Abstract: A multi-ligator device that provides a signal to an operator indicating the release of a ligation ring from the ligator head. Thus, greatly simplifying the use of mechanically decoupled ligator-devices and relieving an operator from having to sense via transmitted vibrations when a ligation ring is detached from a ligator head. The multi-ligator device is constructed using a control unit to operate a ligator head that is connected to the control unit via a flexible shaft. The ligator head supports a plurality of ligation rings that are released by operating the control unit. When a ligation ring is released a signal is generated. The signal can be any one, or a combination, of a mechanical, acoustical, and a visual signal. Additionally, a kit for mounting a ligation ring on a ligator head uses a shaft having a cone-shaped portion to stretch the ligation ring. A lubricant is applied to both the ligation ring and shaft to facilitate the manipulation of the ligation ring.

Abstract: A supporting structure for a ligating band dispensing device adapted to be coupled to a distal end of an endoscope comprises a rigid substantially cylindrical, transparent outer support surface adapted to receive a plurality of ligating bands thereon, wherein the support surface includes a distal portion extending from a distal end thereof proximally to a distal-most ligating band receiving area. A channel extends axially through the support surface from the distal end to a proximal end thereof, wherein an abutting surface is formed along at least a portion of a circumference of the channel to define a distal-most point of penetration of an endoscope received therein. A gripping surface extending around at least a portion of a circumference of the proximal end of the channel is sized so that, when an endoscope extends into the proximal end of the channel, the gripping surface frictionally couples the support surface to the endoscope.

Abstract: A self-disposing ligating band dispenser is formed of a member having predisposed windings, where the windings form a surface to support one or more expanded ligating bands. The wound member has a free portion which enables a properly oriented displacement of the free portion to effect the unwinding of the dispenser, and the dispensing of one or more stored ligating bands.

Abstract: A ligating band dispenser for dispensing a plurality of ligating bands individually during a sequence of operations for a ligating instrument. Interfitted housing and piston segments support a plurality of ligating bands at axially spaced locations. Retraction of the piston segment dispenses one ligating band and shifts the remaining ligating bands distally and axially. After retraction, the piston is biased forward so a next retraction dispenses another ligating band. A sclerotherapy needle mounts in a sheath that connects to the piston segment. A physician retracts the sheath to retract the piston. In addition the physician can advance the sclerotherapy needle through the sheath to administer a sclerotherapy agent as an alternative to ligating a lesion.

Abstract: A ligating band dispenser capable of retraction during movement and exploration to offer an unimpaired field of view for an image sensing device of a hosting endoscope as well as extension to facilitate a conventional ligating procedure. Actuating the ligating band dispenser is accomplished with an actuating mechanism that includes a controller to enable a user to selectively dispense one or more ligating bands and/or retract/extend the dispenser.

Abstract: An endoscopic ligating apparatus is provided that can be used percutaneuously to dispense multiple ligating bands or rings about several lesions. In one embodiment, a barrel supporting a plurality of bands stretched around its circumference is removably engaged to the insertion end of an endoscope. A trip wire extends through a working channel of the endoscope and includes a plurality of strands extending from the distal end of the barrel and wrapped around the end of the barrel. The ligating bands are situated over the strands, while the strands are provided with beads disposed adjacent the bands. As tension is applied to the trip wire by way of an activating mechanism, the strands retract within the barrel so that the beads draw the ligating bands successively to the end of the barrel. In one embodiment, the activating mechanism includes a mounting component that stably mounts the mechanism to a variety of endoscopes.

Abstract: A ligation device includes (1) a flexible outer tube which can be inserted through a channel of an insertion tube of the endoscope, (2) a flexible inner tube provided in the outer tube, (3) a ring which is made of an elastic material and is provided to a periphery of the inner tube, and (4) an manipulator which moves the outer tube with respect to the inner tube, so that the outer tube pushes the ring out of the inner tube.

Abstract: An elastic band for ligating tissue within a living body comprises an inner tissue engaging surface which, when in an operative position within the body, surrounds and directly contacts the tissue. At least a portion of the inner tissue engaging surface defines a plurality of discontinuities formed by one of projections and depressions. A method of ligating tissue within a living body using such a ligating band comprises the steps of positioning the elastic band, which has been stretched to increase the size of a central opening extending therethrough, adjacent to a portion of tissue to be ligated. The tissue to be ligated is then drawn through the central opening of the elastic band and the elastic band is released so that the size of the central opening decreases to grip the tissue received therein.

Abstract: A medical instrument for ligation of tissue and anatomical structures, including fallopian tubes comprises at least two slideable shafts concentrically disposed relative to each other. A first shaft has a tissue receiving recess into which tissue is retracted by a grasper. The grasper is disposed on the end of a second shaft that is extendible from the first shaft. A ring retainer on the second or a third shaft can hold one or more elastic rings that are displaceable by the instrument around tissue extending from the tissue receiving recess. The rings are held on a tapered or necked down part of the instrument so that the rings contribute little or nothing to the largest outer diameter (OD) of the portion of the instrument that is inserted into a patient's body. Because the ring or rings do not contribute to the OD of the instrument, the instrument may be constructed to fit within insertion channels of 5 mm or less.

Abstract: A system for severing lesions within a living body includes a housing defining an interior tissue receiving chamber is coupled to the distal end of an endoscope. At least one snare extends around the ligating band supporting surface so that, when at least one ligating band is received around the ligating band supporting surface, drawing the at least one snare off the ligating band supporting surface releases a corresponding ligating band from the ligating band supporting surface. In addition, a method for severing tissue comprises the steps of introducing into the body an endoscope to which a housing defining an interior tissue receiving chamber is coupled, wherein at least one snare and at least one ligating band extend around the ligating band supporting surface and advancing the distal end of the endoscope into the body until the housing is located adjacent to a first portion of tissue to be severed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-invasive penile erection device having a constrictor ring designed to fit against the base of a male genital or penis, and a diaphragm seal that forms a substantially air tight seal against the constrictor ring. The constrictor ring is designed to comfortably and securely fit the base of the penis. The substantially air tight seal enables the pump to produce vacuum pressures of over 17 inches of mercury. The diaphragm seal is designed to collapse around the constrictor ring and remain on during sexual activity. The diaphragm seal cooperates with the constrictor ring to apply pressure to the surface of the penis. The placement of the constrictor ring on the base of the penis and the greater vacuum pressure achieved by the device tend to draw the root or "oz" of the penis into the constrictor ring so that a more natural erection is achieved and maintained after the vacuum tube is removed.

Abstract: A method of endoscopic tubal ligation includes the steps of introducing a distal end of an instrument assembly at an internal operative site through a small size port, visualizing the internal operative site with an endoscope from externally of the internal operative site, grasping an anatomical tubular structure at the internal operative site with a grasping member of the instrument assembly and drawing the anatomical tubular structure into a loop formation and contracting a ligature loop of filamentous ligature material of the instrument assembly around the loop formation to form a ligature without withdrawing the instrument assembly from the internal operative site.

Abstract: A supporting structure for a ligating band dispensing device adapted to be coupled to a distal end of an endoscope comprises a substantially cylindrical outer support surface adapted to receive a plurality of ligating bands thereon, wherein the support surface includes a channel extending therethrough from a distal end to a proximal end. The support surface further includes a plurality of shallow slots and deeper slots disposed on the distal end for retaining a trigger string. The shallow slots and deeper slots may be arranged in an alternating fashion, and each of the slots may be narrower than the trigger string to prevent the trigger string from prematurely exiting the slots. The support surface may also include a plurality of axially extending ridges to assist in deployment of the ligating bands by preventing the bands from sliding along the trigger line and facilitating rolling of the bands along the support surface.

Abstract: A ligating band dispenser for attachment to the distal end of a ligating device having proximal and distal ends with a lumen extending therebetween and being adapted for supporting a plurality of ligating bands includes a support for attachment to the distal end of the ligating device and for carrying the plurality of ligating bands and having a passage communicating with the lumen; and a dispenser including a first displacement element looped about each of the bands in series attached to the support and extending through the passage and lumen whereby proximal motion of the operator element from the proximal end of the ligating device transfers individually the most distal ligating band off the distal end of the support.

Abstract: A supporting structure for a ligating band dispensing device adapted to be coupled to a distal end-of an endoscope comprises a rigid substantially cylindrical, transparent outer support surface adapted to receive a plurality of ligating bands thereon, wherein the support surface includes a distal portion extending from a distal end thereof proximally to a distal-most ligating band receiving area. A channel extends axially through the support surface from the distal end to a proximal end thereof, wherein an abutting surface is formed along at least a portion of a circumference of the channel to define a distal-most point of penetration of an endoscope received therein. A gripping surface extending around at least a portion of a circumference of the proximal end of the channel is sized so that, when an endoscope extends into the proximal end of the channel, the gripping surface frictionally couples the support surface to the endoscope.

Abstract: This invention relates to surgical tools and more specifically to a modular handle and modular actuating mechanism for a group of working tips or tools, such as scissors, forceps and clamps used in open surgery or inserted within a patient's body during an endoscopy or laparoscopy. The handle is ergonomical.

Abstract: A ligating instrument includes an instrument body and a ligature supply disposed in the instrument body. The ligature supply includes a plurality of preformed, contractible ligature loops of filamentous ligature material, each ligature loop having a contractible loop segment and a knotting element movable along the ligature material in a direction to contract the loop segment around anatomical structure to form a ligature. The instrument body includes an actuator for sequentially, selectively deploying the ligature loops externally of the instrument body, an operating member for moving the knotting elements of the externally deployed ligature loops in the direction to contract the loop segments of the externally deployed ligature loops around anatomical structure to form ligatures and a handle for operating the actuator and the operating member.

Abstract: A multifunctional endoscopic instrument for use in performing endoscopic procedures within an anatomical cavity includes a handle and an elongate tubular member having a proximal end coupled with the handle for being disposed externally of the anatomical cavity and a distal end for being disposed within the anatomical cavity and carrying a pair of opposed, relatively movable jaws. The jaws are operable by manipulation of the handle to grasp objects, such as needles, and to cut tissue. In addition, the elongate tubular member defines a channel permitting fluids and other instruments to be communicated at the operative site without the need of having to remove the endoscopic instrument from the body.

Abstract: A ligating band dispenser has a plurality of elastic ligating bands at least one of which is supported on each of a series of partially nested cylinders. Inner and intermediate cylinders comprise axially sliding cylinders for dispensing the ligating bands. An outer cylinder,which may be attached to the distal end of an elongated introducer, surrounds at least the proximal portion of the intermediate cylinder and is adapted to receive the sliding cylinders slide into its distal end. A trip wire is connected to the inner cylinder and extends proximally therefrom through the elongated introducer. The trip wire is adapted to cause an axially sliding motion of the sliding cylinders during an application of force to the trip wire. A restraining means is associated with each sliding cylinder to restrain sliding motion thereof during the application of force to the trip wire.

Abstract: A telescopic band applicator for use in applying an elastic band to a stump of tubular tissue includes an outer tubular member, a middle tubular member telescopically received within the outer tubular member, and an inner tubular member telescopically received within the middle tubular member. A plurality of concave prongs at the end of the inner tubular member are adapted and arranged to compress and capture the stump of tissue within the inner cylindrical surface of the middle tubular member for banding.

Abstract: An elastic band ligation device for treatment of hemorrhoids permits a doctor to band hemorrhoidal tissue without an assistant and does not have to be attached to an aspirator. The device has the capability of suctioning tissue into a tubular member before banding. A plastic inner tubular member retains a stretched elastic band over a front end of an inner tubular member which extends for a sufficient length for insertion into the rectum of a patient. A plunger in the tubular member may be slid backwards to draw a suction in the tubular member to draw tissue in through the front end. A plastic outer pusher sleeve fits over the tubular member and is adapted to push the elastic band off the front end of the tubular member to capture the hemorrhoidal tissue drawn into the tubular member.

Abstract: An activating mechanism for activating an endoscopic ligator is disclosed. The activating mechanism includes a mounting component and an activating component coupled thereto. The mounting component inserts directly into the operating channel of an endoscope and is dimensioned to maintain a friction fit within the operating channel to mount the mechanism to the endoscope. The mounting component includes a channel for receiving an activation line of the ligating device which is threaded through the operating channel and the channel in the mounting component, and onto the activating component of the activating mechanism. The activation line attaches to a spool of the activating component. The activating component further provides a drive pin and a roller clutch for setting the activating component in an engaged or a disengaged position and a knob for rotating the drive pin. When the drive pin is engaged with the roller clutch, the knob can only rotate in one direction.

Abstract: A ligating band dispenser for dispensing a plurality of ligating bands individually during a sequence of operations for a ligating instrument. First and second tubular segments define a dispenser that supports a plurality of ligating bands at axially spaced locations thereon. Axially displacement of one of the segments relative to the other segment dispenses one ligating band and shifts the remaining ligating bands distally and axially for subsequent dispensing.

Abstract: A ligating band dispenser for dispensing a plurality of ligating bands having located at the distal end of an elongated introducer responds to manipulation of an operating structure at the proximal end of the introducer. It has a spring loaded reciprocating inner cylinder movable within a spring loaded, radially expandable cone having inner teeth for engaging a plurality of ligating bands. When the dispenser is actuated, the inner cylinder us drawn proximally with respect to the cone, and the distal end surface of the cone forces the distal-most ring off the reciprocating cylinder and onto the internal tissue has been drawn or place by the inside cylinder.

Abstract: A method for removing a vessel from a patient's body comprises the steps of identifying the vessel to be removing and providing an incision in the patient's body near the identified vessel. An optical dissector is inserted through the incision and tissue is optically dissected away from the surface of the vessel with the optical dissector. The optical dissector is then withdrawn from the body through the incision. An optical retractor is inserted into the body through the incision and is used to retract the dissected tissue away from the surface of the vessel thereby providing space between the dissected vessel and the retracted tissue. The vessel and its side branches are then dissected, ligated and transected and the vessel is then removed from the body through the incision.

Abstract: A ring loader device is used for expanding an elastic cincture band prior to application to a user's male sex organ for cincturing an engorged condition thereof as a treatment for impotence. A cone component has a conical shaped pyramid with vertical grooves. A corresponding dome component has matable ribs which are received in the cone grooves. The ribs enter the grooves and align the cone and dome as they are matably pressed together. As a prior step, a suitable elastic ring is placed over the tapered smaller end of the cone component, and becomes expanded against the cone outer surface as the dome is pressed onto the cone. The cone may include particular surface contours for corresponding receipt of inside diameter features of the elastic ring, such as a urethra channel or radially inward points for added cincturing pressure. The cone and dome arrangement may be used to expand and align an elastic ring onto a transfer collar, or directly onto the outside diameter of a vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A surgical handle for use with an endoscopic instrument that is insertable into a body cavity insufflated with a gas. The surgical handle includes a housing having a mount that defines an opening for receiving the endoscopic instrument. A first elongated pusher tube is located within the housing and aligned with the mount opening. The pusher tube includes an interior passage that is in fluid communication with the endoscopic instrument. A first actuator moves the pusher tube longitudinally with respect to the mount opening. The interior passage is sized to permit the flow therethrough of insufflation gas escaping from the body cavity up to a predetermined rate, the rate being set at an amount that will not result in deflation of the body cavity.

Abstract: A flexible endoscopic instrument is provided with a plurality of elastic ligating rings mounted on one tube of a pair of tubular members which are affixed in coaxial relation to the insertion end of an endoscope. The rings are adapted to be dislodged therefrom in sequence at selectively controlled times for treating multiple lesions during a single insertion of the endoscope into a body organ. The endoscope is equipped with illumination and viewing [means] apparatus to facilitate orientation of the instrument in the body organ, and longitudinally extending tubular passages comprising a channel through which objects may be passed and suction applied for drawing the lesion tissue into the tubular end of the endoscope to facilitate ligation of a lesion, and a working channel through which a flexible actuating cable is inserted.

Abstract: An orthodontic tool is described wherein an elastic band can be easily stretched into a triangular shape and attached over the hooks of an orthodontic apparatus attached within a mouth. The tool can be operated with a single hand and the rubber band can be stretched and placed over a first hook and then partially released from the tool. The second end of the rubber band is placed over a second hook in the mouth and the rubber band is completely released from the tool which is then removed from the mouth. The tool comprises two stationary L-shaped ends and one L-shaped end movable from the two stationary ends.

Abstract: An endoscopic ligating instrument has an outer tube having a rear end in which the tip end of an endoscope is mounted. An inner tube with a trip wire connected thereto is axially movably inserted in the outer tube. When the inner tube is moved rearwardly, the inner tube is urged to move forwardly by a spring. Three ligating O-rings are mounted respectively at axially equally spaced positions on the outer circumferential surface of a portion of the inner tube which projects from the outer tube. Four arms extending forwardly from the outer tube are disposed respectively at circumferentially equally spaced positions over the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube. Each of the arms has teeth disposed behind the ligating O-rings, respectively, and having front pushing surfaces for pushing the ligating O-rings forwardly when the inner tube is moved rearwardly and rear slant surfaces for riding over the ligating O-rings and spreading the arms radially outwardly when the inner tube is moved forwardly.

Abstract: A slidable kit for endoscopic ligation of gastric and esophageal varices comprises an endoscope-inserting cylinder and a ligating device coaxially and integrally secured to the endoscope-inserting cylinder, where the ligating device is in such a structure that a slide cylinder having an annular rib on the outer periphery at the rearward end is inserted into an outer cylinder having an annular rib on the inner periphery at the forward end; an inner cylinder is inserted into the slide cylinder; the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder are integrated together at the rearward ends and firmly secured to the forward end of the endoscope-inserting cylinder; an elastic O ring is mounted on the outer periphery at the forward end of the inner cylinder; a seal ring is provided at the rearward end of the slide cylinder, thereby keeping an annular space between the outer cylinder, the inner cylinder and the slide cylinder hermetic; the slide cylinder is slidable forwards by a liquid introduced into the annular space thro

Abstract: A surgical instrument for elastic ring ligation of hemorrhoids and other anatomical features, by a solo-operator. The essence of the device is a double barreled endoscope comprising of an exterior barrel (4) and a closely fitting interior barrel (6) receivable within the exterior barrel. The construction of the endoscope enables the operator to insert the tool into a body orifice, single handedly, with the right or the left hand without adjustment of the instrument. The distal end of the interior barrel is loaded with a contractible elastic ring (10) aided by a loading mandrel (14). The instrument is placed inside the orifice, the obturator removed and accurate positioning brings the target area into view. The selected tissue is drawn into the interior barrel which functions as ligator. The operator can pull the flange like trigger of proximal end of the interior barrel which retracts the barrel, causing the elastic band to be released by the exterior barrel. The tool is easy to clean and sterilize.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument for ligating multiple lesions within a hollow body organ. A flexible endoscope 10 is provided with channels 16-21 for accomodating means for illumination, viewing and application of suction and is also provided with a hollow tubular member 101 affixed to the insertion end of the endoscope. A plurality of cords 103 are laid over the tube 101 to extend longitudinally thereon and be folded over the distal end of the tube. The cords 103 are connected to one another at a common point by a connector 106 inside the tube 101. A plurality of elastic rings 50 are mounted on the tube 101 in stretched condition and overlaying the cords 103. The segment of each cord 103 between each pair of adjacent rings 50 is in slack condition and of a length which equals or exceeds the distance of the tube's distal end to the furthest ring of the pair.

Abstract: A method for use in intra-abdominal surgery comprises, in accordance with the present invention, the steps of (a) inserting an incising instrument with an elongate shaft through a natural body opening into a natural body cavity of a patient, (b) manipulating the incising instrument from outside the patient to form a perforation in an internal wall of the natural internal body cavity, and (c) inserting a distal end of an elongate surgical instrument through the natural body opening, the natural body cavity and the perforation into an abdominal cavity of the patient upon formation of the perforation.

Abstract: A ligature tool, of the type having a handle carrying an elongate body defining a fastening clip chamber in its forward part with ligature tubing holding and tensioning means carried on the body, provides improved crimping and tubing holding means. The crimping element provides a single pivotally mounted crimping dog that contacts a slit portion of an annular ligation tube clip carried in the fastening clip chamber and is movable into that chamber to crimp the sides defining the slit toward the adjacent inner surfaces of the annular clip body to fasten ligation material therebetween. The tubing holding means provide a body supporting similar laterally opposed tubing holders each having a headed vertical post about which the end portion of tubing is wound under tension before placement in an adjacent wedge-shaped slot for releasable fastening. The tubing holding body also provides tubing cutting structure.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument for ligating multiple lesions within a hollow body organ. A flexible endoscope 10 is provided with a pair of tubular members 25, 26 affixed to the insertion end of the endoscope and a plurality of elastic ligating rings 50 are mounted side-by-side on one of the tubular members in uniformly spaced relationship. The endoscope is provided with longitudinally extending tubular passages comprising channels 16, 17 for accommodating means for illumination and viewing, a channel 18 for applying a suction force and a working channel 19.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a plurality of ligating bands individually and sequentially. A support, attached to the distal end of an endoscope, carries the plurality of ligating bands at axially spaced positions along an exterior surface. The distal ends of each set of independent displacement filaments each ligating band releasably attach to the distal edge of the dispenser. Each filament loops around the corresponding ligating band and returns past the distal edge of the dispenser and through the endoscope to the proximal end thereof. When a physician pulls a set of filaments proximally, the loop in each filament advances the corresponding ligating band off the distal edge of the dispenser.

Abstract: A ligating band dispenser for dispensing a plurality of ligating bands individually during a sequence of operations for a ligating instrument. Interfitted housing and piston segments support a plurality of ligating bands at axially spaced locations. Retraction of the piston segment dispenses on ligating band and shifts the remaining ligating bands distally and axially. After retraction, the piston is biased forward so a next retraction dispenses another ligating band. A sclerotherapy needle mounts in a sheath that connects to the piston segment. A physician retracts the sheath to retract the piston. In addition the physician can advance the sclerotherapy needle through the sheath to administer a sclerotherapy agent as an alternative to ligating a lesion.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument for ligating multiple lesions within a hollow body organ. A flexible endoscope 10 is provided with a pair of tubular members 25, 26 affixed to the insertion end of the endoscope and a plurality of elastic ligating rings 50 are mounted side-by-side on one of the tubular members in uniformly spaced relationship. The endoscope is provided with longitudinally extending tubular passages comprising channels 16, 17 for accommodating means for illumination and viewing, a channel 18 for applying a suction force and a working channel 19.

Abstract: A method for use in intra-abdominal surgery comprises the steps of inserting a tubular member into a natural body cavity of a patient through a natural body opening, manipulating the tubular member from outside the patient so that a distal end of the tubular member engages a wall of the natural body cavity, and forming a fluid tight connection between the distal end of the tubular member and the wall. Additional steps of the method include inserting an incising instrument through the tubular member upon insufflation of the abdominal cavity, manipulating the incising instrument from outside the patient to form a perforation through the surface of the wall, and moving a distal end of an endoscope through the tubular member and through the perforation. The endoscope is used to visually inspect internal body tissues in an abdominal cavity of the patient.

Abstract: A ligating band dispenser for dispensing a plurality of ligating bands individually during a sequence of operations for a ligating instrument. Interfitted housing and piston segments support a plurality of ligating bands at axially spaced locations. Retraction of the piston segment dispenses on ligating band and shifts the remaining ligating bands distally and axially. After retraction, the piston is biased forward so a next retraction dispenses another ligating band.

Abstract: A kit for protectively sheathing the proximally unenclosed portion of a grasping members pair of a surgical instrument assembly resulting from the sheathing is disclosed, the kit including an applicator for spreading the lumen of an elastic tubular sheath member which is mounted on the surgical instrument over unenclosed portions of the grasping jaws adjacent to the distal body mounting the grasping jaws, the sheath member and body member preferably being formed of dielectric material for electrocauterization.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for applying a band (18) of ligature material to an animal body part is provided. The apparatus (10) includes a winding assembly (14) for winding the band (18), wherein a loop (20) of the band (18) is tightened by winding the band (18). A crimping assembly (16) for crimping a grommet (32) to secure the loop (20) is also disclosed. The invention allows the loop (20) to be quickly and tightly secured.

Abstract: A multi-functional surgical device useful, for example, for male and female sterilization procedures. The device can be used for applying an elastic occluding ring onto an anatomical tubular structure, for cutting and cauterizing the cut ends of such a structure, for introducing a gas and/or anesthesia into the surgical field, for a biopsy procedure, for illuminating and viewing the surgical field, for applying a conventional clip to an anatomical tubular structure, and/or for applying a flexible and resilient ligature. An applicator device for applying a flexible and resilient ligature, plug or cap onto an anatomical tubular structure including tissue grasping forceps moved into and out of the distal end of a tubular member which has one or two anatomical tubular structure receiving slots. A flexible and resilient ligature, plug or cap having legs and a base having sufficient elastic memory to close the legs and occlude an anatomical tubular structure.

Abstract: The present invention is a medical device for inverting diverticulum and closing such diverticulum in the inverted position. The apparatus includes a reciprocating vacuum tube for inverting the diverticulum and a caliper for placing a fastening device such as an elastic band around the base of the diverticulum.

Abstract: Methods of ligating, severing and plugging an anatomical tubular structure utilizing an applicator for placing a flexible, resilient ligature or plug in engagement with the anatomical tubular structure. In a method of ligating and severing an anatomical tubular structure, a ligature is applied with the use of forceps movable within a tubular member of the applicator carrying at least one ligature, the forceps is removed from the tubular member, a cutting instrument is inserted through the tubular member and the anatomical tubular structure is cut adjacent the ligature. In a method of ligating an anatomical tubular structure, the anatomical tubular structure is anesthetized with an instrument passing through the tubular member of the applicator prior to placing the ligature in engagement with the anatomical tubular structure.

Abstract: An arrangement including a suction pump, a pipette, an application tip and a plurality of ligating rings which are carried on the application tip. The application tip is disposed in cooperative relation with the pipette so that the ligating rings may be transferred from the adapter tip to the pipette while being gradually stretched. The pipette is disposed in an incision exposing the ovarian sack of a small mammalian creature, whereupon a suction or vacuum is generated by the pump to capture the ovarian sack, after which a ligating ring is slipped off of the pipette and contracts to ligate said captured sack. This enables resorption of the ligated ovarian sack into the creature and stabilization of hormonal activity as is desired for experimental purposes.

Abstract: The instrument for the ligation of hemorrhoids or the like includes a substantially cylindrical container with a coupling for the connection of an air aspiration apparatus and a grip handle for the operator. The container is suitable for internally accommodating a hemorrhoid or the like aspirated through its open end, on which a dilated ring-like elastic ligature, to be transferred so as to throttle the "neck" of the hemorrhoid or the like, is arrangeable externally and circumferentially. The instrument is characterized in that the container is provided with a thumb-actuated hole for adjusting the pressure inside it while the aspiration apparatus is operating.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for elastic ring ligation of hemorrhoids and similar body tissues by a single operator, comprising, in combination, a forceps (46) slidably disposed on ligator shaft (60) of a ligator (62) by means of a sliding fitting (58), an endoscope (20) with a track (32) fixedly attached to its inner wall, an obturator (34) receivable within the endoscope to facilitate the insertion of the endoscope into a body orifice, and a loading mandrel (78) allowing a contractible elastic ring (76) to be mounted on the ligator. The track conforms to the sliding fitting with friction sufficient to retain the forceps and ligator in place at any point along the track, but allowing the surgeon to push the sliding fitting along the track without excessive force.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a plurality of ligating bands individually and sequentially. A support, attached to the distal end of an endoscope, carries the plurality of ligating bands at axially spaced positions along an exterior surface. The distal ends of each set of independent displacement filaments each ligating band releasably attach to the distal edge of the dispenser. Each filament loops around the corresponding ligating band and returns past the distal edge of the dispenser and through the endoscope to the proximal end thereof. When a physician pulls a set of filaments proximally, the loop in each filament advances the corresponding ligating band off the distal edge of the dispenser.