Abstract: Incorporation of certain amino acid analogs into polypeptides produced by cells which do not ordinarily provide polypeptides containing such amino acid analogs is accomplished by subjecting the cells to growth media containing such amino acid analogs. The degree of incorporation can be regulated by adjusting the concentration of amino acid analogs in the media and/or by adjusting osmolality of the media. Such incorporation allows the chemical and physical characteristics of polypeptides to be altered and studied. In addition, nucleic acid and corresponding proteins including a domain from a physiologically active peptide and a domain from an extracellular matrix protein which is capable of providing a self-aggregate are provided. Human extracellular matrix proteins capable of providing a self-aggregate collagen are provided which are produced by prokaryotic cells. Preferred codon usage is employed to produce extracellular matrix proteins in prokaryotics.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device particularly suited for endoscopic procedures is described. The device includes a handle assembly and an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly. The distal end of the elongated body is adapted to engage a disposable loading unit. A control rod having a proximal end operatively connected to the handle assembly includes a distal end extending through the elongated body. A control rod locking member is provided to prevent movement of the control rod until the disposable loading unit is fully secured to the elongated body of the stapling device.

Abstract: A site marker device and marker are provided. The site marker device includes a housing and a distally extending delivery tube. A pusher rod is movably positioned within the delivery tube to eject a marker from the distal end thereof. An elongated tubular body is positioned about the delivery tube. An actuator is provided to provide two stage advancement. During the first stage, the delivery tube and the pusher rod are advanced through the distal end of the elongated tubular body. During the second stage of advancement, the pusher rod is advanced independently of the delivery tube to eject a marker from the distal end thereof. The marker is formed from a shape memory material and has a circular or hoop configuration in the relaxed state.

Abstract: Incorporation of certain amino acid analogs into polypeptides produced by cells which do not ordinarily provide polypeptides containing such amino acid analogs is accomplished by subjecting the cells to growth media containing such amino acid analogs. The degree of incorporation can be regulated by adjusting the concentration of amino acid analogs in the media and/or by adjusting osmolality of the media. Such incorporation allows the chemical and physical characteristics of polypeptides to be altered and studied. In addition, nucleic acid and corresponding proteins including a domain from a physiologically active peptide and a domain from an extracellular matrix protein which is capable of providing a self-aggregate are provided. Human extracellular matrix proteins capable of providing a self-aggregate collagen are provided which are produced by prokaryotic cells. Preferred codon usage is employed to produce extracellular matrix proteins in prokaryotics.

Abstract: A valve assembly for the sealed reception of an elongated object is provided. The assembly includes a valve body defining at least one opening configured and dimensioned to permit entry of an elongated object and defining a central longitudinal axis, and an elongated seal member having a resilient sealing structure and defining an aperture in general alignment with the opening of the valve body whereby the aperture is configured and dimensioned such that upon insertion of the object into the aperture, the resilient sealing structure resiliently engages the outer surface of the object in a tight manner. The sealing structure includes a plurality of elongated bristle members attached to the seal member. The bristle members are positioned to engage the elongated object upon at least partial insertion of the elongated object into the valve body.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical apparatus is provided for placing lateral lines of surgical fasteners into body tissue. The apparatus includes a frame portion, an elongated portion extending from the frame portion, and an articulating fastener applying assembly associated with a distal end of the elongated portion. The fastener applying assembly includes a base portion, a staple cartridge housing, and an anvil member which has a forming surface thereon against which surgical fasteners are driven as they are ejected from the cartridge housing. A first mechanism is provided for effectuating the rotation of the fastener applying assembly about an axis defined by the body portion, a second mechanism is provided for effectuating the articulation of the fastener applying assembly, and a third mechanism is provided for independently rotating the cartridge housing and anvil member relative to a longitudinal axis defined by the base position to increase the range of operability of the apparatus.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument for dissection and coagulation of tissue is provided. The surgical instrument includes a vibration coupler supported within a housing and operably connected to an ultrasonic generator. An angled blade member is connected to the distal end of the vibration coupler to conduct high frequency vibration from the ultrasonic generator to the blade member. A clamp member is positioned adjacent to the blade member and is movable from a first position to a second approximated position. The clamp member and angled blade member combine to enhance contact between the tissue and the blade member during operation of the instrument to improve the performance of the instrument.

Abstract: A two part suture screw for anchoring tissue and bone is disclosed. The suture screw includes a threaded outer sleeve having a longitudinal bore extending therethrough. A pin having a conical insertion tip is provided and includes a proximally extending shaft configured for insertion in the longitudinal bore of the outer sleeve. The shaft includes a transverse bore through the pin for slidingly receiving a length of suture. A pair of channels extend from the transverse bore proximally along the outer surfaces of the shaft. The sleeve is provided with corresponding channels which extend proximally from a point adjacent the throughbore to form a complete bore for free sliding receipt of the suture within the suture screw. The suture contemplated for use with the disclosed suture screw has a diameter smaller than that of the transverse bore and the bores formed by the channels of the pin and sleeve to allow the suture to freely slide therein.

Abstract: Disposable loading units (DLUs) configured for mounting to a robotic arm for performing at least one surgical task are presented. Each DLU includes an attachment platform having at least one connector for engaging at least one connector on a distal end of the robotic arm for connecting the DLU to the robotic arm, a head portion connected to the attachment platform at one end and configured for housing an electro-mechanical actuation assembly therein, and at least one surgical tool member extending from the head portion and operatively associated with the electro-mechanical actuation assembly for controlling the operation and movement of the at least one surgical tool member. The at least one surgical tool member may include a cutting assembly, an aortic hole punch assembly, a lasing assembly, a coring assembly, or a vascular suturing assembly.

Abstract: A surgical stapler is disclosed including a first body portion supporting an anvil plate defining a fastener forming surface, and a second body portion releasably mating with the first body portion. A disposable loading unit is removably supported in the second body portion and includes a cartridge defining a plurality of slots, a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in the slots, a plurality of ejectors positioned adjacent the surgical fasteners, and a wedged actuator for sequentially interacting with the ejectors. An elongated actuation member is mounted for longitudinal movement within the second body portion and is releasably engageable with the wedged actuator. A locking mechanism having a locking member and a biasing member is included in the second body portion.

Abstract: An applicator is provided for dispensing a first and a second component of a biological adhesive. The applicator includes a housing having a housing head for enclosing therein a first reservoir containing the first component, and a second reservoir containing the second component. The housing further includes an elongated body portion defining a longitudinal axis for enclosing therein a conduit assembly having a first and a second conduit in communication with the first and second reservoir, respectively. An activator assembly is provided which includes an activator and a rachet mechanism for compressing the reservoirs within the housing for dispensing the biological components into the conduits. An applicator tip having two separate channels in communication with the conduits may be provided on a distal end of the elongated body portion for dispensing the components on the application site. The first and second components are preferably fibrinogen and thrombin which intermix to form a fibrin sealant.

Abstract: A fibrin mixture and dispenser assembly is provided for mixing a first protein component with sterile water to form a first protein solution and for dispensing the first protein solution. The first protein solution forms a biological adhesive when intermixed with a second protein solution. The second protein solution is preferably mixed and dispensed by a similar fibrin mixture and dispenser assembly. The two fibrin mixture and dispenser assemblies can be housed within a single housing. The assembly includes a piercer and a first tubular extension having grooves for providing fluid communication between a reservoir and a mixing chamber or a vial. The reservoir is also in fluid communication with a dispensing needle through a second tubular extension. The reservoir is configured to contain water which is introduced to the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber is configured to contain the first protein component.

Abstract: A method of reducing scar formation at a wound site includes contacting the wound site with an effective scar reducing amount of a cross-linked polysaccharide having a positive charge and thereby reducing scar formation as the wound site heals. Such polysaccharide include bioabsorbable cross-linked dextrans or alginates. The positive charge may be provided by diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) moieties. The cross-linked polysaccharide can be applied to the wound site as a powder or bead. The cross-linked polysaccharide may also be contained in a composition including a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. Biocompatable surgical devices are provided with an effective scar reducing amount of a cross-linked polysaccharide having a positive charge which reduce scar formation at healing wound sites. A method of reducing TGF-&bgr; activity is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for surgery is disclosed which includes a retractor having a substantially planar base defining an opening for overlying an operative site on a patient, and at least one retractor blade slidably mounted to the base. The base is positioned on the patient such that the opening therein overlies the operative site. The operative site is percutaneously accessed, and obstructing tissue is retracted by engaging the tissue with the retractor blade. A surgical instrument is provided which is engageable with the base and operable at the operative site through the opening in the base. A surgical procedure is carried out through the opening in the base with the surgical instrument.

Abstract: Incorporation of certain amino acid analogs into polypeptides produced by cells which do not ordinarily provide polypeptides containing such amino acid analogs is accomplished by subjecting the cells to growth media containing such amino acid analogs. The degree of incorporation can be regulated by adjusting the concentration of amino acid analogs in the media and/or by adjusting osmolality of the media. Such incorporation allows the chemical and physical characteristics of polypeptides to be altered and studied. In addition, nucleic acid and corresponding proteins including a domain from a physiologically active peptide and a domain from an extracellular matrix protein which is capable of providing a self-aggregate are provided. Human extracellular matrix proteins capable of providing a self-aggregate collagen are provided which are produced by prokaryotic cells. Preferred codon usage is employed to produce extracellular matrix proteins in prokaryotics.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for performing an anastomosis includes a housing having proximal and distal ends and a shaft extending from the distal end of the housing. The instrument also includes an actuator attached to the housing and a disposable loading unit configured for selective attachment to the shaft. The disposable loading unit includes a fastener support member configured and dimensioned to support an array of surgical fasteners thereon and a fastener pusher member which is movable through a firing stroke in response to movement of the actuator to deform the surgical fasteners.

Abstract: A method for providing at least partial bypass of the heart to supplement the pumping function of the heart to thereby enable the surgeon to perform various surgical procedures thereon includes providing a circulatory assist system having a portable extracorporeal axial flow pump with a pump housing, a rotating pumping member disposed in the pump housing and inlet and outlet cannulated tubes respectively connected to inlet and outlet ports of the pump housing, accessing the patient's left atrium of the heart with the inlet cannulated tube, accessing the aorta with the outlet cannulated tube, actuating the rotating pumping member to draw oxygenated blood from the left atrium of the heart through the lumen of the inlet cannulated tube and into the inlet port of the pump housing whereby the pumping member imparts mechanical energy to the oxygenated blood passing through the pump housing and directs the oxygenated blood through the outlet port and through the lumen of the outlet cannulated tube to be transfe

Abstract: A surgical instrument with articulated jaw structure includes a frame and two jaws. The jaws have proximal portions that are mounted to each other for movement in a substantially parallel relation between a fully open position wherein the jaws are separated for receiving tissue therebetween and an approximated position wherein the jaws are closer together. Preferably, the jaws are in the fully open position when the distal portion of at least of the jaws is located in an extended position and are in the approximated position when the distal portion of the extended jaw or jaws is located in a retracted position. The surgical instrument may further include a detachable knife assembly and knife actuating mechanism.

Abstract: An endo-vascular fastener applicator is provided for endo-luminal fastening a prosthetic to a vessel with a fastener. The applicator includes a tubular body that is configured for positioning within a vessel; an expandable portion disposed adjacent distal end of the tubular body, and deployed to support a prosthetic in contact with an inner surface of a vessel; and a drive assembly for advancing a fastener into the prosthetic. The applicator may include a control assembly; and a delivery tube that is disposed for movement within the tubular body, and which defines a channel for movement of the drive assembly therewithin. The delivery tube may include an applicator head having an injection mount that is disposed for movement relative to the prosthetic. A method for endo-luminal repairing a damaged portion of a vessel is also disclosed.

Abstract: A disposable loading unit is disclosed for use in conjunction with a surgical stapling apparatus configured to sequentially apply a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue. The apparatus includes an actuation assembly for effectuating a fastener applying operation, and a housing for receiving and releasably supporting the disposable loading unit.