An improved assembly for securing an implantable medical device for retrieval from an implant site includes a plurality of snares, wherein distal openings of a first snare carrier lumen and a second snare carrier lumen have a pre-set offset established therebetween. First and second snare shafts, to which first and second snare loops are coupled, respectively, extend within the corresponding snare carrier lumens such that each loop is located in proximity to the corresponding distal opening of the lumen. The pre-set offset allows an operator to simultaneously position the snare loops around the device; and, when the operator retracts the snare shafts to collapse the snare loops until the loops fit snuggly around the device, the pre-set offset can help to align the device for retrieval.

In some examples, a catheter includes an elongated body and an expandable member at a distal portion of the elongated body and defining at least part of a distal tip of the catheter. The expandable member is formed from materials that enable a distal tip of the catheter to be radiopaque without the addition of a separate radiopaque marker (e.g., a solid metal ring of radiopaque material separate from and connected to the elongated body) at the distal tip of the catheter.

An intravascular articulating retrieval apparatus may be used to move objects within the vasculature, such as to remove an intravascular filter, tissue and other items from the vasculature. The apparatus has a user interface to manipulate a first and second actuating portion that are coupled to the distal end of the apparatus conduit. A retrieval apparatus may include forceps coupled to the second actuating portion whereby the retrieval actuator opens and closes the forceps for retrieval of an IVF or other device, such as stent or stent graft. An intravascular articulating retrieval apparatus may be used to dissect thrombus from the interior of the vascular wall, move a stent or remove a portion of a stent or stent graft to provide better blood flow or to allow blood flow into a branched vessel.

The present subject matter is directed to an endoscopic grasping device for capturing objects within a human subject. The device includes a fork; and two jaws pivotally mounted about a pivot point to the fork, and movable between a predetermined closed position and a predetermined open position. Each jaw comprises front teeth near a distal end of the jaw. The front teeth of both jaws are configured to substantially mesh with each other when the jaws are in the closed position. The substantially meshed front teeth of both jaws in the closed position form a substantially hemisphere-shaped distal tip.

Tortuosity of vessels at or leading to the site of minimally invasive procedures is a problem for conducting such procedures as they increase the difficulty to guide the procedural catheters through tortuous vessels. Methods and apparatus for stabilization of the sheaths and catheters during access, procedures, and withdrawal in these tortuous vessels are disclosed. The apparatus and method for improving access include application of a pull component to the stabilized procedural catheter using a stabilization catheter/wire in addition to a push component from the percutaneous access to make the access easier while enabling use of more flexible catheters and softer wires. These methods and devices address the problems of trauma to the vessels during access, procedure and removal of catheters and wires, improve pushability of softer catheters and wires, and also substantially reduce substantially the procedure time.

A probe part (100) includes abase member (110) defining a first bore (112). A first elongated elastic member (120) includes a near end (126) secured to the base member (110) and extends therefrom to a far end (128) and defines a channel (125) in communication with the first bore (112) and that runs lengthwise with the first elongated elastic member (120). A first tendon (130) has a first end and an opposite second end that is secured to the first elongated elastic member (120) adjacent to the far end (128). The first tendon (130) mns through the channel (125) adjacent the first side (122) and exits through the first bore (112) exiting outwardly therefrom. Applying tension to the first tendon (130) causes the first elongated elastic member (120) to bend in the direction of the first side (122).

An apparatus for removing a blockage from a body includes a tube, configured to advance to the blockage, and a shaft configured to pass through the tube. The shaft includes one or more first electrodes, each of which constitutes part of a wall of the shaft or is wrapped around the wall, and one or more second electrodes, each of which constitutes part of the wall or is wrapped around the wall. One or more first electrically-conductive elements are configured to connect the first electrodes to a first terminal of a power source, and one or more second electrically-conductive elements are configured to connect the second electrodes to a second terminal of the power source. Each of the first electrodes is configured to attract the blockage when a voltage is applied by the power source between the first electrode and one of the second electrodes. Other embodiments are also described.

The present disclosure relates to electrically controllable surgical tools. In general, surgical devices are provided having an electrically controllable, fingered operating end for use in angiography, endovascular and/or neurological surgery. The finger(s) at the operating end can be made from ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) material to facilitate control of the finger(s).

Mechanical atherectomy and/or thrombectomy devices configured to remove obstructions (e.g., plaque material) of different consistencies and/or sizes from blood vessels. The devices may include a tractor comprising a flexible tube of material that inverts as it rolls over itself while being drawn into the open distal end of a catheter in a conveyor-like motion. The flexible tube can include features that facilitate engagement with the obstruction, enhance smooth tractor motion and/or promote movement control of the device within the blood vessel.

A device and method for establishing retrograde blood flow during recanalization of a vessel having a targeted blockage. While in a collapsed state an occluding component is introduced distally intravascularly traversing the targeted blockage to its distal side. Then, the occluding component transitions to an expanded state having an enlarged diameter forming a seal with an internal wall of the vessel prohibiting anterograde blood flow beyond the expanded occluding component. Retrograde blood flow is thereby established in a region of the vessel bound at one end by the occluding component and at an opposite end by the targeted blockage by dispensing a flushing fluid into the region of the vessel.