Abstract: A surgical instrument adapted for applying a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue includes a frame having a proximal end and a distal end, with a handle positioned at the proximal end and an end effector positioned at the distal end. The end effector is shaped and dimensioned for supporting a cartridge module. A firing mechanism is associated with the end effector and the cartridge module for selective actuation. The end effector has a radius of curvature optimized for a trans-anal resection such that the end effector has a curvature of at most approximately a 40 mm diameter.

Abstract: A method for performing trans-anal resection is achieved by applying a first stitch about the rectum, wherein deep bites of the first stitch capture and fold a rectum wall, creating a longitudinal staple line in the rectal wall at a position adjacent the first stitch, positioning a curved surgical stapler instrument in the rectum for capturing the rectal wall held by the first stitch, firing the surgical stapler instrument creating a circumferential first staple line approximately along the arc defined by the first stitch, and repeating the procedure about the circumference of the rectum until a predetermined portion of the rectum is fully resected.

Abstract: A diagnostic device (10) for pathologies of tubular anatomical structures comprises a tubular elongated structure (12, 28) developing between a proximal end and a distal end and is adapted to be inserted in the tubular anatomical structure, means (22) for locally dilating the walls of the tubular anatomical structure being associated with the distal end of said elongated structure, said means for locally dilating being movable between a closed position for introducing the device and at least one open position for viewing and evaluating the pathology, and control means being associated with the proximal end of the elongated structure, said control means being operatively connected to said means for locally dilating, in order to move them between the closed position and the open position, and vice versa.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument (1) comprises a body portion (2, 3), a handle (4) and a staple fastening assembly (8). The staple fastening assembly (8) includes a curved cartridge (10), which comprises at least one curved open row of staples, and a curved anvil (22), which is adapted to cooperate with the cartridge (10) for forming the ends of the staples exiting from the cartridge (10). The staple fastening assembly (8) is adapted to allow unobstructed access towards the concave inner faces of the cartridge (10) and the anvil (22). The cartridge (10) can be moved towards the anvil (22) from a spaced position for positioning tissue therebetween to a closed position for clamping the tissue. Preferably, a knife is contained within the cartridge (10) and is positioned such that there is at least one row of staples on at least one side of the knife.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is adapted for applying a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue. The surgical instrument includes a frame having a proximal end and a distal end, with a handle positioned at the proximal end and an end effector positioned at the distal end. The end effector is shaped and dimensioned for supporting a cartridge housing and an anvil, the cartridge housing and anvil structure being relatively movable between a first spaced apart position and a second position in close approximation with one another. A firing mechanism is associated with the end effector and the cartridge housing for selective actuation of the fastening elements for treatment of an individual. A tissue retention feature is associated with the cartridge housing and anvil, the tissue retention feature maintaining tissue within the end effector during treatment and including a top tissue retention member and a bottom tissue retention member.

Abstract: A plate heat exchanger, comprising a plurality of mutually facing plates that are hermetically coupled at at least one substantially peripheral portion and form at least two separate circuits for at least two fluids, each one of said plurality of plates having access ports that provide input ducts and output ducts for said at least two fluids, at least one portion of at least one face of at least one of said plurality of plates being uneven.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument (1) comprises a body portion (2, 3), a handle (4) and a staple fastening assembly (8). The staple fastening assembly (8) includes a curved cartridge (10), which comprises at least one curved open row of staples, and a curved anvil (22), which is adapted to cooperate with the cartridge (10) for forming the ends of the staples exiting from the cartridge (10). The staple fastening assembly (8) is adapted to allow unobstructed access towards the concave inner faces of the cartridge (10) and the anvil (22). The cartridge (10) can be moved towards the anvil (22) from a spaced position for positioning tissue therebetween to a closed position for clamping the tissue. Preferably, a knife is contained within the cartridge (10) and is positioned such that there is at least one row of staples on at least one side of the knife.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument (1) comprises a body portion (2, 3), a handle (4) and a staple fastening assembly (8). The staple fastening assembly (8) includes a curved cartridge (10), which comprises at least one curved open row of staples, and a curved anvil (22), which is adapted to cooperate with the cartridge (10) for forming the ends of the staples exiting from the cartridge (10). The staple fastening assembly (8) is adapted to allow unobstructed access towards the concave inner faces of the cartridge (10) and the anvil (22). The cartridge (10) can be moved towards the anvil (22) from a spaced position for positioning tissue therebetween to a closed position for clamping the tissue. Preferably, a knife is contained within the cartridge (10) and is positioned such that there is at least one row of staples on at least one side of the knife.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument (1) comprises a body portion (2, 3), a handle (4) and a staple fastening assembly (8). The staple fastening assembly (8) includes a curved cartridge (10), which comprises at least one curved open row of staples, and a curved anvil (22), which is adapted to cooperate with the cartridge (10) for forming the ends of the staples exiting from the cartridge (10). The staple fastening assembly (8) is adapted to allow unobstructed access towards the concave inner faces of the cartridge (10) and the anvil (22). The cartridge (10) can be moved towards the anvil (22) from a spaced position for positioning tissue therebetween to a closed position for clamping the tissue. Preferably, a knife is contained within the cartridge (10) and is positioned such that there is at least one row of staples on at least one side of the knife.

Abstract: Phenylacetamido-pyrazoles and, more particularly, N-(5-cycloalkyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)phenylacetamido derivatives, optionally further substituted as reported in the description; or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; are useful in the treatment of cell proliferative disorders, e.g. cancer, associated with an altered cell cycle dependent kinase activity.

Abstract: Novel 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridines which are represented by formula (I): 1

Abstract: Novel 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridines which are represented by formula (I): wherein R is a hydrogen or halogen atom or a group selected from —CN, —OH, —OCOR4, —(CH2)nNH2, —(CH2)nNHR4, —(CH2)nNHCOR4, —(CH2)nNHCONR4R5, —(CH2)nNHCOOR4, or —(CH2)nNHSO2R4, wherein n is either 0 or 1, R4 and R5 are as described in the specification; R1 is hydrogen or an optionally substituted alkyl group; R2 is an optionally substituted group selected from alkyl or aryl; R3 is hydrogen or a group selected from —CONR4R5, —COOR4, —CONHOR4, —SO2NHR4, alkylsulphonylaminocarbonyl or perfluorinated alkylsulphonylaminocarbonyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, are disclosed. These compounds are useful for treating cell proliferative disorders associated with an altered cell dependent kinase activity.

Abstract: Compounds represented by formula (I) wherein R is a C3-C5 cycloalkyl group, R1 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; are useful in the treatment of cell proliferative disorders, e.g. cancer, associated with an altered cell cycle dependent kinase activity.

Abstract: Novel 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridines which are represented by formula (I): wherein R is a hydrogen or halogen atom or a group selected from —CN, —OH, —OCOR4, —(CH2)nNH2, —(CH2)nNHR4, —(CH2)nNHCOR4, —(CH2)nNHCONR4R5, —(CH2)nNHCOOR4, or —(CH2)nNHSO2R4, wherein n is either 0 or 1, R4 and R5 are as described in the specification; R1 is hydrogen or an optionally substituted alkyl group; R2 is an optionally substituted group selected from alkyl or aryl; R3 is hydrogen or a group selected from —CONR4R5, —COOR4, —CONHOR4, —SO2NHR4, alkylsulphonylaminocarbonyl or perfluorinated alkylsulphonylaminocarbonyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, are disclosed. These compounds are useful for treating cell proliferative disorders associated with an altered cell dependent kinase activity.

Abstract: A process for producing a compound of formula (I): wherein the dotted lines - - - independently represent a single or double bond and R, R1, R2 and R3 are each hydrogen or an organic radical, comprises treating the corresponding 17&bgr;-carbonylimidazole intermediates with anhydrous acids in the presence of an amine and, optionally, hydrogenating the resulting compound.

Abstract: An anoscope adapted for the suturing of hemorrhoids during a hemorrhoid removal procedure is disclosed. The anoscope has a distal conical tip, a channel body extending proximally from the distal conical tip and a flange radiused outwardly from the channel. A slot is formed in the channel body and runs longitudinally from the distal conical tip through the flange and is flanked by a pair of mutually opposed finger wings that extend out from the flange. The finger wings each have a distal finger wing tip and a concave surface embedded within the finger wing tips. The concave surfaces are sized for the placement of a finger of a user therein.

Abstract: A process for producing a compound of formula (I): ##STR1## wherein the dotted lines - - - independently represent a single or double bond and R, R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are each hydrogen or an organic radical, comprises treating the corresponding 17.beta.-carbonylimidazole intermediates with anhydrous acids in the presence of an amine and, optionally, hydrogenating the resulting compound.

Abstract: A circular sapling instrument for the removal of hemorrhoids has a stapling end effector having a casing, a hollow staple driver within the casing, an annular blade having an open distal end is located within the staple driver, and a elongated interior drive shaft is reciprocable within the staple driver and the annular blade. A first inner chamber is defined between the staple driver and the interior drive shaft, and a second inner chamber is defined between the annular blade and the drive shaft. The first chamber communicates with the second chamber. The casing has an exterior surface and a substantially unobstructed passageway extends within the casing surface, into the first inner chamber, into the second inner chamber, and through the open distal end of the second inner chamber for insertion and withdrawal of a surgical instrument therethrough.

Abstract: A method for using a circular stapling instrument for the removal of hemorrhoids is disclosed. The circular stapling instrument has a stapling end effector having a stapling head assembly and an anvil assembly movable from an open position spaced away from the stapling head to a closed position adjacent to the stapling head. A first inner chamber and a second inner chamber communicate within the stapling head assembly wherein the second inner chamber has an open distal end when the anvil is in an open position. A substantially unobstructed passageway extends from an exterior casing surface of the stapling head assembly through the first inner chamber, through the second inner chamber, and through the open distal end of the second inner chamber. A suture is placed into the hemorrhoid of a patient and the open stapling end effector is placed into the anus of a patient.

Abstract: Novel and known bicyclic 4-aralkylaminopyrimidine derivatives of formula (I) wherein A is a benzene or imidazole ring; B is a benzene, tetralin, indane or 2-oxindole ring R is (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)perfluoroalkyl, phenyl, phenyl-(C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkyl, hydroxy-(C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkyl, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkoxy-(C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkyl, (C.sub.2 -C.sub.4)acyloxy-(C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkyl, halobenzoyloxy-(C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkyl, carboxy, carbamoyl, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkoxycarbonyl, cyano, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkylcarbonyl, carboxy-(C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkyl, carbamoyl-(C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkyl, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkoxycarbonyl-(C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkyl, halo-(C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkyl, amino-(C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkyl, mono- or di-(C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkylamino-(C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkyl, sulfo-(C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkyl or sulfamido-(C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkyl; each of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, which may be the same or different, is hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy, halogen or --NR.sub.5 R.sub.6 in which each of R.sub.