Abstract: An apparatus and a method for determining an amount of tension applied to first and second organ sections during a surgical procedure is disclosed. The apparatus includes first and second contacts on a surgical fastener applier that are operably coupled to a tension gauge and a tension indicator. The contacts may be repositionable between a retracted position and an extended position. The tension indicator may include audible and/or visual indications and/or alarms for the amount of tension applied to the first and second organ sections. Alternatively, the apparatus includes an elongate member attached to the organ sections, wherein a change in the characteristics of the member indicates an amount of tension applied to the organ sections.

Abstract: A gastric restrictor assembly for positioning within the digestive tract, e.g., stomach, of a patient to treat obesity is disclosed. The gastric restrictor assembly includes an attachment mechanism for attaching the assembly within a body lumen and a valve assembly for adjusting the diameter of a throughbore defined by valve assembly. The gastric restrictor includes first and second actuators which can be actuated transorally for operating the attachment mechanism and the valve assembly.

Abstract: A surgical retractor is disclosed having a handle portion, an elongated body portion extending distally from the handle portion and including an outer tube, a stabilizing member extending from a distal end of the outer tube and a pair of resilient bands pivotably connected to a distal end portion of the stabilizing member. An actuation mechanism is provided which is associated with the handle portion and the resilient bands for moving the bands between open and closed position. The surgical retractor further includes a sheath dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the stabilizing member and the bands. A surgical kit is also provided having a package configured to receive a surgical instrument, a base member for sealing the package, a surgical instrument having proximal and distal ends and having a mechanism for performing a surgical procedure located at the distal end, and a static barrier for enclosing the mechanism of the surgical retractor.