Abstract: A lighted catheter device employing an optical fiber having a core and a cladding, the cladding providing internal reflection, the fiber being substantially without the cladding at an end portion to permit light to escape laterally thereat, for illumination in a catheter device. A lighted carotid shunt, a lighted occluder incorporating the fiber and lateral illumination method are described.

Abstract: A cardiac manipulator for minimally invasive surgical procedures. A flexible sac houses one or more inflatable chambers therein, the flexible sac permitting insertion through an access aperture into a patient when the inflatable chambers are deflated. The inflatable chambers each have a fluid conduit connected to an associated valve for introducing a fluid thereinto and removing the fluid therefrom. The flexible sac may be manipulated into a low profile configuration for insertion into and through the access aperture.

Abstract: The process, described herein comprise stapling a patient's mesentery and omentum with two, three or four rows of staples, the rows being substantially parallel to each other, the staples in all the rows having the same crown size with alternate rows staggered one-fourth of the length of each crown with respect to the adjacent crown in the adjacent row or rows of staples. Advantageously the prong lengths in at least one row differ from the prong lengths in the other row or rows. Advantageously the longer prongs are 30-100 percent larger, preferably about 33-75 percent larger than the smaller prongs. This arrangement is capable of satisfactorily sealing off the variety of sizes of blood vessels and holding firmly the fatty tissue found in the mesentery and in the omentum.

Abstract: The process, stapler and stapler cartridge described herein comprise those suitable for stapling a patient's mesentery and omentum with two, three or four rows of staples, the rows being substantially parallel to each other, the staples in all the rows having the same crown size with alternate rows staggered one-fourth of the length of each crown with respect to the adjacent crown in the adjacent row or rows of staples. Advantageously the prong lengths in at least one row differ from the pront lengths in the other row or rows. Advantageously the longer prongs are 30-100 percent larger, preferably about 33-75 percent larger than the smaller prongs. This arrangement is capable of satisfactorily sealing off the variety of sizes of blood vessels and holding firmly the fatty tissue found in the mesentery and in the omentum.

Abstract: The stapling processes described herein comprise those suitable for stapling a patient's mesentery and omentum with three or four rows of staples being substantially parallel to each other and the staples in one row being staggered with staples of the same size in another row, there being at least one row in which the staples differ in size from the staples in the other rows. Advantageously the larger staples are 30-50 percent larger, preferably about 33 percent larger than the smaller staples. Also advantageously the smaller staples are similar to those presently used as vascular staples, in the range of 2.5-3.5 mm, preferably about 3 mm, and the larger staples are advantageously in the range of 3.5-4.5 mm, preferably about 4 mm. This arrangement is capable of satisfactorily sealing off the variety of sizes of blood vessels and holding firmly the fatty tissue found in the mesentery and in the omentum.

Abstract: The stapler and staple cartridge described herein comprise those suitable for stapling a patient's mesentery and omentum with three or four rows of staples being substantially parallel to each other and the staples in one row being staggered with staples of the same size in another row, there being at least one row in which the staples differ in size from the staples in the other rows. Advantageously the larger staples are 30-50 percent larger, preferably about 33 percent larger than the smaller staplers. Also advantageously the smaller staples are similar to those presently used as vascular staples, in the range of 2.5-3.5 mm, preferably about 3 mm, and the larger staples are advantageously in the range of 3.5-4.5 mm, preferably about 4 mm. This arrangement is capable of satisfactorily sealing off the variety of sizes of blood vessels and holding firmly the fatty tissue found in the mesentery and in the omentum.