Abstract:
A device includes a conduit utilized for vacuum flow and a valve assembly fluidly coupled with the conduit. The valve assembly includes a valve body defining an opening, a valve member moveable with respect to the valve body, and a shape memory member, wherein the shape memory member operates to actuate the valve member to close the opening upon the shape memory member reaching a transition temperature.
Abstract:
An endostapler delivery system includes a biasing mechanism to offset or counter forces generated by a stapling device and therefore prevent the stapling device from moving during the firing of the staple. The delivery system includes a catheter having at least one lumen extending there through for receiving the stapling device. The biasing mechanism is an expandable biasing cage having a dome or semi-circular expanded shape provided at the distal portion of the catheter. When expanded, the biasing cage does not block or occlude a vessel, thereby allowing blood flow to continue during the stapling procedure. The biasing cage may include a plurality of ribbons or strands that extend generally parallel to the blood flow when expanded in situ, a mesh or braided structure, or a plurality of ribbons or strands that extend generally parallel to the blood flow when expanded in situ and a mesh or braided structure placed over the plurality of ribbons.
Abstract:
According to the present invention, a catheter having at least one multi-purpose lumen formed through the catheter terminates proximal a relatively complex-shaped distal portion thereof. In one form of this embodiment, the relatively complex-shaped distal portion comprises a looped portion having diagnostic- and/or ablation-type electrodes coupled thereto and an elongated diameter-adjusting member coupled proximal the distal end of the looped portion. The multi-purpose lumen may be used to alternately accommodate a variety of dedicated materials; such as, (i) a guide wire for initial deployment or later repositioning of the catheter, (ii) a volume or flow of a contrast media and the like, (iii) a deployable hollow needle or tube and the like used to biopsy adjacent tissue or dispense a therapeutic agent into a volume of tissue, and (iv) a cooling fluid, such as saline solution and the like dispensed at least during therapeutic tissue ablation procedures.
Abstract:
A tissue stabilizer including an elongated arm, a collet, and a head-link assembly. The collet is disposed at a distal end of the arm. The head-link assembly includes a tube and a spreading mechanism. The tube forms an intermediate section and opposing arms each terminating at a tip. The spreading mechanism can adjust a lateral distance between the tips, and includes first and second articulating members each having a leg and a collet interface body. The first member further includes a female hinge feature, whereas the second member includes a male hinge feature differing from the female hinge feature. The legs of are mounted to discrete regions of the tube, and the male hinge feature is pivotably coupled to the female hinge feature. Automatic spreading of a lateral distance between the tips occurs in response to a compressive force applied to the collet interface bodies.
Abstract:
An endostapler delivery system includes a biasing mechanism to offset or counter forces generated by a stapling device and therefore prevent the stapling device from moving during the firing of the staple. The delivery system includes a catheter having at least one lumen extending there through for receiving the stapling device. The biasing mechanism is an expandable biasing cage having a dome or semi-circular expanded shape provided at the distal portion of the catheter. When expanded, the biasing cage does not block or occlude a vessel, thereby allowing blood flow to continue during the stapling procedure. The endostapler delivery system further includes a steering wire that can be used to bend the catheter shaft.
Abstract:
The invention provides a system and method for harvesting a vessel section. The system comprises a vessel support member, a handle, and a tubular cutting device. The vessel support member is introduced into the vessel section to be harvested. The tubular cutting device may comprise an outer tubular member or an outer and an inner tubular member. The outer tubular member carries at least one cutting element. The tubular member or members are advanced over the vessel section and vessel support member to core out the vessel section and tissue adjoining the vessel section.
Abstract:
A device includes a conduit utilized for vacuum flow and a valve assembly fluidly coupled with the conduit. The valve assembly includes a valve body defining an opening, a valve member moveable with respect to the valve body, and a shape memory member, wherein the shape memory member operates to actuate the valve member to close the opening upon the shape memory member reaching a transition temperature.
Abstract:
A tissue stabilizer including an elongated arm, a collet, and a head-link assembly. The collet is disposed at a distal end of the arm. The head-link assembly includes a tube and a spreading mechanism. The tube forms an intermediate section and opposing arms each terminating at a tip. The spreading mechanism can adjust a lateral distance between the tips, and includes first and second articulating members each having a leg and a collet interface body. The first member further includes a female hinge feature, whereas the second member includes a male hinge feature differing from the female hinge feature. The legs of are mounted to discrete regions of the tube, and the male hinge feature is pivotably coupled to the female hinge feature. Automatic spreading of a lateral distance between the tips occurs in response to a compressive force applied to the collet interface bodies.