Abstract: In general, systems, methods, and devices for electrosurgical devices with monopolar and bipolar functionality are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a surgical device can have bipolar functionality, in which tissue engaged by the device is treated in a bipolar energy delivery mode, and can have monopolar functionality in which tissue engaged by the device is treated in a monopolar energy delivery mode.

Abstract: In general, systems, methods, and devices for electrosurgical devices with monopolar and bipolar functionality are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a surgical device can have bipolar functionality, in which tissue engaged by the device is treated in a bipolar energy delivery mode, and can have monopolar functionality in which tissue engaged by the device is treated in a monopolar energy delivery mode.

Abstract: In general, surgical devices having monopolar functionality and bipolar functionality are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a surgical device is configured to selectively apply each of bipolar energy and monopolar energy.

Abstract: A surgical tool that includes a drive housing, an elongate shaft that extends from the drive housing, and a plurality of drive cables extending within the elongate shaft between the drive housing and an end effector coupled to a distal end of the elongate shaft. A cable brake assembly is at least partially arranged within a cavity defined in the drive housing or the elongate shaft, the cable brake assembly having one or more brakes and a brake pad engageable with one or more of the plurality of drive cables. The cable brake assembly is actuatable between a first position, where the plurality of drive cables are free to move longitudinally within the elongate shaft, and a second position, where the one or more brakes and the brake pad engage and prevent the one or more of the plurality of drive cables from moving.

Abstract: A surgical tool that includes a drive housing, an elongate shaft that extends from the drive housing, and a plurality of drive cables extending within the elongate shaft between the drive housing and an end effector coupled to a distal end of the elongate shaft. A cable brake assembly is at least partially arranged within a cavity defined in the drive housing or the elongate shaft, the cable brake assembly having one or more brakes and a brake pad engageable with one or more of the plurality of drive cables. The cable brake assembly is actuatable between a first position, where the plurality of drive cables are free to move longitudinally within the elongate shaft, and a second position, where the one or more brakes and the brake pad engage and prevent the one or more of the plurality of drive cables from moving.

Abstract: Devices and methods for applying sealants to surgical instruments. In one embodiment, a surgical device is described that can include at least one nozzle formed at a proximal end of the device that is configured to receive a sealant, as well as an applicator formed at a distal end of the device that is configured to deliver the sealant received by the at least one nozzle. The applicator can be configured to interface with at least one of a first and second jaw of a surgical stapler such that the sealant delivered from the applicator can be deposited into a plurality of openings formed in the surgical stapler.

Abstract: Adjunct material and methods of using adjunct material to reinforce a staple line are provided herein. In general, adjunct material can be used to maintain a seal in tissue and prevent stapled tissue from tearing. This adjunct material can be coupled to a jaw of a surgical stapler, and can be deployed into tissue along with the staples. In some embodiments, the adjunct material can be sized and shaped so that a portion of the material extends laterally outside of the staple line and distributes strain to tissue outside of the staple line. In certain aspects, sealant can be applied to the staple line and to the adjunct material in various ways to further seal the tissue and/or prevent leaks from forming in the tissue.

Abstract: Devices and methods for applying sealants to surgical instruments are described herein. In one embodiment, a surgical device is described that can include at least one nozzle formed at a proximal end of the device that is configured to receive a sealant, as well as an applicator formed at a distal end of the device that is configured to deliver the sealant received by the at least one nozzle. The applicator can be configured to interface with at least one of a first and second jaw of a surgical stapler such that the sealant delivered from the applicator can be deposited into a plurality of openings formed in the surgical stapler.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for performing translumenal (e.g., transoral and transanal) procedures. In general, the methods and devices utilize a trocar assembly or trocar end cap that can facilitate insertion of an endoscope through tissue. In one embodiment, a flexible trocar assembly is provided and includes an obturator having an inner lumen formed therethrough for receiving an endoscope therein, and a distal end that is adapted to facilitate insertion of the endoscope through tissue and that is adapted to facilitate viewing therethrough. The trocar assembly can also include a trocar sleeve that is disposable over the obturator. In use, once the trocar assembly is inserted through tissue, the trocar sleeve can function as a placeholder, allowing the endoscope and obturator to be removed. The endoscope can then be removed from within the obturator and reinserted through the trocar sleeve for use in performing various other procedures.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for performing translumenal (e.g., transoral and transanal) procedures. In general, the methods and devices utilize a trocar assembly or trocar end cap that can facilitate insertion of an endoscope through tissue. In one embodiment, a flexible trocar assembly is provided and includes an obturator having an inner lumen formed therethrough for receiving an endoscope therein, and a distal end that is adapted to facilitate insertion of the endoscope through tissue and that is adapted to facilitate viewing therethrough. The trocar assembly can also include a trocar sleeve that is disposable over the obturator. In use, once the trocar assembly is inserted through tissue, the trocar sleeve can function as a placeholder, allowing the endoscope and obturator to be removed. The endoscope can then be removed from within the obturator and reinserted through the trocar sleeve for use in performing various other procedures.

Abstract: Devices and methods for translumenal access are provided. In one embodiment, a device for translumenal access includes an elongate member having proximal and distal ends and a lumen extending therethrough. A tissue-penetrating wire can extend through the lumen, and in use the wire can be selectively movable between a retracted position where the wire is in a constrained configuration within the lumen and an extended position in which a portion of the wire extends a distance beyond a distal end of the elongate member. The portion of wire which extends the distance beyond the distal end of the elongate member can be adapted to assume a non-linear unconstrained configuration to prevent injury to the tissue and/or tissue structures adjacent to the tissue.

Abstract: A snaring device for use with a percutaneous cannula positioned in a body wall and extending into a body cavity of a patient. The snaring device has an elongated, bendable member formed from a spring material and having a first bendable member end and a second bendable member end. The snaring device also has an elongated, control member having a first control member end and a second control member end. The snaring device further has an attachment flexibly connecting the first control member end and the first bendable member end, such that the attachment is insertable through the cannula while the control member is extended alongside the bendable member. A distal portion of the bendable member is configurable into a loop by simultaneously pushing on the second bendable member end and pulling on the second control member end while the distal portion is at least partially extended into the body cavity.

Abstract: A novel optical fiber, and a method for its production, having a diffuser portion and continuous unitarily-constructed outer sleeve, which is adapted for the transmission of light to a treatment locale. More particularly, a medical instrument has an optical fiber including a diffuser portion at a distal end wherein an alignment sleeve for the optical fiber extends uninterruptedly in a single piece from a connector for a laser light source to at least the distal end of the core of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A catheter-gripping device measures a catheter-insertion force during a medical procedure. A handle includes first and second handle members adapted to be held by a clinician and which are disposable in a closed-handle position to at least partially surround a medical catheter having a distal end insertable into a body lumen of a patient. The first slide subassembly is slidably attached to the first handle member and is constrained to be slidable with respect to the first handle member only along an axis substantially parallel to the lengthwise axis of the handle. The second slide subassembly is likewise attached to the second handle member. The two slide subassemblies together grip the catheter when the handle members are disposed in the closed-handle position. The load cell has a force-measuring axis aligned substantially parallel to the lengthwise axis and is operably attached to the first slide subassembly and the first handle member.

Abstract: Suture anchoring devices are disclosed, including a T-tag anchoring device that is suitably small enough to fit into the hollow tip of a needle and, furthermore, provide protection to the suture against being cut or otherwise damaged by the sharp edge of the needle tip. One disclosed device includes a slot for providing a pivot point between the suture and the body when deployed, which can be employed to form a T-tag.

Abstract: An endoscopic system is disclosed, and can include a disposable catheter, a reusable camera assembly, and a camera connector system. A small cable and cable connector for feeding through a narrow channel of the disposable catheter is disclosed. A connector for connecting to a video console via an improved connector assembly system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for use with an endoscopic system is disclosed. The method can provide for installing a camera system, such as a reusable camera system, with respect to an elongate flexible member, such as a disposable endoscopic catheter. The method can include feeding a camera cable and cable end assembly through a distal end of a disposable endoscopic catheter such that the cable end assembly extends out of the proximal end of the catheter, and releasably engaging the cable end assembly in a connector assembly associated with a video unit.

Abstract: A first guidewire structure includes a medical guidewire extendable beyond a distal end of a medical instrument and having first and second segments, wherein the bending moment of inertia of the first segment is less than the bending moment of inertia of the second segment. A second guidewire structure includes a medical guidewire extendable beyond a distal end of a medical instrument having a mechanized guidewire drive assembly. The medical guidewire has an exterior surface including a repetitive series of spaced-apart surface elevation features. One example of surface elevation features is external threads. The spaced-apart surface elevation features are adapted for operable engagement with the mechanized guidewire drive assembly.

Abstract: A first medical instrument includes a flexible catheter and a medical guidewire extendable beyond a distal end of the catheter. The medical guidewire has first and second segments, wherein the bending moment of inertia of the first segment is less than the bending moment of inertia of the second segment. A second medical instrument includes a flexible catheter, a mechanized guidewire assembly, and a medical guidewire extendable beyond a distal end of the catheter. The medical guidewire has an exterior surface including a repetitive series of spaced-apart surface elevation features. One example of surface elevation features is external threads. The spaced-apart surface elevation features are adapted for operable engagement with the mechanized guidewire drive assembly.

Abstract: A first medical instrument includes a flexible catheter having a distal end which has a substantially bullet-nose shape, which is insertable into a body lumen of a patient, and which has at least one guidewire passageway opening. The first medical instrument also includes a medical guidewire having a working portion extendable beyond the at-least-one guidewire passageway opening. A second medical instrument includes a flexible catheter, a medical guidewire having a working portion extendable beyond the distal end of the catheter, and at least one wire length counter which is operably connectable to the medical guidewire to measure a length of the working portion being extended beyond the distal end of the catheter. A third medical instrument includes a flexible catheter, a medical guidewire, and a force/torque-limiting clutch operatively connectable to the medical guidewire.