Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an end effector for use with a surgical device is provided. The end effector includes a drive assembly, a driver, a needle assembly, and a follower. The drive assembly includes a first helical groove. Rotation of the drive assembly in a first direction causes distal translation of the driver with respect to the drive assembly. The needle assembly is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the driver. Distal translation of the driver causes a corresponding distal translation of the needle assembly. The follower is configured to engage the first helical groove of the drive assembly. When the follower is engaged with the first helical groove, rotation of the drive assembly in the first direction causes distal translation of the follower with respect to the drive assembly.

Abstract: The medical puncturing device includes a housing, a shield, and a skin puncturing assembly disposed within the housing. The shield is axially movable in the housing. The skin puncturing assembly includes a movable carrier and a skin puncturing element mounted to the carrier. A distal end of the skin puncturing element is adapted for puncturing the skin of a patient. The carrier is movable from a retracted position wherein the skin puncturing element is disposed within the shield to a puncturing position wherein the distal end of the skin puncturing element is exposed. The carrier is maintained in the retracted position by engagement of flexure members or a retaining tab with the carrier. A drive spring is provided to move the carrier from the retracted position to the puncturing position. A retraction spring is provided to return the carrier and skin puncturing element into the housing.

Abstract: The medical puncturing device includes a housing, a shield, and a skin puncturing assembly disposed within the housing. The shield is axially movable in the housing. The skin puncturing assembly includes a movable carrier and a skin puncturing element mounted to the carrier. A distal end of the skin puncturing element is adapted for puncturing the skin of a patient. The carrier is movable from a retracted position wherein the skin puncturing element is disposed within the shield to a puncturing position wherein the distal end of the skin puncturing element is exposed. The carrier is maintained in the retracted position by engagement of flexure members or a retaining tab with the carrier. A drive spring is provided to move the carrier from the retracted position to the puncturing position. A retraction spring is provided to return the carrier and skin puncturing element into the housing.

Abstract: The medical puncturing device includes a housing, a shield, and a skin puncturing assembly disposed within the housing. The shield is axially movable in the housing. The skin puncturing assembly includes a movable carrier and a skin puncturing element mounted to the carrier. A distal end of the skin puncturing element is adapted for puncturing the skin of a patient. The carrier is movable from a retracted position wherein the skin puncturing element is disposed within the shield to a puncturing position wherein the distal end of the skin puncturing element is exposed. The carrier is maintained in the retracted position by engagement of flexure members or a retaining tab with the carrier. A drive spring is provided to move the carrier from the retracted position to the puncturing position. A retraction spring is provided to return the carrier and skin puncturing element into the housing.

Abstract: The medical puncturing device includes a housing, a shield, and a skin puncturing assembly disposed within the housing. The shield is axially movable in the housing. The skin puncturing assembly includes a movable carrier and a skin puncturing element mounted to the carrier. A distal end of the skin puncturing element is adapted for puncturing the skin of a patient. The carrier is movable from a retracted position wherein the skin puncturing element is disposed within the shield to a puncturing position wherein the distal end of the skin puncturing element is exposed. The carrier is maintained in the retracted position by engagement of flexure members or a retaining tab with the carrier. A drive spring is provided to move the carrier from the retracted position to the puncturing position. A retraction spring is provided to return the carrier and skin puncturing element into the housing.

Abstract: An endoscopic suturing device that can be employed to suture tissue using endoscopic techniques to place one or more stitches in tissue during a single intubation of an endoscope. The suturing device may include a suturing capsule with a suction chamber that is configured to capture tissue that is to be sutured. A needle is movable along a pathway across the suction chamber to penetrate and place stitches in the captured tissue. A catch is located distal to the suction chamber to receive and retain the suture during a stitching sequence. The catch may be movable along the needle pathway and configured to release the suture when the catch moves a predetermined distance along the pathway. The catch may be configured so that a predetermined amount of force is required to move the catch the predetermined distance required to release the suture.

Abstract: A system for performing an end-to-side vascular anastomosis, including an anastomosis device, an application instrument and methods for performing a vascular anastomosis. The system is applicable for performing an anastomosis between a vascular graft and the ascending aorta in coronary artery bypass surgery, particularly in port-access CABG surgery. A first aspect of the invention includes a vascular anastomosis staple. A first configuration has two parts: an anchor member, forming the attachment with the target vessel wall and a coupling member, forming the attachment with the bypass graft vessel. The anastomosis is completed by inserting the coupling member, with the graft vessel attached, into the anchor member. A second configuration combines the functions of the anchor member and the coupling member into a one-piece anastomosis staple.

Abstract: An endoscopic suturing device that can be employed to suture tissue using endoscopic techniques to place one or more stitches in tissue during a single intubation of an endoscope. The suturing device may include a suturing capsule with a suction chamber that is configured to capture tissue that is to be sutured. A needle is movable along a pathway across the suction chamber to penetrate and place stitches in the captured tissue. A catch is located distal to the suction chamber to receive and retain the suture during a stitching sequence. The catch may be movable along the needle pathway and configured to release the suture when the catch moves a predetermined distance along the pathway. The catch may be configured so that a predetermined amount of force is required to move the catch the predetermined distance required to release the suture.

Abstract: Provided is an endoscopic suturing system for joining internal body tissues in a variety of procedures. The system comprises a suturing capsule releasably mountable to the distal end of an endoscope and capable of forming multiple stitches in tissue at a plurality of locations without requiring withdrawal of the capsule from the patient between stitches. Also enclosed is a suture lock to secure the placed stitch that is delivered by a device introduced through the working channel of the indwelling endoscope. Suitable control handles for the suturing capsule and for the suture lock delivery device positioned at the proximal end of the endoscope are provided to facilitate operation by the user.

Abstract: A system for performing an end-to-side vascular anastomosis. including an anastomosis device, an application instrument and methods for performing a vascular anastomosis. The system is applicable for performing an anastomosis between a vascular graft and the ascending aorta in coronary artery bypass surgery, particularly in port-access CABG surgery. A first aspect of the invention includes a vascular anastomosis staple. A first configuration has two parts: an anchor member, forming the attachment with the target vessel wall and a coupling member, forming the attachment with the bypass graft vessel. The anastomosis is completed by inserting the coupling member, with the graft vessel attached, into the anchor member. A second configuration combines the functions of the anchor member and the coupling member into a one-piece anastomosis staple.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for separating heavier and lighter fractions of a fluid sample. The device includes a plurality of constituents comprising a container and a composite element in the container. The composite element is a separator comprising at least two components and more particularly an elastic portion and a plug member. A fluid sample is delivered to the container and the device is subjected to centrifugation whereby the centrifugal load causes the elastic portion of the separator to deform so that the separator migrates into the fluid sample and stabilizes between the heavier and lighter fractions of the fluid sample. The elastic portion of the separator will resiliently return to its initial configuration upon termination of the centrifugal load such that the elastic portion sealingly engages the container and separates the heavier and lighter fractions of the fluid sample.

Abstract: A device for engaging tissue having a preexisting opening includes a generally annular-shaped ring having a width disposed about a longitudinal axis, and at least two staple members extending from the ring. Each of the at least two staple members have a thickness and at least a distal portion formed of an elastic material. The distal portions of the staple members have a first configuration, where the distal portions are separated by a first distance and wherein the distal portions are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a second configuration, where the distal portions are separated by a second distance, the second distance being less than the first distance, and the at least two staple members engage tissue surrounding the preexisting opening. The annular-shaped ring has a width that is greater than the thickness of the at least two staple members.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for separating heavier and lighter fractions of a fluid sample. The device includes a plurality of constituents comprising a container and a composite element in the container. The composite element is a separator comprising at least two components and more particularly an elastic portion and a plug member. A fluid sample is delivered to the container and the device is subjected to centrifugation whereby the centrifugal load causes the elastic portion of the separator to deform so that the separator migrates into the fluid sample and stabilizes between the heavier and lighter fractions of the fluid sample. The elastic portion of the separator will resiliently return to its initial configuration upon termination of the centrifugal load such that the elastic portion sealingly engages the container and separates the heavier and lighter fractions of the fluid sample.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for separating heavier and lighter fractions of a fluid sample. The device includes a plurality of constituents comprising a container and a composite element in the container. The composite element is a separator comprising at least two components and more particularly an elastic portion and a plug member. A fluid sample is delivered to the container and the device is subjected to centrifugation whereby the centrifugal load causes the elastic portion of the separator to deform so that the separator migrates into the fluid sample and stabilizes between the heavier and lighter fractions of the fluid sample. The elastic portion of the separator will resiliently return to its initial configuration upon termination of the centrifugal load such that the elastic portion sealingly engages the container and separates the heavier and lighter fractions of the fluid sample.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for separating heavier and lighter fractions of a fluid sample. The device includes a plurality of constituents comprising a container and a composite element in the container. The composite element is a separator comprising at least two components and more particularly an elastic portion and a plug member. A fluid sample is delivered to the container and the device is subjected to centrifugation whereby the centrifugal load causes the elastic portion of the separator to deform so that the separator migrates into the fluid sample and stabilizes between the heavier and lighter fractions of the fluid sample. The elastic portion of the separator will resiliently return to its initial configuration upon termination of the centrifugal load such that the elastic portion sealingly engages the container and separates the heavier and lighter fractions of the fluid sample.

Abstract: A system for performing an end-to-side vascular anastomosis. including an anastomosis device, an application instrument and methods for performing a vascular anastomosis. The system is applicable for performing an anastomosis between a vascular graft and the ascending aorta in coronary artery bypass surgery, particularly in port-access CABG surgery. A first aspect of the invention includes a vascular anastomosis staple. A first configuration has two parts: an anchor member, forming the attachment with the target vessel wall and a coupling member, forming the attachment with the bypass graft vessel. The anastomosis is completed by inserting the coupling member, with the graft vessel attached, into the anchor member. A second configuration combines the functions of the anchor member and the coupling member into a one-piece anastomosis staple.

Abstract: A system for performing an end-to-side vascular anastomosis. including an anastomosis device, an application instrument and methods for performing a vascular anastomosis. The system is applicable for performing an anastomosis between a vascular graft and the ascending aorta in coronary artery bypass surgery, particularly in port-access CABG surgery. A first aspect of the invention includes a vascular anastomosis staple. A first configuration has two parts: an anchor member, forming the attachment with the target vessel wall and a coupling member, forming the attachment with the bypass graft vessel. The anastomosis is completed by inserting the coupling member, with the graft vessel attached, into the anchor member. A second configuration combines the functions of the anchor member and the coupling member into a one-piece anastomosis staple.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis and device and method for loading and delivering the implantable prosthesis to a trocar cannula. The implantable prosthesis includes a body portion sufficient to extend across and occlude a defect opening and a semi-rigid ring for supporting the body portion. The implantable prosthesis may be provided with a sufficient hoop strength to prevent the body portion from collapsing into the defect opening. A loading and delivery tool includes a main body with a lumen sized to collapse the implantable prosthesis. An elongated shaft is rotatable to wind the implant into a slender configuration and axially moveable to advance the rolled-up implant into the trocar cannula. A cartridge extends from the main body and holds the implant in a normal expanded configuration.

Abstract: A system for performing an end-to-side vascular anastomosis, including an anastomosis device, an application instrument and methods for performing a vascular anastomosis. The system is applicable for performing an anastomosis between a vascular graft and the ascending aorta in coronary artery bypass surgery, particularly in port-access CABG surgery. A first aspect of the invention includes a vascular anastomosis staple. A first configuration has two parts: an anchor member, forming the attachment with the target vessel wall and a coupling member, forming the attachment with the bypass graft vessel. The anastomosis is completed by inserting the coupling member, with the graft vessel attached, into the anchor member. A second configuration combines the functions of the anchor member and the coupling member into a one-piece anastomosis staple.

Abstract: A device and method for separating heavier and lighter fractions of a fluid sample. The device includes a plurality of constituents comprising a container and a composite element in the container. The composite element is a separator comprising a deformable bellows, a ballast mounted to the lower end of the bellows, and a float is engageable with an upper end of the bellows. A fluid sample is delivered to the container and the device is subjected to centrifugation whereby the centrifugal load causes the ballast to move toward the bottom of the tube and causes an elongation and narrowing of the bellows. The separator then moves down the tube and stabilizes in a position between the separated phases of the fluid sample. Termination of the centrifugal load enables the bellows to return to its original condition in sealing engagement with the walls of the tube.