYMENT AND METHOD - A deployment device for deploying a self-expanding fenestrated stent graft. The device includes a fenestrated stent graft retained on an introducer. The introducer includes a main catheter and an auxiliary catheter preloaded within the introducer and extending from distal the distal end of the stent graft, into the lumen of the stent graft and through the fenestration. | 05-23-2013 |
20130137932 | SURGICAL ACCESS PORT - The present embodiments provide a surgical access port comprising at least one channel having proximal and distal ends, and a lumen extending therebetween. The at least one channel comprises a first state in which the proximal end is positioned proximal to the distal end, and comprises a second state in which the at least one channel is everted by advancing the proximal end through the distal end, such that the proximal end is positioned distally beyond the distal end. An expansion member of the surgical access port is configured for insertion through a surgical incision in a contracted state, and expands to a diameter larger than the surgical incision in an expanded state. In one embodiment, the expansion member comprises a toroidal balloon that comprises a material adapted to flex and conform to tissue distal to the surgical incision in the expanded state. | 05-30-2013 |
20130138139 | HEMODIALYSIS GRAFT - A graft is used to interconnect two vessels, such as an artery and a vein for hemodialysis. The graft includes a body having first and second ends, and a wall to define a passageway formed in the body. The wall includes a plurality of tubular layers, such as a first layer and one or more second layers disposed radially inward relative to the first layer. Each second layer has first and second ends that can be enclosable. The second layer is removable from the graft body from within the passageway of the graft body after clot formation. A grasper can be used to attach with at least one of the ends of the second layer. In response to withdrawal of the grasper, the corresponding end of the second layer gathers radially inward away from a layer adjacent to the second layer. | 05-30-2013 |
20130138199 | PARAPLEGIA PREVENTION STENT GRAFT - A stent graft for deployment into the aorta of a patient has a tubular body with a proximal portion of a selected diameter; preferably a reduced diameter portion, distal of the proximal portion, having a diameter less than the selected diameter; a tapered portion, extending between the proximal portion and the reduced diameter portion; and optionally a distal portion, distal of the reduced diameter portion. At least three, preferably four or five, low profile side arms are provided, preferably in the reduced diameter portion and/or the tapered portion, for connection of an arm extension to an aortic branch vessel. All but one of the side arms are to be connected at the physician's choice, depending on the anatomy of the patient. One side arm is to provide temporary perfusion to external of the stent graft after deployment of the stent graft into the aorta, and is subsequently blocked. | 05-30-2013 |
20130138219 | BIODEGRADABLE STENTS HAVING ONE OR MORE COVERINGS - The present embodiments provide a medical device comprising a stent framework having proximal and distal regions and a lumen extending therebetween, and which comprises a biodegradable material. A first covering is coupled to at least a portion of an outer surface of the stent framework. When the stent framework is in an expanded deployed configuration, at least a portion of the first covering is disposed adjacent to a target site and fluid flows through the lumen of the stent framework. Further, the stent framework comprises a material that biodegrades a predetermined time after the first covering achieves at least partial remodeling at the target site. In various embodiments, one or more second coverings may be disposed adjacent to the first covering and comprise a material that biodegrades before the stent framework biodegrades. | 05-30-2013 |
20130144329 | EMBOLIC PROTECTION DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE - A method of embolic protection during a medical procedure in a patient's body vessel includes inserting a medical device having an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member into the body vessel. A flexible filter portion has one end attached to the distal end of the inner tubular member and the other end attached to the distal end of the outer tubular member. The filter portion is deployed within the body vessel so that the filter portion extends distally from the outer tubular member and expands radially outward to engage the filter body with an enclosing body vessel wall. A medical instrument is inserted through the inner tubular member to perform the medical procedure. The filter portion allows the passage of blood cells to surrounding vessels and prevents emboli from entering surrounding vessels. After removing medical instrument, the medical device is also removed from the body vessel. | 06-06-2013 |
20130144356 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR GENERATING A TISSUE POCKET IN A PATIENT - Certain aspects of this disclosure relate to uniquely constructed medical implants that incorporate an electronic or other medical device. Some illustrative pocket-like implants provide an interior space for receipt of an electronic medical device, and are implantable in a patient with the electronic medical device positioned in the interior space. In one form, an inventive construct includes a remodelable material component that is effective upon implantation to promote cellular invasion and ingrowth into the remodelable material so that it becomes replaced by new patient tissue and so that the electronic medical device becomes surrounded by a new pocket structure comprised of newly generated, functional patient tissue. The electronic medical device will be a pacing device or other cardiac rhythm management (CRM) device in select embodiments. | 06-06-2013 |
20130150944 | STENT GRAFTS FOR THE THORACIC AORTA - A method of temporarily reducing the diameter of a stent graft ( | 06-13-2013 |
20130150946 | FENESTRATED STENT GRAFTS - A stent graft ( | 06-13-2013 |
20130158401 | ULTRASONIC PERCUTANEOUS ENTERAL FEEDING TUBE - Among other things, a gastrostomy tube including a feeding tube that spans between an outer retention device and an inner retention device is disclosed. Embodiments of the inner retention device include an ultrasonic marker positioned within the inner retention device. The inner retention device and the ultrasonic marker have a variety of shapes or embodiments. The ultrasonic marker positioned in the inner retention device eliminates or reduces the use of fluoroscopy or endoscopy to position and later verify the location of the gastrostomy tube in a patient. Beneficially, the health risks associated with fluoroscopy and endoscopy are thereby eliminated or reduced with their associated disuse thereof. Moreover, the use of expensive hospital suites or operating rooms is eliminated or reduced with the use of portable ultrasound equipment that can be transported to a patient's bedside for verification of the location of the ultrasonic marker. | 06-20-2013 |
20130158507 | Biliary System Catheter - A catheter system and a method for accessing the bile duct are provided. The catheter system includes an elongate shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The catheter also includes a first lumen extending at least partially through the elongate shaft, a distal portion of the first lumen extending generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft and a distal port operably connected to the first lumen. The catheter system also includes a second lumen extending at least partially through the elongate shaft and a side port operably connected to the second lumen, the side port positioned proximal to the distal port and operably connected to the second lumen. The second lumen includes an angled wall portion adjacent to the side port. A marker is included on the distal portion of the elongate shaft, the marker configured to indicate the position of the side port. | 06-20-2013 |
20130158511 | THROMBUS REMOVAL APPARATUS AND METHOD - Thrombus removal apparatus includes a balloon catheter with a short balloon at a distal end thereof. An aspiration catheter is disposed coaxially over the balloon catheter. The balloon catheter includes a plurality of holes for the administration of lytic agent. The apparatus does not seal off completely the zone of the vessel around the thrombus, thereby allowing movement of blood within the vessel. The balloon is shaped so that it can be pulled along the vessel in an upstream direction so as to drag against the vessel walls for assisting in the removal of the thrombus. | 06-20-2013 |
20130158546 | ENDOSCOPIC SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RESECTION OF TISSUE - The present embodiments provide apparatus and methods for facilitating endoscopic resection of tissue. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a first tube having proximal and distal regions, and a working lumen disposed within at least a portion of the distal region. A second tube is disposed circumferentially around at least a portion of the distal region of the first tube. A wire has a distal end that is securely attached to a distal region of the second tube. In use, rotation of the second tube relative to the first tube causes the wire to pass circumferentially over a distal face of the first tube to incise tissue disposed within the working lumen of the first tube. | 06-20-2013 |
20130158646 | CIRCUMFERENTIAL TRIGGER WIRE FOR DEPLOYING AN ENDOLUMINAL PROSTHESIS - A deployment device for deploying an expandable endoluminal prosthesis within a body vessel may include an elongate member extending longitudinally along at least a portion of a length of the deployment device. The deployment device may include at least one engagement member coupled to the elongate member and extending outwardly from the elongate member. The deployment device may include a circumferential trigger wire extending at least partially circumferentially around the elongate member and removably received between the engagement member and the elongate member. The circumferential trigger wire may be manipulatable from a distal end of the deployment device, whereby the circumferential trigger wire is removable from between the engagement member and the elongate member. | 06-20-2013 |
20130158648 | STENT GRAFTS FOR THE THORACIC AORTA - A method of temporarily reducing the diameter of a stent graft ( | 06-20-2013 |
20130166012 | DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR STAGED STENT RELEASE - A prosthesis introducer system may include an introducer. A trigger wire release mechanism and a restraining member may be positioned near the distal end of the introducer. The system may include first and second trigger wires, each including a proximal portion releasably coupleable to a portion of a prosthesis and a distal portion coupled to the trigger wire release mechanism. The second trigger wire may be engaged by the restraining member. Each of the first and second trigger wires may include a taut portion. The second trigger wire may include a slack portion extending distally from the taut portion and positioned distal of the restraining member. Upon actuation of the trigger wire release mechanism, the first trigger wire may be releasable from the prosthesis and the second trigger wire may be releasable subsequent to the release of the first trigger wire. | 06-27-2013 |
20130172673 | SPACE-OPTIMIZED VISUALIZATION CATHETER - Methods and apparatuses for space-optimized visualization catheters are provided. Some embodiments utilize complimentary metal-oxide-semi-conductor (“CMOS”) technology integrated into a CMOS camera train holder system that may be a stand-alone component for use with a visualization catheter, such as a baby endoscope, or may be fabricated/extruded as a part of the catheter itself. Some embodiments of apparatuses, methods, and equivalents thereto provide better direct visual feedback to the medical personnel performing the procedure while providing a similarly-sized outer diameter visualization catheter device having an increased space therein for additional lumens and equipment or by reducing the overall outer diameter of the visualization catheter. | 07-04-2013 |
20130172674 | SPACE-OPTIMIZED VISUALIZATION CATHETER WITH CAMERA TRAIN HOLDER IN A CATHETER WITH OFF-CENTERED LUMENS - Methods and apparatuses for space-optimized visualization catheters are provided. Some embodiments utilize complimentary metal-oxide-semi-conductor (“CMOS”) technology integrated into a CMOS camera train holder system that may be a stand-alone component for use with a visualization catheter, such as a baby endoscope, or may be fabricated/extruded as a part of the catheter itself. Some embodiments of apparatuses, methods, and equivalents thereto provide better direct visual feedback to the medical personnel performing the procedure while providing a similarly-sized outer diameter visualization catheter device having an increased space therein for additional lumens and equipment or by reducing the overall outer diameter of the visualization catheter. | 07-04-2013 |
20130172677 | SPACE-OPTIMIZED VISUALIZATION CATHETER WITH CAMERA TRAIN HOLDER - Methods and apparatuses for space-optimized visualization catheters are provided. Some embodiments utilize complimentary metal-oxide-semi-conductor (“CMOS”) technology integrated into a CMOS camera train holder system that may be a stand-alone component for use with a visualization catheter, such as a baby endoscope, or may be fabricated/extruded as a part of the catheter itself. Some embodiments of apparatuses, methods, and equivalents thereto provide better direct visual feedback to the medical personnel performing the procedure while providing a similarly-sized outer diameter visualization catheter device having an increased space therein for additional lumens and equipment or by reducing the overall outer diameter of the visualization catheter. | 07-04-2013 |
20130172678 | SPACE-OPTIMIZED VISUALIZATION CATHETER WITH OBLONG SHAPE - Methods and apparatuses for space-optimized visualization catheters are provided. Some embodiments utilize complimentary metal-oxide-semi-conductor (“CMOS”) technology integrated into a CMOS camera train holder system that may be a stand-alone component for use with a visualization catheter, such as a baby endoscope, or may be fabricated/extruded as a part of the catheter itself. Some embodiments of apparatuses, methods, and equivalents thereto provide better direct visual feedback to the medical personnel performing the procedure while providing a similarly-sized outer diameter visualization catheter device having an increased space therein for additional lumens and equipment or by reducing the overall outer diameter of the visualization catheter. | 07-04-2013 |
20130178899 | Attachment Device for Tissue Approximation and Retraction - An attachment system for tissue apposition or manipulation and a method of attaching a suture to a tissue for apposition or manipulation of the tissue are provided. The system includes an attachment device including a body having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The attachment device further includes a tissue attachment portion operably connected to the distal portion wherein the tissue attachment portion has a shape that is maintained throughout a tissue apposition procedure. The attachment device also includes a suture operably connected to the body and having an unconnected proximal end and a retaining structure at the proximal portion of the body. The retaining structure configured to releasably mate with a complementary retaining structure on a stylet. | 07-11-2013 |
20130184833 | REDUCED WIRE PROFILE STENT - Methods and apparatuses of stents with likely reduced rates of tissue perforation are provided. Some embodiments include reducing the profile of a portion of the stent using a wire profile reduction electropolishing bath and/or other wire profile reduction means. | 07-18-2013 |
20130190609 | ECHOGENIC MEDICAL DEVICE - An echogenic medical device includes a shaft having a proximal portion, a distal portion, first and second opposing longitudinal sides, and a passageway extending therethrough. The distal end includes a beveled opening communicating with the passageway, and extending between a distal tip portion disposed along the first longitudinal side and a heel portion disposed along the second longitudinal side. A first echogenic region extends circumferentially around the shaft at the distal portion. The first echogenic region is structured for providing a signal visible along the circumference of the shaft under ultrasound visualization. A second echogenic region extends along a length of the second longitudinal side and is substantially aligned with the heel portion. The second echogenic region is structured and arranged for providing a generally linear signal visible under ultrasound examination along the second longitudinal side, and substantially not visible along the first longitudinal side. | 07-25-2013 |
20130190816 | SUTURE AND ANCHOR ENGAGEMENT METHODS AND RESULTING DEVICES - Described are methods and systems for engaging sutures and anchors and the resulting suture and anchor sets. In certain aspects, an end of the suture may be heated to create a melted mass of suture material. The melted mass may act as a shoulder to resist backing out of a hole in the anchor through which the suture is threaded, thereby engaging the suture and the anchor. Adhesive material may optionally be used to enhance the engagement between the suture and anchor. | 07-25-2013 |
20130190858 | BARBED ANCHORS FOR WIRE STENT - An endoluminal prosthesis that includes a support structure comprising a curvilinear portion having a first strut and a second strut that meet at an apex. Disposed on the support structure is an anchor with an anchor body and one or more barbs extending outwardly from the anchor body and where the anchor body comprises a multi-filar tube fits at least partially about, and conforms to the first strut, second strut, and the apex. | 07-25-2013 |
20130197476 | Catheter for Positioning a Wire Guide - A system and a method of positioning a wire guide are provided. The method includes inserting a wire guide in a first configuration into a lumen of a catheter, distally advancing the wire guide to a distal portion of the lumen so that a distal end of the wire guide is distal to an opening in a wall of the catheter and advancing a distal portion of the wire guide through the opening by distally advancing the distal portion relative to the catheter so that the distal end remains in the lumen as the distal portion of the wire guide extends out of the opening. The method includes advancing the distal portion of the wire guide further out of the opening so that the distal end exits through the opening so that the distal portion is distal to the distal end of the wire guide in a second configuration. | 08-01-2013 |
20130197554 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR ENDOSCOPIC RESECTION OF TISSUE - The present invention provides apparatus and methods for performing endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic submucosal dissection of tissue. In a first embodiment, a catheter having proximal and distal ends and a balloon disposed near the distal end of the catheter is provided. A portion of the distal end of the catheter is configured to be inserted beneath a section of mucosal tissue having a lesion, and the balloon is configured to be inflated to lift the mucosal tissue in an upward direction, thereby facilitating removal of the tissue comprising the lesion. Optionally, a surgeon may advance a needle knife through the catheter to further incise submucosal tissue while the balloon is in the inflated state. If to desired, a flushing fluid may be provided to a target site during the procedure. | 08-01-2013 |
20130197627 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A fenestrated implantable medical device, such as a stent graft ( | 08-01-2013 |
20130204342 | ORIENTATION MARKERS FOR ENDOVASCULAR DELIVERY SYSTEM - An endovascular stent graft delivery device has portion to remain outside a patient in use and a proximal portion to be introduced into a patient. The proximal portion has a dilator at the proximal end and a length extending module is fastened to the dilator and extends proximally. The length extending module has a proximal end which in use extends out of the patient. The dilator has a dilator marker and the length extending module has a first and second marker at the distal and proximal ends of the length extending module. The first marker and the second marker are at the same relative circumferential position on the length extending module so that the rotational position of the elongate body within the patient can be determined. | 08-08-2013 |