Abstract: A suture anchor is provided which includes a hollow member having an outer surface defining an enclosure, the member having a longitudinal axis and a slot through a portion of the outer surface in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, the slot providing an opening into the enclosure. The suture anchor further includes a one-way valve positioned within the enclosure at the slot to allow entry of a suture through the slot into the enclosure and to prevent the exit of the suture from the enclosure. A device is provided for deploying the suture anchor. The deployment device includes an elongate hollow member having a suture anchor release zone positioned at the distal end, a launch bar having at least a portion positioned in the release zone. The launch bar is movable within the release zone between a resting position and a launching position and is operatively connected to an actuation member positioned proximally to the elongate member.

Abstract: A method of assembling a surgical instrument inside a patient and a device likewise configured to be assembled in vivo through a body wall of the patient is provided. In at least one embodiment, the method includes delivering an end effector to a body cavity of the patient, inserting a shaft into the body cavity, and connecting the shaft to the end effector inside the body cavity. In such embodiments, the end effector can be operably engaged with a flexible member, wherein pulling the flexible member can cause the end effector to move toward the shaft such that the end effector connects to the shaft.

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 an endoscope in a body cavity. In one exemplary embodiment, a stiffening element for an endoscopic surgical system includes an elongate member having a diameter configured for insertion and use in a channel of an endoscope. The elongate member can be movable between an unlocked position in which the elongate member is freely movable to assume a desired configuration, and a locked position in which the elongate member is maintained in a desired configuration. In one embodiment, the elongate member is formed from a plurality of links that are pivotally coupled to one another. Methods for controlling a surgical device in a body cavity, as well as systems for use in endoscopic surgeries, are also provided herein.

Abstract: Control devices and methods are provided for controlling tension applied to a tensioning element extending through a flexible shaft, such as on an endoscopic device. In one exemplary embodiment, the methods and devices are configured to allow free movement and optionally provide slack to a control mechanism on an endoscopic device during insertion to allow free flexion of the shaft of the device, and to tension the control mechanism when desired to actuate, articulate, or otherwise control the working end or other portion of the device disposed within a patient's body.

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: Surgical scissors devices are disclosed. The surgical scissors devices may comprise an end effector with first and second blade members. The first and second blade members may respectively comprise proximally positioned cams and distally positioned blade ends. Also, the first and second blade members may be coupled at a pivot point by a fastener held in tension along its longitudinal axis by the blade members. A reciprocating shuttle may comprise at least one pin positioned within slots defined by the respective cams of the blade members. Distally-directed motion of the shuttle may cause the first and second blade members to open and proximally-directed motion of the shuttle may cause the first and second blade members to close. Methods and apparatuses for forming the surgical scissors device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument can be used to capture and retrieve tissue, or other specimens, from within the body of a patient through a single trocar port. The surgical instrument can include a grasper, wherein the grasper can be configured to capture a specimen, and a specimen retrieval bag, wherein the specimen retrieval bag can be configured to at least partially surround, or encapsulate, the captured specimen when the specimen retrieval bag is in a deployed position. In certain embodiments, the retrieval bag can be inverted as it is moved between undeployed and deployed positions. In various embodiments, the surgical instrument can further include a snare operably engaged with the specimen retrieval bag, wherein the snare can be configured to at least partially close the bag. A vacuum can be placed in communication with the bag to reduce the size of the bag before it is removed from the surgical site.

Abstract: A positionable imaging device includes a body defining a first end and a second end. The body is configured to be received within an internal body cavity. An imaging device is located at the first end of the body. A releasable fastener is coupled to the body to removably attach the imaging device to tissue within the internal body cavity. A release mechanism is coupled to the releasable fastener to detach the imaging device from the tissue.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for controlling an endoscope in a body cavity. In one exemplary embodiment an endoscopic surgical system is provided that includes an endoscope and a steering tether coupled to at least a portion of the endoscope. The steering tether is configured to be manipulatable to effect directional movement of a distal end of the endoscope. The steering tether can include a loop formed on a distal end thereof such that a proximal portion of the steering tether can control the loop, which in turn controls the movement of the distal end of the endoscope. An overtube can optionally be included in the system. The overtube can be coupled to endoscope and adapted to receive at least a portion of the endoscope and the steering tether. In one embodiment, the endoscope includes an accessory mount extending over at least a portion of a length of the endoscope and the steering tether can be disposed on the accessory mount.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for deploying and applying multiple suture anchors. In one embodiment, a surgical device is provided having a shaft configured to be introduced into a body, e.g., through a scoping device, and to deliver a plurality of suture anchors into tissue, preferably without the need to remove the shaft from the body. The shaft can have a plurality of channels, with each of the plurality of channels configured to seat at least one of a plurality of suture anchors. Each of the anchors can be removably seated in a channel such that the anchors can be removed from the device, such as by pulling on sutures attached to the respective anchors.

Abstract: A surgical grasping device is disclosed. The surgical grasping device may comprise a clevis; a first jaw member pivotably coupled to the clevis; a second jaw member pivotably coupled to the clevis; and an actuating mechanism coupled to the clevis, the first jaw member and the second jaw member and a translating member coupled to and extending proximally from the actuating mechanism. The actuating mechanism may be configured to cause the first jaw member and the second jaw member to close in response to a first proximally directed force received via the translating member. The actuating mechanism may also be configured to cause the first jaw member and the second jaw member to open in response to a subsequent proximally directed force received via the translating member.

Abstract: Methods of using a surgical suturing device are disclosed. The methods may contemplate a surgical suturing device comprising a grasper device that is translatable within an outer lumen. The methods may comprise grasping a first end of a needle with the grasper device. The needle may be resilient to a curved resting state. The methods may also comprise translating the grasper device proximally relative to the outer lumen such that the needle is translated into the outer lumen, wherein the outer lumen tends to straighten the needle from the curved resting state and moving the outer lumen distally towards tissue. The grasper device may be translated distally relative to the outer lumen such that a second end of the needle extends distally from the outer lumen and pierces the tissue. The needle may return to the curved resting state as it exits the outer lumen. The methods may also comprise releasing the first end of the needle from the grasper device.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a surgical device and methods of using the surgical device are disclosed. The surgical device may comprise a collar configured to fit over a distal face of an endoscope and rotate about a longitudinal axis of the endoscope. The surgical device may also comprise a flexible, elongate translating mechanism coupled to the collar and extending proximally from the collar. Applying a linear force to the translating mechanism may cause the translating mechanism to exert a rotational force on the collar. In addition, the surgical device may comprise a hollow cap coupled to a distal end of the collar. The cap may be pivotable relative to the collar in a plane parallel to the axis. In addition, the cap may have a first open end configured to face the endoscope and a second open end configured to face distally.

Abstract: A surgical device comprising a clevis defining a longitudinal axis and a jaw comprising a first member and a second member. A slider is slidably engaged to the clevis, the slider comprising a pin. The pin is receiveably engaged in the first slot and the jaw is selectively moveable between a first position and a second position through longitudinal movement of the slider. In various embodiments, the first and second members are movable between an angular open position, a parallel open position, and a parallel closed position.

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: An apparatus having an elongate hollow metal body extending along a longitudinal axis is disclosed. The hollow body defines a central opening and has a predetermined wall thickness. A pattern of laser cut slits is formed into the body. The slits define a plurality of articulatable elements. The plurality of articulatable elements enable active articulation of the body in a first plane and passive deflection in planes orthogonal to the first plane.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and methods for closing a gastrotomy. In various embodiments, the surgical instrument may comprise an overtube that supports a clip magazine therein that houses a plurality of tissue apposition clips in an orientation wherein the upper and lower clip arms thereof are releasably supported in an open orientation. Various embodiments are configured to operably accommodate one or more tissue grasping members for grasping the tissue. Other embodiments comprise clip dispensing adapters that may be affixed to the distal end of an endoscope. The various adapters are configured to support a tissue apposition clip such that the upper and lower clip arms thereof are initially supported in an open orientation relative to each other to enable grasped tissue to be drawn therein. Various tissue apposition clips are disclosed which may be used in connection with conventional tissue anchors and/or sutures.

Abstract: Apparatus, system, and method for use with an endoscope are disclosed. A flexible overtube having a proximal end and a distal end defines a hollow lumen therebetween to receive a flexible shaft portion of an endoscope therein. The proximal end of the flexible overtube is configured to remain outside of a patient and the distal end is configured to enter the patient through a natural orifice. At least one fluid tight seal is located at the proximal end of the flexible overtube to prevent leakage of fluids around the flexible shaft of the endoscope when the flexible shaft of the endoscope is positioned within the flexible overtube. The system further includes a flexible endoscope. The method includes introducing the system into a patient though a natural orifice of the patient and performing an endoscopic translumenal procedure.

Abstract: A surgical instrument may comprise a shaft having proximal and distal ends defining an axis therebetween. The shaft may be flexible and sized for insertion into the working channel of a flexible endoscope. The shaft may be configured to be used in conjunction with various suture anchor applicators. One suture anchor applicator may have a first tube with a first channel and a tissue penetrating tip. The first channel may be adapted to retain a second tube. The second tube may have a second channel and a blunt tip. The second channel may be adapted to retain at least one suture anchor and may include an exit port adapted for ejecting suture anchors. An alternative suture anchor applicator may comprise a first tube and a second tube with a tissue penetrating tip. The second channel is adapted to retain at least one suture anchor.