Abstract: Apparatus (20, 120, 300) and methods for use in the performance of minimally invasive orthopedic procedures, including apparatus and methods for use in the performance of such procedures under the visualization of an endoscope (22), are herein disclosed. Such procedures include a minimally invasive intramedullary nailing procedure, a minimally invasive bone graft harvesting procedure, a minimally invasive pelvic osteotomy procedure, an orthopedic implant revision procedure, and a minimally invasive percutaneous bone plating procedure.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for controlling movement of a working end of a surgical device, and in particular for performing various surgical procedures using an instrument having an end effector that can be articulated relative to an elongate shaft of the device. In certain embodiments, the end effector can also optionally rotate relative to the elongate shaft of the device, and/or the shaft can rotate relative to a handle of the device.

Abstract: A surgical device comprises an elongate shaft defining a longitudinal axis. The shaft comprises a distal end and a proximal end. An arm medially deflectable and comprises a mating feature. An elongate pin is positioned medially relative the arm. The elongate pin is axially slideable relative the arm between a locked position preventing medial deflection of the arm and an unlocked position allowing medial deflection of the arm. An energy based surgical end effector is selectively attachable and detachable to the mating feature of the arm. The end effector may include a torque arm to engage the elongate shaft.

Abstract: A surgical stapling system comprising a first staple, a second staple, and a bridge connecting the first staple and the second staple. In at least one embodiment, the first staple and the second staple are part of a strip of staples. For example, the first and second staples can be included in a strip of staples that includes several staples that are attached end-to-end and/or attached side-by side. In use, the strip, or strips, of staples are inserted into a stapler which can be used to insert the staples into soft tissue, for example, and deform at least a portion of the staples to hold the tissue, or several layers of tissue, together.

Abstract: A medical instrument including a resiliently flexible first elongate member and a resiliently flexible second elongate member. The first elongate member has a first proximal end portion and a first distal portion. The second elongate member has a second proximal end portion and a second distal portion, wherein the second distal portion is attached to the first distal portion, and wherein the attached first and second distal portions define a distal-loop medical snare which is insertable within a patient. In a first example, the first proximal end portion is lengthwise translatable with respect to the second proximal end portion to articulate the medical snare. In the same or a second example, the first proximal end portion is rotatable about its centerline to articulate the medical snare.

Abstract: Devices and related methods are provided for the controlled delivery of a therapeutic to a targeted location within a body. More particularly, methods and devices are provided for controlling the rate of passage of an orally administered pill through a body, as well as for controlling the delivery of a therapeutic within the pill at a specific location within the body. Various types of devices, generally referred to herein as “catchers,” are provided that can actively catch a pill as it passes through a body. The catcher can hold the pill at a specific location within the body until a predetermined event occurs, such as partial or complete administration of a therapeutic within the pill. The catcher can then release the pill upon command and/or upon the occurrence of the predetermined event to allow the pill to pass out of the body. In other embodiments, various types of pills are provided that can actively engage a catcher and remain engaged with the catcher until a predetermined event occurs.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical device comprises an elongate shaft defining a longitudinal axis, the shaft comprising a distal end and a proximal end. A plurality of arms project distally from the distal end of the elongate shaft, the arms each comprising a lateral notch. The arms are axially slideable relative the elongate shaft and are medially deflectable. An elongate pin is positioned medially relative the arms. The elongate pin is axially slideable relative the arms between a locked position preventing medial deflection of the arms and an unlocked position allowing medial deflection of the arms. A surgical end effector is selectively attachable in vivo and detachable in vivo to the mating feature of the arms, the surgical end effector comprising a torque transfer means and tissue contact apparatus that open and close in response to the axial movement of the two arms when attached to the surgical end effector.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical device comprises an elongate shaft defining a longitudinal axis, the shaft comprising a distal end and a proximal end. A plurality of arms project distally from the distal end of the elongate shaft, the arms each comprising a lateral notch. The arms are axially slideable relative the elongate shaft and are medially deflectable. An elongate pin is positioned medially relative the arms. The elongate pin is axially slideable relative the arms between a locked position preventing medial deflection of the arms and an unlocked position allowing medial deflection of the arms. A surgical end effector is selectively attachable in vivo and detachable in vivo to the mating feature of the arms, the surgical end effector comprising a torque transfer means and tissue contact apparatus that open and close in response to the axial movement of the two arms when attached to the surgical end effector.

Abstract: A method for regulating hormone production comprises placing at least one electrode in a gastrointestinal tract of a patient and recording an electrical signal during a preselected event produced by the gastrointestinal tract. The method further involves the steps of storing the electrical signal, and playing back the electrical signal by activating the electrode during the absence of the preselected event.

Abstract: L-cells may be introduced in the gastrointestinal tract. L-cells are used in the digestive process to produce a more efficient and lasting means of regulating feelings of satiation in a patient. Desired metabolic effects may be achieved by manipulating L-cells via delivery sites, frequency of delivery, or type of biological substance delivered.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for controlling movement of a working end of a surgical device, and in particular for performing various surgical procedures using an instrument having an end effector that can be articulated relative to an elongate shaft of the device. In certain embodiments, the end effector can also optionally rotate relative to the elongate shaft of the device, and/or the shaft can rotate relative to a handle of the device.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for controlling movement of a working end of a surgical device, and in particular for performing various surgical procedures using an instrument having an end effector that can be articulated relative to an elongate shaft of the device. In certain embodiments, the end effector can also optionally rotate relative to the elongate shaft of the device, and/or the shaft can rotate relative to a handle of the device.

Abstract: A method and device for endoscopic harvesting of blood vessels from a patient for use in subsequent procedures. The device having a two piece headpiece. A vessel to be removed is inserted into the headpiece and the top and bottom portions of the headpiece are alternatively extended in reciprocating fashion to dissect above and below the vessel. The headpiece having electrodes for ligation of any side branch vessels which are uncovered in the dissection process.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for forming multidirectional cuts in tissue. The tissue cutting devices disclosed herein generally include a flexible elongate member with at least first and second wires that are at least partially constrained within or along a portion of the member. A distal portion of the wires is anchored on or within a portion of the elongate member. When tension is applied to one of the wires, such as by an actuator at a proximal end of the device, the elongate member bows while an unconstrained portion of the wire becomes exposed relative to the adjacent portion of the elongate member, assuming a tissue-cutting configuration.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods and devices are provided for manipulating and/or anchoring devices and body parts during surgical procedures. In one embodiment, an anchor member is provided for anchoring a device or body part to tissue, such as an internal wall of a body cavity. The device can be, for example, an endoscopic device, an accessory channel coupled to an endoscopic device, or a support member adapted to support or manipulate an organ. The anchor member can include or form an opening through which the device can be inserted. The anchor member or device can thus be manipulated relative to the tissue to control movement of and/or provide support to the device, tools inserted through the device, and/or organs grasped by the device or tools.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a flexible sheath, a pivot base, a medical needle knife base, a medical needle knife, and a handpiece. The flexible sheath has a distal sheath portion insertable within a patient and has a proximal sheath portion. The pivot base is attached to the distal sheath portion. The needle knife base is pivotally connected to the pivot base and has a passageway. The medical needle knife is extendable from the passageway and is retractable within the passageway. The handpiece is connected to the proximal sheath portion and includes a manually-operated articulation control operatively connected to the needle knife base for pivoting the needle knife base with respect to the pivot base.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for forming a gastrotomy. In various embodiments, the surgical instrument may comprise a hollow tip for attachment to a distal end of a tubular member such as an endoscope. In other embodiments, the hollow tip is integrally formed on the distal end of the endoscope. The hollow tip is configured such that when it is brought into contact with the inner layer of tissue in the stomach, the tissue is caused to stretch. A hole-forming device may be passed through the hollow tip to pierce through the stretched inner layer and adjacent outer layers of tissue to form a passageway therethrough for permitting surgical procedures to be performed therethrough. After the surgical procedures are performed through the passageway, the hollow tip is removed from contact with the inner layer of tissue to permit the inner layer of tissue to relax and to cause the holes formed through the inner layer and outer layers of tissue to be offset from each other.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a flexible tube, a distal member, a flexible end-effector activation wire, a proximal member, and a flexible first cable. The distal member is connected to the distal tube portion. The activation wire is positioned within the tube. The proximal member is attached to the tube. The first cable is positioned outside the tube, is substantially transversely constrained by the proximal member, and has a first distal cable portion attached to the distal member. Lengthwise translation of the first cable articulates the distal member with respect to the proximal member. Another instrument includes a drive screw which articulates an end effector (e.g., a grasper) pivotally connected to a tube. An additional instrument includes a drive screw which articulates a distal medical instrument member pivotally connected to a tube. A medical end effector (e.g., a snare) is positionable in a lumen of the distal medical instrument member.

Abstract: A surgical device comprises an ex vivo magnet and an in vivo sled magnetically attracted to the ex vivo magnet. The sled can be positioned and anchored within a patient by moving the ex vivo magnet. The sled defines a longitudinal axis. An arm extends from the sled. The arm being moveable relative the sled between a retracted position and an extended position. The arm comprises an end effector. A longitudinally oriented screw operatively is connected to the sled and arm such that rotation of the screw moves the arm between the retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical device comprises an elongate shaft defining a longitudinal axis, the shaft comprising a distal end and a proximal end. A plurality of arms project distally from the distal end of the elongate shaft, the arms each comprising a lateral notch. The arms are axially slideable relative the elongate shaft and are medially deflectable. An elongate pin is positioned medially relative the arms. The elongate pin is axially slideable relative the arms between a locked position preventing medial deflection of the arms and an unlocked position allowing medial deflection of the arms. A surgical end effector is selectively attachable in vivo and detachable in vivo to the mating feature of the arms, the surgical end effector comprising jaws that open and close in response to the axial movement of the two arms when attached to the surgical end effector.