Abstract: The handle has a blade mounting portion with a raised boss forming a slot. The blade has a boss receiving recess with a portion defined by an edge. The cartridge removeably retains the blade. It has an opening into which the blade mounting portion of the handle can be inserted. A normally arcuate spring is mounted in cantilever fashion within the enclosure. The tip of the blade abuts a stop surface proximate the unattached end of the spring. In its arcuate state, the spring retains the blade in a position where the edge of the blade can enter the slot in the handle. As the blade is moved by insertion of the handle, against the urging of the spring, the spring straightens allowing the blade to assume a position where the boss can be fully seated within the recess, mounting the blade on the handle. The blade is then removed from the cartridge by withdrawing the handle. After use, the blade is reinserted into the cartridge.

Abstract: An endoscopic insertion device for inserting an anastomosis ring having two unitary members in an anatomic tubular body member comprises an anastomosis ring adapter for mounting the unitary members in an engaging position, an inserter for inserting the ring adapter in the tubular body member, and an actuator for actuating the adapter to close the anastomosis ring. A method of using the endoscopic insertion device includes the steps of inserting the anastomosis ring in an engaged position into the tubular body member, securing opposite ends of the tubular body member to the engaged anastomosis ring, applying a biasing force to close the anastomosis ring, releasing the biasing force, and axially withdrawing the insertion device from the closed anastomosis ring.

Abstract: A transanal insertion device for surgically inserting an anastomosis ring having two unitary members into a tubular anatomic member comprises a distal adapter, a proximal adapter and an actuator. The distal adapter includes a hollow distal sleeve and a spring-loaded distal spool axially movable within the distal sleeve. The distal spool is biased in a first direction by a distal spring and includes alignment fingers pivotably connected thereon for aligning a first unitary member. The proximal adapter has a hollow proximal sleeve and a spring-loaded proximal spool axially movable within the proximal sleeve. The proximal spool is biased in a second direction by a proximal spring and includes alignment fingers connected thereon for aligning a second unitary member. The proximal member also includes a proximal gripper for securing the second unitary member on the proximal hollow sleeve.

Abstract: A method for preventing the introduction of air into the vascular system of a patient during intravenous or intra-arterial procedures, as well as for preventing the reflux of fluids into the body of a patient. Also, novel fluid directing means and catheters which include integral or attached fluid flow control means for use in this method.