Abstract: There are disclosed various embodiments of a balloon dissector and balloon tip cannula assembly which are provided to facilitate forming an anatomical space within the body, such as, for example, an anatomical space in the abdominal cavity or extraperitoneal space for facilitating hernia repair surgeries. The balloon dissector and balloon tip cannula assembly generally includes a balloon tip cannula assembly for anchoring the device to the abdominal wall and a balloon dissector assembly having a dissection balloon at a distal end for separating apart tissue layers and forming an anatomical space. Various structures are provided to connect the balloon dissector assembly to the balloon tip cannula assembly. Obturators associated with the balloon dissector assembly and the balloon tip cannula assembly may also be provided.

Abstract: There are disclosed various embodiments of a balloon dissector and balloon tip cannula assembly which are provided to facilitate forming an anatomical space within the body, such as, for example, an anatomical space in the abdominal cavity or extraperitoneal space for facilitating hernia repair surgeries. The balloon dissector and balloon tip cannula assembly generally includes a balloon tip cannula assembly for anchoring the device to the abdominal wall and a balloon dissector assembly having a dissection balloon at a distal end for separating apart tissue layers and forming an anatomical space. Various structures are provided to connect the balloon dissector assembly to the balloon tip cannula assembly. Obturators associated with the balloon dissector assembly and the balloon tip cannula assembly may also be provided.

Abstract: A transdermally actuated gastric banding assembly is provided which includes an adjustable gastric band, a drive assembly and a transmission assembly positioned between the driver assembly and the adjustable gastric band. The drive assembly includes an internal component configured to be mounted within the body of the patient and an external component configured to operate transdermally so as to affect movement of the internal component. At least one of the internal and external components includes a magnetized member. A proximal end of the transmission assembly is connected to the internal component. A distal end of the transmission assembly is connected to a movable portion of the adjustable gastric band. In one embodiment, the internal component is mounted for rotational movement. In a further embodiment, at least one of the internal component and external component includes a plurality of magnetized members situated asymmetrically about a circumference of the at least one internal and external component.

Abstract: A gastric restrictor assembly for positioning about a portion of the digestive tract, e.g., stomach, esophagus, etc., of a patient to treat obesity is disclosed. The gastric restrictor assembly includes an inner expandable member and an outer collar. The inner expandable member is dimensioned to be transesophagealy positioned within the digestive tract, e.g., stomach. The outer collar is dimensioned to be positioned about the digestive tract, e.g., the stomach, and the inner expandable member to clamp the stomach therebetween. The inner expandable member defines an opening therethrough. The diameter of the opening is selectively adjustable via a fill tube to selectively control the diameter of the central opening.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided including a housing having an orifice; a cannula defining a lumen which is in communication with the orifice; an obturator receivable through the orifice and the lumen; and a balloon having a distal side, a proximal side and an aperture extending through the distal side and the proximal side. The surgical instrument further includes at least one attachment member to facilitate welding of the cannula and a to the balloon.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided including a housing having an orifice; a cannula defining a lumen which is in communication with the orifice; an obturator receivable through the orifice and the lumen; and a balloon having a distal side, a proximal side and an aperture extending through the distal side and the proximal side. The surgical instrument further includes at least one attachment member to facilitate welding of the cannula to the balloon.

Abstract: Methods of joining two structures made from dissimilar polymeric materials involve applying a coating containing a polymeric resin, such as a polyurethane-based polymer, to at least a portion of the first structure and welding the second structure to the coated portion of the first structure.

Abstract: There are disclosed various embodiments of a balloon dissector and balloon tip cannula assembly which are provided to facilitate forming an anatomical space within the body, such as, for example, an anatomical space in the abdominal cavity or extraperitoneal space for facilitating hernia repair surgeries. The balloon dissector and balloon tip cannula assembly generally includes a balloon tip cannula assembly for anchoring the device to the abdominal wall and a balloon dissector assembly having a dissection balloon at a distal end for separating apart tissue layers and forming an anatomical space. Various structures are provided to connect the balloon dissector assembly to the balloon tip cannula assemlby. Obturators associated with the balloon dissector assembly and the balloon tip cannula assembly may also be provided.