An embodiment includes a process for treating an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) endoleak with a shape memory polymer (SMP) foam device. First, a bifurcated stent graft is placed within the aneurysm while a micro guidewire is positioned within the aneurysm for future catheter access. Second, after placing the iliac graft extension, a catheter is introduced over wire to deliver embolic foams. Third, embolic foams expand and conform to the aneurysm wall. Fourth, embolic foams create a stable thrombus to prevent endoleak formation by isolating peripheral vessels from the aneurysm volume.

An elongate medical apparatus and a method for manufacturing the same. The apparatus including a base element and at least one spline. The base element and the at least one spline may include various materials to define various characteristics of the apparatus. For example, the base element may include a first material and define a lumen therein. The at least one spline may protrude from an outer surface of the base element and may include a second material. In one or more embodiments, the at least one spline may extend along a helical path.

This application describes various embodiments of an expandable device that includes at least one support member. The support member (or members) is integrated into the structure of the expandable device and increases its column strength, which thus augments pushability of the expanding device through a delivery catheter. The support member allows force applied while pushing from the proximal end of the expandable device to be translated to the distal end of the device and therefore avoid bunching or deformation without increasing the profile of the device to a degree that would prohibit passage through a lumen of a specific required size. Thus, the expandable devices described herein address at least some of the shortcomings discussed above.

The improvement is a spinal instrument (preferably, a bone screw driver) having a flexible shaft comprising a plurality of interlocking segments carried on a malleable core rod. The flexible shaft allows a screwdriver handle to be perfectly in-line with the cage inserter if desired, while still taking advantage of the tactile feel and torque transmission of the flex segment in its bent position. Accordingly, a surgeon can limit the amount of retraction and keep the driver handle close to the inserter without having to overcome the forces of the flexible segments' natural straight configuration.

A surgical instrument, system and method for adjusting a compression force applied by a surgical instrument are disclosed. The method includes determining tissue impedance of tissue in contact with an end effector of the surgical instrument, determining a tissue type based on the tissue impedance, selecting a first energy modality to deliver to the surgical instrument, generating a first signal waveform based on the first energy modality, selecting a second energy modality to deliver to the surgical instrument, generating a second signal waveform based on the second energy modality, outputting the first and second signal waveform to deliver energy to the end effector, and adjusting a compression force applied by the end effector by changing a size of a gap between the tissue and the clamp arm based on a proportion of the first signal waveform to the second signal waveform.

Disclosed is an occluding stent. The occluding stent includes a distal flange occluding body, a proximal flange occluding body, and a connection portion. External surfaces of the distal flange occluding body and the proximal flange occluding body are both provided with a coating. An external surface of the connection portion is wholly or partially provided with a coating. A first occluding coating is provided between the distal flange occluding body and an inner cavity of the connection portion. The present invention overcomes the defect that the existing occluder device for closure of an esophagobronchial fistula is harmful to surrounding tissues, makes the device retractable, enhances the safety of the device, and improves life and treatment of patients. A new safe and effective treatment method for an esophagobronchial fistula is provided.

Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for monitoring AF episodes, delivering ATP pulses, and/or achieving electrical isolation of the left atrial appendage (LAA) of a patient's heart and/or preventing thrombus formation after electrical isolation. For example, devices are provided that may implanted from within the left atrium, e.g., to isolate the LAA, prevent thrombus formation within the LAA, facilitate endothelialization, and/or deliver pacing.

Surgical visualization systems and related methods are disclosed herein, e.g., for providing visualization during surgical procedures. Systems and methods herein can be used in a wide range of surgical procedures, including spinal surgeries such as minimally-invasive fusion or discectomy procedures. Systems and methods herein can include various features for enhancing end user experience, improving clinical outcomes, or reducing the invasiveness of a surgery. Exemplary features can include access port integration, hands-free operation, active and/or passive lens cleaning, adjustable camera depth, and many others.

An embodiment of the invention includes an expandable implant to endovascularly embolize an anatomical void or malformation, such as an aneurysm. An embodiment is comprised of a chain or linked sequence of expandable polymer foam elements. Another embodiment includes an elongated length of expandable polymer foam coupled to a backbone. Another embodiment includes a system for endovascular delivery of an expandable implant (e.g., shape memory polymer) to embolize an aneurysm. The system may include a microcatheter, a lumen-reducing collar coupled to the distal tip of the microcatheter, a flexible pushing element detachably coupled to an expandable implant, and a flexible tubular sheath inside of which the compressed implant and pushing element are pre-loaded. Other embodiments are described herein.

A urinary stent includes ends for deployment in the kidney and bladder, respectively, that are non-coplanar. The bladder end of the stent includes a luminary groove, covered by a sleeve of materials softer than the remainder of the stent, allowing urine at sufficient pressures to pass out from the stent, between the stent and the sleeve. The bladder end of the stent adapts its shape according to respiratory changes in the length of the stent. This shape change also prevents or reduces stent related pain.