Abstract: A surgical instrument particularly suited to endoscopic use articulates an end effector by including a laterally sliding member in a proximal portion of a shaft that pivots the end effector to a selected side. Differentially opposing actuating forces (e.g., hydraulic, fluidic, mechanical) act against the laterally sliding member without binding by incorporating guidance mechanisms between the laterally sliding member and a frame of the shaft.

Abstract: A device for the intraluminal treatment of tissue comprises a handle, a shaft which extends from the handle and a head arranged at the distal end of the shaft, wherein the head comprises at least one jaw, movable between an open position, wherein it defines a window for the insertion of the tissue and surrounding tissue, and a closed position, and wherein the shaft extends between the handle and head in a curvilinear longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An articulating surgical instrument is provided including a handle, an articulating portion extending distally of the handle and an end effector positioned on a distal end of the articulating portion. A flexible drive band is provided for movement through the articulating portion and end effector. The flexible drive band includes a first portion having a first height and the second portion having a second height greater than the first height. The difference in heights being sufficient to eject staples from a body portion of the end effector into an anvil member of the end effector. An actuation mechanism is provided for drawing the flexible drive band through the articulating surgical instrument.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided and includes a drive rod assembly having a hollow shaft portion. A central shaft is slidably disposed in and axially aligned with the hollow shaft portion. The instrument may further include a handle assembly coupled to hollow shaft portion and the central shaft of the drive rod assembly. A pair of opposing jaw members each operatively associated with the distal end of the hollow shaft portion, the jaw members being movable relative to one another between a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another and a second position wherein the jaw members are approximated towards one another. The instrument may further include a source of electrical energy connected to each jaw member for conducting energy therebetween.

Abstract: Instruments for reducing spinal stabilization rods into position in pedicle screws or other bone anchors placed on a spine. In some embodiments, instruments are provided which include inner and outer extensions adapted for engaging, respectively, pedicle screws and rods. Handles of the instrument can engage a parallel action compressor which actuate the extensions. The handles may be offset from the extensions by a distance in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the extensions, in a direction perpendicular thereto, or a combination thereof. Instruments of some embodiments can include locking, or ratchet, mechanisms extending between the handles. A biasing member may bias the handles apart from each other and assist in engaging the locking or ratchet mechanism. Surgical instrument kits including rod reduction instruments are provided by some embodiments. According to some embodiments, methods for reducing spinal stabilization rods into their desired positions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, a system, and a method for removing kidney stones from the urinary system of a patient with reduced pain and expenses. The system includes expandable, elongated balloon sheaths that deliver and retrieve forceps and a urethral sparing prosthetic stent. The stent is reconstrainable with interwoven nylon strands that are strategically positioned amongst the struts to ensure smooth collapse for removal. An atraumatic coating of PTFE or PET lining on the stent extends from the struts through the tip of the penis to assist patients in passing stones while the stent is in place at the bladder neck. The stent can stay in place for several days while permitting urine drainage. The basket-shaped forceps device has multiple curved, rigid arms to dilate the urethra and capture occluded or embedded stones with a built-in camera. The method is for removing stones through a protected urethral canal.

Abstract: A surgical inserter for use in inserting an implant into a vertebral space may include: (a) a handle; (b) a gripper having one end attached to the handle and a second end having a pair of arms; and (c) a grip activator having an opening that threadingly receives the gripper. The grip activator can be rotated in a first direction with respect to the gripper to cause the arms to move toward each other to grip the inserter and in a second direction with respect to the gripper to cause the arms to move away from each other to release the inserter. In one embodiment a compression force activator is used to deploy the implant and in another embodiment a tension force activator is used to deploy the implant.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for an electrosurgical instrument comprises a pair of opposing first and second jaw members. At least one of the jaw members is movable relative to the other between a first open position in which the jaw members are disposed in a spaced relation relative to one another, and a second closed position in which the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The first jaw member comprises first and second sealing members extending along a length of the jaw and being separated by an insulating member therebetween, and is provided with an electrically-conductive cutting electrode supported on the insulting member. The second jaw member comprises third and fourth sealing members extending along the jaw and being separated by a recess therebetween, an electrically-insulating anvil being located in the recess opposite the cutting electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical clamps and clamp devices that provide a handle-free surgical field. The clamp jaws may be opened or closed by a rotationally or translationally moveable drive element that may be actuated from a position proximal or distal to the jaws. The surgical clamps may also be deployed using a clamp applier which slidably engages the clamp along a wire to releasably attach itself to the clamp.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for cutting and grasping tissue comprising a handle assembly, an elongated member and first and second jaws. A first movable member moves the second jaw in a first direction about a first pivot axis in a grasping action and a second movable member moves the second jaw in a second direction different than the first direction and about a second pivot axis in a cutting action. A switch is positioned at the proximal portion of the instrument and a selecting member is actuated by movement of the switch, the selecting member movable between a first position to enable movement of the second jaw in the first direction and prohibit movement in the second direction and a second position to enable movement of the second jaw in the second direction and prohibit movement in the first direction.

Abstract: A medical instrument has a set of opposing jaws that can be articulated, both left and right, from centerline. The instrument has a proper bend radius and support for the jaw actuation member and cutter driving member. The bendable support for the drive members comprises tightly wound coil springs. Another embodiment of the invention controls the degree of articulation at the handle of the laparoscopic instrument. A further embodiment of the invention incorporates a locking mechanism to prevent motion of the wrist while the user performs other operations on the device. The locking mechanism also includes an indexing feature with which the user can index and choose the necessary amount of angle between preset angles.

Abstract: A femoral tibial spreader (100) for spreading adjacent bones includes a radial measurement gauge (111) for providing incidia corresponding to an amount of force being applied to the forward ends (105,106) of the femoral tibial spreader (100). The femoral tibial spreader (100) may be used, for example, to separate the femur (301) and tibia (302) during knee surgery. The radial measurement gauge (111) may be used to determine an amount of force being applied to the femur (301) and tibia (302), for example, by the medial and arterial ligaments. Two handle members (104,109) are squeezed together, which causes the forward ends (105,106) to open. A biasing member (110) allows a measurement extension (108) to pivot towards a handle member under tension, thereby providing a measurement of force applied by the ligaments.

Abstract: An insertion instrument for a multi-part intervertebral endoprosthesis includes two closure plates and a sliding core arranged between these, said insertion instrument having a handgrip part, gripping members which hold the closure plates between them, and a force-receiving part for applying an insertion force to the intervertebral endoprosthesis, the gripping members being guided movably toward and away from one another via a hinge and being able to be tensioned against the intervertebral endoprosthesis, projections pointing in the tensioning direction or recesses for holding the intevertebral endoprosthesis with form-fit being provided on the gripping members, and a block guided in the longitudinal axis direction and with an abutment surface being provided which can be moved by means of an actuating device so as to bear on the intervertebral endoprosthesis and, in its forward position, secures the intevertebral endoprosthesis against the projections or recesses.

Abstract: The invention concerns an automated ancillary device (100) for inserting and fixing by means of clips an annular body (200), namely a prosthesis, on a annular resilient volume (23) including, coaxial about an axis (D), means for receiving and supporting (8) said body (200) coaxial to its axis, means for radially unfolding (500) about said axis (D) articulated supports (4) capable of bearing clips (21), the latter being capable of passing through both a thickness of material belonging to such a volume (23) and a thickness of material belonging to said body (200), under the action of means for longitudinally pushing (600) said supports (4) with respect to said means for receiving and supporting (8). It includes means for gripping (300) material of the volume (23) capable of radially retracting said material. The means for radially unfolding (500) are capable of moving said clips (21) parallel to said axis (D).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a surgical instrument comprising an elongate tube extending along an axis including a camming rod and an actuation mechanism operably connected to the camming rod, the camming rod having a camming pin and a camming projection; a first jaw spine having a first cam slot, a first interior camming surface, and a first exterior camming surface; and a second jaw spine having a second cam slot, a second interior camming surface, and a second exterior camming surface, the second jaw spine pivotally connected to the first jaw spine at a common pivot pin operably connected to the elongate tube to open and close the jaw spines in response to movement of the actuation mechanism. The camming pin rides along the first and second interior camming surfaces and operates to close the jaw spines when the camming rod is moved proximally.

Abstract: A device for performing minimally invasive repair of mitral valve leaflets in a beating heart through the delivery and implantation of artificial chordae tendinae includes a handle for positioning the device into a chest cavity of the patient, a capture assembly adapted to capture a valve leaflet between distal an proximal tip portions, a needle adapted to penetrate the valve leaflet, and a capture confirmation system for verifying capture of the valve leaflet between the distal and proximal tip portions.

Abstract: A surgical instrument handle assembly includes a housing having a proximal end and a distal end. A proximal opening is formed at the proximal end of the housing. A distal opening is formed at the distal end of the housing. The proximal and the distal openings define a longitudinal axis. A handle extends downwardly from the longitudinal axis. The handle defines a proximal contact surface, a saddle surface, and a stabilization tail. A trigger is pivotally attached to the housing and is pivotally moveable relative to the handle.

Abstract: Insertion and extraction tool, systems, and methods for use with lacrimal implants. An insertion tool is disclosed that includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a tool body therebetween. The distal end includes a mechanical coupling to receive a cartridge preloaded with a lacrimal implant, and a plunger configured to dispense the lacrimal implant from a preloaded cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical clamps and clamp devices that provide a handle-free surgical field. The clamp jaws may be opened or closed by a rotationally or translationally moveable drive element that may be actuated from a position proximal or distal to the jaws. The surgical clamps may also be deployed using a clamp applier which slidably engages the clamp along a wire to releasably attach itself to the clamp.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical clamps and clamp devices that provide a handle-free surgical field. The clamp jaws may be opened or closed by a rotationally or translationally moveable drive element that may be actuated from a position proximal or distal to the jaws. The surgical clamps may also be deployed using a clamp applier which slidably engages the clamp along a wire to releasably attach itself to the clamp.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical clamps and clamp devices that provide a handle-free surgical field. The clamp jaws may be opened or closed by a rotationally or translationally moveable drive element that may be actuated from a position proximal or distal to the jaws. The surgical clamps may also be deployed using a clamp applier which slidably engages the clamp along a wire to releasably attach itself to the clamp.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided having articulating, distal end rotation and tip rotational functions. The articulating function includes a wheel rotatable relative to a handle of the surgical instrument and operable to move an articulating section of the surgical instrument from a neutral or straight position to an articulated or bent position. The wheel incorporates a groove in the form of an Archimedes spiral to drive the articulating section between the neutral and bent positions.

Abstract: A surgical device (101) for grasping and severing body tissue comprises a housing (140) which defines a proximal end (102) and a distal end (104), a user operating handle (160) at the proximal end (102), and two blade elements (110, 120) at the distal end (104). The user operating handle (160) may be activated to pivot the blade elements (110, 120) about two parallel grasping pivot axes to grasp a piece of body tissue which is located between the blade elements (110, 120). The user operating handle (160) may also be activated to pivot the blade elements (110, 120) about a severing pivot axis to sever a piece of body tissue which is located between the blade elements (110, 120).

Abstract: A clamp has two arms with gripping jaws for supporting and positioning a superelastic osteosynthesis clip The osteosynthesis clip comprising a web from which two flanges to be inserted into two portions of bone emerge. The clamp also has component for preventing the jaws from being opened beyond a point at which the angle between the flanges of a clamp supported clip is greater than 90°; and a second component for preventing the jaws from being closed beyond a point at which the angle between the flanges and the web is substantially 90°.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having opposed jaws that can be selectively moved between open and closed positions. Various embodiments include components for measuring the thickness of tissue clamped between the opposed jaws. Some embodiments are configured to ascertain the amount of compressive force that is being applied to the tissue while the thickness of the tissue is being determined. The tissue thickness data is displayed on the instrument itself and/or on a display that is remote from the instrument. The various embodiments may comprise different types of surgical instruments such as surgical staplers and graspers. A jaw arrangement with jaws shaped to define a cradle that corresponds to a cross-sectional shape of an object is also disclosed. The components that generate the thickness data may be electrically or mechanically actuated.

Abstract: A delivery device for implanting a medical device including a flexible elongate member that is sized and shaped to fit within a body vessel. A collet is located at a first end of the flexible elongate member and has at least two arms being movable between a first open state and a second collapsed state. The arms form an inner chamber when in the collapsed state. The elongate member substantially surrounds the collet in a first position and is substantially separated from the collet in a second position thereby moving the arms between the closed state and the open state.

Abstract: An inserter for implanting an intervertebral spacer into a spinal disc space is disclosed. The inserter comprises a jaw assembly connected to a shaft assembly that is connected to a handle assembly. The user operates the handle assembly to open and close the jaw assembly to thereby connect to and release from the intervertebral spacer. Furthermore, the handle assembly is operable to lock and unlock rotation of the jaw assembly while still connected thereto to permit angulation of the jaw assembly relative to the shaft assembly without losing hold of the intervertebral spacer.

Abstract: An inserter for implanting a spinal implant such as an intervertebral spacer into a spinal disc space is disclosed. The inserter comprises a jaw assembly connected to a shaft assembly that is connected to a handle assembly. The shaft assembly includes an angled portion in which the distal end of the instrument is displaced from the proximal end of the instrument affording the clinician a more unobstructed view of the operative site. The user operates the handle assembly at the proximal end to open and close the jaw assembly to thereby connect to and release from the intervertebral spacer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrument, in particular an endoscopic instrument, with an instrument shaft, a tool positioned on the distal end of the instrument shaft, and a handle, which can be secured on the instrument shaft so that it can be moved in an axial extension of the instrument shaft. In order to create an instrument which makes possible a comfortable, safe, and reliable handling even with the most varied application purposes, it is proposed with the invention that the handle can be secured on the instrument shaft so that it can be moved by at least one degree of freedom with respect to the instrument shaft.

Abstract: The invention describes a disposable device for operations on the arteria haemorroidalis, which comprises a retractor tube (1), closed and rounded on the end (101) which is inserted in the anal cavity, and open and diverging on the external end (201) to which is connected a griping handle (M) which removable houses a luminous source (F). In the connection zone of the handle to the external mouth of the retractor there is provided a channel (C) which contains a parabola (5) which reflects the light supplied from said luminous source (F) and which sends the reflected light inside of the same retractor, to illuminate a lateral window (8) through which appears the rectal mucosa upon which the operation must be made for the ligature of the arteria haemorroidalis.

Abstract: A tissue grasping apparatus includes a control member, an elongated shaft, and a tissue grasping member attached to the distal end of the elongated shaft. An activation mechanism provides an user-operable connection between the control member and the tissue grasping member. In an embodiment, the tissue grasping member includes a pair of jaws configured to open to an included angle between the jaws of 180 degrees or more. In an embodiment, the activation mechanism includes a flexible drive wire attached to the penetrating member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a housing, an endoscopic portion, a drive motor, a drive tube, a firing rod and an end effector is disclosed. The endoscopic portion extends distally from the housing and defines a first longitudinal axis. The drive motor is disposed at least partially within the housing. The drive tube is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the drive motor and is rotatable about a drive tube axis extending through the drive tube. The firing rod is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the drive tube and at least a portion of the firing rod is translatable with respect to the drive tube. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the endoscopic portion and is in mechanical cooperation with the firing rod so that the firing rod drives a surgical function of the end effector.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a housing, an endoscopic portion, a drive gear, a drive motor, a shift motor and an end effector is disclosed. The endoscopic portion extends distally from the housing and defines a longitudinal axis. The drive gear is disposed at least partially within the housing and is rotatable about a drive gear axis which extends therethrough. The drive gear is selectively movable along the drive gear axis. The drive motor is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the drive gear and is configured to rotate the drive gear. The shift motor is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the drive gear and is configured to move the drive gear along the drive gear axis. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the endoscopic portion.

Abstract: An articulating surgical instrument is provided including a handle, an articulating portion extending distally of the handle and an end effector positioned on a distal end of the articulating portion. A flexible drive band is provided for movement through the articulating portion and end effector. The flexible drive band includes a first portion having a first height and the second portion having a second height greater than the first height. The difference in heights being sufficient to eject staples from a body portion of the end effector into an anvil member of the end effector. An actuation mechanism is provided for drawing the flexible drive band through the articulating surgical instrument.

Abstract: A surgical gripping tool includes a dual-linkage, force multiplying coupling that increases the force applied to surgical rods for a given force applied to the tool handles. In some embodiments, recesses in the tool that grip surgical rods have complex surfaces comprising multiple radii, allowing the tool to securely grip surgical rods of different diameters. The recess radii may be undersized relative to the associated rod size. In one embodiment, the coupling multiplies an applied force by a factor of over 20.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for guiding, supporting, and/or housing instruments. One exemplary system includes a guide tube having a manipulation section and mated with rails carrying instrument control members. Moving the rails with respect to the guide tube, or another point of reference, can control movement of the manipulation section.

Abstract: A medical instrument for grasping an object, in particular a surgical needle holder, including an elongated shaft, two jaw parts arranged at a distal end of the shaft, at least one of the jaw parts being pivotable with respect to the other of the jaw parts between a grasp state for grasping the object between the jaw parts and a release state for releasing the object. A handle is arranged at a proximal end of the shaft and has at least one operating element for moving the at least one pivotable jaw part between the grasp state and the release state via an axially movable force transmission element operatively connected with the at least one operating element and with the at least one pivotable jaw part via an articulated joint. The instrument further includes a latching mechanism for immobilizing the at least one pivotable jaw part in the grasp state.

Abstract: Disclosed is a minimally invasive surgical instrument that may be used in hand-assisted laparoscopic surgeries. The device is a multifunctional surgical instrument that may be mounted directly on a surgeon's fingertip and inserted through an incision to allow the surgeon to manipulate tissue during a surgical procedure. Versions show a self-righting suture needle holder and a version with a dual pivoting jaw (e.g., grasper, cutter) that has an elongate neck to enhance the reach of the instrument. In addition, an elongate neck of an actuated fingertip instrument enhances the range reachable through a single incision.

Abstract: A surgical instrument has a first grasping member, a second grasping member which is provided to the first grasping member to open and close to the first grasping member, and grasps a living tissue between them, an ultrasonic coagulation-cutting unit which includes an ultrasonic vibrating portion provided in one of the first and second grasping members and connected to an ultrasonic transducer to generate ultrasonic vibration, and a pressing portion provided in the other of the first and second grasping members, and facing the ultrasonic vibrating portion, the pressing portion and the ultrasonic vibrating portion pressing the living tissue between them, and a high-frequency coagulation unit which includes a first electrode provided in the first grasping member, and a second electrode provided in the second grasping member, the first electrode and the second electrodes facing each other to coagulate the living tissue.

Abstract: Surgical instrument which has a main part (10) with a shaft (12) and a fixed handle part (14), on which a moveable handle part (20) is supported pivotably. The pivotable handle part (20) engages through a slit (18) of the main part (10) and is linked to a slider (16). The slider (16) is guided axially shifted on the shaft (12) so that it cannot be removed. At the proximal end of the work stroke the slider (16) can be removed from the guide and shaft. Spring tongue (50) arranged on the pivotable handle part (20) comes against the main part (10) when the handle parts (14, 20) are spread apart and prevents the slider (16) from entering the cleaning position in which it is released from the shaft (12). The spring tongue (50) can be pressed against the moveable handle part (20) in order to enter the slit (18) of the main part and to release the locking.

Abstract: Surgical robots and other telepresence systems have enhanced grip actuation for manipulating tissues and objects with small sizes. A master/slave system is used in which an error signal or gain is artificially altered when grip members are near a closed configuration.

Abstract: An instrument for manipulating a vessel in a patient includes a cannula having a lumen for providing insufflation to create a working space in the tissue of a patient, and a first manipulator for manipulating a vessel located within the working space. The first manipulator is slidably movable within the cannula from a stowed position, where the first manipulator is substantially disposed within the cannula, to a forward position, where at least a portion of the first manipulator is disposed outside the cannula. The first manipulator is rotatable when in the forward position to an extended position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an instrument for surgery, in particular minimally invasive surgery. The instrument includes means for feeding back a force which is exerted on the working element of the instrument to the operating element. These means include at least a first force sensor for measuring the force which is exerted on the working element, a control unit and a first actuator. On the basis of a signal which originates from the first force sensor, the control unit controls at least the first actuator in order to control the operating element. Furthermore, the means preferably include a first position sensor for measuring a position of the working element with respect to the frame. The control unit advantageously determines an impedance which the working element is subject to as a result of the presence of a tissue or the like, on the basis of which impedance the control unit controls at least the first actuator.

Abstract: An improved controlled-motion instrument is provided for grasping, holding or otherwise manipulating an object in operations such as endoscopic procedures. The instrument opens and closes jaws or other manipulation members by way of a longitudinally movable cam member, but maintains the longitudinal position of the manipulation members constant relative to the instrument's body regardless of opening and closing motion. The manipulation members thus have increased length-to-diameter ratio and column strength, and the cam provides positive lateral jaw support and stability during opening and closing. The movable cam member can also include other manipulation members thereon that work in conjunction with the longitudinally fixed manipulation members.

Abstract: A device for holding a trocar sleeve in its position of engagement in the body of a patient has clamping jaws which in the closed position define an opening and which can be placed about the outside of the trocar sleeve, and at least one hole via which the device can be fixed on the patient. The device is designed as a forceps with two forceps arms which at their area of intersection are connected to one another via a hinge and which at their distal ends in each case have at least one clamping jaw, a spring being arranged between the forceps arms, which spring is supported on the forceps arms via its long ends and forces the clamping jaws into the closed position.

Abstract: In a link device for surgical tool and a surgical tool suitable for used with an endoscope, the diameter of an insertion section can be made narrow. A multi-free forceps (surgical tool) is used as a soft surgical tool for use with an endoscope. The multi-free forceps comprises a link device for surgical tool that is inserted into a human cavity. The link device for surgical tool comprises a pipe-like insertion section, a surgical section that connects to a tip of the insertion section, and a control section that controls the surgical section. A base side of a deviating link member is securely connected to a first control axis member, and a base side of the deviating link member that forms the surgical section side extends in parallel to the first control axis member at a position that is further to the inside than the outer peripheral face of the insertion section, while deviating further to the outside of the diameter direction than the central axis of the first control axis member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrument, comprising a shaft, the proximal end of which has a handle, with at least two grip pieces and the distal end of which has a tool, with at least two jaw pieces, whereby at least one jaw piece of the tool may be adjusted relative to the at least one other jaw piece for opening and closing, by means a grip piece on the handle, embodied so as to pivot. Each adjustable jaw piece and the corresponding grip piece in the handle, for adjusting the jaw piece, are connected to each other, by means of a pull-/push-rod and each adjustable jaw piece is connected to the pull-/push-rod, by means of a compensation lever. According to the invention, the best possible force transfer with a good cutting feel for the operator may be achieved, whereby the compensation lever is pivotably fixed on one end to the pull-/push-rod and displaceably mounted at the other end in a guide groove, formed in the adjustable jaw piece.

Abstract: An endoscopic forceps for treating tissue includes a handle assembly having a elongated shaft extending therefrom which is movable relative to the handle assembly by an actuator. The forceps also including an end effector assembly attached to a distal end of the shaft which has first and second jaw members which are movable about a pivot from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position for clamping tissue. Each of the jaw members include: an insulative outer housing having an electrically conductive, inwardly facing tissue contacting surface and a proximal flange with a camming surface. The proximal flange being provided with a spring-like tail which mounts within the distal end of the elongated shaft to bias the jaw members in an open configuration. The actuator is movable relative to the handle to actuate the elongated shaft to cam the proximal flanges to pivot the jaw members toward the second position to clamp tissue.

Abstract: A device for snaring cord-like objects is provided. The device comprises a hollow shaft having a pointed distal end, a rod having a pair of wires attached to its distal end, the wires being spring biased away from one another, and activation means. The rod and wires are located in the lumen of the shaft in reciprocally movable relationship therewith. The activation means is attached to the proximal ends of the shaft and the rod so as to allow the controlled movement of the rod and wires relative to the shaft. One of the wire-like elements defines a hook-shaped configuration at its distal end. The device allows the wire-like elements to be selectively located within the distal end of the shaft or in a configuration wherein the wire-like elements extend outwardly from the distal end of the shaft in flaring relationship to one another.

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