Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a shaft, a clamp support at a distal end of the shaft, and a clamp comprising a pair of pivotally mounted jaws within the clamp support. A handle at a proximal end of the shaft comprises an actuator for both opening and closing the jaws of the clamp and for rotating the jaws of the clamp about a deflected axis defined by the clamp support. The actuator includes a lever and a rotatable wheel which are coupled to the clamp via a flexible drive cable extending through the shaft and clamp support. The device is particularly useful for manipulating and driving curved surgical needles in thoracoscopic, laparoscopic, and other endoscopic suturing procedures.

Abstract: A stapler for stapling a tubular structure to another structure. The stapler has an anvil which is expandable from a collapsed position to an expanded position. The stapler has a recess which receives at least a portion of the tubular structure and a shoulder which receives an everted end of the tubular structure. A first actuator moves the anvil relative to the shoulder for compressing the structures which are to be stapled together. A second actuator is used for driving the staples through the structures to be stapled together.

Abstract: A system for performing an end-to-side vascular anastomosis, including an anastomosis device, an application instrument and methods for performing a vascular anastomosis. The system is applicable for performing an anastomosis between a vascular graft and the ascending aorta in coronary artery bypass surgery, particularly in port-access CABG surgery. A first aspect of the invention includes a vascular anastomosis staple. A first configuration has two parts: an anchor member, forming the attachment with the target vessel wall and a coupling member, forming the attachment with the bypass graft vessel. The anastomosis is completed by inserting the coupling member, with the graft vessel attached, into the anchor member. A second configuration combines the functions of the anchor member and the coupling member into a one-piece anastomosis staple.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and end-to-side surgical anastomosis apparatus for stapling an end of a tubular tissue structure to a side of a luminal structure including an elongated housing defining a central bore extending longitudinally therethrough. The elongated housing further includes an eversion support surface extending circumferentially about the bore opening adjacent the distal end which is configured to retain and support an everted end of the received tissue structure thereon to face an intimal surface of the tissue structure in an outward direction. The anastomosis apparatus further includes an anvil having a fastener engaging surface, and a compression device having a shoulder portion formed for selectively compressing the everted end of the tissue structure and a surface of the luminal structure together against the fastener engaging surface.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrosurgical device (2) and method for cauterizing tissue and evacuating fluid from the surgical site. The device comprises an insulated conductive shaft (4) having a proximal end coupled to an electric generator (40) and a distal end coupled to an electrode (6) for cutting or coagulating tissue. The shaft has an inner lumen (14) fluidly coupled to a vacuum source (50) and a plurality of insulated side holes (8) in communication with the lumen. The side holes are configured to remain free of obstructions so that fluid, such as smoke, can be continuously evacuated during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A system for performing an end-to-side vascular anastomosis, including an anastomosis device, an application instrument and methods for performing a vascular anastomosis. The system is applicable for performing an anastomosis between a vascular graft and the ascending aorta in coronary artery bypass surgery, particularly in port-access CABG surgery. A first aspect of the invention includes a vascular anastomosis staple. A first configuration has two parts: an anchor member, forming the attachment with the target vessel wall and a coupling member, forming the attachment with the bypass graft vessel. The anastomosis is completed by inserting the coupling member, with the graft vessel attached, into the anchor member. A second configuration combines the functions of the anchor member and the coupling member into a one-piece anastomosis staple.

Abstract: A stapler for stapling a tubular structure to another structure. The stapler has an anvil which is expandable from a collapsed position to an expanded position. The stapler has a recess which receives at least a portion of the tubular structure and a shoulder which receives an everted end of the tubular structure. A first actuator moves the anvil relative to the shoulder for compressing the structures which are to be stapled together. A second actuator is used for driving the staples through the structures to be stapled together.

Abstract: A system for performing an end-to-side vascular anastomosis, including an anastomosis device, an application instrument and methods for performing a vascular anastomosis. The system is applicable for performing an anastomosis between a vascular graft and the ascending aorta in coronary artery bypass surgery, particularly in port-access CABG surgery. A first aspect of the invention includes a vascular anastomosis staple. A first configuration has two parts: an anchor member, forming the attachment with the target vessel wall and a coupling member, forming the attachment with the bypass graft vessel. The anastomosis is completed by inserting the coupling member, with the graft vessel attached, into the anchor member. A second configuration combines the functions of the anchor member and the coupling member into a one-piece anastomosis staple.

Abstract: A cannula is extended through the wall of a body cavity by a trocar having a piercing head slidable through the cannula between a condition extending distally from the cannula and a condition retracted within the cannula. A latch releasably secures the piercing head in the extended condition against the force of a spring which normally biases the piercing head to the retracted condition. Resiliently biased plungers extend longitudinally of the piercing head for retraction in response to counterforce as the piercing head advances through the wall of a body passage and extension upon the release of the counterforce. Extension of the plungers upon release of the counterforce functions to release the piercing head for retraction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting necrosis of a tissue lining of a mammalian body cavity, particularly a uterine endometrium, by introducing an applicator comprising a distendable bladder connected to a catheter into the uterus, distending the bladder by introducing a non-toxic fluid under pressure, cooling the fluid by means located internal to the bladder to a temperature below 32.degree. F. for a period of about 4 to about 12 minutes and preferably about 6 minutes, thereby cauterizing substantially the entirety of the tissue lining, particularly the endometrium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for necrosing tissue are disclosed. Also disclosed are a method and apparatus for treatment of urinary neck blockage and benign prostate hypertrophy. A catheter provided with a heating means and an inflatable balloon is inserted into the urethra so that the heating means is in proximity to the prostate gland and the inflatable bladder attached to the end of the catheter protrudes into the urinary bladder. The bladder is inflated in the urinary bladder to facilitate positioning of the heating means. The heating means is positioned and is then heated for a period of time sufficient to cause necrosis of the tissue lining of the prostate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting necrosis of a tissue lining of a mammalian body cavity, particularly a uterine endometrium, by introducing an applicator comprising a distendable bladder connected to a catheter into the uterus, distending the bladder by introducing a non-toxic fluid under pressure, heating the fluid by means located internal to the bladder to a temperature of 190.degree. to 215.degree. F. and preferably 210.degree. F. for a period of 4 to 12 minutes and preferably 6 minutes and regulating said apparatus by means located external to the uterus, thereby cauterizing substantially the entirety of the tissue lining, particularly the endometrium. An agitator circulates the fluid within the distendable bladder to help keep the fluid at a uniform temperature.

Abstract: A method for a laparoscopic cholecystostomy and prostate or gallbladder ablation is disclosed wherein a bladder catheter is inserted into the prostate or gallbladder then heated for a period sufficient to cause cauterization necrosis of the tissue lining of the prostate of gallbladder. Subsequently, the prostate or gallbladder is allowed to drain and is then removed. An apparatus for performing the procedure and a procedure and apparatus for treatment of benign prostate hypertrophy are also disclosed.

Abstract: An aerosol dispensing device provides increased shelf life for aerosols containing unstable ingredients or reactive compounds. The device includes a container and a valve which, upon actuation of an actuator, has a portion which is depressed downwardly into the container. In some forms of the invention, the downward depression is exerted directly against a glass ampule containing a composition to be isolated from the container contents or valve mechanism. Such depression causes the ampule to break releasing its components where they may mix within the container. In another form of the invention, depression of the actuator causes a relatively heavy ball to be released into the container generally where it may contact and break a frangible liquid containing ampule within the container. The device of the invention provides physical separation of components within the ampule from components generally within the container until the first depression of the acuator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting necrosis of a tissue lining of a mammalian body cavity, particularly a uterine endometrium, by introducing an applicator comprising a distendable bladder connected to a catheter into the uterus, distending the bladder by introducing a non-toxic fluid under pressure, heating the fluid by means located internal to the bladder to a temperature of 190.about. to 215.about.F. and preferably 210.about.F. for a period of 4 to 12 minutes and preferably 6 minutes and regulating said apparatus by means located external to the uterus, thereby cauterizing substantially the entirety of the tissue lining, particularly the endometrium.

Abstract: A disperser having a transparent container for storing propellant and a first compound under pressure. A normally closed valve is mounted on top of the container to control the dispensing of the materials from the container. An ampule containing a second material separate from the first material until the ampule is broken is positioned generally diagonally along the length of the container with a holder. A push rod connected to the valve and extended through a generally cylindrical filter surrounding the valve has a conical shaped finger having a lower pointed end engageable with the side wall of the ampule to break the ampule when the valve is first moved to an open position. The materials are mixed within the container and move through the filter before entering the valve. The holder has a plurality of vent holes allowing thorough mixing of the materials and free flow of the materials to the valve.

Abstract: A dispenser having a transparent container for storing a propellant and a first compound under pressure. A normally closed valve is mounted on top of the container to control the dispensing of the materials from the container. An ampule containing a second material separate from the first material until the ampule is broken is positioned generally longitudinally of the length of the container with a sleeve. A push rod connected to the valve is movable to break the ampule when the valve is first moved to its open position. The materials are mixed within the container and are dispensed through a filter mounted on a dip tube leading to the valve. The dispenser is operable to dispense two component epoxy and polyester adhesives as a foam to selected locations.

Abstract: An aerosol dispenser having a transparent container for storing a propellant and a first compound under pressure. An actuator cap normally closes a valve mounted on top of the container to control the dispensing of the materials from the container. An ampule containing a second material separate from the first material until the ampule is broken is positioned generally along the bottom of the container with a saddle shaped foot. A push rod extended through the valve holds the foot in engagement with the ampule and breaks the ampule when the valve is first moved to its open position. The materials are mixed within the container and are dispensed through a filter mounted on a dip tube leading to the valve.

Abstract: An aerosol dispenser having a transparent container for storing propellant and a first compound under pressure. A normally closed valve is mounted on top of the container to control the dispensing of the materials from the container. An ampule containing a second material separate from the first material until the ampule is broken is positioned generally longitudinally along the length of the container with a sleeve. A push rod connected to the valve and extended through a generally cylindrical filter surrounding the valve has a convex shaped finger and an inclined shoulder that cooperates with a beveled edge of the sleeve to break the ampule when the valve is first moved to an open position. The materials are mixed within the container and move through the filter before entering the valve. The mixed materials and propellant are dispensed through a nozzle of an actuator member mounted on the container when the actuator member is depressed causing the valve to open.

Abstract: An aerosol dispenser having a transparent container for storing a propellant and a first compound under pressure. An actuator button normally closes a valve mounted on top of the container to control the dispensing of the materials from the container. An ampule containing a second material separate from the first material until the ampule is broken is positioned generally along the bottom of the container with a saddle shaped foot. A push rod extends from the valve and holds the foot in engagement with the ampule and breaks the ampule when the valve is first moved to its open position. The materials are mixed within the container and are dispensed through a filter mounted on a dip tube leading to the valve.