Abstract: An endovascular stapler (100) for securing an endograft to a vessel is disclosed. The stapler has a staple housing (104), an actuating mechanism (148) and an expansion mechanism (126). The staple housing (104) has a plurality of staple cartridges (128) adapted for storing at least one staple (180) therein. The staple cartridges (128) have an exit area (130) for discharging at least one of the staples (180) therethrough. The actuating assembly (148) is adapted for actuating the plurality of staple cartridges (128) to discharge the at least one staple through the exit area. The expansion mechanism (126) is in operative association with staple cartridges (128). The expansion mechanism (126) is operative for pushing the exit area (130) against the endograft when discharging the at least one staple therethrough.

Abstract: An endovascular stapler for securing an endograft to a vessel is disclosed. The stapler includes a staple housing adapted for storing at least one staple therein. The staple housing having an exit area for discharge of the at least one staple therethrough. The stapler also includes an actuating assembly adapted for discharging the at least one staple through the exit area and a displacement mechanism in operative association with the staple housing near the exit area. The displacement member is operative for pushing the exit area against the endograft when discharging the at least one staple therethrough. The displacement mechanism may comprise a balloon adapted to be inflated and deflated positioned near the exit area. The unbent staples may be shaped as elongate W shapes, or may alternatively be straight wire segments. The staples may be bent upon discharge.

Abstract: A multiple stapling device for stapling a graft to a vessel. The device includes a body having a plurality of staple channels housing straight wire segments extending therethrough. A plurality of staple drivers, one in each of the staple channels is adapted to push the straight wire segments to form ring-shaped staples piercing the graft and the vessel. The multiple stapling device may also include one or more bolsters filling the annular space created by they ring-shaped staples. One such bolster may be formed, or otherwise connected to, the prosthesis.

Abstract: An implantable access port in accordance with one embodiment of the invention comprises a hollow port casing having a first channel, a second channel and a third channel. A self-sealing insert may be disposed within the third channel. The implantable access port may further comprise a graft having a first branch, a second branch, and a third branch, the first branch extending from the first channel and adapted to be anastomosed to a vessel at a first location, the second branch extending from the second channel and adapted to be anastomosed to a vessel in a second location, the third branch extending at least partially into the third channel, wherein the third branch is disposed between the self-sealing insert and the hollow port casing. Methods for performing medical procedures associated with the implantable access port are also disclosed.

Abstract: A positioning system for use during surgical procedures comprising a belt assembly adapted to be positioned about a bodily surface of a patient. The belt assembly may comprise a single module, or a first module adapted to be attached to a second module. The modules may be adapted to permit attachment of a surgical instrument thereto. The modules may also include cushioned undersides. The system may also comprise a surgical instrument retention system including a saddle adapted to be positioned on a surgical instrument, straps adapted to secure the saddle to the surgical instrument, and a pulley cord coupled to the saddle so as to selectively position the surgical instrument upon movement of the pulley cord. The modules may also include an accessory adapted to fit securely within shaped openings formed therein. The accessory may comprise a base having a locking apparatus for locking a medical device to the base.

Abstract: An implantable access port in accordance with one embodiment of the invention comprises a hollow port casing having a first channel, a second channel and a third channel. A self-sealing insert may be disposed within the third channel. The implantable access port may further comprise a graft having a first branch, a second branch, and a third branch, the first branch extending from the first channel and adapted to be anastomosed to a vessel at a first location, the second branch extending from the second channel and adapted to be anastomosed to a vessel in a second location, the third branch extending at least partially into the third channel, wherein the third branch is disposed between the self-sealing insert and the hollow port casing. Methods for performing medical procedures associated with the implantable access port are also disclosed.

Abstract: A positioning system for use during surgical procedures comprising a belt assembly adapted to be positioned about a bodily surface of a patient. The belt assembly may comprise a single module, or a first module adapted to be attached to a second module. The modules may be adapted to permit attachment of a surgical instrument thereto. The modules may also include cushioned undersides. The system may also comprise a surgical instrument retention system including a saddle adapted to be positioned on a surgical instrument, straps adapted to secure the saddle to the surgical instrument, and a pulley cord coupled to the saddle so as to selectively position the surgical instrument upon movement of the pulley cord. The modules may also include an accessory adapted to fit securely within shaped openings formed therein. The accessory may comprise a base having a locking apparatus for locking a medical device to the base.

Abstract: An endograft deployment mechanism having a cone for placement in a blood vessel, a plurality of struts having first ends engaged with the cone and second ends opposite the first ends, and a hollow outer sheath associated with the cone, the sheath housing an endograft having proximal and distal ends, wherein the second ends of the struts are removably attached to the proximal end of the endograft such that the endograft may be separated from the struts during deployment thereof. An endograft having a trunk portion with an end, a first branch extending from the junction to an end, a second branch extending from the junction to an end, and a plurality of integral hoops disposed only within the ends, making the ends circumferentially radiopaque. The endograft may also include a stent adjacent to the junction to ensure fluid communication between the trunk and branches and opening of the bifurcation.

Abstract: An endovascular stapler for securing an endograft to a vessel is disclosed. The stapler includes a staple housing adapted for storing at least one staple therein, the staple housing having an exit area for discharge of the at least one staple therethrough, an actuating assembly adapted for discharging the at least one staple through the exit area, and a displacement mechanism in operative association with the staple housing near the exit area. The displacement member is operative for pushing the exit area against the endograft when discharging the at least one staple therethrough. The discharged staple forms a plurality of opposed loops connected by a central element upon discharge. Also disclosed are staples and displacement mechanisms adapted for use with surgical instruments such as the present endovascular staplers. The staples may be formed from memory metal or other metal. The displacement mechanisms disclosed include balloons and rigid offsetting devices.

Abstract: An implantable access post having a port casing core with an aperture therethrough, a patch associated with the port casing core, the patch adapted to be sewn to a vessel to connect the port casing core to the vessel to permit fluid communication from the vessel through the aperture of the port casing core, and an insert disposed within the aperture of the port casing core, the insert adapted to prevent fluid flow through the aperture. The insert may be self-sealing and may include a valve. The port may also include a port outer casing at least partially surrounding the port casing core.

Abstract: A gel based laparoscopic trocar having a shaft with upper and lower portions, the shaft having an interior dimension, a rigid gel casing surrounding the upper portion of the shaft, at least two resilient gel filled membranes filling the interior dimension of the upper portion of the shaft, a plurality of petals surrounding the external portion of the lower portion of the shaft, the petals having a first condition in which the petals are elongated along the length of the shaft and a second condition in which portions of the petals are permitted to curl upward and away from the shaft, and a release mechanism associated with the petals, the release mechanism adapted to permit the petals to move from the first condition to the second condition upon actuation. The petals may include a memory metal having a natural condition relating to the second condition of the petals.

Abstract: A system is provided for joining two tubular structures by a surgical stapling procedure. The system includes a series of sizers, a specifically designed graft, a loading unit, a wand, a tourniquet, and a stapling instrument. The sizers are for determining the diameter of a target aorta and the availability of a sufficient transected aortic length to perform a stapling procedure. The loading unit holds the graft in position in the body and deploys a circumferential line of staples through the graft and an overlapping end of the aorta. The graft includes a side port by which the loading unit holds the graft during the stapling procedure, and which may be closed once the stapling procedure has been completed. The wand may be used to introduce the loading unit and graft into the body, to position them within the transected aorta, and to hold them in place during the application of the tourniquet.

Abstract: An assembly for supporting a surgical platform, the assembly comprising an attachment mechanism for securement to a surgical table, a post extending from the attachment mechanism at its first end, a platform mating device engaged with the post's second end at a base portion, the platform mating device comprising at least one leg extending from the base portion, the at least one leg adapted to be mated with a surgical platform to support the surgical platform. Also disclosed is a post for mounting a surgical apparatus to a surface, the post comprising a first end and a second end, the first end operatively engaged with the surface and the second end operatively engaged with the apparatus, a middle portion between the first end and the second end, the middle position having at least one condition in which the middle portion is non-linear.

Abstract: Two prostheses each have a tubular sidewall with a terminal portion extending to a connection end. A connector body has first and second terminal portions extending to first and second ends. The connector body terminal portions are respectively surrounded by the prostheses terminal portions. First and second straps respectively circumscribe the prostheses terminal portions to bias the prostheses into engagement with the connector body. The connector body has first and second strap engagement projections respectively captured by apertures in the straps.

Abstract: Two prostheses each have a tubular sidewall with a terminal portion extending to a connection end. A connector body has first and second terminal portions extending to first and second ends. The connector body terminal portions are respectively surrounded by the prostheses terminal portions. First and second straps respectively circumscribe the prostheses terminal portions to bias the prostheses into engagement with the connector body. The connector body has first and second strap engagement projections respectively captured by apertures in the straps.

Abstract: An endovascular stapler for securing an endograft to a vessel is disclosed. The stapler includes a staple housing adapted for storing at least one staple therein, the staple housing having an exit area for discharge of the at least one staple therethrough, an actuating assembly adapted for discharging the at least one staple through the exit area, and a displacement mechanism in operative association with the staple housing near the exit area. The displacement member is operative for pushing the exit area against the endograft when discharging the at least one staple therethrough. The discharged staple forms a plurality of opposed loops connected by a central element upon discharge. Also disclosed are staples and displacement mechanisms adapted for use with surgical instruments such as the present endovascular staplers. The staples may be formed from memory metal or other metal. The displacement mechanisms disclosed include balloons and rigid offsetting devices.

Abstract: Two prostheses each have a tubular sidewall with a terminal portion extending to a connection end. A connector body has first and second terminal portions extending to first and second ends. The connector body terminal portions are respectively surrounded by the prostheses terminal portions. First and second straps respectively circumscribe the prostheses terminal portions to bias the prostheses into engagement with the connector body. The connector body has first and second strap engagement projections respectively captured by apertures in the straps.

Abstract: A clip for suturing opposed ends of severed tissue. The clip has a body with a first end terminating in a needle and a second end having an opening thereat. The body may also include a bite portion between the first and second ends applying a biasing force to hold the suturing clip in either a default open or default closed condition, wherein the needle is remote from the opening in the open condition and in proximity to the opening in the closed condition. The body may also include a footpad adjacent the needle, wherein the footpad pinches the opposing ends of the severed tissue against the body adjacent to the opening when the clip is in the closed condition. The clips may be applied by a surgical device, which is also disclosed.

Abstract: An endovascular stapler for securing an endograft to a vessel is disclosed. The stapler includes a staple housing adapted for storing at least one staple therein. The staple housing having an exit area for discharge of the at least one staple therethrough. The stapler also includes an actuating assembly adapted for discharging the at least one staple through the exit area and a displacement mechanism in operative association with the staple housing near the exit area. The displacement member is operative for pushing the exit area against the endograft when discharging the at least one staple therethrough. The displacement mechanism may comprise a balloon adapted to be inflated and deflated positioned near the exit area. The unbent staples may be shaped as elongate W shapes, or may alternatively be straight wire segments. The staples may be bent upon discharge.

Abstract: A multiple stapling device for stapling a graft to a vessel. The device includes a body having a plurality of staple channels housing straight wire segments extending therethrough. A plurality of staple drivers, one in each of the staple channels is adapted to push the straight wire segments to form ring-shaped staples piercing the graft and the vessel. The multiple stapling device may also include one or more bolsters filling the annular space created by they ring-shaped staples. One such bolster may be formed, or otherwise connected to, the prosthesis.