Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for performing translumenal (e.g., transoral and transanal) procedures. In general, the methods and devices utilize a trocar assembly or trocar end cap that can facilitate insertion of an endoscope through tissue. In one embodiment, a flexible trocar assembly is provided and includes an obturator having an inner lumen formed therethrough for receiving an endoscope therein, and a distal end that is adapted to facilitate insertion of the endoscope through tissue and that is adapted to facilitate viewing therethrough. The trocar assembly can also include a trocar sleeve that is disposable over the obturator. In use, once the trocar assembly is inserted through tissue, the trocar sleeve can function as a placeholder, allowing the endoscope and obturator to be removed. The endoscope can then be removed from within the obturator and reinserted through the trocar sleeve for use in performing various other procedures.

Abstract: An end effector for use in an endoscopic device including a cup, and a hinge extension formed separately from the cup and connected to the cup. The hinge extension has a pivot for pivotally connecting the end effector to an identical second end effector.

Abstract: An endoscopic device including an elongate member having opposite ends, and a clevis attached to one end of the opposite ends. The clevis includes a barrel having at least one slot longitudinally extending completely through the barrel. The device includes a pair of jaws mounted on the clevis for pivotal movement. Each of the jaws has an end opposite the elongate member. The device includes an actuator member operatively connected to the pair of jaws for moving the jaws between a closed position in which the end of the corresponding jaw is positioned adjacent the other jaw and an open position in which an end of the jaw is spaced from the other jaw.

Abstract: A flexible endoscopic device including an elongate flexible member having opposite ends, an effector assembly mounted on one of the opposite ends of the flexible member, and a handle mounted on the end of the flexible member opposite the effector assembly. The handle includes a fastener for receiving a portion of the flexible member spaced from the end of the member opposite the effector assembly. The device also includes an actuator assembly extending through the flexible member and operatively connected to the effector assembly for actuating the effector.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a shaft having a channel extending therethrough and an actuating element extending through the channel. The instrument further includes an end effector disposed on the distal end of the shaft and operatively connected to the distal end of the actuating element, wherein the actuating element is adapted to move the end effector between a first configuration and a second configuration. The instrument further includes a control moveable between a first position corresponding to the first configuration, and a second position corresponding to the second configuration, wherein the control is operatively disconnected from the actuating element when the control is in the first position.

Abstract: A colonoscopic device stabilizer for stabilizing a colonoscopic device when inserted in an anus of a patient. The stabilizer includes a body adapted for receipt within the anus of a patient. The body has an opening sized and shaped for receiving the colonoscopic device when the device is inserted in the anus of the patient. The stabilizer also includes a clamp attached to the body selectively moveable between a locked position in which the clamp resists movement of the colonoscopic device relative to the body and an unlocked position in which the clamp permits movement of the colonoscopic device relative to the body.

Abstract: An endoscopic device stabilizer for stabilizing an endoscopic device when inserted in a mouth of a patient. The stabilizer includes a body adapted for receipt within the mouth of a patient. The body has an opening sized and shaped for receiving the endoscopic device when the device is inserted in the mouth of the patient. The stabilizer also includes a clamp attached to the body selectively moveable between a locked position in which the clamp resists movement of the endoscopic device relative to the body and an unlocked position in which the clamp permits movement of the endoscopic device relative to the body.

Abstract: A rotating surgical stapler having a proximal end and a distal end includes a handle at the proximal end and an end effector at the distal end for selective rotation to improve access to tissue requiring treatment and ease of use of the present linear surgical stapler. A support shaft connects the handle to the end effector and includes a longitudinal axis. The end effector is coupled to the support shaft for rotation about a longitudinal axis of the stapler.

Abstract: A linear surgical stapler adapted for applying a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue includes an anvil structure and a cartridge housing containing a plurality of surgical fasteners and a knife. The cartridge housing and anvil structure are relatively movable between a first spaced apart position and a second position in close approximation with one another. A firing mechanism is associated with the cartridge housing for ejecting the surgical fasteners from the cartridge housing to be driven against the anvil structure. The firing mechanism includes a slide bar at its distal end adjacent the cartridge housing. A lockout mechanism interacts with the cartridge housing for selective activation and deactivation.

Abstract: An articulating surgical stapler having a proximal end and a distal end includes a handle at the proximal end and an end effector at the distal end for selective articulation to improve access to tissue requiring treatment and ease of use of the present linear surgical stapler. A support shaft connects the handle to the end effector. An articulation mechanism is positioned between the support shaft and the end effector permitting selective movement of the end effector relative to the support shaft.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical clamp coagulator apparatus is configured to effect cutting, coagulation and clamping of tissue by cooperation of a clamping mechanism of the apparatus with an associated ultrasonic end-effector. The clamping mechanism includes a pivotal clamp arm, which cooperates with the end-effector for gripping tissue. The clamp arm is provided with a clamp tissue pad that has at least one raised portion to achieve the desired cutting and coagulation effect on the tissue.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for applying a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue. The surgical instrument includes a frame having a proximal end and a distal end, with a handle at the proximal end and a support structure at the distal end. The support structure is adapted to support cartridge containing the plurality of surgical fasteners. The instrument further includes a closure member for supporting at least a portion of the cartridge for movement from a proximal end of the support structure to a distal end of the support structure, wherein at least a portion of the closure member is made from plastic.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for applying a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue. The surgical instrument includes a frame having a handle at a proximal end thereof, and a support structure at a distal end thereof. The support structure adapted to support a plurality of surgical fasteners and is formed from aluminum.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a surgical instrument for deploying a plurality of surgical fasteners. The method uses the step of building a frame with a proximal end and a distal end, and assembling a handle onto the proximal end of the frame. The method then uses the step of building a support structure adapted to support cartridge containing the plurality of surgical fasteners, and assembling the support structure onto the distal end of the frame. The method also uses the step of building a closure member for supporting at least a portion of the plurality of surgical fasteners for movement from the open position to the closed position. Wherein the step of building the closure member uses the step of molding the closure member from a plastic.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a surgical instrument for deploying a plurality of surgical fasteners. The method uses the step of building a frame with a proximal end and a distal end, and assembling a handle onto the proximal end of the frame. The method also involves the step of building a support structure at least partially from aluminum, such that the support structure is adapted to a plurality of surgical staples. The method also involves the step of assembling the support structure onto the distal end of the frame.

Abstract: A surgical instrument adapted for applying a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue includes a frame having a proximal end and a distal end, with a handle positioned at the proximal end. The instrument also includes a cartridge housing and an anvil. The cartridge housing and anvil are relatively movable between a first spaced apart position and a second position in close approximation with one another, and the cartridge housing includes a knife adapted for cutting tissue by moving between the cartridge housing and the anvil. A firing mechanism is associated with the cartridge housing for selective actuation. The instrument also includes a tissue retention feature having an upper member and a lower member maintaining tissue between the cartridge housing and the anvil during treatment, wherein the upper and lower members respectively include channels associated with the knife for guiding it between the cartridge housing and the anvil.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is adapted for applying a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue. The surgical instrument includes a frame having a proximal end and a distal end, with a handle positioned at the proximal end and an end effector positioned at the distal end. The end effector is shaped and dimensioned for supporting a cartridge housing and an anvil, the cartridge housing and anvil structure being relatively movable between a first spaced apart position and a second position in close approximation with one another. A firing mechanism is associated with the end effector and the cartridge housing for selective actuation of the fastening elements for treatment of an individual. A tissue retention feature is associated with the cartridge housing and anvil, the tissue retention feature maintaining tissue within the end effector during treatment and including a top tissue retention member and a bottom tissue retention member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for cutting and applying a plurality of surgical fasteners in the same direction to body tissue includes a frame having a proximal end and a distal end, with a handle positioned at the proximal end and an end effector positioned at the distal end. The end effector is shaped and dimensioned for supporting a cartridge housing and an anvil. The cartridge housing and anvil are relatively movable between a first spaced apart position and a second position in close approximation with one another, and the cartridge housing includes a knife structure adapted for cutting tissue by moving between the cartridge housing and the anvil. The instrument also includes a firing mechanism associated with the end effector and the cartridge housing for selective actuation of the knife structure and surgical fasteners for movement in the same direction.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is adapted for stapling tissue in a highly controlled manner. The surgical instrument includes a frame having a proximal end and a distal end, with a handle positioned at the proximal end and an end effector positioned at the distal end. The end effector is shaped and dimensioned for selectively receiving a cartridge module containing a plurality of surgical fasteners. A firing mechanism is associated with the end effector and the cartridge module for selective actuation of the surgical fasteners. The cartridge module includes a cartridge housing in which the surgical fasteners are housed and an anvil shaped and dimensioned for engagement with the surgical fasteners to facilitate stapling. The cartridge housing and anvil are relatively movable between a first spaced apart position and a second position in close approximation with one another.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is adapted for applying a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue. The surgical instrument includes an anvil and a cartridge housing containing a plurality of surgical fasteners. The cartridge housing and anvil are relatively movable between a first spaced apart position and a second closed position. A firing mechanism is associated with the cartridge housing for ejecting the surgical fasteners from the cartridge housing to be driven against the anvil. A lockout mechanism interacts with the cartridge housing for activation and deactivation; the lockout mechanism preventing movement of the cartridge housing to its second closed position but permitting relative reapproximation movement of the cartridge housing and anvil, whereby reapproximation provides an indicator that the instrument is not malfunctioning.