Abstract: An expandable multifunctional instrument for creating a space at an obstructed site in the body includes an elongate member having a distal end for being introduced in the body, a proximal end for being disposed externally of the body and an expandable member for being positioned at the obstructed site. The expandable member is movable at the obstructed site from a non-expanded position to an expanded position to displace anatomical tissue to create a space at the obstructed site for performing various operative procedures. A method of creating a space at an obstructed site includes expanding an expandable member at the obstructed site and/or introducing fluid under pressure at the obstructed site to create a space where normally no space exists.

Abstract: An instrument for operating on anatomical tissue includes a barrel having two or more drivers therein which can be manipulated from a proximal end of the barrel. End effectors of each driver are offset from a rotatable shaft by a transverse arm. In an insertion position, the end effectors are confined within the diametrical dimension of the barrel at a distal end thereof. After insertion, the end effectors can be manipulated to extend beyond the diametrical dimension of the barrel to provide a large working span for manipulating tissue or performing other procedures on tissue.

Abstract: An instrument assembly for performing anatomical tissue ligation includes a passage defining member having a distal end for being disposed at an internal operative site, a proximal end for being disposed externally of the internal operative site and a passage between the distal and proximal ends. A grasping member is disposed at the distal end of the passage defining member for grasping anatomical tissue at the internal operative site. A contractible ligature loop of filamentous ligature material is carried by the passage defining member and is disposed externally of the distal end thereof for positioning around the anatomical tissue grasped by the grasping member. The ligature loop is contractible, from externally of the internal operative site, around the anatomical tissue to form a ligature allowing a complete anatomical tissue ligation to be performed with a single instrument assembly.

Abstract: A suture spring device applicator includes a storage portion configured to hold one or more suture spring devices in a substantially relaxed, contracted state and a guide disposed distally of the storage portion to receive a suture spring device in an elastically deformed, expanded state for positioning in or in relation to anatomical tissue. A pusher is used to bias the suture spring device distally so that, when the guide is rotated and moved proximally relative to the suture spring device, the device will be loaded into the guide in the elastically deformed, expanded state. The guide is then positioned in or in relation to anatomical tissue and is retracted or moved proximally relative to the suture spring device which is held in place by the force of the pusher.

Abstract: Suture devices, primarily for use in endoscopic surgery, include a suture needle made of bioabsorbable material for pulling a length of suture material through bodily tissue allowing the suture needle to be inadvertently or intentionally left in the tissue, and a suture needle having a length of suture material attached thereto with a contractible loop or passage at the proximal end of the suture material to allow the suture needle to be passed therethrough, the loop or passage contracting to clamp or grip the suture material to function similar to a conventional tied suture knot.

Abstract: Suture devices, primarily for use in endoscopic surgery, include a suture needle made of bioabsorbable material for pulling a length of suture material through bodily tissue allowing the suture needle to be inadvertently or intentionally left in the tissue, and a suture needle having a length of suture material attached thereto with a contractible loop or passage at the proximal end of the suture material to allow the suture needle to be passed therethrough, the loop or passage contracting to clamp or grip the suture material to function similar to a conventional tied suture knot.

Abstract: A ring applicator with an endoscope comprises an operation unit, an outer tube connected to the operation unit, an inner tube reciprocably inserted into the outer tube, an endoscope reciprocably inserted into the inner tube, a normally opening forceps consisting of a pair of hook-like strips secured to the distal end of the endoscope, a rubber ring mounted on the distal end portion of the inner tube, and an operation device provided at the operation unit for drawing back the endoscope only at first and then both the endoscope and the inner tube. Only by operating the operation device the rubber ring can be fed into a body cavity to clamp tissues in the body cavity, while the interior of the body cavity is being observed through the endoscope which is provided in the applicator.