Abstract: The present invention provides a system for attaching a fluid access port to a patient. The system generally comprises an implantable access port with a bottom exit port and method for attaching an access port to a patient. In addition, a tube guard, flexible tube exit port, tissue guard, and porous coupling member are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a laparoscopic device insertion cannula (“LDIC”). The LDIC can be configured to store a surgical implant and can be formed from a hollow cylindrically shaped tube including a tapered closed tip at a distal end and a cap at a proximal end. The hollow tube can also include an opening adjacent the distal end. The opening can be covered, for example, by a flexible window. The flexible window can include a slit from which the surgical implant can be extracted from the LDIC. The surgical implant can be, for example, a gastric band.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a laparoscopic device insertion cannula (“LDIC”). The LDIC can be configured to store a surgical implant and can be formed from a hollow cylindrically shaped tube including a tapered closed tip at a distal end and a cap at a proximal end. The hollow tube can also include an opening adjacent the distal end. The opening can be covered, for example, by a flexible window. The flexible window can include a slit from which the surgical implant can be extracted from the LDIC. The surgical implant can be, for example, a gastric band.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for attaching a fluid access port to a patient. The system generally comprises an implantable access port and method for attaching an access port to a patient. In addition, a tube guard, tube shroud, tissue guard, porous coupling member and a prefabricated mesh member may be attached to the access port. For example, the prefabricated mesh may be coupled to the access port to facilitate securing the access port to the tissue of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for attaching a fluid access port to a patient. The system generally comprises an implantable access port with a bottom exit port and method for attaching an access port to a patient. In addition, a tube guard, flexible tube exit port, tissue guard, and porous coupling member are disclosed.

Abstract: A tool is described which is useful for tightening a band or ligature having a buckle end and a free end during laparoscopic surgery. The tool comprises outer and inner elongate, slidably mounted cylindrical members. The outer member, which is slotted, has mounted on the distal end thereof a member for grasping the buckle end of a ligature. The inner member has a grasping portion mounted thereon and projecting through a slot in the outer member which is suitable for releasably engaging the free end of the ligature. In practice, the free end of the ligature is brought around to encircle a tissue and passed through a conduit within the buckle portion of the ligature, much as one threads a belt end through a buckle prior to cinching tight and fastening. The buckle portion preferably has a tab projecting therefrom with a hole therein which accommodates the buckle grasping member on the end of the outer member.

Abstract: A gastric band for placement around the stomach is described which is useful for the treatment and control of morbid obesity. The gastric band has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface has an inflatable member disposed thereon which substantially completely covers the inner surface of the band. A remote fill port is in fluid communication with the interior of the inflatable member. The gastric band is invasively placed in an encircling position around the stomach by the facile closure of a single fastening means. After the band is fastened around the stomach, a fluid is injected into the inflatable member thereby constricting the stoma of the stomach. Preferably, measuring means situated within the stomach provides a measure of the stoma opening. The inflatable member is adjusted so that the stoma opening is at the desired diameter.

Abstract: A device facilitating remote removal of an article implanted beneath the skin. In one embodiment, the implantable article comprises a band which is operatively placed to encircle an organ such as the stomach. Once in position, the band is tightened and held securely with sutures thereby preventing the stomach-encircling band from opening. If, following implantation, it becomes necessary or desirable to remove the band, a remotely actuated releasing wire, the end of which wire is implanted at an accessible site beneath the subcutaneous tissue permits the removal of the band without major surgery. In one embodiment, the sutures securing the band in an encircling position are conveniently removed by means of a wire within the band which wire, when retracted by remote activation, releases the retaining sutures and frees the band for removal. Actual removal of the released band is accomplished by pulling the band out of the abdomen and through the superficial incision by means of the wire.