Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for penetrating body tissue. The apparatus includes a handle member having a gas pressure chamber positioned therein and a shaft member having a longitudinal bore therethrough and one end connected to the handle member. The longitudinal bore in the shaft member is in cooperative alignment with the gas pressure chamber to facilitate the passage of gases therethrough. The apparatus also includes a pressure indicating system which provides a visual indication when the shaft member has penetrated the body tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a trocar and method for penetrating body tissue. The trocar includes an obturator assembly and a cannula assembly. The obturator assembly has an obturator shaft with a distal end portion adapted to penetrate body tissue and at least one channel extending between a proximal end portion of the shaft and the distal end portion. A pressure indicating system is positioned at the proximal end of the shaft and is provided to respond to the passage of gases through the channel and provide a visual indication when the distal end has penetrated the body tissue. A safety system is associated with the obturator shaft and responsive to gas pressure to shield the distal end portion of the shaft after penetration of the body tissue.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides a surgical apparatus for use in endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures having a tubular body portion with a first substantially tractable section and a second substantially firm section, and a rod member disposed at least partially within the tractable section of the tubular body portion and movable between a deformed position and a preformed position wherein the first section defines structure which is dimensioned and configured for effectuating retraction.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides a surgical apparatus for use in endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures having a hand manipulatable proximal end portion, a working distal end portion, and a and a hinge member disposed between the end portions. The hinge member provides articulation of the distal end and is made from a temperature-responsive material which is substantially rigid at ambient temperatures and which is tractable above a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A surgical retractor is provided for manipulating body tissue during endoscopic and laparoscopic surgical procedures which includes a handle assembly, an elongated body extending from the handle assembly, and a retractor assembly operatively associated with the body and defining a curvilinear tissue manipulation surface having an area which is selectively variable. In operation the retractor assembly is movable between a first position wherein the area of the tissue manipulation surface is minimized and a second position wherein the area of the tissue manipulation surface is maximized. The retractor can be designed for one handed operation.

Abstract: A surgical instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing portion and an endoscopic portion having a proximal end and a distal end, the endoscopic portion including a pair of coaxial members attached at the proximal end to the housing portion. The endoscopic portion also includes an inner rod member slidable within an outer tube member. The endoscopic portion terminates at the distal end in a pair of jaw members disposed in opposing relation and relatively pivotal about a common point between at least an open position and a closed position. A jaw control mechanism is associated with the housing portion, and includes at least one actuating member movably mounted in the housing portion. The actuation member has at least one gripping portion thereon such that an operator of the instrument can better manipulate the actuating member with a single hand. A linking member is pivotally connected to the actuating member and the inner rod member.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument is provided which includes a handle portion and an elongated endoscopic portion. The endoscopic portion has a fixed inner tubular section which depends from the handle portion, and an outer tubular section mounted for coaxial reciprocating movement with respect to the fixed inner tubular section. A resilient articulating member extends from the fixed inner tubular section and is movable in response to reciprocating movements of the outer tubular section between a first unstressed position and a second stressed position. Tool means are operatively connected to the distal end of the resilient articulating member for performing surgical tasks.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus is provided which includes a handle portion, an endoscopic portion extending longitudinally from the handle portion, and a pair of articulating jaw members each having first and second relatively articulatable sections movable between a contracted position and a deployed position. A tubular member is associated with the endoscopic portion of the instrument and is movable along the longitudinal axis thereof between a proximal position spaced from the jaw members and a distal position substantially enclosing the jaw members and maintaining them in their contracted position.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for positioning surgical implants adjacent to body tissue. The apparatus includes a delivery device having a plurality of delivery arms positioned at the distal end of an elongated rod, and a surgical implant releasably secured to the delivery arms by a securing device. The invention also provides a method for positioning surgical implants adjacent to body tissue.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided for performing a variety of endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures including the electrocauterization of tissue. The instrument includes a handle assembly, a tubular body extending from the handle assembly therein defining a longitudinal axis, a tool assembly associated with a distal end of the tubular body including a tool base and tool members, an electrical connector electrically associated with the tool members, electrical insulation being provided in association with electrical conducting components, a first mechanism for effectuating remote articulation of the tool assembly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body, and a second mechanism for effectuating remote rotation of the tool assembly about the longitudinal axis of the tubular body.

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 of the endoscopic portion, and a bladed retractor assembly operatively associated with the articulating section. Structure is provided for maintaining spacing between the blades of the retractor assembly and for controlling actuation of the retractor assembly.

Abstract: A conductive cannula assembly is disclosed to dissipate possible, accumulated electrical charges through body tissue. The cannula assembly includes cannula housing means and cannula means formed of a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver. The invention also includes cannula assembly accessories formed of a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver. The invention further provides a method for guiding endoscopic instruments into body tissue utilizing the cannula assembly and the cannula assembly accessories of the present invention.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided for use in endoscopic or laparoscopic surgery. The instrument includes a handle portion and an endoscopic portion. The endoscopic portion has an elongated tubular section having opposed proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of which extends from the handle portion, and an articulating section which is pivotally connected to the tubular section adjacent the distal end thereof. Tool means depend from the articulating section and a linkage mechanism is associated with the endoscopic portion for pivoting the articulating section relative to the longitudinal axis of the tubular section, within a 90.degree. sector of rotation. In addition, the instrument includes means for rotating the endoscopic portion about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method for using an endoscopic apparatus for measuring the size of a hernia defect comprising a handle which is pivotally attached to a measuring rod. The hernia defect is measured by a plurality of calibrations positioned along the measuring rod. The measuring rod includes a blunt tip at its distal end and further is adaptable for 180' positioning relative to the handle.

Abstract: A suture holding clip including legs each having a suture contacting surface. The legs can be closed to define an interface for holding a suture in a serpentine configuration. In another embodiment the suture holding clip is initially in a spider leg configuration with a spine and legs projecting from the spine and alternately angled to one or the other of two directions so as to define therebetween a lengthwise extending passage for the reception therethrough of a suture.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for positioning surgical implants adjacent to body tissue. The apparatus includes a delivery device having a support member positioned at the distal end of an elongated rod, and a surgical implant releasably secured to the support member. The invention also provides a method for positioning surgical implants adjacent to body tissue using the apparatus of the present invention.

Abstract: A surgical template for forming an incision of a predetermined size in tissue, includes a plate member and a plurality of slotted openings or recesses formed in a peripheral edge of the plate member. The slotted openings or recesses may be configured and adapted for reception of at least a portion of a cutting edge of an incising instrument and for guiding the instrument during incising of the tissue. The template may also be used to measure the size of an incision formed by the surgeon.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for engaging surgical implants to facilitate the endoscopic application of the plant in laparoscopic surgery. The apparatus includes an attachment portion having an aperture therein and an anchor portion attached thereto. The invention also provides a method and apparatus for positioning surgical implants adjacent to body tissue.

Abstract: A novel surgical retractor is provided including a handle assembly, a housing and a collapsible retractor assembly connected to a distal end of the housing. The handle assembly includes a stationary handle in cooperation with an actuating structure for manipulating the collapsible retractor assembly through the housing.The handle assembly may be configured in a variety of forms including palm grips, pistol grips, axial grips, ring grips, etc. The housing includes a tubular structure having an inner tube axially disposed within an outer tube. The outer tube is fixed in the stationary handle with the inner tube passing through the outer tube and connected to the actuating structure. Where desired, either the outer or inner tube may be rotatably attached to the stationary handle. The retractor assembly is attached to the distal end of the housing and includes a reciprocal yoke assembly interconnected with a plurality of collapsible interleaved retractor blades.