Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously applying to body tissue at least one surgical suture in conjunction with a plurality of surgical fasteners arranged end to end in rows. The apparatus preferably includes a knife for making an incision in the body tissue sealed in each side by at least one row of fasteners. The fasteners are two-part fasteners fabricated from bioabsorbable material. The incision is closed by pulling the ends of the suture(s).

Abstract: A self contained gas powered endoscopic surgical apparatus is provided for placing lateral lines of surgical fasteners into body tissue. The apparatus includes a frame portion, an elongated portion extending from the frame portion, and an articulating fastener applying assembly associated with a distal end of the elongated portion. The fastener applying assembly includes a base portion, a staple cartridge housing, and an anvil member which has a forming surface thereon against which surgical fasteners are driven as they are ejected from the cartridge housing. A self contained pneumatic system is associated with the frame portion and is actuable to eject the surgical fasteners from the cartridge assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for endoscopic application of surgical staples adapted to attach surgical mesh to body tissue in laparoscopic hernia surgery. The apparatus includes a frame, and a generally elongated endoscopic section connected to the frame and extending distally therefrom. A staple storage magazine is provided for storing a plurality of surgical staples at the distal end portion of the endoscopic section with each staple being configured and adapted to attach the mesh to the body tissue. An elongated pusher system formed of several assembled components and extending from the frame to the endoscopic section is provided for individually advancing at least one staple at a time distally for positioning adjacent the surgical mesh and the body tissue. The pusher system also includes a trigger mecanism to actuate the pusher.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying surgical clips through an endoscopic tube includes an endoscopic portion housing a jaw blade, a pusher bar for feeding clips one at a time to the jaws, a channel bar for camming the jaw blades into closed position, and an array of surgical clips. The body of the apparatus comprises a frame housing an actuating mechanism and a transmission mechanism for transferrring movement to the pusher bar and channel. The endoscopic portion is rotatable relative to the frame. In one embodiment the apparatus is single disposable unit. In an alternative embodiment the endoscopic portion is detachable and disposable whereas the non-endoscopic body portion is reusable.

Abstract: A disposable apparatus is disclosed for applying surgical clips to body tissue in endoscopic surgical procedures. The apparatus includes a frame which is adapted to be gripped by hand, and an endoscopic section permanently connected to the handle and capable of storing surgical clips in preparation for clipping arteries or other body tissue. The apparatus includes means for advancing each clip sequentially to a pair of distal jaws and means for closing the jaws about the clip. When the jaws are closed, the clip advancing means is simultaneously positioned to advance the next clip. When all clips are spent the apparatus becomes automatically locked against further advancement of the clip advancing means as well as further closing of the clip closing jaws. The present apparatus also makes it possible to partially close a clip without interfering with the sequential movement of the clip advancing mechanism.