Abstract: An arterial anchor device and a venous anchor device operably coupled by graft material to form an anastomotic convector is provided. The arterial anchor device comprises a generally tubular main body including a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end defining a plurality of flanges integrally formed with the tubular main body and being movable from a first loaded position to a second expanded position. The venous anchor device includes a tubular main body having a metal frame structure and including a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end including a plurality of barbs thereon wherein said distal end has an outer diameter greater than the proximal end. The arterial anchor device and venous devices are fluidly connected by a graft to form an anastomotic connector.

Abstract: An inventive flanged graft for end-to-side anastomosis includes a tubular graft member and a flanged section The type and size of the flanged section is determined by various factors such as identity of the receiving artery, position of the arteriotomy on the receiving artery, and luminal diameter of the graft. The graft is preferably anastomosed to the receiving artery using continuous sutures to join the arteriotomy to the peripheral edges flanged section.

Abstract: A device and method for anastomosis are disclosed which may include a stapler with a base and one or more stapling limbs. A graft having an asymmetrical end portion may be sleeved on the base. The apparatus includes a base having a length from a front end and at least one stapling limb disposed proximate the base, with each stapling limb having stapling functionality at its head. Each stapling limb end is configured for movement from an open position at a distance from the front end of the base to a closed position closer to the front end of the base. The front end of the base is configured to engage at least a portion of a graft for connection to a vessel, wherein the base and graft are insertable at least partially into a portion of the vessel with at least a portion of the graft, vessel and base overlapping each other. Control is configured to cause each stapling limb in the closed position to fire at least one staple into the overlapping portions of the vessel and graft to make a connection there between.

Abstract: An anastomotic device for use in the joining of a first tubular structure and a second tubular structure is provided. The anastomotic device includes a cylindrical sleeve configured and dimensioned for placement at least partially within the first tubular structure, the cylindrical sleeve defining a bore therethrough; an inverting member configured and dimensioned for placement at least partially within the second tubular structure, the inverting member defining a bore therethrough which is configured and dimensioned to selectively receive the cylindrical sleeve therein; and a constricting member selectively positionable on the inverting member and movable onto the cylindrical sleeve when the cylindrical sleeve is at least partially positioned within the bore of the inverting member.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a plurality of chambers for receiving an associated plurality of staples, each formed with a shape memory that allows the staple to adopt a straightened configuration, when placed in a stapler, and a deployed configuration for suturing when released from the stapler; and a sleeve moveable relative to the chambers between a first position, in which the staples are trapped by the sleeve within the chambers in the straightened configuration, and a second position, whereby the staples are freed to adopt the deployed configuration, wherein the sleeve is adapted to move between the first and second positions by rotating relative to the chambers.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling the compression of tissue include clamping tissue between a first clamping member and a second clamping member by driving at least one of the clamping members with an electric motor toward a predetermined tissue gap between the clamping members and, during the clamping, monitoring a parameter of the electric motor indicative of a clamping force exerted to the tissue by the clamping members. The method and device include, during the clamping, controlling the electric motor, based on the monitored parameter, to limit the clamping force to a predetermined maximum limit.

Abstract: An insufflable prosthesis is provided, that is radiopaque or with a circumferential radiopaque mark, for sutureless and non clamping side-to-side, end-to-end and end-to-side anastomosis, or fast clamping and sutureless wherein vessel graft or any other is inserted or not (whether externally covered or not if using grafts), in the lumen of the prosthesis comprised by an insufflable balloon, whether distensible or not and after being covered by graft, the balloon can be filled with polymerizable fluid, like silicon or cyanoacrylate glue, whether radiopaque or not, by a syringe having unidirectional valve to a needed caliber in order to keep the graft wall jointed and tight in relation to the organ which performs the anastomosis. The insufflable balloon, elastic and distensible, or non elastic and having preset dimensions also comprises non elastic punctiform bars inside that are responsible for keeping constant the distance between the elastic balloon walls.

Abstract: A device for producing anastomoses between first and second hollow organs, each having inner and outer surfaces. The device comprises a sleeve with an electrode arrangement, over which the first hollow organ is placed such that its inner surface comes to lie on an outermost surface of the sleeve, and an outer electrode arrangement, which can be brought into electrical contact with the opposing electrode arrangement carrying the second hollow organ, which is pushed over the first hollow organ. The outer electrode arrangement comprises a plurality of lamellae, configured and arranged such that, in a closed state, the lamellae form a through aperture and the inner edges of the lamellae lie against the second hollow organ and, in an open state, a gap is formed between the lamellae through which the hollow organs connected to one another can be guided outwardly out of the through aperture.

Abstract: For fixedly implanting a device for material or signal delivery or acquisition or a part of such a device in a human or animal body, an opening is provided in hard tissue of the body, the opening reaching through a hard tissue layer, e.g. through a cortical bone layer into cancellous bone underneath. The device includes a plug portion (P) and/or a cover portion (C) which includes a ring of a material having thermoplastic properties extending around the plug portion (P) or on a tissue facing surface of the cover portion (C). The opening provided in the hard tissue has a cross section at least in the area of its mouth that is adapted to the plug or cover portion such that the plug portion (P) can be introduced through the mouth of the opening or the cover portion (C) can be positioned over the mouth of the opening such that the ring extends around the opening, along its wall and/or on the hard tissue surface around its mouth.

Abstract: One exemplary process for manufacturing a surgical apparatus may include providing a flat, generally-planar strip of biocompatible material; cutting the strip to produce a feeder belt with at least one lateral edge, and staples affixed to the feeder belt in proximity to at least one lateral edge, where the staples and feeder belt are substantially aligned along a first plane; and bending at least one staple out of the first plane, while the feeder belt remains in the first plane. Another exemplary process for manufacturing a surgical apparatus may include providing a flat, generally-planar strip of biocompatible material; cutting that strip to produce a feeder belt with edges, and staples affixed to different edges of the feeder belt; and coining at least one staple after the cutting.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices, methods, and kits for a stent based anastomosis.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system for preparing an opening created on an organic wall, comprising: —a supporting body defining a longitudinal axis and having a proximal portion and a distal portion adapted for insertion through the opening; —external clamping elements deployable in an outwardly flaring arrangement relative to the supporting body and able to cover portions of an annular surface of said wall; and—biasing elements arranged to tighten and juxtapose said external clamping elements on said body in order to progressively deform said annular surface so as to shape on said wall a tubular portion extending along the longitudinal axis and form an anchoring clamp consisting of said external clamping elements.

Abstract: New interventional methods and devices for reducing gastric volume, and thereby treating obesity, are disclosed. The procedures are generally performed laparoscopically and may generally be described as laparoscopic plication gastroplasty (LPG) in which, after obtaining abdominal access, spaced apart sites on a gastric wall are engaged and approximated to create one or more tissue folds that are then secured by placing one or more tissue fasteners to produce one or more plications projecting into the gastrointestinal space. These procedures are preferably carried out entirely extragastrically (i.e. without penetrating through the gastrointestinal wall), thereby minimizing the risks of serious complications. Minimally invasive devices for engaging, approximating and fastening soft tissues are disclosed that enable these new interventional methods to be carried out safely, efficiently and quickly.

Abstract: Prosthetic devices are provided used for anastomosis of extremity with lateral, extremity with extremity and lateral with lateral without clamping and sutureless or with quick clamping sutureless, in which the graft is inserted in at least one of the intraluminal parts of the tubular member of the insertable prosthesis, the flanges including lateral inserts allowing the configuration of different prosthesis sets. Also described is a board of prostheses including one flange with multiple holes through which intraluminal parts or occluders will be inserted, according to the need of the anastomosis to be carried out. Also provided are prostheses in which the grafts cover only externally their extraluminal parts.

Abstract: The invention is an implantable magnetic anastomosis device having an exoskeleton that directs self-assembly. The design allows the device to be delivered in a linear configuration using a minimally-invasive technique, such as endoscopy or laparoscopy, whereupon the device self-assembles into, e.g., a polygon. A coupled set of polygons define a circumscribed tissue that can be perforated, or the tissue can be allowed to naturally necrose and perforate. The device can be used to create anastomoses in a variety of tissues, such as tissues found in the gastrointestinal, renal/urinary, and reproductive tracts. New procedures for using anastomoses, e.g., surgical bypass are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sleeve for enforcing the end of a hollow organ so that it can be connected with a further end of a hollow organ, the sleeve comprising a cylindrical shape and being configured to be pushed over the end of the hollow organ and for turning-over the end of the hollow organ projecting from the sleeve around an end of the sleeve, wherein the sleeve has an adjustable diameter.

Abstract: An endovascular delivery system for forming a magnetic compression vascular anastomosis includes a first compressing element and a first catheter configured for advancement into a first cardiovascular structure. In one configuration, the first compressing element is removably secured within the first catheter and, in another configuration, the first compressing element is released from the first catheter and positioned within the first cardiovascular structure. The endovascular delivery system also includes a second compressing element and a second catheter configured for advancement into a second cardiovascular structure. In one configuration, the second compressing element is removably secured within the second catheter and, in another configuration, the second compressing element is released from the second catheter and positioned within the second cardiovascular structure.

Abstract: Novel devices (120) and methods for soft tissue anchoring and securement are disclosed, such devices and methods offering the advantage of enabling secured tissue to withstand significant forces after such securement is complete. The novel tissue anchoring elements (28) include a force-distributing device that has a large surface area relative to conventional tissue securement devices such as sutures and staples. The force-distributing device (28) may be implanted to a controlled depth into the tissue mass by forming a pocket in a tissue mass and inserting the device, or by slowly driving the device into tissue means of an erosion mechanism such as local pressure necrosis (56). The erosion process may be driven by a force-producing element that may also include a tissue-grasping element (144).

Abstract: A method for stimulation of collateral development in ischemic cardiac regions comprises the fluid coupling of the left ventricle of the heart to the anterior interventricular vein to stimulate collateral development in ischemic regions. The fluid coupling of the left ventricle of the heart to the anterior interventricular vein includes a control of the diastolic/systolic pressure in the venous system to be within about 20-50 mmHg. The fluid coupling of the left ventricle of the heart to the anterior interventricular vein includes inserting a transmyocardial conduit into the left ventricle and a tri-directional coupler attached to the anterior interventricular vein. An associated apparatus for stimulation of collateral development in ischemic cardiac regions via the fluid coupling of the left ventricle of the heart to the anterior interventricular vein is disclosed.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for retracting, lifting, compressing, supporting or repositioning tissues, organs, anatomical structures, grafts or other structures within the body of human or animal subjects for the purpose of treating a diseases or disorders and/or for cosmetic or reconstructive purposes and/or for research and development purposes or other purposes.

Abstract: A method for performing a coronary artery bypass graft procedure on a patient to connect a bypass vessel to a target vessel includes the steps of creating an opening in the patient that communicates with the thoracic cavity of the patient; providing a bypass vessel having a lumen and at least one free end; passing the free end of the bypass vessel from the thoracic cavity through the opening to a position outside the body of the patient; attaching a connector to the free end of bypass vessel while the free end of the bypass vessel is outside the body of the patient; passing the free end of the bypass vessel from the position outside the body of the patient through the opening and into the thoracic cavity; and connecting the free end of the bypass vessel to a target vessel with the connector.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for manipulating and securing tissue are described herein. In creating tissue folds within the body of a patient, a tissue manipulation assembly may generally have an elongate tubular member, an engagement member slidably disposed through the tubular member and a distal end adapted to engage tissue via a helical member, tissue stabilizing members positioned at the tubular member distal end which are adapted to stabilize tissue therebetween, and a delivery tube pivotable about the tissue stabilizer. The stabilizing members can be adapted to become angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate tubular member. Moreover, one or all the articulation controls and functions can be integrated into a singular handle assembly connectable to the tissue manipulation assembly via a rigid or flexible tubular body.

Abstract: Endoluminal treatment devices and methods are provided. Generally, the device and methods can allow an endoluminal device to be introduced into a lumen of a patient and engage a wall of the lumen with an implant device, which can be a drug delivery device or medical device. In one embodiment, a medical implant apparatus is provided that includes an anchor object configured to couple with tissue, and an adjustable mechanism configured to interact with the anchor object such as to apply alternative forces upon the anchor object in response to a stimulus.

Abstract: A system for performing multi-tool minimally invasive medical procedures through a single instrument port into a body cavity includes a rigid tube carried by a mount. Cannulas having instrument channels and steerable distal ends extend distally from the rigid tube. During a procedure using the system, the mount is supported by an operating room fixture, and instruments are advanced through the steerable instrument channels. Manipulation of the instrument handles engages actuators positioned on the mount, which steer the distal ends of the cannulas through the action of pull cables. The distal ends of the instruments may thus be steered within the body by the distal ends of the steerable cannulas.

Abstract: An apparatus for joining organ wall portions of first and second hollow organs, including first and second connectors, wherein the first and second connectors are magnetically attracted to one another. A device for delivering and deploying the first and second connectors to portions of the first and second hollow organs can be provided, wherein the device is configured and dimensioned to axially align the first and second connectors for performing circular anastomosis of the first and second hollow organs.

Abstract: An apparatus for joining organ wall portions of first and second hollow organs, including first and second connectors, wherein the first and second connectors are magnetically attracted to one another. A device for delivering and deploying the first and second connectors to portions of the first and second hollow organs can be provided, wherein the device is configured and dimensioned to axially align the first and second connectors for performing circular anastomosis of the first and second hollow organs.

Abstract: Stents and methods of using stents are provided. Stents of the invention provide external support structure for a blood vessel segment disposed within, wherein the stents are capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. The stent may be formed of a knitted or braided mesh formed so as to provide the needed compliance properties. A venous graft with the stent and a vein segment disposed within is provided, wherein graft is capable of mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. Methods of selecting stents for downsizing and methods of using the stents of the invention in downsizing and smoothening are provided. Methods of replacing a section of an artery with a venous graft including a stent of the invention are provided. Methods of reducing intimal hyperplasia in implanted vein segment in a venous graft using stents of the invention are provided.

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

Abstract: A system for connecting the end of a graft vessel to the side of a target vessel may include an anvil configured to enter the target vessel through an anvil entry hole in the wall of the target vessel; a holder movable relative to the anvil, where that holder may deploy at least one connector through the graft vessel and into the target vessel at a location spaced apart from the anvil entry hole; and at least one sealer that may be detachably connected to the anvil and/or said holder; where at least one sealer may be configured to substantially close the anvil entry hole in the target vessel.

Abstract: Herein is provided an anastomosis device which includes a cylindrical support housing having a tapered section being formed of a plurality of compliant fingers integrally formed around the circumference of an end of the cylindrical section which can flex at their connection point to the cylindrical section. Each compliant finger holds a suture needle. The device includes a push rod having a cam head at one end of the rod section. The cam head is located adjacent to the tapered portion. In operation the anastomosis device is aligned with the anatomical tubular structure undergoing an anastomosis process. When a back end of the push rod is pushed towards the tapered section of the support housing, the cam head section bears against an inner surface causing each compliant finger to flex radially outwards forcing the suture needles to simultaneously pierce the wall of the anatomical tubular structure.

Abstract: An anastomosis system for performing anastomosis of a distal lumen with a proximal lumen is described. In one alternative the system includes an anastomosis element having a sensor assembly incorporated therein, the sensor assembly configured to sense the site of anastomosis. In another alternative the system includes an anastomosis component for performing anastomosis of a distal lumen with a proximal lumen; an applicator for applying the anastomosis component; and a sensor assembly connected to the applicator.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure include an apparatus comprising a clip which includes a first side including a first ring configured to pass over an end of a first vessel, the first ring configured to engage the first side with the first vessel, and a second side coupled to the first side, the second side including a second ring configured to pass over an end of a second vessel, the second ring being configured to engage the second side with the second vessel. The first and second sides, when in a closed position, are configured to maintain the first and second vessels in substantially end-to-end contact.

Abstract: Devices and methods for forming and securing tissue folds and elongated invaginations in gastric tissue are used as a treatment for obesity. In several embodiments, a plurality of tissue folds is formed along the greater curvature of the stomach using laparoscopic tissue anchor deployment devices. Additional embodiments include various combinations of tissue folds, elongated invaginations, and other reconfigurations of stomach tissue using laparoscopic devices or laparoscopic devices in combination with endoscopic devices.

Abstract: A device for forming a tissue fold includes a recess and an opening at the end of the recess. Tissue is drawn into the recess and through the opening using a tissue engaging element. As the tissue is drawn through the opening, the tissue layers are compressed together. A fastener is used to secure the tissue fold.

Abstract: An anastomotic sleeve or “cup” protection device incorporating distal and proximal sleeves or “cups”, also incorporating a staple-line buttress. The proximal colon is inserted into the proximal sleeve or cup and the shaft of the stapler anvil is passed through a hole in the closed end of the sleeve or cup. The distal sleeve or cup is placed over the head of the staple shaft, and inserted into the rectum for anastomosis. Closure and firing of the stapler creates a staple buttress line at the anastomosis, the proximal sleeve prevents leakage from the proximal colon and the distal sleeve protects the distal colon or rectum from anastomotic leak.

Abstract: An implantable medical device and method of implanting a medical device in a hollow organ or cavity lined with the mucosa includes providing a medical device having a wall configured to the size and shape of a portion of a cavity or hollow organ lined with the mucosa. At least one opening is provided in the wall that is large enough to receive a section of the mucosa extending in the opening. The wall is positioned against the portion of the cavity or hollow organ thereby receiving the section of the mucosa within the opening. A retainer may be provided to retain the section of the mucosa within the opening while maintaining perfusion of the section of the mucosa.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for anastomosis of a lumen according to various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with an impermeable stent. The impermeable stent may comprise a scaffold and, if needed, a sealant, such as a membrane and/or adhesive. In one embodiment, the scaffold, membrane and/or adhesive comprise biocompatible materials suitable for bio-absorption and/or degradation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for creating an anastomosis or fistula between the gallbladder and an adjacent organ are disclosed. First, a parent magnet, typically a permanent magnet, is deployed in the stomach, small intestine, or another organ adjacent to the gallbladder, and a mating daughter material is deployed in the gallbladder in order to create a magnet-compression anastomosis. The gallbladder may then be ablated or otherwise functionally inactivated through the anastomosis. Another aspect of the invention relates to an all-in-one surgical kit that contains all the necessary specialized tools for a surgeon to perform the procedure.

Abstract: A tool is described for deploying a sutureless vascular anastomosis connection, including a body, a sheath configured to house a connector, the connector being configured to couple a graft vessel to a main vessel, the sheath being removably coupled to a distal end of the body, a dial disposed on a proximal end of the body, a spring disposed within the body and coupled to the dial, a shaft extending from the distal end of the body into the sheath, the shaft having a shaft cannula, a plunger having a plunger head configured to be coupled with the spring at one end, the plunger coupled to the shaft at an opposite end, and a retractable needle coupled to the dial using a retraction mechanism, the retractable needle configured to fit within the shaft cannula, the retractable needle having a sharp end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for creating and securing a tissue fold during an endoluminal medical procedure. The devices and methods may be used for folding and securing, for example, a fundus wall onto an esophagus wall. An aspect of the invention includes a two-piece tissue clip configured to be installed through an endoluminal device to secure a tissue fold. The clip includes a female member and a male member configured to engage one another to secure the tissue fold. Another aspect of the invention includes a clipping device comprising a tissue clip magazine. The magazine is configured to hold a plurality of tissue clips and install the plurality of tissue clips in a single actuation of the magazine. A method for using the clipping device together with the tissue clips of the present invention to create and secure a fold of tissue during an endoluminal procedure also is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for intermittently obstructing a bodily opening, such as a gastric opening, and includes a proximal member connected to a distal member by a tether. The proximal member includes an apron member surrounding a first occluding member, which is formable from an elongated and narrower configuration to a contracted or expanded but wider configuration. When employed in the stomach, the device of the present invention is arranged transluminally, with the distal member disposed in the duodenum and the proximal member disposed against the pyloric valve, intermittently occluding the pyloric valve and preventing or delaying the flow of gastric contents through the pyloric valve. In certain embodiments, a reservoir may be included for releasing a substance of interest, for example for releasing insulin from a reservoir disposed in the distal member. Sensors, actuators, and data transmission devices may also be included.

Abstract: Disclosed are vascular access devices, implantable dialysis grafts, and systems that include them useful in facilitating easy, accurate and reproducible cannulation or needle entry into an implantable device such as a hemodialysis graft, by localizing a portion of the implanted graft that contains one or more paramagnetic materials that operably define the physical boundaries of the target cannulation site/entry port by passage of an external magnetic detector wand over that portion of the patient's body into which the device has been implanted.

Abstract: Endoscopic treatment methods and systems for endoscopic treatment are provided. An endoluminal treatment device and method in an exemplary embodiment includes introducing an endoluminal device into a lumen of a patient and engaging a wall of the lumen with an implant device without creating an incision in the patient. The implant device can be a drug delivery device or medical device.

Abstract: An exemplary anastomosis device comprises a proximal ring, a distal ring, and a middle ring. The middle ring has apertures configured to communicate a fluid such as an adhesive. The exemplary anastomosis device also has arms joining the proximal ring to the center member and arms joining the distal ring to the center member. The anastomosis device is configured to move from an unactuated position, where it has a generally cylindraceous configuration, to an actuated position, where it has a generally rivet-like configuration. The anastomosis device may be used to provide and secure an anastomosis between adjacent tissue walls. Adhesive may be communicated through the apertures of the middle ring of the anastomosis device to seal or strengthen the anastomosis. An applier may be used to deploy the anastomosis device and to communicate the adhesive through the apertures.

Abstract: The invention is an implantable magnetic anastomosis device having an exoskeleton that directs self-assembly. The design allows the device to be delivered in a linear configuration using a minimally-invasive technique, such as endoscopy or laparoscopy, whereupon the device self-assembles into, e.g., a polygon. A coupled set of polygons define a circumscribed tissue that can be perforated, or the tissue can be allowed to naturally necrose and perforate. The device can be used to create anastomoses in a variety of tissues, such as tissues found in the gastrointestinal, renal/urinary, and reproductive tracts. New procedures for using anastomoses, e.g., surgical bypass are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is an implantable magnetic anastomosis device having an exoskeleton that directs self-assembly. The design allows the device to be delivered in a linear configuration using a minimally-invasive technique, such as endoscopy or laparoscopy, whereupon the device self-assembles into, e.g., a polygon. A coupled set of polygons define a circumscribed tissue that can be perforated, or the tissue can be allowed to naturally necrose and perforate. The device can be used to create anastomoses in a variety of tissues, such as tissues found in the gastrointestinal, renal/urinary, and reproductive tracts. New procedures for using anastomoses, e.g., surgical bypass are also disclosed.

Abstract: A release mechanism (100, 100a) for releasing a medical implant (105) from an insertion device (110), comprising a body (10) having a proximal end (12) and a distal end (14), wherein between the proximal end and the distal end (12, 14) an actuator (16, 16a) is provided, wherein for generating a selective relative displacement between the first and second insertion elements (72; 74) of the insertion device (110), the actuator (16, 16a) has a first and at least a second direction of motion (18; 20), wherein in the first direction of motion (18), the first and second insertion elements (72; 74) can be displaced relative to one another in the longitudinal direction (18), and wherein in the at least second direction of motion (20), the actuator (16, 16a) effects a movement transversely to the longitudinal direction (18).

Abstract: Medical devices and methods are provided for forming an intestinal bypass anastomosis, such as for treatment of obesity. The medical devices and methods are minimally invasive and reduce complications. Two magnet assemblies are deployed in a spaced apart relationship, and are transluminally brought together to approximate the tissue and form an anastomosis therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus is operable to provide an anastomosis coupling two hollow organs, such as a duodenum and ileum. The apparatus includes a first component that is inserted through an enterotomy in a first hollow organ and a second component that is inserted through an enterotomy in a second hollow organ. The first and second components are brought together to o align the enterotomies and compress apposed layers of tissue adjacent to the enterotomies. The compressed tissue eventually necroses and the apparatus may be removed or simply pass through the hollow organ. Each component may include a set of pivoting links and a resilient member that is configured to both bias the links to an expanded configuration and grip the tissue adjacent to the enterotomy. The components may include magnets that secure the positioning of the components relative to each other and provide a compressive force on the apposed tissue.

Abstract: An assembly including a positioning tool that includes a probe affixed to a portion of a grasping tool, wherein a distal tip of the probe protrudes distally from the grasping tool a distance corresponding to a position for placing a magnet with the grasping tool.