Abstract:
A blood vessel clip applicator preferably includes two twist pins at one end, between which a blood vessel is placed before occlusion. A magazine in the blood vessel clip applicator preferably holds a plurality of blood vessel clips and can be rotated independently from a grip assembly, whereby the twist pins can be rotated to compress a blood vessel held between them. A blood vessel clip is preferably placed on the blood vessel after it has been flattened. A blood vessel clip preferably comprises spring quality material, and preferably has a head connected to a first leg and a second leg. The magazine preferably has a constricted region adjacent to an exit aperture. As the head enters the constricted region, the compressive force exerted on the head by the constricted region opens the blood vessel clip to an open position. In an alternate embodiment, a plunger applies a blood vessel clip with a direct stroke. The plunger has a plurality of stepwise indentations used to restrain the blood vessel clips before application and for pushing them all forward substantially simultaneously during application. In an alternate embodiment, a variety of blood vessel clips having different shapes, cross-sections and grooves are suitable for use with the blood vessel clip applicator. The alternate blood vessel clip preferably have two legs in a “V” configuration and a head connecting the two legs. The constricted region compresses the head of the blood vessel clip as it passes through the constricted region, thereby closing the clip onto the blood vessel. These alternate embodiments may comprise substantially annealed metal.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for applying fasteners during endoscopic surgery. The apparatus generally comprises a handle portion, a triggering mechanism and a fastener applicator. One embodiment of the invention forms the fastener around a single focal point on an anvil. Another embodiment vertically stacks the fasteners in a fastener applicator which is readily detachable from the handle portion by virtue of a rotational locking system and which may be replaced with a new fastener applicator having a fresh load of vertically stacked fasteners. The various embodiments may be variously combined together in a single device. The methods generally include the following steps: forming a fastener by placing it over a single focal point anvil and pressing the fastener against the single focal point anvil using a slide.
Abstract:
A laparoscopic apparatus for tunneling dissection including a hollow tunneling member and an inflatable balloon disposed at the distal end of the tunneling member to form together a blunt tipped obturator. The tunneling member has a bore sized allow the insertion of a conventional laparoscope therein to provide observation during surgical procedures. The laparoscope provides direct observation of dissection through the open distal end of the tunneling member. Observation is provided both when the device is used to tunnel between tissue layers to a region of interest within the body of a patient, and during subsequent balloon inflation when the tissue layers are dissected to cause separation of the tissue layers and the creation of an anatomical working space. After the anatomic space has been created, the device and laparoscope are withdraw through the incision. If needed, a trocar can be inserted into the incision to provide access back to the previously created space where the surgical procedure is to be performed. The anatomic working space may be insufflated with an insufflation gas if required for the particular procedure. The apparatus is prepared for use by inserting the tunneling member into the interior of the balloon, forming the balloon into a generally cylindrical roll about the tunneling member, and preferably, through the use of an integral balloon cover, securing the balloon roll to the tunneling member to form a semi-rigid blunt tipped obturator.
Abstract:
A balloon device useful for dissecting tissue or retracting tissue for the purpose of providing space for laparoscopic surgery comprising a balloon having at least two protuberances in its distal region. The present device is particularly useful in bladder neck suspension and hernia repair procedures.
Abstract:
A blood vessel clip, preferably comprising spring quality material, has a head connected to a first leg and a second leg. Preferably, the two legs of the blood vessel clip are in a “V” configuration so that a blood vessel can be located therebetween. The blood vessel clip is adapted so that, when forced axially through a constricted region of a clip applicator, a compressive force is exerted on the head by the constricted region. This compressive force causes the legs of the clip to move closer relative to one another, thereby closing the clip and occluding a blood vessel located between the two legs. A variety of blood vessel clips having different shapes, cross-sections and grooves suitable for occluding a blood vessel are described.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for dissecting a first layer of tissue from a second layer of tissue and thereafter holding open an anatomic space for the performance of a surgical procedure. The method includes steps of making an incision in a body, introducing a deflated balloon dissector into the incision, inflating the balloon dissector to effect dissection of the first layer of tissue from the second layer of tissue, deploying a retractor within the anatomic space in order to hold open the anatomic space, and optionally deflating or evacuating the balloon dissector to open a cavity for surgical manipulations. The apparatus includes a combined dissector-retractor having a balloon retractor disposed upon the surface of the balloon dissector and integrated therewith.
Abstract:
A flexible, fluid-tight envelope provides access for a hand and surgical instruments through a body tissue incision while maintaining insufflation pressure or a pneumoperitoneum within the body. The envelope is transparent and has an interior volume with opposite proximal and distal ends. A first opening in the envelope at the proximal end adjoins the incision in the body tissue and is secured and sealed to the body tissue. The second opening at the envelope distal end is provided with a closure member that seals closed the second opening on itself or around the forearm of a surgeon or a surgical instrument inserted into the interior volume of the envelope.
Abstract:
Medical devices which are currently proposed to use elements made from shape memory alloys may be improved by the use of stress-induced martensite alloy elements instead. The use of stress-induced martensite decreases the temperature sensitivity of the devices, thereby making them easier to install and/or remove.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for dissecting a first layer of tissue from a second layer of tissue and thereafter holding open an anatomic space for the performance of a surgical procedure. The method includes steps of making an incision in a body, introducing a deflated balloon dissector into the incision, inflating the balloon dissector to effect dissection of the first layer of tissue from the second layer of tissue, deploying a retractor within the anatomic space in order to hold open the anatomic space, and optionally deflating or evacuating the balloon dissector to open a cavity for surgical manipulations. The apparatus includes a combined dissector-retractor having a balloon retractor disposed upon the surface of the balloon dissector and integrated therewith.
Abstract:
Apparatus for creating an anatomic space in tissue in a body of a patient using a cannula with proximal and distal extremities and a bore extending therethrough to provide an open end. A balloon having an inflated space is provided. The balloon is capable of assuming collapsed and inflated conditions. A retainer is carried by the balloon for forming the balloon when in a collapsed condition into a generally cylindrical roll to aid in inserting the balloon into the tissue. An obturator shaft having a rounded distal end is sized so that it extends through the cannula and into the roll. A laparoscope can be introduced into the obturator shaft to permit viewing through the obturator shaft and the balloon. An inflation tube is provided for inflating the balloon after it is disposed in the tissue to cause the balloon to progressively expand to create separation forces in the tissue to create the anatomic space.