A septostomy device 10 with a cutting structure or means 140 and tissue capture mechanisms 240, 250 is disclosed, along with a medical procedure for using the device. The system 10 is configured in such a way as to create a permanent interatrial aperture in the heart, including creating a permanent interatrial hole and/or removing tissue.

A method for passing a suture through tissue includes extending a distal end of a suture retainer of a suture passer from a distal portion of a tube of the suture passer; locating a suture adjacent the suture retainer; retracting the suture retainer partially into the tube and retaining a suture between a retaining portion of the suture retainer and a first portion of a cutaway in a side of a wall defining the tube, wherein the first portion of the cutaway curves around a longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the tube and two longitudinally extending portions of the cutaway extend distally from the first portion to a distal end of the tube; and passing the distal portion of the suture passer with the retained suture through tissue.

A method for performing a medical procedure in an intestine of a patient is provided. The method comprises providing a system comprising: a catheter for insertion into the intestine, the catheter comprising: an elongate shaft comprising a distal portion; and a functional assembly positioned on the shaft distal portion and comprising at least one treatment element. The catheter is introduced into the patient, and target tissue is treated with the at least one treatment element. The target tissue comprises mucosal tissue of the small intestine, and the medical procedure can be configured to treat polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Example embodiments relate to endoscopic systems. The system includes first and second main bodies. First main body includes first end section, which includes a first anchor assembly and first proximal portion. First anchor assembly includes first and second expandable members and first negative pressure opening. First and second expandable members are each configured to transition between a non-expanded configuration and an expanded configuration. First negative pressure opening is configured to apply negative pressure. First proximal portion is secured to the first anchor assembly. First proximal portion includes a bendable portion configured to selectively move the first anchor assembly in a plurality of directions. Second main body includes first and second end sections and main cavity. First end section of second main body includes a second anchor assembly, which includes third and fourth expandable members and second negative pressure opening. Second negative pressure opening is configured to apply a negative pressure.

A balloon sheath and associated methods are provided. An alternative embodiment comprising a sheath having a flaring end and associated methods are also provided.

A surgical device that provides a suction force against a patient's body. The device includes a stem having a proximate end and a distal end, the stem disposed about a channel, a suction head extending from the stem and defining a suction chamber in fluid communication with the channel, the suction head having a contact surface, and an articulating joint disposed between the contact surface of the suction head and the distal end of the stem. The articulating joint may be an annular joint and a living hinge. The surgical device may also include a handle disposed about the channel directly or may be disposed about the stem which is disposed about the channel. The handle may include a plurality of ribs extending outward which form a profile matching a profile of a user's hand.

In one instance, a medical device for harvesting epidermal tissue from a patient includes a first compartment that is mateable with a second, disposable compartment that goes against the skin. The first compartment has a floor that is formed, at least in part, by a first printed circuit board. The ceiling of the second, disposable compartment is formed at least in part by a second printed circuit board that electrically couples with the first printed circuit board when in a mated position. Suction is delivered to the second compartment to pull skin through apertures on the floor of the second compartment to form blisters that are harvested to obtain epidermal tissue. The first compartment remains uncontaminated in use and the second compartment is disposable. Other features are presented; some of which include a thermal sensor in the second compartment for temperature control, clear side walls, and a distributed heating element.

A ligation device for treating hemorrhoids includes a locking mechanism. The ligation device includes an inner tubular member having a first end, a second end, and a protrusion on an outer surface. The first end includes a first opening and the second end includes a second opening. Further, the ligation device includes an outer tubular member having an inner configuration corresponding to that of the inner tubular member. The outer tubular member including a notch such that a reception of the protrusion of the inner tubular member by a first portion of the notch of the outer tubular member allows vertical movement of the outer tubular member and a reception of the protrusion of the inner tubular member by a second portion of the notch of the outer tubular member prevents vertical movement of the outer tubular member towards the first end of the inner tubular member.

A placement device is provided for causing a catheter to be placed inside of a body. The placement device includes an insertion unit, a transmission unit and a supply member. The supply member includes a supply unit main body, and a projection. A through-hole is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the supply unit main body at a position closer to a distal end side of the supply portion main body than the projection, and the through-hole communicates with an inside of the supply unit main body at the distal end side of the supply unit main body.

A method for performing a gastrectomy (stomach reduction surgery).