Abstract: Endoscopic devices and methods used for fastening multiple tissue layers, such as, for example, an endoscopic fundoplication procedure, are disclosed. The device may include, for example, an elongated tubular member having a proximal end for extending outside of the body and a distal end for positioning proximate the multiple tissue layers, a grasper configured for positioning proximate the distal end of the tubular member and for grasping at least one of the multiple tissue layers, a device coupled to the distal end of the tubular member for folding the multiple tissue layers together, a tissue fastener configured to be inserted into the tissue layers to hold the tissue layers together, and a fastener head for inserting the tissue fastener into the tissue layers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices, and methods for using the devices, to create and secure a tissue fold during an endoluminal medical procedure. The devices and methods may be used for folding and securing, for example, a fundus wall onto an esophagus wall or esophageal tissue in the region of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to reduce the diameter of the esophagus opening in that region. One aspect of the invention includes forming the tissue fold by closing a grasping arm that is pivotably connected to an overtube that has been positioned at the juncture of the fundus wall and esophagus wall. A further aspect of the invention includes tissue clips configured to be inserted and positioned through an endoluminal device.

Abstract: Endoscopic devices and methods used for fastening multiple tissue layers, such as, for example, an endoscopic fundoplication procedure, are disclosed. The device may include, for example, an elongated tubular member having a proximal end for extending outside of the body and a distal end for positioning proximate the multiple tissue layers, a grasper configured for positioning proximate the distal end of the tubular member and for grasping at least one of the multiple tissue layers, a device coupled to the distal end of the tubular member for folding the multiple tissue layers together, a tissue fastener configured to be inserted into the tissue layers to hold the tissue layers together, and a fastener head for inserting the tissue fastener into the tissue layers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices, and methods for using the devices, to create and secure a tissue fold during an endoluminal medical procedure. The devices and methods may be used for folding and securing, for example, a fundus wall onto an esophagus wall or esophageal tissue in the region of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to reduce the diameter of the esophagus opening in that region. One aspect of the invention includes forming the tissue fold by closing a grasping arm that is pivotably connected to an overtube that has been positioned at the juncture of the fundus wall and esophagus wall. A further aspect of the invention includes tissue clips configured to be inserted and positioned through an endoluminal device.

Abstract: Endoscopic devices and methods used for fastening multiple tissue layers, such as, for example, an endoscopic fundoplication procedure, are disclosed. The device may include, for example, an elongated tubular member having a proximal end for extending outside of the body and a distal end for positioning proximate the multiple tissue layers, a grasper configured for positioning proximate the distal end of the tubular member and for grasping at least one of the multiple tissue layers, a device coupled to the distal end of the tubular member for folding the multiple tissue layers together, a tissue fastener configured to be inserted into the tissue layers to hold the tissue layers together, and a fastener head for inserting the tissue fastener into the tissue layers.

Abstract: Describeed is a full-thickness resection system which includes a control unit coupled to a proximal end of a flexible endoscope. The control unit remains outside of a body when the stapling head is in an operative position within a body lumen. The control unit includes (i) an anvil actuator coupled to an anvil in the stapling head, actuation of the anvil actuator moves the anvil axially relative to a stapling mechanism in the stapling head to compress a folded full-thickness portion of lumenal tissue between the anvil and the stapling mechanism. In addition, the control unit includes (ii) a stapler actuator coupled to the stapling mechanism in the stapling head, actuation of the stapler actuator causing the stapling mechanism to drive staples through the folded lumenal tissue against the anvil.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering a surgical clip to a surgical site within a patient's body to compress body tissue is disclosed. In one embodiment for the system of the present invention, the system includes an endoscopic device that has an endoscope cap disposed on a distal end of the endoscopic device. A surgical clip is removably disposed on an outside surface of the endoscope cap. A deployment device is associated with the surgical clip for deploying the surgical clip from the endoscope cap to the body tissue that is to be compressed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical set of instruments used to treat surfaces of cartilage, bone or body tissue, which set comprises a surgical instrument 1 and a guide device 2 to guide said instrument and/or a tissue applicator 3 for inserting tissue on a defect to be covered. In the meaning of the present invention, the surgical instrument, which can be moved in a circular, elliptical or another way with the aid of the guide device 2 according to the invention, is understood to be a shaver, a scalpel, a drill, a curette, a syringe, or a probe. Depending on the surgical problem, however, other instruments for cutting, milling, punching, sewing, or setting bores in cartilage, bone or body tissue, or injecting operating aids such as glues may also be moved in a specific surface profile using the guide device of the invention.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering a surgical clip to a surgical site within a patient's body to compress body tissue is disclosed. In one embodiment for the system of the present invention, the system includes an endoscopic device that has an endoscope cap disposed on a distal end of the endoscopic device. A surgical clip is removably disposed on an outside surface of the endoscope cap. A deployment device is associated with the surgical clip for deploying the surgical clip from the endoscope cap to the body tissue that is to be compressed.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering a surgical clip to a surgical site within a patient's body to compress body tissue is disclosed. In one embodiment for the system of the present invention, the system includes an endoscopic device that has an endoscope cap disposed on a distal end of the endoscopic device. A surgical clip is removably disposed on an outside surface of the endoscope cap. A deployment device is associated with the surgical clip for deploying the surgical clip from the endoscope cap to the body tissue that is to be compressed.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering a surgical clip to a surgical site within a patient's body to compress body tissue is disclosed. In one embodiment for the system of the present invention, the system includes an endoscopic device that has an endoscope cap disposed on a distal end of the endoscopic device. A surgical clip is removably disposed on an outside surface of the endoscope cap. A deployment device is associated with the surgical clip for deploying the surgical clip from the endoscope cap to the body tissue that is to be compressed.

Abstract: A method for determining cleaning action on medical instruments and other objects is disclose. The method uses a predetermined soiling substance, for example fresh blood mixed with a radioactive marker. The soiling substance is applied to the instrument as a predetermined contamination. By making various radiation and time measurements one can determine in absolute mass units either the remaining soiling after the completion of a cleaning process or the soiling prior to the cleaning process. By comparing the determined masses one may validate specific cleaning processes, machines or agents.

Abstract: In an apparatus for guiding surgical instruments during endoscopic surgery including a carrier on which a support member is rotatably mounted about a first axis and a housing structure is mounted on the support member so as to pivot about a second axis which is spaced from the housing structure and intersects the first axis in an invariant point and the housing slidably supports an instrument shaft having an axis also extending through the invariant point and an end which is mounted on a guide member, which is axially movably supported on a guide housing extending from the housing structure parallel to the instrument shaft, a camera is firmly supported on the guide housing in alignment with the instrument shaft so as to be axially movable but not rotatable with the instrument shaft whereby an image transmitted from a lens system at the front end of the instrument shaft to the camera at the rear end of the shaft is shown at a given top-to-bottom orientation independently the rotational position of the instrume

Abstract: The device comprises a treatment laser and at least two diagnosis lasers of differing wavelengths, wherein a receiving means is allocated to each diagnosis laser. The signal of the receiving means is led to an electronic evaluation and control means. In the distal end section of the endosopic part of the device the light beams of all lasers are guided together.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for intraoperative calibration of a fundus fold cuff comprises an inlet having lead (14) the end of which facing the patient being connectable to an inflatable balloon (13) and the other end of which facing away from the patient having means for inflation/deflation of the balloon 13 and for measurement of the internal pressure of the balloon (13). The balloon (13) has, at least in the inflated state, an outer contour defining a seating surface (16) and two raised humps (17) which are sidewardly bordered. Fundus portions are joined together to form a cuff surrounding the esophagus, and the properties of the cuff are determined by the forces exercised by the cuff on the balloon.

Abstract: A seal 10 comprises a bushing 11 and a thread 12, wherein the bushing 11 has a first lumen 15 and a second lumen 16. The lumina 15 and 16 extend along the entire length of the bushing 11. The thread 12 can be introduced at one end into the second lumen 16 and has a swelling 21 at the free end which prevents reintroduction and travel of the end of the thread through the second lumen 16. The thread 12 can be introduced into the first lumen 15 via its other free end and pushed through first lumen 15. Enlargements 20 are formed on the thread 12 having a size preventing introduction into the first lumen 15 without the exercise of force. The bushing 11 and the thread 12 are manufactured from a flexible material having a stable shape. When the enlargements 20 are pulled into the first lumen 15, the bushing 11 bends and seats on e.g. tissue to be ligated. When the enlargements 20 are completely pulled into the first lumen 15, the seal 10 is permanently closed.

Abstract: A trocar system (10) comprises a trocar tube (11), a trocar plunger (12) and a valve housing (13) formed on the end of the trocar tube (11) facing away from the patient. The trocar tube (11) is produced from a flexible material which is stabilized by a spiral (22). The trocar tube (11) has a taper at the end (21) next to the patient which can be supported at a circular shoulder (15) with the trocar plunger (12) inserted into the trocar tube (11). The trocar tube (11) can be bent in the direction of arrow (23) and stretched in the direction of arrow (24).

Abstract: A plug-type connection is used for connecting at least one sterile electrical, optical and/or fluid-carrying line to at least one non-sterile apparatus with one line-side and one equipment-side plug unit respectively. The equipment-side plug unit is surrounded by at least one sterile foil which is clamped tightly between respective corresponding sealing and clamping edges of the line-side and the equipment-side plug units which surround the line to be plugged in. The line-side and/or equipment-side plug unit has a cutting device to cut the foil in the area of the lines to be contacted.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for creating a tissue canal in which to seat a sleeve has a shaft tube with a knife blade at its distal end to form an incision and an insert to transform the incision into the tissue canal. The knife blade is formed as an axially projecting portion of the distal edge of the shaft tube and has a ground edge for cutting in the circumferential direction of the shaft tube. The insert is slidable mounted in the shaft tube and has a distal blunt end located adjacent the distal end of the shaft tube.

Abstract: In a surgical stitching apparatus for endoscopically performing sutures of tissue or vessels having a drive mechanism including concentric tubes with an operating handle structure at one end and a stitching head mounted at the distal end thereof, the stitching head includes a stationary and a movable mouthpiece each with clamping structures for engaging the tips of a needle each comprising movable and stationary halves with the movable half on the stationary mouthpiece being operatively connected to one of the concentric tubes and the movable mouthpiece being connected to another of the concentric tubes which is hand-operable by a movable handle on the operating handle structure, and the one concentric tube is operable by a pedal switch-controlled mechanism mounted on the operating handle structure for foot operation of the clamping structure on the stationary mouthpiece.