Abstract: A medical instrument comprises a tubular introducer member, an operative element, an elongate shifter connected at a distal end to the operative element, a handle, at least one stop component, and an override. The shifter and the operative element are movable relative to the tubular member, while the first part of the handle is fixed to a proximal end of the tubular member and the second part of the handle is fixed to a proximal end of the shifter. The stop component is disposed on the first part or second part to limit relative motion of the first part and the second part and concomitantly to stop travel of the operative element at a predetermined location relative to a distal end of the tubular member. The override enables a user to override or passivate the stop component and thereby permit travel of the operative element past the predetermined location.

Abstract: An endoscopic retractor is an elongate balloon having an expanded configuration having two end portions and a plurality of struts or spacer members extending between the end portions. The retractor balloon is a single tubular preform bent during manufacture to form the expanded configuration. Thus, the struts or spacer members are integral with both end portions and define therewith a single flow path for inflation or pressurization fluid.

Abstract: A medical cauterization snare includes a tubular member such as a catheter, a rod or wire disposed at least partially inside the tubular member, and a resilient loop of a first size attached to a distal end of the rod or wire. The loop includes a nose on a side of the loop opposite the wire. The loop further includes two loop sections each extending between the wire and the nose. The loop sections are each formed with a respective notch or dent for enabling a use of the loop in a second size smaller than the first size. Positioning the loop relative to the tubular member so that the notches or dents are disposed at a mouth opening of the tubular member generates this secondary deployment configuration.

Abstract: In an insertion configuration, an endoscope assembly includes an insertion member with a distal end face and a working channel and further includes an instrument shaft extending through the working channel and an operative tip connected to the instrument shaft and extending in a plane oriented perpendicularly to the instrument shaft. The operative tip is positioned along the distal end face of the endoscope insertion member. The operative tip is separable from the distal end face of the endoscope insertion member by a distally directed motion of the instrument shaft along the working channel.

Abstract: An endoscopic staple and related stapling device that can be used in conjunction with flexible or rigid endoscopy. The staple can also be used for other surgical procedures. The invention relates to performing a stapling operation on internal body tissues as part of a surgical procedure, diagnostic procedure or therapeutic procedure. This invention includes a surgical staple, an associated staple holder, and an associated staple delivery and deployment device. The staple holder and delivery system have a design iteration whereby the holder can be reloaded with additional staples to be used on the same patient. There is another design iteration whereby the staple holder and stapler are reusable after appropriate cleaning and sterilization.

Abstract: An endoscopic retractor instrument assembly includes a balloon having a pair of expandable or inflatable end portions and at least one expandable or inflatable spacer portion connecting the end portions to one another. A fastener is provided for securing the balloon to a distal end of an endoscopic insertion member, with the balloon being disposed in a collapsed configuration along an outer surface of the endoscopic insertion member. An inflation element is operatively coupled with the balloon for enabling an inflating of the balloon from the collapsed configuration to an expanded use configuration in which the spacer portion pushes the end portions apart from one another and in which the balloon extends at least partially in a distal direction away from the distal end of the endoscopic insertion member for spreading internal tissues of a patient to facilitate access to the tissues via the endoscopic insertion member.

Abstract: A medical cauterization snare assembly with a tubular member, an electrically conductive cauterization loop ejectable from a distal end of the tubular member, and a capture pouch also ejectable from the distal end of the tubular member. The pouch is attached to an auxiliary loop which has a size larger than that of the cauterization loop. Alternatively, the tubular member is formed at its distal end with a first port or opening and in a distal end portion with a second port or opening spaced from the first port or opening. The two ports or openings both face in a distal direction (i.e., away from the user). The cauterization loop is alternately ejectable from and retractable into the first port or opening, while the capture pouch is separately ejectable from the second port or opening. Alternatively, the capture pouch is attached to the cauterization loop, to only a proximal portion of the loop to divide the loop's area into a proximal section covered by the pouch and an open or uncovered distal section.

Abstract: A flexible fiberoptic endoscope has an insertion member with a distal end portion split longitudinally into a plurality of independently operable working segments each provided with at least one longitudinally extending working channel. Visualization optics are provided in the working segments or a separate central segment surrounded by the working segments. A sheath temporarily joins the working segments to one another during an introduction procedure. The sheath is removed upon insertion of the endoscope, so that the working segments may be/separated from one another and independently maneuvered via proximal control heads to facilitate the performance of an endoscopic surgical procedure.

Abstract: An endoscope sheath includes a web member disposable in a tubular configuration in engagement with an endoscope insertion member, the member being provided with a tear string in the form of a tensile member. The tear string preferably extends longitudinally along the web member. In addition, the tear string preferably extends from one end of the web member to an opposite end thereof and is disposed along a weakened area of the web member. The web member is provided in a plurality of regions with a layer of adhesive material. The adhesive material of at least one of the regions is permanent adhesive, whereas the adhesive material of at least another of the regions forms a separable bond. These regions extend along opposing longitudinal edges of the web member.

Abstract: A bone stabilizing apparatus includes a stem member and an extension member, the stem member having a distal end for insertion within the intramedullary canal of a human humerus and the proximal end connected to the extension member. The extension member has radially directed threaded holes either pre-formed or created after the bone stabilizing apparatus is installed into the humerus. The threaded holes allow fixation of stabilizing screws with suture posts, or a washer structure to grip the surface of the bone and/or surrounding ligaments or muscle. A prosthetic or the natural humeral head can be attached to the extension member. In a preferred embodiment a guide structure directs the drill and stabilizing screws radially through the central axis of the extension member.