Abstract: An anvil assembly for a circular stapling device includes an anvil head configured to support an anvil plate thereon, a shaft extending from the anvil head and configured to selectively engage a rod member of the circular stapling device, an anvil plate operatively connected to the anvil head, wherein the anvil plate includes an inner diametral edge, and wherein the anvil plate defines a plurality of staple forming pockets therein at a location radially outward of the inner diametral edge, a recess formed in the anvil head, wherein the recess is defined by the inner diametral edge of the anvil plate and a rear surface of the anvil head, and a wound treatment material disposed substantially within the recess.

Abstract: A fastening apparatus for use in endoscopic surgery is provided and includes a fastener applicator having a first half-section and a second half-section. The first half-section includes a flat side having a first recessed region formed therein, the recessed region being configured and dimensioned to retain the plurality of vertically stacked fasteners therein. The second half-section includes a flat side having a second recessed region formed therein. The fastener applicator includes a fastener positioning spring attached to and flush with the first recessed region, wherein the fastener positioning spring is biased to extend beyond the first recessed region and the flat side of the first half-section; and a stop spring housed within the second recessed region, wherein the stop spring is biased such that when unrestrained the stop spring extends beyond the second recessed region and into the first recessed region.

Abstract: An apparatus for deployment of multiple hemostatic clips, includes a shaft connected to a handle and a control linkage operatively connected to the handle in combination with a magazine disposed at a distal end of the shaft, the magazine containing a plurality of clips arranged in a chain rotatable within the magazine, wherein a proximal-most one of the clips is coupled to the control linkage, a distal portion of the magazine being contoured to permit opening of a distal-most one of the clips during a distal stroke of the control linkage, and to assist closing and locking of the distal-most clip during a proximal stroke of the control linkage, the magazine including an expanded chamber sized to allow opening in any rotational orientation of a next clip located immediately proximal to the distal-most clip to a degree sufficient to disengage the distal-most clip.

Abstract: A medical method includes sliding two substantially straight unconnected arms over a fold of body tissue such that a first arm contacts a first portion of the fold and a second arm contacts a second portion. Then, each arm is bent completely through the fold such that both of the arms compress the portions of the fold into contact with each other. Another method includes releasably coupling first and second substantially linear arms to a bridge, each of the arms having a substantially straight sliding portion and a bendable piercing portion. The arms are slid over opposing sides of two body tissue layers, the first arm sliding over the first layer and the second over the second layer. While the sliding portions of the arms remain substantially straight, each piercing portion is bent completely through the adjacent layer and halfway through the other layer to compress the two layers together.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying clips to tissue, comprises a plurality of clips, each of the clips including a proximal end having a pair of opposed jaws and a distal end including a linking feature, where the clips are linked to one another to form a clip chain with a linking feature of a distal-most one of the clips being gripped between the jaws of an immediately proximal one of the clips and a control linkage coupled to a proximal-most one of the clips for applying tension and compression to the clip chain in combination with a magazine containing the clip chain, the magazine including an abutment surface sized to prevent passage distally therebeyond of a clip having received between its jaws a linking feature of an immediately distal clip and an opening location within which the jaws of a clip are permitted to open to release a linking feature therefrom.

Abstract: A delivery system for percutaneously guiding a repair or replacement device into a desired position relative to a valve within a patient. The delivery system includes a longitudinal support tube having a distal end, a deformable centering loop extending from the distal end of the support tube, at least one stop positioned on the centering loop and spaced from the distal end of the support tube, at least one clip delivery system slideably attached to the centering loop, and a sheath that is longitudinally slideable relative to the support tube, the centering loop, and the at least one clip delivery tube.

Abstract: A surgical clip applicator for applying surgical clips to body tissue includes an elongated ram housing that has proximal and distal ends and at least partially encloses a ram. A trigger housing includes a trigger that has an open position and a closed position. The trigger housing is mounted to the proximal end of the ram housing. The ram extends partially into the trigger housing and is operatively connected to the trigger. The trigger is spaced a first distance from the trigger housing in the open position and spaced a second distance from the trigger housing in the closed position. The first distance being larger than the second distance. A cartridge is removably mounted into the ram housing. The cartridge includes a plurality of the surgical clips. A retaining mechanism retains the trigger with respect to the trigger housing between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided and can include a housing having a trigger movably coupled thereto and an elongate shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The clip applier can include an advancer assembly disposed within the elongate shaft and configured to advance one of a plurality of clips disposed within the elongate shaft into the opposed jaws. A feeder shoe can be disposed within the elongate shaft and can be configured to engage and prevent the advancer assembly from moving to a proximal position after the advancer assembly has moved to a distal position to advance a proximal-most clip into the opposed jaws. This can indicate to a user that a clip supply of the surgical clip applier is depleted.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and a shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween. The surgical clip applier can include a variety of features to facilitate use of the device, including features to align a clip with the jaws, features to prevent unintentional migration of a clip, and features to prevent clip fallout during formation.

Abstract: An automatic clip applier for clamping ligating clips is disclosed, which includes: a handling unit, and two clamping means laminating with each other and connecting to the handling unit. Each clamping means respectively contains: a jaw unit containing a clipping portion to clamp a ligating clip; a magazine unit for storing plural ligating clip; a feeding unit for translating the endmost ligating clip from the magazine unit to the clipping portion of the jaw unit; and a dispensing unit for serially translating the endmost ligating clip to the end of the feeding unit. Accordingly, the automatic clip applier provided by the present invention can be used for clamping two ends of a vessel simultaneously, and the step of taking ligating clips can also be omitted. Hence, the surgical procedure can be simplified and the surgical time can be shortened by use of the automatic clip applier of the present invention.

Abstract: Surgical clip appliers are provided and include a housing; at least one handle pivotably connected to the housing; a channel assembly extending distally from the housing; a clip carrier disposed within the channel assembly and defining a channel and a plurality of windows therein; a plurality of clips slidably disposed within the channel of the clip carrier; a wedge plate reciprocally disposed within the channel assembly; and a clip pusher bar reciprocally positioned within the housing and the channel assembly. A clip follower is slidably disposed within the channel of the clip carrier and disposed proximally of the plurality of clips. The clip follower is configured and dimensioned to lockout the clip applier after a last clip of the plurality of clips has been expelled by the surgical clip applier.

Abstract: A proctological instrument is disclosed comprising an instrument handle to which at its proximal end a bending-resistant tubular shaft is mounted at the distal end of which a cap is fixed or formed to which a tissue clip adapted to be withdrawn from the cap by means of a releasing or withdrawing device is attached in a preferably spring-elastic manner. In accordance with the invention, the tubular shaft is offset at its distal end portion in an area directly ahead of the cap and/or the cap itself is offset at a predetermined fixed angle so that the withdrawing direction for the clip defined by the cap is aligned at the angle with respect to the tubular shaft axis.

Abstract: Surgical clip appliers are provided and include a housing; at least one handle pivotably connected to the housing; a channel assembly extending distally from the housing; a clip carrier disposed within the channel assembly and defining a channel and a plurality of windows therein; and a plurality of clips slidably disposed within the channel of the clip carrier. The surgical clip appliers further include a drive channel reciprocally disposed within at least one of the housing and the channel assembly; a wedge plate reciprocally disposed within the channel assembly; a pusher bar reciprocally positioned within the housing and the channel assembly; and a motion multiplier system having a plurality of linkage members configured to distally move the pusher bar by an incremental amount upon an initial actuation of the handles, and configured to proximally move the pusher bar and the wedge plate subsequent to the initial actuation of the handles.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier is provided including a housing; at least one handle pivotably connected to the housing; a channel assembly extending distally from the housing; a plurality of clips loaded in the clip carrier; a drive channel translatably supported in the housing and the channel assembly, the drive channel being translated upon actuation of the at least one handle; and a counter mechanism supported in the housing, the counter mechanism including indicia visible through the housing, wherein the indicia corresponds to a quantity of clips loaded in the clip applier, wherein the indicia decrements upon each firing of the clip applier resulting in a reduction in the quantity of clips remaining of the plurality of clips.

Abstract: A surgical clip is provided for ligating or transecting tissue, such as vessels, other tubular ducts, and the like and a surgical clip applier device for delivering and applying the surgical clip to the tissue. The surgical clip can include a spine and opposed arms extending from the spine where the aims can define a clamping length. In a resting state, the clip can be biased to a closed position such that the ends of each opposed arm are disposed in proximity to each other. With such biasing, when applied to a tissue, such as with a surgical clip applier, the clip can exert a positive clamping pressure to the tissue along the clamping length to seal the tissue and limit passage of fluids, such as blood, from the tissue.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier includes a clip chamber defined at the distal end of the instrument. A clip chain of at least two clips is provided in the clip chamber. The clip chain is coupled such that both relatively distal and proximal movement of the proximalmost clip of the clip chain within the chamber results in longitudinal translation of clips within the chamber.

Abstract: A right angle clip applier apparatus including a distal clip applying mechanism and a proximal advancing mechanism positioned in a handle assembly. The clip applying mechanism includes a feed rod interfacing with a cartridge for the advancing and applying of clips on tissue portions. A plurality of clips are enclosed in the apparatus. The advancing mechanism is actuated by a lever in the handle assembly which creates a drive force that repositions the feed rod and clips. Each actuation of the lever applies a first clip and advances clips to a new position in a distal direction. The clip applying mechanism can be utilized at any angle and can be rotated through 360 degrees while holding the handle in a fixed position. An empty clip indicator is provided.

Abstract: There is provided a powered tacker device for use in installing multiple surgical fasteners through a prosthetic mesh into tissue. The powered tacker device generally includes a handle assembly and a tacker assembly extending distally from the handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a motor and self-contained power assembly to rotate the surgical fasteners into tissue. The handle assembly is provided with a drive assembly which allows for rotation, as well as distal longitudinal movement, of a surgical fastener relative to the powered tacker device. The tacker assembly includes an inner tube for containing the plurality of surgical fasteners and a driver which is movable out of alignment with the inner tube so as to install a single fastener at a time into tissue.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided and can include a housing having a trigger movably coupled thereto and an elongate shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The clip applier can include an advancer assembly disposed within the elongate shaft and configured to advance one of a plurality of clips disposed within the elongate shaft into the opposed jaws. A feeder shoe can be disposed within the elongate shaft and can be configured to engage and prevent the advancer assembly from moving to a proximal position after the advancer assembly has moved to a distal position to advance a proximal-most clip into the opposed jaws. This can indicate to a user that a clip supply of the surgical clip applier is depleted.

Abstract: In order to improve the fixing of the surgical clips in the housing member in a surgical clip cartridge with a housing member and with a plurality of C-shaped surgical clips stored therein, having two limbs connected to one another by a web, the housing member comprising a plurality of compartments each to receive a surgical clip, with a support face adapted to the contour of the surgical clip in each compartment, against which support face a respective surgical clip abuts with its inner face, with holding members arranged on the housing member, which can be pivoted from a holding position into a release position and, in the holding position, fix the surgical clip in its compartment and, in the release position, are removed from the surgical clip, it is proposed that openings are provided in the limbs, in which the holding members engage in the holding position.

Abstract: An apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue is provided and includes a housing, at least one handle pivotably connected to the housing, a channel assembly extending distally from the housing, a clip carrier disposed within the channel assembly and defining a channel and a plurality of windows therein, and a plurality of clips slidably disposed within the channel of the clip carrier. The apparatus also includes a counter mechanism supported in at least one of the housing and the channel assembly. The counter mechanism is configured to transmit a change in status of the apparatus upon each actuation of the at least one handle.

Abstract: An endoscopic gastric reduction apparatus adapted for applying a series of pledgets to anterior and posterior gastric walls for the creation of a mattress stitch suture within the stomach includes an applier having a distal end and a proximal end. The applier is secured at a distal end of a support shaft shaped and dimensioned for passage down the esophagus and into the stomach. The applier includes an applier body having a suction slot shaped and dimensioned for receiving tissue therein for the application of at least one pledget housed within the suction slot for selective coupling with tissue suctioned within the suction slot.

Abstract: A right angle clip applier apparatus including a distal clip applying mechanism and a proximal advancing mechanism positioned in a handle assembly. The clip applying mechanism includes a feed rod interfacing with a cartridge for the advancing and applying of clips on tissue portions. A plurality of clips are enclosed in the apparatus. The advancing mechanism is actuated by a lever in the handle assembly which creates a drive force that repositions the feed rod and clips. Each actuation of the lever applies a first clip and advances clips to a new position in a distal direction. The clip applying mechanism can be utilized at any angle and can be rotated through 360 degrees while holding the handle in a fixed position. An empty clip indicator is provided.

Abstract: An anvil assembly for a circular stapling device includes an anvil head configured to support an anvil plate thereon, a shaft extending from the anvil head and configured to selectively engage a rod member of the circular stapling device, an anvil plate operatively connected to the anvil head, wherein the anvil plate includes an inner diametral edge, and wherein the anvil plate defines a plurality of staple forming pockets therein at a location radially outward of the inner diametral edge, a recess formed in the anvil head, wherein the recess is defined by the inner diametral edge of the anvil plate and a rear surface of the anvil head, and a wound treatment material disposed substantially within the recess.

Abstract: An apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue includes an actuator at least partially disposed within a body and longitudinally movable in response to actuation of a handle portion. The apparatus includes a jaw closure member positioned adjacent the first and second jaw portions to move the jaw portions to the approximated position and a rack having ratchet teeth connected to the actuator. The apparatus includes a pawl engaging a series of ratchet teeth and capable of preventing an inadvertent return of the actuator before full actuation of the apparatus. A clip pusher incrementally moves distally each time a clip is released from the apparatus. When the clip pusher reaches a predetermined distal point in a clip carrying channel, a feed bar is deflected to a second position to prevent retraction but not advancement of the actuator and thereby manipulates the pawl to engage the ratchet teeth.

Abstract: A method for closing a patent foramen ovale in the heart tissue of a patient may include percutaneously advancing a connector applicator to the patent foramen ovale, registering the connector applicator with the patent foramen ovale, deploying connectors into heart tissue to close the patent foramen ovale; and percutaneously removing the connector applicator from the heart. One or more anchors may be used to register the connector applicator with the patent foramen ovale. The connector applicator may include a driver having a longitudinal passage therein, where at least part of at least one connector is positioned within the passage.

Abstract: An occlusion clip is disclosed that comprises an upper occlusion member having substantially parallel first and second upper occlusion arms each having proximal and distal upper occlusion arm ends. The first and second upper occlusion arms define an upper main body width dimension. An upper arcuate portion connects the first and second upper occlusion arms at their distal ends. The occlusion clip also comprises a lower occlusion member having substantially parallel first and second lower occlusion arms each having proximal and distal lower occlusion arm ends. The first and second lower occlusion arms define a lower main body width dimension. A lower arcuate portion connects the first and second lower occlusion arms at their distal ends. The occlusion clip further comprises a torsion spring connecting the proximal end of the first lower occlusion arm to the proximal end of the second upper occlusion arm.

Abstract: A flexible endoscopic clip applier includes a flexible coil with a manual actuator coupled to one end and a jaw assembly coupled to the other end. A store of clips is arranged adjacent to the jaw assembly and a clip pusher is arranged adjacent to the store of clips. The actuator includes a lever for opening and closing the jaws, a knob for rotating the jaw assembly, and a crank for dispensing clips. The knob and the lever are coupled to a single control member which extends through the coil to a joiner where it is joined to a pair of pull wires coupled to the jaws. The crank is coupled to a second control member which is threaded along a distal portion. The threaded portion engages a threaded member near the pusher and is coupled to the pusher such that rotation of the threaded control member by the crank causes the pusher to be moved distally.

Abstract: Circular stapling instruments for cutting and applying one or more surgical staples to tissue are disclosed. The instruments include various forms of feedback systems designed to provide at least one mode of feedback to the surgeon when the knife has cut through tissue clamped between a staple cartridge and an anvil portion.

Abstract: An applicator instrument for dispensing surgical fasteners includes a housing, an elongated shaft extending from the housing, a firing rod disposed inside the elongated shaft and being movable within a first plane between a retracted position and an extended position, an advancer disposed inside the elongated shaft and being moveable within a second plane between a retracted position and an extended position, and a staging assembly located adjacent the distal end of the elongated shaft and being adapted to align surgical fasteners with a distal end of the firing rod. The staging assembly is held below the second plane by the advancer when the advancer is in the extended position and the staging assembly is adapted to move into at least partial alignment with the distal end of the firing rod when the advancer is in the retracted position.

Abstract: A firing system for an applicator instrument adapted to dispense surgical fasteners includes a housing, an elongated shaft extending from the housing, a firing rod disposed within the elongated shaft, a firing rod release engageable with the firing rod for preventing distal movement of the firing rod during at least one stage of a firing cycle, a trigger mounted to the housing, and a firing spring having a first end connected with the firing rod and a second end adapted for being sequentially coupled and decoupled from the trigger during the firing cycle. The firing cycle includes an initial stage in which the trigger is open and decoupled from the energy storing element, and the firing spring is at least partially compressed, and a piloting stage during which the firing rod release is disengaged from the firing rod for enabling distal movement of the firing rod.

Abstract: An appliance for storing, distributing and placing surgical fasteners comprises a handgrip body and an elongate element attached to the handgrip. The elongate element includes a magazine slide adapted to be displaced in the elongate element by a control rod. The control rod can be, in turn, actuated by the handgrip. The magazine slide also has surgical fasteners. Each surgical fastener has an anchoring bar, a catching bar and a connecting strip. A distal part of the anchoring bar has a conical shape. A distal end of the distal part of the anchoring bar has a hemispherical shape.

Abstract: An apparatus for the transoral invagination and fundoplication of the stomach to the esophagus includes a clip applier having sharp toothed jaws for grasping and damaging the fundus prior to applying the clip. The clip applier has an overall diameter of less than 7 mm. The clip applier jaws are coupled to a pull wire via a linkage which increases the mechanical advantage and thus permits greater grasping force. A plurality of clip designs are also provided.

Abstract: In a surgical instrument for placement of C-shaped ligature clips having two legs running next to one another and connected to one another by means of a bridge-section, with two clamping jaws movable relative to one another, with a supply guide means, along which the ligature clip can be pushed onto the clamping jaws with the free ends of the legs first, with a clamping jaw guide means, which adjoins the supply guide means and in which the ligature clip can be inserted between the clamping jaws, and with a feeding means for advancing a ligature clip out of the supply guide means into the clamping jaw guide means and into an end position between the clamping jaws, in order to improve the guidance of the ligature clips during transfer from the supply guide means into the clamping jaw guide means, it is proposed that the feeding means comprises a feed element, which can be placed against the ligature clip to be fed and is guided in a longitudinal guide means running along its feed path in the transition region f

Abstract: An apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue includes an actuator at least partially disposed within a body and longitudinally movable in response to actuation of a handle portion. The apparatus includes a jaw closure member positioned adjacent the first and second jaw portions to move the jaw portions to the approximated position and a rack having ratchet teeth connected to the actuator. The apparatus includes a pawl engaging a series of ratchet teeth and capable of preventing an inadvertent return of the actuator before full actuation of the apparatus. A clip pusher incrementally moves distally each time a clip is released from the apparatus. When the clip pusher reaches a predetermined distal point in a clip carrying channel, a feed bar is deflected to a second position to prevent retraction but not advancement of the actuator and thereby manipulates the pawl to engage the ratchet teeth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for aligning tissue clips. Clips may be supplied from a first supply. A space may be provided between the clips supplied from the first supply. Clips may be supplied from a second supply. The clips may at least partially be transferred from the second supply into the space between the clips supplied from the first supply. This way, in essence a single line of clips is formed. The single line of clips may then be transported towards an outlet.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and a shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween. The surgical clip applier can include a variety of features to facilitate use of the device, including features to align a clip with the jaws, features to prevent unintentional migration of a clip, and features to prevent clip fallout during formation.

Abstract: An apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue has a handle portion; a body extending distally from the handle portion; a plurality of surgical clips disposed within the body; and a jaw assembly mounted adjacent a distal end portion of the body. The jaw assembly includes first and second jaw portions movable between a spaced-apart and an approximated position. The apparatus also has a wedge plate longitudinally movable between the first and the second jaw portions, a clip pusher configured to individually distally advance a surgical clip to the jaw assembly while the jaw portions are in the spaced apart position; an actuator at least partially disposed within the body and longitudinally movable in response to actuation of the handle portion; and a jaw closure member positioned adjacent the first and second jaw portions to move the jaw portions to the approximated position.

Abstract: A multiple clip applicator system for tissue clamping of hemostasis includes clip devices of a train and a flexible sheath. To load the flexible sheath with clip devices, a coupling device is used. A shaft head is positioned on an operating wire in the flexible sheath. A receiving opening is formed in the coupling device, for receiving insertion of the shaft head, for mating by press-fit with the fastening clip device. The shaft head is a selected one of plural shaft heads which are different in a shape according to the plural multiple clip assemblies. The receiving opening is a selected one of plural receiving openings having a shape according to corresponding shapes of the plural shaft heads, and adapted to preventing a second shaft head from entry in a first receiving opening and preventing a first shaft head from entry in a second receiving opening.

Abstract: Provided is a two-piece anastomosis fastener that can be used to join two tissue sections together in accordance with Natural Orifice Transendoscopic Surgery (NOTES). The fastener may be releasably attached to a fastener applying instrument for delivery in accordance with such procedures. The fastener includes a first member and a second member, where the clamp members are operably configured to fasten together to clamp and hold tissue, such as gastric tissue, in juxtaposition to establish an anastomosis. The first clamp member and the second clamp member are coupled with an adhesive.

Abstract: An example of a surgical clip applier may include a housing with a passage defined therein, the passage having a longitudinal centerline; a plurality of clips held within the passage, each clip lying in a plane angled relative to the longitudinal centerline of the passage; a pusher slot defined in the housing; and a pusher slidable along the pusher slot, wherein distal motion of the pusher urges the distalmost clip in the passage out of the passage in a direction angled relative to the longitudinal centerline of the passage. Another example of a surgical clip applier may include a first jaw having a control slot defined therein; a second jaw having a control slot defined therein; and a control arm extending into the control slot of each jaw; wherein the control arm is movable along the control slots in a first direction to close the jaws and is movable along the control slots in a second direction to open the jaws.

Abstract: A gastric reduction apparatus provides for the secure attachment of multiple fasteners into the gastric wall, the fasteners being linked with a flexible member in a manner permitting the reduction of the effective size of an individual's stomach. The apparatus includes an applicator head including a proximal end and a distal end. The applicator head of the gastric reduction apparatus includes a cavity shaped and dimensioned for receiving tissue. A fastener attachment mechanism is positioned within the cavity for access to tissue that is pulled within the cavity and the fastener attachment mechanism includes a plurality of fasteners.

Abstract: An anastomosis tool includes a handle connected to a tissue effector that may be capable of being oriented in two or more positions relative to the handle. The tissue effector holds a graft vessel having at least one flap defined in at least one end thereof against the side of a target vessel. Actuation of a trigger or other mechanism on the handle causes the tissue effector to deploy one or more connectors into the flaps of the graft vessel and the side of the target vessel, thereby connecting the graft vessel to the target vessel.

Abstract: A clip applier for deploying a surgical clip includes an actuator having a flexible wire and a collet chuck coupled to a piston. Further, actuation of the piston in a forward direction towards a distal end of the clip applier advances the flexible wire in the forward direction.

Abstract: The present invention, the screw-device, is a mechanical device for anastomosing hollow tube-like structures in the human body, such as blood vessels, bowels and ureters. It is thus not restricted to (micro-) vessels. It can be used in every surgical operation dealing with anastomosis and bypass operations. It allows anastomosing end to side or side to side. The screw-device is very easy to apply onto the vessel wall. Screwing is a fast technique saving operating time and requiring only basic microsurgical skills. The manufacturing is easy. Another advantage is that the screw-device can be mounted onto the receptor vessel without first opening and/or occluding this vessel. Later on, the receptor vessel wall can be opened with laser or scalpel. It should be understood that the foregoing is illustrative and not limiting, and that modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and a shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween. The surgical clip applier can include a variety of features to facilitate use of the device, including features to align a clip with the jaws, features to prevent unintentional migration of a clip, and features to prevent clip fallout during formation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the endoscopic application of self-closing medical clips (3), in particular, for arresting internal bleeding. The distal end of a catheter tube (1) is introduced into the body of a living being to be treated. Several clips (3), arranged successively in the catheter tube (1), are pushed forward in the direction of the tube distal end by a user device located at the proximal end of the catheter tube (1). The foremost clip (3) to be applied is pushed out of the distal end and opened by an actuation device. The actuation device includes an actuation element (21) which can be actuated by the user device, moved longitudinally into the catheter tube (1), and acts on the first front clip (3), as well as a control part (25) which converts the actuation force of the actuation element into an opening movement of the legs (5) of the clip (3).

Abstract: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and an elongate shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween.

Abstract: A modular clip applier includes a cartridge containing multiple surgical clips, and a handle assembly for operating the cartridge to crimp one of the clips onto body tissue of a patient. The handle assembly has a scissors configuration with a bayonet coupling, and flange pairs widely separated to provide a high degree of stability. The bayonet coupling enables the handles of the assembly to be fully separated for cleaning. Snap fittings between the cartridge and handle assembly are provided at the fulcrum and also at a spaced location where an operating pin of the cartridge engages intersecting slots in the flanges. Overdrive protection of three different types is contemplated along with a structure facilitating operation of the handle assembly by palming a pair of handle bars.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier is provided including a housing; a pair of handles; a channel assembly extending from the housing; a clip carrier disposed within said channel assembly and defining a channel and a plurality of windows; a wedge plate slidably disposed within said channel assembly and being operatively connected to said handles, said wedge plate including a plurality of apertures formed along a length thereof; a plurality of clips slidably disposed within said channel of said clip carrier; and a clip follower slidably disposed within said channel of said clip carrier at a location proximal of said plurality of clips. The clip follower is configured and adapted for selective engagement with said windows of said clip carrier and said apertures of said wedge plate to distally urge said plurality of clips relative to said clip carrier upon a distal advancement of said wedge plate.