Surgical tool are disclosed that include a first tip and a second tip. The first tip and the second tip can have a first configuration, an intermediate configuration, and a second configuration. In the first configuration the tool operates as forceps and in the second configuration the tool operates as scissors. In the intermediate configuration the tool operates as a probe. The tips can be brought together to transition between the first configuration and the intermediate configuration. The tips can be rotated to transition between the intermediate configuration and the second configuration. Method are disclosed that include the step of providing a tool having a first tip extending distally and a second tip extending distally, moving at least one of the first tip and the second tip toward the other of the first tip and the second tip, and rotating the first tip and the second tip.

A system for treating mitral regurgitation may include an outer sheath having a lumen extending to a distal end of the outer sheath, an intermediate sheath slidably disposed within the lumen of the outer sheath, the intermediate sheath having a lumen extending to a distal end of the intermediate sheath, and an inner sheath slidably disposed within the lumen of the intermediate sheath, wherein the inner sheath includes a first anchor disposed within a lumen of the inner sheath, the first anchor being configured to penetrate and secure to a first papillary muscle. The intermediate sheath may include a tissue grasping mechanism at the distal end of the intermediate sheath, the tissue grasping mechanism being configured to hold and stabilize the first papillary muscle for penetration and securement of the first anchor to the first papillary muscle.

A system for treating mitral regurgitation may include an outer sheath having a lumen extending to a distal end of the outer sheath, an intermediate sheath slidably disposed within the lumen of the outer sheath, the intermediate sheath having a lumen extending to a distal end of the intermediate sheath, and an inner sheath slidably disposed within the lumen of the intermediate sheath, wherein the inner sheath includes a first anchor disposed within a lumen of the inner sheath, the first anchor being configured to penetrate and secure to a first papillary muscle. The intermediate sheath may include a tissue grasping mechanism at the distal end of the intermediate sheath, the tissue grasping mechanism being configured to hold and stabilize the first papillary muscle for penetration and securement of the first anchor to the first papillary muscle.

An obesity treatment apparatus comprises at least one operable stretching device (10) implantable in an obese patient and adapted to stretch a portion (12a) of the patient's stomach wall (12), and an operation device (16, 18) for operating the stretching device when implanted to stretch the stomach wall portion such that satiety is created.

According to one aspect, an apparatus for treating tissue may include an elongate tube. The elongate tube may include a slot extending longitudinally along a first side of the elongate tube, a first elongate jaw member on a first side of the slot, and a second elongate jaw member on a second side of the slot. The apparatus may also include a shaft coupled to the elongate tube along a second side of the elongate tube. The first elongate jaw member may be movably coupled to the shaft, such that the first elongate jaw member may be movable toward the second elongate jaw member to converge tissue walls within the slot and cut the tissue walls within the slot.

Tissue manipulation during ocular surgery may be achieved by a variety of systems and techniques. In particular implementations, a system may include spaced apart levers, hinge members, a grasping mechanism, and a guide mechanism located between the levers. A first hinge member may extend from one of the levers to the guide mechanism and move the guide mechanism in one of a proximal or distal direction when the levers are moved toward each other. The grasping mechanism may be coupled to the guide mechanism and extend distally from the guide mechanism. A second hinge member may extend from one of the levers and be coupled to a tube that surrounds a portion of the grasping mechanism. The second hinge member distally displaces the tube when the levers are moved towards each other. The relative motion of the guide mechanism and the tube may cause actuation of the grasping mechanism.

Tissue manipulation during ocular surgery may be achieved by a variety of systems and techniques. In particular implementations, a system may include spaced apart levers, hinge members, a grasping mechanism, and a guide mechanism located between the levers. A first hinge member may extend from one of the levers to the guide mechanism and move the guide mechanism in one of a proximal or distal direction when the levers are moved toward each other. The grasping mechanism may be coupled to the guide mechanism and extend distally from the guide mechanism. A second hinge member may extend from one of the levers and be coupled to a tube that surrounds a portion of the grasping mechanism. The second hinge member distally displaces the tube when the levers are moved towards each other. The relative motion of the guide mechanism and the tube may cause actuation of the grasping mechanism.

A device for surgery that accommodates multiple different implements. The implements may be exchanged or changed out for one another over the course of a surgery in a manner that does not require disengagement of the device from a surgical site. As a result, the need to re-insert the device into the patient and other hazards associated with multiple trips into the surgical site may be minimized. In one embodiment, the device includes cannula architecture to avoid use of a separate cannula at the surgical site.

A capture-tool for manipulation of tissue utilizes vacuum to hold the tissue in place. An extension attached to a vacuum source at one end and a vacuum arm at another end creates a vacuum force through the extension and vacuum arm. The vacuum arm has a support surface with ports therein at which low pressure areas are formed by the vacuum force. The low pressure areas draw tissue against the supporting surface to hold it in place, as long as the vacuum force is active.

A capture-tool for manipulation of tissue utilizes vacuum to hold the tissue in place. An extension attached to a vacuum source at one end and a vacuum arm at another end creates a vacuum force through the extension and vacuum arm. The vacuum arm has a support surface with ports therein at which low pressure areas are formed by the vacuum force. The low pressure areas draw tissue against the supporting surface to hold it in place, as long as the vacuum force is active.