Apparatus and methods are provided for performing a medical procedure, such as a laparoscopic appendectomy using a stapler apparatus including a reusable handle portion including a shaft include proximal and distal ends, a disposable end effector attached to the distal end of the shaft of the reusable handle carrying one or more staples. For example, the end effector may include first and second jaws movable relative to one another between open and closed positions, the first jaw carrying a cartridge which includes the one or more staples. A Doppler sensor, a cutting element, and, optionally, a thermal element are also provided on the end effector. The end effector is introduced into a patient's body, tissue is positioned/locked between the jaws, and a plurality of staples are deployed into the tissue. The Doppler sensor is used to confirm that blood flow has discontinued in the stapled tissue, and the cutting element is actuated to sever the stapled tissue.

An appendectomy model for surgical training is provided. The model includes a simulated large intestine with a central lumen interconnected with a lumen of an artificial appendix. The model also includes a simulated appendiceal artery, simulated mesoappendix and a simulated ileum. The simulated ileum made of white silicone is embedded between a first layer of pink silicone and a second layer of pink silicone to create a realistic anatomical landmark particularly suitable for laparoscopic appendectomy training.

A method of measuring risk assessment in a patient is disclosed. The method comprises: (a) measuring the TRAIL protein level in a blood sample of the patient; (b) measuring the level of at least one disease-associated parameter in the patient; and (c) providing a risk assessment based on the combination of said TRAIL protein level and said disease-associated parameter level.

A method of removing an appendix (9) includes the steps of accessing the abdomen of a patient, insufflating the abdominal cavity, and sealing and cutting the appendicular artery and vein. A sheath is introduced into the abdominal cavity and placed over the appendix, while the appendix is still attached to the colon. The sheath is secured the sheath in place over the appendix using a securing device to secure the sheath with respect to the proximal end of the appendix, and then the proximal end of the appendix is ligated. The appendix is dissected from the colon, and the sheath containing the appendix is removed from the abdomen of the patient. The procedure can be a NOTES procedure, using a natural orifice, or laparoscopic using one or more incisions created in the abdomen. The ligation and dissection can be performed within the abdomen, or after the appendix is pulled through one of the incisions, such that the ligation and/or dissection is carried out outside the abdomen.

In certain aspects, the invention relates to processes for using renally excretable optical agents to detect one or more tissues of the renal system of a surgical patient. In certain aspects, the invention relates to a kit including a biocompatible composition containing one or more optical agents and instructions for using the optical agent(s) in a process of the present invention.

In certain aspects, the invention relates to processes for using renally excretable optical agents to detect one or more tissues of the renal system of a surgical patient. In certain aspects, the invention relates to a kit including a biocompatible composition containing one or more optical agents and instructions for using the optical agent(s) in a process of the present invention.

Disclosed are methods and devices for minimally-invasive appendectomies. The methods may comprise inserting an inverter apparatus into an interior cavity of the appendix of a subject and inverting the appendix, closing the base portion of the inverted appendix with the one or more closure devices, separating the inverted appendix from the cecum with a separation apparatus positioned at the base portion of the inverted appendix adjacent to the one or more closure devices, and removing the separated appendix from the subject through the colon.

In certain aspects, the invention relates to processes for using renally excretable optical agents to detect one or more tissues of the renal system of a surgical patient. In certain aspects, the invention relates to a kit including a biocompatible composition containing one or more optical agents and instructions for using the optical agent(s) in a process of the present invention.

In certain aspects, the invention relates to processes for using renally excretable optical agents to detect one or more tissues of the renal system of a surgical patient. In certain aspects, the invention relates to a kit including a biocompatible composition containing one or more optical agents and instructions for using the optical agent(s) in a process of the present invention.

A device having endoscopic loops for laparoscopic surgery, such as an appendectomy, and methods of using the device. The device includes a longitudinal body having a proximal end and a distal end, and a first loop spaced apart from a second loop at the distal end. The first loop is configured to secure an appendage at a first point and the second loop secures the appendage at a second point. A handle is located at the proximal end and is connected to the first loop and the second loop such that when the handle is pulled away from the longitudinal body the first loop further secures the appendage at the first point and the second loop further secures the appendage at the second point.