Abstract: A surgical stapling device particularly suited for endoscopic procedures is described. The device includes a handle assembly and an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly. The distal end of the elongated body is adapted to engage a disposable loading unit. A control rod having a proximal end operatively connected to the handle assembly includes a distal end extending through the elongated body. A control rod locking member is provided to prevent movement of the control rod until the disposable loading unit is fully secured to the elongated body of the stapling device.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device for sequentially applying a plurality of fasteners to body tissue and simultaneously incising tissue is provided. The surgical stapling device is adapted to receive disposable loading units having staples in linear rows whose length can be between about 30 mm and 60 mm. The disposable loading unit includes a proximal body portion, a mounting assembly and a tool assembly. The mounting assembly is secured to the proximal end of the tool assembly and pivotally mounted about a pivot axis to the distal end of the proximal body portion. A support member or blow-out plate assembly is positioned on opposite sides of the pivot avis and extends between the proximal body portion and the mounting assembly. An axial drive assembly is slidably positioned between the support members and is translatable through the cartridge assembly to eject staples from the cartridge assembly.

Abstract: An articulating elongate surgical instrument includes a handle assembly, an elongated body portion, a tool assembly pivotally supported on the distal end of the elongated body portion. The elongate surgical instrument includes as well an articulation mechanism to effect the movement of the tool assembly, the articulation mechanism including a pivot member operatively coupled to the tool assembly. The elongated body includes at least one articulation drive member having at least one retaining surface therein; a firing rod disposed adjacent the articulation drive, with an articulation locking actuating surface disposed upon the firing rod; and an articulation locking means configured to selectively engage and disengage from the actuating surface and to selectively engage and disengage from the retaining surface of the articulation drive member.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device particularly suited for endoscopic procedures is described. The device includes a handle assembly and an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly. The distal end of the elongated body is adapted to engage a disposable loading unit. A control rod having a proximal end operatively connected to the handle assembly includes a distal end extending through the elongated body. A control rod locking member is provided to prevent movement of the control rod until the disposable loading unit is fully secured to the elongated body of the stapling device.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device for sequentially applying a plurality of fasteners to body tissue and simultaneously incising tissue is provided. The surgical stapling device is adapted to receive disposable loading units having staples in linear rows whose length can be between about 30 mm and 60 mm. The disposable loading unit includes a proximal body portion, a mounting assembly and a tool assembly. The mounting assembly is secured to the proximal end of the tool assembly and pivotally mounted about a pivot axis to the distal end of the proximal body portion. A support member or blow-out plate assembly is positioned on opposite sides of the pivot avis and extends between the proximal body portion and the mounting assembly. An axial drive assembly is slidably positioned between the support members and is translatable through the cartridge assembly to eject staples from the cartridge assembly.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device for sequentially applying a plurality of fasteners to body tissue and simultaneously incising tissue is provided. The surgical stapling device is adapted to receive disposable loading units having staples in linear rows whose length can be between about 30 mm and 60 mm. The disposable loading unit includes a proximal body portion, a mounting assembly and a tool assembly. The mounting assembly is secured to the proximal end of the tool assembly and pivotally mounted about a pivot axis to the distal end of the proximal body portion. A support member or blow-out plate assembly is positioned on opposite sides of the pivot avis and extends between the proximal body portion and the mounting assembly. An axial drive assembly is slidably positioned between the support members and is translatable through the cartridge assembly to eject staples from the cartridge assembly.

Abstract: A surgical retractor assembly is provided comprising a frame having first and second portions, a first hook member supported on the frame, a second hook member supported on the frame and movable with respect to the frame, a ring member removably mounted on the frame and configured to engage at least one surgical instrument for use in performing a surgical procedure, and a frame support supporting the frame. The frame support is adapted to retain the first portion of the frame in a selected raised position with respect to the second portion of the frame. The frame support preferably comprises an elongated shaft having a locking mechanism for locking the frame in the selected raised position.

Abstract: A needle for everting body tissue is a linear member having a back portion, an arcuate tissue penetrating portion, and a generally U-shaped tissue everting portion therebetween. The U-shaped tissue everting portion includes a base and first and second tissue abutment arms, the back portion preferably being collinear with the first arm and oriented at an angle with respect to the base. The needle can be incorporated into an instrument for use in endoscopic procedures. In such instruments the needle can be attached in a fixed position with respect to the instrument, or retractable within a tubular sleeve.

Abstract: A surgical clip applicator having a housing, a pair of handles pivotally connected to opposite sides of the housing, and a jaw blade assembly fixedly connected to the housing is provided. The jaw blade assembly includes a pair of jaws for receiving and deforming a clip therebetween and a clip carrier for supplying a series of clips to the jaws. A channel assembly is slidably mounted with respect to the housing and envelops the jaw blade assembly for camming the jaws closed upon closing of the handles. The clips are urged by a pusher bar which provides a biasing force to advance the clips to be retained by the jaws. A jaw clamp is provided to maintain the jaw assembly in abutting relation to a clip cover. The applicator housing is formed from a pair of housing half-sections that may be secured together using interlocking and/or snap-fit structure.

Abstract: A surgical clip applicator comprising a housing, a pair of handles pivotally connected to opposite sides of said housing, and a jaw blade assembly fixedly connected to the housing. The jaw blade assembly includes a pair of jaws for receiving and deforming a clip therebetween and a clip carrier for supplying a series of clips to said jaws. A channel assembly is slidably mounted in the housing and envelops said jaw blade assembly. A forming cam is connected between and to said handles and said channel assembly for sliding said channel assembly in a distal direction in response to closing of said handles together to move said jaws towards each other. A feed cam bar slidably mounted in said channel assembly in overlying relation to said clip carrier, said bar having a nose at its distal end. A pusher bar sidably mounted in said channel assembly for advancing clips along said clip carrier.

Abstract: A surgical clip applicator comprising a housing, a pair of handles pivotally connected to opposite sides of said housing, and a jaw blade assembly fixedly connected to the housing. The jaw blade assembly includes a pair of jaws for receiving and deforming a clip therebetween and a clip carrier for supplying a series of clips to said jaws. A channel assembly is slidably mounted in the housing and envelops said jaw blade assembly. A forming cam is connected between and to said handles and said channel assembly for sliding said channel assembly in a distal direction in response to closing of said handles together to move said jaws towards each other. A feed cam bar slidably mounted in said channel assembly in overlying relation to said clip carrier, said bar having a nose at its distal end. A pusher bar slidably mounted in said channel assembly for advancing clips along said clip carrier.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier comprising a housing, a pair of handles pivotally connected to opposite sides of the housing, and a jaw blade assembly fixedly connected to the housing. The jaw blade assembly includes a pair of jaws for receiving and deforming a clip therebetween and a clip carrier for supplying a series of clips to the jaws. A channel assembly is slidably mounted with respect to the housing and envelops the jaw blade assembly for camming the jaws closed upon closing of the handles. The clips may be fed to the jaws by a spring biased feed bar which operates upon closing of the handles, or may be urged by pusher bar which provides a biasing force to the clips to be retained by the jaws. The instrument may be used in conventional surgical procedures, or may be adapted for endoscopic and laparoscopic surgical procedures requiring the application of microsurgical clips.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier comprising a housing, a pair of handles pivotally connected to opposite sides of the housing, and a jaw blade assembly fixedly connected to the housing. The jaw blade assembly includes a pair of jaws for receiving and deforming a clip therebetween and a clip carrier for supplying a series of clips to the jaws. A channel assembly is slidably mounted with respect to the housing and envelops the jaw blade assembly for camming the jaws closed upon closing of the handles. The clips may be fed to the jaws by a spring biased feed bar which operates upon closing of the handles, or may be urged by pusher bar which provides a biasing force to the clips to be retained by the jaws. The instrument may be used in conventional surgical procedures, or may be adapted for endoscopic and laparoscopic surgical procedures requiting the application of microsurgical clips.