Abstract: A surgical device comprising a clevis defining a longitudinal axis and a jaw comprising a first member and a second member. A slider is slidably engaged to the clevis, the slider comprising a pin. The pin is receiveably engaged in the first slot and the jaw is selectively moveable between a first position and a second position through longitudinal movement of the slider. In various embodiments, the first and second members are movable between an angular open position, a parallel open position, and a parallel closed position.

Abstract: A reloadable device for deploying fasteners. The device has a handle and at least one actuator. The handle is connected to an elongated hollow housing having distal and proximal ends. The device has a first cartridge containing at least one fastener releasably connectable to the handle. The fastener has at least two anchors connected together by a non-resilient flexible suture which does not resist deformation under compressible loads. The device also includes a means, adjacent the handle, for facilitating removal of the first cartridge from the handle and replacing it with a second cartridge.

Abstract: A cartridge containing a fastener. The cartridge has an elongated sheath containing at least one tissue penetrating member. The penetrating member at least partially houses a fastener. The fastener has at least two anchors connected together by a non-resilient flexible suture which does not resist deformation under compressible loads. The cartridge further includes a means for deploying the anchors, wherein the means is movable within the sheath.

Abstract: A method of deploying fasteners within a body by providing a device having a handle and at least one actuator. The handle is connected to an elongated hollow housing having distal and proximal ends, and a needle within the hollow housing. The device has a first cartridge containing at least one fastener releasably connectable to the distal end of the hollow housing. The fastener is at least partially housed within the needle and has at least two anchors connected together by a non-resilient flexible suture which does not resist deformation under compressible loads. The method uses the steps of inserting the distal end of the hollow housing to a target site within a body, attaching tissue together within the body by deploying the fastener, and removing the first cartridge and replacing it with a second cartridge.

Abstract: A reloadable device for deploying fasteners. The device has a handle and at least one actuator. The handle is connected to an elongated hollow housing having distal and proximal ends. The device includes a first cartridge containing at least one fastener releasably connectable to the handle. The fastener has at least two anchors connected together by a non-resilient flexible suture which does not resist deformation under compressible loads. The first cartridge is removable from the handle. The device includes a second cartridge having at least one fastener releasably connectable to the handle after removal of the first cartridge. The second cartridge being insertable into the device from a proximal end thereof.

Abstract: An inflatable medical instrument for tissue damage in gastric reduction surgery includes a main chamber composed of a biocompatible material capable of being selectively inflated. The medical instrument also includes a longitudinally extending tab member secured to an outer surface of the main chamber, a series of suction holes are formed along the tab member and an electrode is mounted on the tab member. The present invention also provides a method for forming a tissue junction used in defining a gastric pouch including damaging opposed tissue layers, apposing the tissue layers and fastening the tissue layers to allow the tissue layers to heal together.

Abstract: A marking apparatus includes a selectively inflatable balloon. The balloon includes an external lumen adapted for connection to a vacuum source. The external lumen includes ports for creating a vacuum at the ports sufficient to draw walls of the gastric cavity into contact with the external lumen. The balloon is further provided with RF energy delivery devices. In accordance with an alternate embodiment, a marking apparatus includes an elongated, hollow body, the hollow body including a proximal end and a distal end. The hollow body includes at least one suction trough in which a plurality of holes is disposed to draw suction on tissue. The at least one suction trough extends along a substantial portion of the hollow body as it extends from its distal end to its proximal end.

Abstract: An electrical ablation device includes an elongated flexible member having a proximal end and a distal end. A clamp jaw portion is located at the distal end of the elongated flexible member. The clamp jaw portion is operatively movable from an open position to a closed position. A cutting blade is located in the clamp jaw portion. The clamp jaw portion is adapted to couple to an electrical waveform generator and to receive an electrical waveform.

Abstract: A suture locking device including an adapter for insertion into a body. The adapter has a proximal end, an open distal end and a lip within the distal end projecting towards an interior of the open distal end. The device further includes a knot tying element releasably attached to the distal end of the adapter. The knot tying element has a distal and a proximal end. The proximal end of the knot tying element has a recess thereon. The proximal end of the knot tying element is inserted within the open distal end of the adapter such that the lip and the recess mate with each other to form a releasable lock.

Abstract: A method of attaching a knotting element to a suturing device including the steps of providing an adapter for insertion into a body, the adapter having a proximal end and an open distal end. Providing a knot tying element for tying suture together. Releasably attaching the distal end of the adapter to the knot tying element by inserting a proximal end of the knot tying element into the open distal end of the adapter and thereafter rotating the knot tying device with respect to the adapter.