Scimed Life Systems, Inc.

Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.

Boston Scientific Corporation

Dvl Acquisition Sub, Inc.

Charles H Pugsley, Jr

Barry N Gellman

Yem Chin

Ronald David Adams

David W Hoffman

David P Gordon

Lauren O Main

Scott E Swaffar

Michael S Banik

Gregory E Sancoff

Frederic P Field

Douglas A Fogg

Joseph A DiCarlo

The present invention includes a method and apparatus for adhering tissue to one another. In an embodiment of the present invention the two tissues to be joined, for example the lower esophagus and the fundus of the stomach, are first placed adjacent to one another. Next a first restraint is placed near the outside surface of one of the tissues and a second restraint is placed near the outside surface of the other tissue. An irritant is then placed between the two adjacent tissues. The restraints, and consequently the tissue surfaces, are then drawn together. As the touching irritated tissue surfaces heal they will become bonded to one another and their need for the mechanical fastening of the restraints, to secure them together, will be diminished.

Methods and devices for manipulating tissue

Method and apparatus for endoscopic repair of the lower esophageal sphincter

Apparatus for endoscopic repair of the lower esophageal sphincter

A miniaturized x-ray apparatus for delivering x-rays to a selected site within a body cavity includes a catheter having at least one lumen and an x-ray transparent window at a distal end thereof; an x-ray source in the lumen adjacent said x-ray transparent window; a movable x-ray shield positioned to direct x-rays from the source through the x-ray transparent window to the selected site.

Miniature X-ray unit

Miniature x-ray unit

A device is disclosed for introducing a flexible elongated element through at least two portions of a subject. In an embodiment, the device includes a proximal end and a distal end, as well as an advancement unit for longitudinally advancing the flexible elongated element toward the distal end such that a proximal end of the elongated element may pass from the distal end of said device with sufficient force to pass through the portions of the subject. The device also includes a securing unit for variably adjusting a securing force applied by the flexible elongated element to secure together the portions of the subject.

Surgical suturing instrument and method of use

A method and device for performing endoluminal fundoplication are described. A device is inserted in the patient's stomach through the esophagus, including an unit adapted to grasp and pull a portion of the gastroesophageal junction into the stomach, and an unit adapted to move a portion of the fundus towards the esophagus. The device also can place fasteners to hold the gastric wall and the esophageal wall secured together, thus forming a valve between esophagus and stomach. An adhesive compound can be used to stabilize the juncture of the two walls.

Device for performing endoluminal fundoplication

Method for performing endoluminal fundoplication and apparatus for use in the method

An endoscope having a guide wire with an x-ray transparent window allows x-rays from an x-ray source to pass therethrough to reach the desired site. Preferably, the guide wire and x-ray catheter, which contains the x-ray source, have positioning flags or markers to aid alignment of the x-ray source with the x-ray transparent window of the guide wire.

Guide wire having x-ray transparent window for x-ray catheter

Method and apparatus for repairing the lower esophageal sphincter is provided. The method includes placing the lower esophagus and the fundus adjacent to one another, placing a restraint near a surface of the lower esophagus, placing a second restraint near a surface of the fundus, and then drawing them together to secure the fundus to the lower esophagus. The apparatus includes a pointed carrier containing a first anchor and a second anchor, the second anchor containing a sclerosing agent.

An endoscopic stapler includes a stapling head which is removably locatable on the distal end of an endoscope. The stapling head includes a stationary part which houses a removable staple cartridge and a movable part which includes an anvil for receiving and bending the ends of staples fired from the stationary part. The staple cartridge preferably houses two semi-circular rows of staples which are staggered relative to each other. The movable part is coupled to the stationary part by a threaded shaft which engages a worm gear in the stationary part and a first rotatable control wire is coupled to the worm gear. A substantially semi-circular firing cam is located proximal of the staple cartridge in the stationary part. The firing cam has an interior splined surface which is engaged by a spline gear coupled to a second rotatable control wire. In one embodiment, a knife is coupled to the firing cam so that tissue is cut subsequent to stapling. In another embodiment, laser-optical paths are provided for cutting tissue after stapling. The proximal end of the stapling head is coupled to a sleeve having lumen for the control wires and a lumen for a standard endoscope. In another embodiment, a modified endoscope is provided with lumena for the control cables. The modified endoscope is removably attached to the stapling head by either a screw connection or a snap connection.

Growing community of inventors

Pelham, NH, United States of America

Charles H Pugsley, Jr