Abstract: A retraction device that can be used inside a patient during a surgical procedure is provided. The retraction device includes pivotally connected links and connection ends such that the ring can be flattened and introduced into a patient laparoscopically. Once introduced to a laparoscopic surgery site, the retraction device can be formed and used while within the patient. Once use is complete, the device that can be in the form of a ring can be substantially flattened and removed from the patient using the laparoscopic tool it was introduced with.

Abstract: Techniques are described for closure of a defect in material, such as closure of a laparoscopic surgical defect. A defect closure device can be inserted into the defect to capture first material adjacent to the defect. The device houses at least first and second suture pins coupled together by a suture. A first interaction with a trigger structure can force the first suture pin through the captured first material and into a containment sub-assembly. After rotating the device to capture second material adjacent to the defect, a second interaction with the trigger structure can force the second suture pin through the captured second material and into the containment sub-assembly. As such, the suture is passed through the first and second portions of the material, and the ends of the suture can be cinched, and cut to form a stitch.

Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods for closure of a hole or other defect, for example in context of a laparoscopic surgical procedure. For example, a suturing device and method of use involve inserting the device into a hole, positioning material around the hole into a notch of the device, passing a needle through a cavity in the device and the material positioned in the notch, passing a suture through the eye of the needle, and removing the needle from the material with the suture. The suture can be removed and the process can be repeated with another end of the suture at another location through the material, around the hole. When the suture is passed through the second point of penetration, the suture can now extend both into and out of the material at different points around the hole and can be tied, thereby closing the hole.

Abstract: There are shown and described embodiments of closure devices and systems for closing holes in tissue such as those caused unintentionally (e.g. hernia) or intentionally (e.g. openings in the right atrial appendage to access cardiac tissue). Such devices and systems include one or more mesh elements or anchors. In particular embodiments, a closure device includes first and second mesh closure members and a tether or stem connecting them. Embodiments of a delivery device for such closure devices are also described.

Abstract: A suturing device and method of use involve inserting the device into a hole, positioning material around the hole into a notch of the device, passing a needle through a cavity in the device and the material positioned in the notch, and lining up an eye of the needle with a portal for passage of a suture. A suture is then passed through the eye of the needle and the needle is removed from the material (such as skin and fascia) with the suture. The suture is then removed and the process is repeated with another end of the suture at another location through the material, around the hole. When the suture is passed through the second point of penetration, the suture now extends both into and out of the material at different points around the hole and can be tied.

Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods for closure of a hole or other defect, for example in context of a laparoscopic surgical procedure. For example, a suturing device and method of use involve inserting the device into a hole, positioning material around the hole into a notch of the device, passing a needle through a cavity in the device and the material positioned in the notch, passing a suture through the eye of the needle, and removing the needle from the material with the suture. The suture can be removed and the process can be repeated with another end of the suture at another location through the material, around the hole. When the suture is passed through the second point of penetration, the suture can now extend both into and out of the material at different points around the hole and can be tied, thereby closing the hole.

Abstract: The invention is a lighted gastric surgical bougie which includes an integral light source disposed at the distal end that, when activated, is detectable through the gastric wall of a patient during gastric surgery. The light source enables a surgeon to identify the location of the bougie within the patient. The light source may include at least one LED integrally disposed at the distal end. Optionally, a second LED is integrally disposed on the main body a longitudinal distance away from the at least one LED at the distal end. The second LED may be disposed near the tapered region so that a surgeon can readily identify the location of the tapered region with respect to the patient's anatomy. Preferably, the second LED at the proximal portion of the tapered region is visibly different than the at least one LED. Alternatively, the light source is chemiluminescent.

Abstract: A suturing device and method of use involve inserting the device into a hole, positioning material around the hole into a notch of the device, passing a needle through a cavity in the device and the material positioned in the notch, and lining up an eye of the needle with a portal for passage of a suture. A suture is then passed through the eye of the needle and the needle is removed from the material (such as skin and fascia) with the suture. The suture is then removed and the process is repeated with another end of the suture at another location through the material, around the hole. When the suture is passed through the second point of penetration, the suture now extends both into and out of the material at different points around the hole and can be tied.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retractor for use during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Abstract: An introducer for use during endoscopic procedures provides insufflation, washing, and aspiration functions, and provides for the protection of the endoluminal surface during laparoscopic examination of an anastomosis or suture line following low anterior resection of the bowel. The introducer may be designed for the insertion of an endoscope capable of white light and/or near infra-red fluorescence imaging into the rectum for analysis of an anastomosis following low anterior resection of the bowel.

Abstract: The invention is a lighted gastric surgical bougie which includes an integral light source disposed at the distal end that, when activated, is detectable through the gastric wall of a patient during gastric surgery. The light source enables a surgeon to identify the location of the bougie within the patient. The light source may include at least one LED integrally disposed at the distal end. Optionally, a second LED is integrally disposed on the main body a longitudinal distance away from the at least one LED at the distal end. The second LED may be disposed near the tapered region so that a surgeon can readily identify the location of the tapered region with respect to the patient's anatomy. Preferably, the second LED at the proximal portion of the tapered region is visibly different than the at least one LED. Alternatively, the light source is chemiluminescent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retractor for use during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Abstract: Viscerotomy closure devices and methods of use close a hole in a bodily organ, such as one created during a natural orifice transgastric surgery procedure. A mesh with a hole in its center and an attached loop of suture having a Roeder knot is mounted on the protruding rod of an end-to-end anastomosis stapler between the anvil and the staple carrying member. The mesh covers the staple receiving slots. When rotated when in contact with tissue, an augur-shaped blade attached to the anvil's exterior self-feeds the tissue through a notch in the anvil's base into the space between the anvil and the staple carrying member. After the stapler is fired to staple the mesh to the tissue and create a viscerotomy, a knot pusher cinches the loop of suture and subsequently tightens the Roeder knot to maintain the cinch.

Abstract: Viscerotomy closure devices and methods of use close a hole in a bodily organ, such as one created during a natural orifice transgastric surgery procedure. A mesh with a hole in its center and an attached loop of suture having a Roeder knot is mounted on the protruding rod of an end-to-end anastomosis stapler between the anvil and the staple carrying member. The mesh covers the staple receiving slots. When rotated when in contact with tissue, an augur-shaped blade attached to the anvil's exterior self-feeds the tissue through a notch in the anvil's base into the space between the anvil and the staple carrying member. After the stapler is fired to staple the mesh to the tissue and create a viscerotomy, a knot pusher cinches the loop of suture and subsequently tightens the Roeder knot to maintain the cinch.