Abstract:
Devices and methods useful for translumenally accessing a body cavity are disclosed. In one embodiment, a translumenal access device adapted to be inserted through a body lumen is provided and can include an inner shaft having an opening at its distal end and adapted to be positioned adjacent to an inner wall of a body lumen. The inner shaft can include one or more sealing mechanisms, such as one or more seals with suction ports formed thereon for isolating a portion of a body lumen. The isolated portion may be sterilized and serve as an access point or otomy site for penetrating the wall of the body lumen to access a body cavity.
Abstract:
An overtube for use with an endoscopic surgical instrument. In various embodiments, the overtube may comprise a substantially flexible helically wound continuous member forming a series of helical coils that define a hollow passage sized to receive a portion of the endoscopic surgical instrument therethrough. The coils may be configured to selectively interlock with each other to stiffen the overtube. An actuation system may be employed to steer the overtube and selectively stiffen it. Some embodiments include a second substantially flexible helically wound member that may be selectively wound between the first substantially flexible helically wound member or segments thereof.
Abstract:
In various surgical techniques, a bipolar forceps can be used to seal a vessel in two locations such that the vessel can be incised at a location positioned intermediate the two seal locations. The bipolar forceps can include a cutting element which can be configured to incise the vessel. In various embodiments, the cutting element can include a sharp edge which can be moved relative to the vessel. In at least one embodiment, the cutting element can be electrically connected to a source of energy. The bipolar forceps can include first and second electrodes positioned within first and second jaw members, respectively, wherein at least one of the jaw members can include a substantially tapered profile and can be configured to pull the vessel away from the surrounding soft tissue. Such jaw members can include ridges, teeth, and/or a textured outer surface configured to grip the soft tissue and/or vessel. A bipolar forceps including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a conductor operably connected to an electrical source, wherein the conductor can be selectively placed in electrical communication with the first electrode when the first electrode is moved between open and closed positions. The conductor can include a contact end which is not in contact with the first electrode when the first electrode is in its open position. In such an open position, the first electrode may not be in electrical communication with the electrical source and, as a result, current may not flow through the first electrode. The first electrode can be moved into its closed position such that the first electrode is in contact with the contact end of the wire. In such a closed position, the first electrode may be in electrical communication with the electrical source allowing current to flow through the first electrode.
Abstract:
A single port surgical method comprises inserting only a single trocar (22) through the abdominal wall; inserting a camera (42) into the abdominal cavity; magnetically anchoring the camera to the abdominal wall; obtaining a first instrument (54) comprising an elongate shaft with a distal end and a proximal end connected to a first handle; passing the distal end of the first instrument through the abdominal wall independent of a trocar; attaching in vivo an end effector (52) to the distal end of the first surgical instrument; obtaining a second instrument (64) comprising an elongate shaft with a distal end with an end effector (62) and a proximal end connected to a second handle; passing the distal end of the second instrument through the trocar; and manipulating tissue in the abdominal cavity with the first and second surgical instrument end effectors under visualization from the magnetically anchored camera. A surgical kit comprises two percutaneous instruments (121, 122) each having an elongate shaft with a distal end and a proximal end connected to a handle; at least two end effectors (124) attachable and detachable to the distal ends of the percutaneous instruments; a laparoscopic loader (123) adapted to receive the end effectors; a trocar; and a laparoscopic surgical stapler (125). The surgical kit may further comprise laparoscopic energy based clamping and coagulating device (327) and/or a laparoscopic suture device (524). Optionally, the surgical kit may further comprised a third percutaneous instrument having an elongate shaft with a distal end and a proximal end connected to a handle, and at least three end effectors attachable and detachable to the distal ends of the percutaneous instruments. The surgical kit may further comprise a magnetic camera and/or a magnetic external control unit adapted to anchor a magnetic camera. The components of the surgical kit may be contained in a sterile sealed package.
Abstract:
A surgical instrument configured to deliver electrical energy to the tissue of a patient, comprising a first electrode comprising a distal portion configured to contact the tissue and a second electrode comprising a distal portion configured to be inserted into the tissue, wherein the distal portion of the second electrode at least partially encompasses the distal portion of the first electrode.
Abstract:
An overtube for use with an endoscopic surgical instrument. In various embodiments, the overtube may comprise a substantially flexible helically wound continuous member forming a series of helical coils that define a hollow passage sized to receive a portion of the endoscopic surgical instrument therethrough. The coils may be configured to selectively interlock with each other to stiffen the overtube. An actuation system may be employed to steer the overtube and selectively stiffen it. Some embodiments include a second substantially flexible helically wound member that may be selectively wound between the first substantially flexible helically wound member or segments thereof.
Abstract:
Methods and devices are provided for grasping and manipulating tissue or organs. In an exemplary embodiment, a magnetic substance is introduced into an organ, and a magnetic element is positioned adjacent to the organ to generate a magnetic field between the magnetic element and the magnetic substance, such that the magnetic element is effective to move the organ. The methods and devices are particularly useful for manipulating tissue or organs during minimally invasive surgical procedures.
Abstract:
A surgical device comprises an ex vivo magnet and an in vivo sled magnetically attracted to the ex vivo magnet. The sled can be positioned and anchored within a patient by moving the ex vivo magnet. The sled defines a longitudinal axis. An arm extends from the sled. The arm is moveable relative the sled between a retracted position and an extended position. The arm comprises an end effector. A locking mechanism operatively connected to the arm to lock the arm in the retracted and extended positions. The mechanism may include a rack that both rotates about a pinion and translates tangentially about the pinion.
Abstract:
A single port surgical method comprises inserting only a single trocar through the abdominal wall; inserting a camera into the abdominal cavity; magnetically anchoring the camera to the abdominal wall; obtaining a first instrument comprising an elongate shaft with a distal end and a proximal end connected to a first handle; passing the distal end of the first instrument through the abdominal wall independent of a trocar; attaching in vivo an end effector to the distal end of the first surgical instrument; obtaining a second instrument comprising an elongate shaft with a distal end with an end effector and a proximal end connected to a second handle; passing the distal end of the second instrument through the trocar; and manipulating tissue in the abdominal cavity with the first and second surgical instrument end effectors under visualization from the magnetically anchored camera. A surgical kit comprises two percutaneous instruments each having an elongate shaft with a distal end and a proximal end connected to a handle; at least two end effectors attachable and detachable to the distal ends of the percutaneous instruments; a laparoscopic loader adapted to receive the end effectors; a trocar; and a laparoscopic surgical stapler. The surgical kit may further comprise laparoscopic energy based clamping and coagulating device and/or a laparoscopic suture device. Optionally, the surgical kit may further comprised a third percutaneous instrument having an elongate shaft with a distal end and a proximal end connected to a handle, and at least three end effectors attachable and detachable to the distal ends of the percutaneous instruments. The surgical kit may further comprise a magnetic camera and/or a magnetic external control unit adapted to anchor a magnetic camera. The components of the surgical kit may be contained in a sterile sealed package.
Abstract:
Various surgical devices, kits, and/or methods are provided herein that may be useful in performing a surgical procedure through a natural orifice. Such a surgical procedure may utilize one or more devices, kits, and/or methods to create an access port to a body cavity of a patient, to perform a specific surgical procedure, and to close the access port. In various embodiments, the specific surgical procedure may comprise a sleeve gastrectomy, a ventral hernia repair, a hybrid transgastric cholecystectomy, and/or a hybrid transgastric appendectomy.