Thomas J Block

US Patent:

61395633, Oct 31, 2000

Filed:

Sep 25, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/936394

Inventors:

Delos M. Cosgrove - Hunting Valley OH
Joel Donald Gray - Barrington IL
Donald B. Williams - Lake Forest IL
Thomas J. Block - Imperial MO

Assignee:

Allegiance Corporation - McGaw Park IL

International Classification:

A61B 1700

US Classification:

606205

Abstract:

The present invention provides a surgical device having a tissue engaging portion, a shaft member, and a handle assembly. The tissue engaging portion includes first and second opposed jaws for grasping, securing, and occluding body tissue and conduits. The shaft member is operatively coupled to the tissue engaging portion and is capable of being placed in different curvatures. The handle assembly is operatively coupled to both the shaft member and to the tissue engaging portion. The shaft member of the present invention allows the surgeon to bend and adjust the shape of the surgical device to minimize its intrusion and to allow for proper positioning in predetermined body locations. In a preferred embodiment, a portion of the device is disposable.