Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090005637 | Method and Apparatus for Measuring and Controlling Blade Depth of a Tissue Cutting Apparatus in an Endoscopic Catheter - According to the present state of the art, endoscopic cannulation of the common bile duct and papillotomy and/or sphincterotomy of the Papilla of Vater and/or the Sphincter of Oddi is accomplished by advancing a sphincterotome (or papillotome or cannulotome) into an endoscope/duodenoscope so that the distal tip of the sphincterotome exits the endoscope adjacent the sphincter muscles at the Papilla of Vater. The endoscope mechanisms are then manipulated to orient the distal tip of the sphincterotome to the desired position for proper cannulation of the duct. Accurate and consistent control of the length of the exposed blade is made difficult due to a number of factors. These factors include: 1) differences in the inside diameters of the outer tube and the needle knife wire, 2) the orientation of the needle knife wire within the outer tube, 3) the mismatch of tolerance of the needle knife wire and the inside diameter of the extrusion, 4) anatomy, and 5) endoscope manipulation. A sphincterotome incorporating the present invention will provide the user with an indication of the exposed blade length and will allow the physician to control the length of the exposed blade. According to one embodiment of the present invention, various visual indications are presented to the user as the needle knife is advanced from its outer sheath. These visual indications, combined with a mechanical method to hold the knife in position during catheter placement allows the user to perform precise incisions. Presently available products that may be modified according to the present invention include, but are not limited to, Boston Scientific Sphincterotomes and Needle Knives. | 01-01-2009 |
20100286707 | Medical Device Having Linear to Rotation Control - A medical instrument converts linear movement of a shaft at a proximal end of the instrument to a rotational movement of an end effector of the instrument. According to one embodiment, the medical instrument includes an end effector formed of a snare loop connected to a shaft that is located within a sleeve. Once the sleeve is located near a desired location within a patient, the snare loop may be rotationally positioned with linear movement of the shaft by the operator. The shaft is formed with a threaded portion that matches threads formed in a torque transmitter element fixed within the sleeve. Linear movement of the shaft through the torque transmitter element causes the shaft to rotate. The medical instrument may also include a pivot connector for reducing torque build-up of the shaft and/or a clutch assembly for restricting controlled rotation of the snare loop to only one direction. | 11-11-2010 |
20110046512 | Flared Needle for EUS Fine Needle Aspiration Device - A device for gathering tissue samples includes a needle defining a distal tissue penetrating tip. The needle includes an increased diameter proximal portion extending proximally from the distal tip. An outer diameter of the distal tip is smaller than an outer diameter of the proximal portion. The needle defines a lumen extending therethrough from a distal opening in the distal tip thereof to a proximal opening at a proximal end thereof. The lumen includes a distal portion having a first inner diameter and a proximal portion having a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The device also includes a stylet slidably received within the lumen. An outer diameter of a distal portion of the stylet is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the distal portion of the lumen so that, when the stylet is in an extended position extending to the distal opening of the lumen, the lumen is substantially sealed thereby, and when, in a retracted position in which a distal end of the stylet is received within the proximal portion of the lumen, an annular space surrounding the stylet defines an aspiration path for samples exiting the distal portion of the lumen. | 02-24-2011 |
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 |
20130158562 | MEDICAL DEVICE HAVING LINEAR TO ROTATION CONTROL - A medical instrument converts linear movement of a shaft at a proximal end of the instrument to a rotational movement of an end effector of the instrument. According to one embodiment, the medical instrument includes an end effector formed of a snare loop connected to a shaft that is located within a sleeve. Once the sleeve is located near a desired location within a patient, the snare loop may be rotationally positioned with linear movement of the shaft by the operator. The shaft is formed with a threaded portion that matches threads formed in a torque transmitter element fixed within the sleeve. Linear movement of the shaft through the torque transmitter element causes the shaft to rotate. The medical instrument may also include a pivot connector for reducing torque build-up of the shaft and/or a clutch assembly for restricting controlled rotation of the snare loop to only one direction. | 06-20-2013 |
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 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090306682 | Multiple Clip Deployment Magazine - An apparatus for deployment of multiple hemostatic clips, comprises a shaft connected to a handle and a control linkage operatively connected to the handle in combination with a magazine disposed at a distal end of the shaft, the magazine containing a plurality of clips arranged in a chain rotatable within the magazine, wherein a proximal-most one of the clips is coupled to the control linkage, a distal portion of the magazine being contoured to permit opening of a distal-most one of the clips during a distal stroke of the control linkage, and to assist closing and locking of the distal-most clip during a proximal stroke of the control linkage, the magazine including an expanded chamber sized to allow opening in any rotational orientation of a next clip located immediately proximal to the distal-most clip to a degree sufficient to disengage the distal-most clip. A method for deploying multiple hemostatic clips, comprises positioning a distal end of a magazine containing a clip chain over selected target tissue and actuating a control link of the magazine in a distal stroke to open and distally translate a distal-most clip of the clip chain in combination with orienting the open distal-most clip in a desired orientation to grasp the target tissue and actuating the control link in a proximal stroke to close and lock the distal-most clip over the target tissue. The control link is further actuated in the proximal stroke to move a next clip immediately proximal to the distal-most clip into an expanded portion of the magazine sized to allow the next clip to open to a degree sufficient to release the distal-most clip regardless of a circumferential orientation of the next clip. | 12-10-2009 |
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 |
20100280415 | MEDICAL INSTRUMENT WITH CONTROLLED TORQUE TRANSMISSION - A medical instrument such as a guidewire that is designed to have controlled torque transmission along its length. Specially treated areas are placed in selected and equal areas along the entire length of the elongated shaft of the medical instrument, and are separated from one another by untreated areas. This process ensures that any torque is transmitted distally, in a smooth manner, regardless of the guidewire position, thus resulting in a substantial reduction in whipping. In one embodiment, a stainless steel guidewire is utilized, and is subjected to annealing heat treatment in selected areas. This annealing process creates a mandrel that has repeated temper properties along its length. Torque applied at one end of this mandrel is transmitted to the opposite end in an even and controlled manner, even when the mandrel is formed into a loop. | 11-04-2010 |
20110071621 | Rapid Exchange Stent Delivery System - Medical devices and methods for making and using the same. An example medical device may include an elongate tubular member, an endosurgery stent disposed on the outer surface of the tubular member, a push tube slidably disposed along the outer surface of the tubular member, and a push member slidably disposed in a lumen formed in the tubular member. The push member may be coupled to the push tube. | 03-24-2011 |
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 |
20110319904 | DELIVERY SYSTEM HAVING STENT RETENTION STRUCTURE - A drainage stent delivery system including an elongate shaft of a medial device, a drainage catheter or stent, and an interference fit member for selectively coupling the drainage stent to the elongate shaft. The drainage stent is selectively coupled to a distal portion of the elongate shaft by an interference fit between the interference fit member and the drainage stent such that axial movement of the elongate shaft relative to the drainage stent moves the interference fit member from a first position in which the interference fit member is engaged with the drainage stent and forms an interference fit with the drainage stent to a second position in which the interference fit member is disengaged from the drainage stent. | 12-29-2011 |
20120179164 | Self-Orienting Polypectomy Snare Device - A snare device and methods of making and using the same. The snare device may include a sheath having a proximal end region, a distal end region, and a shaft slidably disposed therein. A handle may be coupled to the shaft and disposed adjacent the proximal end region. The snare device may also include a swivel disposed adjacent the distal end region of the sheath and coupled to the shaft and to a snare loop. | 07-12-2012 |
20120203325 | Rapid Exchange Stent Delivery System - Stent delivery systems and methods for making and using stent delivery systems are disclosed. An example stent delivery system may include a guide member having a proximal portion and a distal portion. A stent may be disposed about the distal portion of the guide member. The stent may have a wall having an opening formed therein. A pusher member may be disposed about the guide member and positioned proximal of the stent. A holding filament may be disposed at the opening and may extend to the proximal portion of the guide member. The holding filament may be configured to releasably secure the position of the stent relative to the pusher member. The holding filament may be releasable from the stent independently of movement of the guide member. | 08-09-2012 |
20130012833 | MEDICAL INSTRUMENT WITH CONTROLLED TORQUE TRANSMISSION - A medical instrument such as a guidewire that is designed to have controlled torque transmission along its length. Specially treated areas are placed in selected and equal areas along the entire length of the elongated shaft of the medical instrument, and are separated from one another by untreated areas. This process ensures that any torque is transmitted distally, in a smooth manner, regardless of the guidewire position, thus resulting in a substantial reduction in whipping. In one embodiment, a stainless steel guidewire is utilized, and is subjected to annealing heat treatment in selected areas. This annealing process creates a mandrel that has repeated temper properties along its length. Torque applied at one end of this mandrel is transmitted to the opposite end in an even and controlled manner, even when the mandrel is formed into a loop. | 01-10-2013 |
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 |
20140121642 | DUAL FUNCTION MEDICAL DEVICES - Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a dual function medical device. The dual function medical device may include an inner guidewire. An outer guidewire may be disposed about the inner guidewire. The outer guidewire may include a tubular member having a plurality of slots formed therein. A torque member may be coupled to the dual function medical device. The torque member may be configured to independently attach to the inner guidewire and the outer guidewire. | 05-01-2014 |
20140172009 | Device with Deflectable Distal End and Related Methods of Use - A deflecting method and deflecting apparatus allows the distal end of device, for example an endoscopic medical device, to be remotely and adjustably deflected from a straight configuration to a deflected configuration. Manipulating a proximal handle causes the deflection, controls actuation of an end effector assembly on the distal end, and straightens the deflecting apparatus back to its original configuration. | 06-19-2014 |
20140309721 | RAPID EXCHANGE STENT DELIVERY SYSTEM - Medical devices and methods for making and using the same. An example medical device may include an elongate tubular member, an endosurgery stent disposed on the outer surface of the tubular member, a push tube slidably disposed along the outer surface of the tubular member, and a push member slidably disposed in a lumen formed in the tubular member. The push member may be coupled to the push tube. | 10-16-2014 |
20140324152 | DELIVERY SYSTEM HAVING STENT RETENTION STRUCTURE - A drainage stent delivery system including an elongate shaft of a medial device, a drainage catheter or stent, and an interference fit member for selectively coupling the drainage stent to the elongate shaft. The drainage stent is selectively coupled to a distal portion of the elongate shaft by an interference fit between the interference fit member and the drainage stent such that axial movement of the elongate shaft relative to the drainage stent moves the interference fit member from a first position in which the interference fit member is engaged with the drainage stent and forms an interference fit with the drainage stent to a second position in which the interference fit member is disengaged from the drainage stent. | 10-30-2014 |
20140378868 | MEDICAL INSTRUMENT WITH CONTROLLED TORQUE TRANSMISSION - A medical instrument such as a guidewire that is designed to have controlled torque transmission along its length. Specially treated areas are placed in selected and equal areas along the entire length of the elongated shaft of the medical instrument, and are separated from one another by untreated areas. This process ensures that any torque is transmitted distally, in a smooth manner, regardless of the guidewire position, thus resulting in a substantial reduction in whipping. In one embodiment, a stainless steel guidewire is utilized, and is subjected to annealing heat treatment in selected areas. This annealing process creates a mandrel that has repeated temper properties along its length. Torque applied at one end of this mandrel is transmitted to the opposite end in an even and controlled manner, even when the mandrel is formed into a loop. | 12-25-2014 |
20150073391 | MEDICAL DEVICE WITH A MOVABLE TIP - Medical devices and methods are disclosed. An example medical guidewire for accessing a body lumen along a biliary and/or pancreatic tract may include an elongated member having a distal end and a proximal end. The guidewire may include a movable distal tip positioned at the distal end of the elongated member. The guidewire may also include an electromechanical actuator for actuating movement of the distal tip. The actuation of the electromechanical actuator actuates movement of the adjustable distal tip and facilitates cannulation of one or more of a bile duct and a pancreatic duct. | 03-12-2015 |