A system and a method are disclosed for forming an anastomosis between a first layer of tissue and a second layer of tissue of a patient's body. The system includes a first anastomosis device component and a second anastomosis device component configured to interact with the first anastomosis device component. The first anastomosis device component is configured to be delivered to a first lumen inside the patient's body. The second anastomosis device component is configured to be delivered to a second lumen inside the patient's body. The second anastomosis device includes one or more sensors configured to capture sensor data for determining an alignment of the second anastomosis device component relative to the first anastomosis device component, or for characterizing the position or orientation of the second anastomosis device component in three-dimensional space.

A surgical instrument that includes an elongated shaft that defines defining a central axis. The elongated shaft may have a distal end portion that is configured to operably support a circular staple cartridge therein. A tissue acquisition shaft may be axially movable within the elongated shaft such that a distal end portion of the tissue acquisition shaft may be distally advanced beyond the distal end portion of the elongated shaft. At least one tissue acquisition member may be pivotally attached to the distal end portion of the tissue acquisition shaft such that at least one tissue acquisition member is selectively pivotable about a corresponding acquisition axis that is substantially parallel to the central axis from a retracted position to deployed positions upon application of a deployment motion thereto. Various embodiments include an annular cutting member that is supported by the distal end of the elongated shaft for selective axial travel relative thereto.

A suture device is utilized in forming a purse string suture during, e.g., laparoscopic end to end anastomosis procedure, to effect joining of two opposing intestinal sections. The suture device is utilized in other procedures such as, e.g., transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) for removal of low rectal and ultra-low rectal tumors and preservation of anal sphincters to avoid permanent stomas. In particular, the suture device is utilized in forming surgical stitches used to close an internal anal structure or to narrow a passage for performing further transanal dissection to create total mesorectal excision.

A tissue monitoring system includes a sensor, a sensor reader, and at least one computing device. The sensor is releasably coupled to a staple by a tether and is configured to measure a physiological parameter of tissue and convert the measurement into a signal. The sensor reader is configured to receive the signal from the sensor and the at least one computing device is configured to receive the signal from the sensor reader and process the signal into physiological data. The sensor is implanted in tissue by the staple.

The invention concerns delivering paired magnetic anastomosis devices to either side of tissues to be joined. The magnetic anastomosis devices are coupled to a guide element that facilitates delivery and manipulation of the devices when using minimally-invasive techniques such as endoscopy and laparoscopy. Elongated manipulators and guide tubes ae also disclosed that improve a user's dexterity with the devices during placement.

Implantable medical devices for connecting tissue layers or occluding body conduits and tissue structures include apposition portions, a central region, and a covering material. The methods of using the devices include endoscopic deployment, and the devices may include self-expanding frameworks that facilitate a secure connection between the tissue structures. In some embodiments, one or more tethers are used to longitudinally contract the device in situ.

A method for deforming a staple comprising a base, a first staple leg, and a second staple leg, wherein the base, the first staple leg, and the second staple leg are positioned within a common plane prior to being deformed, the method comprising positioning the first staple leg within a first cup of a staple pocket, the first cup comprising a first inner surface, applying a first compressive force to the first staple leg to bend the first staple leg toward the base and the second staple leg, contacting the first inner surface with the end of the first staple leg to bend the end of the first staple leg toward a first side of the base, and deforming the first staple leg such that the end of the first staple leg crosses a mid-line of the staple defined between the first staple leg and the second staple leg.

A surgical system is disclosed including an end effector, a control circuit, a closure member, and a firing member. The end effector includes a first jaw, a second jaw, and an electrode. The first jaw is rotatable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a close position to capture tissue therebetween. The electrode is configured to conduct a sub-therapeutic RF current to the tissue. The control circuit is operably coupled to the electrode. The control circuit is configured to measure impedance of the tissue over time based on the sub-therapeutic RF current. The closure member is configured to move the first jaw towards the second jaw at a closure rate based on the impedance of the tissue. The firing member is configured to move within the end effectors towards a fired position at a firing rate based on the impedance of the tissue.

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices and establishing fluid communication between body lumens. In particular, the present disclosure relates to devices and methods for establishing a controlled flow or access passage between body lumens.

A method is used to manufacture an anvil of a circular surgical stapler. The anvil includes a head and a coupling feature that extends proximally from the head. The method includes forming each of the head and the coupling feature using at least one metal injection molding process. The method also includes after forming the coupling feature, machining a through bore into the coupling feature that extends completely through the coupling feature along a longitudinal axis of the coupling feature.