Abstract: A vessel harvesting system removes a target vessel from a patient for use as a bypass. An elongated harvesting instrument inserts into a body along a path of a target vessel which includes at least one side branch. The harvesting instrument includes a cutter for applying thermal energy to sever and cauterize the side branch. An endoscopic camera captures visible-light images from a distal tip of the instrument within a dissected tunnel around the target vessel. A thermal camera captures thermograms coinciding with the visible-light images to characterize a temperature present at respective surfaces in the tunnel. An image processor (e.g., an electronic controller) renders a video stream including the visible-light images and an overlay depicting the temperatures present on at least some of the respective surfaces when applying the thermal energy. A display presenting the video stream and overlay to a user can be an augmented-reality display.

Abstract: An endoscopic vessel harvesting system for surgical removal of a blood vessel to be used for coronary bypass uses endoscopic instruments for isolating and severing the vessel. An endoscopic camera in the endoscopic instruments captures images from a distal tip of the instrument within a dissected tunnel around the vessel. An image processor assembles a three-dimensional model of the tunnel from a series of images captured by the endoscopic camera. An augmented-reality display coupled to the image processor renders (e.g., visibly displays to the user in their field of view) a consolidated map representing the three-dimensional model along with a marker in association with the map indicating a current location of the distal tip.

Abstract: A marking/drying tool applies ink to biological tissue using a single handheld device. A cylindrical body retains a felt tip movable between a retracted position within the body and an extended position outside the body for marking the tissue. A gas source has a manual valve to selectably dispensing a drying gas onto the tissue. In a preferred embodiment, an interlock prevents dispensing of drying gas when the tip is in the extended position and prevents the tip moving to the extended position when the manual valve is dispensing the drying gas.

Abstract: A marking/drying tool applies ink to biological tissue using a single handheld device. A cylindrical body retains a felt tip movable between a retracted position within the body and an extended position outside the body for marking the tissue. A gas source has a manual valve to selectably dispensing a drying gas onto the tissue. In a preferred embodiment, an interlock prevents dispensing of drying gas when the tip is in the extended position and prevents the tip moving to the extended position when the manual valve is dispensing the drying gas.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument includes an insertion section which is inserted into a body cavity, and a surgical section which is disposed on a tip of the insertion section and treats an object. The surgical section includes a body section, and a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode which are disposed on the body section. The surgical section coagulates and cuts the object by using a combination of not less than two of the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode.

Abstract: A ring dissector/harvester device for dissecting and harvesting a vessel has a capture tool that is co-axially positioned around the vessel to at least temporarily hold the vessel. A sealing tool is coaxially positioned within the capture tool and is axially movable with respect to the capture tool. The sealing tool and the capture tool are engaged to cauterize a branch from the vessel and to seal the cauterized branch and vessel.

Abstract: A vessel preparation and preservation kit supports a blood vessel during processing for use in bypass graft surgery. The device comprises a clamshell base having first and second trays latchable in a closed condition and pivotable to an open condition. The first tray has a series of open slots on an interior surface, wherein each slot extends substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the clamshell base. A first fixture has a first plate positionable in any selected one of the slots, a first fitting for holding a first end of the blood vessel, and a fluid supply needle for inserting into the first end of the blood vessel. A second fixture has a second plate positionable in any selected one of the slots a predetermined distance from the first fixture and having a second fitting for holding a second end of the blood vessel. A liquid-retaining foam is mounted in the second tray to immerse the prepared blood vessel in liquid to preserve it by putting the trays in the closed condition.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument includes an insertion section which is inserted into a body cavity, and a surgical section which is disposed on a tip of the insertion section and treats an object. The surgical section includes a body section, and a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode which are disposed on the body section. The surgical section coagulates and cuts the object by using a combination of not less than two of the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument includes a wiping section that is provided at a tip part of a insertion section and is pivoted to wipe off extraneous matter adhering to an observation surface provided at a tip part of an endoscope inserted through a grip section and the insertion section, an axial member that is inserted through the insertion section and is connected to the wiping section and an operation section that is provided over a whole circumference of a top end of the grip section in a circumferential direction in a longitudinal direction of the grip section, is connected to the axial member, and operates the wiping section through the axial member. A center axis of operation section is coaxial to an axis of endoscope when the endoscope inserted through the grip section and the insertion section.

Abstract: An endoscopic vessel harvesting device has an elongated sleeve member for insertion into a body having a vessel to be harvested. A V-cutter cutter is provided that is longitudinally extendable from the sleeve member toward a cutting position for cutting branches of a vessel being harvested. The cutter comprises a V-tip, a longitudinal slit for receiving a branch to be cut, and electrodes adjacent to the longitudinal slit for being electrically energized to cut and cauterize the branch. A debris remover is fixed to the sleeve member in alignment with the longitudinal slit for mechanically removing debris from the longitudinal slit when the cutter is positioned longitudinally inward from the cutting position. The debris remover is operable during times that the sleeve member is inserted into the body. Effectiveness of the V-cutter is maintained even in conditions favoring a build-up of debris that could otherwise clog the longitudinal slit of the V-cutter.

Abstract: A vessel preparation and preservation kit supports a blood vessel during processing for use in bypass graft surgery. The device comprises a clamshell base having first and second trays latchable in a closed condition and pivotable to an open condition. The first tray has a series of open slots on an interior surface, wherein each slot extends substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the clamshell base. A first fixture has a first plate positionable in any selected one of the slots, a first fitting for holding a first end of the blood vessel, and a fluid supply needle for inserting into the first end of the blood vessel. A second fixture has a second plate positionable in any selected one of the slots a predetermined distance from the first fixture and having a second fitting for holding a second end of the blood vessel. A liquid-retaining foam is mounted in the second tray to immerse the prepared blood vessel in liquid to preserve it by putting the trays in the closed condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bi-directionally dissecting and harvesting a vessel includes a dissector device that is at least temporarily secured to a harvester device.

Abstract: A multi-function minimally invasive vessel clipping and harvesting device includes at least two clipping devices positioned to advance surgical clips onto a tissue, and a severing device positioned to sever the tissue between the clips.

Abstract: An endoscopic vein dissector for removing a vein from a living body comprises a dissector tip adapted to penetrate between the vein and surrounding tissue. A handle is provided for manipulation by a device operator to guide the tip through an incision in the living body to the vicinity of the vein. A longitudinal rod is mounted between the dissector tip and handle such that the tip is movable with respect to the handle between a retracted position and an extended position. A driver applies motive power to move the dissector tip from the retracted position to the extended position. A control element is adapted to be activated by the device operator to assist in the desired penetration between the vein and the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A unitary dissector/harvester device for dissecting and harvesting a vessel has an elongated dissector tool for insertion into a body having the vessel to be harvested and a harvester tool axially positioned within the dissector tool.

Abstract: A ring dissector/harvester device for dissecting and harvesting a vessel has a capture tool that is co-axially positioned around the vessel to at least temporarily hold the vessel. A sealing tool is coaxially positioned within the capture tool and is axially movable with respect to the capture tool. The sealing tool and the capture tool are engaged to cauterize a branch from the vessel and to seal the cauterized branch and vessel.

Abstract: A self-contained device for dissecting and/or harvesting a vessel includes a self-contained light source and a self-contained imaging system positioned within the sheath.

Abstract: A vessel holder supports a blood vessel during processing for use in bypass graft surgery. The holder comprises a base and a first fixture mounted on the base for holding a first end of the blood vessel. The first fixture has a fluid supply needle for inserting into the first end of the blood vessel. A second fixture is mounted on the base a predetermined distance from the first fixture for holding a second end of the blood vessel. The predetermined distance is adjustable for holding the blood vessel under tension. The device reduces labor and time for vessel preparation. With various optional features, the device obtains safer application of pressurized saline solution when testing for leaks, better visualization for inspecting the vessel for surgical use, reliable protection of the vessel from accidental damage, and convenient immersion of the vessel in a bath for preservation until needed in the surgery.

Abstract: An endoscopic vessel harvesting device has an elongated sleeve member for insertion into a body having a vessel to be harvested. A V-cutter cutter is provided that is longitudinally extendable from the sleeve member toward a cutting position for cutting branches of a vessel being harvested. The cutter comprises a V-tip, a longitudinal slit for receiving a branch to be cut, and electrodes adjacent to the longitudinal slit for being electrically energized to cut and cauterize the branch. A debris remover is fixed to the sleeve member in alignment with the longitudinal slit for mechanically removing debris from the longitudinal slit when the cutter is positioned longitudinally inward from the cutting position. The debris remover is operable during times that the sleeve member is inserted into the body. Effectiveness of the V-cutter is maintained even in conditions favoring a build-up of debris that could otherwise clog the longitudinal slit of the V-cutter.