Abstract: Introducers for introducing a surgical circular stapler into a patient. Various embodiments comprise a hollow flexible sheath that has a distal end and an open proximal end that is sized to receive a stapling head portion of the circular stapler therein. A rigid cap assembly may be attached to the distal end of the hollow flexible sheath The rigid cap assembly may be configured to selectively move between a closed position wherein a distal face of the stapling head is covered and an open position wherein the distal face of the stapling head is exposed. A portion of the rigid cap assembly has a shape that substantially matches a perimetrical shape of a portion of the stapling head to enable the rigid cap assembly to pass proximally over the stapling head when the introducer is withdrawn from the patient.

Abstract: Introducers for introducing a surgical circular stapler into a patient. Various embodiments comprise cover members that are applied over a stapling head portion of the circular stapler. In some embodiments, the cover members are fabricated from a flexible stretchable material and have a bumper portion that protrudes distally beyond the distal face of the stapling head. The staples may be fired through the cover member and the balance of the cover member is withdrawn from the patient with the stapling head. Other cover embodiments are selectively movable from a position wherein the distal face of the stapling head is covered and other positions wherein the distal face of the stapling head is exposed.

Abstract: Introducers for introducing a surgical circular stapler into a patient. Various embodiments comprise a hollow flexible sheath that has a distal end and an open proximal end that is sized to receive a stapling head portion of the circular stapler therein. A radially-openable barrel member is attached to a distal end of the hollow flexible sheath to define an opening for receiving the stapling head therein. A rigid cap member is hingably attached to the radially-openable barrel member and is movable between a closed position wherein the rigid cap member covers a distal end of the opening in the barrel member and open position wherein the rigid cap member is movable to a position wherein the distal end of the opening is exposed. A releasable latch member is provided to engage and release opposed ends of the radially-openable barrel member.

Abstract: Introducers for introducing a surgical circular stapler into a patient. Various embodiments comprise a hollow flexible sheath that has a distal end and an open proximal end that is sized to receive a stapling head portion of the circular stapler therein. A rigid cap assembly is attached to the distal end of the hollow flexible sheath. The rigid cap assembly may be configured to selectively move between a closed position wherein a distal face of the stapling head is covered when inserted therein and an open position wherein the cap assembly may be withdrawn from around the stapling head and elongated shaft. A release arrangement interfaces with the rigid cap assembly such that upon an application of a release motion thereto, the rigid cap is movable from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: A surgical generator for providing a drive signal to a surgical device may have a receptacle assembly having a receptacle body, a flange and a central protruding portion. The outer periphery of the central protruding portion may have at least one curved section and at least one linear section. Additionally, a surgical instrument may comprise an electrical connector assembly having a flange. The flange may comprise at least one curved section and at least one linear section. In some embodiments, A surgical instrument system may comprise a surgical generator, a surgical instrument comprising a connector assembly, and an adapter assembly operatively coupled to the receptacle assembly and the connector assembly.

Abstract: A method of implanting a surgically implantable band, the method comprising the steps of providing a band with an elongated body member having a first end with a first latching member positioned thereon, and a second end with a second latching member positioned thereon. The first latching member has a suture tab extender extending therefrom. The suture tab extender has a suture attached thereto. The second end has a gripping section positioned thereon shaped and dimensioned to facilitate gripping as the gastric band extender is passed through the second latching member. The method further includes the step of positioning the band around an anatomical structure and latching the band around the structure by placing the suture tab extender through the second latching member and thereafter coupling the first and second latching members. The method further involves the step of removing the suture tab extender from the band.

Abstract: A low pressure, high volume gastric band includes a balloon shaped and dimensioned to circumscribe the stomach at a predetermined location and a belt extending about the balloon. The gastric band is precurved extend about the stomach and the balloon exhibits 360 degree coverage about the stomach.

Abstract: A balloon-type gastric band includes a balloon shaped and dimensioned to circumscribe a stomach at a predetermined location. A supply tube is secured to the balloon for fluid communication with an internal cavity of the balloon, wherein the supply tube includes both at least one colored section and at least one clear section for respectively contrasting the supply tube from surrounding tissue when placed within a patient and facilitating identification of leaks within the supply tube. In accordance with an alternate embodiment the supply tube is colored while remaining translucent.

Abstract: A gastric band includes a gastric band body having a first end and second end. The first end and the second end are provided with a respective first latching member and a second latching member. The first end includes a tip and an engagement member proximal the first latching member such that the engagement member is on a side of the first latching member opposite the tip. The engagement member enhances one's ability to grasp the first end of the gastric band body during application and removal.

Abstract: A balloon-type gastric band that includes a balloon and a belt secured to the balloon. The balloon includes a mechanism for contrasting the balloon from surrounding tissue when placed within a patient.

Abstract: A gastric band includes a balloon shaped and dimensioned to circumscribe the stomach at a predetermined location. The balloon includes a longitudinally extending body and a supply tube is secured to the balloon for fluid communication with an internal cavity of the balloon.

Abstract: A removable suture tab extender for a gastric band is shaped and dimensioned for selective attachment to a first end of the gastric band, the gastric band including a latching mechanism composed of a first latching member positioned at the first end of the gastric band and a second latching member positioned at a second end of the gastric band. The gastric band extender includes an elongated body member having a first end and a second end. The first end of the elongated body member is shaped and dimensioned for coupling with the first latching member. The second end of the elongated body member includes a gripping section shaped and dimensioned to facilitate gripping thereof as the gastric band extender is passed through the second latching member.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the presence or absence of a patient adjacent to a patient-carrying surface of a patient-support device including at least one sensing element spaced apart from the patient-carrying surface, defining a detection space adjacent to the patient-carrying surface and providing an input signal in response to the dielectric constant within the detection space. A control unit provides an output signal indicating the presence or absence of the patient within the detection space in response to the input signal. A booster element including a plate positioned to lie adjacent the patient-carrying surface for shaping and positioning the detection space and a connector electrically coupling the plate to the sensing element may be provided.