A bariatric device includes an esophageal member having an esophageal surface that is configured to generally conform to the shape and size of a portion of the esophagus and an anchoring technique anchoring the esophageal member to the portion of the esophagus. The bariatric device includes a cardiac member having a cardiac surface that is configured to generally conform to the shape and size of a portion of the cardiac portion of the stomach and a connector connected with the esophageal member and the cardiac member to cause strain to be applied by the cardiac member to the cardiac portion of the stomach. The strain applied by the cardiac member to the cardiac portion of the stomach causes satiety in the absence of food. The connector is adapted to pass through the gastroesophageal junction while leaving a continuous portion of the gastroesophageal junction substantially unrestrained.

In various embodiments, a layer of material can comprise a body, a proximal end portion, and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion can be releasably secured to a staple cartridge of a surgical end effector, and the distal end portion can be releasably secured to an anvil of the surgical end effector. The layer of material can comprise a tissue thickness compensator.

Described are medical devices useful for applying a bolster material to a surgical fastening device such as a stapler, and related methods of manufacture and use. The devices include an applicator element for receipt between arms of the stapler, and a bolster material, desirably a remodelable extracellular matrix material, coupled to the applicator element. In certain embodiments, the bolster material is held by the applicator element, for example having at least a portion looped around or received through or over a portion of the applicator element. Also described are unique implantable materials including coatings of dried, reversible adhesive.

Devices, systems and/or methods for repairing soft tissue adjacent a soft tissue repair site. In one embodiment, a repair device includes an anchor member, a capture member and one or more flexible members. The anchor member includes a base with at least four legs extending integrally from the base, the at least four legs configured to be moveable from a straight first position to a formed second position. The capture member is configured to be coupled to the anchor member such that the at least four legs of the anchor member move around structural portions of the capture member with the at least four legs of the anchor member in the formed second position. The one or more flexible members are coupled to the base of the anchor member, the one or more flexible members extending at least partially along the base of the anchor member.

An apparatus for forming a weld between a first portion of a biocompatible conductive thermoplastic material and a second portion of a biocompatible conductive thermoplastic material comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, and a structure for holding said first and second electrodes in opposition to one other with a space therebetween for receiving said first portion and said second portion in contact with one another. The structure is electrically non-conductive and an electrical circuit comprising a power source and a switch arranged such that closure of said switch applies a voltage potential across said first electrode and said second electrode so as to generate heat via electrical resistance, the heat being sufficient to melt regions of said first and second portions.

A surgical fastening instrument includes an elongate shaft extending from a handle. An end effector is coupled to one end of the elongate shaft. The end effector has a first jaw with retainer strips disposed thereon. Each retainer strip includes rows of receptacles and each receptacle has a passageway leading to a chamber formed in the first jaw. The end effector also includes a second jaw with fastener strips disposed thereon. The first jaw is pivotally coupled to the second jaw. Each fastener strip includes rows of fasteners and each fastener is slidably positioned on a lance extending from a surface of the second jaw. The lances are aligned with the receptacles and each fastener has barbs configured to be retained in one of the chambers.

Disclosed are embodiments of a method for occluding a left atrial appendage (LAA) and other cavities or openings within a body. Some embodiments of the method can include an implant configured to be deployed within the LAA or other cavity, configured to be expanded or moved against a wall portion of the LAA or other cavity, and configured to twist at least a portion of the LAA or other cavity when the implant is rotated. Thereafter, one or more securing elements, staples, sutures, or other fasteners can be implanted in the gathered tissue to hold the tissue in the gathered state, thereby occluding the opening of the LAA or other cavity. In some embodiments, the opening of the LAA or other cavity can be occluded by elongating or otherwise reshaping the opening using an implant device, and securing the opening in the occluded state.

A staple cartridge for use with a stapling device that has an actuator that is selectively actuatable in an axial direction and an anvil portion that is selectively movable between open and closed positions is disclosed. Various embodiments of the present invention include a cartridge body that movably supports first and second staple drivers. The staple drivers each support a staple thereon and serve to drive the staples into forming contact with the anvil upon actuation by the actuator. The various embodiments of the present invention enable the final formed heights of the staples to be varied so as to apply various clamping forces and pressures to soft tissue captured within the staples. In at least one embodiment, the staples can include crowns formed thereon which can be utilized to adjust or control the clamping force and/or pressure applied by the staples.

Apparatus and methods are provided for occluding blood vessels and other anatomical structures. Occlusion devices are delivered percutaneously and extraluminally through a small gauge needle and include expandable elements that are deployable on opposite sides of a target vessel to be occluded. When positioned about the vessel the elements are expanded and brought together to compress and occlude the vessel. Embodiments include those adapted for temporary as well as permanent use.

Methods and tools for folding and/or capturing leaflets of a heart valve are disclosed herein. Prior to or during installing of a prosthetic heart valve, part of a leaflet of an existing valvular structure can be positioned distally and/or folded upon itself. The existing valvular structure may be a native heart valve or a previously-implanted prosthetic heart valve. When the existing valvular structure is at the aortic position, the prosthetic heart valve can be subsequently installed within the existing valvular structure such that the leaflet is maintained in a location that avoids obstructing blood flow to one or more of the coronary arteries.