Abstract:
The present teachings relate to an endoscope (and methods of manufacturing the same) having an illumination system that utilizes small diameter fibers for delivering bright, high quality light to a target site. In accordance with one aspect, an endoscope is provided having a phosphor-loaded, light emitting distal tip that can be energized via optical radiation delivered to the light-emitting distal tip via a small-diameter optical fiber (e.g., less than about 100 μm in diameter) that extends through or along the length of the endoscope. The light-emitting distal tip can be energized by short wavelength laser light (e.g., radiation having wavelengths at 445 nm blue or 405 nm violet) coupled to the optical fiber's proximal end so as to deliver light of extremely high quality CRI (e.g., greater than 80, greater than 90, about 95).
Abstract:
A device for compressing body tissue includes a clip having a connection portion with first and second clip arms extending therefrom, the clip includes a recess formed on an inner surface of the connection portion, the recess being shaped and sized to slidably receive a mounting bar coupled to an outer surface of an endoscope on which the mounting bar is mounted with inner surfaces of the first and second clip arms maintained in an open position by contact between an endoscope on which the mounting bar is mounted and the inner surfaces of the first and second clip arms. The clip is slidable over the outer surface of an endoscope on which the mounting bar is mounted until the clip moves distally beyond the distal end of the endoscope so that the first and second clip arms spring closed to grip tissue therebetween.
Abstract:
A tissue resector includes an outer cannula with a cutting wire disposed therein. The outer cannula includes an opening that is configured to be associated with a cutting element of the cutting wire in such a way that when tissue is drawn into the opening of the cannula, a cutting element of the cutting wire can be rotated past the opening to engage and cut into and through the tissue. The outer cannula and the cutting wire may also be configured to enable aspiration of the tissue. A tissue resector according to this disclosure may be used with a hand-held, hand-operated rooter.
Abstract:
Compositions, systems, and methods for the treatment of pelvic tissue conditions that include use of a silk fibroin-containing hydrogel composition are disclosed. The composition may include a water-soluble fibroin and a water-soluble crosslinkable polymer that can be used as a pre-formed hydrogel, and/or delivered to a pelvic tissue site and crosslinked in situ to form a hydrogel. The composition may promote tissue closure, such as vaginal wound or fistula closure; and/or enhance attachment or anchoring of a pelvic implant to a pelvic tissue. The composition may be a hydrogel that is delivered to a pelvic tissue site, formed at the site in situ, and/or associated with a portion of the implant (e.g., a mesh implant) via a tether or implant extension portion, thereby providing improved immobilization of the implant. Systems or kits that include the composition and/or a delivery needle or insertion tool are also described.
Abstract:
Implant systems can include one or more needles, such as those used in pelvic floor repair procedures, and one or more elongate implants. A syringe or similar style hollow needle can be used to deliver the elongate mesh or other implant devices through one or more small stab incisions into the target tissue location inside the pelvis, proximate the vagina. The implant devices can be placed upon insertion through the incisions to engage and pull or tighten support tissue, such as the endopelvic fascia, pubocervical fascia, rectovaginal fascia, levator muscles, or other supportive muscles or tissue within the pelvis of the patient.
Abstract:
A luminal drilling system includes a drilling device and a control unit. The drilling device includes an elongate member having a drive shaft with a drill tip. The control unit includes a motor connectable to the drive shaft and control circuitry which rotationally oscillates the drive shaft with the direction of rotation automatically reversing whenever the load on the motor and/or drive shaft exceeds a threshold value.