Abstract: An implantable restriction device can be configured to provide a restriction in a patient, for example as a function of the pressure of fluid. The implantable restriction device can include one or more sensors configured to sense a variety of parameters, such as pressure of the fluid within the implantable restriction device, pulse width, pulse amplitude, pulse count, pulse duration, or frequency, electrical characteristics, or other parameters. Data obtained by the one or more sensors (for example, the data representing pressure, pulse characteristics, and so on) may be communicated to a device located external to the patient, such as a data logger, using telemetry coils or other communicators. The data logger may store the data, and may communicate the data to a remote location via a network such as the Internet. A docking station may be provided to couple the data logger to a network and/or to recharge a cell in the data logger.

Abstract: An implantable restriction device can be configured to provide a restriction in a patient, for example as a function of the pressure of fluid. The implantable restriction device can include one or more sensors configured to sense a variety of parameters, such as pressure of the fluid within the implantable restriction device, pulse width, pulse amplitude, pulse count, pulse duration, or frequency, electrical characteristics, or other parameters. Data obtained by the one or more sensors (for example, the data representing pressure, pulse characteristics, and so on) may be communicated to a device located external to the patient, such as a data logger, using telemetry coils or other communicators. The data logger may store the data, and may communicate the data to a remote location via a network such as the Internet. A docking station may be provided to couple the data logger to a network and/or to recharge a cell in the data logger.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use in connection with a pneumatically powered tool having a firing mechanism operably supported therein that is movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position. In various embodiments, a drive system is supported by at least one of a handle assembly and an elongate shaft assembly and is configured to selectively apply a firing motion to the firing mechanism of the pneumatically powered tool to cause the firing mechanism to move from the unactuated position to the actuated position in response to a flow of gas from a source of gas fluidically coupled to the drive system. A travel monitoring member is operably supported by the handle assembly and is linked to the drive system to provide an indication of progress of the firing mechanism of the pneumatically powered tool as the firing mechanism moves from the unactuated position to the actuated position.

Abstract: A guide system for use with an endoscope, and a method of use is disclosed. The guide system can include a track, in the form of a rail, and a mating member for engaging the rail. The guide system can also include an accessory, such as an accessory guide tube through which a medical instrument can be carried external of the endoscope. An end cap can be provided to support the track relative to the distal end of the endoscope.

Abstract: A surgical stapler comprising including an elongated handle portion having a longitudinal axis extending between a distal end and a proximal end. The stapler includes an end effector disposed at the distal end of the handle having a staple cartridge housing, and an anvil. The end effector has an open position wherein the staple cartridge and the anvil are spaced apart, and a closed position wherein the staple cartridge and anvil are closely adjacent to each other. The stapler also includes an elongated trigger. The distal end of the trigger being pivotably attached to the handle between the handle's distal and proximal end. The trigger has an open position wherein the proximal end of the trigger is spaced apart from the handle, and a closed position wherein the proximal end of the trigger is closely adjacent the handle. The trigger is linked to the end effector such that moving the trigger from its open to its closed position moves the end effector from its open to its closed position.

Abstract: Stapler and ablation clamping heads can be interchangeably coupled to a hand-operated actuation mechanism using a quick connect/quick release coupling. In the actuation mechanism, a first user-operable lever controls clamping of the jaws of either head, while a second user-operable lever controls the firing of staples in the stapler head. A removable staple holder may be used with the stapler head to allow easy reloading of staples as well as the use of different sizes and type of staples. A corresponding removable anvil may be used as well. A removable electrode holder may be used with the ablation head to allow the use of different electrode configurations. Moreover, a removable electrode holder may be used over the jaws of a stapler head as an overlay.

Abstract: Devices and methods for moving tissue and/or moving the devices relative to the tissue during a surgical procedure are disclosed. The devices and methods disclosed herein can be used in conventional, open surgical procedures, they are particularly useful in minimally invasive surgical procedures, such as laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures. In one aspect, the movement or tissue and/or the device is effected by moving a fabric associated with the device and in contact with tissue.

Abstract: A finger-mountable surgical instrument usable as a tweezers or as a probe, includes a sleeve dimensioned to be received on the outer end of a finger of a user; an elongated arm having a proximal end fixed to the sleeve and a distal end projecting forwardly of the sleeve and defining a fixed jaw; a pivotal jaw pivotally mounted to the distal end of the elongated arm to open and closed positions; an actuator arm movably mounted with respect to the sleeve and coupled to the pivotal jaw such that moving the actuator arm in one direction moves the pivotal jaw to a closed position with respect to the fixed jaw, and moving the actuator arm in another direction moves the pivotal jaw to an open position with respect to the fixed jaw; and a locking arm carried by the sleeve and manually movable to a locking position for locking the pivotal jaw in its closed position with respect to the fixed jaw.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for performing various procedures using interchangeable end effectors. In general, the methods and devices allow a surgeon to remotely and selectively attach various interchangeable surgical end effectors to a shaft located within a patient's body, thus allowing the surgeon to perform various procedures without the need to remove the shaft from the patient's body. In an exemplary embodiment, multiple end effectors can be introduced into a body cavity. The end effectors can be disassociated or separate from one another such that they float within the body cavity. A distal end of a shaft can be positioned within the body cavity and it can be used to selectively engage one of the end effectors. In particular, the device can be configured to allow each end effector to be remotely attached and detached from the distal end of the shaft.

Abstract: Methods and devices for approximating tissue are disclosed. The methods and devices utilize a device for applying an implantable tissue fastener and a variety of implantable tissue fasteners. The tissue-fastening device can be delivered endoscopically and can be adapted to function along side or in conjunction with a flexible endoscope. In general, the device can include a flexible shaft having an implantable tissue fastener applier disposed at a distal end thereof and a handle for operating the implantable tissue fastener applier disposed at a proximal end thereof. A variety of self-deploying implantable tissue fasteners can be used with the tissue fastener applier device.

Abstract: Devices and methods useful for manipulating tools at a surgical site are disclosed. The disclosed devices and methods can be useful, for example, for orbiting the distal end of one tool around the distal end of another tool, such as in an endoscopic resection procedure, and/or for rotating a tool or an end effector. In one exemplary embodiment, an endoscopic device is provided and can include an elongate shaft having a first lumen and a second lumen formed therein, each of the first and the second lumens adapted to receive a tool therethrough. A rotatable element can be disposed at a distal end of the elongate shaft, the rotatable element having a lumen formed therein that is associated with the first lumen of the elongate shaft and also having a tool guide that is adapted to receive a tool and that is associated with the second lumen of the elongate shaft.

Abstract: Methods and devices for approximating tissue are disclosed. The methods and devices utilize a device for applying an implantable tissue fastener and a variety of implantable tissue fasteners. The tissue-fastening device can be delivered endoscopically and can be adapted to function along side or in conjunction with a flexible endoscope. In general, the device can include a flexible shaft having an implantable tissue fastener applier disposed at a distal end thereof and a handle for operating the implantable tissue fastener applier disposed at a proximal end thereof. A variety of self-deploying implantable tissue fasteners can be used with the tissue fastener applier device.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for dissecting tissue. In one embodiment, an electro-surgical device is provided having a housing with a hollow interior adapted to receive tissue, such as an organ. The housing can be adapted to couple to a pressure source for suctioning tissue into the housing, and to an energy source for delivering energy to the tissue. The various elements of the device can be adapted such that the initially dispersed energy is passed through the tissue and is concentrated at a location, e.g., connective tissue, having a surface area that is less than a surface area of the electrode, thereby allowing the connective tissue to be dissected. Exemplary methods for dissecting tissue are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for approximating tissue. The methods and devices utilize a device for applying an implantable tissue fastener and a variety of implantable tissue fasteners. The tissue-fastening device can be delivered endoscopically and can be adapted to function along side or in conjunction with a flexible endoscope. In general, the device can include a flexible shaft having an implantable tissue fastener applier disposed at a distal end thereof and a handle for operating the implantable tissue fastener applier disposed at a proximal end thereof. A variety of implantable tissue fasteners can be used with the tissue fastener applier device including single and multi-anchor embodiments.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for approximating tissue. The methods and devices utilize a device for applying an implantable tissue fastener and a variety of implantable tissue fasteners. The tissue-fastening device can be delivered endoscopically and can be adapted to function along side or in conjunction with a flexible endoscope. In general, the device can include a flexible shaft having an implantable tissue fastener applier disposed at a distal end thereof and a handle for operating the implantable tissue fastener applier disposed at a proximal end thereof. A variety of implantable tissue fasteners can be used with the tissue fastener applier device including single and multi-anchor embodiments.

Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a head in which a plurality of staples are stored. The head includes a facing surface. The stapler also includes an anvil having an anvil surface shaped and dimensioned for forming the staples upon actuation of the surgical stapler, the anvil including a facing surface opposed to the facing surface of the head for mating engagement therewith. The facing surface of the head is obliquely oriented relative to a longitudinal axis of the head creating an elliptical staple line when the head is brought into contact with anvil during actuation of the surgical stapler.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the instrument includes an end effector, a main drive shaft assembly connected to the end effector, and a gear drive train connected to the main drive shaft assembly. The end effector comprises a movable cutting instrument for cutting an object positioned in the end effector. The instrument also includes a main motor for actuating the gear drive train and a firing trigger for actuating the main motor. The instrument also includes a tactile position feedback system for applying force to the firing trigger such that the position of the firing trigger is related to the position of the cutting instrument in the end effector.

Abstract: A staple cartridge for use with a stapling device that has an actuator that is selectively actuatable in an axial direction and an anvil portion that is selectively movable between open and closed positions is disclosed. Various embodiments of the present invention include a cartridge body that movably supports first and second staple drivers. The staple drivers each support a staple thereon and serve to drive the staples into forming contact with the anvil upon actuation by the actuator. The various embodiments of the present invention enable the final formed heights of the staples to be varied so as to apply various clamping forces and pressures to soft tissue captured within the staples. In at least one embodiment, the staples can include crowns formed thereon which can be utilized to adjust or control the clamping force and/or pressure applied by the staples.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for cauterizing tissue. In one embodiment, a device for cauterizing tissue is provided and includes an elongate shaft adapted to be inserted through a body lumen, and a bipolar hemostasis probe disposable through the flexible elongate shaft and having a distal end adapted to cauterize tissue. An articulating jaw can be movably coupled to a distal end of the elongate shaft such that the articulating jaw and the distal end of the probe are adapted to grasp tissue therebetween. The probe can have at least one electrode disposed on a distal end thereof, and a proximal end of the probe can be adapted to couple to an energy source for delivering energy to the distal end of the probe to facilitate cauterization of tissue.

Abstract: A medical device includes a surgical end effector, an end effector control handle, and a control shaft having a longitudinal axis and a handle portion connecting the control shaft to the control handle rotatably about the longitudinal axis. A passive articulation joint connects the end effector to the control shaft. An articulation joint release unlocks the articulation joint when actuated and locks the articulation joint when unactuated. An end effector control device is rotationally fixedly connected to at least a portion of the control shaft to correspondingly rotate the control shaft about the longitudinal axis when the control device is rotated and is longitudinally connected to the joint release to selectively unlock the articulation joint when actuated.