Abstract: Loop ostomy device including an elongate rod having expanded end portions is restrained beneath an exteriorized loop of bowel by retaining elements that can be removably passed over a portion of the rod to a position in proximity to the bowel. In methods of use, the loop ostomy device, after being deployed through the bowel mesentery, and after maturation of the stoma, is inserted along with the open bowel through the aperture of an ostomy appliance wafer that is fixed to the body wall and into the pouch of the appliance.

Abstract: Wound drain includes a body of elastomeric material. The body includes a flange having a generally planar form and an elongate shaft having a first portion extending to one side of the flange, and optionally a second portion extending to the opposite side of the flange. The flange has a cross-sectional length in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the shaft that is larger than a cross-sectional length of the shaft. The shaft includes one or more channels each extending along its entire length or a portion of its length, and along both the first and second portions of the shaft when the second portion of the shaft is present. The shaft also includes one or more longitudinally extending openings that each lead to one of the channels.

Abstract: Anastomosis leak testers for testing for leaks in gastrointestinal anastomoses in patients include an inflation pump and a conduit part. The inflation pump has a compressible portion and a mechanism for providing a uni-directional flow of air through the inflation pump upon intermittent compressing thereof. Conduit parts have an interior space, a portion to be inserted into an anus of a patient or arm to be mated to a gastric tube, rectal tube or endoscope, a pressure relief valve and an indicator pin, and a rearward arm connected to the inflation pump. Upon actuation of the inflation pump, air flows through the inflation pump and through the conduit part into the patient's bowel. When the air pressure in the bowel exceeds a specified pressure, air is released through the pressure relief valve and ejects the indicator pin, which alerts the surgeon that the desired rectal pressure has been reached.

Abstract: Wound drain (100) includes a body of soft and flexible elastomeric material. The body includes a flange (110) having a generally planar form and an elongate shaft (120) having a first portion extending to one side of the flange (110), and optionally a second portion extending to the opposite side of the flange. The flange (110) has a cross-sectional length in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the shaft (120) that is larger than a cross-sectional length of the shaft (120). The shaft (120) includes one or more channels (123) each extending along its entire length or a portion of its length, and along both the first and second portions of the shaft (120) when the second portion of the shaft (120) is present.

Abstract: A method for managing a closed incisional wound that includes at least one elastomeric drain inserted partially into the wound, an open cell foam sponge in flow communication with the drains and wound, and to which negative pressure is applied by a vacuum source. The negative pressure is transmitted into the otherwise closed wound in order to improve drainage and expedite wound healing.

Abstract: Anastomosis leak testers for testing for leaks in gastrointestinal anastomoses in patients include an inflation pump and a conduit part. The inflation pump has a compressible portion and a mechanism for providing a uni-directional flow of air through the inflation pump upon intermittent compressing thereof. Conduit parts have an interior space, a portion to be inserted into an anus of a patient or arm to be mated to a gastric tube, rectal tube or endoscope, a pressure relief valve and an indicator pin, and a rearward arm connected to the inflation pump. Upon actuation of the inflation pump, air flows through the inflation pump and through the conduit part into the patient's bowel. When the air pressure in the bowel exceeds a specified pressure, air is released through the pressure relief valve and ejects the indicator pin, which alerts the surgeon that the desired rectal pressure has been reached.

Abstract: Method for draining and decompressing a colon in which a drainage tube is inserted through the anus into the colon to extend through the entire colon. The drainage tube is fixed in position and suction is applied therethrough to cause fecal matter to pass therein through apertures and be withdrawn from the colon. The drainage tube is inserted by inserting a guidewire into the colon through the anus, manipulating and pushing the guidewire to the cecum, passing a filament through the colon wall to engage the guidewire, pulling the guidewire out of the colon and anus to draw the filament through the colon and out of the anus, attaching the drainage tube to the filament and drawing the filament with attached drainage tube through the anus into the colon. The invention also relates to constructions of the guidewire, the drainage tube and methods for inserting drainage tubes using guidewires.

Abstract: Stapler, in particular for hemorrhoidal use, includes a body, an elongate, fixed jaw part connected to the body and including a curved anvil defining staple-forming pockets and a curved portion defining an opening bound on lateral and longitudinal sides, an actuating jaw part including a curved staple driver and optionally a cutting knife, a trigger coupled to the body for actuating the actuating jaw part and an adjustment mechanism for moving the actuating jaw part to vary a longitudinal dimension of the opening defined between a staple cartridge and the anvil. When the actuating jaw part is actuated by the trigger, the staple driver forces staple blanks in the staple cartridge into staple-forming pockets of the anvil to form staples in tissue retained in the opening, while the cutting knife, when present, amputates the tissue.

Abstract: The free ends of two tubular tissue members to be anastomosed are each pulled over the outside of a respective ring joined by an integral frame which holds the rings rigidly a short distance apart and sewn to the respective rings and to each other across the gap formed by the frame. When the tissue members and apparatus have been completely sewn about their circumference, the frame is cut away, and the sutures are pulled taut so that the edges of the tubular tissue members are inverted and drawn into apposition between the rings. The adjacent suture ends are then tied together with proper tension to complete the anastomosis.