Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for enlarging an anastomosis fistula. In general, a surgical clip is applied to tissue surrounding a strictured anastomosis. The clip will exert a pressure on the engaged tissue that causes ischemic necrosis, and as a result the necrotic tissue and the clip will slough off, leaving an anastomosis with a larger diameter fistula.

Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed along with methods of using the same. The surgical device may include an outer sheath and a collar assembly. The collar assembly may be coupled to the outer sheath and may include a first arm coupled to the outer sheath at a first hinge; a second arm coupled to the first arm at a second hinge; and a collar coupled to the second arm. The collar assembly may be movable from an un-deployed position where the first arm and the second arm extend the collar distally from the outer sheath to a deployed position where the collar is aligned with the first channel of the outer sheath. Also, the first arm, the second arm, and the collar may be positioned substantially within a cross-sectional area of a distal end of the outer sheath when the collar assembly is in the un-deployed position.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for forming a compression anastomosis. The apparatus includes an anastomotic device with an anastomotic portion including a first end and a second end. The anastomotic portion is formed of a ferrous, magnetic, or paramagnetic material. At least one flexible portion protrudes from the first end of the anastomotic portion. The at least one flexible portion includes an articulation node located at a predetermined distance from the first end of the anastomotic portion. The articulation node enables the at least one flexible portion to move relative to the anastomotic portion. The system further includes a magnet having a first end and a second end. The magnet is adapted to magnetically couple to the anastomotic portion of the anastomotic device and to compress tissue between the magnet and the anastomotic device. The compressive force on the tissue is sufficient to create a compression anastomosis through the tissue.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for enlarging an anastomosis fistula. In general, a surgical clip is applied to tissue surrounding a strictured anastomosis. The clip will exert a pressure on the engaged tissue that causes ischemic necrosis, and as a result the necrotic tissue and the clip will slough off, leaving an anastomosis with a larger diameter fistula.

Abstract: A magnetic alignment and guidance system is described for use during a surgical or diagnostic procedure within a patient to align and magnetically join the free ends of catheters to form a continuous channel. The system includes two magnetic couplers mounted on the ends of the catheters. One or both of the catheters may be attached to a surgical or diagnostic device, such as a trocar or an endoscope.

Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed along with methods of using the same. The surgical device may comprise an outer sheath and a collar assembly. The collar assembly may be coupled to the outer sheath and may comprise a first arm coupled to the outer sheath at a first hinge; a second arm coupled to the first arm at a second hinge; and a collar coupled to the second arm. The collar assembly may be movable from an un-deployed position where the first arm and the second arm extend the collar distally from the outer sheath to a deployed position where the collar is aligned with the first channel of the outer sheath. Also, the first arm, the second arm, and the collar may be positioned substantially within a cross-sectional area of a distal end of the outer sheath when the collar assembly is in the un-deployed position.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for covering an anastomosis are disclosed. The apparatus includes a resilient flexible patch having a diameter that is greater than the diameter of an anastomosis. A opening is formed in the patch. The opening has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the anastomosis. The system further includes a joining element to attach the patch to tissue adjacent to the anastomosis. At least one hole is formed around the perimeter of the patch. The at least one hole is to receive the joining element therethrough. The method includes inserting a resilient flexible patch having a diameter that is greater than the diameter of an anastomosis through a working channel of an endoscope, locating the patch adjacent to the anastomosis, and attaching the patch to tissue adjacent to the anastomosis using a joining element.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for forming a compression anastomosis. The apparatus includes an anastomotic device. An anastomotic portion of the anastomotic device includes a first end and a second end. The anastomotic portion is formed of a ferrous, magnetic, or paramagnetic material. At least one flexible portion protrudes from the first end of the anastomotic portion. The at least one flexible portion includes an articulation node located at a predetermined distance from the first end of the anastomotic portion. The articulation node enables the at least one flexible portion to move relative to the anastomotic portion. The system further includes a magnet having a first end and a second end. The magnet is adapted to magnetically couple to the anastomotic portion of the anastomotic device and to compress tissue between the magnet and the anastomotic device. The compressive force on the tissue is sufficient to create a compression anastomosis through the tissue.

Abstract: A sewing device is described for use in surgical procedures inside a patient, which can be used without the need to make an external incision in the patient. The device comprises a slot to which suction is applied at a plurality of locations to suck in a double-layer of tissue, and a needle for passing a tag into and through the double layer. The tag may have an article attached thereto, for example a sensor/transmitter.

Abstract: A sewing machine for forming stitches in a substrate, for example, in forming stitches in tissue during surgery, comprises a needle for passing thread into the substrate from one side thereof, at a first location and for withdrawing the thread from the substrate at a second location spaced from the first location. The needle is removably operable solely from one side of the substrate. A stapling machine is also disclosed operating on similar principles for similar purposes.

Abstract: A sewing machine for forming stitches in a substrate, for example, in forming stitches in tissue during surgery, comprises a needle for passing thread into the substrate from one side thereof at a first location and for withdrawing the thread from the substrate at a second location spaced from the first location. The needle is removably operable solely from the said one side of the substrate. A stapling machine is also disclosed operating on similar principles for similar purposes.