A surgical method for restricting the size of a RYGBP patient's gastric outlet or “ostomy” by tightening an ostomy margin using existing in-market equipment to create banded tissue segments around the ostomy margin.

A device for accessing and removing a vermiform appendix without the need for surgical incisions may include a double-layered endotube fitted with electroceramic baffling; an endoscope extending through the endotube; instruments fitted within the endoscope and configured to interchangeably extend through at least one tool orifice in the distal end of the endoscope; an extension disk attached to a proximal end of the endotube; a controller operatively attached to the instruments through the extension disk, the controller configured to control and drive movement of the endotube, the endoscope, and the instruments; a casing attached to a distal end of the endotube; a pneumatic extensible cone housed within the casing, the pneumatic extensible cone configured to go from an undeployed position to a deployed position; and a cecoclosure device attached to the pneumatic extensible cone.

The triple endoscopic loop for laparoscopic appendectomy includes an elongated cannula having a proximal end and a distal end. A first loop is located at the distal end and secures the base of the appendix at a first point. A second loop is spaced apart from the first loop at the distal end, and secures the base of the appendix at a second point. A third loop is spaced apart from the second loop at the distal end, and secures the body of the appendix at a third point. A handle is located at the proximal end. The handle is connected to the first loop, the second loop and the third loop such that when the handle is pulled away from the cannula, the loops further secure the appendix at the first point, the second point, and the third point, respectively.

Described here are devices, systems and methods for closing the left atrial appendage. Some of the methods described here utilize one or more guide members having alignment members to aid in positioning of a closure device. In general, these methods include advancing a first guide having a first alignment member into the left atrial appendage, advancing a second guide, having a second alignment member, into the pericardial space, aligning the first and second alignment members, advancing a left atrial appendage closure device into the pericardial space and adjacent to the left atrial appendage, and closing the left atrial appendage with the closure device. In these variations, the closure device typically has an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, and a closure element at least partially housed within the elongate body. The closure element comprises a loop defining a continuous aperture therethrough.

A sphincter augmentation device includes a plurality of bodies and a linking structure linking the plurality of bodies together to form an annular array. Each body includes a housing and magnets positioned within the housing. The magnets magnetically bias the bodies toward one another and are movable within the housing. The annular array is sized to be positioned around a human lower esophageal sphincter so that the bodies and the linking structure bear inwardly against the lower esophageal sphincter. The annular array is configured to transition between a radially expanded state and a radially contracted state to constrict the lower esophageal sphincter. The magnets are configured to move relative to the housing of each body between a first position and a second position. In the first position the magnets are magnetically aligned with each other. In the second position the magnets are aligned with an externally applied magnetic field.

Methods and devices that prevent stasis in the LAA by either increasing the flow through the LAA or by closing off or sealing the LAA. Increasing the flow is accomplished through shunts, flow diverters, agitators, or by increasing the size of the ostium. Closing off the LAA is accomplished using seals or by cinching the LAA.

A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a shaft, a sensing array and a fluid detection circuit. The sensing array is positioned within the shaft. The fluid detection circuit is electrically coupled to the sensing array, and is configured to determine when a fluid originating from an environment external to the shaft is present within the shaft.

A sphincter augmentation device includes a plurality of interlinked bodies and a pair of device ends configured to releasably couple together to secure the bodies in a loop formation sized to fit around an internal anatomical passageway of a patient. The device further includes a plurality of resilient members, with each resilient member extending between an adjacent pair of the bodies. The resilient members are configured to elastically deform to permit the device to transition between a radially contracted state and a radially expanded state. The resilient members bias the device toward the radially contracted state in which the device exerts an inwardly directed force on the anatomical passageway to selectively limit passage of fluids therethrough. The device further includes an expansion limiting member that extends between and is slidably received by an adjacent pair of the bodies, and is configured to limit radial expansion of the device.

Another surgical device is also disclosed. The surgical device includes a flexible distal tip, which may also include a distal opening, a shaft interface opening on a proximal end of the flexible distal tip, an intermediate opening located between the distal opening and the shaft interface opening, and a channel coupling the shaft interface opening and the intermediate opening. The device may also include a hollow shaft connected to the shaft interface opening, a handle coupled to the hollow shaft, a suture locking device slidable within the handle, and a sliding actuator coupled to the hollow shaft.

Disclosed are an apparatus and method for forming a passage extending along a plane crossing an organ's volumetric region from an entry point to an opposing exit point at a surface of the organ, and for passing a tension member around the volumetric region by pulling the tension member from the exit point to the entry point through the passage. The apparatus can include a rigid outer tube with a tip for penetrating the organ and reach a penetration depth; an inner needle with an elastic body configured to pass straightened through the outer tube lumen and to partially protrude and voluntarily flex to a curved form greater than the diameter of the volumetric region; and a tension member passer with a pulling portion for engaging with a portion of the tension member and for pulling the tension member when withdrawn.