Abstract: A skin pricker has a housing (1) for a lancet (5) which, when released from a rearward cocked position, is propelled forwards by a spring momentarily to project its tip (3). During the forward motion a peg (12) within the housing (1) passes along a slot (10) in the lancet and, just before the tip (3) projects, snaps through a neck (11) at the rear end of the slot. If the lancet (5) is then pushed back, the peg (12) cannot re-enter the slot (10): instead it wedges the lancet sideways and, before it can be re-cocked, traps the lancet behind an abutment (13) ensuring that the tip (3) cannot be re-exposed.

Abstract: The rear end of a dual lumen oocyte recovery needle is sealed in a plastics hub by means of two polyurethane seals compressed between the outside of the needle and opposite ends of a bore through the hub. The needle has an outer tube and an inner tube with a suction lumen along its length and which is deformed to provide a flushing lumen between its outside and the inside of the outer tube. A suction tube is joined to the rear end of the needle at the rear end of the hub in communication with the suction lumen. A flushing tube is joined in a side bore opening into the interior of the hub and communicating via a slot in the side of the needle with the flushing lumen.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for cutting allograft bone implants from donor bone. Die sets of standard sizes are installed in a press. Donor bone is then placed in position between the upper and the lower parts of a matched cutting set comprising a hollow cylindrical cutting blade, a mandrel, and a table which establishes a gap around the mandrel which guides the blade. After the bone to be shaped has been properly placed, a shaped cutting blade is driven through the donor bone, producing a precisely shaped allograft implant. The invention provides for rapid change out of blades, rapid cleaning, and easy maintenance.

Abstract: A single use lancet device having a housing, a lancet with a piercing tip movably disposed in the housing and structured to move between a cocked orientation and a piercing orientation, and a driving assembly structured to move the lancet into the piercing orientation. A retention member and an engagement hub are further provided and structured to be cooperatively engaged with one another upon the lancet being disposed in the cocked orientation so as to maintain the lancet in the cocked orientation until released by an actuation assembly. Specifically, the actuation assembly is structured to move between an actuated and an un-actuated orientation, movement into the actuated orientation releasing the retention member and the engagement hub from their cooperative engagement with one another and thereby result in movement of the lancet into the piercing orientation.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for creating a hole in a body vessel or hollow organ. Such holes are useful in surgically preparing the hollow organ or body vessel for connection with another hollow organ, body vessel or prosthetic conduit. For example, an assist device is generally connected to the left ventricle through a ventriculotomy created at the apex of the left ventricle. This ventriculotomy is most easily created with a punch or trephine. Control over such a procedure must be precise so as not to damage the ventricular wall or intracardiac structures such as papillary muscles, chordae tendinae, etc. The punch of the current invention allows for precise location and alignment of the cutting segment. The punch of the current invention also allows for precise advance of the cutting blade and a very clean cut of the tissue. Such clean cuts improve the healing when the hole in the body vessel or hollow organ is closed or attached to a connection, either prosthetic or natural.

Abstract: A trocar is disclosed which comprises a body assembly and a cannula assembly attached to the body assembly to define a bore therethrough. The disclosed trocar also includes an obturator assembly for sliding engagement in the bore. The obturator assembly comprises a shaft having a longitudinal axis and having a distal end for insertion into a patient. The distal end of the obturator includes a tip which is non-conical and which has upper and lower faces that taper away from the shaft to form a V-shaped distal end of the tip. Wing elements provided between the upper and lower faces proximate the distal end of the tip, and the wing elements are spaced apart approximately 180 degrees from one another. The tip of the obturator may also include dorsal elements on the upper and lower faces.

Abstract: A tissue punch which is configured to operate by utilizing a spring force to compress tissue between a rotatable cutter blade and a tissue piercing element. The tissue punch is configured such that once the spring force is applied, the cutter blade can be selectively rotated by the user. The rotation of the blade, assisted by the compression from the spring force, causes the cutter blade to cut through the tissue. Three different methods for creating an anastomosis for locating a bypass graft are disclosed. In each method, bypass graft material is installed on a tissue punch and then sutured. Depending on the method, the tissue is punched either before or after the suturing.

Abstract: A handle (5) for actuating surgical components (45), primarily used in cardiovascular or arthroscopic surgery is a single-piece handle, including an outer portion (10) and an inner portion (15). The inner portion is substantially within the outer portion, and includes an actuating component (50), and a guiding component (55) connected to the actuating component. The actuating component includes a finger grip (65), and a spring force component (70) which biases the finger grip and the guiding component to extend towards a distal tip (35) of the neck (30). A stress limiting component (110) limits stress at a critical point of the spring force component by limiting movement of the spring force component at that point during actuation of the actuating component. The guiding component is adapted for movement along a longitudinal axis of the handle, in response to actuation and release of the actuating component, allowing a surgical component connected to a distal tip (80) of the guiding component to function.

Abstract: A surgical punch including an upper jaw and lower jaw that are coupled at their proximal ends. The jaws have cutting edges at their distal end configured to cut in a direction from the distal ends of the jaws towards the proximal ends of the jaws. The center of rotation of the cutting trajectory can be located above the initial cutting point of the lower jaw. The upper jaw can include a reversed slope leading edge. The jaws can be slidably coupled to each other. The coupling member can include a pin and slot to couple the movable jaw to an actuating rod.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cutting apparatus for cutting an opening in a vessel for subsequent anastomosis. The cutting apparatus includes an anvil, an anvil pull and a cutter. The anvil is inserted through a small incision at the anastomosis site and brought into contact with the interior wall of a vessel so that the anvil distends the wall of the vessel. The cutter is then urged against the portion of the vessel wall that is distended by the anvil to form an opening in the vessel wall. The anvil has a surface that is softer than the cutter so that the cutter can cut completely through the vessel and depress into the anvil.

Abstract: A tissue punch for creating a hole in the wall of a target blood vessel for receiving an anastomosis device includes a piercing element for penetrating the tissue and a cutting element for cutting a plug of tissue around the pierced hole. The tissue punch includes a trocar for inserting the piercing element. After punching is complete, the piercing element is removed from the trocar through a side wall of the trocar so that a medical device can be deployed through the trocar lumen. The tissue punch may also include a tissue trap for trapping the plug of tissue.

Abstract: An aortic punch for creating an aortotomy in a wall of a luminal structure. The aortic punch includes a housing having distal and proximal ends, first and second plungers, a first return spring and a cutting assembly. The first plunger is movable relative to the housing to expose a barb from the distal end of the housing for piercing and catching the wall of the luminal structure. The first return spring biases the barb proximally toward the distal end of the housing such that the barb pulls the wall of the luminal structure into contact with the cutting assembly. The present disclosure also relates to a method of forming an aortotomy in a luminal structure.

Abstract: Hole forming apparatus (100) for forming an opening in a blood vessel (106) comprising a penetration head (104) for insertion through a wall of a blood vessel (106). The apparatus (100) has a base section (102) and at least one cutting surface (114) on at least one of the base section (102) or the penetration head (104). The cutting surface (114)is adapted to contact first an intima surface of the blood vessel (106) The apparatus (100) further has a shaft operatively connected to the cutting surface (114) and configured to rotate the cutting surface (114) relative to the blood vessel (106), while the penetration head (104) and the base section (102) are brought together, to effect a removal of a plug tissue section from the blood vessel (106).

Abstract: A blood sampling device has a lancet (2) captive within a housing (1), to be released from a rearward primed position by pressing a trigger (18) on the side of the housing. A spring (3) shoots the lancet (2) forwards, momentarily to project its tip. The lancet (2) is initially held by a hooked tongue (25, 28) that latches behind a transverse web (10, 11) within the housing, the trigger action dislodging that engagement. The tongue (25) either springs back after release and so will abut the trigger (18) or the front of the web (10) if pushed back in an attempt to re-latch, or it will stay permanently deformed and thus be unable to re-engage the web (10). Alternatively, the trigger (18) may slice off the hook (28), making re-use impossible.

Abstract: An apparatus for detection and quantitation of an electrochemically-detectable analyte, such as glucose, in blood or interstitial fluid includes a meter unit, a lancet and an electrochemical sensor. Of these components, the meter is preferably reusable, while the lancet and the electrochemical sensor are preferably incorporated in assemblies intended for single-use. The meter unit has a housing, within which a lancet is engaged with a mechanism for moving then lancet; a connector disposed within the housing for engaging an electrochemical sensor specific for the analyte and transmitting a signal indicative of the amount of analyte, and a display operatively-associated with a connector for displaying the amount of the analyte to user. The electrochemical sensor is adapted for detection of a particular analyte. In addition, the electrochemical sensor has an absorptive member for uptake of a sample of blood or interstitial fluid.

Abstract: Hole forming apparatus for forming an opening in a blood vessel, comprising:

Abstract: A surgical instrument has a pair of opposed jaws constructed and arranged to open and close relative to one another. Each jaw has a proximal end connected to part of the surgical instrument, an opposite jaw tip end, and a confronting surface arranged facing the opposite jaw. A perimeter defines a boundary of the respective confronting surface and jaw tip end for each jaw. At least a first cutting edge portion is provided on a part of each jaw perimeter whereby that part defines the jaw tip end. Each first cutting edge portion is oriented extending toward the corresponding first cutting edge portion of the opposite jaw. Each first cutting edge portion is curved concavely inward toward the proximal end of the respective jaw. The curved first cutting edge portions are oriented precisely as desired relative to the longitudinal axis of the instrument.

Abstract: Instrumentation for facilitating cutting an opening in a side wall of a body conduit in a patient. A tubular structure defines a lumen and has a sharpened distal end portion configured to cut a section of the body conduit to create the opening. A tissue holding structure is provided which is axially movable within the lumen of the tubular structure. The tissue holding structure includes a piercing portion to permit passage of the tissue holding structure through the body conduit from an entrance side to an exit side thereof. The tissue holding structure also includes a retention member to secure the section of the body conduit to the tissue holding structure during movement of the tissue holding structure to approximate the entrance side of the body conduit with the sharpened distal portion of the tubular structure to enable the sharpened distal structure to cut the body conduit. A connector is also provided for attaching a new length of tubing to the body conduit at the opening made by the cutting.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing an anastomosis. More particularly, the apparatus may be used to perform a single or multiple anastomosis with the ability of maintaining fluid flow (e.g., blood) through the anastomosis vessel according to one aspect of the invention.

Abstract: An improved multi-bite bone cutting rongeur with an ultrathin foot plate and a disposable cutting element and storage chamber unit. The present invention has an integrated cutting element and storage chamber unit that is truly disposable, rather than merely replaceable. The present invention requires the use of no tools or special assembly. The chamber is simply placed onto the shaft whereby it is immediately locked into place by the use of the instrument.

Abstract: An anastomosis punch device, and method of using same, for creating a circular hole in the aortic wall, where the device also segregates the hole from the blood flow path such that no blood is lost through the hole during attachment of the vein graft. The invention is a hand-held punch comprising an elongated housing to be gripped by the surgeon, the housing retaining in a coaxially aligned manner a distally extended punch head and cutting disk mounted onto a shaft, a cutting sleeve having a distal cutting rim which cuts a circular plug in cooperation with the punch head, an umbrella-like flexible dam formed of an elastic material and adjoined to the punch shaft adjacent said punch head in a manner which allows it to be deployed radially outward with the enlarged open rim facing the proximal direction, and a deployment ram movable axially relative to the dam to spread open the dam.

Abstract: A system for performing an end-to-side vascular anastomosis, including an anastomosis device, an application instrument and methods for performing a vascular anastomosis. The system is applicable for performing an anastomosis between a vascular graft and the ascending aorta in coronary artery bypass surgery, particularly in port-access CABG surgery. A first aspect of the invention includes a vascular anastomosis staple. A first configuration has two parts: an anchor member, forming the attachment with the target vessel wall and a coupling member, forming the attachment with the bypass graft vessel. The anastomosis is completed by inserting the coupling member, with the graft vessel attached, into the anchor member. A second configuration combines the functions of the anchor member and the coupling member into a one-piece anastomosis staple.

Abstract: A handle and methods for its use are provided for actuating surgical components such as blades, clamps, punches, needles, shears, etc., primarily for use in cardiovascular or arthroscopic surgery. The handle is a single-piece handle, including an outer portion and an inner portion. The inner portion is substantially within the outer portion, and includes an actuating component, and a guiding component connected to the actuating component. The actuating component includes a finger grip, and a spring force component which biases the finger grip and the guiding component to extend and towards a distal tip of the neck. A stress limiting component limits stress at a critical point of the spring force component by limiting movement of the spring force component at the critical point during actuation of the actuating component.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cutting apparatus for cutting an opening in a vessel for subsequent anastomosis. The cutting apparatus includes an anvil, an anvil pull and a cutter. The anvil is inserted through a small incision at the anastomosis site and brought into contact with the interior wall of a vessel so that the anvil distends the wall of the vessel. The cutter is then urged against the portion of the vessel wall that is distended by the anvil to form an opening in the vessel wall.

Abstract: A soft tissue biopsy device which results the recovery of a biopsy of tissue which is a flat section in shape, particularly suitable for lymph node biopsy, and comprising twin opposing primary blades preferably aligned in parallel planes, to cut the upper and lower surfaces of the biopsy. A detachment blade is provided to cut the side walls and distal ends of the biopsy. In a preferred embodiment each primary blade has a sharpened tip set at an angle with a sharpened point to assist tissue penetration. The detachment blade, preferably has inwardly curving flexible sharpened tips at its distal end, and is attached to the handle at its proximal end by a slider such that when in a retracted position, the detachment blade is retracted from the tip of the twin blades; and when in an advanced position, the tip of the detachment blade abuts the tip of the twin blades.

Abstract: Apparatus for autogenous or allograft transplantation of articular cartilage with bone from one site, such as in the knee, to another to treat chondral defects. Graft harvesters and recipient site harvesters create identically-sized donor graft osteochondral cores and recipient sockets. Collared pins disposed within the harvesters facilitate removal of the harvested cores. Windows formed in the side of the harvester tubes allow visualization of the graft, such as when being inserted into the recipient socket. A removable three-piece driver/extractor is provided to allow for impact-driving and depth control of the harvesters at the selected sites.

Abstract: System for withdrawing body fluid from a body part in particular the finger pad, comprising a compression unit that is deformed when the body part is pressed against it and increases the internal pressure in a region of the body part, and a withdrawal device. Deformation of the compression unit partially converts the primary pressing movement into a secondary movement which leads to an increase in the internal pressure in a region of the body part. The invention also comprises a system for stimulating the outflow of body fluid using a deformable compression unit.

Abstract: An improved rongeur for cutting bone or cartilage comprising two shaft members capable of reciprocating motion relative to each other wherein one shaft member terminates in a foot plate and the other shaft member comprises a combined cutting element and storage member is disclosed. The combined cutting element and storage member has a cutting edge at its distal end and a storage chamber proximate the cutting edge for collecting and storing cut pieces of bone or cartilage in an amount greater than the maximum bone or cartilage capable of being cut in a single full cut. The combined cutting element and storage member is truly disposable, rather than merely replaceable and requires the use of no tools or special assembly. The rongeur may be manually activated or activated by a solenoid and powered by a battery.

Abstract: The harvesting of hair for a hair transplant procedure employs a hollow drill with an imaging system which permits alignment of center of the cutting edge of the needle with the axis of the follicular unit to be removed. The diameter of the needle is chosen such that when properly aligned, a follicular unit is removed without damaging critical anatomical portions of the follicles. In one embodiment, fluid is introduced to separate adjacent follicles. In another embodiment, suction is applied to aid in the removal of the excised follicular unit. In still another embodiment, an x/y/z stabilizing gantry is employed to position the hollow needle in each instance.

Abstract: Compression plates and vascular anvils for anastomosis of structures including end-to-end and end-to-side anastomosis. Vascular anvils cooperate in the opening of the anastomosis fenestra, engagement by a compression plate and subsequent eversion of the anastomosis fenestra contour, and also in establishing the contact engagement of the anastomosed structures. Compression plates hold anastomosed structures while permitting their dilation and keeping the anastomosis leak-proof. One of the compression plates assists in the eversion of the anastomosis fenestra contour. These compression plates and vascular anvils can be used with or without catheterization in minimally invasive interventions.

Abstract: Anastomosis procedures and anastomosis cutting procedures are achieved with an anvil apparatus that is externally positioned through the wall of a vessel into the vessel lumen. The externally positioned anvil apparatus has an anvil that engages a cutter to form a vessel opening. The anvil is larger than the cutter to enable the vessel to be cut as it is compressed between the cutter and the anvil. The anvil may have a spherical engaging end for use with a cylindrical cutter for forming circular openings in a manner such that the anvil self centers. The anvil and cutter may also be adapted to form elliptical openings. The balloon may be solid or deployable.

Abstract: A device for forming openings (holes) in internal bodily tissue is provided. The device includes a cutter defining a longitudinal passageway and a cutting edge. The device also includes an inner core in reciprocally sliding relationship with the cutter having a tissue engagement portion at its distal end. A syringe-like mechanism moves the cutter and the core substantially co-axially between a first position wherein the distal portion of the core extends distally of the cutting edge and a second position wherein the distal portion of the core resides within the passageway. Tissue is sheared as the core and cutter are moved from the first to the second position. The core and cutter are attached to different portions of the syringe-like mechanism such that the longitudinal axes of the cutter passageway, the core member and the activation assembly may deviate (i.e., “float”) relative to one another.

Abstract: A control handle assembly, comprising, a body; a pair of handles extending from the body; and an actuator disposed within the body, wherein the handles move in unison, and wherein movement of the actuator is controlled by movement of the pair of handles.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for creating a hole in a body vessel or hollow organ. Such holes are useful in surgically preparing the hollow organ or body vessel for connection with another hollow organ, body vessel or prosthetic conduit. For example, an assist device is generally connected to the left ventricle through a ventriculotomy created at the apex of the left ventricle. This ventriculotomy is most easily created with a punch or trephine. Control over such a procedure must be precise so as not to damage the ventricular wall or intracardiac structures such as papillary muscles, chordae tendinae, etc. The punch of the current invention allows for precise location and alignment of the cutting segment. The punch of the current invention also allows for precise advance of the cutting blade and a very clean cut of the tissue. Such clean cuts improve the healing when the hole in the body vessel or hollow organ is closed or attached to a connection, either prosthetic or natural.

Abstract: A hand-held transmyocardial revascularization gun for ablatively creating channels in tissue, such as heart muscle. The gun is configured with a barrel having a chamber therein for enclosing a probing mechanism and a coring mechanism. The barrel has an opening to permit the surgeon to utilize a finger to slidably move the probing mechanism into the tissue to verify the position is suitable for channel formation. A trigger attached to the gun is used to extend the coring mechanism into the tissue to core out a section thereof for the channel. The opening allows the surgeon to finely control the movement of the probe mechanism to provide tactile feed back, while advancing the probe through the tissue, thus avoiding damage to the internal tissue structures. Stents with or without angiogenic agents thereon can be inserted into the channels to promote vascular or heart cell growth.

Abstract: A handle and methods for its use are provided for actuating surgical components such as blades, clamps, punches, needles, shears, etc., primarily for use in cardiovascular or arthroscopic surgery. The handle is a single-piece handle, including an outer portion and an inner portion. The inner portion is substantially within the outer portion, and includes an actuating component, and a guiding component connected to the actuating component. The actuating component includes a finger grip, and a spring force component which biases the finger grip and the guiding component to extend and towards a distal tip of the neck. A stress limiting component limits stress at a critical point of the spring force component by limiting movement of the spring force component at the critical point during actuation of the actuating component.

Abstract: A cast punch and mounting assembly for forming an opening in an orthopedic cast and securing a therapeutic treatment device within the opening adjacent a bone or musculoskeletal injury is provided. The assembly includes a cast punch housing which is fastened to the body surface beneath the cast. The cast punch housing includes a central bore and a guide rod extending outwardly from the central bore. The guide rod extends through the cast. A punch member and a drive member are operably connected to the guide rod and are moveable towards the central bore of the cast punch housing to core an opening in the cast above the central bore. The central bore includes engagement structure to releasably secure a therapeutic treatment device within the central bore of the cast punch housing.

Abstract: A hole forming device for forming a hole in a vessel wall is provided. The hole forming device comprises a shaft. It further comprises a sheath arranged to be axially advanced along the shaft. It yet further comprises a distal end formation on the shaft. The distal end formation is arranged to pierce and pass through a vessel wall and to cooperate with the sheath, so that when the distal end formation has pierced and has been passed through the vessel wall, and the sheath is then advanced along the shaft, a peripheral portion of the vessel wall is drawn into the sheath and severed from the rest of the vessel wall thereby to form a hole in the vessel wall. Advantageously, the device is arranged to form the hole in a hemostatic manner. A method of forming a hole in a vessel wall is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating drug-filled pockets within muscle tissue, such as myocardium of the heart for increasing angiogenesis. More particularly, the apparatus has an excising assembly with a dilator tip for penetrating and advancing through the surface and body of a muscle or organ, such as the heart. Preferably, the dilator tip has a low level laser optical fiber emission to ease the passage of the excising assembly and provide thermal damage which also stimulates angiogenesis. More preferably, the dilator tip also disperses a pharmacologically active substance as the apparatus is passed through the tissue and/or creates pockets. The excising assembly is connected to a hand-held control device from which the operator pushes a switch to activate a punching mechanism within the excising assembly. The punching mechanism cuts a discrete piece of muscle tissue and traps it within the excising assembly leaving a pocket in the remaining muscle tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for detection and quantitation of an electrochemically-detectable analyte, such as glucose, in blood or interstitial fluid includes a meter unit, a lancet and an electrochemical sensor. Of these components, the meter is preferably reusable, while the lancet and the electrochemical sensor are preferably incorporated in assemblies intended for single-use. The meter unit has a housing, within which a lancet is engaged with a mechanism for moving then lancet; a connector disposed within the housing for engaging an electrochemical sensor specific for the analyte and transmitting a signal indicative of the amount of analyte, and a display operatively-associated with a connector for displaying the amount of the analyte to user. The electrochemical sensor is adapted for detection of a particular analyte. In addition, the electrochemical sensor has an absorptive member for uptake of a sample of blood or interstitial fluid.

Abstract: A system for performing an end-to-side vascular anastomosis, including an anastomosis device, an application instrument and methods for performing a vascular anastomosis. The system is applicable for performing an anastomosis between a vascular graft and the ascending aorta in coronary artery bypass surgery, particularly in port-access CABG surgery. A first aspect of the invention includes a vascular anastomosis staple. A first configuration has two parts: an anchor member, forming the attachment with the target vessel wall and a coupling member, forming the attachment with the bypass graft vessel. The anastomosis is completed by inserting the coupling member, with the graft vessel attached, into the anchor member. A second configuration combines the functions of the anchor member and the coupling member into a one-piece anastomosis staple.

Abstract: An instrument for inserting a graft fixation device. The fixation device is useful for affixing a tissue graft to a bone or other body surface. The graft fixation device comprises two implantation members connected by a connecting member. The fixation device can be combined with insertion members. The implantation members have longitudinal passageways therethrough. The instrument has a hammer handle slidably mounted to a slide rod. The slide rod is mounted at an angle to a mounting member. A mounting rod having an angulated distal end is mounted to the mounting member. Prongs extend longitudinally out from the angulated distal end. The longitudinal axis of the slide rod is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the angulated distal end. The prongs are optionally removably mounted in an end housing mounted to the angulated distal end.

Abstract: The invention relate to a needing device for mechanically effecting needling procedures according to predetermined parameters and/or measuring the physical and/or electrical characteristics of such needing procedures. The invention also relates to methods of using the invention for mechanically effecting needling procedures according to predetermined parameters and/or measuring the physical and/or electrical characteristics of such needling procedures.

Abstract: A catheter-based system for accessing specific body cavities percutaneously and minimizing patient trauma is provided. In the preferred embodiment, in order to create an aperture at an access site in a patient's existing tubular body organ structure, a delivery sheath is passed axially along the interior of a portion of the existing tubular body organ structure to place a distal end of the delivery sheath near the access site. A centering wire is passed axially along the interior of the delivery sheath, piercing through from inside to outside of the patient's existing tubular body organ structure at the access site by causing an end portion of the centering wire to emerge from the distal end of the delivery sheath. A cutting catheter is passed substantially coaxially over the centering wire and axially along the interior of the delivery sheath.

Abstract: Instrumentation for facilitating cutting an opening in a side wall of a body conduit in a patient. A tubular structure defines a lumen and has a sharpened distal end portion configured to cut a section of the body conduit to create the opening. A tissue holding structure is provided which is axially movable within the lumen of the tubular structure. The tissue holding structure includes a piercing portion to permit passage of the tissue holding structure through the body conduit from an entrance side to an exit side thereof. The tissue holding structure also includes a retention member to secure the section of the body conduit to the tissue holding structure during movement of the tissue holding structure to approximate the entrance side of the body conduit with the sharpened distal portion of the tubular structure to enable the sharpened distal structure to cut the body conduit. A connector is also provided for attaching a new length of tubing to the body conduit at the opening made by the cutting.

Abstract: A tissue excision and cutting apparatus used by being inserted into a trocar for cutting off a part of tissue as a sample piece for such a diagnosis in a laparoscopic surgery or the like. The apparatus comprises a resection blade having an inner hollow cylinder with a cutting blade at its tip end, and a forceps having at its tip end a clamp having a movable jaw capable of opening and closing which is joined to a fixed jaw with a chopping block piece, open-close mechanism having an operation part for opening and closing the movable jaw, and a longitudinal penetrating passage into which the resection blade is inserted and moves back and forth therein.

Abstract: A system for performing an end-to-side vascular anastomosis, including an anastomosis device, an application instrument and methods for performing a vascular anastomosis. The system is applicable for performing an anastomosis between a vascular graft and the ascending aorta in coronary artery bypass surgery, particularly in port-access CABG surgery. A first aspect of the invention includes a vascular anastomosis staple. A first configuration has two parts: an anchor member, forming the attachment with the target vessel wall and a coupling member, forming the attachment with the bypass graft vessel. The anastomosis is completed by inserting the coupling member, with the graft vessel attached, into the anchor member. A second configuration combines the functions of the anchor member and the coupling member into a one-piece anastomosis staple.

Abstract: A method of meniscal repair promotes the healing of avascular meniscal tears undergoing repair. At least one vascular channel is formed from the white zone to the periphery of the meniscus by removing a cylinder of the meniscus. The approximately 1.5-2 mm channel remains open to allow vascularity to the avascular meniscus.

Abstract: A trocar useful for forming an incision in a target vessel for placement of an anastomosis device which may have an inner flange formed by radial expansion of the device and an outer flange formed by axial compression of the device. The trocar can have a smaller size during formation of the incision and a larger size when retracted over a deployment tool used to deploy the anastomosis device.

Abstract: A system and method for bracketing a tissue volume (22) and later locating the bracketed tissue volume. The system includes a plurality of markers (30) and a probe (32) and detector (34) for use in locating the markers by providing information usable by a surgeon that is representative of changes in proximity between the probe and the plurality of markers. The markers have various detection characteristics, e.g., they transmit gamma rays, that are detectable by an associated probe and detector. The tissue volume is removed by manipulating a cutting tool based on the proximity information provided by the detector which can be used by the surgeon to define the boundary of the tissue volume. A two-part cutting tool (200) is provided for removing the tissue volume, and a tissue anchor (300) is provided for stabilizing the tissue during removal. The system and method of the invention are particularly useful in bracketing and then removing a tissue volume from amorphous, pliable tissue such as breast tissue.