EXHIBIT 23.1
 
           CONSENT OF COOPERS & LYBRAND, LLP, INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
    We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
of General Surgical Innovations, Inc. on Form S-8 (File No. 333-10305) of our
report dated July 29, 1997, on our audits of the consolidated financial
statements and financial statement schedule of General Surgical Innovations,
Inc. as of June 30, 1997 and 1996 and for the years ended June 30, 1997, 1996
and 1995 which report is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended June 30, 1997.
 
                                          COOPERS & LYBRAND
 
San Jose, California
September 29, 1997