Abstract:
A multi-instrument access device includes a base positionable within an opening (e.g. an incision or puncture) formed in a body wall and a dome-shaped seal on the base and positioned such that it is disposed outside the body wall during use. A plurality of instrument ports extend proximally from the seal for receiving instruments to be inserted into the body for use in a procedure. Tubular instrument tubes having pre-curved distal ends may be insertable through the ports for receiving the instruments and for orienting the operative ends of the instruments toward a target site.
Abstract:
In a method for sealing an incision in an interior body wall such as a gastrotomy opening in a stomach, a closure device is positioned within the incision. The closure device includes a seal and an anchoT coupled to the seal. The seal is positioned in sealing contact against a first surface surface of the body wall, and the anchor is positioned against the second surface of the body wall such that a portion of the closure device is positioned. The closure device seals the incision while healing takes place. Once the incision is significantly healed, the closure device bioerodes.
Abstract:
Devices and methods for manufacturing devices for treating degenerated and/or traumatized intervertebral discs are disclosed. Artificial discs and components of discs may include an artificial nucleus and/or an artificial annulus and may be comprised of shape memory materials synthesized to achieve desired mechanical and physical properties. An artificial nucleus and/or annulus according to the invention may comprise a filler retention membrane that may be filled with a curable material for deployment. A filler retention membrane according to the invention may comprise one or more partitions to define one or more chambers and may comprise one or more valves for selectively permitting the flow of material within the nuclear region and annular region of the filler retention membrane.
Abstract:
Improved polymeric endoprostheses and methods of manufacturing endoprostheses are disclosed herein. The endoprostheses may comprise one or more polymers wherein the polymer chains are substantially aligned circumferentially, and comprising increased radial strength and flexibility. An endoprosthesis according to the invention may comprise a smooth surface. Endoprostheses disclosed herein may be used in the treatment of strictures in lumens of the body. Alternatively, endoprostheses disclosed herein may be used as anchors to secure medical devices within lumens of the body. The endoprostheses disclosed herein may comprise one or more erodible polymer.
Abstract:
A system for accessing the interior of a vertebral body or the intervertebral disc space above or below the vertebral body is disclosed. The system comprises a steerable cutting means for creating a path within or through the vertebral body to allow access for other devices to deliver a therapy, and may be housed within a flexible catheter shaft. The steerable cutting means may create a path to allow access to a device for removing tissue, and/or additional a devices for delivering a therapy, such as, for example, a filling material and/or a prosthesis. A method of accessing the interior of a vertebral body or the intervertebral disc space using the system, and a method of treatment of spinal disorders using the system are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A percutaneously implantable device for the treatment of a cardiac condition or other disease is disclosed herein, the device capable of delivery and maintenance of a therapeutic scaffold. A therapeutic scaffold may comprise viable tissue to impart or restore normal cardiac function, or other therapeutic agent for the treatment of disease or injury. Viable tissue may comprise a pacemaker gene or other genes intended to impart a pacemaker function to either host tissue or transplanted tissue, or both. Further, a device according to the invention may be used for the implantation and maintenance of viable tissue to induce or enhance muscle contraction of a subject for the treatment of a disease or disorder.
Abstract:
A system for minimally invasive medical procedures includes an elongate tubular access cannula comprising an elongate tubular member having a rigid proximal portion and an articulating portion. The tubular member has a first branch and a tubular bifurcation extending from the first branch, allowing simultaneous use of multiple instruments. A dissector suitable for use with the access cannula, or other access devices, for implantation of gastric bands or for other procedures includes a pre-curved distal portion having a dissection element such as a monopolar RF conductor and/or a dissection balloon, as well as a snare. In one method, the dissector is advanced around the posterior side of the stomach to form a tunnel in the connective tissue, and the snare is then extended from the dissector to engage a portion of the band and withdraw it through the tunnel.
Abstract:
An intestinal implant includes a proximal anchor self-expandable from a radially compressed position to a radially expandable position for engagement with a wall of the intestinal lumen and a flexible sleeve coupled to the anchor. The sleeve is implanted with the anchor downstream from the pylorus and the sleeve extending further downstream through the intestinal lumen.
Abstract:
In a first embodiment of a system for treating diseased bowel, a pair of incisions are formed on opposite ends of a diseased section of bowel. A tubular bypass implant is positioned in the bowel such that its ends are anchored within the bowel and such that an intermediate section of the implant is positioned external to the bowel such that bowel contents flow through the implant and thus around the diseased bowel section. In a second embodiment, the diseased section of bowel is removed and a system is implanted for joining limbs of the resected bowel together to form an anastomosis. In the preferred anastomosis system, the limbs of the resected bowel are positioned between a tubular sleeve extending through the bowel and a tubular cuff positioned around the bowel.
Abstract:
A system for performing multi-tool minimally invasive medical procedures through a single instrument port into a body cavity includes an expandable frame that carries a pair of tool cannulas, each of which has a lumen for receiving a tool useable to perform a procedure in the body cavity. The frame is expandable to orient the tool cannulas such that they allow the tools to be used in concert to carry out a procedure at a common location in the body cavity.