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:
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.
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:
An arcuate nitinol splint (10, 40, 50) with a rounded cross-section has two ends facing each other and spaced from each other. The splint is advanced through the mouth into the esophagus by an introducer device. By means of the device the splint is implanted completely into the wall of the esophageal sphincter to strengthen the sphincter. Materials other than Nitinol may be used.
Abstract:
A compression ring (28, 64, 74, 80, 88, 92, 96, 102, 108, 114, 120, 144, 152, 200, 210, 212, 228, 262) to grip and compress body structure such as diverticulum, hemorrhoids, and tissue adjacent a hole. A resilient ring-shaped body defines a compression channel, and one or more axially rigid elongated spikes (70, 78, 86, 94, 98, 104, 106. 112, 326, 206) extend from the body into the channel. The body defines a first axial segment (64a, 82) surrounding the compression channel and a second axiai segment (64b, 84) surrounding the compression channel, with the spike being engaged only with the second axial segment. The first axial segment more tightly compresses the body structure than the second axial segment.
Abstract:
A tissue retractor for retracting tissue opened by an incision, said tissue retractor including a base support unit having a topside and an underside. The topside comprises at least one securing mechanism and the underside is adapted to be conformable and to be removably attachable to a surface proximate to the incision. The tissue retractor also includes at least one tissue hook having a tissue engagement portion and a mounting portion, wherein the tissue engagement portion is capable of engaging at least the periphery of the incision. The tissue retractor also includes at least one retractable member substantially inelastic in its central longitudinal axis and bendable in any axes deviating from said central longitudinal axis. The retractable member is adapted to receive the mounting portion of the tissue hook, wherein said retractable member is adapted to be removably attachable to said securing mechanism on the topside of the base support unit, and wherein said retractable member is retractable away from the incision, such that the tissue engagement portion retracts tissue it is engaged to.
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:
This invention relates to mutant enzymes with enhanced properties and processes for oxidation of organic compound substrates using such enzymes.