Abstract: A surgical stapler has a handle assembly including a stationary handle and a trigger. The stapler also has a drive assembly with a body having a working end and a cam member supported on the working end. The cam member is positioned to translate relative to the anvil to maintain the anvil in the closed position during firing of the stapler. The trigger is operatively connected to a power cell. The power cell is operably connected to a motor of the drive assembly. The manipulation of the trigger actuates the power cell such that the power cell powers the drive assembly to effect translation of the cam member relative to the anvil. The stapler also has a channel for supporting the staple cartridge and the motor of the drive assembly controls the actuation sled supported within the cartridge. The actuation sled urges the plurality of staples from the cartridge when the anvil is in the closed position and in cooperative alignment with the staple cartridge.

Abstract: A surgical fastener cartridge is provided and includes a cartridge body having a plurality of surgical fasteners operatively disposed therein. An actuation mechanism is housed within the cartridge body and includes a plurality of pushers operably associated with the plurality of surgical fasteners. The actuation mechanism includes a plurality of pivotably connected link assemblies. Each link assembly being pivotably engaged with a corresponding bottom surface associated with each the pushers and a corresponding top surface associated with an internal channel housing and operably coupled to one another. The actuation mechanism includes an activation structure configured to move each of the link assemblies and sequentially cause each of the link assemblies to move through a succession of motions within the cartridge body, such that the link assemblies cause the corresponding pusher to contact and, subsequently, sequentially eject the associated surgical fastener towards the depression in the anvil.

Abstract: Medical devices possessing coatings are provided. The coatings include at least one polyelectrolyte, capable of changing the surface charge of the device to which they are applied. The polyelectrolytes permit attachment of charged bioactive agents thereto. Multiple polyelectrolytes, possessing opposite charges, may be sequentially applied to produce a medical device having multiple layers. Methods for forming such devices are also provided.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device an elongated body portion having proximal and distal portions, and a head portion positioned adjacent the distal portion of the elongated body portion. The head portion includes a shell assembly and an anvil assembly movable relative to the shell assembly between un-approximated and approximated positions. The anvil assembly includes a center rod and an anvil head connected to the center rod. The center rod includes at least one aperture extending transversely therethrough and configured and dimensioned to receive a flexible member such that the flexible member extends transversely through the center rod.

Abstract: A surgical fastening system is disclosed, comprising a plurality of surgical fasteners, an energy source, and an indicating unit. Each surgical fastener includes a backspan, a pair of legs, and a contact pad. The backspan and pair of legs are at least partially formed from an electrically conductive material, and the contact pad has a portion formed from an electrically conductive material. The energy source is electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of surgical fasteners and generates a current, and the indicating unit is electrically connected to the contact pad of at least one of the plurality of surgical fasteners. Upon contact of at least one of the pair of legs with the portion of the contact pad that is formed from an electrically conductive material, the indicating unit generates a signal indicating the formation of at least one of the plurality of surgical fasteners.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an anvil assembly for a circular stapling apparatus, is disclosed. The anvil assembly includes an anvil head configured to support an anvil plate thereon; a shaft extending from the anvil head and configured to selectively engage a connection member of the circular stapling apparatus; an anvil plate operatively connected to the anvil head, the anvil plate defining a plurality of staple forming pockets therein; and a wound treatment material disposed in each staple forming pocket of the anvil plate. The wound treatment material is at least one of an adhesive, a sealant, a hemostat and a medicament.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system is provided and comprises a fastening device including a cartridge configured to retain a plurality of fasteners therein and an anvil configured to form the plurality of fasteners; a plurality of surgical fasteners loaded in the cartridge, at least one of the fasteners includes a backspan, a pair of legs depending from the backspan, and at least one contact pad fabricated from an electrically conductive material on the backspan, wherein at least one of the pair of legs is configured to contact the at least one contact pad upon a formation thereof; and an indicating circuit associated with the fasteners, the indicating circuit including an electrical conduit in electrical contact with the at least one contact pad, wherein the indicating circuit includes an energy source and an indicator, wherein the indicator activates upon one of a proper and improper formation of the fasteners.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for actuating and/or articulating a circular stapler. In one exemplary embodiment, a circular stapler is provided having an elongate shaft with a stapling apparatus coupled thereto. An electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, can be used to pivotally or angularly adjust a position of the stapling apparatus relative to the elongate shaft by delivering energy to the electroactive polymer actuator. In another embodiment, an electroactive polymer actuator can be used to actuate the stapling apparatus, thereby driving one or more staples, preferably in a substantially curved pattern, into tissue. The actuator can alternatively or additionally drive a blade distally to cut tissue being stapled.

Abstract: An exemplary surgical apparatus may include a feeder belt configured as a continuous loop; staples fixed to and shearable from the continuous feeder belt; apertures defined in the continuous feeder belt; and a gear positioned at the distal end of the feeder belt within the continuous loop, where the gear engages at least one of the apertures to move the continuous feeder belt around the gear. Another exemplary surgical apparatus may include a feeder belt; a plurality of staples fixed to and shearable from the continuous feeder belt; and a plurality of teeth defined on the continuous feeder belt. Another exemplary surgical apparatus may include a continuous belt assembly that has a flexible rack with two ends, and a feeder belt with two ends, each end of the feeder belt connected to a corresponding end of the flexible rack; and staples fixed to and shearable from the continuous feeder belt.

Abstract: An anvil assembly is provided and includes an anvil member having a plurality of staple bending pockets formed in a face of the anvil member and a length of reinforcing material suspended across the staple bending pockets. Longitudinal channels are provided in the face of the anvil member to releasably retain the reinforcing material. The longitudinal channels transect the staple bending pockets and support and suspend the reinforcing material over the staple bending pockets such that a leg of a surgical staple can be bent around the reinforcing material. Various configurations of fully formed staples are also disclosed and include a backspan having first and second legs extending from the backspan. First portions of each of the first and legs extend from the backspan and define a plane with the backspan. Second portions of each of the first and second legs extend from the first portions and project outwardly from the plane defined by the backspan and the first second portions.

Abstract: A surgical instrument can comprise a channel configured to support a staple cartridge and, in addition, an anvil pivotable between open and closed positions relative to the channel. The surgical instrument can further comprise a cutting member configured to incise tissue positioned captured between the staple cartridge and the anvil and, in addition, means for stopping the cutting member prior to a distal end datum, wherein the distal end datum can be defined by the distal-most staple cavity in the staple cartridge. In such embodiments, the incision within the tissue may not extend beyond the portion of the tissue that has been stapled.

Abstract: A surgical stapler is provided having a pair of jaws including a staple cartridge and an anvil. Buttress material is releasably secured to at least one of the staple cartridge and the anvil. The buttress material includes a tab to releasably and frictionally engage the at least one of the staple cartridge and the anvil.

Abstract: The invention provides medical devices comprising high-strength alloys which degrade over time in the body of a human or animal, at controlled degradation rates, without generating emboli. In one embodiment the alloy is formed into a bone fixation device such as an anchor, screw, plate, support or rod. In another embodiment the alloy is formed into a tissue fastening device such as staple. In yet another embodiment, the alloy is formed into a dental implant or a stent.

Abstract: A device for closure of a patent foramen ovale. The device includes at least one elongated tissue anchor at the distal end of the device. A distal end portion of the tissue anchor is selectively deployable between a closed position in which the distal end portion of the tissue anchor is capable of penetrating the septum and the flap, and a radially extensible position in which the distal end portion of the tissue anchor is capable of engaging the septum or flap so that the septum and flap may be urged into registry. A deployment member is associated with the tissue anchor for selectively deploying the distal end portion of the tissue anchor between the closed position and the radially extensible position. A closure element is disposed at the distal end of the device. The closure element is engageable with the septum and the flap when the septum and flap are in registry, for maintaining such registry.

Abstract: A method of performing a bariatric procedure through a natural body orifice is disclosed. The method comprises the step of providing a surgical instrument, comprising a handle portion, an elongated portion extending distally from the handle portion, and an end effector disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated portion. The method also comprises the steps of inserting the surgical instrument through a natural body orifice of a patient such that the end effector is adjacent a portion of the patient's stomach, and using the surgical instrument to perform a surgical task.

Abstract: A loading unit configured for engagement with a surgical instrument having a firing rod is disclosed. The loading unit comprises a proximal body portion, a tool assembly, and a knife assembly. The tool assembly is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the proximal body portion. The knife assembly is movably disposed at least partially within the proximal body portion and includes a proximal end positioned to engage the firing rod, and includes a first arm and a second arm. The first arm is biased towards the longitudinal axis via a biasing force. The biasing force is selected to allow the first arm to deflect when the firing rod is advanced. The first arm and the second arm of the knife assembly are configured to engage a firing rod of a surgical instrument as the surgical instrument is being actuated.

Abstract: An adapter assembly for selectively interconnecting a surgical end effector including at least one axially translatable drive member and a powered actuator device including at least one rotatable drive shaft is provided. The adapter assembly includes an actuation shaft configured to convert rotation of a first drive shaft of the powered actuator device into an axial translation of a first drive member of the surgical end effector. The adapter assembly further includes an elongate tube configured to convert rotation of a second drive shaft of the powered actuator device into an axial translation of a second drive member of the surgical end effector. The actuation shaft is disposed within the elongate tube, and the actuation shaft and the elongate tube translate axially independent of each other.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device particularly suited for endoscopic procedures is described. The device includes a handle assembly and an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly. The distal end of the elongated body is adapted to engage a disposable loading unit. A control rod having a proximal end operatively connected to the handle assembly includes a distal end extending through the elongated body. A control rod locking member is provided to prevent movement of the control rod until the disposable loading unit is fully secured to the elongated body of the stapling device.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge.

Abstract: A device is provided for piercing a graft and artery wall in order to retain the graft on the artery. The device has a central section with an abutment surface for contacting the inner wall of the graft and two elongate members with distal ends for contacting the outer wall of the artery when the device is pierced through the graft and artery. The elongate members are biased so as to urge the abutment surface into the graft and retain the graft on the artery.

Abstract: A delivery device for delivering a plurality of individual surgical anchors is disclosed. The delivery device includes a housing, a delivery tube, having a distal and a proximal end, an actuator, flexible anchor reaction members, a reciprocating anchor carrier, having a distal and a proximal end, the distal end terminating in a tissue penetrator. The device further includes at least one surgical anchor located in juxtaposition with the anchor carrier. Each of the surgical anchors has a penetration section and a head section. The surgical anchors are preferably made from an absorbable polymer. The actuator is connected to the anchor carrier and has at least two states. The first/home state, includes a position such that the surgical anchor is proximal the distal end of the tube. The second state is such that the penetrating section of the surgical anchor is exposed beyond the distal end of the delivery tube.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for forming an anastomosis between adjacent sections of tissue is provided. The apparatus includes a body portion; an actuation assembly operatively supported at a proximal end of the body portion; an anvil assembly movably mounted at the distal end of the body portion for movement toward and away from the body portion; an approximation assembly extending between the body portion and the anvil assembly for moving the anvil toward and away from the tubular body portion; a dispersion assembly operatively associated with the approximation assembly, the dispersion assembly including at least one angled surface defining at least one channel interposed between the anvil assembly and the body portion and being configured to dispense a fluid therefrom; and at least one conduit for conducting wound treatment material to the dispersion assembly.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapling instrument is disclosed. The cartridge assembly includes a channel, a cover, a staple cartridge and a knife. The channel includes a protrusion thereon. The cover is configured for mechanical engagement with the channel and includes a blocking member and a surface defining a plane. At least a portion of the blocking member is configured to move away from the plane upon contact with the protrusion. The staple cartridge is configured for mechanical engagement with the cover. The blocking member is configured to substantially prevent distal translation of the knife after the knife has been translated proximally past a predetermined position.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for forming an anastomosis between adjacent intestinal sections of tissue is provided. The apparatus includes an anastomosis device having an anvil and a tubular body portion, wherein the anvil is selectively attachable to the tubular body portion by a shaft; and a support structure for deposition between the intestinal sections of tissue. The support structure includes a body defining an aperture therein for receiving the shaft. The body has an outer terminal edge. The support structure includes at least one layer of expandable material disposed at the outer terminal edge of the body.

Abstract: An exemplary method for treating an animal body may include receiving a driverless surgical stapler that includes a staple holder, staples positioned within that staple holder, and at least one wedge; and sliding at least one wedge relative to the staples to directly contact at least one staple.

Abstract: A surgical device is described herein that can be used to fire different types and sizes of disposable loading units. In a preferred embodiment, the device applies parallel rows of surgical fasteners to body tissue and concomitantly forms an incision between the rows of staples during an endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical procedure. The device can be utilized with disposable loading units configured to apply linear rows of staples measuring from about 15 mm in length to about 60 mm in length and can be used to fire disposable loading units containing surgical clips and individual staples.

Abstract: An instrument used for brachytherapy delivery in the treatment of cancer by radiation therapy including a handle having first and second handle actuators; an end effector; and an instrument shaft that connects the handle with the end effector. The end effector has first and second adjacent disposed staple mechanisms that each retain a set of staples. The first mechanism is for holding standard staples in a first array, and dispensing the standard staples under control of the corresponding first handle actuator. The second mechanism is for holding radioactive source staples in a second array, and dispensing said radioactive source staples under control of the corresponding second handle actuator. A holder is for receiving the first and second mechanisms in a substantially parallel array so that the standard staples close the incision at a surgical margin while the source staples are secured adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A surgical stapler comprising a handle assembly, an elongated body portion extending distally from the handle assembly, and a head portion disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated body portion and including an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The anvil assembly is movable in relation to the shell assembly between spaced and approximated positions. The shell assembly includes a pusher movable distally to advance staples from the shell assembly into contact with the anvil assembly. First and second alignment pins operatively associated with the pusher have distal ends positioned distally of the pusher, the alignment pins movable between a first non-engaged position spaced from the anvil assembly and a second position in engagement with the anvil assembly.

Abstract: An implantable port with an integral attachment mechanism. The implantable port includes one or more suture needles enclosed within a port body, the suture needle(s) coupled to a movable member such that movement of the movable member results in movement of the suture needle(s) out of the port body and into the tissue of a body into which it is implanted. The movable member can be a cam or tensioning member that rotates about a central port axis. The movable member can be coupled to a gear to permit movement of the movable member following implantation of the port within a subcutaneous pocket.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for surgically joining tissue is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a handle portion, an endoscopic portion, a pair of jaw members and a clamp. The endoscopic portion extends distally from the handle portion and defines a longitudinal axis. The pair of jaw members is disposed adjacent a distal end of the endoscopic portion. At least one of the jaw members is movable with respect to the other between an open position and an approximated position for engaging body tissue therebetween. The pair of jaw members is curved with respect to the longitudinal axis. The clamp is disposed adjacent the jaw members. The clamp is movable between an open position and an approximated position for engaging body tissue. The clamp is independently movable with respect to the jaw members and is curved with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument is provided having systems for securing buttress material to the anvil and staple containing cartridge associated with the surgical instrument. The system includes a retainer configured to engage the anvil or the staple containing cartridge and capture the buttress material between the retainer and the anvil or staple containing cartridge. The disclose retainer engages the anvil or staple containing cartridge in snap fit or friction fit fashion. The buttress material includes a circumferential perforation line enabling the center of the buttress material to be stapled to tissue while the remainder of the buttress material remains with the anvil or staple containing cartridge.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device particularly suited for endoscopic procedures is described. The device includes a handle assembly and an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly. The distal end of the elongated body is adapted to engage a disposable loading unit. A control rod having a proximal end operatively connected to the handle assembly includes a distal end extending through the elongated body. A control rod locking member is provided to prevent movement of the control rod until the disposable loading unit is fully secured to the elongated body of the stapling device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable implantable medical device, in particular an endoprosthesis body formed at least partly from a constructional material comprising deformable super-pure magnesium or alloy thereof further comprising one or more super-pure alloying elements. The constructional material has a high formability at room temperature, excellent corrosion stability in vivo, an optimum combination of mechanical properties (strength, plasticity) ideally suited for biodegradable endoprosthesises, particularly stents, as such and for various other technical applications.

Abstract: The surgical stapling apparatus includes a handle assembly, an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly, and an articulation mechanism for articulating a tool assembly. The articulation mechanism includes a first gear rotatably mounted on a transmission shaft and configured to engage a second gear, a clutch interconnecting the second gear and a main shaft; and a yoke shaft coupled to the main shaft and adapted to linearly advance a J-channel, the J-channel operatively connected to an articulation link. A motor assembly may rotate the transmission shaft of the articulation mechanism. Alternatively, the articulation mechanism may include an articulation knob. Users may manually rotate the articulation knob to articulate the tool assembly of the surgical stapling apparatus.

Abstract: The invention in certain aspects relates to a surgical fastener for fastening tissue segments having tissue surfaces. The fastener includes a first fastener member having a base and a piercing element connected to the base for piercing the tissue segments to be fastened, a second fastener member having an opening for receiving and retaining the piercing element of the first fastener member such that the tissue segments to be fastened are retained between the first and second fastening members, and means for promoting adhesion between the tissue surfaces. The invention also relates to related methods and devices for promoting adhesion of tissue segments and preventing fastener migration, especially in an endoscopic procedure for the treatment of GERD.

Abstract: A medical instrument having a tool assembly attachable to a distal end of the medical instrument is disclosed. The tool assembly includes a pair of opposing tissue engaging surfaces for clamping tissue therebetween. The medical instrument also includes a housing having a fixed handle and a movable handle mounted to the housing and selectively movable relative to the fixed handle from a first position in spaced relation relative to the fixed handle to a second position closer to the fixed handle to actuate the clamping of tissue. The instrument further includes a selectively activatable drive assembly including a power source and a motor which is operatively coupled to the movable handle, wherein upon actuation the motor actuates the pair of opposing tissue engaging surfaces. The drive assembly also includes a controller configured to variably control the rate at which the motor actuates the pair of opposing tissue engaging surfaces in response to the force exerted on the movable handle.

Abstract: A staple is provided having a backspan and a first and second legs extending distally from the backspan. Each of the first and second legs includes a bend dividing each leg into a traversing leg portion and a substantially linear clenching leg portion. A staple plate is positionable over the first and second legs between the backspan and the first and second clenching leg portions. An anvil assembly has first and second movable members which move toward to one another to engage outer surfaces of the first and second clenching leg portions. There is further disclosed a method of forming the staple through tissue.

Abstract: A buttressed anvil assembly is provided for use with a surgical stapling instrument. The buttressed anvil assembly generally includes an anvil member having a strip of buttress material attached thereto by a pair of sutures. A tensioning mechanism is provided to secure or tension the buttress material to the anvil member prior to use and allow for release of the buttress material after stapling of tissue. The tensioning mechanism includes a cinch track engageable with one of the pair of sutures.

Abstract: A surgical fastener applying apparatus comprising a cartridge body including a plurality of fastener retention slots arranged in a plurality of rows including at least an inner row and an outer row, a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in inner and outer rows and configured such that a plurality of fasteners disposed in the inner row have a backspan that has a greater height than a backspan of a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in the outer row, and an anvil having an inner row and an outer row of depressions for forming the fasteners. A plurality of pushers are operably associated with the plurality of surgical fasteners and configured to eject the surgical fasteners toward a respective depression in an anvil for formation thereof such that upon formation, the plurality of surgical fasteners ejected from the inner row provide a greater compressive force to tissue than the plurality of surgical fasteners ejected from the outer row.

Abstract: A surgical stapling system comprising a first staple, a second staple, and a bridge connecting the first staple and the second staple. In at least one embodiment, the first staple and the second staple are part of a strip of staples. For example, the first and second staples can be included in a strip of staples that includes several staples that are attached end-to-end and/or attached side-by side. In use, the strip, or strips, of staples are inserted into a stapler which can be used to insert the staples into soft tissue, for example, and deform at least a portion of the staples to hold the tissue, or several layers of tissue, together.

Abstract: A delivery device for delivering at least one surgical anchor into a patient's tissue is provided and includes a housing; a delivery tube with distal and proximal ends, the delivery tube including a retention member disposed at the distal end thereof and extending inwardly at an angle transverse with respect to a longitudinal axis of the delivery tube; and a reciprocating anchor carrier with distal and proximal positions and distal and proximal ends, the distal end of the anchor carrier terminating in a tissue penetrator member, the anchor carrier being moveable distally and proximally with respect to the delivery device, the tissue penetrator member defining an annular shoulder configured to removably retain a plurality of surgical anchors about the anchor carrier.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an assembly of a surgical instrument is disclosed. The assembly includes a housing, a cutting member relatively movable with respect to the housing, and an agent cartridge connected to the housing. The agent cartridge houses a medical agent. The assembly is configured to deliver the medical agent proximate a cutting surface of the cutting member.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device particularly suited for endoscopic procedures is described. The device includes a handle assembly and an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly. The distal end of the elongated body is adapted to engage a disposable loading unit. A control rod having a proximal end operatively connected to the handle assembly includes a distal end extending through the elongated body. A control rod locking member is provided to prevent movement of the control rod until the disposable loading unit is fully secured to the elongated body of the stapling device.

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: A sub-miniature surgical staple cartridge includes an elongated housing having longitudinally extending strips forming walls with a wall thickness preferably less than 0.015 inch. The walls define a plurality of longitudinally spaced pockets which receive a corresponding plurality of U-shaped surgical staples above generally flat corresponding drivers. The thin walls are formed of sheet metal or extruded plastics material or heat-formed sheet plastics material with the outer side walls having opposite end walls welded together or integrally connected. The outer side walls may be sheet metal enclosing sheet metal or plastic extruded internal walls, or the entire cartridge may be extruded of a plastics material or formed of sheet plastics material and have a plastic bottom wall.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument is provided having systems for securing buttress material to the anvil and staple containing cartridge associated with the surgical instrument. The system includes a retainer configured to engage the anvil or the staple containing cartridge and capture the buttress material between the retainer and the anvil or staple containing cartridge. The disclose retainer engages the anvil or staple containing cartridge in snap fit or friction fit fashion. The buttress material includes a circumferential perforation line enabling the center of the buttress material to be stapled to tissue while the remainder of the buttress material remains with the anvil or staple containing cartridge.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus comprises a handle assembly, an actuation shaft having a connector, and a retraction mechanism positioned within the handle assembly. The retraction mechanism includes a motor coupled to a transmission shaft, a first gear rotatably mounted on the transmission shaft, the first gear configured to engage a second gear, a clutch operatively attached to the second gear, a main shaft rotatably connected to the clutch, and a pulley coupled to the main shaft, the pulley being operatively attached to the connector. The connector and the pulley may be attached via a cable. The retraction mechanism may include a spring motor for maintaining the cable in tension. The spring motor may have a spring element wrapped around and interconnecting at least two arbors.

Abstract: The fastener, in rest position, lies fully flat along a general plane. It is in a deformable material perpendicular to the said general plane so that it is able to be deformed at the time of implanting. Starting from its distal end, it comprises a curved part curved along at least a main arc of a circle and a terminal part extending the curved part and passing through or close to the centre of the main arc of a circle. Advantageously, the curved part comprises: a main part curved along the main arc of a circle of mean radius R1 over an angular portion A1 of at least 120°, and an intermediate part, facing inwardly inside the main part, in an arc of a circle of mean radius R2 smaller than R1 over an angular portion A2. The applicator for the fastener comprises a storage and guide part comprising a helical housing in which the fastener is arranged in the deformed state.

Abstract: A surgical device for applying a plurality of surgical staples is provided. The device includes a staple fastening assembly attached to a surgical instrument. The staple fastening assembly includes a pair of cooperating jaws, a jaw operating mechanism, and a gap sensor. A staple magazine having a plurality of staples and an anvil member having a plurality of staple pockets are attached to the jaws. The staple magazine includes a staple crimping cam and a staple dimpling cam that are operatively coupled to the surgical instrument. The jaw operating mechanism is operatively connected to a drive assembly in the surgical instrument for moving the jaws for automatically setting a tissue gap between the cooperating jaws. The gap sensor cooperates with the jaw operating mechanism for controlling staple formation.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a stapling assembly including a staple cartridge for retaining and selectively releasing a plurality of staples, a forming member engageable by a staple during formation thereof, and first and second anvil sections for forming the staples. The first and second anvil sections are configured for independent actuation. A method of stapling first and second sections of tissue is also disclosed.