Abstract: A surgical clip applier is provided having a cartridge carrying multiple surgical clips with a manual graspable actuator configured to sequentially deliver clips to the jaws of the clip applier. Both the cartridge and the jaws are connectable to a scissors-like handle assembly arranged to translate motion from finger loops to the jaws to open and close the jaws and thus close or crimp a delivered clip between the jaws.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier includes a handle assembly, a first clip assembly, and a second clip assembly. The first clip assembly is adapted to receive only a single clip while the second clip assembly is adapted to receive multiple clips. The handle assembly is sized and configured to receive the first clip assembly or the second clip assembly. A jaw assembly includes a pair of jaws each with an elongate support arm, and a bridge holding the jaws in an aligned relationship. A housing has a fixed relationship with the bridge while permitting movement of the jaws between an open and a closed state. A coupling attaches the housing to the handle assembly. An associated method of operation includes the step of removing one of the single clip jaw assembly and the multiple clip-jaw assembly, disposing of the one jaw assembly while mounting the other jaw assembly on the handle.

Abstract: A single-fire clip applier with disposable jaws and re-usable handles is provided. The first jaw member is coupled to a second jaw member by a connector spring. The connector spring biases the jaws to an open at rest position. The jaws are releasably mountable to a post on the handles. Actuation of the handles produces a corresponding actuation of the jaws. After use, the jaws may be disposed and the handles re-sterilized. Different sized jaws for different sized clips may be used with one common re-usable handle.

Abstract: A surgical clip dispenser arranged to hold a plurality of surgical clips for retrieval by a clip applier is provided. The dispenser in one aspect includes a clip housing with a plurality of slots each adapted to hold a plurality of surgical clips and is biased for rotational movement. A regulator substantially encompassed by the clip housing in one position prevents rotational movement of the clip housing and in another position permits rotation of the clip housing.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier is provided having a cartridge carrying multiple surgical clips with a manual graspable actuator configured to sequentially deliver clips to the jaws of the clip applier. Both the cartridge and the jaws are connectable to a scissors-like actuator arranged to translate motion from finger loops to the jaws to open and close the jaws and thus close or crimp a delivered clip between the jaws.

Abstract: A surgical clip dispenser arranged to hold a plurality of surgical clips for retrieval by a clip applier is provided. The dispenser in one aspect includes a clip housing with a plurality of slots each adapted to hold a plurality of surgical clips and is biased for rotational movement. A regulator substantially encompassed by the clip housing in one position prevents rotational movement of the clip housing and in another position permits rotation of the clip housing.

Abstract: A single-fire clip applier with disposable jaws and re-usable handles is provided. The first jaw member is coupled to a second jaw member by a connector spring. The connector spring biases the jaws to an open at rest position. The jaws are releasably mountable to a post on the handles. Actuation of the handles produces a corresponding actuation of the jaws. After use, the jaws may be disposed and the handles re-sterilized. Different sized jaws for different sized clips may be used with one common re-usable handle.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier includes a handle assembly, a first clip assembly, and a second clip assembly. The first clip assembly is adapted to receive only a single clip while the second clip assembly is adapted to receive multiple clips. The handle assembly is sized and configured to receive alternatively the first clip assembly or the second clip assembly. A jaw assembly includes a pair of jaws each with an elongate support arm, and a bridge holding the jaws in an aligned relationship. A housing has a fixed relationship with the bridge while permitting movement of the jaws between an open and a closed state. A coupling is provided to attach the housing to the handle assembly. An associated method of operation includes the step of removing one of the single clip jaw assembly and the multiple clip-jaw assembly, disposing of the one jaw assembly while mounting the other jaw assembly on the handle.

Abstract: A urological guidewire includes a core formed of a first metallic material and extending toward an end of the guidewire. A coil having a plurality of convolutions is disposed around the core at the end of the guidewire, the coil being formed of a second metallic material different than the first metallic material. A mechanical interlock is formed to inhibit separation of the different materials forming the coil and the core. The mechanical interlock may include an enlargement at the end of the core and a bonding material fixing the enlargement to the coil. The convolutions may include a penultimate convolution with a first radius of curvature and an ultimate convolution having a second, shorter radius of curvature to form a bridge. In this case, portions of the core can be bent back on themselves and directed over or around the bridge to form the mechanical interlock.

Abstract: A urological guidewire includes a core formed of a first metallic material and extending toward an end of the guidewire. A coil having a plurality of convolutions is disposed around the core at the end of the guidewire, the coil being formed of a second metallic material different than the first metallic material. A mechanical interlock is formed to inhibit separation of the different materials forming the coil and the core. The mechanical interlock may include an enlargement at the end of the core and a bonding material fixing the enlargement to the coil. The convolutions may include a penultimate convolution with a first radius of curvature and an ultimate convolution having a second, shorter radius of curvature to form a bridge. In this case, portions of the core can be bent back on themselves and directed over or around the bridge to form the mechanical interlock.

Abstract: A urological guidewire includes a core formed of a first metallic material and extending toward an end of the guidewire. A coil having a plurality of convolutions is disposed around the core at the end of the guidewire, the coil being formed of a second metallic material different than the first metallic material. A mechanical interlock is formed to inhibit separation of the different materials forming the coil and the core. The mechanical interlock may include an enlargement at the end of the core and a bonding material fixing the enlargement to the coil. The convolutions may include a penultimate convolution with a first radius of curvature and an ultimate convolution having a second, shorter radius of curvature to form a bridge. In this case, portions of the core can be bent back on themselves and directed over or around the bridge to form the mechanical interlock.

Abstract: A surgical device for cleaning and removing obstructing material from within a vascular conduit or other bodily passageway. The device comprises a balloon catheter having an independently operable outer woven sleeve having a plurality of mesh openings. The woven sleeve surrounds the radially expandable and contractible balloon. In one embodiment, the outer woven sleeve is configured into a predetermined shape through manipulation of the catheter and used to maintain the inflated balloon within that predetermined configuration. In another embodiment, the woven sleeve is radially expanded by the inflated balloon such that the woven mesh is driven into the vascular conduit. The woven sleeve may be used to abrade the surface of the vascular conduit and increase the flow passage or alternatively as traction for various other surgical procedures within the vascular conduit.

Abstract: A stent having an elongate tubular configuration is formed of a plurality of elongate elements interwoven or braided to form a tubular configuration. The elements may be relatively strong and rigid, but movable relative to each other within the weave or braid in order to provide the stent with generally soft characteristics. The elements may be formed of different materials, such as an absorbent material permitting the stent to be doped with materials such as drugs and chemicals. Even the absorbency can be controlled and varied to provide a predetermined time-release of the absorbent.

Abstract: A urological guidewire includes a core formed of a first metallic material and extending toward an end of the guidewire. A coil having a plurality of convolutions is disposed around the core at the end of the guidewire, the coil being formed of a second metallic material different than the first metallic material. A mechanical interlock is formed to inhibit separation of the different materials forming the coil and the core. The mechanical interlock may include an enlargement at the end of the core and a bonding material fixing the enlargement to the coil. The convolutions may include a penultimate convolution with a first radius of curvature and an ultimate convolution having a second, shorter radius of curvature to form a bridge. In this case, portions of the core can be bent back on themselves and directed over or around the bridge to form the mechanical interlock.

Abstract: A surgical device for cleaning and removing obstructing material from within a vascular conduit or other bodily passageway. The device comprises a balloon catheter having an independently operable outer woven sleeve having a plurality of mesh openings. The woven sleeve surrounds the radially expandable and contractible balloon. In one embodiment, the outer woven sleeve is configured into a predetermined shape through manipulation of the catheter and used to maintain the inflated balloon within that predetermined configuration. In another embodiment, the woven sleeve is radially expanded by the inflated balloon such that the woven mesh is driven into the vascular conduit. The woven sleeve may be used to abrade the surface of the vascular conduit and increase the flow passage or alternatively as traction for various other surgical procedures within the vascular conduit.

Abstract: A trocar having a working channel extending along an between a distal end and a proximal end includes a cannula at the distal end and a housing at the proximal end which define a working channel of the trocar. A valve disposed in the working channel separates the trocar into regions proximal of the valve and regions distal of the valve. The valve includes elastomeric means which form a first seal that is openably closable across the working channel. A wall of the valve extends radially outwardly of the elastomeric means and forms a second seal with the housing. The trocar also includes means for defining a passage extending from regions exterior of the trocar through the regions proximal of the valve and into the regions distal of the valve. Valve means disposed across this passage controls the administration of fluid through the passage and into the working channel of the cannula.

Abstract: A trocar having a working channel extending along an axis between a distal end and a proximal end includes a cannula at the distal end and a housing at the proximal end which define a working channel of the trocar. A valve disposed in the working channel separates the trocar into regions proximal of the valve and regions distal of the valve. The valve includes elastomeric means which form a first seal that is openably closable across the working channel. A wall of the valve extends radially outwardly of the elastomeric means and forms a second seal with the housing. The trocar also includes means for defining a passage extending from regions exterior of the trocar through the regions proximal of the valve and into the regions distal of the valve. Valve means disposed across this passage controls the administration of fluid through the passage and into the working channel of the cannula.