Abstract: The invention relates to prosthetic heart valves comprising a stent frame with valve support disposed or inverted at least partially within the stent frame, wherein the valve support is at least partially within the interior of the stent frame. The inverted configuration comprises a maximum number of layers of material in cross section where the stent frame and valve support overlap. The maximum number of cross-sectional layers of material structure may be reduced to, e.g., two layers of material to reduce outer diameter during delivery by everting the valve portion to a position located outside of the stent portion, followed by inverted reconfiguration back to the inverted anchoring structure after delivery from the lumen of the delivery catheter to the heart chamber.

Abstract: A method includes positioning a surgical tool with an end effector adjacent a surgical site, the end effector including a housing having a tapered section that defines an inner surface, first and second arcuate jaw members protruding distally from the housing and defining a channel therebetween, each arcuate jaw member exhibiting a curved profile shaped to receive an arcuate surgical clip, and a feedbar movable within the housing. The method further including urging the arcuate surgical clip against the inner surface, advancing the feedbar within the housing to engage and follow the inner surface and thereby flexing the feedbar downward and into engagement with the arcuate surgical clip, advancing the arcuate surgical clip with the feedbar into interposition between the first and second arcuate jaw members, and collapsing the first and second arcuate jaw members to crimp the arcuate surgical clip.

Abstract: A valve leaflet obstruction repair clip and a repair system thereof include a clamping component and a flow obstruction component. The clamping component and the flow obstruction component are assembled and clamped to fix the incomplete closure between the valve leaflets. The upper clamping arm and the lower clamping arm are engaged together in a natural state, and the upper clamping arm undergoes unilateral movement in an extended state. The present application enables edge-to-edge repair of the valve leaflets and adopts unilateral clamping, effectively preventing the problem of valve leaflet stenosis caused by the implantation of the repair device.

Abstract: A system for treating tissue including a clip assembly including a pair of clip arms, a proximal end of each of the clip arms slidably received within a channel of a capsule and moveable between a tissue receiving configuration and a tissue clipping configuration. The system also including an applicator releasably coupleable to the clip assembly, the applicator including a control member connectable to the proximal end of each of the clip arms and a locking sleeve coupleable to a proximal end of the capsule via a deflectable tab including an engaging structure configured to engage a corresponding engaging structure at the proximal end of the capsule and a releasing structure proximal of the engaging structure, the releasing structure engagable with a portion of the control member to deflect the deflectable member and disengage the engaging structure of the locking sleeve from the corresponding engaging structure of the capsule.

Abstract: The ligation device includes a clip unit, an applicator, and the applicator includes a sheath, an operation wire, a second link that is provided on the operation wire, and is capable of being fitted to the first link at a protrusion position, the second link configured to be restricted a releasing of fitting to the first link at an accommodation position, a slider connected to the operation wire and is configured to move with a first operation, and a limiter including a switch member configured to move in an intersecting direction that intersects a direction of the first operation with a second operation. The limiter is configured to limit a movement range of the slider when the second operation is not performed, and configured to release a limitation of the movement range of the slider with the second operation and to allow the second link to move toward the protrusion position.

Abstract: A clip device for gripping biological tissue of a patient includes a clip having a first arm and second arm closeable by operation of a wire that is reciprocally moveable in a longitudinal channel of a sheath; and a bendable member at a distal end region of the sheath. The bendable member can be an integral portion of the sheath or a separate structure. The bendable member is configured to allow a distal end of a clip to rotate or swing toward a proximal end region of the sheath of the device, which orients the clip relative to the sheath to facilitate grasping of tissue even when the approach of the clip is tangential to the tissue, e.g., at an angle (?) less than 90. The bendable member can be configured to allow a distal end of a clip to rotate or swing toward a proximal end region of a sheath and form an angle of up to at least about 45 degrees, such up to about 60 degrees or up to about 90 degrees, or higher.

Abstract: A tissue-manipulating system including a tissue-manipulating device having shaft and a tissue grasper assembly. The tissue grasper assembly has at least one grasper arm resiliently expandable from a closed configuration, within and extending along the longitudinal axis of a shaft, to an open configuration outside the shaft with the grasper arm expanded in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. In the open configuration, the at least one grasper arm may be engaged with tissue wall to manipulate or move the tissue wall, such as to move a distal tissue wall closer to a proximal tissue wall. The tissue grasper assembly may be deployable (such as by being separated from the shaft), such as to remain in place holding two tissue walls in apposition.

Abstract: Surgical tool can include an outer shaft, a guide, an end effector, and a drive shaft. The outer shaft can extend along a longitudinal axis. The guide can be connected to the outer shaft. The end effector can include a first jaw connected to the outer shaft distal of the guide and a second jaw pivotably connected to the outer shaft distal of the guide. The drive shaft can be located within the outer shaft and can extend along the longitudinal axis. The drive shaft can be connected to the end effector and the drive shaft can be engageable with the guide to limit movement of the drive shaft with respect to the outer shaft in a direction not parallel with the guide. The drive shaft can be translatable along the outer shaft to operate the end effector.

Abstract: A system includes a clip having a pair of clip arms, proximal ends of the clip arms received within a channel of a capsule to be moved between an open configuration and a closed configuration. A proximal end of the capsule including a plurality of connecting elements extending proximally therefrom. Each of the connecting elements including a hook along a proximal portion thereof. An applicator includes an elongated flexible member and a control member extending therethrough, the control member configured to be connected to the clip arms to move the clip assembly between the open and closed configurations, the elongated flexible member including a bushing including a first ramped portion and a necked portion extending proximally from the first ramped portion, a proximal end of the first ramped portion including a lip configured to engage the hook when the connecting elements are crimped thereover.

Abstract: A hand-held surgical instrument includes a handle housing, a shaft portion extending distally from the handle housing, and an articulation shaft. The articulation shaft may be configured to axially move within the shaft portion to articulate an end effector via a manual activation or a motor activation.

Abstract: Methods for operating a surgical instrument are disclosed. In various instances, the methods include preventing the operation of the surgical instrument in some capacity if an unspent staple cartridge is not seated in the surgical instrument. Moreover, in various instances, the methods include preventing the operation of the surgical instrument in some capacity if the surgical instrument cannot identify and/or authenticate the staple cartridge seated in the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A system for treating tissue includes an applicator having a bushing and a control member and a clip assembly having a capsule with a channel extending therethrough. The channel includes proximal and distal portions. The distal portion extends distally from the proximal portion and flaring outward in a single plane to form opposing flared sections. The assembly also includes clip aims include proximal ends slidably received within the channel to move the arms between tissue receiving and tissue clipping configurations. The assembly further includes a yoke including a distal portion connected to the arms and a proximal portion configured to be connected to the control member so that longitudinal movement of the control member relative to the capsule moves the arms between the tissue receiving and clipping configurations. The yoke is positioned in the capsule so that the yoke is deformable in the plane in which the capsule flares outward.

Abstract: An end effector for a surgical clip applier includes an elongate body, first and second jaw members extending out a distal end of the body, and a clip track provided within the body and containing one or more surgical clips, each surgical clip including a crown and a pair of legs extending longitudinally from the crown and diverging from each other at a diverging opening angle. A pre-forming region is defined by the first and second jaw members to receive and deform the one or more surgical clips from a first state, where the pair of legs diverge at the diverging opening angle, and a second state, where the diverging opening angle is minimized and the one or more surgical clips are prepared to be received by the first and second jaw members and crimped.

Abstract: Surgical instruments with axially movable firing members that are driven by a series of drive components that are loosely linked to each other when traversing an articulation joint of the surgical instrument. The drive components are configured to serially engage a rotary drive member located distal to the articulation joint such that the rotary drive member causes the drive components to form an axially rigid series of said drive components configured to apply an axial drive motion to the firing member.

Abstract: An assembly for restoring a gastroesophageal flap valve includes a restoration device substantially free for rotation. The assembly comprises an elongated member configured to be fed through a throat, down an adjoining esophagus and into an associated stomach. The elongated member has a distal end. The assembly further comprises a gastroesophageal flap valve restoration device carried on the distal end of the elongated member for placement in the stomach, and an invaginator carried by the elongated member. The invaginator is configured to grip the esophagus and the elongated member and invaginator are coupled for restricted relative axial movement and substantially free relative rotational movement.

Abstract: An end effector for a surgical clip applier includes a housing, and jaws that include opposed first and second jaw members each comprising an independent structure movable relative to the other, the first jaw member defining a first inner surface and the second jaw member defining a second inner surface opposite the first inner surface. An actuation mechanism is arranged within the housing and is operable to move the jaws between an open position and a closed position, the actuation mechanism including a linear drive that provides transition pins engageable with angled slots defined in the first and second jaw members. Linear movement of the linear drive moves the jaws between the open and closed positions, and the first and second inner surfaces remain substantially parallel to each other as the jaws move between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed including a housing, a shaft assembly extending distally from the housing, a stapling head assembly located at a distal end of the shaft assembly, an anvil couplable with the stapling head assembly, and an anvil adjustment assembly. The stapling head assembly includes a distal surface. The stapling head assembly is operable to drive an annular array of staples through the distal surface. The stapling head assembly includes a radio-frequency identification (RFID) scanner. The anvil is translatable relative to the stapling head assembly toward a closed configuration and the anvil includes an RFID tag. The anvil adjustment assembly includes a translating member operable to translate relative to the housing along a longitudinal axis to thereby adjust a longitudinal position of the anvil relative to the distal surface. The RFID tag is detectable by the RFID scanner at or below an attachment threshold distance.

Abstract: A ratchet assembly for use with an apparatus for applying surgical clips to body tissue includes a pawl and a biasing element. The pawl is slidably supported within a handle portion of the apparatus. The biasing element is supported by the handle portion and is in mechanical communication with the pawl. The biasing element has a biasing force configured to bias the pawl towards the rack such that the rack is permitted to translate in a distal direction, but is selectively inhibited from translating in a proximal direction until the rack is in a distal-most position. When the rack is urged in a proximal direction, the pawl exerts a force on the biasing element. When the force exerted on the biasing element is greater than the biasing force, the biasing element deflects allowing the pawl to disengage from the rack and permit the rack to translate in a proximal direction.

Abstract: A clip device includes a restraining tube having an insertion passage with a first arm part and a second arm part facing each other and disposed within the insertion passage and configured to protrude from the restraining tube. The clip device further includes an operation wire configured to move the first arm part. A first stopper is engaged to the first arm part and a second stopper is engaged to the second arm part. The first stopper is disposed in a region closer to a distal end of the restraining tube than the second stopper. The first stopper is configured to, in response to the operation wire moving from the distal end of the restraining tube to a proximal end of the restraining tube, move relative to the second stopper, contact the second stopper, and move in contact with the second stopper.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a proximal handle assembly, an elongated central body portion that extends distally from the proximal handle assembly to a distal end portion, a tool assembly supported on the distal end portion of the elongated central body portion, and an audible indicator mechanism supported by the proximal handle assembly. The proximal handle assembly includes a contact arm and the audible indicator mechanism includes a cam member. The cam member contacts the contact arm of the proximal handle assembly as the cam member moves between distal and proximal positions to generate an audible sound that indicates that the tool assembly was fired.

Abstract: A hand tool has a pivot connection pivotally attaching a first arm to a second arm, with the pivot connection fixed relative to the first arm and movable to first and second positions relative to the second arm. A spring urges the pivot connection into the first position. When jaws on the front ends of the arms clamp tissue with force greater than a pre-set threshold, the spring force is overcome and the jaws may move linearly apart, allowing for more uniform clamping of the tissue. The first arm may have an arm spring extending between a front segment pivotally attached to a rear segment of the first arm.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a ligation device, an unlocking method, and a ligation instrument. The ligation device may include a clip and a limiting tube. A distal end of the clip may be used for ligation. The limiting tube may be provided with an accommodation channel, and a proximal end of the clip may be connected with the accommodation channel, and the proximal end of the clip may move into or out of the limiting tube. The clip may be provided with a locking portion, and the limiting tube may be provided with a locking position that is matched with the locking position. When the locking portion is locked with the locking position, the locking portion may be unlocked from the locking position by operating the locking portion. Alternatively, the clip may be provided with an unlocking portion that is coupled with the locking portion. The locking portion may be unlocked from the locking position by operating the unlocking portion.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier and an elongated assembly thereof. The elongated assembly includes an outer shaft, an end effector assembly extending distally from the outer shaft and including first and second spaced-apart arms having respective first and second jaws disposed at free ends thereof, and an inner drive sleeve disposed within the outer shaft including a bearing assembly slidably disposed about the end effector assembly. The bearing assembly includes first ball bearing(s) and second ball bearing(s) positioned adjacent the first and second spaced-apart arms, respectively. Sliding of the bearing assembly from a proximal position to a distal position rolls the first and second ball bearings about the spaced-apart arms to urge the arms towards one another, thereby moving the first and second jaws from a spaced-apart position to an approximated position to apply a surgical clip about tissue disposed between the first and second jaws.

Abstract: A ligation clip includes a first jaw, a second jaw, and a hinge. The first jaw has a body having an inner surface defining a first clamping surface and an outer surface. The second jaw has a body having an inner surface defining a second clamping surface and an outer surface. The hinge is integrally formed with the first and second jaws and includes an inner hinge portion and an outer hinge portion. The inner hinge portion has an inner surface that is contiguous with the first and second clamping surfaces of the first and second jaws, and an outer surface. The inner surface of the inner hinge portion is defined by a plurality of curved sections. The hinge is configured to facilitate pivotal movement of the first jaw in relation to the second jaw between an open position and a clamped position.

Abstract: A bariatric clamp may include substrate members overmolded in polymer forming first and second elongated portions, a bight portion having a flexible hinge, a fastener portion, and an engagement portion for retaining the clamp in a closed position to partition the stomach. A method for installing may include creating an opening in a patient's abdominal cavity to access the stomach, removing tissue connected to the stomach adjacent areas the clamp is to be positioned, positioning the clamp in an open position wherein first ends of the first and second elongated portions are open relative to one another, inserting the clamp into the abdominal cavity in the open position and the first and second elongated portions of the clamp separately pass through the opening in the abdominal cavity, positioning the first and second elongated portions adjacent first and second sides of the stomach, and closing the clamp to partition the stomach.

Abstract: An implant includes first and second clasps, each having first and second tissue-engaging portions which are movable with respect to each other to clamp one of the native heart valve leaflets between respective tissue-engaging surfaces. Each of the tissue-engaging portions has a surface opposite the respective tissue-engaging surface. For each clasp, the implant includes a respective leg portion and a respective intermediate portion. Each intermediate portion is (i) coupled to the opposite surface of the second tissue-engaging portion of the clasp such that an orientation of the intermediate portion is fixed with respect to an orientation of the opposite surface of the second tissue-engaging portion of the clasp, and (ii) coupled to the leg portion at a respective portion of the implant that allows movement of the leg portion with respect to the intermediate portion. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an end effector instrument. The end effector instrument may include an end effector device. The end effector device may include a clip and a resilient portion including a connecting hole and a limiting convex. The end effector instrument may further include a delivery device including a sheath and a shaft. The sheath may include a passage that accommodates the shaft. A distal end of the shaft may include a connecting end. The sheath may include a limiting concave. The connecting end may extend into or exit from the connecting hole when the sheath is set outside the resilient portion: when the connecting end extends into the connecting hole, the resilient portion may expand outward, and the limiting convex may extend into the limiting concave; when the connecting end exits from the connecting hole, the resilient portion may rebound, and the limiting convex may exit from the limiting concave.

Abstract: A handle assembly for actuating an end effector includes a feedback mechanism for providing an audible and/or tactical response to indicate to the user that the handle assembly is fully actuated. The feedback mechanism may include a hammer member configured to strike a surface of the handle assembly to create the audible and/or tactical response.

Abstract: An advanced polymeric, surgical clip is provided for clamping a blood vessel between two legs. A hook section of the clip comprises two sharpened forward edges for penetrating connective tissue adjacent a vessel before closing the surgical about a blood vessel. The upper leg of the surgical clip may comprise an oblique flank for disposing over the one or more edge of the hook section, the lower surface of the oblique flank defining a channel in which a tip of the hook section travels.

Abstract: A device for improving the function of a heart valve comprises: a support member formed from a shape memory material, and a restraining member providing a restraining action on a course of the support member. The support member may abut one side of the valve conforming to the shape of the valve annulus upon said shape memory material assuming an activated shape while the restraining member restrains the course of the support member. The restraining action is removable for allowing the support member to assume a desired, altered course. The restraining member may be biodegradable to be degraded within a patient or may be detachable from the support member to be withdrawn. The support member according to another embodiment presents a shape change in that an increased cross-section is associated with a shortened length of the support member. The support member according to yet another embodiment has a first and a second activated shape.

Abstract: A clipping device includes a capsule including a longitudinal body and a cap mounted over a distal end thereof so that the cap is movable relative to the longitudinal body from a pre-deployed configuration to a deployed configuration in which the cap, is moved proximally relative to the longitudinal body to reduce a length of the capsule. A channel of the cap and a channel of the capsule are substantially aligned with respect to one another. At least proximal portions of a pair of clip arms are received within the channels of the cap and the longitudinal body so that the clip arms are movable relative to the capsule between an open configuration, in which distal ends of the clip arms are separated from one another, and a closed configuration, in which the distal ends of the clip arms are drawn toward one another.

Abstract: A system for treating tissue includes an applicator including a catheter and a control member extending therethrough, the control member longitudinally movable relative to the catheter and including an abutment structure proximate a distal end thereof, and a clip assembly releasably coupleable to a distal end of the applicator, the clip assembly including a pair of clip arms, a proximal end of each of the clip arms slidably received within a channel of a capsule and configured to be releasably coupled to the distal end of the control member so that the clip arms are movable relative to the capsule between a tissue receiving configuration and a tissue clipping configuration, the capsule including proximal tabs movable between a biased non-engaging and an engaging configuration, in which the proximal tabs engage an engaging portion of the lumen of the catheter, when the abutment structure is received within the capsule.

Abstract: A ligation clip with a hinge connecting a first leg to a second leg; a hook to allow the first leg and the second leg from the ligation clip in the first open position to become engaged to hold the ligation clip in a closed position with an inner side of the first leg facing the inner side of the second leg. The ligation clip having at least one tissue trap near the inner side of the first leg. The tissue trap having at least one tissue plow. The ligation clip in an initial position after closure upon a vessel resists movement along the vessel as the at least one tissue plow drives tissue into the at least one tissue trap so that trapped tissue resists further movement of the ligation clip away from the initial position after closure of the ligation clip.

Abstract: A system for treating tissue includes an applicator including a catheter and a control member extending therethrough, the control member longitudinally movable relative to the catheter and including an abutment structure proximate a distal end thereof, and a clip assembly releasably coupleable to a distal end of the applicator, the clip assembly including a pair of clip arms, a proximal end of each of the clip arms slidably received within a channel of a capsule and configured to be releasably coupled to the distal end of the control member so that the clip arms are movable relative to the capsule between a tissue receiving configuration and a tissue clipping configuration, the capsule including proximal tabs movable between a biased non-engaging and an engaging configuration, in which the proximal tabs engage an engaging portion of the lumen of the catheter, when the abutment structure is received within the capsule.

Abstract: An electromechanical surgical device includes an end effector configured to perform at least one function, the end effector including an input drive axle projecting therefrom; and a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly includes a rotatable drive shaft; a proximal neck housing supported at a distal end of an outer tube; a distal neck housing pivotally connected to the proximal neck housing; a pivot pin interconnecting the proximal neck housing and the distal neck housing; and a gear train supported in the proximal neck housing, on the pivot pin, and in the distal neck housing. The gear train includes a proximal gear; an intermediate gear; a distal gear; and a pair of output gears, wherein each output gear defines a coupling socket each configured to selectively receive the drive axle of the end effector.

Abstract: A bariatric clamp may include substrate members overmolded in polymer forming first and second elongated portions, a bight portion having a flexible hinge, a fastener portion, and an engagement portion for retaining the clamp in a closed position to partition the stomach. A method for installing may include creating an opening in a patient's abdominal cavity to access the stomach, removing tissue connected to the stomach adjacent areas the clamp is to be positioned, positioning the clamp in an open position wherein first ends of the first and second elongated portions are open relative to one another, inserting the clamp into the abdominal cavity in the open position and the first and second elongated portions of the clamp separately pass through the opening in the abdominal cavity, positioning the first and second elongated portions adjacent first and second sides of the stomach, and closing the clamp to partition the stomach.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to medical devices. More particularly, the present disclosure pertains to tissue clip devices and related systems and methods. In an embodiment, a tissue clip may include a grasper including jaws at a first end, and a spring portion at a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending along a length of the grasper from the first end to the second end, wherein the spring portion is configured to bias the jaws toward each other. A wedge may be slidably disposed between the jaws such that an apex of the wedge is oriented toward the spring portion. A filament may be coupled to the wedge at a first end of the filament and may extend through a channel of the spring portion of the grasper to a second end of the filament.

Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed which includes a handle assembly, an elongated member and a disposable loading unit. The handle assembly includes a mode selection mechanism configured to alternate the surgical device between a first grasping mode of operation and a second clamping mode of operation. The handle assembly includes a rotation control member and an articulation lever. The rotation control member is configured to facilitate rotation of the elongated member with respect to the handle assembly. The articulation lever is configured to facilitate articulation of the tool assembly about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of elongated member. In one embodiment, the tool assembly includes a cartridge assembly having a plurality of staples and an anvil assembly configured to clamp and staple tissue in the second clamping mode of operation of the device.

Abstract: A method is used to manufacture a surgical instrument configured to apply a surgical clip to a patient. The surgical instrument includes a jaw retaining assembly. The jaw retaining assembly includes a shaft and opposing first and second jaws. The method includes metal injection molding a first metallic portion of the jaw retaining assembly. The method also includes metal injection molding, stamping, and/or laser cutting a second metallic portion of the jaw retaining assembly, wherein the second metallic portion is separately formed from the first metallic portion. The method also includes fixably coupling the first and second metallic portions of the jaw retaining assembly together.

Abstract: In a clip treatment tool, a clip locking part brings arms into a closed state after the arms are brought into a closed state in a state where distal ends of the arms of the clip brought into an open state is pressed against a treatment part and the treatment part is ligated to the distal ends of the arms brought into the closed state. After the clip in which the arms are locked to the closed state is separated from the sheath part and indwelled in the treatment part, the clip removal part is indwelled in the treatment part, the locking of the arms locked to the closed state is released, the arms are brought into the open state as the locking is released, and the clip removed from the treatment part is maintained and taken out.

Abstract: A clip treatment tool includes a clip body that has two arm portions and a folded portion, the folded portion connecting proximal end parts of the two arm portions; a pressing tube that allows the clip body to be contained therein in accordance with movement of the clip body from a distal end side toward a proximal end side; a coupling member that couples the clip body and an operation wire to each other; and an urging member that urges the coupling member relative to the pressing tube from the proximal end side toward the distal end side. The pressing tube has a latched portion, and the coupling member has a latch portion. In accordance with movement of the operation wire from the distal end side toward the proximal end side, the latch portion is latched to the latched portion, and the coupling member is locked to the pressing tube.

Abstract: A surgical stapling system comprising a robotic interface and a surgical stapling attachment assembly configured to be attached to the robotic interface is disclosed. The robotic interface comprises motor-driven output drives. The surgical stapling attachment assembly comprises a closure member configured to be actuated by one of the motor-driven output drives, a firing bar configured to be actuated by another one of the motor-driven output drives, an end effector, and a shaft comprising an articulation joint. The end effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, and a pivot pin coupling the first jaw and the second jaw and defining a pivot axis. The closure member is actuatable through a closure stroke to move the second jaw relative to the first jaw.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a surgical clip applicator comprises metal injection molding a pair of jaws. The method further comprises stamping a U-shaped body portion having a pair of laterally spaced arms and an integral bridge extending between the arms to define a gap. The method comprises welding a jaw to a corresponding arm by electron beam welding or other welding processes and removing the bridge to form the clip applicator. In some embodiments, the bridge is optional.

Abstract: An illustrative stent may comprise an elongated tubular member having a first end and a second end and an intermediate region disposed therebetween. The elongated tubular member may include at least one flexible tie affixed to an end thereof. The tie may allow the stent to be attached to a lumen wall with a clip, such as a retention clip, to inhibit migration of the stent within the body lumen.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a housing assembly that is coupled to a tool assembly by a flexible elongate body that having an outer tube, a middle tube, and an inner cable. Each of the outer tube and the inner cable has a proximal end portion fixedly connected to the housing assembly and a distal end portion that is fixedly connected to the tool assembly. The middle tube is positioned within the outer tube about the inner cable and is movable from a retracted position to an advanced position to operate the tool assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, a shaft, and an end effector that is operable to compress, staple, and cut tissue. The end effector includes a pair of jaws. One of the jaws has a greater thickness than the other. On the thicker jaw is a placement tip that is elastically deformable from a biased curved position when the tip is subject to a force, such as the force exerted when tissue is clamped between the jaws. The placement tip extends distally from the distal end of the jaw to which it is attached. The placement tip can have a variety of shapes. The placement tip is made of a material having a lower stiffness than the material of the jaw from which the placement tip extends.

Abstract: Surgical clips and surgical applicators used in performing rapid tissue closure in either minimally invasive surgeries or traditional open procedures are provided. In one example approach, a surgical clip comprises opposing sides extending from a top portion and terminating at tips positioned below the top portion. The resting position of the clip is its closed position, and in the closed position, the tips are set at a first distance apart. Each side has a cut-out (or hole or aperture) opposite one another. Each cut-out is fully surrounded by the side and does not extend to the top or tips. Each cut-out is configured to engage an inwardly turned hook at the end of a clip array or clip applicator such that the sides bend outwardly away from each other when pressure is applied on the top portion of the clip, thereby placing the clip in an open position.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical device that includes: a sheath; a manipulator; a manipulation wire; a clip body having a pair of arms, connected to a distal end of the manipulation wire, and configured to be capable of advancing and retracting in accordance with manipulation of the manipulator along with a longitudinal axis of the manipulation wire; a holding tube into which a proximal portion of the clip body is inserted to be capable of advancing and retracting; and a biasing member configured to hold a position of the manipulation wire at an initial position. The clip body is nonrotatable around the longitudinal axis at the initial position. When the manipulation wire is advanced a prescribed amount against a biasing force of the biasing member, the clip body is rotatable around the longitudinal axis, and is allowed adjustment of an opening-closing direction of the pair of arms.

Abstract: Anchor delivery systems and methods for repairing a valve inside a body, such as a heart valve, may include a delivery catheter having a distal end comprised of two or more rotatably coupled knuckles. An anchor delivery mechanism is disposed distally of the two or more knuckles, and includes a first pincer arm having a distal end and a proximal end rotatably coupled to a distal end of the anchor delivery mechanism at a first connection point, and a second pincer arm having a distal end and a proximal end rotatably coupled to the distal end of the anchor delivery mechanism at a second connection point opposite the first connection point. In a closed position, the distal ends of the first and second pincer arms are positioned together. In an open position, the distal ends of the first and second pincer arms are rotated apart from each other.

Abstract: A system for treating tissue including a clip assembly including a pair of clip arms, a proximal end of each of the clip arms slidably received within a channel of a capsule and moveable between a tissue receiving configuration and a tissue clipping configuration. The system also including an applicator releasably coupleable to the clip assembly, the applicator including a control member connectable to the proximal end of each of the clip arms and a locking sleeve coupleable to a proximal end of the capsule via a deflectable tab including an engaging structure configured to engage a corresponding engaging structure at the proximal end of the capsule and a releasing structure proximal of the engaging structure, the releasing structure engagable with a portion of the control member to deflect the deflectable member and disengage the engaging structure of the locking sleeve from the corresponding engaging structure of the capsule.