Abstract: An applier for ligation clip is provided. The applier includes: an outer tube having mounting bosses; a pair of jaws pivotally connected to the mounting bosses, the jaws having actuating projections; a feed tube located in the outer tube and configured to move axially within the outer tube, the feed tube having actuating slots in which the actuating projections are located; a clip lock arm located in the outer tube and configured to move axially within the outer tube; and a clip advance arm located in the outer tube and configured to move axially within the outer tube, the clip advance arm having flexible pinchers at one end of the clip advance arm. A method of applying a ligation clip is also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical device comprising an actuator, an extension portion, and a tissue interaction portion. The extension portion is coupled to the actuator and comprises at least first and second telescoping sections with each telescoping section having (i) at least one extended hook section having a head portion and a neck portion, and (ii) at least one body section being one of coupled and integrated to the at least one extended hook section. The at least one extended hook section of the first telescoping section is operatively coupled to the body section of the second telescoping section. The tissue interaction portion is operatively coupled to the extension portion and comprises at least one of a gripping mechanism, a stapling mechanism, and a cutting mechanism. The actuator is adapted to control at least one of the extension portion and tissue interaction portion.

Abstract: A passive latch ring safety shield for use with medical injection devices is disclosed. The safety shield includes an inner sheath defining a channel which is dimensioned to receive an injection device and an outer sheath defining a channel which is dimensioned to slidably receive the inner sheath. A biasing member is provided between the inner and outer sheaths to urge the outer sheath in relation to the inner sheath from a retracted position to an advanced position. A resilient latch ring is supported on the safety shield in a position to prevent movement of the outer sheath in relation to the inner sheath from a retracted to and advanced position. The latch ring is deformable in response to actuation of the injection device to disengage the outer sheath from the inner sheath and allow the biasing member to move the outer sheath from the retracted position to the advanced position in relation to the inner sheath.

Abstract: An endovascular stapler for securing an endograft to a vessel is disclosed. The stapler includes a staple housing adapted for storing at least one staple therein, the staple housing having an exit area for discharge of the at least one staple therethrough, an actuating assembly adapted for discharging the at least one staple through the exit area, and a displacement mechanism in operative association with the staple housing near the exit area. The displacement member is operative for pushing the exit area against the endograft when discharging the at least one staple therethrough. The discharged staple forms a plurality of opposed loops connected by a central element upon discharge. Also disclosed are staples and displacement mechanisms adapted for use with surgical instruments such as the present endovascular staplers. The staples may be formed from memory metal or other metal. The displacement mechanisms disclosed include balloons and rigid offsetting devices.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for use in an image-guided interventional procedure are described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a base configured to be releasably coupled to a patient's skin. A support portion extends from the base at an angle transverse to a longitudinal axis defined by the base. The support portion has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is disposed adjacent the base. A holder portion extends from the second end portion of the support portion. The holder portion defines an opening and is configured to be moved between a first configuration in which the opening defined by the holder portion has a first size and is configured to movably receive an interventional tool therethrough, and a second configuration in which the opening defined by the holder portion has a second size different than the first size.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for use in an image-guided interventional procedure are described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a base configured to be releasably coupled to a patient's skin. A support portion extends from the base at an angle transverse to a longitudinal axis defined by the base. The support portion has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is disposed adjacent the base. A holder portion extends from the second end portion of the support portion. The holder portion defines an opening and is configured to be moved between a first configuration in which the opening defined by the holder portion has a first size and is configured to movably receive an interventional tool therethrough, and a second configuration in which the opening defined by the holder portion has a second size different than the first size.

Abstract: A surgical stapler for use during an open hernia repair comprises an elongated shaft having a handle at its proximal end and a downwardly disposed staple discharge head at its distal end. A squeeze trigger on the handle is operable to cause a supply of staples to be selectively discharged from the port. One or more mesh manipulators are provided on the head and serve to assist in positioning or otherwise manipulating surgical mesh prior to fixation with the staples. In one form, the stapler includes a chamfered portion, a cantilevered portion, and a retention lip to prevent multiple staples from deploying after a single pull of the trigger. Further, in this form, the stapler prevents incomplete staple formation if side load forces are applied during insertion of a staple in tissue thereby reducing waste of staples.

Abstract: An ergonomic hand instrument with a finger grip loop and a thumb grip loop also has a forefinger control surface on at least one of the instrument arms. The control surface may include a proximally facing curved wall surface to receive the distal end of the tip of the user's forefinger. Forward and downward pressure can be applied with the forefinger with improved control and stability.

Abstract: A surgical fastener system includes a plurality of fasteners having a throughbore with an internally threaded portion. The fasteners may engage with a threaded mandrel that passes through the throughbore of the fasteners. A rotator may rotate the fasteners relative to the mandrel to move at least one of the fasteners along the mandrel, e.g., along the mandrel's longitudinal axis. A distal end of the mandrel may be inserted into a material, such as a tissue, prosthetic or other, and a fastener may be deployed from the distal end of the mandrel while the distal end is positioned in the material. The throughbore of the fasteners may include a threaded portion and an unthreaded portion, may include an angled face or other feature to aid in fastener deployment and/or have curved depressions in the head portion.

Abstract: A surgical fastener system includes a plurality of fasteners having a throughbore with a non-circular cross section portion. The fasteners may engage with a splined mandrel that passes through the throughbore of the fasteners and rotates the fasteners relative to the mandrel to move at least one of the fasteners along the mandrel, e.g., along the mandrel's longitudinal axis. A distal end of the mandrel may be inserted into a material, such as a tissue, prosthetic or other, and a fastener may be deployed from the distal end of the mandrel while the distal end is positioned in the material.

Abstract: A surgical fastener system includes a plurality of fasteners having a throughbore with an internally threaded portion. The fasteners may engage with a threaded mandrel that passes through the throughbore of the fasteners. A rotator may rotate the fasteners relative to the mandrel to move at least one of the fasteners along the mandrel, e.g., along the mandrel's longitudinal axis. A distal end of the mandrel may be inserted into a material, such as a tissue, prosthetic or other, and a fastener may be deployed from the distal end of the mandrel while the distal end is positioned in the material. The throughbore of the fasteners may include a threaded portion and an unthreaded portion, may include an angled face or other feature to aid in fastener deployment and/or have curved depressions in the head portion.

Abstract: A spreading instrument includes instrument fingers which can be spread to partially define a cylindrical passage between the instrument fingers. A rounded groove on the interior surface of each instrument finger is tapered lengthwise, becoming shallower towards the distal end of the finger. When the fingers are spread, the opposing grooves partly define a cylindrical passage adapted to receive a tubular structure.

Abstract: A lancer device that enables a user to draw blood from a patient and discard the used lancet without touching it. The device also has an adjustable tip for selecting the depth of stylet penetration into the patient and a triggering mechanism that utilizes a yoke latch and a leaf spring to discharge the lancet. The lancer also has a dampening feature to reduce vibrations when the lancet is moving.

Abstract: The instrument has a pair of instrument arms, an angled instrument finger is attached to each arm, and the respective bottom surfaces of the distal ends of the angled instrument fingers are substantially parallel to the plane of the instrument arms.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided for urging a longitudinal spinal member into a bone fastener. The surgical instrument may include a holder assembly for engaging a bone fastener, the holder assembly preferably comprising a pair of pivotably connected members arranged in a scissor type configuration, and a reducing mechanism for moving the spinal rod with respect to the bone fastener, the reducing mechanism including a rod contacting member and an outer support structure having an opening for receiving at least a portion of the holder assembly and a cavity for receiving at least a portion of the vertical drive mechanism which is sized and configured to threadably engage the holder assembly. The holder assembly preferably includes a pair of jaws each having an extension formed thereon for engaging a recess formed on the lateral side walls of the bone fastener so that the holder assembly can engage the bone fastener without extending into the U-shaped channel.

Abstract: An ergonomic hand instrument with a finger grip loop and a thumb grip loop also has a forefinger control surface on at least one of the instrument arms. The control surface may include a proximally facing curved wall surface to receive the distal end of the tip of the user's forefinger. Forward and downward pressure can be applied with the forefinger with improved control and stability.

Abstract: A tubular conduit is used to access blood vessels or other structures in the human body. The conduit has a distal tip angled to match the angle of entry into the body and an end contour adapted for the surface of the target vessel or organ. The contour may be curved to match the curve on the outer surface of the vessel or organ. The conduit's angled and contoured distal end may be adapted to engage, and align the conduit with, the surface of the vessel or organ. The conduit bears a longitudinal groove along its lower, inner surface. When the conduit is appropriately aligned, the groove may be used to guide a needle tip to the desired location, for example, the mid-line of the vessel or organ.

Abstract: A surgical fastener system includes a plurality of fasteners having a throughbore with an internally threaded portion. The fasteners may engage with a threaded mandrel that passes through the throughbore of the fasteners. A rotator may rotate the fasteners relative to the mandrel to move at least one of the fasteners along the mandrel, e.g., along the mandrel's longitudinal axis. A distal end of the mandrel may be inserted into a material, such as a tissue, prosthetic or other, and a fastener may be deployed from the distal end of the mandrel while the distal end is positioned in the material. The throughbore of the fasteners may include a threaded portion and an unthreaded portion, may include an angled face or other feature to aid in fastener deployment and/or have curved depressions in the head portion.

Abstract: A passive latch ring safety shield for use with medical injection devices is disclosed. The safety shield includes an inner sheath defining a channel which is dimensioned to receive an injection device and an outer sheath defining a channel which is dimensioned to slidably receive the inner sheath. A biasing member is provided between the inner and outer sheaths to urge the outer sheath in relation to the inner sheath from a retracted position to an advanced position. A resilient latch ring is supported on the safety shield in a position to prevent movement of the outer sheath in relation to the inner sheath from a retracted to and advanced position. The latch ring is deformable in response to actuation of the injection device to disengage the outer sheath from the inner sheath and allow the biasing member to move the outer sheath from the retracted position to the advanced position in relation to the inner sheath.

Abstract: A medical punch includes a longitudinally dividable anvil with a reduced cross-sectional dimension facilitating insertion of the anvil into the vessel wall to achieve a clean aperture in the vessel wall by cooperative shearing action of a cutting edge and an anvil edge. In another embodiment, the instrument incorporates a measuring device for determining the thickness of a vessel wall between an anvil and a distal end of a cylindrical structure which together form a caliper, and the measuring device can also constitute a medical punch by cooperative shearing action of a cutting edge and an anvil to achieve a clean aperture in the vessel wall.