Abstract: A purse string suturing instrument is provided for quickly and effectively forming a purse string suture in tubular tissue through relatively small cannulas placed in the body. The instrument includes a pair of elongated jaws, each having a row of spaced-apart uniform-size teeth. The jaws are hinged together at one end to clamp the tubular tissue therebetween. The two rows of teeth are offset with respect to each other so that they mesh when the jaws are closed. A single operating mechanism is provided to articulate the pair of jaws with respect to a longitudinal axis of the suturing instrument and actuate the jaws between an open position and a clamping position. The jaws are inserted through a cannula and positioned to close around the tissue to be sutured. The rows of teeth bend the tissue therebetween into a wavelike configuration. A pair of needles, the ends of each being connected to a single length of suture, is then inserted through passageways provided through the teeth.

Abstract: An endoscopic insertion device for inserting an anastomosis ring having two unitary members in an anatomic tubular body member comprises an anastomosis ring adapter for mounting the unitary members in an engaging position, an inserter for inserting the ring adapter in the tubular body member, and an actuator for actuating the adapter to close the anastomosis ring. A method of using the endoscopic insertion device includes the steps of inserting the anastomosis ring in an engaged position into the tubular body member, securing opposite ends of the tubular body member to the engaged anastomosis ring, applying a biasing force to close the anastomosis ring, releasing the biasing force, and axially withdrawing the insertion device from the closed anastomosis ring.