Abstract: A method and apparatus for elevating, approximating and/or restraining internal organs or structures, and more particularly for treating female urinary stress incontinence are provided. The apparatus include an anchoring device having an elongated suture with an anchor at each end thereof and a cinching member therebetween for adjusting the operative length of the suture, an articulating apparatus for applying the anchoring device during an endoscopic or laparoscopic procedure, and an apparatus for drawing the suture relative to the cinching member after it has been emplaced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for elevating, approximating and/or restraining internal organs or structures, and more particularly for treating female urinary stress incontinence is provided. The invention includes an anchoring device having an elongated suture with an anchor at each end thereof and a cinching member therebetween for adjusting the length of the suture, an apparatus for applying the anchoring device, and an apparatus for drawing the suture relative to the cinching member after it has been emplaced. The method involves securing a first anchor to a first structure, such as the vaginal wall, securing a second anchor to a second structure, such as Cooper's ligament, and drawing the suture relative to the cinching member to approximate the first and second anchors, and thereby move the first structure and the second structure into juxtaposition so as to approximate them.

Abstract: A self contained gas powered endoscopic surgical apparatus is provided for placing lateral lines of surgical fasteners into body tissue. The apparatus includes an anvil member and a surgical fastener cartridge member mounted to the distal end of an elongated endoscopic portion. A tubular collar of the endoscopic portion moves distally to engage the anvil member and bias the anvil member and the cartridge member into cooperative alignment, thereby clamping body tissue to be fastened between the anvil member and the cartridge member. A self contained pneumatic system is disposed in the surgical apparatus and is actuable to eject and/or form the surgical fasteners in the clamped body tissue. The apparatus further comprises a locking mechanism for preventing firing of the instrument after it has been fired a predetermined number of times. A counter for displaying the number of times the apparatus has been fired may be provided.

Abstract: A stabilizer assembly for supporting a surgical instrument passed through an insufflation cannula assembly. The stabilizer assembly includes a housing having an aperture formed therein to allow passage of surgical instruments therethrough. Also provided on the stabilizer assembly are separate rigid instrument support members which are selectively operable to apply rigid support to surgical instruments passed through the stabilizer assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical instruments having a housing or elongated cartridge, a frame and an apparatus for releasably connecting the housing to the frame. Typically, the housing has active elements which perform a particular function during a surgical procedure, such as forceps, graspers, clip appliers or staplers. The frame includes an actuating system for actuating the active elements, such as a pivotal handle or a release lever.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for individually applying surgical clips endoscopically to body tissue which includes a frame, an elongated endoscopic section having clip closing jaws positioned at a distal end thereof and surgical clips slidably positioned therein, rotatably connected to a distal end of the frame such that the endoscopic section extends distally therefrom. The apparatus includes a system for individually advancing the surgical clips into the clip closing jaws and a system for closing the clip closing jaws. An interference mechanism is associated with the a release mechanism, and is configured, dimensioned and adapted to prevent actuation of the jaw closing system until a surgical clip is positioned between the clip closing jaws.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for automatically locking an obturator housing to a cannula housing of a trocar assembly when the obturator is advanced to a predetermined distal position. Two latch devices are mounted for pivotal movement within the obturator housing with each having at least one latch positioned at one end thereof. The pivoting latch devices are automatically pivoted into locked engagement with partial apertures or indentations in the cannula housing such that the obturator housing is secured to the cannula housing. Biasing springs are provided to automatically pivot the pivoting latch devices out of engagement with the cannula housing when the obturator is withdrawn to its proximal position.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for endoscopic application of surgical staples adapted to attach surgical mesh to body tissue in laparoscopic hernia surgery. The apparatus includes a frame, and a generally elongated endoscopic section connected to the frame and extending distally therefrom. A staple storage magazine is provided for storing a plurality of surgical staples at the distal end portion of the endoscopic section with each staple being configured and adapted to attach the mesh to the body tissue. An elongated pusher system formed of several assembled components and extending from the frame to the endoscopic section is provided for individually advancing at least one staple at a time distally for positioning adjacent the surgical mesh and the body tissue. The pusher system also includes a trigger mecanism to actuate the pusher.