DEVICE FOR ENDOSCOPICALLY INSERTING SURGICAL MATERIAL

摘要

A device for the delivery of a shape memory securing member into a confined space, the device having an exit for the securing member and means to move the securing member through the exit, the device further including a magazine having a plurality of channels each of which can store a securing member is described. Preferably, each securing member is restrained in the device in a first configuration, and upon passing through the exit adopts a second configuration. One form of the magazine is a barrel. The barrel may be rotatable around an axis, and the channels can be disposed parallel to said axis or may lie in a helical configuration. This arrangement can be likened to a "revolver barrel" on a firearm. One advantage of the present invention in surgery is that it can store several sutures or ligature multiple placements without the need to withdraw the instrument from the patient.