Abstract: Grasping an object, e.g., a calculus in the biliary tract, using a grasper, such as a basket, that can be opened and closed without mechanical advantage and also rotated about the device axis to make it easier to capture the object. The basket can then be closed further with mechanical advantage to crush the object.

Abstract: An anoscope adapted for the suturing of hemorrhoids during a hemorrhoid removal procedure is disclosed. The anoscope has a distal conical tip, a channel body extending proximally from the distal conical tip and a flange radiused outwardly from the channel. A slot is formed in the channel body and runs longitudinally from the distal conical tip through the flange and is flanked by a pair of mutually opposed finger wings that extend out from the flange. The finger wings each have a distal finger wing tip and a concave surface embedded within the finger wing tips. The concave surfaces are sized for the placement of a finger of a user therein.

Abstract: A circular sapling instrument for the removal of hemorrhoids has a stapling end effector having a casing, a hollow staple driver within the casing, an annular blade having an open distal end is located within the staple driver, and a elongated interior drive shaft is reciprocable within the staple driver and the annular blade. A first inner chamber is defined between the staple driver and the interior drive shaft, and a second inner chamber is defined between the annular blade and the drive shaft. The first chamber communicates with the second chamber. The casing has an exterior surface and a substantially unobstructed passageway extends within the casing surface, into the first inner chamber, into the second inner chamber, and through the open distal end of the second inner chamber for insertion and withdrawal of a surgical instrument therethrough.

Abstract: A method for using a circular stapling instrument for the removal of hemorrhoids is disclosed. The circular stapling instrument has a stapling end effector having a stapling head assembly and an anvil assembly movable from an open position spaced away from the stapling head to a closed position adjacent to the stapling head. A first inner chamber and a second inner chamber communicate within the stapling head assembly wherein the second inner chamber has an open distal end when the anvil is in an open position. A substantially unobstructed passageway extends from an exterior casing surface of the stapling head assembly through the first inner chamber, through the second inner chamber, and through the open distal end of the second inner chamber. A suture is placed into the hemorrhoid of a patient and the open stapling end effector is placed into the anus of a patient.

Abstract: Grasping an object, e.g., a calculus in the biliary tract, using a grasper, such as a basket, that can be opened and closed without mechanical advantage and also rotated about the device axis to make it easier to capture the object. The basket can then be closed further with mechanical advantage to crush the object.

Abstract: Grasping an object, e.g., a calculus in the biliary tract, using a grasper, such as a basket, that can be opened and closed without mechanical advantage and also rotated about the device axis to make it easier to capture the object. The basket can then be closed further with mechanical advantage to crush the object.

Abstract: An electrical connector (1) for attachment to a medical device. The connector includes a shaft of electrically conductive material having a proximal end (2) and a distal end (3). Screw threads (4) are disposed on the proximal end of the shaft for attachment of the connector (1) to the device. A longitudinally extending slot (6) extends from the distal end of the connector and forms two legs (7a) and (7b). A pair of shoulders (8a) and (8b) extend from the middle of the connector. The shoulders are adapted to engage internal walls of one type of a female connector. A circumferentially extending recess (9a) and (9b) is disposed adjacent the distal end of the connector. The recess forms a head disposed distally of the recess. The recess is adapted to engage a ring disposed within another type of female socket. The legs are displaceable such that they provide spring engagement of the connector within the female connector by either the circumferentially extending recess or by the shoulders.