Abstract:
An end-effector assembly configured to be attached to a surgical instrument. The end- effector assembly comprises a first portion and a second portion comprising a cavity. At least one of the first portion and the second portion is movable relative to the other jaw. The end- effector assembly comprises a fastening means removably positioned within the cavity and at least one electrode.
Abstract:
Various embodiments are directed to a surgical instrument comprising, a shaft, and an end effector. The shaft may be coupled to the handle and may extend distally along a longitudinal axis. The end effector may be positioned at a distal end of the shaft and may comprise first and second jaw members and a reciprocating member. The first and second jaw members may define first and second longitudinal slots. One or both of the jaw members may be pivotable relative to the other about a pivot point. The reciprocating member may be translatable distally and proximally parallel to the longitudinal axis and through the first and second longitudinal slots. A distal portion of the reciprocating member may define a blade. The instrument may comprise an overtube translatable distally to exert a force on a portions of the first and second jaw members tending to close the first and second jaw members.
Abstract:
An implantable restriction device (10) includes a belt (30) and a balloon (32) secured to the belt for engagement with tissue when the implantable restriction device is positioned about the stomach. A spacer (14) is associated with the belt for maintaining the restriction device in a spaced relation with a staple line employed during gastric reduction surgery.
Abstract:
A connector configured to receive electrical energy from an energy source. A fastener is coupled to the connector. The fastener is configured for attachment through a tissue wall. A first electrode includes at least one electrically conductive portion and is coupled to the connector by a first electrically conductive wire.
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:
A surgical instrument includes an ablation device. The ablation device includes an elongated flexible member having a proximal end and a distal end. The flexible member includes first and second lumens. A first needle electrode is configured to slideably move within the first lumen. A second needle electrode is located within the second lumen. The first and second needle electrodes are adapted to couple to an electrical waveform generator and to receive an electrical waveform sufficient to electrically ablate tissue located between the first and second needle electrodes. A clamp jaw portion may be located at the distal end of the elongated flexible member. The clamp jaw portion is operatively movable from an open position to a closed position. A cutting blade may be located in the clamp jaw portion. A blunt dissection portion may be formed on the clamp jaw portion. The clamp jaw portion is adapted to couple to an electrical waveform generator and to receive an electrical waveform.
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:
Devices and methods useful for manipulating tools at a surgical site are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, an accessory device is provided and can include an insertion member and a control wire. The insertion member can have a lumen for receiving a tool therethrough, such as an endoscope. The control wire can be coupled to the insertion member and have a distal portion extending distally from the insertion member and be adapted to receive and to manipulate a tool extending through the insertion member. The control wire can have a wide variety of configurations, and in certain exemplary embodiments the control wire can be slidably received in one or more control wire lumens formed through the insertion member. In use, the control wire can be manipulated, for example by axially sliding the control wire in one or more control wire lumens to control a tool.
Abstract:
An ablation device is provided. Electrodes are supported on counter rotating rollers. The rollers can be rotated to provide a desired spacing between the two electrodes. The rollers and electrodes can be associated with a side opening in a housing supported at a distal end of a flexible, elongated overtube sized to receive an endoscope.
Abstract:
A first medical instrument includes a flexible catheter having a distal end which has a substantially bullet-nose shape, which is insertable into a body lumen of a patient, and which has at least one guidewire passageway opening. The first medical instrument also includes a medical guidewire having a working portion extendable beyond the at-least-one guidewire passageway opening. A second medical instrument includes a flexible catheter, a medical guidewire having a working portion extendable beyond the distal end of the catheter, and at least one wire length counter which is operably connectable to the medical guidewire to measure a length of the working portion being extended beyond the distal end of the catheter. A third medical instrument includes a flexible catheter, a medical guidewire, and a force/torque-limiting clutch operatively connectable to the medical guidewire.