Abstract: A surgical fastener for fastening tissue. The fastener includes a first piece of sheet material formed to have a generally planar base and an elongate needle portion extending upward from the base. The fastener includes a second piece of sheet material formed to have a generally planar base and an elongate needle portion extending upward from the base. The second piece of sheet material is pivotally connected to the first piece of sheet material.

Abstract: A device for loading a surgical knotting element on an applicator tool. One embodiment of the device includes a channel dimensioned to receive an applicator tool comprising a coupling. A surgical knotting element comprises a coupling complementary to the coupling of an applicator tool and a suture path. A carriage receives the surgical knotting element. The carriage is moveable in a transverse direction relative the channel between a first position where the knotting element is misaligned with the channel and a second position where the couplings are engaged with one another.

Abstract: A suture anchor loader comprises a housing with a port. A channel extends into the housing from the port, the channel being dimensioned to receive a surgical needle. A suture anchor is preloaded in the channel with a length of suture connected to the suture anchor and stored in the housing. A push rod is slideably positioned in the channel such that the suture anchor is intermediate the push rod and the port. An actuator is operatively connected to push rod to selectively deploy the anchor into the needle.

Abstract: A device for threading suture into a surgical knotting element. In one embodiment the device comprises a knotting element having an inner tubular member, an outer tubular member, and a nonlinear suture path. A flexible suture guide has a proximal portion, a distal portion comprising a flared loop positioned outside the suture path, and a medial portion intermediate the proximal and distal portions, the medial portion being preloaded in the suture path.

Abstract: Methods and devices for approximating tissue are disclosed. The methods and devices utilize a device for applying an implantable tissue fastener and a variety of implantable tissue fasteners. The tissue-fastening device can be delivered endoscopically and can be adapted to function along side or in conjunction with a flexible endoscope. In general, the device can include a flexible shaft having an implantable tissue fastener applier disposed at a distal end thereof and a handle for operating the implantable tissue fastener applier disposed at a proximal end thereof. A variety of self-deploying implantable tissue fasteners can be used with the tissue fastener applier device.

Abstract: Methods and devices for approximating tissue are disclosed. The methods and devices utilize a device for applying an implantable tissue fastener and a variety of implantable tissue fasteners. The tissue-fastening device can be delivered endoscopically and can be adapted to function along side or in conjunction with a flexible endoscope. In general, the device can include a flexible shaft having an implantable tissue fastener applier disposed at a distal end thereof and a handle for operating the implantable tissue fastener applier disposed at a proximal end thereof. A variety of self-deploying implantable tissue fasteners can be used with the tissue fastener applier device.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for approximating tissue. The methods and devices utilize a device for applying an implantable tissue fastener and a variety of implantable tissue fasteners. The tissue-fastening device can be delivered endoscopically and can be adapted to function along side or in conjunction with a flexible endoscope. In general, the device can include a flexible shaft having an implantable tissue fastener applier disposed at a distal end thereof and a handle for operating the implantable tissue fastener applier disposed at a proximal end thereof. A variety of implantable tissue fasteners can be used with the tissue fastener applier device including single and multi-anchor embodiments.

Abstract: A medical device includes a radiation source assembly having at least two radiation sources, where one or more of the radiation sources is adapted to generate an imaging beam for use in visualization of a scene and one or more of the radiation sources is adapted to generate a therapeutic beam for treatment of a medical condition. An optical fiber for directing radiation energy from the radiation source assembly toward a distal end of the medical device in the form of a beam. A reflector that receives the beam from the optical fiber, the reflector configured to direct the beam onto a field-of-view. A receiving system including a detector arranged and configured to receive radiation from the field-of-view to generate a viewable image. The imaging beam and the therapeutic beam are directed to follow a common path from the at least two radiation sources to the reflector.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for approximating tissue. The methods and devices utilize a device for applying an implantable tissue fastener and a variety of implantable tissue fasteners. The tissue-fastening device can be delivered endoscopically and can be adapted to function along side or in conjunction with a flexible endoscope. In general, the device can include a flexible shaft having an implantable tissue fastener applier disposed at a distal end thereof and a handle for operating the implantable tissue fastener applier disposed at a proximal end thereof. A variety of implantable tissue fasteners can be used with the tissue fastener applier device including single and multi-anchor embodiments.

Abstract: A method for viewing a portion of a patient's anatomy that comprises placing a scanner assembly including an oscillating reflector in the anatomy, securing the scanner assembly to an anatomical structure, scanning the anatomy with the scanner assembly secured to the anatomical structure, collecting radiation returned from the scanned anatomy, and generating a displayable image of the anatomy.

Abstract: A first extruded member in joined to a molded member to form an integrated component. In one exemplary form, a surgical anchor is overmolded onto the end of an extruded suture to form a suture/anchor system.

Abstract: A laparoscopic disk assembly, which includes an interwoven gasket seal, either flat or conical, comprised of four gasket sections, forms a seal without anything inserted or in the presence of a laparoscopic instrument or surgeon's hand, approximating an opening of a single through hole of a lip seal providing the same sealing as a lip seal. By breaking the seal through hole into multiple pieces, the direction and amount of strain applied to any section is less than the strain applied by the simple change in diameter. The layers form contact zones with the inserted probe or hand. The sum of the array of contact zones provides contact around the full diameter of the inserted tool or hand. Additionally, the hoop stress of the seal is reduced, thereby reducing the drag force on the instrument or the hand and wrist of the doctor.

Abstract: Methods and devices for fastening tissue are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a tissue fastener is provided and includes a male fastening member having a base plate with at least one post extending therefrom and having a tissue-piercing tip. A protective member is coupled to the male fastening member and is movable between an open position in which the tissue-piercing tip is enclosed within the protective member such that the tissue-piercing tip is prevented from penetrating tissue, and a compressed position in which the tissue-piercing tip is exposed to penetrate tissue. A female fastening member is configured to mate to the male fastening member and to engage tissue therebetween.

Abstract: A suture anchor applier comprises a needle, a flexible shaft, and flexible sleeve. The suture anchor applier is flexible enough to allow passage through and manipulation within a working channel of an articulated endoscope. The suture anchor applier is also stiff enough to resist buckling or bending when extended distally beyond the end of an endoscope and as the needle penetrates into tissue.

Abstract: A suture anchor comprises an elongate body having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends. The first end may have a flared geometry. A lateral suture relief is in the elongate body extending from the first end to an longitudinal position intermediate the first and second ends. A hollow tubular portion in the elongate body is longitudinally spaced from the lateral suture relief. A suture is positioned in the hollow tubular portion. The suture has a delivery position parallel the longitudinal axis and a deployed position transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A surgical fastener for fastening tissue. The fastener includes a first piece having a needle, a second piece having an opening sized for receiving the needle, and a lock for holding the needle of the first piece in the opening of the second piece. At least a portion of the first piece, the second piece and/or the lock comprises a bio-absorbable material so the fastener becomes unfastened from the tissue over time.

Abstract: A surgical fastener for fastening tissue. The fastener includes a first piece having a curved needle, a second piece having an opening sized for receiving the needle, and a lock for holding the needle of the first piece in the opening of the second piece.

Abstract: A first medical instrument includes a medical catheter, a rotatable member, an injection needle, and at least one medical-treatment electrode supported by the rotatable member. The medical catheter has a distal end. The rotatable member is connected to the medical catheter and is rotatable with respect to the medical catheter. The injection needle is movable to extend from, and to retract within, the distal end of the medical catheter. A second endoscope adjunct includes a medical catheter, a rotatable member, and at least one medical-treatment electrode supported by the rotatable member. The medical catheter has a distal end and has a lumen adapted to receive the injection needle. The rotatable member is connected to the medical catheter is rotatable with respect to the medical catheter.

Abstract: A cartridge for housing a plurality of surgical clips that have opposed, hinged leg portions. The cartridge includes a base member having cavities formed therein and a retainer having openings formed therein that are in alignment with and configured to correspond to the configuration of the cavities. Retainer member is attached to the base member in a suitable manner such as a press fit connection.

Abstract: A surgical device and cooperating cartridge for applying surgical clips during endoscopic surgery. The surgical device incluces a jaw assembly, a barrel assembly, and a handle assembly. The jaw assembly has movable jaw members, each including a substantially transverse grooved portion and at least one angular side shield extending inwardly from an upper and a lower portion of the jaw member. The jaw members are oriented at an angle of approximately 22.degree. relative to the longitudinal axis of the barrel portion. The distal surface of each jaw member is oriented at an angle that extends distally and outwardly. The jaw members are insertable into a unique cooperating cartridge that retains the surgical clip.