A method of retrieving a pair of previously implanted magnets from a patient's body includes maneuvering a guide catheter, which includes a guide magnet affixed to its distal end, toward the implantation site of the implanted magnets. The guide magnet is magnetically coupled to one of the implanted magnets in an orientation in which a through hole of the guide magnet is in register with through holes of the first and second implant magnets. An elongate capture member is slid through the lumen of the guide catheter until one of a proximal segment and a distal segment extends through the through holes of the guide magnet and the implanted magnets. An abutment segment of the elongate capture member, which separates the proximal segment and the distal segment is maneuvered into contact with the magnets. Then, the abutment segment, the guide magnet and the implanted magnets are moved as a group away from the implantation site.

A transseptal insertion device is provided including device housing, a pusher slidably disposed in the device housing and a guide element extending from the pusher. The device housing is configured to be inserted into the right atrium of a patient's heart and the guide element can then be advanced from the device housing and against the cardiac septum to facilitate stable puncturing of the cardiac septum by a needle carried by a catheter inserted through the device housing, to provide access to the left atrium. The guide element can be formed as a webbing or ring. The pusher and/or guide element can optionally be inflatable.

A transseptal insertion device is provided including device housing, a pusher slidably disposed in the device housing and a guide element extending from the pusher. The device housing is configured to be inserted into the right atrium of a patient's heart and the guide element can then be advanced from the device housing and against the cardiac septum to facilitate stable puncturing of the cardiac septum by a needle carried by a catheter inserted through the device housing, to provide access to the left atrium. The guide element can be formed as a webbing or ring. The pusher and/or guide element can optionally be inflatable.

A method of retrieving a pair of previously implanted magnets from a patient's body includes maneuvering a guide catheter, which includes a guide magnet affixed to its distal end, toward the implantation site of the implanted magnets. The guide magnet is magnetically coupled to one of the implanted magnets in an orientation in which a through hole of the guide magnet is in register with through holes of the first and second implant magnets. An elongate capture member is slid through the lumen of the guide catheter until one of a proximal segment and a distal segment extends through the through holes of the guide magnet and the implanted magnets. An abutment segment of the elongate capture member, which separates the proximal segment and the distal segment is maneuvered into contact with the magnets. Then, the abutment segment, the guide magnet and the implanted magnets are moved as a group away from the implantation site.

A method of retrieving a pair of previously implanted magnets from a patient's body includes maneuvering a guide catheter, which includes a guide magnet affixed to its distal end, toward the implantation site of the implanted magnets. The guide magnet is magnetically coupled to one of the implanted magnets in an orientation in which a through hole of the guide magnet is in register with through holes of the first and second implant magnets. An elongate capture member is slid through the lumen of the guide catheter until one of a proximal segment and a distal segment extends through the through holes of the guide magnet and the implanted magnets. An abutment segment of the elongate capture member, which separates the proximal segment and the distal segment is maneuvered into contact with the magnets. Then, the abutment segment, the guide magnet and the implanted magnets are moved as a group away from the implantation site.

A method of dissecting tissue includes inserting a magnetized catheter into a urethra; magnetically pushing a tool away from the urethra with the magnetized catheter; and dissecting tissue posterior of the urethra with the tool.

A method of dissecting tissue includes inserting a magnetized catheter into a urethra; magnetically pushing a tool away from the urethra with the magnetized catheter; and dissecting tissue posterior of the urethra with the tool.

One aspect of the invention provides a vaginal stent system including: an inflatable vaginal stent and a removable handle. The inflatable vaginal stent include includes: an elastomeric exterior wall and a first fitting located at a base of the inflatable vaginal stent. The removable handle is adapted and configured for insertion, inflation, and removal of the inflatable vaginal stent from a subject's vagina. The removable handle includes a second fitting complementary to the first fitting and adapted and configure to form substantially fluid tight coupling when the handle is coupled to the inflatable vaginal stent. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of fabricating a customized vaginal stent or dilator. The method includes: generating a 3D model of a vaginal stent or dilator; and controlling a 3D printer to fabricate a vaginal stent or dilator according to the 3D model.

One aspect of the invention provides a vaginal stent system including: an inflatable vaginal stent and a removable handle. The inflatable vaginal stent include includes: an elastomeric exterior wall and a first fitting located at a base of the inflatable vaginal stent. The removable handle is adapted and configured for insertion, inflation, and removal of the inflatable vaginal stent from a subject's vagina. The removable handle includes a second fitting complementary to the first fitting and adapted and configure to form substantially fluid tight coupling when the handle is coupled to the inflatable vaginal stent. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of fabricating a customized vaginal stent or dilator. The method includes: generating a 3D model of a vaginal stent or dilator; and controlling a 3D printer to fabricate a vaginal stent or dilator according to the 3D model.

The present invention provides for a joint fixation device and method utilizing magnetic members with at least one magnetic member positioned on each of opposite sides of a joint and secured to skeletal components. The magnetic members include at least one permanent magnet. The magnetic members can be configured to provide an attracting force or a repelling force. They can also be configured to provide a torque about the joint.