Abstract: Surgical sutures are provided. In general, the surgical sutures can include a plurality of directional indicators that each visually indicate a same direction, e.g., a direction toward one free end of the suture. The directional indicators can be configured to indicate a position of the suture relative to a patient and/or other medical device(s). The directional indicators can be a function of the suture itself so as to be an integral part thereof. In other words, threads, also referred to as “strands,” that form the suture can define the directional indictors. The suture can be braided using threads of two different colors so as to form the directional arrows as an integral part of the suture when the suture is braided in manufacturing of the suture.

Abstract: Surgical sutures are provided. In general, the surgical sutures can include a plurality of directional indicators that each visually indicate a same direction, e.g., a direction toward one free end of the suture. The directional indicators can be configured to indicate a position of the suture relative to a patient and/or other medical device(s). The directional indicators can be a function of the suture itself so as to be an integral part thereof. In other words, threads, also referred to as “strands,” that form the suture can define the directional indictors. The suture can be braided using threads of two different colors so as to form the directional arrows as an integral part of the suture when the suture is braided in manufacturing of the suture.

Abstract: A surgical device comprising a container and a tether used for delivering a sterile appliance into a body cavity during endoscopic procedures. Once positioned in the body cavity, a force is applied to the container through the tether. The force opens the container and releases the sterile appliance into the body cavity. In various embodiments, gas or liquid may be used to open the container.

Abstract: Devices and methods for endoscopic and/or laparoscopic surgery are provided. In one aspect, a surgical device is provided that includes an elongate member, such as an endoscope, having proximal and distal ends and a working channel associated therewith. An expandable member is also associated with the endoscope, and the expandable member is configured to be selectively expanded to engage at least a portion of a cavity within a patient, thereby stabilizing the endoscope within the patient.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for positioning a tool. In one embodiment, an endoscopic rotation device is provided having a rotatable collet, a flexible elongate translating mechanism, and an actuating mechanism. The rotatable collet can be configured to receive and engage a tool disposed therethrough, and the translating mechanism can be coupled to the collet. The actuating mechanism can be operatively associated with the translating mechanism and can be effective to cause the translating mechanism to apply a rotational force to the collet to rotate the tool disposed therethrough.

Abstract: An intubation device is provided for use with a guide apparatus having a track that is adapted to be associated with an endoscope such that bending of the track is substantially decoupled from bending of the endoscope. The intubation device includes an elongated, flexible tube defining a channel therethrough and having a plurality of spaced-apart apertures disposed on the distal portion, wherein the apertures are in fluid communication with the channel. The intubation device further includes a mating member attached to the tube and adapted to slidingly engage the track external of the endoscope.

Abstract: A snaring device for use with a percutaneous cannula positioned in a body wall and extending into a body cavity of a patient. The snaring device has an elongated, bendable member formed from a spring material and having a first bendable member end and a second bendable member end. The snaring device also has an elongated, control member having a first control member end and a second control member end. The snaring device further has an attachment flexibly connecting the first control member end and the first bendable member end, such that the attachment is insertable through the cannula while the control member is extended alongside the bendable member. A distal portion of the bendable member is configurable into a loop by simultaneously pushing on the second bendable member end and pulling on the second control member end while the distal portion is at least partially extended into the body cavity.

Abstract: An intubation system is provided for use with an endoscope. The intubation system includes a guide apparatus having a track that is adapted to be associated with the endoscope such that bending of the track is substantially decoupled from bending of the endoscope. The intubation system also includes a positioning device having a first coupling member on the distal end and an intubation device having a second coupling member on the proximal end. The intubation device and the positioning device each include a mating member that is adapted to slidingly engage the track external of the endoscope, whereby the first and second coupling members may be releasably attached together.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for controlling movement of a working end of a surgical device. In one embodiment, methods and devices are provided for moving an end effector on a distal end of a surgical fastening device. Movement can include rotational movement of the end effector about an axis of the shaft, articulation of the end effector relative to the shaft, and actuation of an end effector, e.g., closing, firing, and/or cutting. In other embodiments, a single cable actuator is provided and is movable between a first position, in which it is effective to rotate an end effector without actuating (i.e., closing and firing) the end effector, and a second position, in which it is effective to actuate the end effector without rotating the end effector. In other aspects, methods and devices are provided for moving a flexible neck formed on a distal end of an accessory channel for use with an endoscope.

Abstract: An intubation device is provided for use with a guide apparatus having a track that is adapted to be associated with an endoscope such that bending of the track is substantially decoupled from bending of the endoscope. The intubation device includes an elongated, flexible tube and a mating member attached to the tube and adapted to slidingly engage the track external of the endoscope. The intubation device further includes a tissue bolster disposed on the proximal portion of the tube and changeable between a collapsed and an expanded configuration. The tube is positionable inside the upper gastrointestinal tract of a patient such that the proximal end of the tube is externalized through the gastric and abdominal walls of the patient, and wherein the tissue bolster is securable against the inner gastric wall when the tissue bolster is in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for controlling movement of a working end of a surgical device. In one embodiment, methods and devices are provided for moving an end effector on a distal end of a surgical fastening device. Movement can include rotational movement of the end effector about an axis of the shaft, articulation of the end effector relative to the shaft, and actuation of an end effector, e.g., closing, firing, and/or cutting. In other embodiments, a single cable actuator is provided and is movable between a first position, in which it is effective to rotate an end effector without actuating (i.e., closing and firing) the end effector, and a second position, in which it is effective to actuate the end effector without rotating the end effector. In other aspects, methods and devices are provided for moving a flexible neck formed on a distal end of an accessory channel for use with an endoscope.

Abstract: A tool and method is provided for attaching an endcap to a medical instrument such as an endoscope tip, wherein the endcap includes an elastically deformable, endcap opening having an unexpanded diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the instrument tip and an expanded diameter that is greater than the diameter of the instrument tip. The tool has a first component adapted to hold the endcap and to receive the instrument tip and a second component operatively associated with the first component and movable with respect to the first component, wherein the second component is adapted to apply a force to the first component. The endcap opening may be elastically deformed to have the expanded diameter prior to positioning the endcap at a desired longitudinal location and angular orientation with respect to the endoscope tip.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for being endoscopically or laparoscopically inserted into a surgical site for simultaneous stapling and severing of tissue includes force adjusted spacing between an upper jaw (anvil) and a lower jaw (staple cartridge engaged to an elongate staple channel) so that the height of staple formation corresponds to the thickness of the tissue, yet does not exceed the height range that may be accommodated by the length of the staples. In particular, resilient structures may be formed into one or more of the elongate channel that supports the staple cartridge, the anvil that is pivotally attached to the elongate channel, and/or a firing member that includes a cutting surface (knife) that severs tissue between a top pin that engages the anvil and a lower foot that engage the elongate channel. The resilience responds to the force exerted by clamped tissue to vary the spacing between the anvil and the staple cartridge supported within the elongate channel.

Abstract: A method for positioning a device, such as an endcap, on an endoscope is disclosed. The method can be used, for example, for facilitating pressing an endcap onto an endoscope, including in those applications where the endscope is disposed in a sheath and the endcap is positioned at the distal end of the sheath.

Abstract: A medical apparatus and method useful for positioning a device, such as an endcap, on an end of an endoscope, is disclosed. The apparatus can exert a pulling force on the endoscope through the endcap while a pushing force is applied to the endcap. The apparatus can be used to press an endcap onto the distal end of an endoscope without grasping by hand a sheath in those applications where the endoscope is disposed in a sheath.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Crepe Myrtle plant named ‘Bradberry's Wine’, characterized by its upright to somewhat outwardly spreading plant habit; freely branching habit; dark green-colored leaves; large inflorescences with showy red purple-colored flowers; resistance to Powdery Mildew; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Verbena plant named `Colkeeter`, characterized by its upright, outwardly spreading and freely branching plant habit; numerous inflorescences of bright red flowers with intense purple star at center; vigorous growth habit; small dark green leaves; and high temperature, high light and frost tolerance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Nandina plant named `Colerno`, characterized by its upright, compact and dense plant habit; low vigor, slow growth rate; and unique dark red purple-colored young foliage and dark green-colored mature foliage. Dark red purple color of young foliage is retained year-round.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Photinia plant named `Colmont`, characterized by its upright and uniform plant form; freely branching plant habit; short internodes; sharply serrated leaf margins; shiny dark red young foliage; and glossy dark green mature foliage.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Photinia plant named `Colango`, characterized by its upright and somewhat outwardly spreading plant form; vigorous and freely branching plant habit; short internodes; sharply serrated leaf margins; shiny dark red young foliage; undulating dark green mature foliage; and long-lasting red leaf color.