Abstract: An apparatus is configured to be implanted within a biological structure. The apparatus includes a plurality of magnetic elements, an absorbable component, and a non-absorbable component. The plurality of magnetic elements are configured to transition the biological structure between an occluded state and an opened state. The plurality of magnetic elements are biased to encourage the biological structure toward the occluded state. The absorbable component includes a therapeutic substance. The absorbable component is configured to temporarily couple the plurality of magnetic elements with the biological structure when the apparatus is initially implanted within the biological structure.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to be implanted within a biological lumen. The apparatus includes a plurality of magnetic elements and a coupling body. The magnetic elements are arranged in an annular array extending form an axis. The annular array defines an occludable opening configured to transition between an occluded state and an opened state. The magnetic elements include a first magnetic element and a second magnetic element. The second magnetic element is located adjacent to the first magnetic element. The second magnetic element includes a polymer magnetic material formed in a shape designed to geometrically interlock with the first magnetic element in the occluded state. The second magnetic element is configured to elastically deform to transition the occludable opening from the occluded state to the opened state. The coupling body is configured to affix to a portion of the first magnetic element and a portion of the second magnetic element.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to be implanted within a biological structure. The apparatus includes an annular body, a first ring, a second ring, a first plurality of magnets, and a second plurality of magnets. The annular body is disposed about a central axis. The annular body includes an outer wall facing away from the central axis and an inner wall facing toward the central axis. The first ring extends adjacent to the inner wall of the annular body and extends annularly toward the central axis. The second ring extends between the first ring and the central axis. The second ring defines an opening disposed about the central axis. The first plurality of magnets are imbedded in the first ring and are annular disposed about the central axis. The second plurality of magnets are imbedded in the second ring and are annularly disposed about the central axis.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to be implanted within a biological structure. The apparatus includes an annular retaining assembly and an occlusion member. The annular retaining assembly defines an annular opening and includes an outer ring and an inner ring. The outer and inner rings are disposed about a central axis. The outer ring also has an outer wall, an inner wall, and a bio-absorbable material. The inner ring defines an annular opening and is attached to the inner wall of the outer ring. The inner ring also includes a surface to promote tissue in-growth. The occlusion member extends from the annular retaining assembly toward the central axis. The occlusion member also includes a plurality of magnetics. The occlusion member is magnetically biased to a first position that substantially occludes the annular opening. The occlusion member is configured to elastically deform to a second position that substantially unblocks the annular opening.

Abstract: A surgical implant is configured to reinforce a sphincter to transition between an occluded state and an opened state. The surgical implant includes an openable occlusion mechanism and a plurality of magnets. The openable occlusion mechanism includes an absorbable component and a non-absorbable component. The plurality of magnets are configured to encourage the sphincter toward the occluded state. An apparatus is operable to deploy the implant. The implant is placed on the distal end of the apparatus. An endoscope along with the implant and the apparatus are inserted in a biological lumen.

Abstract: A surgical implant is configured to reinforce a sphincter to transition between an occluded state and an opened state. The surgical implant includes an openable occlusion mechanism and a plurality of magnets. The openable occlusion mechanism includes an absorbable component and a non-absorbable component. The plurality of magnets are configured to encourage the sphincter toward the occluded state. An apparatus is operable to deploy the implant. The implant is placed on the distal end of the apparatus. An endoscope along with the implant and the apparatus are inserted in a biological lumen.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to be implanted within a biological structure. The apparatus includes an annular retaining assembly and an occlusion member. The annular retaining assembly defines an annular opening and includes an outer ring and an inner ring. The outer and inner rings are disposed about a central axis. The outer ring also has an outer wall, an inner wall, and a bio-absorbable material. The inner ring defines an annular opening and is attached to the inner wall of the outer ring. The inner ring also includes a surface to promote tissue in-growth. The occlusion member extends from the annular retaining assembly toward the central axis. The occlusion member also includes a plurality of magnetics. The occlusion member is magnetically biased to a first position that substantially occludes the annular opening. The occlusion member is configured to elastically deform to a second position that substantially unblocks the annular opening.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to be implanted within a biological structure. The apparatus includes a plurality of magnetic elements, an absorbable component, and a non-absorbable component. The plurality of magnetic elements are configured to transition the biological structure between an occluded state and an opened state. The plurality of magnetic elements are biased to encourage the biological structure toward the occluded state. The absorbable component includes a therapeutic substance. The absorbable component is configured to temporarily couple the plurality of magnetic elements with the biological structure when the apparatus is initially implanted within the biological structure.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to be implanted within a biological lumen. The apparatus includes a plurality of magnetic elements and a coupling body. The magnetic elements are arranged in an annular array extending form an axis. The annular array defines an occludable opening configured to transition between an occluded state and an opened state. The magnetic elements include a first magnetic element and a second magnetic element. The second magnetic element is located adjacent to the first magnetic element. The second magnetic element includes a polymer magnetic material formed in a shape designed to geometrically interlock with the first magnetic element in the occluded state. The second magnetic element is configured to elastically deform to transition the occludable opening from the occluded state to the opened state. The coupling body is configured to affix to a portion of the first magnetic element and a portion of the second magnetic element.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to be implanted within a biological structure. The apparatus includes an annular body, a first ring, a second ring, a first plurality of magnets, and a second plurality of magnets. The annular body is disposed about a central axis. The annular body includes an outer wall facing away from the central axis and an inner wall facing toward the central axis. The first ring extends adjacent to the inner wall of the annular body and extends annularly toward the central axis. The second ring extends between the first ring and the central axis. The second ring defines an opening disposed about the central axis. The first plurality of magnets are imbedded in the first ring and are annular disposed about the central axis. The second plurality of magnets are imbedded in the second ring and are annularly disposed about the central axis.

Abstract: A two-part tissue thickness compensator assembly can include a first tissue thickness compensator configured to be positioned relative to an anvil of a surgical stapler, a second tissue thickness compensator configured to be positioned relative to a staple cartridge of the surgical stapler, and a hinge connecting the first tissue thickness compensator to the second tissue thickness compensator. The first and/or second tissue thickness compensators may include additional engagement features, such as a raised ridge that engages a slot in the anvil and/or the staple cartridge. In certain embodiments, the first and/or second tissue thickness compensators may include an encasement that contains a suitable biologic agent. An end effector assembly may be provided for attachment to a surgical instrument that includes, for example, a staple cartridge, an anvil, a first tissue thickness compensator positioned on the anvil, and a second tissue thickness compensator positioned on the staple cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body, a shaft, and an end effector that is operable to compress, staple, and cut tissue. The end effector comprises and anvil and a cartridge. A longitudinal axis intersects the distal tip of the anvil when the anvil is in a closed position. The cartridge defines a sight line extending along a distal surface of the cartridge from a first side of the cartridge toward the anvil. The first side of the cartridge is opposite to the anvil. The distal surface of the cartridge is neither parallel to nor perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The sight line intersects the longitudinal axis near the distal tip when the anvil is in the closed position. A segment of the sight line and a segment the longitudinal axis define an angle ?. The angle ? is larger than 90°.

Abstract: A two-part tissue thickness compensator assembly can include a first tissue thickness compensator configured to be positioned relative to an anvil of a surgical stapler, a second tissue thickness compensator configured to be positioned relative to a staple cartridge of the surgical stapler, and a hinge connecting the first tissue thickness compensator to the second tissue thickness compensator. The first and/or second tissue thickness compensators may include additional engagement features, such as a raised ridge that engages a slot in the anvil and/or the staple cartridge. In certain embodiments, the first and/or second tissue thickness compensators may include an encasement that contains a suitable biologic agent. An end effector assembly may be provided for attachment to a surgical instrument that includes, for example, a staple cartridge, an anvil, a first tissue thickness compensator positioned on the anvil, and a second tissue thickness compensator positioned on the staple cartridge.

Abstract: A two-part tissue thickness compensator assembly can include a first tissue thickness compensator configured to be positioned relative to an anvil of a surgical stapler, a second tissue thickness compensator configured to be positioned relative to a staple cartridge of the surgical stapler, and a hinge connecting the first tissue thickness compensator to the second tissue thickness compensator. The first and/or second tissue thickness compensators may include additional engagement features, such as a raised ridge that engages a slot in the anvil and/or the staple cartridge. In certain embodiments, the first and/or second tissue thickness compensators may include an encasement that contains a suitable biologic agent. An end effector assembly may be provided for attachment to a surgical instrument that includes, for example, a staple cartridge, an anvil, a first tissue thickness compensator positioned on the anvil, and a second tissue thickness compensator positioned on the staple cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body, a shaft, and an end effector that is operable to compress, staple, and cut tissue. The end effector comprises and anvil and a cartridge. A longitudinal axis intersects the distal tip of the anvil when the anvil is in a closed position. The cartridge defines a sight line extending along a distal surface of the cartridge from a first side of the cartridge toward the anvil. The first side of the cartridge is opposite to the anvil. The distal surface of the cartridge is neither parallel to nor perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The sight line intersects the longitudinal axis near the distal tip when the anvil is in the closed position. A segment of the sight line and a segment the longitudinal axis define an angle ?. The angle ? is larger than 90°.

Abstract: A process and system are disclosed for downloading sensor data, stored in a memory device of a surgical cutting and fastening instrument, to an external or remote computer device. The process may involve storing data from one or more sensors of a surgical cutting and fastening instrument in a memory device of a control unit of the surgical cutting and fastening instrument during a surgical procedure involving the surgical cutting and fastening instrument. During the surgical procedure, the data may be transmitted to a local wireless communication device that is then transmitted to a central database for data analysis. Feedback is then communicated from the central database to a user of the surgical device via the local wireless communication device.

Abstract: A process and system are disclosed for downloading sensor data, stored in a memory device of a surgical cutting and fastening instrument, to an external or remote computer device. The process may involve storing data from one or more sensors of a surgical cutting and fastening instrument in a memory device of a control unit of the surgical cutting and fastening instrument during a surgical procedure involving the surgical cutting and fastening instrument. During the surgical procedure, the data may be transmitted to a local wireless communication device that is then transmitted to a central database for data analysis. Feedback is then communicated from the central database to a user of the surgical device via the local wireless communication device.

Abstract: A two-part tissue thickness compensator assembly can include a first tissue thickness compensator configured to be positioned relative to an anvil of a surgical stapler, a second tissue thickness compensator configured to be positioned relative to a staple cartridge of the surgical stapler, and a hinge connecting the first tissue thickness compensator to the second tissue thickness compensator. The first and/or second tissue thickness compensators may include additional engagement features, such as a raised ridge that engages a slot in the anvil and/or the staple cartridge. In certain embodiments, the first and/or second tissue thickness compensators may include an encasement that contains a suitable biologic agent. An end effector assembly may be provided for attachment to a surgical instrument that includes, for example, a staple cartridge, an anvil, a first tissue thickness compensator positioned on the anvil, and a second tissue thickness compensator positioned on the staple cartridge.