Abstract:
A specimen retrieval instrument comprises a handle assembly, an actuating rod, an introducer tube, and a retrieval bag. In some versions the instrument includes a fixed arm and a buckling arm that attach to the retrieval bag and that are in communication with the actuating rod. Upon translation of the rod through the tube, the bag may be distally deployed from a proximal position within the introducer tube, and the buckling arm may open the bag for receiving a specimen. In some versions the instrument includes a support arm and a spring loop, with the spring loop attaching to the retrieval bag and the support arm attaching to the spring loop. The support arm and spring loop are in communication with the actuating rod such that movement of the rod deploys the bag from an initial position within the tube and opens the retrieval bag for receiving a specimen.
Abstract:
An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. The elongated member has a compressible ventral surface and a substantially rigid dorsal periphery, wherein the elongated member includes a fluid bladder positioned along the ventral surface. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. Alternate embodiments are also disclosed.
Abstract:
An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. The elongated member has a compressible ventral surface and a substantially rigid dorsal periphery, wherein the elongated member includes a fluid bladder positioned along the ventral surface. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. Alternate embodiments are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A biopsy device comprises a probe and a holster. The probe has a distally extending needle and a central thumbwheel coupled with the needle. The needle has a transverse tissue receiving aperture. A cutter is translatable relative to the needle to sever tissue protruding through the aperture. The central thumbwheel is manually operable to rotate the needle to reorient the angular position of the aperture about the longitudinal axis defined by the needle. The central thumbwheel is positioned coaxially with the longitudinal axis. An elongate sleeve unitarily couples the needle with the central thumbwheel. A cable driven mechanism in the holster drives the cutter. A rotatable tissue sample holder is coupled with the probe, and has chambers configured to receive tissue samples communicated proximally through a lumen defined by the cutter. A piezoelectric motor in the holster drives the tissue sample holder.
Abstract:
A surgical stapler includes first and second tissue clamping members and a reservoir configured to hold a tissue treatment composition. The first tissue clamping member is configured to receive a plurality of staples. The second tissue clamping member comprises an anvil configured to form the staples. The reservoir may be provided in a handle portion of the surgical stapler, and a fluid conduit may be used to communicate the tissue treatment composition from the reservoir. An end effector lumen may selectively communicate with the fluid conduit. The lumen may also be in communication with openings to further communicate the tissue treatment composition to tissue or to a scaffold material positioned adjacent to tissue. A reservoir may alternatively be provided in one of the clamping members. A knife member may pierce a housing defining the reservoir, and a resilient member may then urge a tissue treatment composition from the housing.
Abstract:
A specimen retrieval instrument comprises a handle assembly, an actuating rod, an introducer tube, and a retrieval bag. In some versions the instrument includes a fixed arm and a buckling arm that attach to the retrieval bag and that are in communication with the actuating rod. Upon translation of the rod through the tube, the bag may be distally deployed from a proximal position within the introducer tube, and the buckling arm may open the bag for receiving a specimen. In some versions the instrument includes a support arm and a spring loop, with the spring loop attaching to the retrieval bag and the support arm attaching to the spring loop. The support arm and spring loop are in communication with the actuating rod such that movement of the rod deploys the bag from an initial position within the tube and opens the retrieval bag for receiving a specimen.
Abstract:
An apparatus (22) for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member (36) having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element (32) is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element (35) is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. A load monitor ensures that excessive pressure is not applied to a patient's body organ or duct.
Abstract:
An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a transmission assembly extending from a body assembly that is configured to selectively couple to a disposable clamp arm. In some versions the clamp arm may include a tab that is insertable into a slot of an inner member such that actuation of the inner member rotates the clamp arm relative to a blade. In other versions the clamp arm may include a ball recess and the inner member may include a rod and ball. The clamp arm may be configured to snap onto the ball and rod. Alternatively, the clamp arm may include living hinges coupleable to an outer sheath and the inner member. Such living hinges may be unitarily formed with a clamp pad on the clamp arm. Further still, the clamp arm may be part of an end effector configured to couple to the transmission assembly via resilient tabs and slots.
Abstract:
A surgical stapler includes first and second tissue clamping members and a reservoir configured to hold a tissue treatment composition. The first tissue clamping member is configured to receive a plurality of staples. The second tissue clamping member comprises an anvil configured to form the staples. The reservoir may be provided in a handle portion of the surgical stapler, and a fluid conduit may be used to communicate the tissue treatment composition from the reservoir. An end effector lumen may selectively communicate with the fluid conduit. The lumen may also be in communication with openings to further communicate the tissue treatment composition to tissue or to a scaffold material positioned adjacent to tissue. A reservoir may alternatively be provided in one of the clamping members. A knife member may pierce a housing defining the reservoir, and a resilient member may then urge a tissue treatment composition from the housing.
Abstract:
A tissue retrieval device comprises a tissue retrieval bag and resilient arms. The bag is releasably engaged with the resilient arms. One or two resilient arms expand the bag along a first plane to open the mouth of the bag. Another resilient arm expands the bag along a second plane to unfurl the bag. The first plane is substantially perpendicular to the second plane. The device further comprises a support tube having a passageway and a push/pull rod slidingly positioned within the passageway. The resilient arms are engaged with the push/pull rod such that the resilient arms and the push/pull rod travel uniformly relative to the longitudinal axis of the support tube. The arms collapse within the support tube and are resiliency biased to extend outwardly when the push/pull rod is translated distally relative to the support tube to expose the bag and arms.