Abstract: An improved percutaneous tissue grasping apparatus and method provide for reduced trauma to tissue associated with the insertion and advancement of the apparatus. In one aspect, the percutaneous tissue grasping apparatus may include a blunt nose that is flush with or extends beyond a distal end of an outer tubular member. As such, when advanced into and through tissue, tissue is prevented from advancing proximally into the outer member. As such, the trauma attendant with advancement of such apparatus into tissue of a patent may be reduced.

Abstract: An improved endoscopic tissue grasping apparatus and method provide for enhanced tissue retention. In one separate aspect, an endoscopic tool may include an improved handle comprising a rachet interface for retaining first and second jaw members at in a closed position at a distal end of the tool. In another separate aspect, a tissue grasper is provided in which opposing first and second jaw members may be effectively locked in a closed position by virtue of an articulating linkage arrangement.

Abstract: An endoscopic capsule adapted for selective attachment to the distal end portion of an endoscopic device. The capsule is designed for insertion with an interconnected endoscopic device into a patient body to provide an open space in front of the distal end of the endoscopic device. The capsule facilitates the performance of endoscopic procedures providing a space in which to manipulate medical instruments within the patient body as well as improving a surgeon's field of vision within the patient body. In one embodiment, the capsule includes a housing having an internal chamber and two apertures. A first aperture is interconnectable to the end of an endoscopic device and provides operative access to endoscopic instruments contained therein. One or more of these endoscopic devices are advanceable into the internal cavity for selectively engaging patient tissue disposed relative to the second aperture.

Abstract: In one embodiment of a suturing apparatus a needle member is provided with a suture material having a pre-tied knot disposed about a distal end of the needle member. The suturing apparatus further includes a first member, wherein the first member and needle member are disposed to permit selective relative movement therebetween. Upon such movement, the first member is positionable to engage and position the pre-tied knot beyond the distal end of the needle member. Such an arrangement facilitates internal suture stitching and knot placement. An advanceable/retractable grasping member may be advantageously included in the suturing apparatus for selectively retaining/releasing an end of the suture material. The grasping member may be defined by a spring-loaded hoop member that may be selectively deployed out of a hollow piercing tip comprising the needle member. In the deployed state the grasping member may be positioned about the end of the suture material (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention provides a knot tying apparatus having a notched thread cover and methods for using such a knot tying apparatus for placing knots. The present invention has particular utility in tying and placing knots during laparoscopic surgery. The thread cover includes at least one notch in the distal end which is sized so as to allow a thread such as a suture thread to pass therethrough while preventing a knot in the thread from passing therethrough. Using the notched thread cover which is attached to the distal end of a knot tying apparatus, it is possible to both pull and push on the knot when cinching the knot around the member being tied. Being able to simultaneously push and pull on the knot minimizes the forces exerted against the member being tied, thereby reducing the likelihood that fragile members such as blood vessels and the like are damaged during the tying procedure. The knot tying apparatus includes a knot carrier and a knot slider slidably connected thereto.