Abstract:
Devices and methods for laparoscopically repairing a hernia are described. In some embodiments, a laparoscopic instrument is used to deploy one or more tissue anchor assemblies into the edges of the fascia tissue surrounding or adjacent to the hernia defect. The tissue anchor assemblies are used to cause the fascia tissue to be approximated to facilitate the repair procedure, to improve healing, and to reduce the incidence of recurrence.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods are provided for forming a gastrointestinal tissue fold by engaging tissue at a first tissue contact point, moving the first tissue contact point from a position initially distal to a second tissue contact point to a position proximal of the second contact point to form a tissue fold, and extending an anchor assembly through the tissue fold near the second tissue contact point.
Abstract:
Needle assemblies for tissue manipulation 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. A needle deployment assembly is deployable through the tissue manipulation assembly via a handle assembly, through the tubular member, and into or through tissue. An elongate pusher is translationally disposed within a sheath of the needle deployment assembly and can be urged distally for deploying an anchor assembly from the sheath distal end. The anchor assembly is positioned distally of the pusher within the sheath.
Abstract:
A surgical access device includes a single valve that forms a seal with the body wall and provides an access channel into a body cavity. The valve has properties for creating a zero seal in the absence of an instrument as well as an instrument seal with instruments having a full range of instrument diameter. The valve can include a gel and preferably an ultragel comprised of an elastomer and an oil providing elongation greater than 1000 percent and durometer less than 5 Shore A. The single valve can be used as a hand port where the instrument comprises the arm of a surgeon, thereby providing hand access into the cavity.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods are provided for forming a gastrointestinal tissue fold by engaging tissue at a first tissue contact point, moving the first tissue contact point from a position initially distal to a second tissue contact point to a position proximal of the second contact point to form a tissue fold, and extending an anchor assembly through the tissue fold near the second tissue contact point.
Abstract:
A surgical access device includes an access seal adapted to be disposed within an incision within an abdominal wall. The access seal has an external flange adapted to be disposed external to the abdominal wall and an internal flange adapted to be disposed internal to the abdominal wall. The access seal with flanges is formed monolithically. There are access channels through the access seal. The access channels span the thickness of the abdominal wall and form working channels between a location external to the abdominal wall and a location internal to the abdominal wall. The access seal is formed of an elastomeric material adapted to conform to a surface of an instrument inserted through the working channel to form an instrument seal along a length spanning the thickness of the abdominal wall. The elastomeric material is adapted to form an abdominal seal within the abdominal wall.
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:
Systems, devices and methods are provided for endoscopic procedures involving tissue manipulations beyond the capabilities of traditional endoscopic instruments. Embodiments of the systems include an elongated main body having a scope therethrough. Some embodiments of the systems include an elongated main body which is rigidizable and/or torque transmitting to improve manipulation through passageways in the body.
Abstract:
Tissue manipulation and securement systems are described herein. A tissue manipulation assembly is pivotably coupled to the distal end of a tubular member and has a lower jaw member and an upper jaw member pivotably coupled to the lower jaw member. A reconfigurable launch tube is also pivotably coupled to the upper jaw member and is used to urge the jaw members from a low-profile configuration to an open configuration for receiving tissue. The tissue manipulation assembly may be advanced through a shape-lockable endoscopic device, a conventional endoscope, or directly by itself into a patient. A second tool can be used in combination with the tissue manipulation assembly to engage tissue and manipulate the tissue in conjunction with the tissue manipulation assembly.
Abstract:
Apparatus & methods for endoscopic suturing are described herein. A distal tip of the endoscopic device engages the tissue and then approximates the engaged tissue to form a tissue fold. A needle body positioned within a flexible catheter is deployed into or through the newly created tissue fold where it is then detached or released from the endoscopic device. The needle body has a length of suture which depends therefrom and can be used to secure the tissue fold. The entire endoscopic device or its tissue engaging assembly can then be rotated relative to the tissue fold while maintaining engagement with the tissue to maneuver the flexible catheter to the opposing side of the penetrated tissue fold. This procedure can be repeated any number of times to create an interrupted, continuous, or running suture to secure the tissue fold.