Devices and methods for inserting a pre-loaded intracanalicular plug for the treatment of dry eyes. In one embodiment, an intracanalicular plug inserter device includes: (a) an elongate body having a longitudinal axis, the body having: an inserter end, wherein the inserter end has an opening therein; and a distal end, wherein the distal end is longitudinally opposing the inserter end; and (b) a plug ejector, wherein the plug injector comprises: a slider; and a rod coupled to a first end of the slider, wherein the plug ejector is configured to be moveable between a first position adjacent an opening in the inserter end and a second position that is further from the opening. The plug is mounted within the body and abuts first end of the rod adjacent the opening in the inserter end.

Assemblies are provided for positioning within a lumen comprising a stent graft; and a sensor positioned on the stent graft. Within certain aspects the sensors are wireless sensors, and include for example one or more fluid pressure sensors, contact sensors, position sensors, pulse pressure sensors, blood volume sensors, blood flow sensors, chemistry sensors (e.g., for blood and/or other fluids), metabolic sensors (e.g., for blood and/or other fluids), mechanical stress sensors and/or temperature sensors.

A scaffold includes a radiopaque marker connected to a strut. The marker is retained within the strut by a head at one or both ends. The marker is attached to the strut by a process that includes forming a rivet from a radiopaque bead and attaching the rivet to the marker including deforming the rivet to enhance resistance to dislodgement during crimping or balloon expansion. The strut has a thickness of about 100 microns.

Devices and methods for reinforcing tissue grafts are described herein. In one embodiment, an implant is described that includes a proximal end portion having a through-hole formed therein, a distal end portion, and a reinforcing insert disposed in the through-hole. The insert includes a proximal face, a distal face opposed to the proximal face, a first upper surface extending between the proximal and distal faces and having a generally convex shape that abuts against at least a portion of a sidewall of the through-hole, and a second lower surface extending between the proximal and distal faces and having a generally concave shape. The second lower surface and portions of the sidewall of the through-hole not abutted by the first upper surface form a reinforced through-hole of the implant.

Some embodiments are directed to methods for serially expanding an artificial heart valve within a pediatric patient. For example, the artificial heart valve can be implanted into the pediatric patient during a first procedure, and then expanded during a second procedure to accommodate for the pediatric patient's growth. Some embodiments include introducing an expander into the implanted valve when the frame is expanded to a first working diameter, and then actuating the expander to expand the frame to a second working diameter greater than the first working diameter, to accommodate for the pediatric patient's growth.

A transcatheter stent-valve having replacement leaflets that are attached along their free edges. The stent-valve frame has supports that extend distally of the replacement leaflets to two fastening sites. The replacement leaflets are attached along a leaflet base forming a linear attachment to the stent-valve frame. The free edges of the leaflets have cords attached; the cords attach the free edges of the leaflets to the fastening sites located on the supports. The stent-valve can be a single component stent-valve or it can be a second component of a dual component stent-valve.

A stemmed implant comprises a proximal body with a distal shaft extending from the proximal body. The proximal body exterior may be spherical, conical, cylindrical, or another surface of revolution. The distal shaft comprises multiple longitudinal ridges which may originate from the proximal body as separate columns, or which may merge together. The distal shaft and/or the ridges may become narrower as they extend away from the proximal body.

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices and establishing fluid communication between body lumens. In particular, the present disclosure relates to devices and methods for body lumen access and/or drainage, and devices and methods for creating an open flow passage between two or more body lumens.

Various embodiments disclosed relate to a device for insertion into the urethra for dilation. The present disclosure includes methods and devices including a device for at least partial insertion into a prostate, the device including first and second elongated members each having at least one magnetizable or magnetic element. The first and second elongated members are magnetizable to repel each other to dilate a lumen therebetween.

Medical devices in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention employ one or more coaxial screw gear sleeve mechanisms. In various embodiments, coaxial screw gear sleeve mechanisms include a post with a threaded exterior surface and a corresponding sleeve configured to surround the post, the corresponding sleeve having a threaded interior surface configured to interface with the threaded exterior surface of the post and a geared exterior surface. A drive mechanism can be configured to interface with the geared exterior surface of the sleeve, causing the device to expand.