Methods and systems for separating an object, such as a lead, from formed tissue are provided. Specifically, a tissue slitting device is configured to engage patient formed tissue at a slitting engagement point. While the object is subjected to a first traction force, the tissue slitting device is caused to move further into the engaged tissue and slit the tissue past the point of engagement. The slitting device causes the tissue to separate along an axial direction of the length of the formed tissue and releases at least some of the force containing the object. The methods and systems are well suited for use in cardiac pacing or defibrillator lead explant procedures.

A forceps includes a pair of shafts each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. One (or both) of the shafts is moveable relative to the other about a pivot pin between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position to move the jaw members between an open position and a closed position. A knife assembly includes a knife blade mechanically keyed to the pivot pin and moveable between an initial position, wherein the knife blade is disposed within one of the jaw members, and an extended position, wherein the knife blade extends between the jaw members. An actuator arm(s) is mechanically keyed to the pivot pin and extends therefrom. The actuator arm(s) is moveable between an un-actuated position and an actuated position to rotate the pivot pin relative to the jaw members to move the knife blade between the initial position and the extended position.

A test fixture for mechanically testing breast implants includes a frame, a base plate coupled with the frame, and a first actuator coupled with the base plate for providing reciprocating motion to the base plate along a first axis. The test fixture includes a compression plate coupled with the frame that opposes the base plate, a second actuator coupled with the compression plate for providing reciprocating motion to the compression plate along a second axis that intersects the first axis, and a third actuator coupled with the compression plate for providing reciprocating motion to the compression plate along a third axis that intersects both the first axis and the second axis. The test fixture includes a control system in communication with the first, second, and third actuators for controlling the movement of the base plate along the first axis and the movement of the compression plate along the second and third axes.

A passive stent for retaining an organ in an expanded state configured to adhere and substantially conform to an external surface of the organ may include an inner layer, an outer layer, and a middle layer that is enclosed by the inner layer and the outer layer, comprising a plurality of components configured to interlock and maintain the organ in an expanded state upon application of a vacuum. A method for retaining an organ in an expanded state may include applying at least one force to the organ to place the organ in the expanded state; applying a passive stent to an external surface of the organ; and applying a vacuum to the passive stent sufficient to cause a plurality of components of at least one layer of the passive stent to interlock, where the at least one layer is configured to maintain the organ in the expanded state after interlocking.

Devices, kits, systems and methods described herein may be for treatment to skin, including but not limited to wound healing, the treatment, amelioration, and/or prevention of scars or keloids. Devices kits, systems and methods described herein may be used to select treatment parameters or devices for treating skin in a zone or region of skin having particular mechanical or other properties.

Implantable transponders comprising no ferromagnetic parts for use in medical implants are disclosed herein. Such transponders may assist in preventing interference of transponders with medical imaging technologies. Such transponders may optionally be of a small size, and may assist in collecting and transmitting data and information regarding implanted medical devices. Methods of using such transponders, readers for detecting such transponders, and methods for using such readers are also described.

Expandable absorbable implants have been developed that are suitable for breast reconstruction following mastectomy. The implants can be implanted in the vicinity of a tissue expander, for example, by suturing to the detached edge of the pectoralis major muscle to function as a pectoralis extender, and used to form a sling for a tissue expander. The implants, which permit tissue-ingrowth and slowly degrade, can be expanded in the breast using a tissue expander in order to form a pocket for a permanent breast implant. After expansion, the tissue expander can be removed and replaced with a permanent breast implant. The expandable implants help reduce patient discomfort resulting from tissue expansion, and avoid the need to use allografts or xenografts to create the pocket for the tissue expander. The expandable absorbable implant preferably comprises poly-4-hydroxybutyrate or copolymer thereof.

Devices and methods can be used to treat long gap esophageal atresia, while obviating much of the delay and complexities associated with current procedures. The devices and methods involve actively stretching the esophagus portions with traction to promote growth of the esophagus portions. Moreover, the devices and methods provided allow for a compression anastomosis to occur between the esophageal ends. This eliminates the need for a second operation to suture the esophageal ends together.

Systems, methods and devices to facilitate insertion of a lead for cardiac therapy into an intercostal space associated with the cardiac notch of a patient are described including devices, methods and medical procedure templates to facilitate insertion proximate to a lateral margin of the patient's sternum.

Systems, instruments, methods, and compositions are described involving removing a portion of the epidermis within a donor site on a subject, and harvesting dermal plugs within the donor site. An injectable filler is formed by mincing the dermal plugs. The injectable filler is configured for injecting into a recipient site on the subject.