Devices and methods of endolumenal formation of gastric sleeves are described. Some embodiments allow templating of a gastric sleeve by a gastric bougie, exposing a selected amount of tissue for suturing access, while maintaining sufficient internal working space for suturing within the template lumen.

A method for gripping the pericardium uses a device with an outer part and an inner part. The device is pushed through an incision towards the pericardium until an end of the device touches the pericardium or the heart or a layer arranged on the heart. Subsequently, the inner part is moved until at least one outer part end and/or an inner part end is arranged on the pericardium. The device for gripping the pericardium has an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube and the outer tube have end surfaces with different surface structures.

A method for gripping the pericardium uses a device with an outer part and an inner part. The device is pushed through an incision towards the pericardium until an end of the device touches the pericardium or the heart or a layer arranged on the heart. Subsequently, the inner part is moved until at least one outer part end and/or an inner part end is arranged on the pericardium. The device for gripping the pericardium has an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube and the outer tube have end surfaces with different surface structures.

A micro needle holder capable of cutting sutures, configured for holding needles and cutting sutures during microsurgeries, includes a needle holding unit and a suture cutting unit. The needle holding unit includes a pair of first plier bodies and a first shaft, where each of the first plier bodies has a needle holding end, a first shaft connecting part, and a first plier arm. The suture cutting unit includes a pair of second plier bodies and a second shaft, where each of the second plier bodies includes a suture cutting end, a second shaft connecting part, and a second plier arm. Moreover, the first plier arms are respectively connected with the second plier arms and are configured to elastically open and close corporately.

A micro needle holder capable of cutting sutures, configured for holding needles and cutting sutures during microsurgeries, includes a needle holding unit and a suture cutting unit. The needle holding unit includes a pair of first plier bodies and a first shaft, where each of the first plier bodies has a needle holding end, a first shaft connecting part, and a first plier arm. The suture cutting unit includes a pair of second plier bodies and a second shaft, where each of the second plier bodies includes a suture cutting end, a second shaft connecting part, and a second plier arm. Moreover, the first plier arms are respectively connected with the second plier arms and are configured to elastically open and close corporately.

Surgical apparatus for performing in pars plana vitrectomy microsurgery including a cannula having an intraocular portion that connects to an infusion tube. The intraocular portion includes fenestrations at its distal end. The intraocular portion receives fluid through the infusion tube and dispenses the fluid through the fenestrations lessening the flow at an infusion site in an eye. The surgical apparatus includes a vitreous cutter having a suction tube at one end and a shaft at another end. The cutting port cuts vitreous into smaller pieces or a laser that liquefies the vitreous. The shaft receives the cut vitreous pieces and the suction tube draws out the cut vitreous pieces from the eye. The surgical apparatus includes a vitreoretinal surgical tool having a vitreoretinal cutter having a scissor-like or forceps-like mechanism. The vitreoretinal cutter holds and/or cuts a membrane in the eye during the microsurgery.

Methods and devices for the treatment of cardiac valve dysfunction through the placement of lines and anchors. The lines and anchors can form artificial chordae between valve leaflets and the ventricular wall or papillary muscles or connect the two valve leaflets together. The methods and devices offer a mechanism for performing this technique with the heart still beating, and allows for the placement of multiple lines with a single device.

Methods and devices for the treatment of cardiac valve dysfunction through the placement of lines and anchors. The lines and anchors can form artificial chordae between valve leaflets and the ventricular wall or papillary muscles or connect the two valve leaflets together. The methods and devices offer a mechanism for performing this technique with the heart still beating, and allows for the placement of multiple lines with a single device.

A repaired tendon includes a proximal tendon section having a free end, and a distal tendon section having a free end that opposes the free end of the proximal tendon section. Four bidirectional barbed sutures are implanted in the repaired tendon for approximating the free end of the proximal tendon section with the free end of the distal tendon section. Each of the four bidirectional barbed sutures includes a proximal section having proximal barbs that engage the proximal tendon section, a distal section having distal barbs that engage the distal tendon section, and a stop located between the proximal and distal barbs that engages the approximated free ends of the proximal and distal tendon sections. The bidirectional barbed sutures have first suture bites and second suture bites that are shorter than the first suture bites.

A medical device for joining materials is provided. The device comprises a piercing element configured to penetrate materials to be joined. The piercing element is sufficiently sharp to penetrate materials to be joined and comprises a hollow interior along at least a portion of its length configured to distal advancement of a fastener therethrough; and an open tip through which the fastener can be pushed. The device can be used for fastening materials including tissue, synthetic mesh, and biologic mesh (e.g., ADM).