Abstract: A system for anastomosing a first tubular structure to a second tubular structure having an opening formed therein comprises a support device having a plurality of arms forming spaces therebetween and a plurality of piercing members slidably coupled to the arms. The support device piercing members have a retracted state and an extended state to support the first tubular structure thereon for placement within an opening in the second tubular structure to facilitate anastomosing the tubular structures together. The arms can be configured to urge the first tubular structure against the portion of the second tubular structure surrounding the opening to form a seal therebetween. According to one embodiment, a plurality of discrete fasteners are provided to pass through the support device spaces and the first and second tubular structures. In another embodiment, fasteners are integrated into the support device and releasably coupled thereto for delivery to the anastomosis site.

Abstract: A system for anastomosing a first tubular structure to a second tubular structure having an opening formed therein comprises a support device having a plurality of arms forming spaces therebetween. The support device is adapted to support the first tubular structure within an opening in the second tubular structure to facilitate anastomosing the tubular structures together. The arms can be configured to urge the first tubular structure against the portion of the second tubular structure surrounding the opening to form a seal therebetween. According to one embodiment, a plurality of discrete fasteners are provided to pass through the support device spaces and the first and second tubular structures.

Abstract: Surgical eversion apparatus for preparing a conduit for anastomosis in a human patient includes an everting member having a loop shaped portion adapted to be inserted into an end portion of a conduit harvested from a human patient and configured to fold a portion of the conduit end portion over itself when moved proximally away from the end of the conduit and along the conduit while a portion of the conduit is held fixed relative thereto. A method of everting a graft includes positioning a graft in a support device such that an end portion of the graft extends therefrom; introducing a generally looped shaped member into the end portion of the graft extending from the support device; and moving the looped shaped member over the support device to fold at least a portion of the end portion of the graft over the support device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing an anastomosis. More particularly, the apparatus may be used to perform a single or multiple anastomosis with the ability of maintaining fluid flow (e.g., blood) through the anastomosis vessel according to one aspect of the invention.

Abstract: A system for anastomosing a first tubular structure to a second tubular structure having an opening formed therein comprises a support device having a plurality of arms forming spaces therebetween. The support device is adapted to support the first tubular structure within an opening in the second tubular structure to facilitate anastomosing the tubular structures together. The arms can be configured to urge the first tubular structure against the portion of the second tubular structure surrounding the opening to form a seal therebetween. According to one embodiment, a plurality of discrete fasteners are provided to pass through the support device spaces and the first and second tubular structures.

Abstract: A shoulder immobilizer (20) includes a semi-rigid or rigid orthosis, in the form of an arm support (22), which supports the upper arm, elbow, forearm and wrist of a patient. A bolster (24) is positioned between the patient and the arm support (22). A body strap (26) extends around the patient and attaches to the arm support (22) and/or the bolster (24), holding the arm support and bolster in position against the body of the patient. In embodiments, the shoulder immobilizer (20) may utilize a shoulder strap (28), but such a shoulder strap is not necessary for shoulder immobilization of the patient.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing an anastomosis. More particularly, the apparatus may be used to perform a single or multiple anastomosis with the ability of maintaining fluid flow (e.g., blood) through the anastomosis vessel according to one aspect of the invention.

Abstract: Surgical connection apparatus comprises a support having a proximal portion with a distal end and a proximal portion. The support forms a pathway between the proximal and distal portions. A plurality of self-closing clips are slidably disposed in the pathway and a pusher is arranged to slidably move in the pathway and push the clips in a distal direction. The apparatus facilitates partial ejection of a clip after which the remainder of the clip is withdrawn therefrom. In one embodiment, the support comprises a tubular needle with the distal end being pointed. The needle can be used to penetrate the tissue or material to be joined and to manipulate or approximate tissue or material to he joined before the clip is partially ejected.

Abstract: Surgical connection apparatus comprises a support having a proximal portion with a distal end and a proximal portion. The support forms a pathway between the proximal and distal portions. A plurality of self-closing clips are slidably disposed in the pathway and a pusher is arranged to slidably move in the pathway and push the clips in a distal direction. The apparatus facilitates partial ejection of a clip after which the remainder of the clip is withdrawn therefrom. In one embodiment, the support comprises a tubular needle with the distal end being pointed. The needle can be used to penetrate the tissue or material to be joined and to manipulate or approximate tissue or material to be joined before the clip is partially ejected.

Abstract: Surgical eversion apparatus for preparing a conduit for anastomosis in a human patient comprises an everting member having a loop shaped portion adapted to be inserted into an end portion of a conduit harvested from a human patient and configured to fold a portion of the conduit end portion over itself when moved proximally away from the end of the conduit and along the conduit while a portion of the conduit is held fixed relative thereto. A method of everting a graft comprises positioning a graft in a support device such that an end portion of the graft extends therefrom; introducing a generally looped shaped member into the end portion of the graft extending from said support device; and moving the looped shaped member over the support device to fold at least a portion of the end portion of the graft over the support device.

Abstract: A system for anastomosing a first tubular structure to a second tubular structure having an opening formed therein comprises a support device having a plurality of arms forming spaces therebetween and a plurality of piercing members slidably coupled to the arms. The support device piercing members have a retracted state and an extended state to support the first tubular structure thereon for placement within an opening in the second tubular structure to facilitate anastomosing the tubular structures together. The arms can be configured to urge the first tubular structure against the portion of the second tubular structure surrounding the opening to form a seal therebetween. According to one embodiment, a plurality of discrete fasteners are provided to pass through the support device spaces and the first and second tubular structures. In another embodiment, fasteners are integrated into the support device and releasably coupled thereto for delivery to the anastomosis site.

Abstract: A sealing clip for sealing or holding punctures or openings in tissue closed is applied from the inner surface of the tissue. In one embodiment, the clip has piercing members for penetrating the tissue from an inner surface thereof adjacent the opening. A delivery apparatus is used to releasably hold the clip in one configuration for introduction of the clip through the puncture or opening and expand the clip to a more open configuration for pulling the clip through the tissue as the delivery apparatus is retracted. Further retraction of the delivery apparatus causes the edges of the tissue surrounding the opening to move along the clip and come together after which the clip is released and closed to hold the tissue edges of the opening together. In the case where the clip has a memory set closed shape, the clip returns toward that shape after being released to hold the tissue edges of the opening together, thereby holding the opening closed.

Abstract: A system for anastomosing a first tubular structure to a second tubular structure having an opening formed therein comprises a support device having a plurality of arms forming spaces therebetween. The support device is adapted to support the first tubular structure within an opening in the second tubular structure to facilitate anastomosing the tubular structures together. The arms can be configured to urge the first tubular structure against the portion of the second tubular structure surrounding the opening to form a seal therebetween. According to one embodiment, a plurality of discrete fasteners are provided to pass through the support device spaces and the first and second tubular structures.

Abstract: A sealing clip for sealing or holding punctures or openings in tissue closed is applied from the inner surface of the tissue. In one embodiment, the clip has piercing members for penetrating the tissue from an inner surface thereof adjacent the opening. A delivery apparatus is used to releasably hold the clip in one configuration for introduction of the clip through the puncture or opening and expand the clip to a more open configuration for pulling the clip through the tissue as the delivery apparatus is retracted. Further retraction of the delivery apparatus causes the edges of the tissue surrounding the opening to move along the clip and come together after which the clip is released and closed to hold the tissue edges of the opening together. In the case where the clip has a memory set closed shape, the clip returns toward that shape after being released to hold the tissue edges of the opening together, thereby holding the opening closed.

Abstract: Surgical eversion apparatus for preparing a conduit for anastomosis in a human patient comprises an everting member having a loop shaped portion adapted to be inserted into an end portion of a conduit harvested from a human patient and configured to fold a portion of the conduit end portion over itself when moved proximally away from the end of the conduit and along the conduit while a portion of the conduit is held fixed relative thereto. A method of everting a graft comprises positioning a graft in a support device such that an end portion of the graft extends therefrom; introducing a generally looped shaped member into the end portion of the graft extending from said support device; and moving the looped shaped member over the support device to fold at least a portion of the end portion of the graft over the support device.

Abstract: Surgical connection apparatus comprises a support having a proximal portion with a distal end and a proximal portion. The support forms a pathway between the proximal and distal portions. A plurality of self-closing clips are slidably disposed in the pathway and a pusher is arranged to slidably move in the pathway and push the clips in a distal direction. The apparatus facilitates partial ejection of a clip after which the remainder of the clip is withdrawn therefrom. In one embodiment, the support comprises a tubular needle with the distal end being pointed. The needle can be used to penetrate the tissue or material to be joined and to manipulate or approximate tissue or material to be joined before the clip is partially ejected.

Abstract: Surgical eversion apparatus for preparing a conduit for anastomosis in a human patient comprises an everting member having a loop shaped portion adapted to be inserted into an end portion of a conduit harvested from a human patient and configured to fold a portion of the conduit end portion over itself when moved proximally away from the end of the conduit and along the conduit while a portion of the conduit is held fixed relative thereto. A method of everting a graft comprises positioning a graft in a support device such that an end portion of the graft extends therefrom; introducing a generally looped shaped member into the end portion of the graft extending from said support device; and moving the looped shaped member over the support device to fold at least a portion of the end portion of the graft over the support device.

Abstract: A sealing clip for sealing or holding punctures or openings in tissue closed is applied from the inner surface of the tissue. In one embodiment, the clip has piercing members for penetrating the tissue from an inner surface thereof adjacent the opening. A delivery apparatus is used to releasably hold the clip in one configuration for introduction of the clip through the puncture or opening and expand the clip to a more open configuration for pulling the clip through the tissue as the delivery apparatus is retracted. Further retraction of the delivery apparatus causes the edges of the tissue surrounding the opening to move along the clip and come together after which the clip is released and closed to hold the tissue edges of the opening together. In the case where the clip has a memory set closed shape, the clip returns toward that shape after being released to hold the tissue edges of the opening together, thereby holding the opening closed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing an anastomosis. More particularly, the apparatus may be used to perform a single or multiple anastomosis with the ability of maintaining fluid flow (e.g., blood) through the anastomosis vessel according to one aspect of the invention.

Abstract: A system for anastomosing a first tubular structure to a second tubular structure having an opening formed therein comprises a support device having a plurality of arms forming spaces therebetween and a plurality of piercing members slidably coupled to the arms. The support device piercing members have a retracted state and an extended state to support the first tubular structure thereon for placement within an opening in the second tubular structure to facilitate anastomosing the tubular structures together. The arms can be configured to urge the first tubular structure against the portion of the second tubular structure surrounding the opening to form a seal therebetween. According to one embodiment, a plurality of discrete fasteners are provided to pass through the support device spaces and the first and second tubular structures. In another embodiment, fasteners are integrated into the support device and releasably coupled thereto for delivery to the anastomosis site.