Abstract: Tools and methods are provided for removing biological units from a body surface utilizing a removal tool. The tools may incorporate retention members and mechanisms configured to impede movement of the biological unit in the direction of a distal end of the tool and to improve retention of the biological unit in the tool. Some of the retention members are stationary and some are movable within the lumen of the biological unit removal tools. The distal tips of the tools are desirably configured to reduce the chance of transection of a biological unit, such as by including both cutting segments and blunt relief segments. A number of dual concentric tube embodiments permit a division of removal functions. Distal fluid or gas delivery may supplement a vacuum in a luminal space to help extract biological units from surrounding tissue.

Abstract: Device and method for harvesting and implanting hair follicular units is provided. A combined harvesting and implanting tool or tool assembly provides a harvesting cannula portion detachably coupled to an implanting cannula portion. The harvesting and implanting cannula portions may be coupled by a connector that could be designed to allow for multiple uses of the tool assembly, or alternatively may be designed for single use and rendered non-functional when the implanting cannula portion of the tool is separated from the harvesting cannula portion of the tool.

Abstract: Device and method for harvesting and implanting hair follicular units is provided. A combined harvesting and implanting tool or tool assembly provides a harvesting cannula portion detachably coupled to an implanting cannula portion. The harvesting and implanting cannula portions may be coupled by a connector that could be designed to allow for multiple uses of the tool assembly, or alternatively may be designed for single use and rendered non-functional when the implanting cannula portion of the tool is separated from the harvesting cannula portion of the tool.

Abstract: Device and method for harvesting and implanting hair follicular units is provided. A combined harvesting and implanting tool or tool assembly provides a harvesting cannula portion detachably coupled to an implanting cannula portion. The harvesting and implanting cannula portions may be coupled by a connector that could be designed to allow for multiple uses of the tool assembly, or alternatively may be designed for single use and rendered non-functional when the implanting cannula portion of the tool is separated from the harvesting cannula portion of the tool.

Abstract: Tools and methods are provided for removing biological units from a body surface utilizing a removal tool. The tools may incorporate retention members and mechanisms configured to impede movement of the biological unit in the direction of a distal end of the tool and to improve retention of the biological unit in the tool. Some of the retention members are stationary and some are movable within the lumen of the biological unit removal tools. The distal tips of the tools are desirably configured to reduce the chance of transection of a biological unit, such as by including both cutting segments and blunt relief segments. A number of dual concentric tube embodiments permit a division of removal functions. Distal fluid or gas delivery may supplement a vacuum in a luminal space to help extract biological units from surrounding tissue.

Abstract: Device and method for harvesting and implanting hair follicular units is provided. A combined harvesting and implanting tool or tool assembly provides a harvesting cannula portion detachably coupled to an implanting cannula portion. The harvesting and implanting cannula portions may be coupled by a connector that could be designed to allow for multiple uses of the tool assembly, or alternatively may be designed for single use and rendered non-functional when the implanting cannula portion of the tool is separated from the harvesting cannula portion of the tool.

Abstract: One method for closing an opening in tissue may include providing a substantially continuous solid staple having a plurality of tines and a longitudinal centerline, plastically deforming the staple to a splayed configuration; penetrating at least one tine into tissue in proximity to the opening; and plastically deforming the staple to a closed configuration. Another method for closing an opening in tissue may include providing a staple having a plurality of tines; plastically deforming the staple to a splayed configuration by applying force in the distal direction against a proximal surface of the staple; penetrating at least one tine into tissue in proximity to the opening; and plastically deforming the staple from the splayed configuration to a closed configuration by applying force in the distal direction against a proximal surface of the staple.

Abstract: An exemplary medical apparatus insertable into the vasculature of a patient at an insertion point for treating a defect in the heart, may include an elongated, flexible driver sufficient in length to extend from the insertion point to the defect in the heart; and a staple frangibly attached to the distal end of the driver. Another exemplary medical apparatus may include a catheter sufficient in length to extend from the insertion point to the patent foramen ovale; a housing attached to the distal end of the catheter; a driver extending into the housing; and a staple frangibly attached to the driver.

Abstract: A system for closing an opening in tissue may include an end effector that holds a staple, where the staple is plastically deformed to a splayed configuration for engaging tissue, then plastically deformed to a closed condition for closing the opening. The system may include one or more butterfly members configured to register the opening to the end effector.

Abstract: A tool for deploying an anastomosis device includes a member configured to hold the anastomosis device, and an expander movable relative to the anastomosis device.

Abstract: An anastomosis device includes a deployable section that may be connected to a discard section. The deployable section may be configured to expand in two substantially orthogonal directions during deployment. The deployable section may include a ring that includes one or more expandable elements.

Abstract: A method for performing anastomosis between a graft vessel and a target vessel with an integrated anastomosis tool may include actuating at least one control on the integrated anastomosis tool to create an opening in the target vessel and complete an anastomosis with the target vessel. Another method for performing anastomosis may include creating an opening in intact tissue of the target vessel with an integrated anastomosis tool; and deploying an anastomosis device with the integrated anastomosis tool. The anastomosis may be performed with an anastomosis device, such as an anastomosis device having a deployable section detachable from a discard section.

Abstract: An piercing member is axially fixed to and positioned within a cutter, both of which are components of a stand-alone tool for creating an opening in the wall of a tubular tissue structure. The stand-alone tool includes an impulse source connected to the piercing member and to the cutter. An actuator is operationally connected to the impulse source, where the actuator causes the impulse source to release energy to and provide an impulse to the piercing member and the cutter. The tool may be configured to make multiple openings in the tissue of the same patient.