Abstract: An anvil adapter for facilitating connection of a detachable anvil rod to a circular anastomosis instrument, comprising an anvil adapter member defining a longitudinal axis and having first and second ends, the first end configured for releasable attachment to a circular anastomosis instrument, the second end having an interior surface portion defining a longitudinal bore for releasably engaging an end of an anvil rod, the interior surface portion of the second end being dimensioned to releasably engage the end of the anvil rod in locking arrangement therewith to connect second end of the anvil adapter to the anvil rod such that the detachable anvil rod is releasably connected in spaced relation to the circular anastomosis instrument.

Abstract: Surgical instrumentation and methods for performing a bypass procedure in a digestive system incorporate laparoscopic techniques to minimize surgical trauma to the patient. The instrumentation includes an outer guide member dimensioned for insertion and passage through an esophagus of a patient and defining an opening therein extending at least along a portion of the length of the outer guide member, an elongate anvil delivery member at least partially disposed within the opening of the outer guide member and being adapted for longitudinal movement within the outer guide member between an initial position and an actuated position and an anvil operatively engageable with the delivery member. The anvil includes an anvil rod defining a longitudinal axis and an anvil head connected to the anvil rod.

Abstract: Surgical instrumentation and methods for performing a bypass procedure in a digestive system incorporate laparoscopic techniques to minimize surgical trauma to the patient. The instrumentation includes, an outer guide member dimensioned for insertion and passage through an esophagus of a patient and defining an opening therein extending at least along a portion of the length of the outer guide member, an elongate anvil delivery member at least partially disposed within the opening of the outer guide member and being adapted for longitudinal movement within the outer guide member between an initial position and an actuated position and an anvil operatively engageable with the delivery member. The anvil includes an anvil rod defining a longitudinal axis and an anvil head connected to the anvil rod.

Abstract: Surgical instrumentation and methods for performing a bypass procedure in a digestive system incorporate laparoscopic techniques to minimize surgical trauma to the patient. The instrumentation includes an outer guide member dimensioned for insertion and passage through an esophagus of a patient and defining an opening therein extending at least along a portion of the length of the outer guide member, an elongate anvil delivery member at least partially disposed within the opening of the outer guide member and being adapted for longitudinal movement within the outer guide member between an initial position and an actuated position and an anvil operatively engageable with the delivery member. The anvil includes an anvil rod defining a longitudinal axis and an anvil head connected to the anvil rod.

Abstract: Surgical instrumentation and methods for performing a bypass procedure in a digestive system incorporate laparoscopic techniques to minimize surgical trauma to the patient. The instrumentation includes an outer guide member dimensioned for insertion and passage through an esophagus of a patient and defining an opening therein extending at least along a portion of the length of the outer guide member, an elongate anvil delivery member at least partially disposed within the opening of the outer guide member and being adapted for longitudinal movement within the outer guide member between an initial position and an actuated position and an anvil operatively engageable with the delivery member. The anvil includes an anvil rod defining a longitudinal axis and an anvil head connected to the anvil rod.

Abstract: Surgical instrumentation and methods for performing a bypass procedure in a digestive system incorporate laparoscopic techniques to minimize surgical trauma to the patient. The instrumentation includes an outer guide member dimensioned for insertion and passage through an esophagus of a patient and defining an opening therein extending at least along a portion of the length of the outer guide member, an elongate anvil delivery member at least partially disposed within the opening of the outer guide member and being adapted for longitudinal movement within the outer guide member between an initial position and an actuated position and an anvil operatively engageable with the delivery member. The anvil includes an anvil rod defining a longitudinal axis and an anvil head connected to the anvil rod.

Abstract: A surgical stapler for securing a prosthetic heart valve within a patient is disclosed and generally includes a first cylindrical portion for carrying a staple assembly on a distal end thereof, a second cylindrical portion positioned concentrically about the first cylindrical portion and having a camming arm on a distal end thereof and a third cylindrical portion positioned concentrically about the second cylindrical portion and having an anvil flange on a distal end thereof, the camming arm configured to cam the staple assembly radially outward and drive the staple assembly distally such that a first leg of the staple assembly penetrates a cuff of the prosthetic heart valve and a second leg of the staple assembly pierces a portion of heart tissue surrounding the prosthetic heart valve to secure the valve. A method of installing a heart valve within a patient utilizing the surgical stapler is also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical stapler for securing a prosthetic heart valve within a patient is disclosed and generally includes a first cylindrical portion for carrying a staple assembly on a distal end thereof, a second cylindrical portion positioned concentrically about the first cylindrical portion and having a camming arm on a distal end thereof and a third cylindrical portion positioned concentrically about the second cylindrical portion and having an anvil flange on a distal end thereof, the camming arm configured to cam the staple assembly radially outward and drive the staple assembly distally such that a first leg of the staple assembly penetrates a cuff of the prosthetic heart valve and a second leg of the staple assembly pierces a portion of heart tissue surrounding the prosthetic heart valve to secure the valve. A method of installing a heart valve within a patient utilizing the surgical stapler is also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical stapler for securing a prosthetic heart valve within a patient generally includes a first cylindrical portion for carrying at least one staple assembly on a distal end thereof; a second cylindrical portion positioned concentrically about the first cylindrical portion and having a camming arm on a distal end thereof, the camming arm configured to cam the at least one staple assembly radially outward and drive the at least one staple assembly distally such that a first leg of the at least one staple assembly penetrates a cuff of the prosthetic heart valve and a second leg of the at least one staple assembly pierces a portion of heart tissue surrounding the prosthetic heart valve, as the second cylindrical portion is moved distally relative to the first cylindrical portion; and a third cylindrical portion positioned concentrically about the second cylindrical portion and having an anvil flange on a distal end thereof, the anvil flange configured to crimp the second leg of the at least one staple assem

Abstract: There are disclosed various systems for installing a heart valve within a patient. In a first system, there are provided a heart valve installation assembly and an expandable heart valve ring installation assembly, each of which comprises a separate tool. The expandable heart valve ring assembly is provided to position and expand a heart valve ring into engagement with tissue. The valve installation assembly is provided to position and engage the heart valve with the expandable heart valve ring. In a second system, the heart valve installation assemblies and expandable ring installation assemblies are provided on a single tool or instrument. There are also disclosed various methods of installing an expandable heart valve ring within a heart and positioning and installing an artificial synthetic heart valve within the expanded heart valve ring.

Abstract: The endovascular graft disclosed includes a main tubular body having a first end portion and an exterior surface. The first end portion has a flanged end disposed on exterior surface and extending radially thereabout, for engaging blood vessel walls. The graft may be made from a surgically implantible material. The graft has a second end portion of the main body that can either be a continuation of the main body or split into two tubular legs. The two tubular legs, each define a bore. The bore of the main body is in communication with the bores of the legs.A method of installing the endovascular graft includes installing the graft intraluminially to the operative site using a catheter having a balloon portion. The graft is positioned to extend through a damaged portion of a blood vessel. The balloon portion is positioned within a bore defined by the graft proximal to a first end portion, the first end portion having a flanged end.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for surgery is disclosed which includes a retractor having a substantially planar base defining an opening for overlying an operative site on a patient, and at least one retractor blade slidably mounted to the base. The base is positioned on the patient such that the opening therein overlies the operative site. The operative site is percutaneously accessed, and obstructing tissue is retracted by engaging the tissue with the retractor blade. A surgical instrument is provided which is engageable with the base and operable at the operative site through the opening in the base. A surgical procedure is carried out through the opening in the base with the surgical instrument.

Abstract: An anvil assembly for use with a circular surgical stapler is disclosed. The anvil assembly includes an anvil body, an anvil disposed around the anvil body and engaged therewith, and a tether line having a first end connected to the anvil body and a second end connected to the anvil. The anvil assembly is configured so that upon completion of the stapling operation, the anvil is disengaged from the anvil body, rotated, and withdrawn from the patient via the tether line. A method of using the anvil assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed which includes a housing having proximal and distal end portions, a shaft extending from the housing distal end portion, the shaft having proximal and distal end portions, a fastener carrying cartridge positioned at the shaft distal end portion, the cartridge having a plurality of fasteners disposed therein, a fastener firing member operatively associated with the fastener carrying cartridge, at least one lever extending from the housing, the lever being adapted to move the fastener firing member to expel the fasteners from the cartridge, an anvil member disposed opposite the cartridge, an elongated member operatively associated with the anvil member for moving the anvil member relative to the cartridge, and a locking element disposed within the housing for locking the elongated member, and, therefore the anvil member, the locking element being movable between at least a first position and a second position such that when the locking element is in the first position the elon