Abstract:
According to an aspect of the present invention, a stent is provided, which contains at least one filament that has a longitudinal axis and comprises a bioabsorbable polymeric material. Polymer molecules within the bioabsorbable polymeric material are provided with a helical orientation which is aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis of the filament. The stent is at least partially bioabsorbed by a patient upon implantation or insertion of the stent into the patient.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention include a medical device for accessing a patient's body portion and used for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Embodiments of the invention may include a particular endoscopic positioning mechanism for placing an endoscope and an additional treatment device within desired body portions in order to assist in diagnosis and treatment of anatomical diseases and disorders. In particular, a medical device according to an embodiment of the invention includes a positioning mechanism configured for movement through at least two degrees of freedom.
Abstract:
An apparatus for use with a radio frequency generator and an indifferent electrode to treat tissue in a mammalian body includes a needle having a distal portion and being adapted for coupling to the radio frequency generator and a layer of insulating material extending around the needle but exposing a part of the distal portion of the needle. The exposed part of the needle is sized as a function of the thicknesses of the plurality of layers of tissue to facilitate placement of the distal portion of the needle in the plurality of layers by measuring impedance between the needle and the indifferent electrode.
Abstract:
A stent deployment device for deploying a stent within a body cavity comprises an endoscope having a protective cap, a flexible stent, a sheath, and a flexible, elongated member. The protective cap is mounted on the distal end of the endoscope providing a protected surface for retaining the stent. The flexible stent is circumferentially compressed over the perimeter of the cap, and the sheath is then releasably wrapped around the stent to hold it in a compressed configuration over the cap. The flexible, elongated member, such as a wire extending through a working channel of the endoscope, is attached to either the sheath directly or to a releasing device for the sheath. After the endoscopic device is inserted in a body cavity, the flexible, elongated member is pulled through the working channel to release the sheath and deploy the stent into a desired body opening in the body cavity. After deployment of the stent, the sheath can be left in the body cavity for subsequent retrieval or retracted through the endoscopic device.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention include a medical device for accessing a patient's body portion and used for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Embodiments of the invention may include a particular endoscopic positioning mechanism for placing an endoscope and an additional treatment device within desired body portions in order to assist in diagnosis and treatment of anatomical diseases and disorders. In particular, a medical device according to an embodiment of the invention includes a positioning mechanism configured for movement through at least two degrees of freedom.
Abstract:
Described herein are multi-part instrument systems and methods of use. The instrument can include an inner and outer body member where the inner body member is adapted to dock with the outer body member. When docked, driving the outer body member via a manipulation section can control the inner body. In use, an inner body member can be removed and replaced by a different inner body member to change the tool end effector. Alternatively, driving a manipulation section of the inner body member can control the outer body member. The outer body member can be disposable while the inner body member is reusable.
Abstract:
Implantable or insertable medical devices that provide resistance to microbial growth on and in the environment of the device and resistance to microbial adhesion and biofilm formation on the device. In particular, the implantable or insertable medical devices include at least one biocompatible matrix polymer region, an antimicrobial agent for providing resistance to microbial growth and a microbial adhesion/biofilm synthesis inhibitor for inhibiting the attachment of microbes and the synthesis and accumulation of biofilm on the surface of the medical device. Methods of manufacturing such devices under conditions that substantially prevent preferential partitioning of any of said bioactive agents to a surface of the biocompatible matrix polymer and substantially prevent chemical modification of said bioactive agents.
Abstract:
A medical device consists of a stent having a first surface and a second surface parallel to the first surface; a single expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) layer contacting the first surface of the stent; and an elastomeric layer applied to at least one surface of the stent. In at least one embodiment, the elastomeric layer is silicone. In at least one embodiment, the medical device is manufactured by positioning the ePTFE layer such that a first surface of the ePTFE layer contacts a first surface of the stent to form a stent-ePTFE assembly; and applying an elastomeric solution to the first surface of the ePTFE layer and at least one surface of the stent.
Abstract:
A porous weave of bioabsorbable filaments having an open mesh configuration is formed into an oblate shape having dimensions greater than the esophageal opening and gastric outlet of a stomach. The resulting prosthesis is deployed in the stomach and is of a size to be retained in the proximate portion thereof for exerting pressure on the upper fundus. The prosthesis limits the amount of food that may be held within the stomach, and exerts pressure on the fundus to create a sensation of being full, resulting in weight loss.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention include a medical device for accessing a patient's body portion and used for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Embodiments of the invention may include a particular endoscopic positioning mechanism for placing an endoscope and an additional treatment device within desired body portions in order to assist in diagnosis and treatment of anatomical diseases and disorders. In particular, a medical device according to an embodiment of the invention includes a positioning mechanism configured for movement through at least two degrees of freedom.