Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument for performing endoscopic procedures such as carpal tunnel release. The cutting instrument consists of a tubular sheath or obturator constructed of a transparent material which is connected to a handle which includes means for securing a viewing instrument such as an endoscope thereto. A cutting blade is moved from a first protected or enclosed position to a second armed position, where only the blade edge is exposed at an opening in the obturator.

Abstract: A compression device for the anastomosis of a tubular hollow organ, having a first collapsible member movable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, said first collapsible member having a first end and a second end; a second collapsible member movable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, said second collapsible member adapted to be joined with said first end of said first collapsible member; and a third collapsible member adapted to be joined with said second end of said second collapsible member; wherein at least one of said first, second or third collapsible members comprises at least one resilient hinge portion disposed thereon which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of said device to facilitate the collapsibility thereof. Also provided are surgical instruments for carrying and placing the compression device components and a device for approximating surgical devices. A method for forming a compression anastomosis, is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for elevating, approximating and/or restraining internal organs or structures, and more particularly for treating female urinary stress incontinence are provided. The apparatus include an anchoring device having an elongated suture with an anchor at each end thereof and a cinching member therebetween for adjusting the operative length of the suture, an articulating apparatus for applying the anchoring device during an endoscopic or laparoscopic procedure, and an apparatus for drawing the suture relative to the cinching member after it has been emplaced.

Abstract: A surgical stapling or fastening instrument for applying surgical fasteners to tissue having an adjustable closure mechanism to linearly approximate the distance between the jaw members of the instrument. The adjustable closure mechanism consists of a retaining mechanism and a linkage structure which is actuable to linearly urge the jaw members towards each other. A coupling arrangement is also provided which permits firing of the staples or fasteners only when the jaw members are approximated a predetermined distance towards each other.

Abstract: A surgical stapler for placing lateral lines of staples and making an incision, all through an endoscopic tube, includes an anvil member which is mounted to the distal end of an elongated housing. A tubular collar disposed around the arm of the anvil member is movable to a distal position to bias the anvil member and a cartridge assembly into cooperative alignment, thereby clamping body tissue to be fastened between the anvil member and cartridge assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for elevating, approximating and/or restraining internal organs or structures, and more particularly for treating female urinary stress incontinence are provided. The apparatus include an anchoring device having an elongated suture with an anchor at each end thereof and a cinching member therebetween for adjusting the operative length of the suture, an articulating apparatus for applying the anchoring device during an endoscopic or laparoscopic procedure, and an apparatus for drawing the suture relative to the cinching member after it has been emplaced.

Abstract: An endoscopic ligating and dividing instrument includes an endoscopic portion and a non-endoscopic portion. The endoscopic portion includes clip closing jaws for applying at least two surgical clips to body tissue, pusher rods for loading clips into the jaws, a movable hook to catch and position the body tissue, and a knife for dividing the body tissue between the surgical clips. The non-endoscopic portion includes actuators responsive to manual actuation by a user.

Abstract: An endoscopic swab device comprising an elongated housing, a swab operatively associated with a distal end of the elongated housing and a connection member for connecting the swab relative to the housing and extending through the housing. A rotatable member is positioned on the housing to engage the connection member and further prevents separation of the swab from the housing. The tautness of the swab may be adjusted by rotating the rotatable member which positions the swab longitudinally relative to the elongated housing.

Abstract: The surgical clip applicator has a pusher bar which positions the foremost clip from a clip carrier into a ready-to-fire position between the jaws prior to squeezing of the handles together. When the applicator is fired, the previously positioned surgical clip can be crimped about a vessel and when the jaws are released, a new clip is placed between the jaws for the next firing. A channel assembly moves over the jaws to close the jaws while the pusher bar is retracted into the clip carrier for delivering the foremost clip from the carrier upon release of the handles. A latch arrangement is provided for locking the channel asesmbly in place and the handles against movement should the clip carrier be empty.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided for use in endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures. The instrument includes a handle portion, an endoscopic portion extending from the handle portion, an articulating section pivotably connected to a distal end portion of the endoscopic portion, and a retractor assembly operatively associated with the articulating section. Structure is provided for manipulating the articulating section relative to the longitudinal axis of the endoscopic portion within an angular degree of rotation. An injection port may also be provided to deliver fluids through the endoscopic portion to the operative site.

Abstract: A surgical stapling or fastening instrument for applying surgical fasteners to tissue having an adjustable closure mechanism to linearly approximate the distance between the jaw members of the instrument. The adjustable closure mechanism consists of an advancing mechanism and a retaining mechanism which is actuable to urge the jaw members towards each other. A coupling arrangement is also provided which permits firing of the staples or fasteners only when the jaw members are approximated a predetermined distance from each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for elevating, approximating and/or restraining internal organs or structures, and more particularly for treating female urinary stress incontinence is provided. The invention includes an anchoring device having an elongated suture with an anchor at each end thereof and a cinching member therebetween for adjusting the length of the suture, an apparatus for applying the anchoring device, and an apparatus for drawing the suture relative to the cinching member after it has been emplaced. The method involves securing a first anchor to a first structure, such as the vaginal wall, securing a second anchor to a second structure, such as Cooper's ligament, and drawing the suture relative to the cinching member to approximate the first and second anchors, and thereby move the first structure and the second structure into juxtaposition so as to approximate them.

Abstract: The present invention relates to anvils for surgical fastener applicators having a fastener forming surface for forming surgical fasteners, an intermediate surface formed of a metallic alloy disposed on at least a portion of the fastener forming surface and a polytetrafluorethylene coating disposed on the intermediate surface. The polytetrafluorethylene coating is provided to reduce the force necessary to form the fasteners.

Abstract: An apparatus for stapling the plaque lining of an artery or vein to the wall of the artery or vein, which comprises first and second opposed cooperative elongated members pivotably associated with one another. The first and second elongated members have distal ends, and proximal ends forming handles. The first elongated member forms an anvil portion at its distal end which is configured for placement into an open end of a vein and/or an artery. A staple cartridge assembly is disposed on the distal end of the second elongated member and includes a staple magazine containing a multiplicity of staples longitudinally and sequentially aligned with the staple magazine. Actuating means are provided which are supported by the staple cartridge assembly for movement in a given direction therealong to drive the staples in the staple magazine toward a staple exit end.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus is disclosed for attaching adjacent end portions of cutaneous body tissue wherein a pair of opposed jaws have means for moving the jaws toward and away from each other. Body tissue engaging means in the form of sharp tip members extend from each jaw and toward the other so as to engage the opposed portions of cutaneous tissue when the jaws are positioned thereagainst and moved toward each other. The jaws and the tips are arranged to cause the cutaneous tissue to assume an irregular shape at the interface whereby an elongated rod-like member, preferably rectangular in cross section, may be directed generally medially of the interface of the tissue to attach the opposed portions to thereby permit healing. The elongated member may have indentations to improve retention within the tissue. A tapered distal end of the elongated member has a pointed tip to facilitate penetration into the tissue.

Abstract: A safety trocar is provided in which the cannula is reciprocally mounted to the cannula housing and reciprocates into the cannula housing when a proximally directed force is applied thereto. The piercing tip is maintained in the exposed position by a latching mechanism associated with the obturator shaft, and is automatically withdrawn into the cannula under the force of a spring when the proximal force is removed from the cannula, the cannula thus advancing distally and releasing the latching mechanism. Penetration force is maintained at a minimum, and safe and efficacious trocar entry is facilitated.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for endoscopic application of surgical staples for fastening body tissue, especially vascular tissue. The apparatus includes a frame and an elongated endoscopic section connected to the frame and extending distally therefrom. A staple storage cartridge cooperates with the distal end of the endoscopic section and is selectively pivotal by the user. A staple firing mechanism advances an individual staple against an anvil for staple closure. Means are provided to prevent incomplete staple firing. Relative motion between the staple cartridge and the anvil clamps tissue to be stapled therebetween.The endoscopic section may be adapted for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the apparatus. Gaseous seal means located in the endoscopic section prevent escape of insufflating gas through the apparatus.

Abstract: A self contained gas powered endoscopic surgical apparatus is provided for placing lateral lines of surgical fasteners into body tissue. The apparatus includes a frame portion, an elongated portion extending from the frame portion, and an articulating cartridge assembly mounted to a distal end of the elongated portion. An anvil member is operatively associated with the articulating cartridge assembly and has a forming surface thereon against which surgical fasteners are driven as they are ejected from the cartridge assembly. A collar which is provided in the elongated portion translates longitudinally to draw a cable which operates to move the anvil member relative to the cartridge assembly, thereby clamping body tissue to be fastened. A self contained pneumatic system is associated with the frame portion and is actuable to eject the surgical fasteners from the cartridge assembly.

Abstract: A self contained gas powered endoscopic surgical apparatus is provided for placing lateral lines of surgical fasteners into body tissue. The apparatus includes a frame portion, an elongated portion extending from the frame portion, and an articulating fastener applying assembly associated with a distal end of the elongated portion. The fastener applying assembly includes a base portion, a staple cartridge housing, and an anvil member which has a forming surface thereon against which surgical fasteners are driven as they are ejected from the cartridge housing. A self contained pneumatic system is associated with the frame portion and is actuable to eject the surgical fasteners from the cartridge assembly.

Abstract: A surgical stapler for placing lateral lines of staples and making an incision, all through an endoscopic tube, includes an anvil member which is mounted to the distal end of an elongated housing. A tubular collar disposed around the arm of the anvil member is movable to a distal position to bias the anvil member and a cartridge assembly into cooperative alignment, thereby clamping body tissue to be fastened between the anvil member and cartridge assembly.