Abstract: A medical training apparatus comprises a frame defining a work space simulating a body cavity and having an access opening to allow introduction of a medical instrument to the working space from externally of the working space. A sensor platform is rotationally mounted in the working space for rotating the platform to select angular positions for performing a series of simulated medical procedures. A plurality of modules are mounted around a perimeter of the platform. Each module comprises a different model upon which an associated medical procedure can be performed with a medical instrument. A plurality of sensors are each operatively associated with one of the modules for sensing progress of the associated medical procedure. A control unit is coupled to the sensors for monitoring progress of the medical procedures and providing an indication of status of the medical procedures.

Abstract: A medical training apparatus comprises a frame defining a work space simulating a body cavity and having an access opening to allow introduction of a medical instrument to the working space from externally of the working space. A sensor platform is rotationally mounted in the working space for rotating the platform to select angular positions for performing a series of simulated medical procedures. A plurality of modules are mounted around a perimeter of the platform. Each module comprises a different model upon which an associated medical procedure can be performed with a medical instrument. A plurality of sensors are each operatively associated with one of the modules for sensing progress of the associated medical procedure. A control unit is coupled to the sensors for monitoring progress of the medical procedures and providing an indication of status of the medical procedures.

Abstract: The combination of a medical instrument having a main body and a support. The support includes a base, a seating assembly on the base having a first seating surface against which the main body of the medical instrument abuts with the medical instrument in the operative position on the support, and a keeper assembly. The keeper assembly is mounted for guided movement relative to the base between a first position, wherein the keeper assembly maintains the medical instrument in the operative position, and a second position, wherein the medical instrument can be removed from the operative position.

Abstract: A device for facilitating the performance of a medical procedure in a cavity bounded by a tissue. The device has a body with a first opening therethrough to define a first passageway for a medical instrument to be directed from externally of the cavity through an opening in the tissue to the cavity, and an exposed surface that can be placed against the tissue around the opening therethrough with the device in an operative state relative to the tissue. A second opening through the body defines a second passageway through which a tying instrument can be directed from externally of the tissue through the body and into the cavity bounded by the tissue. A first repositionable element is movable between first and second positions relative to the body. In the first position, the first repositionable element allows a suturing thread to be placed into and removed from a holding position. In the second position, the first repositionable element captively maintains a suturing thread in the holding position.

Abstract: A training apparatus having a frame and a support assembly having a reconfigurable support surface in the form of a flexible sheet. A first connector on the support assembly is selectively releasably held on the frame in first and second positions. The support surface has a first configuration with the first connector in the first position and a second configuration with the first connector in the second position. At least one model is provided on the support surface upon which a procedure can be performed with an instrument to at least one of a) simulate a medical procedure and b) practice a movement that may be encountered in the performance of a medical procedure. The models are supported on the flexible sheet such that they are universally movable in a similar manner as are organs in human body cavities during medical procedures.

Abstract: A training apparatus has a frame defining a working space simulating a body cavity and an access opening in communication with the working space to allow introduction of an instrument to the working space from externally of the working space. A first model is provided upon which a procedure can be performed with an instrument to at least one of a) simulate a medical procedure and b) practice a movement that may be encountered in the performance of a medical procedure The first model and frame cooperate in such a manner that the first model is allowed to be selectively maintained on the frame in a plurality of different positions relative to the access opening.

Abstract: A device for facilitating the performance of a medical procedure in a cavity bounded by tissue. The device has a body with a first opening therethrough to define a first passageway for a medical instrument to be directed from externally of the cavity through an opening in the tissue to the cavity and an exposed surface that can be placed against the tissue around the opening therethrough with the device in an operative state relative to the tissue. A second opening is provided through the body to define a second passageway through which a tying instrument can be directed from externally of the tissue through the body and into the cavity bounded by the tissue.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having a body with a proximal end and a distal end, a working element, first structure for mounting the working element on the body for movement relative to the body between first and second positions, and second structure on the body for a) moving the working element selectively between the first and second position from a location remote from the working element and b) maintaining the working element in each of the first and second positions. The second structure includes an actuating element and third structure for mounting the actuating element on the body for movement relative to the body.

Abstract: A sealing structure for an elongate medical instrument. The sealing structure includes a first sealing member having a first body with oppositely facing first and second surfaces and a peripheral edge and a second sealing member having a second body with oppositely facing third and fourth surfaces and a peripheral edge. A housing has a peripheral wall to surroundingly engage the peripheral edges of the first and second bodies with the first and second sealing members in operative relationship, wherein the second surface on the first body facially abuts to the third surface on the second body. The first body has at least a first portion that is compressible and deformable, with the second body having at least a second portion that is likewise compressible and deformable. There is an opening in the first portion of the first body that extends through the first body from the first surface to the second surface.

Abstract: A jig/support to consistently maintain a surgical instrument in a desired position within a vagina, uterus, or other body cavity, whether through a natural opening or an incision in the patient. The jig/support includes an instrument holder and structure cooperating between at least one of a support for a patient, a rigid base, and a patient and the instrument holder for maintaining the instrument holder in a preselected position relative to the one of the patient support, rigid base, and patient. An instrument held by the instrument holder can be controllably introduced and held consistently in a preselected, desired position within the body cavity.

Abstract: A support for a surgical instrument, having a base that defines a seat with a concave surface and a flat surface facing in a first direction for placement against tissue and a connector having a convex surface to abut to and move universally relative to the concave base surface. A sleeve with a passage through which a surgical instrument can be directed is attached to the connector such that the sleeve follows universal movement of the connector relative to the base. Cooperating structure on the connector and base maintains the connector and base in an operative position in which the convex surface on the connector resides adjacent to the plane of the flat base surface and does not project significantly in the first direction beyond the flat base surface.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for holding a needle, which instrument has first and second elongate jaws movable selectively towards and away from each other between a) an open position in which a needle can be placed between the jaws and b) a closed position in which the jaws can captively embrace a needle. A structure, and preferably a sleeve, is movable lengthwise relative to and against at least one of the first and second jaws between first and second positions to thereby move the jaws between their open and closed positions. There is a seat on one of the first and second jaws for reception of a needle to be held by the surgical instrument and a cam surface on the other of the first and second jaws for wedging a needle in the needle seat in the one of the first and second jaws as an incident of the jaws being moved from their open position into their closed position to thereby positively hold a needle in an operative position on the needle holding instrument.

Abstract: An instrument for facilitating the formation of a knot in a flexible line having a first portion extending through a tissue/organ and first and second free ends projecting away from the first portion. The instrument has a body defining a passage through which the first and second free ends of the flexible line can be passed in a first direction to be exposed at a tying location on the body. First structure is provided on the body for supporting a suture loop defined by wrapping the first and second free ends of the flexible line around each other. Second structure is provided on the body, spaced from the first structure, for releasably holding one of the first and second free ends of the flexible line.

Abstract: A guide for a cannula extending through a tissue and into a cavity in which a surgical procedure is to be performed. The guide has first and second plates cooperatively defining a through passageway for a cannula. Structure connects between the first and second plates to allow selective altering of the relative positions of the first and second plates to thereby change the configuration of the through passageway defined cooperatively between the first and second plates. A conversion unit can be used to draw the plates away from each other to enlarge an incision into which the first and second plates extend.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting the performance of laparoscopic pelvic procedures. The apparatus has a first structure for engaging a uterus to effect stabilization thereof and a second structure for holding a spacing material such as a resilient moisture absorbent material into the vaginal fornix. The first and second structures are cooperatively engaged to allow the resilient moisture absorbent material held by the second structure to be selectively movably positioned relative to a uterus which is engaged by the first structure.

Abstract: A support for a surgical instrument which support has a first sleeve with a through bore to allow passage of the instrument through the sleeve bore and tissue into a cavity in which a surgical procedure is to be performed and defining an outer surface to be pressed against the tissue, and structure for stabilizing the position of the sleeve relative to tissue through which the instrument is directed. There is connecting structure acting between the stabilizing structure and sleeve.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the tying of a knot in a flexible line that has a first portion extending through a tissue/organ and first and second free ends extending away from the first portion and wrapped around each other to thereby define a loop.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having a body, a tissue engaging and manipulating finger, and first structure for mounting the finger to the body. The finger has second structure thereon at first and second spaced locations to allow tissue engaged thereby to bridge the first and second spaced locations to allow a needle to be conveniently directed into a tissue engaged by the finger.

Abstract: A method of repositioning at least one of an organ and a vessel by performing the steps of: providing an instrument having an elongate section with an exposed surface; directing the elongate section into one of an organ and a vessel with the elongate section in a first state; and reconfiguring the elongate section to a second state to thereby cause the exposed surface of the elongate section to bear against the one of the organ and vessel to thereby effect positioning of the one of the organ and vessel.

Abstract: A rotational surgical instrument including a working head connected to a rotatable, pencil-like handle. The handle includes a casing with distal and proximal end caps, an elongated outer member extending into the casing, and a actuation link extending from the distal end cap through the casing and elongated member to the working head. An actuating mechanism is positioned distally from the distal end cap about the proximal portion of the elongated member for slidably actuating the working head between and open and closed positions. A compression spring is included in the passageway of the casing around the actuation link between the proximal end cap and the proximal end of the elongated member to return the working head to the nonactuated position. Keyed surfaces are included within the passageway of the casing and attached to the distal end of the casing and the proximal end of the elongated member for preventing rotation of the elongated member with respect to the casing and actuation link.