373 results about "Distension" patented technology

Apparatus and methods are provided for placing and advancing a diagnostic of therapeutic instrument in a hollow body organ of a tortuous or unsupported anatomy, comprising a handle, an overtube, a distal region having an atraumatic tip. The overtube may be removable from the handle, and have a longitudinal axis disposed at an angle relative to the handle. The overtube may be selectively stiffened to reduce distension of the organ caused by advancement of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument. The distal region permits passive steering of the overtube caused by deflection of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument while the atraumatic tip prevents the wall of the organ from becoming caught or pinched during manipulation of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument.

Disclosed is a surgical access device for providing at least one auxiliary lumen for the insertion of a surgical instrument or other therapeutic device into a patient's body. The device comprises a first working channel, a second working channel and at least one additional lumen for infusion of a distension media. The surgical access device comprises an outer diameter, and the ratio of the outer diameter to the inside diameter of the working channel is preferably less than about 2.25.

Apparatus and methods are provided for placing and advancing a diagnostic or therapeutic instrument in a hollow body organ of a tortuous or unsupported anatomy, comprising a handle, an overtube, a distal region having an atraumatic tip. The overtube may be removable from the handle, and have a longitudinal axis disposed at an angle relative to the handle. The overtube may be selectively stiffened to reduce distension of the organ caused by advancement of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument. The distal region permits passive steering of the overtube caused by deflection of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument while the atraumatic tip prevents the wall of the organ from becoming caught or pinched during manipulation of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument.

Apparatus and methods are provided for placing and advancing a diagnostic or therapeutic instrument in a hollow body organ of a tortuous or unsupported anatomy, comprising a handle, an overtube disposed within a hydrophilic sheath, and a distal region having an atraumatic tip. The overtube may be removable from the handle, and have a longitudinal axis disposed at an angle relative to the handle. The sheath may be disposable to permit reuse of the overtube. Fail-safe tensioning mechanisms may be provided to selectively stiffen the overtube to reduce distension of the organ caused by advancement of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument. The fail-safe tensioning mechanisms reduce the risk of reconfiguration of the overtube in the event that the tension system fails, and, in one embodiment, rigidizes the overtube without substantial proximal movement of the distal region. The distal region permits passive steering of the overtube caused by deflection of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument, while the atraumatic tip prevents the wall of the organ from becoming caught or pinched during manipulation of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument.

The present invention relates to an endoscope, more specifically to an endoscope that provides both forward view and rear view of a hollow body organ. It comprises of a rear view module that contains a rear image lens and a rear illumination bulb. The rear view module is designed and is attached to a conventional endoscope in a way that when deployed, the rear image lens and the rear illumination bulb face backward. In this position, the rear image lens provides a rear view and the rear illumination bulb illuminates the area under view of the rear image lens. The present invention enables the operator to obtain forward and rear views of a hollow organ either separately or simultaneously. The ability to obtain forward and rear view at the same time enables the operator to perform a complete examination of a hollow organ that includes both forward and rear view in a single insertion. The present invention enables surgical procedures to be performed in areas that are otherwise inaccessible and out of view of conventional endoscopes. This is made possible by a rear instrument channel located proximal to the rear view module. The present invention also improves distension and visualization of a hollow internal organ by having a rear air / water channel also located proximal to the rear view module. The present invention widens the field of vision of conventional endoscopes by enabling the addition of more than one forward image lens and more than one forward illumination bulb.

Apparatus and processes for preparing heterostructures with reduced strain are disclosed. The heterostructures may include a semiconductor structure that conforms to a surface layer having a different crystal lattice constant than the structure to form a relatively low-defect heterostructure.

Method and device for distending a gynecological cavity. According to one embodiment, a mechanical, non-fluid device is used to distend the gynecological cavity. Such devices include, for example, self-expanding members, such as resilient baskets, coils, whisks, prongs, and loops, or mechanically expanded members, such as inflatable balloons, mechanically-expanded cages and loops, and scissor jacks. The device may serve a purpose in addition to distension, such as illumination, imaging, irrigation, drug delivery, resection and cauterization.

Devices and methods for treatment of prolapsed hemorrhoidal arteries is disclosed. The devices can identify the hemorrhoid and ligate the artery without causing significant pain or distension of the rectum. The artery can be identified with ultrasound. The ligation can be performed using energy and / or mechanical structures, such as clips or rubber bands.

A gastrointestinal implant device is positioned in a patient's small intestine or rectum and produces an outward force that itself produces a distension signal which is a therapeutically useful neural or humoral signal that evokes satiogenic or weight loss effects by itself. The device may advantageously be placed in the duodenum adjacent the pylorus or in the jejunum, ileum or rectum. The distension signals may amplify chemosensory or mechanosensory signals such as enteroendocrine secretions within the patient. The device may be a mesh and include a low material density that allows for unrestricted chyme absorption within the small intestine and unrestricted chyme flow through the gastrointestinal system. A method includes inserting the device into the patient then either retrieving the device after treatment is complete or allowing a device formed of a biodegradable material to degrade in time after treatment is complete.

Systems, methods, apparatus and devices for performing improved gynecologic and urologic procedures are disclosed. The system and devices provide simplified use and reduced risk of adverse events. Patient benefit is achieved through improved outcomes, reduced pain, especially peri-procedural pain, and reduced recovery times. The various embodiments enable procedures to be performed outside the hospital setting, such as in a doctor's office or clinic. An intrauterine access end procedure system includes a mechanical distension element, to eliminate the need for liquid distension media at pressure sufficient to create a risk of intravasation.

Systems, methods, apparatus and devices for performing improved gynecologic and urologic procedures using a flowable distension media are disclosed. The system and devices provide simplified use and reduced risk of adverse events. Patient benefit is achieved through improved outcomes, reduced pain, especially peri-procedural pain, and reduced recovery times. The various embodiments enable procedures to be performed outside the hospital setting, such as in a doctor's office or clinic.

A surgical fluid management system delivers fluid for distending a uterine cavity to allow cutting and extraction of uterine fibroid tissue, polyps and other abnormal uterine tissue. The system comprises a fluid source, fluid deliver lines, one or more pumps, and a filter for re-circulating the distension fluid between the source and the uterine cavity. A controller can monitor fluid retention by the patient.

A decompressing and feeding device for safely feeding in the gastrointestinal tract of a recovering patient continuously aspirates and feeds at a rate commensurate with the ability of the intestines to absorb fluids including nutrient. Air is also aspirated in the process so that neither air nor excess fluids cause distension in the gastrointestinal tract. Digestive juices and nutrients that are aspirated are continuously refed together with unused feeding material into the gastrointestinal tract at a location that more efficiently moves and digests the food. The device may include two aspirate reservoirs to which and from which aspirate is alternatingly and continuously transferred. To provide the continuous and alternating flow, a solenoid valve and timer switch device is provided. Alternatively, a device is provided with a single aspirate reservoir to which and from which aspirate is continuously transferred.

Methods are disclosed, for performing therapeutic or diagnostic procedures at a remote site. According to one embodiment, the methods include the use of a system including an introducer designed for transcervical insertion into the uterus. The introducer is constructed to include a fluid lumen, an instrument lumen, and a visualization lumen. The system may include a fluid source, which is coupled to the fluid lumen and is used to deliver a fluid to the uterus either for washing the uterus or for fluid distension of the uterus. The system additionally includes a tissue modifying device, such as a morcellator, and a distension device for distending the uterus and / or for maintaining the uterus in a distended state. The tissue modifying device and the distension device are alternately deliverable to the uterus through the instrument lumen. The system may further include a hysteroscope deliverable to the uterus through the visualization lumen.

Devices and methods for treatment of prolapsed hemorrhoidal arteries is disclosed. The devices can identify the hemorrhoid and ligate the artery without causing significant pain or distension of the rectum. The artery can be identified with ultrasound. The ligation can be performed using energy and / or mechanical structures, such as clips or rubber bands.

A temporary absorbable venous occlusive stent for use in a varicose vein treatment method includes a stent body, a bio-absorbable material associated with the body, and a closure for blocking blood flow past the stent when implanted in a vein. The stent produces localized blood clotting, fibrosis and vein collapse as it is absorbed. A permanent blockage is produced that prevents the undesirable back flow of blood from above the blockage site, thereby reducing distension of a varicose vein below the blockage site.

A temporary absorbable venous occlusive stent for use in a varicose vein treatment method includes a stent body, a bio-absorbable material associated with the body, and a closure for blocking blood flow past the stent when implanted in a vein. The stent produces localized blood clotting, fibrosis and vein collapse as it is absorbed. A permanent blockage is produced that prevents the undesirable back flow of blood from above the blockage site, thereby reducing distension of a varicose vein below the blockage site.

In an implantable pacemaker, pacing pulses are delivered to a ventricle in a P-wave synchronous mode as long as no atrial arrhythmia is detected, pacing pulses and a mode switch is made to deliver pacing pulses to the ventricle in a non-P-wave synchronous mode if atrial arrhythmia is detected. From an impedance signal measured in the atrium, atrial distention is determined and, in the non-P-wave synchronous mode, the delivery rate of the pacing pulses is increased to decrease the atrial distention during atrial arrhythmia.

The present invention relates to the determining of morphometric properties of bodily hollow systems at the natural state or during distension of the organ using a balloon or bag. A method of obtaining morphometric measures of a hollow internal organ is disclosed. The method comprising the steps of introducing from an exteriorly accessible opening of a bodily hollow system a catheter into the hollow system, the catheter being provided with one or more inflatable balloons situated between a proximal end and a distal end of the catheter, subsequently inflating at least one of the balloons in the hollow internal organ at least until the balloon abuts an inner wall of the hollow system and determining at least one morphometric parameter at a level of inflation. Moreover, the invention relates to an apparatus for measurement of morphometric data of a bodily hollow system.

A measuring device for measuring tunnel defects in tissue is disclosed. The measuring device can size the defect to aid future deployment of a tissue distension device. Exemplary tunnel defects are atrial septal defects, patent foramen ovales, left atrial appendages, mitral valve prolapse, and aortic valve defects. Methods for using the same are disclosed.

A device and method wherein electrical components are mechanically suspended and electrically interconnected in an insulative elastomeric body, such as silicone, thereby eliminating the need for a circuit board or other circuit substrate. The device can change shape through compression, distension, flexure, and other external forces while maintaining its electrical performance and mechanical integrity. The device can be compressed and deformed to fit snugly within another device, such as the shell of an electrical connector or a plastic clamshell, simultaneously creating spring forces for reliable electrical contacts and an environmental seal. Accordingly, the device and method can be used for a wide variety of purposes such as electrical filtering for avionics, computer or automotive connectors, or a non-intrusive manner to package electronics for medical implants.

A pipe coupling and gasket, a pipe coupling system, and installation method for joining and sealing adjoining pipes having different outer diameters. The gasket including three flanges extending radially inward, with the middle flange acting as a fulcrum against the outer surface of the larger pipe to cause distension of the opening of the gasket receiving the smaller pipe, to permit easy entry of the smaller pipe into the gasket. The gasket is then slid over the larger pipe so that the middle flange slips over the edge of the larger pipe to relax the opening of the gasket receiving the smaller pipe. The middle flange can also form a sealing surface on the outer diameter surfaces of the larger pipe or on both the larger and smaller pipes. The middle flange can also form a sealing surface against the radially extending end surface of the larger pipe.

Articles comprising an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane having serpentine fibrils and having a discontinuous coating of a fluoropolymer thereon are provided. The fluoropolymer may be located at least partially in the pores of the expanded fluoropolymer membrane. In exemplary embodiments, the fluoropolymer is fluorinated ethylene propylene. The application of a tensile force at least partially straightens the serpentine fibrils, thereby elongating the article. The expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane may include a microstructure of substantially only fibrils. The articles can be elongated to a predetermined point at which further elongation is inhibited by a dramatic increase in stiffness. In one embodiment, the articles are used to form a covered stent device that requires little force to distend in the radial direction to a first diameter but is highly resistant to further distension to a second diameter (stop point). A large increase in diameter can advantageously be achieved prior to reaching the stop point.

A measuring device for measuring tunnel defects in tissue is disclosed. The measuring device can size the defect to aid future deployment of a tissue distension device. Exemplary tunnel defects are atrial septal defects, patent foramen ovales, left atrial appendages, mitral valve prolapse, and aortic valve defects. Methods for using the same are disclosed.

A system for distending body tissue cavities of subjects by continuous flow irrigation during endoscopic procedures, the system including: a fluid source reservoir containing a non viscous physiologic fluid meant for cavity distension; a fluid supply conduit tube connecting the fluid source reservoir to an inlet port of a variable speed positive displacement inflow pump and an outlet port of the said inflow pump being connectable to an inflow port of an endoscope instrument through an inflow tube for pumping the fluid at a controlled flow rate into the cavity, the flow rate of the said inflow pump being termed as the inflow rate; an inflow pressure transducer being located anywhere in the inflow tube between the outlet port of the inflow pump and the inflow port of the endoscope; an outflow port of the endoscope being connectable to a waste fluid collecting container via a waste fluid carrying tube, and characterized in that an active inflow pressure pulsation dampening means is connected to the inflow tube for dampening the pressure pulsations inside the cavity created by the positive displacement inflow pump.

An intraoral mandibular advancement device to treat problems associated with sleep disorders in a user having an obstructed airway, the disorders including, without limitation, snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease and / or bruxism having a main body for attachment to the user's mouth and having a central portion; a protrusive element distending from the central portion of the main body such that when worn by the user the element causes mandibular advancement sufficient to expand the oropharangeal space and reduce the obstruction; and a retainer extending from the main body for retention of the device in the user's mouth when worn during the user's sleep state. The main body is either complimentary with the user's palate and lingual surfaces of the maxillary teeth, rests against the palate and lingual surface of the user's anterior mandibular teeth when the device is inserted in the user's mouth, or customized to rest against two, four or six of the user's front teeth. The protrusive element is of distension between 5 and 15 mm, and optimally 10 mm downwardly from the main body, and can be adjusted such that the advancement ranges between 1.0 and 7.0 mm, and having an initial treatment protrusion of 3.0 to 4.0 mm, or ½ of the total potential maximum protrusive range. A method for diagnosis and delivery of the device is also shown.

A system for performing arthroscopic lavage, directed tissue drying, and the accurate placement of a biocompatible tissue scaffold for the adherence of autologous regenerated cells through a small single port of entry into a joint compartment. The system is comprised of a handpiece having valves for irrigation and suctioning and a dual valve swivel cannula attached to the handpiece. The system includes a mobile cart, high resolution camera, light source, optical coupler, high-resolution monitor, an air compressor to power individually controlled irrigation pumps to deliver irrigation fluid to a handpiece and a vacuum suction console to collect fluid. The system also includes an insufflator to maintain distension immediately following the lavage and to dry tissue in preparation for directed tissue scaffold and regenerative cell placement. The delivery system achieves accurate biocompatible tissue scaffold placement to a specific tissue site or sites within the joint utilizing a small diameter arthroscope for direct visualization while inserting and advancing a grasping instrument or device through one of two valves located on the cannula. While holding the tissue scaffold in the jaws of the grasping device, it is advanced through the cannula lumen and extended beyond the distal tip and placed on the dried tissue site. Removing the grasping device, a catheter is then inserted and advanced through a cannula valve into the lumen and extended beyond the distal tip to the scaffold placed and prepared tissue site. A means of applying torque to the catheter tip further enhances the ability for accurate, exact placement of cells to a specific scaffold receptive tissue site. The cells are then injected into and through the catheter and applied under direct visualization to the scaffold. As comprised, the small single-port system allows a physician to perform the diagnosis, clean the joint space of debris and degradative enzymes using pressurized irrigation and suction, followed by a rapid conversion from a sterile saline fluid distension media to a dry gas CO2 distension media and directed tissue drying, and the accurate placement of a biocompatible tissue scaffold for the adherence and accurate placement of regenerated cells through a catheter to a specific tissue site within a joint.

Improved methods and apparatuses for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse are provided. A specialized mesh having a shape for convenient subcutaneous placement to support the levator ani muscles is provided, as is a method of use of such a device. Appropriate devices for introducing such a mesh implant are also disclosed.