Abstract: A multiple ring applicator device and method for applying elastic occluding rings to an anatomical tubular structure which comprises a laparoscope which contains a ring applicator device integral therewith, the ring applicator device and the laparoscope cooperating to effect the application of multiple elastic occluding rings to the tubular structures without the necessity of removing the ring applicator device from the patient's body for reloading purposes.

Abstract: A multiple occlusion ring applicator device and method for applying elastic occluding rings to an anatomical tubular structure which comprises an inner cylinder, an intermediate cylinder and an outer cylinder, said cylinders being slidably disposed with respect to each other, and forceps means slidably disposed within said inner cylinder, said inner cylinder, said intermediate cylinder, said outer cylinder and said forceps means cooperating to effect the application of multiple elastic occluding rings to the tubular structures without the necessity of removing the instrument from the patient's body for reloading purposes.

Abstract: A ring applicator device for use in applying an elastic occluding ring to an anatomical tubular structure which comprises an inner cylinder slidably disposed within an outer cylinder, forceps means slidably disposed within said inner cylinder, means for moving said forceps means into and out of the inner cylinder and means for ejecting an elastic ring from the end of said inner cylinder by axially displacing said outer and inner cylinders relative to each other.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing the human female by tubal ligation comprising the use of a ring applicator device having forceps means slidably mounted inside a cylindrical tube for grasping the Fallopian tube and pulling it within the device and means for pushing or otherwise displacing an elastic or stretchable ring over the portion of the tube held within the device, thereby effecting a ligature thereof. The procedure is preferably used in conjunction with a viewing device such as a laparoscope or a culdoscope. The placement of the elastic ring on the tubes eliminates the need for time-consuming procedures which are discomforting to the patient and the use of bulky and expensive equipment. Moreover, depending upon the size and elastic power of the rings, the sterilization can be made permanently or reversibly, as desired. The device and method are also applicable to the sterilization of the human male by the ligature of the vas.