Abstract: A compression assembly for use in compressing tissue comprising a first portion which includes a first compression element and a second portion which comprises a second compression element, at least one support element, and at least one spring element. Typically the spring element is formed of a shape-memory material. The at least one spring element is in compressive force contact with the second compression element and the tissue to be joined is positioned between the first and second compression elements. A plurality of needles on one of the support elements is operative to pierce the tissue and the first portion of the assembly, holding the first compression element to the second portion of the assembly. The invention is appropriate for joining severed tissue in anastomosis procedures or closing natural or surgically produced tissue perforations.

Abstract: A surgical clip assembly which includes a pair of generally linear compression elements for securing tissue between them and for applying to the secured tissue a compression force. The clip assembly has an initial, open position in which the linear compression elements may be positioned about tissue to be secured between them. The assembly also has a final, closed position where the compression elements are substantially parallel to each other, applying a compressive force to the secured tissue. The clip assembly also includes a force means disposed between the pair of compression elements and operative to transmit operational forces between them.

Abstract: A multi-lumen sleeve for use with an endoscope shaft and at least one working surgical instrument. The shaft and surgical instruments have an end portion. The sleeve comprises a primary lumen having a free end and one or more secondary lumens which are joined to the primary lumen. Some or all of the lumens have free ends for connection to the end portion of a selected one of the shaft and the one or more working surgical instrument. Each of the free ends of the primary and secondary lumens is adapted to fit about and support the end portion of the shaft or the one or more working surgical instrument. This facilitates concerted motion and coupled articulation between the shaft and the one or more working surgical instrument. Systems employing this multi-lumen sleeve are described.

Abstract: A compression clip assembly for compressing tissue and operable by means of a user-operated applier. The assembly comprises a compression clip and a lock element. The clip includes a pair of normally spaced apart elongate members each having an outward-facing surface, and having respective inward-facing opposing surfaces for compressing tissue; a hinge formed at least partly of a superelastic material and in operative mechanical connection with the elongate members; and a lock region formed on the outer surface of each of the elongate members adjacent to the hinge, each lock region being delimited by a first stop element proximal to the hinge and a second stop element distal from the hinge. The lock element is constructed for lockably engaging the lock regions so as to lock the clip in its closed position. The invention also encompasses a system and method for using the compression clip assembly.

Abstract: A surgical clip assembly which includes a pair of generally linear compression elements for securing tissue between them and for applying to the secured tissue a compression force. The clip assembly has an initial, open position in which the linear compression elements may be positioned about tissue to be secured between them. The assembly also has a final, closed position where the compression elements are substantially parallel to each other, applying a compressive force to the secured tissue. The clip assembly also includes a force means disposed between the pair of compression elements and operative to transmit operational forces between them.

Abstract: A dual use compression clip and surgical port device where the device serves as a surgical compression clip and surgical port in surgical procedures. The device comprises two compression elements each constructed having a bounding surface which when taken together form the boundary of a surgical port and one or more hinge elements in mechanical communication with the compression elements allowing the compression elements and the device to move from an open arrangement to a closed arrangement. The device also includes one or more apertures on each of the compression elements sized and configured to receive the insertion elements of an applicator instrument so that a force applied by the applicator instrument brings the device and compression elements from their open arrangement to their closed arrangement. A system and method for use of the device is also discussed.

Abstract: A compression clip system where compression is used to close a tissue opening, reduce the volume of an organ, ligate dilated blood vessels or compress tissue adjacent to various other types of lesions to induce healing. Compression prevents bleeding and the leakage of body fluids into a body cavity. The opening may be surgery induced as in gastrectomies or formed naturally such as peptic ulcers and hemorrhoids. The system may include a compression clip, a suitable clip applier, a grasper assembly and an endoscope all brought to the compression site via a multi-lumen sleeve.

Abstract: A system including surgical compression clips is described and used for endoscopic full thickness resection. Similarly, methods for endoscopic full thickness resection using the described system are also discussed. Surgical compression clips using shape-memory elements are discussed. These clips are advanceable to the site of suspect tissue to be resected through a lumen of a multi-lumen sleeve encasing an endoscope. At the site of the tissue, the compression clip is opened and operated to circumscribe the suspect tissue. Grasper assemblies, advanceable through an endoscope, are also described. These latter grasp and bring the suspect tissue to the open clip. The clip is then closed and the tissue resected. The clip effects necrosis and healing at the resected site.

Abstract: A compression assembly for use in compressing tissue comprising a first portion which includes a first compression element and a second portion which comprises a second compression element, at least one support element, and at least one spring element. Typically the spring element is formed of a shape-memory material. The at least one spring element is in compressive force contact with the second compression element and the tissue to be joined is positioned between the first and second compression elements. A plurality of needles on one of the support elements is operative to pierce the tissue and the first portion of the assembly, holding the first compression element to the second portion of the assembly. The invention is appropriate for joining severed tissue in anastomosis procedures or closing natural or surgically produced tissue perforations.

Abstract: A compression anastomosis ring (CAR) assembly for use in joining severed organ wall portions of a hollow organ. The assembly comprises a first portion which includes an anvil assembly and a second portion which comprises a bottom ring, at least one ring element, and at least one spring element formed of a shape-memory alloy. The at least one spring element provides a restorative force and is in compressive force contact with the bottom ring and the tissue to be joined is positioned between the anvil ring and the bottom ring. A plurality of needles on one of the ring elements is operative, upon application of a closure force, to pierce the tissue and the anvil ring, holding the anvil ring to the second portion of the CAR assembly. An applicator for applying the CAR assembly and a method for using the assembly and applicator are taught.