Abstract: A surgical device for manipulating tissue. The device includes an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end extending therefrom. There is also an elongated end effector having a proximal end attached to the distal end of the shaft, a distal end extending therefrom. The end effector has first and second opposing jaws which are movable with respect to each other from an open position, wherein the jaws are spaced apart, to a closed position wherein the jaws are in close approximation to one another. At least one of the jaws has an expandable member disposed thereon for selectively increasing the size of the jaw in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis so as to increase the rigidity of the end effector.

Abstract: A device having a cutting implement movable in a direction generally parallel to a tissue surface and creating a cut line that does not extend to the proximal end of tissue adjacent the device is disclosed. The device has a cutting implement that emerges from a tissue engaging surface and cuts tissue only between a proximal and distal ends of the adjoining staple lines. A method is further provided for anastomosing two lumens without extending the passageway between them to the openings made for the forks of the anastomosis device.

Abstract: A device having a cutting implement movable in a direction generally parallel to a tissue surface and creating a cut line that does not extend to the proximal end of tissue adjacent the device is disclosed. The device has a cutting implement that emerges from a tissue engaging surface and cuts tissue only between a proximal and distal ends of the adjoining staple lines. A method is further provided for anastomosing two lumens without extending the passageway between them to the openings made for the forks of the anastomosis device.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a surgical device for manipulating tissue. The device includes an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end extending therefrom. There is also an elongated end effector having a proximal end attached to the distal end of the shaft, a distal end extending therefrom. The end effector has first and second opposing jaws which are movable with respect to each other from an open position, wherein the jaws are spaced apart, to a closed position wherein the jaws are in close approximation to one another. At least one of the jaws has an expandable member disposed thereon for selectively increasing the size of the jaw in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis so as to increase the rigidity of the end effector.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a surgical device for manipulating tissue. The device includes an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end extending therefrom. There is also an elongated end effector having a proximal end attached to the distal end of the shaft, a distal end extending therefrom. The end effector has first and second opposing jaws which are movable with respect to each other from an open position, wherein the jaws are spaced apart, to a closed position wherein the jaws are in close approximation to one another. At least one of the jaws has an expandable member disposed thereon for selectively increasing the size of the jaw in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis so as to increase the rigidity of the end effector.