Abstract: Apparatus for increasing the span length of a bone staple, which includes two prongs connected by a system which provides a mechanical advantage to facilitate bringing the prongs closer together or further apart. One prong includes a staple receptor. The other prong includes a cam-like head such that when the prongs are brought together the staple span length of a staple in the receptor increases. Alternatively, the two prongs are disposed for mounting a staple. When the prongs are pushed apart the staple span length increases. The present invention also relates to a bone staple formed of a shape-memory alloy and an apparatus associated with the staple. The apparatus deforms the staple by increasing its span length and facilitating its insertion into bone tissue. The deformation range of the staple allows the staple to revert to its original shape when the temperature is changed.

Abstract: A surgical clip system which includes a surgical clip having a first clip portion including a first length of material having a closed geometrical shape having a first surface, the shape having a central axis therethrough and having a central opening therein; a pair of support portions associated with the first clip portion; a second clip portion including a second length of material having a closed geometrical shape having a second surface of substantially the same configuration and size as that of the first clip portion, the shape having a central axis therethrough; and a pair of fastening elements formed of a shape memory alloy, each of the fastening elements including a first end and a second end, each of the first ends being attached to the second clip portion; wherein, when at a first temperature or higher, the shape memory alloy is in an elastic state, such that the pair of fastening elements are maintained in a position such that they abut the support portions, and wherein, when at a second temperatur

Abstract: A surgical clip and method for anastomosing a gastrointestinal tract, the clip being formed at least partly of a shape memory alloy, the clip including: a first length of a wire defining a closed geometrical shape having a central opening; a second length of a wire defining a closed geometrical shape similar in configuration and magnitude to that of the first length of wire, wherein, when placed in side-by-side registration, the first and second lengths of wire fully overlap; an intermediate portion located between the first length of wire and the second length of wire, the intermediate portion formed of a shape memory alloy; a cutting element associated with the first length of wire; a counter element associated with the second length of wire and arranged for cutting engagement with the cutting element; wherein when at a first temperature or higher, the first and second lengths of wire are positioned in a side-by-side closed position and the shape memory alloy is in an elastic state, and further, when at a s

Abstract: This invention is a surgical clip (10) including three lengths of wire integrally formed of a shape memory alloy, two of which (12, 22) each form closed geometrical shapes similar in configuration and magnitude to each other, and the third (18) connects the first two. When at a first temperature or higher, the first and second lengths of wire (12, 22) are positioned in a side by side closed position. The shape memory alloy is in an elastic sate. When at a second temperature or lower, below the first temperature, the shape memory alloy is in a plastic state, thereby enabling the first and second lengths of wire (12, 22) to be moved into and to retain a spaced apart position. Upon heating of the clip to a temperature at least equal to the first temperature, the first and second lengths of wire return to the side by side closed position, thereby to apply a compressive force to tissue located therebetween; and a method of anastomosing a gastrointestinal tract with such a surgical clip (10).