Abstract:
Systems and methods are disclosed for the inversion of gastro intestinal diverticula and repair of associated intestinal wall tissue by means of endoscopy through a natural orifice such as the mouth or anus without making incisions in the abdominal wall or opening the peritoneal cavity.
Abstract:
In one embodiment the present invention provides a wireless communication system for medical sensor data. This communications system includes a portable unit that connects to a wireless sensor and a monitor unit that connects to a sensor monitor. Once activated, the units will self organize into a wireless communication structure controlled by the portable unit. As other pairs of units activate, they can self-organize their transmissions by joining an existing network or by creating new networks.
Abstract:
A compression ring (10, 34, 52, 70, 100) to grip and compress body structure such as diverticulum, hemorrhoids, and tissue adjacent a hole. A resilient ring shaped body (12, 36, 54, 72, 102) defines a compression channel (14, 38, 56, 74, 104), and an elongated axially rigid gripping member (16, 40, 58, 76, 106) extends diametrically across the through-opening. The gripping member (106) can rest on a flange (108) on the opposite side of the through-opening or engage with a second gripping member (42, 60, 78) that extends diametrically across the through-opening from the opposite side of the ring. Or, a flexible cage structure (124) can be disposed in the through-opening.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a device and related method for sealing and/or dissecting body tissue using a reverse action instrument. The devices and methods described permit laparoscopic or natural body orifice access to an anatomical space and facilitate sealing portions of tissue together, dissecting tissue or combinations thereof. A surgical instrument for sealing and dissecting body tissue is described having distal and proximal ends with an elongated body. The body includes a jaw member positioned at the distal end that is defined by a stationary arm and a pivotable arm. A moveable closure sleeve is disposed at least partially about the body and the closure sleeve is configured such that coaxial movement of the sleeve along the longitudinal axis of the body causes the jaw member to open or close.
Abstract:
A transuterine cannula (40, 100, 130, 172, 180, 200, 220, 226) through which an endoscope (46, 106, 132, 150, 252) can be advanced into the peritoneal space to provide visualization of tissue cutting in the peritoneal space pursuant to a vaginal hysterectomy.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for minimally invasive stabilization, manipulation and/or removal of body cavities or organs in the body through the skin or natural body orifices. A magnet is delivered into an organ, the position of the organ is stabilized with an opposing magnetic retrieval device positioned outside the organ, and the organ is ligated and removed from the body through the skin or a natural body orifice. This magnetic linkage between an internal body cavity with a retrieval device may be used to hold the position of the body cavity steady during resection and aid in the removal of that structure from the body. The magnet may be a balloon filled with a magnetic gel or fluid.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for minimally invasive stabilization, manipulation and/or removal of body cavities or organs in the body through the skin or natural body orifices. A magnet is delivered into an organ, the position of the organ is stabilized with an opposing magnetic retrieval device positioned outside the organ, and the organ is ligated and removed from the body through the skin or a natural body orifice. This magnetic linkage between an internal body cavity with a retrieval device may be used to hold the position of the body cavity steady during resection and aid in the removal of that structure from the body. The magnet may be a balloon filled with a magnetic gel or fluid.
Abstract:
A working cannula (24) is advanced through a natural orifice into a body organ such as the bladder. Gas is infused through the cannula (24) into the bladder, pressurizing the bladder. A fenestrating shunt catheter (10, 60, 100, 200, 300) is then advanced through the urethra into the bladder and against the wall of the bladder, fenestrating it. A distal segment (38, 102, 202) of the shunt catheter is then advanced through the wall into the peritoneal space, while a more proximal segment (40, 108, 208) of the shunt catheter remains in the bladder. Shunt holes (30. 42, 64, 106, 110, 206, 210) are formed m both the distal segment and more proximal segment so that gas from the pressurized bladder flows through the shunt holes into the peritoneal space, insufflating the peritoneal space.
Abstract:
An outer tube (12, 72, 80) for natural orifice surgery. The outer tube (12, 72, 80) can have interchangeable inserts (22) to establish a desired size and number of lumens. A distal tapered soft plastic plug (28, 50, 70) may be provided to cover the distal end of the tube (12, 72, 80). Different segments (32, 34) of the tube (12, 72, 80) may have different stiffness characteristics. Various plugs (120, 130, 152, 160, 164, 180 190, 240, 250) are also disclosed that can be proximally removable using various means (126, 138, 158, 162, 166, 184, 198) for deforming the plug to permit the plug to be retrieved through the outer tube.
Abstract:
A brush-like element (30, 40, 46, 54, 202) can be housed within a vacuum sleeve (12, 42, 48, 56, 104, 206) for advancement through a natural orifice to tissue, such as an appendix or gall bladder or diverticulum, to be inverted pursuant to resolution of a malady associated with the tissue. The brush is advanced out of the sleeve into the tissue and if desired rotated, and vacuum may also be drawn through the sleeve to further grip the tissue. The brush is then retracted into the sleeve to clamp or trap the tissue for inversion or other manipulation.