Abstract: A method for aligning optical fibers to a lens array is provided, including, providing a planar reflective surface facing the front surface of lens array, locating one end of a fiber adjacent the back surface of the substrate upon which the lens array is formed or integrated to face one of the lenses of the array, propagating light through the fiber and the lens facing the fiber to the planar reflective surface, receiving returned reflected light from the reflective surface through the fiber and the lens facing the fiber, and then adjusting the position of the fiber to change the amount of the returned reflected light received by the fiber to determine when the fiber is at a position which provides a maximum amount or power of the returned reflected light, thereby aligning the end of the fiber to the focal point of the lens. The fiber is attached to the substrate at that position, such as by an adhesive material, and the method repeated for each fiber to a different lens of the array.

Abstract: A method for aligning optical fibers to a lens array is provided, including, providing a planar reflective surface facing the front surface of lens array, locating one end of a fiber adjacent the back surface of the substrate upon which the lens array is formed or integrated to face one of the lenses of the array, propagating light through the fiber and the lens facing the fiber to the planar reflective surface, receiving returned reflected light from the reflective surface through the fiber and the lens facing the fiber, and then adjusting the position of the fiber to change the amount of the returned reflected light received by the fiber to determine when the fiber is at a position which provides a maximum amount or power of the returned reflected light, thereby aligning the end of the fiber to the focal point of the lens. The fiber is attached to the substrate at that position, such as by an adhesive material, and the method repeated for each fiber to a different lens of the array.

Abstract: A collapsible anvil assembly and applicator instrument for use with a surgical stapler. The collapsible anvil assembly includes an anvil shaft and a plurality of anvil segments, having staple clinching buckets thereon, flexibly affixed to the anvil shaft which are movable between a collapsed or radially inwardly deflected condition and an expanded or radially outwardly deflected condition. Immobilizing means in the form of an axially slidable locking ring is provided to fix and maintain the anvil segments in the expanded condition. Mounting element are also provided for subsequent detachable mounting of the anvil assembly on a surgical stapler. The collapsible anvil assembly may also include a suction purse stringing device which attracts and holds a surrounding tissue section within the anvil segments. Additionally, an axially slidable tissue holding ring or snap cap is provided to lock the held tissue section within the anvil segments.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for carrying and attaching separate components of a compression anastomosis device to the end of tissue of a tubular hollow organ, which includes an elongated housing having a proximal end and a distal end; first and second compression anastomosis device components; a supporting member operatively associated with the distal end of the elongated housing, for supporting the first and second compression anastomosis device components; and assembling structure associated with the supporting member and operable from the proximal end of the elongated housing, for assembling the first and second compression anastomosis device components within tubular body tissue.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for energy welding or otherwise joining two segments of living tissue, usually tubular in structure, comprising, means for clamping the first tissue section, means for clamping the second tissue section, means for moving one of said clamping means toward said other clamping means to bring the first and second sections into abutting relationship to form a seam. Means for transmitting energy to the seam may be provided to weld together the first and second sections. The means for clamping the first section comprises a first pair of opposed arms and the means for clamping the second section comprises a second pair of opposed arms, wherein at least one of said arms of each said pair of arms is pivotably connected to said opposing arm. The energy transmitting means comprises first and second housing sections adapted to be placed over opposing sides of the clamping means wherein each of the housing sections has a plurality of energy transmissive elements extending therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus for suturing body tissue is provided having an elongated housing, first and second jaws pivotably mounted to the distal portion of elongated housing, and first and second needles movable with respect to the first and second jaws. A first actuating mechanism is operatively associated with the first and second jaws such that actuation moves the jaws from the first position to a second position. A second actuating mechanism is operatively associated with the first and second needles wherein actuation advances the first and second needles into body tissue. Each of the jaws has a recess for receiving body tissue and a ferrule attached to each end of the suture such that advancement of the needles engages the ferrule to pull the ferrule and suture through the body tissue when the needle is retracted.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming a compression anastomosis of a hollow organ. The apparatus comprising a first collapsible member movable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, the first collapsible member having a longitudinal bore defined by an inner surface, a first mating member, locking structure disposed on the first collapsible member for locking the first collapsible member with the first mating member, a second collapsible member movable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, the second collapsible member having a longitudinal bore defined by an inner surface, a second mating member, locking structure disposed on the second collapsible member for locking the second collapsible member with the second mating member, and the first member adapted to interlock with the second member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical device which atraumatically compresses body tissue and guides a cutting blade to transect the body tissue. Included in the surgical device is a base member equipped to hold body tissue and accurately guide a cutting blade to sever tissue at a predetermined location. A pressure applying member, preferably an arm pivotally connected to the base member, atraumatically compresses a portion of the body tissue through a compliant finger projecting from its distal end. The complaint finger is configured and dimensioned to engage the holding portion of the base member, preferably a groove formed within the base member. Parallel guiding members intersect the holding portion of the base member to guide a cutting blade substantially perpendicular to the body tissue during tissue severance.