Abstract: A method of creating an anastomosis includes steps of advancing a distal tip of a catheter device through a first blood vessel into a second blood vessel, while simultaneously advancing a proximal base of the device into the first vessel, contacting a wall of the first vessel with a distal blunt surface on the proximal base. A further step is to retract the distal tip so that a proximal blunt base of the distal tip contacts a wall of the second vessel, thereby capturing the two vessel walls between the blunt surfaces of the proximal base and the distal tip. A controlled pressure is applied between the two blunt surfaces to compress and stabilize the captured tissue and approximate the vessel walls. A clip is deployed through the captured tissue to hold the tissue in place during the anastomosis procedure. The anastomosis is created by applying cutting energy to the captured tissue.

Abstract: A circular stapling instrument is provided. The circular stapling instrument includes a handle forming a cavity, a reciprocating drive shaft, a carrier cover, and a shaft assembly. The reciprocating drive shaft is detachably secured within the cavity of the handle. The carrier cover covers a portion of the reciprocating drive shaft within the cavity of the handle. The shaft assembly is detachably coupled with the handle.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a medical device, and more specifically, to a vaginal surgical apparatus. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes, but is not limited to, an elongated handle portion; a vaginal manipulator probe that is at least partly insertable into a vagina, the vaginal manipulator probe extending from the elongated handle portion and including an arcuate end portion, the arcuate end portion including an aperture for accommodating a cervix; and a disk that is movable along at least a portion of a length of the vaginal manipulator probe, the disk including a locking mechanism to releasably secure the disk in position to limit vaginal insertion depth of the vaginal manipulator probe.

Abstract: A system for securing a loading unit to an adapter includes a loading unit, an adapter, and a retention clip. The loading unit includes a shell having a proximal end portion having a radial surface that defines a radial groove. The adapter has a proximal end that is configured to selectively couple to a handle and a distal end that is received within the proximal end portion of the shell. The retention clip is disposed radially about the radial surface of the proximal end portion within the radial groove. The retention clip has a first and a second and a body therebetween. The first end of the body includes a lock that releasably secures the loading unit to the distal end of the adapter.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an end effector including an anvil and lower jaw. The anvil is pivotable toward the lower jaw to capture tissue. The apparatus further includes a stapling and severing assembly configured to sever and staple tissue clamped between the anvil and the lower jaw. A staple cartridge is coupled with the lower jaw. The staple cartridge includes a deck facing the anvil, a plurality of staples positioned in a plurality of staple openings formed through the deck, and a magnetic feature configured to be coupled to tissue in response to activation of the stapling and severing mechanism. The magnetic feature is configured to be coupled to tissue in response to actuation of the staple cartridge, wherein the magnetic feature is configured to retain at least one outer portion of stapled tissue in an inwardly folded position relative to an inner portion of stapled tissue.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly having a movable handle; an endoscopic portion extending distally from the handle and defining a longitudinal axis; a pair of jaw members; and a drive assembly. The jaw members are disposed adjacent a distal end of the endoscopic portion and extend generally distally therefrom. Each jaw member is longitudinally curved with respect to the longitudinal axis. At least one jaw member is movable with respect to the other between open and approximated positions. A first jaw member includes a channel having a longitudinally-extending slot therein. The drive assembly is advanced distally through at least a portion of the length of the jaw members in response to at least a partial actuation of the movable handle. A lower portion of the drive assembly is configured and dimensioned to travel at least partially within the longitudinally-extending slot of the channel.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for surgically joining tissue is disclosed. The instrument comprises a handle assembly, an elongated portion, an end effector, and an articulation mechanism. The elongated portion extends distally from the handle assembly. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated portion. The articulation mechanism is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the end effector for articulating the end effector. The articulation mechanism comprises a lever, a knob, a plate and a lower clutch. The plate is disposed at least partially within a portion of the knob. The lower clutch is disposed in mechanical engagement with the plate. The plate is disposed at least partially between the lower clutch and the knob. The lower clutch is keyed to the plate to limit rotation therebetween. The lower clutch is keyed to the knob to limit rotation therebetween.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes an actuation system, a drive system, and a tool head. The drive system is coupled to the actuation system and includes a rotatable shaft which defines a longitudinal axis. The tool head is coupled to the drive system and includes an annular cartridge and a pliable bunchable ring. The annular cartridge includes a plurality of staples. The pliable bunchable ring surrounds the annular cartridge. The surgical instrument is configured to drive the staples through the pliable bunchable ring substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a shaftless end effector is disclosed. The end effector can comprise an anvil assembly including a staple forming surface. The end effector can also comprise a staple cartridge channel configured to receive a staple cartridge therein. The end effector can include a closure system configured to close the anvil. In various instances, the closure system can also form the staples contained within the staple cartridge. The end effector can also include a cutting member configured to cut tissue positioned intermediate the anvil and the staple cartridge. In various instances, the cutting member can be actuated by the closure system. In other instances, the end effector can include an independent system for actuating the cutting member. In various instances, the end effector can be delivered to a surgical site through a trocar and then operated by one or more actuators that are assembled to the end effector.

Abstract: An end effector for stapling and cutting tissue is disclosed. The end effector comprises a housing, staples removably stored in the housing, a cutting portion configured to cut the tissue, and a collapsible ring. The ring is deployable between a first configuration and a second configuration to engage the tissue. The end effector further comprises an actuator configured to deploy the ring between the first configuration and the second configuration and pull the tissue within the cutting portion after the ring has been engaged with the tissue.

Abstract: Interlock assemblies for attaching a loading unit to a surgical stapling instrument are provided. The interlock assemblies are formed on a proximal end of a shell member and on a distal end of an adapter assembly. The interlock assemblies may include a collar member for selectively securing the shell member to the adapter assembly. The collar member may be mounted on the shell member or on the adapter assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft, an ultrasonic element, and an annular clamp pad. The shaft extends distally from the body. The ultrasonic element is located at the distal end of the shaft. The ultrasonic element includes a distally presented annular face. The clamp pad is movable toward the distally presented annular face of the ultrasonic element. When tissue is compressed between the clamp pad and the distally presented annular face of the ultrasonic element, the ultrasonic element may be activated with ultrasonic energy. The resulting ultrasonic vibrations may sever and seal the tissue captured between the distally presented annular face and the clamp pad, resulting in an anastomosis. The apparatus may thus be used to join two hollow tubular tissue structures, such as portions of a gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: An anvil (300) for use in connection with a first member (10) of an anastomotic device (100) in the side wall of an intestine is provided. The anvil (300) comprises a distal head portion (301) and a connecting rod (302) extending proximally from the head portion (301). The distal head portion (301) has a first member retaining means (304), being displaceable laterally and centrally between a first member locking position and a first member releasing position. A tool (400) for use in connection with an anvil (300), according to above, is also provided, and a kit of parts comprising the two. The tool (400) comprises a receiving member (401) for receiving the connecting rod (302) of the anvil (300), and a seat (405) for a second member (20) of the anastomotic device (100), said seat (405) being arranged circumferentially of said receiving member (401), and said receiving member (401) being displaceable in relation to said seat (405).

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical device is provided and includes an endoscopic anchor retaining/advancing assembly including a proximal tube portion and a distal tube portion pivotably connected to one another at an articulation joint; a proximal inner shaft rotatably disposed within the proximal tube portion; a distal inner shaft rotatably disposed within the distal tube portion; and a relatively flexible intermediate drive cable mechanically interconnecting the proximal inner shaft and the distal inner shaft, wherein the intermediate drive cable extends across the articulation joint, wherein the intermediate drive cable defines a central longitudinal axis that is off-set a radial distance from a central longitudinal axis of the proximal tube portion and the distal tube portion.

Abstract: A circular stapling instrument including a stapling forming assembly that is actuated independently from actuation of the cutting assembly is provided. The instrument includes a handle assembly, an elongate body extending from the handle assembly, a cartridge assembly mounted on a distal end of the elongate body. The cartridge assembly includes a pusher and a knife assembly. The knife assembly is selectively fixed relative to the pusher.

Abstract: A medical device comprises a control handle and a surgical end effector connected to the control handle through a passive articulating connection. A medical device end effector connection assembly comprises a passive articulation joint for connecting an end effector to a control handle. In a medical device having an end effector connected to a control handle, an end effector connection assembly comprises a passive articulation joint connecting the end effector to the control handle. A medical device comprises a control handle and a surgical end effector passively articulated with respect to the control handle. A medical device comprises a control handle having a first portion of a passive articulation joint and a surgical end effector having a second portion of the passive articulation joint, the first and second portions of the passive articulation joint connecting the end effector to the control handle.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for internal surgical procedures are disclosed. The apparatus and methods may involve supporting internal body locations, creating submucosal separations (blebs), and/or for resecting mucosal tissue separated from underlying tissue by a bleb.

Abstract: Methods and devices described herein facilitate improved treatment of body organs and relates to surgical instruments, useful in endoscopic, laparoscopic and/or open surgical procedures to effectively remove a suspect region of tissue such as a polyp, abnormal growth, cyst, tumor, lesion, or other abnormality from a base tissue structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an insertion device including a shaft with a head supported on a distal end thereof. The shaft includes a proximal end with an engagement member that is configured to frictionally engage a distal end of a surgical fastening apparatus such that an interference fit is created therebetween to facilitate selective detachment of the insertion device from the surgical fastening apparatus. The head has an atraumatic configuration, and is dimensioned to be received in a body orifice.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device for joining tissue portions includes a handle assembly, and a tubular body portion having a staple cartridge assembly containing a plurality of surgical staples in an annular array. The surgical stapling device includes an anvil assembly having a shaft for removably connecting the anvil assembly to the tubular body portion. The anvil assembly and the tubular body portion are juxtaposed with respect to one another along the shaft and are arranged so as to be approximated with respect to one another. The surgical stapling device includes a buttress material supported by the tubular body portion and disposed between the anvil assembly and the staple cartridge assembly. The surgical stapling device includes a suture material that is adapted for engagement with the tubular body portion and the buttress material to secure the buttress material to the tubular body portion.

Abstract: A handle for an electric surgical stapler. The electric surgical stapler includes an end effector. The handle includes a casing, a linear motor, a power transmission mechanism, and a quick change interface. The linear motor is disposed in the casing and configured to supply linear motion. The power transmission mechanism transmits the linear motion from the linear motor to the end effector. The quick change interface is connected to the end effector.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a tissue-compressing device comprising opposing compression surfaces, a switching element having first and second switching states changed solely by mechanical movements, a biasing element mechanically coupled to the switching element, the biasing element retaining the switching element in one of the first and second switching states until a pre-determined force is imparted to the switching element, wherein the pre-determined force is an amount of force proportional to an optimal tissue compression force of compressed tissue disposed between the opposing compression surfaces and the switching element is positioned in line with the tissue-compressing device to cause a force, proportional to a force placed upon compressed tissue disposed between the opposing compression surfaces, to be imparted to the switching element.

Abstract: A method of actuating a surgical device is described. A surgical tool is inserted into a body cavity of a patient through a natural orifice. A distal end of an actuation tool is inserted through a surgical access port in the body of the patient. The distal end of the actuation tool is positioned proximal to an external wall of the body cavity opposite the surgical tool. A magnetic coupling is established between the distal end of the actuation tool and the surgical tool. When the magnetic coupling is established, distal end of the actuation tool is located at the external wall of the body cavity and the surgical tool is located at the internal wall of the body cavity. The surgical tool is manipulated using the actuation tool through the magnetic coupling.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for stapling tissue. The apparatus includes an anvil and a trocar selectively coupled with the anvil. The anvil may have an inner opening and a plurality of staple pockets aligned around a surface of the anvil. The anvil may be inserted trans-orally through an esophagus prior to being coupled with the trocar. The trocar may include a shaft and a locking assembly. The locking assembly may secure the anvil in position relative to the trocar when the locking assembly is in the expanded position. The apparatus may also include an alignment assembly to align the staple pockets of the anvil relative to the apparatus. The apparatus may also include an introduction assembly to guide the anvil through the esophagus.

Abstract: A surgical stapler comprising a staple cartridge comprising a curved deck configured to support tissue is disclosed. The curved deck comprises an inner radius of curvature, an outer radius of curvature, a first step, and a second step. The staple cartridge further comprises a first longitudinal row of staple cavities, a second longitudinal row of staple cavities, and staples removably stored in the first and second longitudinal rows of staple cavities. The surgical stapler further comprises an anvil, a first camming member, a second camming member, a cutting member, a driver, and support means for supporting the driver when the driver moves the cutting member relative to the anvil and the staple cartridge.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a first elongated member and a second elongated member, the first elongated member and the second elongated member being operatively connected and configured to rotate in opposite directions to substantially limit counter torque. The first and second elongated members are flexible shafts. The surgical instrument can be configured to apply fasteners to a tissue portion. This embodiment of the surgical instrument includes a cartridge having a plurality of fasteners, an anvil, said anvil and cartridge being relatively movable between spaced and approximated positions, and a sled disposed in the cartridge. The sled includes a cam member. The cam member is designed to drive the fasteners through tissue and toward the anvil.

Abstract: A surgical stapler comprising a cartridge channel and a staple cartridge body is disclosed. The staple cartridge body comprises a longitudinal channel, a plurality of staples, a plurality of staple drivers, a staple sled, and a cutting member positioned within the staple cartridge body. The cutting member comprises an engagement portion configured to be engaged with a firing member of the stapler, wherein the cutting member is configured to be slid between a first position and a second position within the longitudinal channel. The surgical stapler further comprises an anvil assembly. The anvil assembly comprises a tissue-supporting surface and a plurality of staple cavities. Each staple cavity comprises a staple cavity centerline, a first forming cup, and a second forming cup.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a handle assembly, an elongated body portion extending distally from the handle assembly, a head portion and a preload assembly is disclosed. The head portion is disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated body portion and includes an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The anvil assembly is movable in relation to the shell assembly between spaced and approximated positions. The preload assembly is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the shell assembly and enables longitudinal movement of the shell assembly with respect to the elongated body portion.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus including a releasable buttress material includes a cartridge assembly, an anvil assembly, a knife, and a buttress material. The cartridge assembly includes a plurality of staples and a tissue contacting surface defining staple retaining slots. The anvil assembly includes a tissue contacting surface defining staple pockets for forming staples expelled from the staple retaining slots of the cartridge assembly. The knife is disposed within a knife slot formed in the tissue contacting surface of the cartridge assembly. The buttress material includes at least one weld joining the buttress material to the tissue contacting surface of the cartridge assembly. The at least one weld is positioned across the knife slot.

Abstract: A distal assembly of an endoscopic surgical device, and a related method, having a first arm and a second arm pivotal relative to the first arm. Each arm is configured to hold a part of a two-part fastener at a distal end of the arm. A closing mechanism is positioned proximate a proximal end of each of the first and second arms opposite the distal end of each of the first and second arms. The closing mechanism is configured to move in relation to the first and second arms so as to close over at least one of the first and second arms to cause the distal ends of the arms to come together. An actuation member is also attached to the closing mechanism actuable to cause the closing mechanism to move in relation to the first and second arms.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a surgical end effector having a receiving portion for removably receiving therein an interchangeable part. The receiving portion has a communication connection. A handle connected to the end effector actuates the end effector. The handle has a controller electrically connected to the communication connection for authenticating the interchangeable part when placed at the end effector. An interchangeable part is removably connected to the receiving portion and has an encryption device electrically removably connected to the communication connection when placed at the receiving portion. The encryption device authenticates the interchangeable part when queried by the electric controller.

Abstract: A monitoring system is disclosed for in vivo monitoring of preselected physiological parameters associated with acute and/or chronic tissue compromise or failure in one or multiple tissue/organ sites in real time. In one method, a body portion of a surgical stapling device is positioned adjacent a first tissue section, an anvil assembly adapted to engage the body portion is positioned adjacent a second tissue section, and a monitoring device is positioned adjacent the first and/or second tissue sections. The monitoring device includes a sensor adapted to measure a preselected physiological parameter and a transmitter for transmitting signal to an extracorporeal receiving unit. The surgical stapling device is fired to mechanically secure the first and second tissue sections with at least one staple and the preselected physiological parameter is monitored via the information transmitted from the monitoring device to the receiving unit.

Abstract: A surgical stapler comprising a handle assembly, an elongated body portion extending distally from the handle assembly, and a head portion disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated body portion and including an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The anvil assembly is movable in relation to the shell assembly between spaced and approximated positions. The anvil assembly has an anvil head and a plurality of projections extending proximally of the anvil head, the projections engageable with a portion of the shell assembly.

Abstract: An end effector for use with a surgical instrument having a first cartridge assembly configured to deploy a first set of fasteners and a second cartridge assembly disposed distally of the first cartridge assembly. The second cartridge assembly is configured to move between an open position and an approximated position relative to clamp tissue. A central rod extends between the first cartridge assembly and the second cartridge assembly.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical instrument is disclosed comprising a firing member, an anvil shaft assembly operably supported within an elongated shaft, and an anvil removably attachable to a distal connection portion of an anvil shaft assembly. The instrument further comprises a tissue acquisition shaft rotatably supported within the elongated shaft, tissue acquisition members pivotally attached to a distal end portion of the tissue acquisition shaft and being selectively pivotable between a retracted position to deployed positions, and at least one tissue acquisition pin corresponding to each one of the tissue acquisition members, each tissue acquisition pin radially protruding outward from the distal end portion of the tissue acquisition shaft to impale tissue drawn in towards the tissue acquisition shaft by the tissue acquisition members when the tissue acquisition members are moved from the deployed positions to the retracted position.

Abstract: A surgical fastening device includes a handle assembly having a stationary handle and a movable handle and an elongated member extending distally from the handle portion. The elongated member includes a distal end portion. The device also includes a pair of firing rods operably coupled with the movable handle and movable between a proximal position and a distal position. A tool assembly has a plurality of helical fasteners supported therein and includes a pair of opposing jaw members. At least one of the jaw members is movable in relation to the other jaw member between spaced and approximated positions. The jaw members are configured to form a pair of radial channels when the jaw members are in the approximated position. The firing rods are configured to advance helical fasteners through at least one radial channel and into tissue upon movement from the proximal position to the distal position.

Abstract: An anvil and anvil delivery system is provided which includes a head assembly and a center rod defining a longitudinal axis. The head assembly defines a transverse axis and is pivotally secured to the rod and movable from an operative position wherein the transverse axis is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a tilted position wherein the transverse axis defines an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. A flexible tube is secured to the center rod which includes gradations along the length of the tube. The gradations are positioned to provide an indication of a length of the tube remaining in a patient during removal of the tube from the patient. An adapter is secured to one end of the flexible tube and to the center rod. The adapter is configured to secure the anvil assembly to the flexible tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stapler apparatus, comprising a stapler having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis, the stapler further comprising a trigger, an anvil docking pin aligned substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the stapler, and a stapling means, the anvil docking pin and stapling means being at the distal end of the stapler, and a detachable anvil, comprising an anvil head and an anvil shaft, wherein the anvil shaft is adapted to receive the anvil docking pin and operation of the trigger causes the stapling means to be actuated, characterised in that the length of the anvil shaft is at least 4 cm. The present invention also relates to a method of forming an anastomosis between two surfaces using the stapler apparatus of the invention and a method of forming a stoma trephine in a subject using the stapler apparatus of the invention.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for controlling movement of a working end of a surgical device. In one embodiment, methods and devices are provided for moving an end effector on a distal end of a surgical fastening device. Movement can include rotational movement of the end effector about an axis of the shaft, articulation of the end effector relative to the shaft, and actuation of an end effector, e.g., closing, firing, and/or cutting. In other embodiments, a single cable actuator is provided and is movable between a first position, in which it is effective to rotate an end effector without actuating (i.e., closing and firing) the end effector, and a second position, in which it is effective to actuate the end effector without rotating the end effector. In other aspects, methods and devices are provided for moving a flexible neck formed on a distal end of an accessory channel for use with an endoscope.

Abstract: An anvil assembly for use therewith a surgical fastener applying apparatus including an anvil plate and an anvil head configured and dimensioned to support the anvil plate. The anvil plate and the anvil head may be formed from different materials. The anvil plate can include a tapered outer side wall allowing the anvil assembly to realize a substantially uniform proximal-most surface upon assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus is operable to clamp, cut, and staple tissue. The apparatus includes a stapling head assembly, a shaft assembly coupled to the stapling head assembly, and an actuator handle assembly coupled to the shaft assembly. The stapling head assembly is operable to clamp tissue, cut tissue, and staple tissue in response to rotation imparted by a single rotary drive shaft extending through the shaft assembly. The actuator handle assembly includes a motor positioned within a motor housing, a rotation knob, and a selection assembly. The rotation knob is coupled to a proximal end of the motor housing. The rotation knob is configured to translate between a proximal position and a distal position. The selection assembly is operable to select between motorized operation of the apparatus or manual operation of the apparatus, based on the longitudinal position of the rotation knob.

Abstract: A surgical fastening apparatus including a fastener receiving frame including a plurality of spaced apart openings formed therein and a fastener supporting member containing a plurality of surgical fasteners extending therefrom. The surgical fasteners are engagable with the plurality of openings to mate with the fastener receiving frame to fasten tissue therebetween. The fasteners are engageable with the openings in a plurality of positions dependent on a tissue thickness between the fastener receiving frame and the fastener supporting member.

Abstract: A circular stapling device includes a circular anvil assembly and a circular cartridge assembly. The anvil assembly includes a cap and head. The cap is movable relative to the head. The head supports a crush ring member that is movable into engagement with the cap to move the cap to an unapproximated position relative to the head to release a portion of an anvil buttress member supported between the anvil cap and the anvil head. The cartridge assembly includes a housing, a pusher member, a retaining ring member, and a fastener cartridge. The retaining ring member releasably secures a portion of a cartridge buttress member to one or both of the housing and the fastener cartridge. The retaining ring member releases the cartridge buttress member when the retaining ring member moves from a radially constricted condition to a radially expanded condition in response to a movement of the pusher member.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for controlling movement of a working end of a surgical device. In one embodiment, methods and devices are provided for moving an end effector on a distal end of a surgical fastening device. Movement can include rotational movement of the end effector about an axis of the shaft, articulation of the end effector relative to the shaft, and actuation of an end effector, e.g., closing, firing, and/or cutting. In other embodiments, a single cable actuator is provided and is movable between a first position, in which it is effective to rotate an end effector without actuating (i.e., closing and firing) the end effector, and a second position, in which it is effective to actuate the end effector without rotating the end effector. In other aspects, methods and devices are provided for moving a flexible neck formed on a distal end of an accessory channel for use with an endoscope.

Abstract: A system for closing an aperture in a biological tissue includes an implant deployment device with a frame arm and a clip operably disposed on the frame arm. A mesh attachment apparatus has a clip press with a body portion including a recess and at least one chamfered press operably disposed in the recess. The chamfered press is configured to move between an extended position protruding at least partially from said recess and a retracted position. The mesh attachment apparatus is configured to move the clip from an open position to a closed position to facilitate loading an implant onto the implant deployment device.

Abstract: A surgical fastener having a top element including a crown, with prongs extending from the crown. A baseplate having two or more slots that are dimensioned to receive a tip of a prong in the undeployed configuration of the fastener. Two or more cantilevered catches extend from the crown, each cantilevered beam terminating in a head. The baseplate is provided with a bore and in the deployed configuration, the catches of the top element pass through the bore and latch the top element onto the baseplate.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an elongated shaft, with components arranged in the shaft. The elongated shaft is slightly curved. Arranged on a proximal end of the surgical instrument is an actuation device in the form of a lever mechanism and rotary knob. A force transmission element in the form of a plastic hollow section is arranged in the shaft. The force transmission element is a plastic section designed for transmitting compressive and tensile forces. The plastic section is provided with a plurality of longitudinally extending channels. Therefore, the plastic section does not only serve as a force transmission element, but electric lines and a pull-push shaft may additionally extend in the channels. The longitudinal channels may be used for supplying cooling media for the electrodes or the thermo-fusion device or for feeding agents promoting wound repair. The plastic section is electrically insulating, so that the risk of short-circuits is reduced.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a surgical stapling device and a method for joining tissue portions. The surgical stapling device includes a handle assembly and a tubular body portion supported on a distal end of the handle assembly having a staple cartridge assembly containing a plurality of surgical staples in an annular array. An anvil assembly is at a distal end of the stapling device and has a shaft for removably connecting the anvil assembly to the tubular body portion. The anvil assembly and tubular body portion are juxtaposed with respect to one another along the shaft and are arranged so as to be approximated with respect to one another. A support member extends from the tubular body portion towards the anvil assembly and a buttress material is supported by the support member and removably attached to the support member.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices for safely closing an opening in tissue. In one embodiment, the medical device includes a delivery tube, a control member and a staple. The delivery tube is elongated and extends from a proximal end to a distal end to define a longitudinal axis. The delivery tube defines a tube lumen, while the control member is elongated and extends through the tube lumen. The staple is releasably attached to the control member adjacent the distal end of the delivery tube. The staple formed of a resilient material having a C-shape, the C-shape including free ends defining first and second tines. The resilient material of the staple is elastically deformable such that the staple may flex to change a distance between the first and second tines. The free ends are spaced apart a first distance in an unbiased state of the staple.

Abstract: Surgical stapler delivery systems and methods of using the delivery systems to deliver and assemble surgical staplers are described herein.