Abstract:
This invention is directed to a flexible device having a longitudinal axis, a first elongate member configured to move the flexible device in a first direction relative to the longitudinal axis, and a second elongate member configured to move the flexible device in a second direction relative to the longitudinal axis that is different to the first direction. The flexible device can also have an articulation section including a plurality of articulation links, wherein at least one of the plurality of articulation links can include a body configured to receive the first elongate member and the second elongate member. The flexible device can also include a cinching element configured to engage the first elongate member to substantially limit movement between the plurality of articulation links when a tensile force is applied to the first elongate member and configured to disengage the first elongate member to permit movement between the plurality of articulation links when a tensile force is applied to the second elongate member.
Abstract:
A device for causing hemostasis includes a sheet of mesh stretchable between an expanded and a retracted configuration, a size of the sheet in the retracted configuration being selected to cover a target tissue site; a spring mechanism coupled to the mesh, the spring mechanism moving between an expanded configuration and a retracted configuration when the mesh is moved between the expanded and retracted configurations; and a plurality of hooks coupled to the mesh and oriented to extend into tissue to lock the mesh in position when the mesh is placed in a desired position over the target tissue site in the expanded configuration. The hooks are lockingly engaging the target tissue so that, after the hooks have lockingly engaged the tissue, the spring mechanism reverts to the retracted configuration drawing the engaged portions of tissue radially inward.
Abstract:
A medical device including an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The medical device may further include an end-effector disposed at the distal end of the elongate member. The end-effector may include a plurality of arms pivotally connected to one another, wherein each arm includes a tissue-contacting surface, a first portion of the tissue-contacting surface including a plurality of ridges configured to grasp tissue. Further, the tissue-contacting surface may include a channel oriented substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the medical device.
Abstract:
An articulating portion for an elongate medical device is disclosed. The articulating portion may include a plurality of segments movable relative to one another, and a plurality of hinges disposed between adjacent segments. The segments can be configured to bend at the hinges upon manipulation of a control member of the device. The segments and the hinges can also be a single continuous piece of material.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the disclosure may include a medical device comprising a flexible elongate member including a longitudinal axis and a tool connected to the elongate member at a pivot axis, wherein the tool may be configured to conduct electricity and deliver a fluid, and wherein the tool may be configured to pivot towards either side of the longitudinal axis relative to the elongate member at the pivot axis.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the disclosure may include a medical device comprising a flexible elongate member including a longitudinal axis and a tool connected to the elongate member near a pivot, wherein the tool may be configured for at least one of suction and infusion, and wherein the tool may be configured to pivot towards both sides of the longitudinal axis relative to the elongate member at the pivot.
Abstract:
A device for collecting a tissue sample includes a needle extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end and including a lumen extending therethrough; an opening in a lateral surface of the needle; and a jaw rotatably coupled to the needle for rotation between a closed configuration in which the jaw covers the opening and an open configuration in which the jaw is received within the lumen to expose the opening. The jaw includes a tissue cutting edge which, as the jaw is rotated from the open configuration to the closed configuration, passes out of the opening along a cutting arc to sever any tissue received in the opening from surrounding tissue.
Abstract:
A device for collecting a tissue sample includes Needle and Stylet. Needle is extending longitudinally from a proximal to a distal end and includes a lumen extending therethrough. Stylet is movably housed in the lumen and extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal to a distal end and includes a scooper at the distal end thereof. The scooper is connected to a proximal portion of Stylet via a hinge biased toward a bent position in which the scooper is bent away from the longitudinal axis. Stylet is movable between a constrained configuration and a tissue-collecting configuration. The scooper includes a channel extending longitudinally therethrough and a window extending laterally through a wall thereof in communication with the channel to collect a tissue sample therethrough as Stylet is moved from the tissue-collecting to the constrained.
Abstract:
An articulating portion for an elongate medical device is disclosed. The articulating portion may include a plurality of segments movable relative to one another, and a plurality of hinges disposed between adjacent segments. The segments can be configured to bend at the hinges upon manipulation of a control member of the device. The segments and the hinges can also be a single continuous piece of material.
Abstract:
Described herein are various systems and methods for directing endoscopy instruments to varying positions at a target site. In one aspect, at least one instrument channel has multiple exit points at the distal end of the guide tube, and the position of an instrument delivered through the channel may be switched between the different exit points. In another aspect, an instrument channel splits into multiple branches at the distal end of the guide tube, and the position of an instrument at the target site may be changed by selectively directing the instrument into a different channel branch. In yet another aspect, the guide tube, or a portion thereof, may be rotated to reposition an instrument at the target site. The capability of changing the instrument positions during a procedure would enable a physician to examine or treat multiple target sites within an operative field, without necessitating the full retraction of the instruments or the guide tube from the operative field.