Abstract: The disclosure pertains to a device for cutting a suture in a fluid environment which isolates a portion of the suture to be cut within a substantially sealed environment and cuts the suture thermally by using an electrically heated element within the chamber. In another embodiment, the disclosure relates to a vascular sealing system including the suture cutting device and a method of use thereof.

Abstract: A tissue puncture closure device includes an anchor, a sealing plug, a compaction member, a suture, and a suture cutting member. The compaction member is configured to compress the sealing plug toward the anchor. The suture is coupled to the sealing plug and anchor, and a portion of the suture extends through at least a portion of the compaction member. The suture cutting member extends through an aperture in a sidewall of the compaction member and is operable to cut the suture at a location within the compaction member.

Abstract: A surgical staple remover includes a first elongated element having a handle on one end and an upward sloped jaw element on the other end, wherein the jaw element comprises a pair of parallel jaws; a housing running a length of the first elongated element; an interior element within the housing comprising a planar element having a hook element; a second elongated element pivotally connected to the first elongated element and the interior element, such that moving the second elongated element results in moving the hook element and the jaw element while retracting the interior element, resulting in the hook element deforming the surgical staple so as to remove it and moving the surgical staple towards the housing; and a strip element located on top of the jaw element, such that when the hook element moves the removed surgical staple, the removed surgical staple is moved under the strip element.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a suture trimmer, the suture trimmer including a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and an axis therebetween, the shaft having a groove formed in the side thereof, the groove in communication with an opening formed in the side of the shaft, the opening disposed proximal the distal end. The suture trimmer further including a cutting member slidably disposed within the shaft, and a suture retainer slidably disposed within the shaft. Wherein the suture trimmer in accordance with the present invention may be additionally utilized to position knots formed within a suture loop prior to trimming the free end(s) of the suture loop.

Abstract: A sheath for use with a scalpel cutting device including a sheath body configured to cover a scalpel blade at a distal end of a scalpel cutting device. The sheath advantageously includes a slot formed therein that extends from a first end at an edge of the sheath body to a second end adjacent the scalpel blade so that the slot intersects the blade and the blade is exposed only within the second end of the slot. The slot is configured such that an angle between a guiding side wall of the slot and the scalpel blade at the point of intersection is greater than 105° and less than 180°. In another embodiment, the ratio of the length of the shortest side wall to slot width is at least 2.

Abstract: A surgical staple remover apparatus is disclosed. The surgical staple remover apparatus comprises a first elongated element having a handle on one end and a downward facing protrusion on the other end and a second elongated element having a handle on one end and an upwards sloped planar element on the other end, wherein the first and second elongated elements are pivotally connected. The apparatus further includes a cutout located at a midpoint of a tip of the upwards sloped planar element and a housing running a length of the second elongated element, beginning at the upwards sloped planar element and including an opening facing the planar element, such that surgical staples removed with the apparatus are drawn into the housing. The apparatus further includes a spring loaded element within the housing, wherein the spring loaded element grabs removed surgical staples and draws them into the housing.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for suturing of body lumens allow the suturing of vascular puncture sites located at the distal end of a percutaneous tissue tract. An elongated articulated foot near a distal end of a shaft is inserted through the penetration and actuated so that the foot extends along the lumenal axis. The foot carries suturing attachment cuffs, and needles are advanced from the shaft through the vessel wall outside of the penetration and into engagement with the needle cuffs after the foot has been drawn proximally up against the endothelial surface of the blood vessel. The cross-section of the shaft within the tissue tract can be minimized by laterally deflecting the needles as they leave the shaft, while tapered depressions within the foot can guide the advancing needles into engagement with the cuffs. The cuffs lockingly engage the needles and can be withdrawn proximally along the needle paths and through the tissue tract so as to form a loop of suture across the puncture.

Abstract: A suture cut-off structure for subcutaneous stitching operation includes a forceps and a cutter blade arranged at one end of the forceps. The cutter blade has an end forming two rims, which correspond to each other and have the same length. Each rim has a contour forming a curve section. The rims define therebetween a cutting trough in which a cutting edge is formed. The suture is receivable into the cutting trough to allow the suture to be cut off through a forward movement of the cutting edge. With the rims being positionable on and depressing down patient's skin, cutting of the suture and at the same time depressing down the patient's skin can be simultaneously done with a single hand The cutting edge is located inside the cutting trough of the rims and is thus isolated so that undesirably hurting the patient's skin can be avoided.

Abstract: A hand-held suture removal device exhibiting a generally elongated body. First and second biasing portions extend from one end of the body and establish a gap therebetween. A blade extends from the body, typically from one of the biasing portions and in proximity to the gap defined between the biasing portions. The blade is manipulated to section a suture projecting from first and second locations of a patient's skin. A trailing edge of the suture is gripped between opposing and abutting surfaces established by the biasing portions and, upon deflecting of the device in a direction away from the patient, forcibly withdraws each of a plurality of sutures in rapid and successive fashion.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having the dual functions of gripping a suture needle and cutting a suture. The instrument performs one function when the handles are pivoted together and the other function when the handles are pivoted apart. The instrument also provides for a precise suture tail length when the suture is cut.

Abstract: A surgical staple remover includes a first elongated element having a handle on one end and an upward sloped jaw element on the other end, wherein the jaw element comprises a pair of parallel jaws; a housing running a length of the first elongated element; an interior element within the housing comprising a planar element having a hook element; a second elongated element pivotally connected to the first elongated element and the interior element, such that moving the second elongated element results in moving the hook element and the jaw element while retracting the interior element, resulting in the hook element deforming the surgical staple so as to remove it and moving the surgical staple towards the housing; and a strip element located on top of the jaw element, such that when the hook element moves the removed surgical staple, the removed surgical staple is moved under the strip element.

Abstract: A suture cutting device is provided, the device suitable for cutting high strength suture materials used in arthroscopic surgeries. The device includes a distal blade portion movable within a distal suture guide, the distal suture guide including a lateral suture guide slot. The distal blade portion includes a dorsal recess that, in combination with an upper wall of an enclosed blade guide slot, controls an amount of dorsal movement of a cutting edge during a longitudinal movement of the cutting edge. The combined dorsal movement and longitudinal movement of the cutting edge creating a sliding/slicing movement of the cutting edge against a suture in the suture guide slot. At least a proximal blade portion and an extension blade portion are made of a single blade, those portions defining a spring, contacting a trigger, and effectuating a movement from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A surgical staple remover apparatus is disclosed. The surgical staple remover apparatus comprises a first elongated element having a handle on one end and a downward facing protrusion on the other end and a second elongated element having a handle on one end and an upwards sloped planar element on the other end, wherein the first and second elongated elements are pivotally connected. The apparatus further includes a cutout located at a midpoint of a tip of the upwards sloped planar element and a housing running a length of the second elongated element, beginning at the upwards sloped planar element and including an opening facing the planar element, such that surgical staples removed with the apparatus are drawn into the housing. The apparatus further includes a spring loaded element within the housing, wherein the spring loaded element grabs removed surgical staples and draws them into the housing.

Abstract: A catheter system for positioning an instrument within a body that includes a hub defining a lumen therethrough for passage of the instrument toward the body. The catheter system also includes an elongate tubular member defining a lumen therethrough. The lumen of the elongate tubular member is in communication with the lumen of the hub for further passage of the instrument toward the body. The system also includes a slitter member that is coupled to the hub. The slitter member is disposed to slit the elongate tubular member as the elongate tubular member moves relative to the hub.

Abstract: A cutting insert has the geometry of a tetrahedron with triangle base areas wherein each triangle base area has a tetrahedral frustum as a clamping body for fixing the cutting insert in a tool seat of a carrier tool. Additionally, a tool seat for the cutting insert includes clamping jaws to secure the cutting insert.

Abstract: A suture trimmer having a shaft, a cutting member, an actuating device, and a snare. The shaft has a first end and a second end and bounds a bore extending from the first end toward the second end. The shaft has an opening formed in a side adjacent the first end. The cutting member is slidably disposed within the bore of the shaft and can be moved between a first position and a second position, such that when disposed in the second position the cutting member closes the opening formed in the side of the shaft. The actuating device is in communication with the cutting member and is operable to move the cutting member from the first position to the second position. The snare extends through the opening and out of the bore at the first end of the shaft.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for use with a prosthetic holder to which a prosthesis is secured by sutures. The apparatus includes an elongated handle having a grip end and a coupler end and defining a first aperture extending along a length from the grip end to the coupler end. The apparatus can also include a first shaft at least partially disposed within the first aperture with a first actuator at the grip end and a holder coupling mechanism at the coupler end. The apparatus can have one of a second shaft and a sheath disposed along the handle with a second actuator at the grip end and a cutting element at the coupler end. A force applied to the first actuator enables one of engagement and disengagement with the prosthesis holder, and a force applied to the second actuator enables deployment of a cutting element to cut the sutures securing the prosthesis to the prosthetic holder.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a device for repairing torn tissue or muscle such as the meniscus of the knee. The device includes a pair of anchoring members having a plurality of barb-like projections extending outwardly therefrom. The anchoring members are joined by a flexible linking member which connects the ends of the anchoring members opposite one another. Such a device can be fabricated by insert molding of the appropriate members together.

Abstract: A surgical staple remover includes a staple supporter which is inserted below side portions of a crown of a surgical staple, which is joined to a skin, to support the surgical staple, a pressing slider which presses the crown of the surgical staple, which is supported by the staple supporter, to deform the surgical staple and to remove the surgical staple out from the skin and moves the surgical staple into a storage portion along a staple receiver which is continuously formed from the staple supporter. The number of the surgical staples inside the storage portion can be reliably and easily counted.

Abstract: Surgical suture instrument for the muscular-skeletal system and the surgical technique used by same. A surgical suture system includes an instrument providing for the suture of muscular-skeletal system tissues by the use of blades which go from a withdrawn position to a position for the incision of the tissue to be sutured. The blades carry the suture, which is attached to the tissue by the incision of the blades, in response to a drive force aimed longitudinally from back to front, towards the surgical field. The instrument and the surgical technique allow for single or continuous stitching of suture on all tissue types. Its use in bone suture is particularly surprising, making it possible to join bones, implants, grafts, chondrocyte membranes, flaps, tendons, cartilage, etc. The surgical technique for which the surgical suture instrument is used can be applied in open surgery and in arthroscopy.

Abstract: Embodiments of the current disclosure provide a bioprosthetic heart valve and methods of assembling and usage of the same.

Abstract: A tool serves to facilitate one or more of dilation of a flexor tendon sheath and corresponding pulleys, attachment of a severed flexor tendon thereto, passage of the severed flexor tendon through the flexor tendon sheath and the corresponding pulleys, and reattachment of the severed flexor tendon. The tool includes a tip portion, a shaft portion, and a handle portion. During use of the tool, the tip portion and at least a part of the shaft portion can be passed through the flexor tendon sheath, and the handle portion is can be used to control such passage. The tip portion and the shaft portion can be used to dilate the flexor tendon sheath. The severed flexor tendon can be attached to the tip portion, and the tool can be withdrawn from flexor tendon sheath to pass the severed flexor tendon to a repair site.

Abstract: A novel suture removal instrument, kit and technique are described herein. The invention utilizes a newly designed thermal filament to allow the tip of the suture removal instrument to be slipped under the stitch in order to heat and cut the stitch. Current suture removal techniques utilize scissors, forceps, and/or scalpels. These techniques, which are well known in the art, are problematic because they exert tension on the stitch and are associated with patient discomfort. Small stitches add to the difficulty of suture removal because they have less suture laxity for scissor insertion. The present invention therefore allows for more rapid suture removal with less patient discomfort and at a competitive or lower cost.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for cutting sutures (601) is provided. The apparatus (100) includes a handle (101) and an extension member (105) extending therefrom. The extension member (105) includes a first extension rail (103) coupled fixedly with the handle (101) and a second extension rail (104) that is configured to slide along the first extension rail (103) when cutting a suture (601). A detachable blade (108) is coupled to the second extension rail (104) and can be replaced when a compliance member (114) is moved such that the second extension rail (104) is able to pivot away from the first extension rail (103). A user actuates a push button (110) that causes the second extension rail (104) to move such that the detachable blade (108) passes into a blade receiving aperture (207), thereby severing a suture (601) engaged in the suture hook (106).

Abstract: The application provides a device (2) for extracting from a body tissue surgical fasteners (20) having a crown, a baseplate and prongs extending from the crown to the baseplate. The device includes a shaft having a lumen with a cross-sectional shape and dimensions to allow the crown to enter the lumen while preventing the baseplate from entering the lumen.

Abstract: A cutting instrument (10) comprises a generally elongate handle (12) configured to be gripped by a user; and an elongate blade (14) generally axially aligned with the handle, and having a proximal end connected to the handle and a distal end, the blade having a tip (32) on the distal end thereof, a portion (22) of the blade adjacent the distal end being of generally planar configuration, one edge of said portion defining a bearing edge (30), and the opposite edge of said portion defining a cutting edge (28), the blade having a barb formation (24) rearward of the tip adjacent the cutting edge, said barb formation having a non-cutting edge (36) facing the distal end, and a sharp edge (26) facing the proximal end and defining a continuation of said cutting edge (28).

Abstract: A ligature device for medical treatment has an operating device that has a ligature tool for medical treatment fitted onto a distal end portion thereof. The operating device is provided with a cutting member that is able to move freely backwards and forwards and is used to cut a ligature wire of the ligature tool for medical treatment. A distal end side of the cutting member has an inclined end portion that is inclined relative to the direction of forward and backward movement, and a blade portion is provided in this inclined end portion.

Abstract: A hand-held suture removal device exhibiting a generally elongated body. First and second biasing portions extend from one end of the body and establish a gap therebetween. A blade extends from the body, typically from one of the biasing portions and in proximity to the gap defined between the biasing portions. The blade is manipulated to section a suture projecting from first and second locations of a patient's skin. A trailing edge of the suture is gripped between opposing and abutting surfaces established by the biasing portions and, upon deflecting of the device in a direction away from the patient, forcibly withdraws each of a plurality of sutures in rapid and successive fashion.

Abstract: A resecting device is disclosed. The resecting device comprises: a handle having a jaw trigger slidably engaged with said handle and mechanically engaged with a spring mechanism communicating a biasing force to said jaw trigger; a fixed shaft portion having a first and a second end, wherein said fixed shaft portion first end is affixed to said housing, wherein said fixed shaft portion second end forms a first jaw member, and wherein said first jaw member has a tissue contact area; and a slidable shaft portion in communication with said spring mechanism and slidable relative to said fixed shaft portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides an organ fixture having a rod shaped anchoring portion formed by bundling a suturing thread, and a fixing portion made of a suturing thread continuous with the suturing thread of the anchoring portion. By pulling the fixing portion with respect to the anchoring portion with a force larger than a prescribed level, the suturing thread forming the anchoring portion can be loosened. Additionally, the invention provides a type of organ fixture set which pierces and is inserted into the body of the patient while a portion of an anchoring portion and a fixing portion of the organ fixture is accommodated in it, and it can be pulled from the body of the patient while the anchoring portion is left within the stomach wall. Further, the organ fixture set has a unit for removing the organ fixture from the body of the patient.

Abstract: Suture cutters and methods of cutting suture in a surgical procedure. The suture cutter may include an actuator, an intermediate cannula portion and a movable cutting assembly. The cutting assembly may be operatively coupled to the actuator and include a cutting element. An adjustably sized cutting window receives the suture. The adjustably sized cutting window may be bound on at least one side with the cutting element for cutting the suture received inside the cutting window. Actuation moves the cutting assembly to cut the suture.

Abstract: A suture tag retrieval device and method for its use are described. The retrieval device has an elongate member dimensioned in cross-section to allow passage thereof through a channel leading to an internal site in a patient, such as, for example, the working channel of an endoscope. The retrieval device has a distal end and a proximal end and defines a passageway between the distal and the proximal ends for passage of a suture. The distal end of the elongate member has a suture engagement portion and a suture tag receiving portion, which may be in the form of a cradle configured to inhibit contact between the suture tag and the channel. To facilitate use with an endoscope, the elongate member is preferably a hollow, flexible tube like device.

Abstract: A medical staple is provided with a crown portion 1 and needle leg portions 3 bent to a lower side by way of curved portions 2 on both ends thereof. An open wound is narrowed by striking the needle leg portion 3 into the skin by bending intervals between the center portion of the crown portion 1 and the curved portion 2 by a stapler. First notches 6 are formed at a lower face portion of curved portions on both sides bent by the stapler, and second notches 7 are formed at an upper face portion thereof between the first notches 6 of the crown portion 1 and remote from the two first notches 6, 6 uniformly by predetermined distances.

Abstract: Devices and methods for achieving hemostasis and leakage control in hollow body vessels such as the small and large intestines, arteries, and veins as well as ducts leading to the gall bladder and other organs. The devices and methods disclosed herein are especially useful in the emergency, trauma surgery or military setting, and most especially during damage control procedures. In such cases, the patient may have received trauma to the abdomen, extremities, neck or thoracic region. The devices utilize removable or permanently implanted, broad, soft, parallel jaw clips with minimal projections to maintain vessel contents without damage to the tissue comprising the vessel. These clips are applied using either standard instruments or custom devices that are subsequently removed leaving the clips implanted, on a temporary or permanent basis, to provide for hemostasis or leakage prevention, or both. These clips overcome the limitations of clips and sutures that are currently used for the same purposes.

Abstract: A suture cutter comprises a tip portion integrally formed with or detachably removable from a handle portion. The handle portion is sized and configured for manipulation by a human hand. The tip portion includes at least one cutting blade disposed within an interior thereof and which faces an opening formed in a tip perimeter. A probe portion is disposed on at least one side of the opening to engage a suture to be severed and removed. The cutting blade preferably has a slightly arcuate shape. The tip portion may further include a remover portion formed along the tip perimeter adjacent the opening and which is preferably sized and configured to grasp a suture for removal thereof following severing of the suture.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a surgical instrument. In particular, the present invention relates to a fastener remover for use during the repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms. The fastener remover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, comprises an outer catheter, an inner sheath, and a gripping member. The outer catheter comprises a hollow passage with a proximal end and a distal end. The inner sheath is disposed within the hollow passage of the outer catheter, extending from the outer catheter's proximal end to the distal end. The gripping member is located within the inner sheath, extending from the outer catheter's proximal end to the distal end. The gripping member comprises a connector portion connected to an elongated stem.

Abstract: A knot placer has a rod (10) connecting a handle end (11) to a working end (12). The working end (12) has a closed leg eyelet (15) and a slit leg eyelet (16). A slidable knot (27), formed from a pair of ends of surgical suture (25a) and (25b) is used to join a patient's tissue. The knot (27) can be transferred through an access port (21) and tightened at a surgical site (26) by threading each respective suture end (25a) and (25b) into each eyelet (15) and (16), grasping the handle end (11), and pushing the slidable knot (27) to the surgical site (26) during an endoscopic surgery. Subsequently, the knot placer can be pulled out of the access port (21), and the slit eyelet (16) can release its respective suture end (25a) or (25b) through the slit (19). Another slidable knot (27) can be tied.

Abstract: An endoscopic apparatus includes a pair of jaws pivotably connected to each other and movable between an open position and a closed position. The jaws have respective opposing gripper portions. Each gripper portion has a distal end, a proximal end, and an inside surface extending between the distal and proximal ends. At the closed position, the inside surfaces define a jaw gap therebetween. At least a portion of the jaw gap increases in distance along a direction from the distal end toward the proximal end. An actuating mechanism communicates with the jaws for moving the jaws between the open and closed position. In a surgical procedure in which a clip such as a hemostatic clip has been latched around a blood vessel or other tissue, the apparatus can be used to compress the clip and consequently unlatch the clip, thereby releasing the clip from the vessel. Thereafter, the apparatus can be rotated.

Abstract: Novel suture removal instrument and technique are described herein. The invention utilizes a newly designed thermal filament to allow the tip of the suture removal instrument to be slipped under the stitch in order to heat and cut the stitch. Current suture removal techniques utilize scissors, forceps, and/or scalpels. These techniques, which are well known in the art, are problematic because they exert tension on the stitch and are associated with patient discomfort. Small stitches add to the difficulty of suture removal because they have less suture laxity for scissor insertion. The present invention therefore allows for more rapid suture removal with less patient discomfort and at a competitive or lower cost.

Abstract: A needle having a shaft; a neck at the distal end of the shaft; and a tapered end at the distal end of the neck, the tapered end comprising at least three planar faces meeting at a central point, and an annular shoulder adjacent to the neck.

Abstract: Suture cutter embodiments include elements for cutting back the leads of a suture after the suture has been tied into a knot, e.g., as a result of drawing tissue portions together. The suture cutter may include mechanisms which can be used to push and position a knot, so that a single device may be used to both push a knot and trim the excess material therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatuses and methods for performing minimally invasive diagnostic and surgical procedures inside of a beating heart. An assembly for use in performing such a medical procedure includes a port and a fluid transport device. The port has a housing configured for insertion through a chamber wall of a heart chamber, at least one valve disposed in the housing, and an inlet connected to the housing. The inlet has an inlet passage in fluid communication with a lumen of the housing. The fluid transport device has an end that attaches to the inlet of the port, another end that attaches to a fluid source, and a fluid channel therebetween to pass a fluid from the fluid source to the heart chamber. A method of preparing a beating heart for a diagnostic or medical procedure comprises the steps of inserting a cardiac port through a chamber wall of the beating heart and pressurizing the heart chamber with blood from the patient's artery.

Abstract: Novel suture removal instrument and technique are described herein. The invention utilizes a newly designed thermal filament to allow the tip of the suture removal instrument to be slipped under the stitch in order to heat and cut the stitch. Current suture removal techniques utilize scissors, forceps, and/or scalpels. These techniques, which are well known in the art, are problematic because they exert tension on the stitch and are associated with patient discomfort. Small stitches add to the difficulty of suture removal because they have less suture laxity for scissor insertion. The present invention therefore allows for more rapid suture removal with less patient discomfort and at a competitive or lower cost.

Abstract: A surgical fastener comprising a clip movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and a biasing member contacting the clip and biasing the clip to its open configuration when the biasing member is actuated. The biasing member and clip both tend to assume the closed configuration when no external forces are applied to them. A needle may be releasably attached to the clip. Methods for making the fasteners are also disclosed, in which both the clip and the biasing member are set in the closed position.

Abstract: Suture clips and suture clip loading, delivery, locking and severing devices in both catheter and endoscopic embodiments are disclosed that permit the delivery and application of suture clips directly in contact with or in close approximation to sutured tissue. The catheter or endoscopic versions incorporate a collet cage with a plurality of flexible collet fingers that captivate a suture clip ring and a suture clip plug for assembly with a suture. An outer sliding sleeve constrains the collet fingers when distally advanced to minimize potential trauma during delivery and assembly of the suture clip in close proximity to the stitched tissue. Proximal retraction of the sliding sleeve coupled with the distal advancement of a pusher against cam surfaces on the inner walls of the collet fingers causes the collet fingers to open. The catheter is designed to hold and assemble the suture clip in a first position and release the suture clip and sever the suture ends proximal to the suture clip in a second position.

Abstract: An apparatus for passing a guidewire through a subcutaneous tissue tunnel to enable over-the wire insertion of a catheter through the tissue tunnel. The apparatus comprises an elongated member having a distal end portion having a tip configured to advance through the tissue tunnel and an opening extending longitudinally with respect to the apparatus and dimensioned to receive the guidewire. The guidewire is inserted through the opening to pass the guidewire through the tunnel to enable subsequent insertion of the catheter.

Abstract: A method of introducing continuous lengths of filament into the body in surgical procedures in which it is desirable to place a significant amount of material into the body through a small portal. The material so introduced may serve to bulk a tissue or cavity of the body or to occlude a vas, as well as to introduce diagnostic or therapeutic agents into a site in the body. A device for implementing the method has a mechanism for feeding the filament through a conduit in such a manner that sufficient force is applied to the filament that it is forced into the desired site. In one embodiment, a system of reciprocating cannulae and synchronized grippers is used to supply the requisite force to the filament.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a surgical instrument. In particular, the present invention relates to a fastener remover for use during the repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms. The fastener remover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, comprises an outer catheter, an inner sheath, and a gripping member. The outer catheter comprises a hollow passage with a proximal end and a distal end. The inner sheath is disposed within the hollow passage of the outer catheter, extending from the outer catheter's proximal end to the distal end. The gripping member is located within the inner sheath, extending from the outer catheter's proximal end to the distal end. The gripping member comprises a connector portion connected to an elongated stem.

Abstract: A endovascular fastener and grafting apparatus preferably made from a shape memory alloy is provided which can access internal tissue or other synthetic material by catheter delivery through an endovascular pathway. After the fastener is deployed through layers of tissue or other material, it assumes a shape that automatically applies to the layers of tissue or other material an appropriate hemostatic compression which is relatively independent of tissue or material thickness. The fastener is a suitable replacement for conventional nonbio-absorbable sutures and staples in certain clinical applications. The shape, method of deployment and low force requirements make the disclosed apparatus suitable for standard endovascular surgical procedures where access to the deployment site is limited. A method for deploying the endovascular fastener and grafting apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for open-heart surgery includes a suture-needle holding tip (10) or a stapler and a handle (100). The tip is driven to oscillate relative to the handle in the same motion as the surface of the heart, which is being operated on. This cancels the motion of the heart, effectively stopping it, so that the surgeon (S) need not compensate for heart beats. The tip can grasp or release the needle (N) with a mechanism (300) under control of a switch (330) through a flexible cable 120. Independently, a drive mechanism 200 causes a cam (230) to be turned by a motor 213 for driving the needle-holding tip by means of a flexible cable 120. The cam is shaped so that the pattern of the platform oscillation follows the beating heart's motion. A momentary-contact switch triggers a pacer, which paces the heart to beat in synchrony with the motion of the needle-holding tip. The rate is set slightly above the un-paced heart beat rate.