Abstract: An articulating endoscopic instrument is adapted for properly orienting the stomach for cutting and stapling in an efficient manner. The instrument includes a body member having a first end and a second end, a plurality of suction holes along the body member in fluid communication with a suction inlet at the first end of the body member for the creation of suction along the body member and an articulating joint positioned along the body member. A method for gastric reduction surgery is achieved by inserting an articulating endoscopic instrument within the stomach and articulating the articulating endoscopic instrument to generally assume the shape of the relaxed stomach, applying suction through the articulating endoscopic instrument to draw the stomach tissue into contact with the articulating endoscopic instrument, articulating the articulating endoscopic instrument to a desired orientation and completing the gastric reduction surgery.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for applying an anastomotic ring device comprises a handle connected to an anastomotic ring deployment mechanism by a shaft. The shaft has at least one torsion member that is capable of communicating a torsional actuating force from the handle to the ring deployment mechanism. The ring deployment mechanism is configured to actuate in response to torsional actuating force communicated from the torsion member. A threaded shaft or rod may be positioned in the ring deployment mechanism to effect actuation of the ring deployment mechanism in response to torsion.

Abstract: An articulating surgical instrument is shown, which comprises a shaft and an end effector. The shaft has a longitudinal axis, and the end effector is operationally coupled, preferably mechanically coupled, to the shaft at an articulation pivot. The instrument also comprises a first band, and in some embodiments, a second band, each operationally connected to the end effector and extending through at least a portion of the shaft. An articulation control applies a force in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis, wherein the force, when applied in one direction, is translated through the first band to the end effector to effect rotation of the end effector relative to the shaft about the articulation pivot in a first rotational direction, and when the force is applied in the opposite direction, is translated through the second band to the end effector to effect rotation of the end effector relative to the shaft about the articulation pivot in a second rotational direction.