Abstract: A pericardial strip and surgical stapler assembly, and method of use thereof, in which at least one pericardial strip is releasably attached to the jaws of the stapler by passing the outer ends of the stapler through holes in the strip(s). Preferably, the trailing end(s) of the strip(s) are secured to the proximal ends of the jaws by O-ring(s), suture(s) attached to the trailing end of the strip(s), or opening(s) in the strip(s). When the tissue is cut, the O-ring(s), suture(s), or opening(s) are also cut, thus permitting removal of the stapler and allowing at least a portion of the pericardial strips to remain.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for engrafting a blood vessel comprising a thin walled graft assembly with radio opaque marker, a guide wire, a guided cartheter with proximal side openings, and a set of open end stylets. The method and apparatus provides for transarterial guidance and deployment of a graft assembly for non-surgical exclusion of aortic aneurysms. The method and apparatus provides for guiding a graft assembly over the aortic arch to the ascending aorta and for guiding a graft assembly in the thoracoabdominal arterial tree.

Abstract: This invention is a surgical instrument and specifically is a device for delivering embolic coils to a selected site within the vasculature or other lumen of a human body via use of a catheter. The invention includes the coils as well. In particular, the device uses embolic coils having a receiving slot on one end of the coil; a catheter control wire or pusher guidewire having a hook which cooperatingly engages the coil's receiving slot is used as a coil pusher to eject the coil at the chosen site. The coils of this invention may also be placed within the lumen with a catheter in a nose-to-tail fashion and pushed into the body lumen. Pushing the coil assembly via the pusher from the distal end of the catheter body uncouples the most distal coil.

Abstract: An intra-luminal device comprises a flow retainer and/or modulator for maintaining an embolic mass within an aneurysm and, optionally, for diverting or modulating fluid flow, and an anchoring element for fixating the retainer within a lumen in a patient's body. The retainer is introduced into the body lumen and positioned with the retainer across the entrance to a body cavity or a body lumen with an embolic mass disposed within to prevent the embolic mass from migrating into the patient's vasculature. The retainer may also be a diverter or modulator used to divert or modulate the luminal fluid flow to the entrance to the body cavity or lumen. The anchoring element, which may be attached to the retainer, is deployed to permanently secure the retainer within the body lumen in the desired position.

Abstract: A structurally supported bifurcated vascular graft is described having a hollow cylindrical body graft with a top end and bottom end and two hollow cylindrical limb grafts which are attached to the hollow cylindrical body graft near the top end of the body graft. One or more structural supports or stents are attached to either the interior or exterior of the body graft and limb grafts. Further, an apparatus and method for delivering a one-piece bifurcated vascular graft is also described which includes first and second hollow limb tubes for containing the limbs of a bifurcated graft, a third hollow body tube for containing the body of a graft, and a hollow delivery tube capable of encompassing the limb tubes and graft body tube.

Abstract: The present invention reveals bioabsorbable staples and methods for tissue closure. The first type of staple is a one-piece bioabsorbable staple constructed of an elongate body and a locking mechanism, where the locking mechanism is made up of a retainer having an enclosed central tunnel and is located at the first end of the elongate body, and an arrow head or connector head located at the second end of the elongate body. The second type of staple is a two-piece staple for tissue closure constructed of a first elongate body having a leg connected to an arrow head at each end and a second elongate body having a retainer at each end, where each retainer contains an eyelet. Each method for tissue closure involves grasping and holding the tissue to be closed, forcing a bioabsorbable staple through the tissue, and locking the staple.

Abstract: This application is directed to a stent delivery system for introducing a flexible, generally cylindrical, self-expandable stent.

Abstract: Astigmatically-neutral wound closure is achieved by creation of a precisely-sized keratotomy anterior to a wound. Through the posterior wall of the keratotomy is passed a radial suture element. Increased tension in the suture element causes posterior gaping of the keratotomy, reducing unwanted distortion of the cornea anterior to the keratotomy.

Abstract: A system including an adaptor and a syringe is used for facilitating hemostasis of a biopsy tract or other puncture wound by delivery of an absorbable sponge in a hydrated state into the wound. The adaptor includes a tapered lumen for hydrating and compressing the relatively large absorbable sponge for delivery through a relatively small cannula, such as a biopsy needle. The hydrated absorbable sponge is injected through the biopsy needle into the biopsy tract by fluid. Alternatively, the sponge may be delivered to the biopsy needle by injection of fluid and then delivered to the biopsy tract by a plunger or stylet. The implanted absorbable sponge facilitates hemostasis at the biopsy site or other puncture wound and minimizes the chance of internal bleeding. The absorbable sponge material is absorbed by the body over time.

Abstract: An expansion mechanism which includes an elongate instrument and a plurality of struts arranged around the elongate instrument provides radial expansion of a medical device. Each strut has a first end pivotally connected to the elongate instrument and a second strut which expands radially outward. Each strut further carries a flexible line which has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of each line passes beyond the second end of the strut which carries it and is attached to the strut immediately adjacent the strut which carries it. Methods of using such an expansion mechanism are also disclosed, particularly to provide deployment of medical devices within a patient's blood vascular system.

Abstract: A link mechanism unit of an endoscopic forceps is assembled by riveting an end of a coupling pin so that the link mechanism can be smoothly moved without unpleasant resistance. A coupling pin insertion hole is opened so as to pass through overlapping links;, and a counterbore is formed in a mouth portion of the coupling pin insertion hole. When the head of a coupling pin passed through the coupling pin insertion hole abuts against the counterbore, the end face of the head of the coupling pin is positioned to be inwardly recessed from an outer open end face of the counterbore.

Abstract: A package consists of a plastic "card" made up of a flat, rectangular piece of material having a centrally located scoring allowing the piece of material to be folded upon itself to provide an inner enclosure. The card includes two halves to either side of the scoring, a first half including cut-outs forming two tabs that enmesh with two slots formed in the second half so that when the card is folded about the scoring, the tabs may be inserted into the slots to hold the card in the folded configuration. The second half has a series of slots of various configurations and located in desired locations to allow retention of a guide wire, suture and suture anchor in a desired configuration.

Abstract: A vessel plug having a handle which include a proximal end and a distal end, a flange attached to the distal end of the handle, and a tip extending distally beyond the flange. In use, the flange and the tip are shaped to engage an opening of a blood vessel, provide occlusion to the opening of the vessel to block the blood flow, thereby achieving hemostasis. The plug may be sutureless, providing a seal by the operation of a flange which includes vacuum ports or adhesive material. Alternatively, sutures may be placed around the flange. Methods of using the sutureless vessel plug are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A removably lined adhesive strip for foreshortening a nose and dilating the nasal passages of the nose. The strip is an external strip with two end portions. One end portion is fixed to a position on or beyond the tip of the nose, such as immediately beyond the tip of the nose and the other end portion is fixed to a position on the bridge of the nose. The strip may be integrally formed with or separate from a spring nasal dilator applied across the bridge of the nose and to the nostril of the nose. The strip may be used with or without such a spring nasal dilator. One preferred embodiment of the strip includes an end portion which is generally the shape of a diamond or arrowhead with rounded tips so as to generally reflect the shape of the tip of the nose or the shape of the nose immediately beyond the tip of the nose. A method for applying the strip includes first applying one end portion to a position on or beyond the tip of the nose and then applying the other end portion to the bridge of the nose.

Abstract: A method and device for sealing an opening in an anatomical structure within a living body involves the introduction of a length of suture around the opening using a stitching device or known suturing techniques. The stitching device may be an elongated member having needle channels therethrough. After the stitching device is partially inserted in the anatomical structure, needles connected by a length of suture are pulled through the anatomical structure at opposite sides of the opening. The sealing device may be an elongated member with an adhesive channel and either a suture channel or a loop. After the suture has been separated from the stitching device, the ends of the suture are passed through the suture channel or loop. The suture is then pulled through the suture channel or loop to close the opening. After the opening has been closed, adhesive is passed through the adhesive channel and applied to the opening to seal the opening.

Abstract: A modular medical instrument is used with an endoscope or other similar medical instrument to perform medical procedures, such as endoscopy, bronchoscopy, and laparoscopy. The modular medical instrument comprises an elongated instrument device, an optional port fitting detachably coupled to the instrument device, and an actuator handle detachably coupled to the port fitting. The instrument device includes an elongated guide member, an inner actuation cable slidably disposed within the guide member, and an instrument device head assembly disposed at a distal end of the guide member and actuation cable. The guide member preferably has a smooth outer surface to facilitate insertion within the instrument channel of an endoscope or similar medical device. In one example, the instrument device head assembly includes a grasping device, such as biopsy forceps.

Abstract: A system including an adaptor and a syringe is used for facilitating hemostasis of a biopsy tract or other puncture wound by injection of an absorbable sponge in a hydrated state into the wound. The adaptor includes a tapered lumen for hydrating and compressing the relatively large absorbable sponge for delivery through a relatively small cannula, such as a biopsy needle. The hydrated absorbable sponge is injected through the biopsy needle into the biopsy tract by fluid. The implanted absorbable sponge facilitates hemostasis at the biopsy site or other puncture wound and minimizes the chance of internal bleeding. The absorbable sponge material is absorbed by the body over time.

Abstract: A cable comprising helically wound superelastic fibers and having a drilling tip provided at its distal end is housed in an elongated holder through which the cable may be advanced, the holder having a distal end for supporting the cable during a drilling operation and through which the distal end of the cable may protrude. The holder includes contains a cable support shaped to bend the cable through a predetermined angle adjacent its distal end and to support the cable as it is rotated and advanced. A motor is attached to the cable remote from the distal end of the cable to rotate the cable in a direction tending to tighten the cable fibers.

Abstract: A pacifier with retractable nipple wherein the nipple is retractable into the pacifier when the pacifier is not in use. The pacifier includes a pacifier body; a resilient, flexible nipple structure attached to the top edge of the pacifier body portion; and a retraction mechanism mechanically connected to a nipple tip portion of the nipple structure for mechanically inverting the nipple tip portion and pulling it within a compartment formed within the pacifier.

Abstract: A ligating band is formed so as to have a pre-stress compression along its inner periphery and a pre-stress tension along its outer periphery at a free state, wherein all the material of the band is at a substantially equal tension when the band is subject to full circumferential expansion. In a free state, the inner periphery can buckle, at least partially filling an inner perimeter defined by the inner periphery with a plurality of material folds.