Abstract: A suturing device includes an elongated sheath and a suturing assembly. The elongated sheath has a working end for insertion through a working channel in an endoscope and has an inner passage. The suturing assembly includes an elongated flexible base member, a first suturing arm and a second suturing arm. The suturing arms each have a proximal end interconnected with the elongated base member and an opposite distal end. A needle receiver is disposed at the distal end of each suturing arm. The suturing arms are movable between an open position wherein the distal ends are spaced apart by a first distance and a closed position wherein the distal ends are spaced apart by a second distance less than the first distance.

Abstract: A polycrystalline mesoscale component, formed through a process including filing a mold cavity formed in a photoresist with a mold fill, is provided with an overall length L divided into multiple segments with a second segment extending from a first segment at a nonlinear angle. The first segment has a first segment height H1 and a first segment thickness T1, while the second segment has a second segment height H2 and a second segment thickness T2, with the lesser of H1 and H2 defining a minimum segment height Hmin and the lesser of T1 and T2 defining a minimum segment thickness Tmin. The resultant component has a ratio of L:Hmin:Tmin of 20-80:1:0.5-10 where Hmin is between 5 and 500 microns. In specific instances, the nonlinear angle is acute, the multiple segments are rectilinear in cross section, and a segment thickness has an edge resolution of between 0.1 and 2 microns.

Abstract: Recent advances in minimally invasive surgical procedures have created a demand for smaller scale tools with improved performance characteristics. Attempts to scale down modern tools to the meso level (1-5 mm) have caused severe performance losses. Surgical tools of the present invention provide significant improvements in operable range and force application for both grasping and spreading when compared to currently used endoscopic forceps. This is achieved by using two actuators that separately control the spreading and grasping functions of the surgical tool.

Abstract: Recent advances in minimally invasive surgical procedures have created a demand for smaller scale tools with improved performance characteristics. Attempts to scale down modern tools to the meso level (1-5 mm) have caused severe performance losses. Surgical tools of the present invention provide significant improvements in operable range and force application for both grasping and spreading when compared to currently used endoscopic forceps.

Abstract: Biopsy devices which can be used with a flexible endoscope are described herein. Inventive biopsy devices can be used in minimally invasive procedures and other biopsy applications. Inventive biopsy devices can be used through an endoscope channel to perform zero invasive biopsies on the gastrointestinal system and other organs. Actuation devices for use to twist or manipulate the biopsy device even when it is at the end of the endoscopic cable are provided according to embodiments of the present invention.

Abstract: A polycrystalline mesoscale component is provided that has an overall length L divided into multiple segments with a second segment extending from a first segment at a nonlinear angle. The first segment has a first segment height H1 and a first segment thickness T1, while the second segment has a second segment height H2 and a second segment thickness T1, with the lesser of H1 and H2 defining a minimum segment height Hmin and the lesser of T1 and T2 defining a minimum segment thickness Tmin. The resultant component has a ratio of L:Hmin:Tmin of 20-80:1:0.5-10 where Hmin is between 5 and 500 microns. In specific instances, the nonlinear angle is acute, the multiple segments are rectilinear in cross section, and a segment thickness has an edge resolution of between 0.1 and 2 microns. A process for forming a polycrystalline mesoscale component is provided that includes filling a mold cavity formed in a photoresist with a mold fill.

Abstract: A suturing device includes an elongated sheath and a suturing assembly. The elongated sheath has a working end for insertion through a working channel in an endoscope and has an inner passage. The suturing assembly includes an elongated flexible base member, a first suturing arm and a second suturing arm. The suturing arms each have a proximal end interconnected with the elongated base member and an opposite distal end. A needle receiver is disposed at the distal end of each suturing arm. The suturing arms are movable between an open position wherein the distal ends are spaced apart by a first distance and a closed position wherein the distal ends are spaced apart by a second distance less than the first distance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive surgery. The apparatus can comprise a tool which includes a multi-functioning end effector for insertion into a patient, a user control adapted for use by the surgeon external of the patient, and an intermediate section between the end effector and the user control to translate control instructions from the user control through an actuating mechanism to operate the end effector in one of at least two different functioning states. No instrument exchange is necessary to change between states. The actuation mechanism could be a manually operated mechanical mechanism. Alternatively, it could be partially or fully electromechanical or electrical or electronic. According to one aspect, the end effector is a rigid link mechanism. According to another aspect, the end effector could be a compliant mechanism, at least in part.