Abstract: An endovascular stapler for securing an endograft to a vessel is disclosed. The stapler includes a staple housing adapted for storing at least one staple therein. The staple housing having an exit area for discharge of the at least one staple therethrough. The stapler also includes an actuating assembly adapted for discharging the at least one staple through the exit area and a displacement mechanism in operative association with the staple housing near the exit area. The displacement member is operative for pushing the exit area against the endograft when discharging the at least one staple therethrough. The displacement mechanism may comprise a balloon adapted to be inflated and deflated positioned near the exit area. The unbent staples may be shaped as elongate W shapes, or may alternatively be straight wire segments. The staples may be bent upon discharge.

Abstract: A multiple stapling device for stapling a graft to a vessel. The device includes a body having a plurality of staple channels housing straight wire segments extending therethrough. A plurality of staple drivers, one in each of the staple channels is adapted to push the straight wire segments to form ring-shaped staples piercing the graft and the vessel. The multiple stapling device may also include one or more bolsters filling the annular space created by they ring-shaped staples. One such bolster may be formed, or otherwise connected to, the prosthesis.

Abstract: An implantable access port in accordance with one embodiment of the invention comprises a hollow port casing having a first channel, a second channel and a third channel. A self-sealing insert may be disposed within the third channel. The implantable access port may further comprise a graft having a first branch, a second branch, and a third branch, the first branch extending from the first channel and adapted to be anastomosed to a vessel at a first location, the second branch extending from the second channel and adapted to be anastomosed to a vessel in a second location, the third branch extending at least partially into the third channel, wherein the third branch is disposed between the self-sealing insert and the hollow port casing. Methods for performing medical procedures associated with the implantable access port are also disclosed.

Abstract: A positioning system for use during surgical procedures comprising a belt assembly adapted to be positioned about a bodily surface of a patient. The belt assembly may comprise a single module, or a first module adapted to be attached to a second module. The modules may be adapted to permit attachment of a surgical instrument thereto. The modules may also include cushioned undersides. The system may also comprise a surgical instrument retention system including a saddle adapted to be positioned on a surgical instrument, straps adapted to secure the saddle to the surgical instrument, and a pulley cord coupled to the saddle so as to selectively position the surgical instrument upon movement of the pulley cord. The modules may also include an accessory adapted to fit securely within shaped openings formed therein. The accessory may comprise a base having a locking apparatus for locking a medical device to the base.

Abstract: Two prostheses each have a tubular sidewall with a terminal portion extending to a connection end. A connector body has first and second terminal portions extending to first and second ends. The connector body terminal portions are respectively surrounded by the prostheses terminal portions. First and second straps respectively circumscribe the prostheses terminal portions to bias the prostheses into engagement with the connector body. The connector body has first and second strap engagement projections respectively captured by apertures in the straps.

Abstract: Two prostheses each have a tubular sidewall with a terminal portion extending to a connection end. A connector body has first and second terminal portions extending to first and second ends. The connector body terminal portions are respectively surrounded by the prostheses terminal portions. First and second straps respectively circumscribe the prostheses terminal portions to bias the prostheses into engagement with the connector body. The connector body has first and second strap engagement projections respectively captured by apertures in the straps.

Abstract: Two prostheses each have a tubular sidewall with a terminal portion extending to a connection end. A connector body has first and second terminal portions extending to first and second ends. The connector body terminal portions are respectively surrounded by the prostheses terminal portions. First and second straps respectively circumscribe the prostheses terminal portions to bias the prostheses into engagement with the connector body. The connector body has first and second strap engagement projections respectively captured by apertures in the straps.

Abstract: A clip for suturing opposed ends of severed tissue. The clip has a body with a first end terminating in a needle and a second end having an opening thereat. The body may also include a bite portion between the first and second ends applying a biasing force to hold the suturing clip in either a default open or default closed condition, wherein the needle is remote from the opening in the open condition and in proximity to the opening in the closed condition. The body may also include a footpad adjacent the needle, wherein the footpad pinches the opposing ends of the severed tissue against the body adjacent to the opening when the clip is in the closed condition. The clips may be applied by a surgical device, which is also disclosed.

Abstract: A multiple stapling device for stapling a graft to a vessel. The device includes a body having a plurality of staple channels housing straight wire segments extending therethrough. A plurality of staple drivers, one in each of the staple channels is adapted to push the straight wire segments to form ring-shaped staples piercing the graft and the vessel. The multiple stapling device may also include one or more bolsters filling the annular space created by they ring-shaped staples. One such bolster may be formed, or otherwise connected to, the prosthesis.

Abstract: An endovascular stapler for securing an endograft to a vessel is disclosed. The stapler includes a staple housing adapted for storing at least one staple therein. The staple housing having an exit area for discharge of the at least one staple therethrough. The stapler also includes an actuating assembly adapted for discharging the at least one staple through the exit area and a displacement mechanism in operative association with the staple housing near the exit area. The displacement member is operative for pushing the exit area against the endograft when discharging the at least one staple therethrough. The displacement mechanism may comprise a balloon adapted to be inflated and deflated positioned near the exit area. The unbent staples may be shaped as elongate W shapes, or may alternatively be straight wire segments. The staples may be bent upon discharge.

Abstract: An implantable access port in accordance with one embodiment of the invention comprises a hollow port casing having a first channel, a second channel and a third channel. A self-sealing insert may be disposed within the third channel. The implantable access port may further comprise a graft having a first branch, a second branch, and a third branch, the first branch extending from the first channel and adapted to be anastomosed to a vessel at a first location, the second branch extending from the second channel and adapted to be anastomosed to a vessel in a second location, the third branch extending at least partially into the third channel, wherein the third branch is disposed between the self-sealing insert and the hollow port casing. Methods for performing medical procedures associated with the implantable access port are also disclosed.

Abstract: A positioning system for use during surgical procedures comprising a belt assembly adapted to be positioned about a bodily surface of a patient. The belt assembly may comprise a single module, or a first module adapted to be attached to a second module. The modules may be adapted to permit attachment of a surgical instrument thereto. The modules may also include cushioned undersides. The system may also comprise a surgical instrument retention system including a saddle adapted to be positioned on a surgical instrument, straps adapted to secure the saddle to the surgical instrument, and a pulley cord coupled to the saddle so as to selectively position the surgical instrument upon movement of the pulley cord. The modules may also include an accessory adapted to fit securely within shaped openings formed therein. The accessory may comprise a base having a locking apparatus for locking a medical device to the base.

Abstract: Two prostheses each have a tubular sidewall with a terminal portion extending to a connection end. A connector body has first and second terminal portions extending to first and second ends. The connector body terminal portions are respectively surrounded by the prostheses terminal portions. First and second straps respectively circumscribe the prostheses terminal portions to bias the prostheses into engagement with the connector body. The connector body has first and second strap engagement projections respectively captured by apertures in the straps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-expanding stent which may be used to anchor a graft such as a abdominal aortic graft in place. The stent may also be used following procedures such as, for example, balloon angioplasty.

Abstract: A surgical instrument positioning system includes a belt assembly positionable adjacent and across the body of the patient and a surgical instrument, such as a retractor, provided with an attachment portion for attachment to one or more of a plurality of adjustment positions provided on the belt assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a balloon expandable universal access sheath which can be used in surgical procedures such as abdominal aortic grafting. The device allows for great surgical flexibility, ease of insertion and, in addition, the ability to collect and recirculate blood.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating conditions such as abdominal aortic aneurysms and the like which involve the direct placement of a bifurcated graft in the afflicted area. The surgical procedures can be performed proximally, from above the junction of the abdominal aorta and the renal arteries, or distally through the iliac arteries. Particularly preferred methods include a plurality of entry points made both above and below the afflicted area.