Abstract:
Endoscopic instrument management systems are described herein which allow one or more operators to manage multiple different instruments utilized in endoscopic procedures. In one aspect, responsibility for instrumentation management between one or more operators may be configured such that a first set of instruments is controlled by a primary operator and a second set of instruments is controlled by a secondary operator. The division of instrumentation may be facilitated by the use of separated instrumentation platforms or a single platform which separates each instrument for use by the primary operator. Such platforms may be configured as trays, instrument support arms, multi-instrument channels, as well as rigidized portions of instruments to facilitate its handling, among others. In another aspect, one or more plastically deformable instrument manifolds are provided to guide flexible endoscopic instruments into and through an endoscopic access device.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods are provided for mapping out endoluminal gastrointestinal surgery, including endoluminal gastric reduction. Mapping is achieved by locally marking the interior of the gastrointestinal lumen at specified locations. In some variations, mucosectomy and/or mucosal ablation are performed to map out endoluminal GI surgery, to facilitate direct endoluminal engagement of underlying muscularis tissue and/or to initiate a wound healing response. Specialized apparatus may be provided to achieve desired spacing and/or positioning of tissue markings, as well as to actually form the markings. Methods of using apparatus of the present invention are provided.
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 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.A method for making the surgical access device includes the combining of a gelling agent with an oil, preferably in a molding process. A method for using the device includes steps for creating an opening with the instrument. In a particular process, an organ can be removed from the body cavity through the single valve to create an organ seal while the organ is addressed externally of the body cavity. The valve and method are particularly adapted for laparoscopic surgery wherein the abdominal cavity is insufflated with a gas thereby requiring the zero seal, the instrument seal, and the organ seal in various procedures.
Abstract:
A ligature delivery device includes a control member, an elongated shaft, and an end effector attached to the distal end of the elongated shaft. An activation mechanism provides an user-operable connection between the control member and the end effector. In several embodiments, the end effector includes a reverse grasping mechanism. Several embodiments of ligature devices are adapted to be deployed endoscopically and/or translumenally using the reverse-grasping delivery device.
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:
An endoscopic system includes a sheath having a flexible sheath body. A tip is attached to a distal end of the sheath body. A handle is attached to the proximal end of the sheath body. A steerable section may be provided in the sheath adjacent to the tip. Steering controls may then be provided on the handle for steering the steerable section. Lumens extend from the tip to the handle. The distal end of each lumen is sealed to the tip. Bodily fluids can only enter into the lumens and not other areas within the sheath. A shapelock assembly has an elongated hollow body positionable within the sheath body. The shapelock body may be switched between generally rigid and flexible conditions. The sheath provides a sterile barrier around the shapelock body. The shapelock assembly can be readily reused and the sheath may be disposable.
Abstract:
Apparatus 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:
A surgical wound retractor is adapted to dilate a wound to a desired diameter. The retractor includes first and second rings, each having a diameter greater than that desired for the wound. The first and second rings are adapted for disposition interiorly and exteriorly of the wound, respectively. A plurality of retraction elements is disposed in a generally cylindrical relationship between the first and second rings and extends through the wound to exert a radial retraction force on the wound that is dependent on the distance separating the first and second rings. Retraction elements, both distensible and non-distensible, are contemplated with appropriate attachment elements at the rings to provide for variations in the retraction force. With a suitable retraction sleeve, a third ring can be provided to form a circumferential retainer to vary the retraction force. Rings can also be made inflatable or self-expanding to vary the retraction force.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods are provided for placing and advancing a diagnostic or therapeutic instrument in a hollow body organ of a tortuous or unsupported anatomy, comprising a handle, an overtube disposed within a hydrophilic sheath, and a distal region having an atraumatic tip. The overtube may be removable from the handle, and have a longitudinal axis disposed at an angle relative to the handle. The sheath may be disposable to permit reuse of the overtube. Fail-safe tensioning mechanisms may be provided to selectively stiffen the overtube to reduce distension of the organ caused by advancement of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument. The fail-safe tensioning mechanisms reduce the risk of reconfiguration of the overtube in the event that the tension system fails, and, in one embodiment, rigidizes the overtube without substantial proximal movement of the distal region. The distal region permits passive steering of the overtube caused by deflection of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument, while the atraumatic tip prevents the wall of the organ from becoming caught or pinched during manipulation of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument.