An image processing apparatus includes a processor including hardware, the processor being configured to: estimate, based on image information from a medical device that includes at least an endoscope, a plurality of procedure actions of an operator of the endoscope; perform different supports respectively for procedures by the operator, according to an estimation result of the procedure actions; and output a display for the supports to a display.

A set of devices and associated methodology for percutaneously closing a puncture through the wall of an artery. The method includes inserting a guide wire through a percutaneous entry and into the artery; using the guide wire to guide an insertion of an introducer catheter into the artery; inserting a balloon catheter through the introducer catheter and into the artery; locking a firing mechanism loaded with fasteners onto the introducer catheter, thereby aligning the puncture with a distal working end of the firing mechanism; activating the firing mechanism to fire two or more fasteners onto the artery, each fastener individually tethered to a suture; percutaneously tying the sutures together to draw the fasteners together, closing the puncture.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a device for passing a guidewire around an anatomical structure within a body, comprising a catheter including an elongated tube having at least a first lumen and a second lumen, a guidewire configured to pass through the first lumen of the catheter, and a snare configured to pass through the second lumen of the catheter. A first exit of one of the first lumen and the second lumen may be positioned at or near a distal tip of the catheter, and a second exit of another of the first lumen and the second lumen may be positioned on a side of the catheter at a distance proximal to the distal tip of the catheter. A portion of the catheter distal to the second exit may be configured to bend around at least a portion of the anatomical structure of interest within the body.

A system and associated method for manipulating tissues and anatomical or other structures in medical applications for the purpose of treating diseases or disorders or other purposes. In one aspect, the system includes an expandable structure for enhancing engagement with median lobe prostate tissue.

Described are a multipurpose handles that can be incorporated into medical device delivery systems. Also described are medical devices, including medical snare devices, that can incorporate the handles or features thereof. An actuation button of the multipurpose handle can be moved longitudinally to move a device portion (e.g. snare loop) longitudinally, e.g. for deployment or retraction. The actuation button can also be rotated to rotate a device portion (e.g. snare loop). Sealing arrangements can be provided and can provide sealing functions in respect of a controlled medical device structure while the actuation button is moved longitudinally or rotated. Methods of using the handles and medical snare or other devices incorporating them are also described.

A joint stabilization (reduction) system and associated methods and tools for placement of the system in an open or minimally invasive technique. The joint stabilization system includes a flexible prosthetic band for stabilizing the bones in proper position and a connector mechanism for joining the two ends of the prosthetic band around the bones. One end of the prosthetic band can be permanently attached to the connector.

A device (10) for capturing a guide wire (50) comprises a snaring device (20, 30) and an auxiliary catheter (40). The auxiliary catheter (40) is configured to slidingly accommodate the guide wire to be caught so as to extend a distal end (47) thereof beyond the distal end of the guide wire in order to be caught by the snaring device (20, 30) while the guide wire (50) is in a retracted position in the auxiliary catheter (40). The auxiliary catheter preferably comprises a portion which is at least partially echo-transparent and/or radio-transparent and an end portion (44) which is radio-opaque and/or echo-opaque.

A heart tissue gripping device may include a body portion, an elongate shaft, and a tissue gripping member that is attached to the distal end of the elongate shaft. The tissue gripping member being may be positioned adjacent a heart surface by insertion through an incision in the body. The tissue gripping member may releasably attach to tissue of the heart surface to facilitate a surgical instrument in performing one or more procedures. A coupling of the tissue gripping member may releasably attach the surgical device to the tissue gripping member to allow the device to access the tissue of the heart surface.

A method includes, in a processor, receiving signals from (i) a first position sensor disposed on a shaft of a catheter, and (ii) a second position sensor disposed on a distal end of a sheath of the catheter. Based on the signals received from the first position sensor and the second position sensor, an event is detected in which an expandable distal-end assembly of the catheter is being withdrawn into the sheath while still at least partially expanded. A responsive action is initiated in response to detecting the event.

The present application provides a ligation release device, comprising: a handle (1), an operating component (2), a suction component (3), a release component (4) and an illumination component (5), wherein the illumination component (5) is arranged in the handle (1) and comprises a light source (51), a wire (52) and a control switch (53), and the control switch (53) is connected to the light source (51) by means of the wire (52). In practical applications, the light source (51) can be turned on by operating the control switch (53), thereby illuminating a ligation area at the distal end of the handle (1), eliminating shadow influence and facilitating the implementation of ligation operation. The ligation release device can improve the ease and accuracy of surgical operation without an external auxiliary apparatus.