Variable size snare devices include devices which can be reliably and predictably opened to the required size, can be reliably and predictably opened to the required shape, and can provide visual cues indicative of the size of the deployed snare loop. The snare devices also include variable stiffness levels wherein the devices comprise shape memory alloys such that the stiffness of the snare loop can be controlled for desirable effect.

Ablation devices useful for removing nerve and soft tissue via a minimally invasive procedure to alleviate pain are provided. The device comprises a cannula having an opening at a distal tip of the cannula, the opening configured for suction of a surgical site, and a movable tissue capture member having a portion disposed within the opening or adjacent to the cannula, the movable tissue capture member configured to capture tissue when moved in a first position. Methods for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue utilizing the ablation devices are also provided.

A medical device for resecting tissue. The medical device includes a catheter shaft having a proximal portion and two or more distal branch portions. The distal branch portions are moveable between a closed position, and an open position. One or more lumens extend between the proximal portion and through each distal branch portion. An actuation element extends through the lumen of each distal branch portion. A snare loop is connected to each actuation element.

Disclosed monopolar and bipolar tissue lacerators can comprise a wire partially covered by electrical insulation, wherein the wire has a kink defining an inner curvature, wherein the wire is exposed through the insulation at one or two exposed regions along or near the inner curvature of the kink, wherein the wire is configured to conduct electrical energy through the one or two exposed regions and through a tissue target positioned adjacent the inner curvature to lacerate the tissue target via the electrical energy. The tissue target can be a native or prosthetic heart valve leaflet in a patient's heart.

A tissue segmentation device, controller, and methods therefore are disclosed. The device has an active electrode, a return electrode, a mechanical force application mechanism, voltage and current sensors, and a controller. The controller has a processing component, configured to assign a circuit status to a circuit comprising the at least one electrode. IF (PF0) and ((Vrms/Irms)T), THEN the circuit status is open. IF (PF0) and ((Vrms/Irms)<T), THEN the circuit status is short. PF is a power factor of power applied to the electrosurgical device. T is a threshold value.

Sphincterotomes and methods for making and using sphincterotomes are disclosed. An example sphincterotome may include an elongate shaft having an outer surface and a distal end region. The sphincterotome may also include a sphincterotome wire assembly having a distal end coupled to the distal end region of the elongate shaft and a body portion extending along the outer surface of the elongate shaft. The sphincterotome wire assembly may be designed to shift the distal end region of the elongate shaft between a first configuration and a curved configuration. The body portion of the sphincterotome wire assembly may include a cutting region and a non-conductive region.

Provided is a multifunctional connector. The multifunctional connector includes an auxiliary conduit which is branched from a main conduit and has a guide portion; and an operation member provided detachably from the auxiliary conduit, wherein the operation member includes an intubation portion inserted into the auxiliary conduit; sliding guide formed to move forward and backward while being guided by the guide portion; a fixing cap fixing the sliding guide so as not to be separated from the guide portion; and a first port through which a fluid is injected or discharged, thereby improving the efficiency of treatment, mitigating the fatigue of medical staffs, and reducing contamination of affected areas and a risk of damage to tissues around an endoscope.

A method for delivering cancer therapy may comprise introducing a tissue resection device to the tissue site, using the tissue resection device to create a core of tissue, removing at least a portion of the core of tissue from the body to create a tissue cavity, and performing therapeutic management of malignant tissue via the tissue cavity.

Provided herein are expandable devices, rail systems, and motorized devices. In one embodiment, an expandable device comprises an expandable sac having a tool housed therein. The expandable device is optionally configured for operation while inside a body cavity. The expandable device optionally comprises at least one rail in the sac, and at least one railed device coupled to the rail for movement there on. Movement of the railed device on the rail is provided by, for example, a motor such as an electromagnetic motor or an inch-worm type motor. Expandable devices can be used, for example, to perform minimally invasive medical procedures requiring access to a body cavity. Expandable devices can also be used, for example, to provide safe and stable transport of instruments to the body cavity.

The disclosure provides various embodiments of catheters having articulable ends that can be used for various procedures. Embodiments of methods are also provided that can be performed with catheters in accordance with the present disclosure.