Abstract: The instrument disclosed may comprise a tube assembly supporting an end effector that may be adapted for insertion into and through the urethra, and adapted for use in effecting the anastomosis of a patient's bladder and urethra following a prostatectomy. In one embodiment the end effector may comprise a positioner having a positioner arm that is extendable and retractable by rotation of a tube, and an anchor driver. In another embodiment the end effector may comprise a positioner and an anchor driver having a driver arm that is extendable and retractable by rotation of a tube.

Abstract: The instrument disclosed may comprise a tube assembly supporting an end effector that may be adapted for insertion into and through the urethra, and adapted for use in effecting the anastomosis of a patient's bladder and urethra following a prostatectomy. In one embodiment the end effector may comprise a positioner having a deformable wall and actuated by movement of a rod, and a lodging member. In another embodiment the end effector may comprise a positioner and a lodging member, which further comprises a hollow, substantially cylindrical body that is compressed or elongated, and thereby actuated, by relative movement of two substantially coaxial tubes within the tube assembly.

Abstract: The instrument disclosed may comprise a tube assembly supporting an end effector that may be adapted for insertion into and through the urethra, and adapted for use in effecting the anastomosis of a patient's bladder and urethra following a prostatectomy. In one embodiment the end effector may comprise a positioner having an extendable and retractable petal operably connected to a tube, and an anchor driver. In another embodiment the end effector may comprise a positioner and an anchor driver having a driver pin operably connected to a tube.

Abstract: The disclosed device can hold, or effect relative longitudinal movement between, two members of a medical instrument, such as an instrument used for fastening two hollow organs together. The device may comprise a handle member having a longitudinal guide defining a line of travel and a longitudinal groove having a detent catch therein; a longitudinally spring-biased moving member slidable within the longitudinal guide and having pawl receiving slots along a line parallel with the line of travel; and a transversely and rotationally spring-biased driving trigger member comprising a pawl proximate to the moving member and adapted to engage the pawl receiving slots when aligned therewith, and a fulcrum member movable within the groove and adapted to be releasably captured by the detent, the driving trigger member being rotatable about the fulcrum member to cause the pawl to engage or disengage the pawl receiving slots.

Abstract: A surgical stapling and severing instrument particularly suited to endoscopic articulates an end effector by having a geared articulation mechanism that converts rotational motion from a handle portion. A firing bar longitudinally translates between the handle portion and the end effector. The firing bar head is thickened in order to present an undistorted cutting edge and engagement features to the opposing jaws of the end effector. The firing bar also advantageously includes a thinned or tapered proximal portion in the form of a strip or band that negotiates the articulation mechanism.