New shape memory polymer compositions, methods for synthesizing new shape memory polymers, and apparatus comprising an actuator and a shape memory polymer wherein the shape memory polymer comprises at least a portion of the actuator. A shape memory polymer comprising a polymer composition which physically forms a network structure wherein the polymer composition has shape-memory behavior and can be formed into a permanent primary shape, re-formed into a stable secondary shape, and controllably actuated to recover the permanent primary shape. Polymers have optimal aliphatic network structures due to minimization of dangling chains by using monomers that are symmetrical and that have matching amine and hydroxl groups providing polymers and polymer foams with clarity, tight (narrow temperature range) single transitions, and high shape recovery and recovery force that are especially useful for implanting in the human body.

Methods, systems, and devices for providing treatment to a tissue in body lumens are described. The system may include a catheter, an expansion member coupled with a distal portion of the catheter, an ablation structure including one or more longitudinal electrode segments, and an ablation structure support coupled to the ablation structure configured to at least partially unfurl as the expansion member expands and furl as the expansion member contracts. The ablation structure may include multiple separately wired and/or separately controlled longitudinal electrodes, longitudinal electrode zones, or both, such that each longitudinal electrode or longitudinal electrode zone may be selectively enabled or selectively disabled. In some instances, one or more springs are coupled to the ablation structure configured to promote unfurl or furl around the expansion member. In some instances, one or more protection elements are be positioned along the catheter.

A device for a tissue channel includes a device frame, a shape memory polymer foam segment coupled to the device frame, and an attachment structure coupled to the device frame. The device frame includes a proximal structure, a distal structure, and an intermediate structure coupled to the proximal structure and the distal structure. The proximal structure is configured to collapse to fit into a delivery structure and expand to block migration of the proximal structure. The distal structure is configured to collapse to fit into the delivery structure and expand to block migration of the distal structure. The intermediate structure is configured to fit in the tissue channel upon device deployment. The shape memory polymer foam segment is configured to compress to fit into the delivery structure and occlude the channel. The attachment structure is configured to attach and detach the device from a delivery guide.

A polymer is composed of a linear chain acrylate and a multi-functional acrylate cross-linker. The polymerized composition exhibits a transition at a temperature between about 34° C. and about 50° C. The polymerized composition exhibits shape memory effects. In one embodiment, the linear chain is tert-butyl acrylate and the crosslinker is polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate. The resultant shape memory polymers may be used in medical devices to provide devices with different shapes for pre and post implantation.

One embodiment is directed to a system for closing a wound created at least partially across a tissue structure wall, comprising: a helical needle; a suture member coupled to the helical needle and configured to be pulled along a helical pattern with helical movement of the helical needle; an outer delivery member rotatably coupled to the helical needle; a drive shaft axially movably coupled to the outer delivery member; and a plurality of suture guide struts projecting distally from the outer delivery member; wherein upon helical insertion of the helical needle relative to the outer delivery member, the helical needle is advanced such that it becomes disposed around the guide struts, such that the guide struts prevent radial migration of the suture as it is helically wound into the tissue structure.

Described herein is a medical device for treating a target site. The medical device includes a proximal end including a disc and a distal end including a lobe. The disc and lobe are connected by a connecting member. The disc includes a proximal surface, a distal surface, and a central surface extending between and connecting the proximal surface and distal surface, wherein the central surface separates the proximal surface from the distal surface by a predetermined depth distance.

New shape memory polymer compositions, methods for synthesizing new shape memory polymers, and apparatus comprising an actuator and a shape memory polymer wherein the shape memory polymer comprises at least a portion of the actuator. A shape memory polymer comprising a polymer composition which physically forms a network structure wherein the polymer composition has shape-memory behavior and can be formed into a permanent primary shape, re-formed into a stable secondary shape, and controllably actuated to recover the permanent primary shape. Polymers have optimal aliphatic network structures due to minimization of dangling chains by using monomers that are symmetrical and that have matching amine and hydroxl groups providing polymers and polymer foams with clarity, tight (narrow temperature range) single transitions, and high shape recovery and recovery force that are especially useful for implanting in the human body.

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.

A device for performing a cosmetic or medical procedure and methods of operating such a device are usable for treating fibrous adhesions, such as those implicated in the formation of cosmetic or medical conditions including but not limited to cellulite. Embodiments of the disclosure have been particularly developed for targeting and disrupting fibrous adhesions to restore or improve normal physiological tissue function and/or aesthetic appearance. In at least one embodiment, the device comprises an elongate body and one or more user controllable breaking means. Each breaking means is actuatable to move between a retracted position in which the breaking means is in a collapsed configuration and an operative position in which the breaking means is in an expanded configuration suitable to break a strand of fibrous material or fibrous connective tissue.

The present disclosure relates to an anchor for fixating a tissue graft to bone. The anchor includes a through hole extending an entire length of the anchor and a polymer composition having shape memory qualities. Other anchors and methods for fixating a tissue graft to bone are also disclosed.