System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for bone fixation using a fixation device including a mounting portion and a fastener that attaches to the mounting portion. In some embodiments, the fixation device may include first and second mounting portions configured to be disposed across a bone from each other and secured with a fastener that extends from one of the mounting portions, through the bone, and to the other mounting portion. The system also may include a tool to facilitate installation of the fixation device.

A staple for attaching a sheet-like implant to tissue or bone may include first and second arms, and first and second flukes. In some embodiments, the first arm has a proximal end and a distal end, and the second arm has a proximal end and a distal end. A bridge extends from the proximal end of the first arm to the proximal end of the second arm. The first fluke has a proximal end abutting the distal end of the first arm, and the first fluke extends distally from the first arm. The first fluke has a lateral extent larger than a lateral extent of the first arm and is mounted eccentrically thereto. The first fluke includes a proximal surface projecting at an outward angle in a proximal direction away from the distal end of the first arm to engage the tissue or bone when inserted therein. The second fluke has similar features. This arrangement causes the first and second flukes to rotate in response to a pullout force on the bridge. Methods for attaching a sheet-like implant to a target tissue are also disclosed.

A staple cartridge comprising a cartridge deck, a firing member, and a longitudinal slot within the staple cartridge and configured to receive the firing member is disclosed. The firing member moves within the staple cartridge during a firing stroke. The staple cartridge further comprises staple cavities defined in the deck, staples removably stored in the staple cavities, staple drivers configured to support the staples within the staple cavities, and a firing drive comprising a plurality of ramps configured to engage the staple drivers and a cutting edge. The staple cartridge further comprises a tissue thickness compensator configured on the cartridge deck. The tissue thickness compensator comprises protrusions extending upwardly from the tissue thickness compensator in areas which overlay the staple cavities.

In one embodiment, a medical device includes a needle and a catch. The catch has a body portion. The body portion of the catch defines a cavity. The catch is configured to be coupled to the needle such that at least a portion of the needle is disposed within the cavity.

The invention relates to methods and devices for a transcatheter heart valve replacement (A61F2/2412), and in particular a device and method for percutaneously anchoring a transcatheter heart valve.

A method of implanting and securing an implantable flow connector in a body of a patient for providing communication of a first space within the body of the patient with a second space within the body of the patient. The method includes providing a flow connector having a lumen having a first orifice and a second orifice, inserting a retention device into the first space within the body, subsequently inserting the flow connector through an opening in the retention device so the second portion of the flow connector extends into the first space within the body and placing the second space within the body over the retention device.

An assisted lifting device includes an adjustable sleeve configured to be worn on an arm of a subject and an array of inflatable actuators connected to the adjustable sleeve. Each of the actuators defines an axis. The axes of the two outermost actuators in the array are each configured to be oriented perpendicular to the arm of the subject. The assisted lifting device also includes a retainer coupled to the sleeve and one of the outermost actuators to maintain the perpendicular orientation of the outermost actuator upon inflation of the plurality of actuators.

An assisted lifting device includes an adjustable sleeve configured to be worn on an arm of a subject and an array of inflatable actuators connected to the adjustable sleeve. Each of the actuators defines an axis. The axes of the two outermost actuators in the array are each configured to be oriented perpendicular to the arm of the subject. The assisted lifting device also includes a retainer coupled to the sleeve and one of the outermost actuators to maintain the perpendicular orientation of the outermost actuator upon inflation of the plurality of actuators.

Disclosed are embodiments of a method for occluding a left atrial appendage (LAA) and other cavities or openings within a body. Some embodiments of the method can include an implant configured to be deployed within the LAA or other cavity, configured to be expanded or moved against a wall portion of the LAA or other cavity, and configured to twist at least a portion of the LAA or other cavity when the implant is rotated. Thereafter, one or more securing elements, staples, sutures, or other fasteners can be implanted in the gathered tissue to hold the tissue in the gathered state, thereby occluding the opening of the LAA or other cavity. In some embodiments, the opening of the LAA or other cavity can be occluded by elongating or otherwise reshaping the opening using an implant device, and securing the opening in the occluded state.

An anastomotic coupler is provided. A ring can include a plurality of receiving portions. A fixation device includes a cartridge. The cartridge includes a plurality of fasteners. The ring is aligned with the cartridge such that the receiving portions are aligned with the fasteners. Upon actuation of the fixation device, the fasteners puncture the tubular structure and are received by the receiving portions such that the tubular structure is coupled with the ring.