A system for depositing a composite filler material into a channel of a composite structure includes an end-effector configured to extrude a bead of the filler material into the channel. The filler material can comprise a first group of relatively long fibers, a second group of relatively short fibers and a resin. A drive system is configured to move the end-effector relative to the channel, and a position sensor is configured to detect the position of the bead relative to the channel. A controller is configured to operate the drive system in response to the detected position and to operate the end-effector to heat and compress the filler material so as to orient the longer fibers in a substantially longitudinal direction relative to the channel and the shorter fibers in substantially random directions relative to the channel when the bead is extruded into the channel.

A limb for a breathing circuit manufactured from very thin walled polymer materials has an elongate axial reinforcing spine lying freely inside the conduit and fixed to each end connector. The spine is laterally compliant but axially stiff. The spine provides resistance to tensile and compressive loads on the conduit, including that induced by prevailing internal pressures.

Exclusion devices for anatomical structures, and related instruments and related methods, are disclosed. An application instrument for an exclusion device may include an end effector including a head configured to be disposed distally on a shaft, a stationary jaw fixedly disposed on the head and configured to releasably couple to a first clamping portion of an exclusion device, the exclusion device being biased in a closing direction, and a movable jaw movably disposed on the head and configured to releasably couple to a second clamping portion of the exclusion device. The movable jaw may be movable relative to the stationary jaw to reconfigure the exclusion device from a closed configuration to an open configuration. The movable jaw may be oriented generally parallel to the stationary jaw when the exclusion device is in the open configuration and the closed configuration.

Exclusion devices for anatomical structures, and related instruments and related methods, are disclosed. An application instrument for an exclusion device may include an end effector including a head configured to be disposed distally on a shaft, a stationary jaw fixedly disposed on the head and configured to releasably couple to a first clamping portion of an exclusion device, the exclusion device being biased in a closing direction, and a movable jaw movably disposed on the head and configured to releasably couple to a second clamping portion of the exclusion device. The movable jaw may be movable relative to the stationary jaw to reconfigure the exclusion device from a closed configuration to an open configuration. The movable jaw may be oriented generally parallel to the stationary jaw when the exclusion device is in the open configuration and the closed configuration.