Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided for use in endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures. The instrument includes a handle portion, an endoscopic portion extending from the handle portion, an articulating section pivotably connected to a distal end portion of the endoscopic portion, and a retractor assembly operatively associated with the articulating section. Structure is provided for manipulating the articulating section relative to the longitudinal axis of the endoscopic portion within an angular degree of rotation. An injection port may also be provided to deliver fluids through the endoscopic portion to the operative site.

Abstract: Distal protection filter frame and method for using and manufacturing the same. A distal protection filter frame may include one or more struts, a mouth, and a filter coupled to the mouth.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved stent design for repairing a vessel. The stent design incorporates crimpable, short non linear links which are flexible in three dimensions and which include flexible arms. The ability to accommodate both small deformations that occur during delivery and larger deformations that occur upon expansion within the vessel is enhanced without sacrificing stent crimp diameter. The link may incorporate a short flexible link with a perpendicular transition to provide added flexibility.

Abstract: An intraluminal graft assembly is provided. In one embodiment, the assembly comprises a support frame having first, radially smaller and second, radially larger configurations. A graft is attached to the support frame at one end by connectors and is not connected to the other end. The graft extends along only a fractional length of the support frame when in the first configuration, and substantially along the entire length of the support frame when in the second configuration. A vessel repair system is also provided. In the system, a driving member is positioned to force the support frame from the first configuration to the second configuration.

Abstract: Systems and processes for tracking anatomy, instrumentation, trial implants, implants, and references, and rendering images and data related to them in connection with surgical operations, for example total knee arthroplasties (“TKA”). These systems and processes are accomplished by using a computer to intraoperatively obtain images of body parts and to register, navigate, and track surgical instruments.