Abstract:
A thrombus filter configured for placement within a blood vessel lumen defined by a blood vessel wall. The thrombus filter includes a body member, and a plurality of wires. Each wire has a joined end and a free end. The joined end of each wire is fixedly attached to the distal portion of the body member. Each wire radiates away from the body member along a generally helical path of expanding diameter. The shape of each wire may be generally described as a spiral, or a helix of expanding diameter. The wires radiate away from the body member to form a generally conical filtering portion which includes a plurality of open cells. The thrombus filter may be removed using minimally invasive methods when such removal becomes desirable. A method of removing the thrombus filter is disclosed.
Abstract:
In a general aspect, a medical device can include an external arm having a receiving mechanism, and an internal arm coupled to the external arm such that the receiving mechanism of the external arm is movable with respect to the internal arm. The medical device can also include a sliding component including a needle configured to be coupled to a portion of an implant and configured to slidably move the needle toward the receiving mechanism of the external arm.
Abstract:
In some embodiments, a method includes extending a dilator into a body of a patient in a first direction such that a distal end portion of the dilator extends from the body. The dilator defines a lumen therethrough. At least a portion of the dilator is disposed within the body when the distal end portion extends from the body. At least a portion of an implant is passed through the lumen defined by the dilator. The dilator is removed from the body by moving the dilator in the first direction.
Abstract:
In one general aspect, a medical device can include a base having a guide and a handle. The medical device can also include a needle member that has a curved portion and a handle portion. The curved portion of the needle member can be configured to slidably move within the guide of the base from a first position to a second position different than the first position when the handle portion of the needle member is moved towards the handle of the base.
Abstract:
An anchor is provided for anchoring a bodily implant within a body of a patient. The anchor includes an implant engaging portion for engaging the bodily implant, wherein the implant engaging portion is disposed on a lateral portion of the anchor. The anchor further includes a distal end portion configured to pass through a passageway in the patient's body, the passageway defining a first axis and a proximal end portion disposed longitudinally opposite to the distal end portion on the anchor. The anchor defines a second axis extending from the distal end portion to the proximal end portion. The anchor is configured to rotate when a force is applied to the bodily implant such that the second axis defined by the anchor forms an angle with the first axis defined by the passageway.
Abstract:
A hand-holdable steering mechanism is used as part of a medical device such as a catheter or an endoscope to allow movement of a steerable distal portion of the catheter or endoscope. The mechanism can include a housing, a first actuator, and a second actuator. The first actuator is configured to move the steerable portion along a first plane when the first actuator is moved between first and second positions. The second actuator is configured to move the steerable portion along a second plane different than the first plane when the second actuator is moved between first and second positions.
Abstract:
An articulating mechanism for use in a medical device, such as an endoscope or a catheter, includes a series of stacked links disposed adjacent to one another and movable with respect to each other. Each link includes a front face tapered to a pair of pivot points and a rear face defining a wedge shaped recess for receiving the pivot points of the adjacent link. Pull-wires provide tension and hold the staked links together while also allowing for controlled bending of the distal portion by movement of one or more of the pull-wires.
Abstract:
A tissue treatment device comprises an insertion section sized and shaped for insertion into the body via a trocar and a diagnostic element coupled to the insertion section, the diagnostic element illuminating tissue with light of a wavelength selected to facilitate identification of target tissue in combination with an ultrasound element coupled to the insertion section for delivering to a portion of tissue illuminated by the diagnostic element ultrasound energy.
Abstract:
A hand-holdable steering mechanism is used as part of a medical device such as a catheter or an endoscope to allow movement of a steerable distal portion of the catheter or endoscope. The mechanism can include a housing and an actuation system. The actuation system is adapted for one-handed operation by a user, and it allows the user to achieve 360 degree articulation of the steerable distal portion. The actuation system can include a first actuator and a second actuator where the first and second actuators are movable with respect to each other. The first actuator can be at least partially disposed within the second actuator.
Abstract:
A medical device allows movement control of a distal end portion of the medical device and is adapted for one-handed operation. The medical device is capable of omni-directional control of the distal end portion of the device. The device has an elongated member including a deflectable portion at a distal end portion of the elongated member. The device also has a control portion disposed on the elongated member. This control portion can be a handle for one-handed use by an operator of the medical device. The control portion comprises an elastic element and a flexible element. Angular movement of a first portion of the control portion with respect to a second portion of the control portion results in amplification of that angular movement in the deflectable portion of the device.