摘要:
A method for modifying a geometry of a collagenous tissue mass includes heating the collagenous tissue mass to a temperature sufficient to cause denaturation, and introducing a biocompatible fixative, such as genepin, into the collagenous tissue mass.
摘要:
A robotic catheter system includes a controller including a master input device and instrument driver in communication with the controller. An elongate flexible guide instrument is operatively coupled to the instrument driver. A fluid injection needle may be advanced from, or retracted into, a distal portion of the guide instrument.
摘要:
Methods and apparatus are provided for selective surgical removal of tissue. In one variation, tissue may be ablated, resected, removed, or otherwise remodeled by standard small endoscopic tools delivered into the epidural space through an epidural needle. The sharp tip of the needle in the epidural space, can be converted to a blunt tipped instrument for further safe advancement. The current invention includes specific tools that enable safe tissue modification in the epidural space, including a barrier that separates the area where tissue modification will take place from adjacent vulnerable neural and vascular structures. A nerve stimulator may be provided to reduce a risk of inadvertent neural abrasion.
摘要:
The present invention is directed to a medical device for performing endoscopic procedures comprising a trocar and a cannula assembly having slidable adapter seals. The cannula assembly has a housing at the proximal extracorporeal end of a cannula. A generally semi-circular track follows the periphery of the cannula housing and at least one adapter seal slidably is engaged with the track. The adapter seal comprises a plate that accommodates a sealing element with an aperture for receiving surgical instruments. The adapter seal has engagement means for maintaining the adapter seal in the track. In addition, the adapter seal has releasing means that can be acted upon to apply a countering-force against a tensioning means in order to remove the adapter seal from the cannula assembly.
摘要:
The tool for enhancing visualization during surgery includes a shaft having a balloon member at a distal end. A fluid conduit through the shaft permits passing and inflation fluid into the balloon to selectively inflate the balloon. The balloon is formed of a material transparent to a wavelength of interest. A waveguide extends within the shaft into the interior of the balloon to visualize anatomical features external to the balloon.
摘要:
A method of pumping fluid including the steps of providing an electrokinetic pump comprising a pair of double-layer capacitive electrodes having a capacitance of at least 10−2 Farads/cm2 and being connectable to a power source, a porous dielectric material disposed between the electrodes and a reservoir containing pump fluid; connecting the electrodes to a power source; and moving pump fluid out of the reservoir substantially without the occurrence of Faradaic processes in the pump. The invention also includes an electrokinetic pump system having a pair of double-layer capacitive electrodes having a capacitance of at least 10−2 Farads/cm2; a porous dielectric material disposed between the electrodes; a reservoir containing pump fluid; and a power source connected to the electrodes; the electrodes, dielectric material and power source being adapted to move the pump fluid out of the reservoir substantially without the occurrence of Faradaic processes in the pump.
摘要:
A minimally invasive method of performing annuloplasty. According to one aspect, a method for performing annuloplasty includes creating a first plication in the tissue near a mitral valve of a heart, using at least a first plication element, and creating a second plication in the tissue near the mitral valve such that the second plication is substantially coupled to the first plication.
摘要:
Methods and apparatus are provided for selective surgical removal of tissue, e.g., for enlargement of diseased spinal structures, such as impinged lateral recesses and pathologically narrowed neural foramen. In one variation, tissue may be ablated, resected, removed, or otherwise remodeled by standard small endoscopic tools delivered into the epidural space through an epidural needle. Once the sharp tip of the needle is in the epidural space, it is converted to a blunt tipped instrument for further safe advancement. A specially designed epidural catheter that is used to cover the previously sharp needle tip may also contain a fiberoptic cable. Further embodiments of the current invention include a double barreled epidural needle or other means for placement of a working channel for the placement of tools within the epidural space, beside the epidural instrument. The current invention includes specific tools that enable safe tissue modification in the epidural space, including a barrier that separates the area where tissue modification will take place from adjacent vulnerable neural and vascular structures. In one variation, a tissue abrasion device is provided including a thin belt or ribbon with an abrasive cutting surface. The device may be placed through the neural foramina of the spine and around the anterior border of a facet joint. Once properly positioned, a medical practitioner may enlarge the lateral recess and neural foramina via frictional abrasion, i.e., by sliding the abrasive surface of the ribbon across impinging tissues. A nerve stimulator optionally may be provided to reduce a risk of inadvertent neural abrasion. Additionally, safe epidural placement of the working barrier and epidural tissue modification tools may be further improved with the use of electrical nerve stimulation capabilities within the invention that, when combined with neural stimulation monitors, provide neural localization capabilities to the surgeon. The device optionally may be placed within a protective sheath that exposes the abrasive surface of the ribbon only in the area where tissue removal is desired. Furthermore, an endoscope may be incorporated into the device in order to monitor safe tissue removal. Finally, tissue remodeling within the epidural space may be ensured through the placement of compression dressings against remodeled tissue surfaces, or through the placement of tissue retention straps, belts or cables that are wrapped around and pull under tension aspects of the impinging soft tissue and bone in the posterior spinal canal.
摘要:
Methods and apparatus are provided for selective surgical removal of tissue. In one variation, tissue may be ablated, resected, removed, or otherwise remodeled by standard small endoscopic tools delivered into the epidural space through an epidural needle. The sharp tip of the needle in the epidural space, can be converted to a blunt tipped instrument for further safe advancement. The current invention includes specific tools that enable safe tissue modification in the epidural space, including a barrier that separates the area where tissue modification will take place from adjacent vulnerable neural and vascular structures. A nerve stimulator may be provided to reduce a risk of inadvertent neural abrasion.
摘要:
In some embodiments, a method includes a shaft having a side catheter guide attached thereto via a guide coupler into an inferior vena cava and a superior vena cava such that the guide coupler is disposed in a right atrium, and applying a distal force to a proximal portion of the side catheter guide such that a distal end of the side catheter guide deflects laterally about the guide coupler towards a septum. The method further includes extending a side catheter that is disposed within the side catheter guide distally from the side catheter guide towards and into contact with the septum. The method further includes, with the side catheter in contact with the septum, extending a septum penetrator that is slidably disposed within the side catheter distally from the side catheter such that the septum penetrator pierces the septum.