Abstract: Disclosed is an instrument for use in a procedure to effect anastomosis of a patient's bladder and urethra following a prostatectomy having a tube assembly, and an end effector assembly operably supported by the tube assembly, where the end effector assembly includes an anchor for insertion into and through the patient's bladder wall and pelvic floor and an anchor guide associated therewith.

Abstract: Disclosed is an instrument, assembly, and method for use in a procedure to effect anastomosis of a patient's bladder and urethra following a prostatectomy. The instrument comprises a tube assembly having an end effector assembly operably supported thereby, where the end effector assembly includes a harness adapted to receive a balloon portion of a balloon catheter assembly.

Abstract: The method disclosed may be used following a prostatectomy, and may comprise inserting an instrument into the bladder lumen through incisions in the abdomen and bladder wall; using an end effector thereon to urge the bladder wall to the pelvic floor and align the openings of the bladder and urethra, and drive an anchor through the bladder wall into the pelvic floor, thereby connecting a balloon harness to the pelvic floor; inflating a balloon within the harness, which holds the bladder wall surrounding the bladder opening against the pelvic floor; maintaining the balloon in place and draining the bladder via a catheter during the time required for the tissues to effectively knit; and then deflating the balloon, disconnecting the harness, and withdrawing the instrument. The instrument may comprise one or more tubes that support an end effector comprising a positioner, an anchor driver, a harness, a balloon and a catheter.

Abstract: Disclosed is an instrument for use in a procedure to effect anastomosis of a patient's bladder and urethra following a prostatectomy having a tube assembly, and an end effector assembly operably supported by the tube assembly. The end effector assembly includes a positioner assembly and an anchor driver assembly in operable mechanical communication with first and second rods of the tube assembly, so as to be actuable by movement of the first and the second rods with respect to a spine member.

Abstract: Disclosed is an instrument and method for use in a procedure to effect anastomosis of a patient's bladder and urethra following a prostatectomy. The instrument comprises a tube assembly, and an end effector assembly operably supported thereby, where the end effector assembly includes a positioner assembly and an anchor driver assembly in operable mechanical communication with a handle, for use in performing anastomotic procedures.

Abstract: The instrument disclosed may comprise a tube assembly supporting an end effector that may be adapted for insertion into and through the urethra, and adapted for use in effecting the anastomosis of a patient's bladder and urethra following a prostatectomy. In one embodiment the end effector may comprise a positioner having an extendable and retractable petal operably connected to a tube, an anchor driver, and an anchor releasably held by the anchor driver. In another embodiment the end effector may comprise a positioner and an anchor driver having a driver pin operably connected to a tube.

Abstract: The instrument disclosed may comprise a tube assembly further comprising substantially coaxially situated and relatively longitudinally movable tubes, supporting and operating an end effector that may be adapted for insertion into and through the urethra, and adapted for use in effecting the anastomosis of a patient's bladder and urethra following a prostatectomy. In alternative embodiments the tube assembly may comprise a rod and two tubes, three tubes, a rod and three tubes, or four tubes. The method disclosed may comprise inserting an instrument having an end effector into the bladder lumen, and using the end effector to urge the bladder wall to the pelvic floor and drive an anchor through the bladder wall and into the pelvic floor.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for treatment of body strictures to restore luminal diameter to within a normal diameter range, in which the stricture is dilated to stretch its lumen to a desired diameter, collagen is exuded near to existing tissue of the stricture so as to be absorbed by that tissue or adhere to that tissue, making a collagen-enhanced tissue structure, and energy is emitted to affect the collagen-enhanced tissue, such as by ablation or by hardening. Ablation and hardening may be repeated so as to create a set of layers of hardened collagen in the form of a supporting frame, preferably having a hollow cylindrical shape. Dilation of the stricture is achieved by expanding one or more balloons, or by the pressure of exuded collagen, until the stricture is larger than a normal diameter range. When energy is emitted into the collagen, the stricture contracts back to the normal diameter range, either by ablation of excess tissue or by plating of the stricture wall.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for a resectoscope includes, a cutting electrode with a loop distal tip and a coagulation electrode with a loop distal tip. A support frame connects the cutting and coagulation electrodes to an energy source which supplies energy from the energy source to the electrodes. The coagulation electrode provides tissue coagulation simultaneously while the cutting electrode cuts tissue. A resectoscope is disclosed which includes the electrode assembly. The resectoscope includes a sheath with a sheath lumen, a working element, and a visualization apparatus.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for a resectoscope includes, a cutting electrode with a loop distal tip and a coagulation electrode with a loop distal tip. A support frame connects the cutting and coagulation electrodes to an energy source which supplies energy from the energy source to the electrodes. The coagulation electrode provides tissue coagulation simultaneously while the cutting electrode cuts tissue. A resectoscope is disclosed which includes the electrode assembly. The resectoscope includes a sheath with a sheath lumen, a working element, and a visualization apparatus.