Abstract: An expandable multifunctional instrument for creating a space at an obstructed site in the body includes an elongate member having a distal end for being introduced in the body, a proximal end for being disposed externally of the body and an expandable member for being positioned at the obstructed site. The expandable member is movable at the obstructed site from a non-expanded position to an expanded position to displace anatomical tissue to create a space at the obstructed site for performing various operative procedures. A method of creating a space at an obstructed site includes expanding an expandable member at the obstructed site and/or introducing fluid under pressure at the obstructed site to create a space where normally no space exists.

Abstract: An expandable multifunctional instrument for creating a space at an obstructed site in the body includes an elongate member having a distal end for being introduced in the body, a proximal end for being disposed externally of the body and an expandable member for being positioned at the obstructed site. The expandable member is movable at the obstructed site from a non-expanded position to an expanded position to displace anatomical tissue to create a space at the obstructed site for performing various operative procedures. A method of creating a space at an obstructed site includes expanding an expandable member at the obstructed site and/or introducing fluid under pressure at the obstructed site to create a space where normally no space exists.

Abstract: An expandable multifunctional instrument for creating a space at an obstructed site in the body includes an elongate member having a distal end for being introduced in the body, a proximal end for being disposed externally of the body and an expandable member for being positioned at the obstructed site. The expandable member is movable at the obstructed site from a non-expanded position to an expanded position to displace anatomical tissue to create a space at the obstructed site for performing various operative procedures. A method of creating a space at an obstructed site includes expanding an expandable member at the obstructed site and/or introducing fluid under pressure at the obstructed site to create a space where normally no space exists.

Abstract: A suture spring device applicator includes a storage portion configured to hold one or more suture spring devices in a substantially relaxed, contracted state and a guide disposed distally of the storage portion to receive a suture spring device in an elastically deformed, expanded state for positioning in or in relation to anatomical tissue. A pusher is used to bias the suture spring device distally so that, when the guide is rotated and moved proximally relative to the suture spring device, the device will be loaded into the guide in the elastically deformed, expanded state. The guide is then positioned in or in relation to anatomical tissue and is retracted or moved proximally relative to the suture spring device which is held in place by the force of the pusher.

Abstract: A method of applying multiple surgical clips to bodily tissue during an endoscopic procedure includes introducing an applicator carrying a plurality of surgical clips in series through an endoscopic passage and using the applicator to apply at least two of the surgical clips without withdrawing the applicator from the surgical field through the endoscopic passage. Methods of suturing bodily tissue, constricting tubular members in the body and reducing the size of a tissue aperture include the use of a suture tie device having opposed leg members, moving the leg members relative to each other to form a suture loop and adjustably tensioning or reducing the size of the suture loop.

Abstract: A variety of configurations for suture tie devices and suture tie device applicators, as well as methods of suturing, are disclosed. The suture tie devices generally include at least one leg member having a curved or angled distal, tissue engaging portion. A trying member unidirectionally or bidirectionally displaceable along the leg member can optionally be provided. Engagement of a leg distal portion with a generally opposed leg distal portion or the tying member forms a suture loop which positions organ or tissue material between the curved or angled legs and the tying member. The tying member can be advanced toward the leg member so as to provide a variable extent of suture tension. Apparatus for installing the suture tie devices and suturing methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Suture devices, primarily for use in endoscopic surgery, include a suture needle having a length of suture material attached thereto with a contractible loop or passage at the proximal end of the suture material to allow the suture needle to be passed therethrough, the loop or passage contracting to clamp or grip the suture material to function similar to a conventional tied suture knot.

Abstract: Suture devices, primarily for use in endoscopic surgery, include a suture needle made of bioabsorbable material for pulling a length of suture material through bodily tissue allowing the suture needle to be inadvertently or intentionally left in the tissue, and a suture needle having a length of suture material attached thereto with a contractible loop or passage at the proximal end of the suture material to allow the suture needle to be passed therethrough, the loop or passage contracting to clamp or grip the suture material to function similar to a conventional tied suture knot.

Abstract: Suture devices, primarily for use in endoscopic surgery, include a suture needle made of bioabsorbable material for pulling a length of suture material through bodily tissue allowing the suture needle to be inadvertently or intentionally left in the tissue, and a suture needle having a length of suture material attached thereto with a contractible loop or passage at the proximal end of the suture material to allow the suture needle to be passed therethrough, the loop or passage contracting to clamp or grip the suture material to function similar to a conventional tied suture knot.