Abstract: A vessel harvesting device includes a handle and a cannula assembly extending distally from the handle. The cannula assembly includes an outer tube having a flange, and at least one insert extending within the outer tube. The at least one insert defines a tool path configured to receive a surgical tool therethrough, a scope path configured to receive a surgical scope therethrough, and an insufflation channel. The device further includes a cannula gasket disposed within the flange of the outer tube and defining a plurality of apertures each in alignment with one of the tool path, the scope path, and the insufflation channel. The device further includes an insufflation tube extending from the handle through cannula gasket and the insufflation channel.

Abstract: A biological tissue monitoring system has control circuitry programmed or configured to monitor an impedance of biological tissue. The control circuitry is programmed or configured to receive or determine an impedance measurement of the biological tissue in response to power delivered to the biological tissue at a plurality of frequencies and a plurality of time points, and adjust or cause to be adjusted the power delivered to the biological tissue at a subsequent time point based on the impedance measurement at the plurality of frequencies and the plurality of time points.

Abstract: A surgical implant comprising a receiver member and deployment member for clamping and sealing tissue of variable thickness, a corresponding applicator tool and surgical system for connecting, sealing, fastening and/or attaching tissue to itself, to other tissue and/or to non-tissue structures, and/or sealing the flow of fluid at and/or between structures such as tissue and vessel structures.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting a vessel from a body, includes: a cannula having a dissector for advancing along the vessel to create a tunnel, the dissector having a transparent portion; and an energy tool moveably coupled to the cannula, wherein the energy tool is configured to separate a pediculated vessel having at least a segment of the vessel and a pedicle around the segment of the vessel from surrounding tissue, and wherein at least a part of the energy tool is visible through the transparent portion of the dissector during use of the energy tool.

Abstract: A biological tissue monitoring system has control circuitry programmed or configured to monitor an impedance of biological tissue. The control circuitry is programmed or configured to receive or determine an impedance measurement of the biological tissue in response to power delivered to the biological tissue at a plurality of frequencies and a plurality of time points, and adjust or cause to be adjusted the power delivered to the biological tissue at a subsequent time point based on the impedance measurement at the plurality of frequencies and the plurality of time points.

Abstract: A woven prosthesis, such as a woven vascular graft, woven from warp and weft yarns. Velour warp yarns forming the prosthesis are selectively incorporated into a base layer of the prosthesis so as to provide a bulbous section without compromising the porosity of the prosthesis.

Abstract: An epicardial clip for reshaping the annulus of the mitral valve of a heart includes a curved member having an anterior segment configured to be positioned in the transverse sinus of the heart, a posterior segment configured to be positioned on the posterior side of the heart, such as on or inferior to the atrioventricular groove, and a lateral segment extending between the anterior segment and the posterior segment. The lateral segment includes a curve such that the first end of the member is positioned at or above the plane of the mitral valve and the second end of the member is positioned at or below the plane of the mitral valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting a vessel from a body, includes: a cannula having a dissector for advancing along the vessel to create a tunnel, the dissector having a transparent portion; and an energy tool moveably coupled to the cannula, wherein the energy tool is configured to separate a pediculated vessel having at least a segment of the vessel and a pedicle around the segment of the vessel from surrounding tissue, and wherein at least a part of the energy tool is visible through the transparent portion of the dissector during use of the energy tool.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a tubular structure having a proximal end, a distal end, and a body extending between the proximal and distal ends, wherein the body includes a lumen for housing at least a part of an imaging device, and a fluid delivery channel that is fixed in position relative to the body, and an opening that is in fluid communication with the fluid delivery channel, wherein the fluid delivery channel has a first portion, and a second portion that forms an angle with an axis of the first portion.

Abstract: Components for an endoscopic vessel harvesting system suitable for harvesting target vessels such as the saphenous vein or radial artery for cardiac artery bypass graft surgery. The main components of such systems include a vessel dissector and a vessel harvester, both of which work in conjunction with a separately provided endoscope. The vessel dissector is an elongated cannula having a blunt tip for separating layers of facial around vessels. The tip may be movable, and is typically transparent to permit viewing forward of the tip using the endoscope. Internal features of the tip may reduce glare back to the endoscope. Several devices improve visibility through the tip by reducing interference from tissue or fluid on the tip. The vessel harvester also has an elongated cannula for receiving the endoscope. Several tools within the harvester permit manipulation, severing, and sealing of vessels forward of the distal end.

Abstract: A biological tissue monitoring system has control circuitry programmed or configured to monitor an impedance of biological tissue. The control circuitry is programmed or configured to receive or determine an impedance measurement of the biological tissue in response to power delivered to the biological tissue at a plurality of frequencies and a plurality of time points, and adjust or cause to be adjusted the power delivered to the biological tissue at a subsequent time point based on the impedance measurement at the plurality of frequencies and the plurality of time points.

Abstract: An epicardial clip for reshaping the annulus of the mitral valve of a heart includes a curved member having an anterior segment configured to be positioned in the transverse sinus of the heart, a posterior segment configured to be positioned on the posterior side of the heart, such as on or inferior to the atrioventricular groove, and a lateral segment extending between the anterior segment and the posterior segment. The lateral segment includes a curve such that the first end of the member is positioned at or above the plane of the mitral valve and the second end of the member is positioned at or below the plane of the mitral valve.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a mount body, a joint member, an arm, and a working end. The mount body has a top portion, a distal end, a proximal end and a bottom portion. The joint member is pivotally mounted at a distal end portion of the mount body, to allow positioning of a proximal portion of an arm extending distally from the joint member. The joint member is also configured to at least partially constrain movement of the proximal portion of the arm to a plane. The working end is mounted to a distal end portion of the arm. The surgical instrument can be configured as a heart stabilizer or a heart positioner. The joint member may further be configured as a slotted ball, a disk member, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A medical device, such as an intra-aortic balloon pump or carrier with an extendable wheel track and handle configured to be removably carried and integrated with a cart. The wheel track is configured to extend upon extension of the handle and to return to its original position upon retraction of the handle.

Abstract: Components for an endoscopic vessel harvesting system suitable for harvesting target vessels such as the saphenous vein or radial artery for cardiac artery bypass graft surgery. The main components of such systems include a vessel dissector and a vessel harvester, both of which work in conjunction with a separately provided endoscope. The vessel dissector is an elongated cannula having a blunt tip for separating layers of facial around vessels. The tip may be movable, and is typically transparent to permit viewing forward of the tip using the endoscope. Internal features of the tip may reduce glare back to the endoscope. Several devices improve visibility through the tip by reducing interference from tissue or fluid on the tip. The vessel harvester also has an elongated cannula for receiving the endoscope. Several tools within the harvester permit manipulation, severing, and sealing of vessels forward of the distal end.

Abstract: A vessel dissector used in conjunction with an endoscope is provided with a lumen for receiving the endoscope; a blunt dissecting tip provided on a distal end of an elongated cannula permitting tissue dissection while viewing internal body structures via an objective lens of the endoscope; and a vessel severing tool extending through at least a portion of the elongated cannula and translatable longitudinally relative to the elongated cannula, and the vessel severing tool comprises an electrode-carrying member translatable circumferentially within an arcuate slot extending through an outer surface of the vessel dissector, wherein the arcuate slot comprises an inner radius, an outer radius and a central radius, wherein the outer radius is greater than the inner radius and the central radius is located between the outer radius and the inner radius so the arcuate slot provides a uniform opening through which the electrode-carrying member can extend and retract.

Abstract: Forming a proximal anastomosis on an aortic wall includes method and instrumentation and apparatus for forming an aortic puncture and inserting into the vessel through the puncture a fluid-impervious sealing element with a protruding retainer. An anastomosis of a graft vessel over the puncture is partially completed with the retainer of the sealing element protruding through the partial anastomosis. The retainer facilitates removal of the sealing element from the partial anastomosis prior to completion of the procedure.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a mount body, a joint member, an arm, and a working end. The mount body has a top portion, a distal end, a proximal end and a bottom portion. The joint member is pivotally mounted at a distal end portion of the mount body, to allow positioning of a proximal portion of an arm extending distally from the joint member. The joint member is also configured to at least partially constrain movement of the proximal portion of the arm to a plane. The working end is mounted to a distal end portion of the arm. The surgical instrument can be configured as a heart stabilizer or a heart positioner. The joint member may further be configured as a slotted ball, a disk member, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An actuator for use in a surgical instrument, the actuator includes an upper portion configured to be actuated by one or more fingers, wherein the upper portion has an upper distal portion for operating the surgical instrument in a first mode of operation, and an upper proximal portion for operating the surgical instrument in a second mode of operation, and wherein the upper distal portion and the upper proximal portion have different respective tactile configurations for informing the user of the first and second modes of operation, respectively.

Abstract: Components for an endoscopic vessel harvesting system suitable for harvesting target vessels such as the saphenous vein or radial artery for cardiac artery bypass graft surgery. The main components of such systems include a vessel dissector and a vessel harvester, both of which work in conjunction with a separately provided endoscope. The vessel dissector is an elongated cannula having a blunt tip for separating layers of facial around vessels. The tip may be movable, and is typically transparent to permit viewing forward of the tip using the endoscope. Internal features of the tip may reduce glare back to the endoscope. Several devices improve visibility through the tip by reducing interference from tissue or fluid on the tip. The vessel harvester also has an elongated cannula for receiving the endoscope. Several tools within the harvester permit manipulation, severing, and sealing of vessels forward of the distal end.