Abstract: A simulated abdominal wall model that is ideal for practicing laparoscopic first entry surgical techniques is provided. The model includes a simulated abdominal wall portion captured between two frame elements of a support. The support is connectable to a surgical trainer. When connected to the trainer, the model provides a penetrable abdominal tissue portion for accessing an internal cavity of the trainer. The simulated abdominal wall includes a plurality of layers including a skin layer, a fabric posterior rectus sheath layer, a simulated fat layer of low-resilience polyurethane foam and at least two layers that provide distinctive haptic feedback upon penetration of the simulated transversalis fascia and muscle layers. The simulated abdominal wall includes a simulated umbilicus across several layers of simulated tissue.

Abstract: Simulated tissue structures for practicing surgical techniques and methods of manufacturing those structures are provided. In particular, a realistic organ model or simulated tissue portion for practicing the removal of a tumor or other undesired tissue followed by suturing a remnant defect as part of the same surgical procedure is provided. The simulated tissue structures include a polyp simulation having a suturable mesh layer that is separable from a defect layer. A simulated colon model with interchangeable and suturable tissue pods is also provided as is a fully suturable rectum model and a rectum model with integrative suturable and removable polyp zones.

Abstract: A simulated abdominal wall model that is ideal for practicing laparoscopic first entry surgical techniques is provided. The model includes a simulated abdominal wall portion captured between two frame elements of a support. The support is connectable to a surgical trainer. When connected to the trainer, the model provides a penetrable abdominal tissue portion for accessing an internal cavity of the trainer. The simulated abdominal wall includes a plurality of layers including a skin layer, a fabric posterior rectus sheath layer, a simulated fat layer of low-resilience polyurethane foam and at least two layers that provide distinctive haptic feedback upon penetration of the simulated transversalis fascia and muscle layers. The simulated abdominal wall includes a simulated umbilicus across several layers of simulated tissue.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing the seeding of cancerous cells during morcellation of a tissue specimen inside a patient's body and removal of the tissue specimen from inside the patient through a minimally-invasive body opening to outside the patient are provided. One system includes a cut-resistant tissue guard removably insertable into a containment bag. The tissue specimen is isolated and contained within the containment bag and the guard is configured to protect the containment bag and surrounding tissue from incidental contact with sharp instrumentation used during morcellation and extraction of the tissue specimen. The guard is adjustable for easy insertion and removal and configured to securely anchor to the body opening. Protection-focused and containment-based systems for tissue removal are provided that enable minimally invasive procedures to be performed safely and efficiently.

Abstract: Pressure conditioning systems for supplying insufflation gas to an open-ended body conduit such as a rectal cavity during a transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) procedure can reduce billowing of walls of the body conduit. A pressure conditioning system can include a pressure storage component, an accumulator, and a flow restrictor. The pressure storage component can include a variable volume reservoir that is biased to a relatively low volume state. The flow restrictor can include insufflation tubing with a restrictor plate having a relatively low diameter orifice. The pressure storage component, accumulator, and flow restrictor can be fluidly connected in various orders in series or as side branches from a gas flow conduit. Despite a pulsed or otherwise discontinuous insufflation gas flow and leakage and absorption from the body conduit, the pressure conditioning system can maintain a constant pressure within the body conduit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing the seeding of cancerous cells during morcellation of a tissue specimen inside a patient's body and removal of the tissue specimen from inside the patient through a minimally-invasive body opening to outside the patient are provided. One system includes a cut-resistant tissue guard removably insertable into a containment bag. The tissue specimen is isolated and contained within the containment bag and the guard is configured to protect the containment bag and surrounding tissue from incidental contact with sharp instrumentation used during morcellation and extraction of the tissue specimen. The guard is adjustable for easy insertion and removal and configured to securely anchor to the body opening. Protection-focused and containment-based systems for tissue removal are provided that enable minimally invasive procedures to be performed safely and efficiently.

Abstract: An anatomical model for surgical training is provided. The model includes a first layer simulating a liver and a second layer including a simulated gallbladder. A third layer having an inner surface and an outer surface is provided between the first and second layer. The outer surface of the third layer is adhered to the first layer at location around the simulated gallbladder and the simulated gallbladder is adhered to the inner surface of the third layer. A fourth layer is provided that overlays both the second layer and the simulated gallbladder. A frame is embedded within the first layer and is connectable to a support. The model provides a substantially upright projection of a simulated gallbladder and liver in a retracted orientation ideally suited for practicing laparoscopic cholecystectomy when inserted inside a simulated insufflated cavity of laparoscopic trainer.

Abstract: Embodiments of a surgical access port system that comprises a retractor that is adapted for being coupled to a cap and that is particularly useful in natural orifice surgery are described. The retractor comprises an outer ring, wherein the outer ring is configured to be disposed proximate the natural orifice of the patient and substantially surround the orifice; a tubular body; and various stabilizing mechanisms surrounding the tubular body, sized and configured to stabilize and retain the retractor within the orifice. The stabilizing embodiments described herein are useful in all natural orifices and are of particular use in the vaginal surgery.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing the seeding of cancerous cells during morcellation of a tissue specimen inside a patient's body and removal of the tissue specimen from inside the patient through a minimally-invasive body opening to outside the patient are provided. One system includes a cut-resistant tissue guard removably insertable into a containment bag. The tissue specimen is isolated and contained within the containment bag and the guard is configured to protect the containment bag and surrounding tissue from incidental contact with sharp instrumentation used during morcellation and extraction of the tissue specimen. The guard is adjustable for easy insertion and removal and configured to securely anchor to the body opening. Protection-focused and containment-based systems for tissue removal are provided that enable minimally invasive procedures to be performed safely and efficiently.

Abstract: Pressure conditioning systems for supplying insufflation gas to an open-ended body conduit such as a rectal cavity during a transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) procedure can reduce billowing of walls of the body conduit. A pressure conditioning system can include a pressure storage component, an accumulator, and a flow restrictor. The pressure storage component can include a variable volume reservoir that is biased to a relatively low volume state. The flow restrictor can include insufflation tubing with a restrictor plate having a relatively low diameter orifice. The pressure storage component, accumulator, and flow restrictor can be fluidly connected in various orders in series or as side branches from a gas flow conduit. Despite a pulsed or otherwise discontinuous insufflation gas flow and leakage and absorption from the body conduit, the pressure conditioning system can maintain a constant pressure within the body conduit.

Abstract: Embodiments of a surgical access port system that comprises a retractor that is adapted for being coupled to a cap and that is particularly useful in natural orifice surgery are described. The retractor comprises an outer ring, wherein the outer ring is configured to be disposed proximate the natural orifice of the patient and substantially surround the orifice; a tubular body; and various stabilizing mechanisms surrounding the tubular body, sized and configured to stabilize and retain the retractor within the orifice. The stabilizing embodiments described herein are useful in all natural orifices and are of particular use in the vaginal surgery.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure includes a respiratory valve apparatus. The respiratory valve apparatus may include: a housing having an inner chamber, an endotracheal tube connection port, a ventilator connection port, and a resuscitation bag connection port; and a piston assembly positioned within the inner chamber and including a piston having a first passageway and a second passageway through the piston, wherein the first passageway provides a first flow pathway between the endotracheal tube connection port and the ventilator or connection port when the piston is in a first position, and wherein the second passageway provides a second flow pathway between the endotracheal tube connection port and the resuscitation bag connection port when in a second position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical training device for training laparoscopic first entry surgical techniques. The training device includes a simulated abdominal wall that is penetrable with an optical trocar. A receptacle containing a tissue simulation is located inside the receptacle. The tissue simulation is observable via scope placed inside the optical trocar. Upon penetration of the one or more of the simulated abdominal wall and receptacle, the tissue simulation appears to translate distally relative to the simulated abdominal wall. The distal translation is effected by a variety of ways including the release of negative pressure inside the receptacle upon penetration and the expansion of an elastic wall of the receptacle with the introduction of fluid under pressure into the receptacle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing the seeding of cancerous cells during morcellation of a tissue specimen inside a patient's body and removal of the tissue specimen from inside the patient through a minimally-invasive body opening to outside the patient are provided. One system includes a cut-resistant tissue guard removably insertable into a containment bag. The tissue specimen is isolated and contained within the containment bag and the guard is configured to protect the containment bag and surrounding tissue from incidental contact with sharp instrumentation used during morcellation and extraction of the tissue specimen. The guard is adjustable for easy insertion and removal and configured to securely anchor to the body opening. Protection-focused and containment-based systems for tissue removal are provided that enable minimally invasive procedures to be performed safely and efficiently.

Abstract: A surgical training model that includes a simulated tissue having a tubular shape that is connected to a tissue holder is provided. A portion of the simulated tissue overhangs the distal end of the tissue holder to simulate a cuff-like entry to the vaginal vault or resected intestine suitable for practicing laparoscopic closure of the vaginal vault, intestine or other organ via suturing or stapling. Two concentric tubular structures are also arranged over the same tissue holder. A second model includes two portions of simulated tissue that are held by two holders such that the simulated tissues are adjacent making the model suitable for practicing different types of anastomosis procedures. A third model includes two holders with a single or double tubular simulated tissue structure connected to and spanning a gap between the holders. The model isolates the step of closing a cylindrical opening for the purpose of repeated practice.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical training device for training laparoscopic first entry surgical techniques. The training device includes a simulated abdominal wall that is penetrable with an optical trocar. A receptacle containing a tissue simulation is located inside the receptacle. The tissue simulation is observable via scope placed inside the optical trocar. Upon penetration of the one or more of the simulated abdominal wall and receptacle, the tissue simulation appears to translate distally relative to the simulated abdominal wall. The distal translation is effected by a variety of ways including the release of negative pressure inside the receptacle upon penetration and the expansion of an elastic wall of the receptacle with the introduction of fluid under pressure into the receptacle.

Abstract: An anatomical model for surgical training is provided. The model includes a first layer simulating a liver and a second layer including a simulated gallbladder. A third layer having an inner surface and an outer surface is provided between the first and second layer. The outer surface of the third layer is adhered to the first layer at location around the simulated gallbladder and the simulated gallbladder is adhered to the inner surface of the third layer. A fourth layer is provided that overlays both the second layer and the simulated gallbladder. A frame is embedded within the first layer and is connectable to a support. The model provides a substantially upright projection of a simulated gallbladder and liver in a retracted orientation ideally suited for practicing laparoscopic cholecystectomy when inserted inside a simulated insufflated cavity of laparoscopic trainer.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to a pedal organizer. The pedal organizer may include: a first pedal retaining member including a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface, a top surface, and a bottom surface opposite the top surface; at least one aperture extending through the top surface to a depth within the first pedal retaining member, the at least one aperture extending from the front surface to the rear surface; and at least one void within the front surface of the first pedal retaining member, the at least one void being open to the at least one aperture without extending through to the rear surface, wherein portions of the front surface on opposing sides of the at least one void are substantially coplanar.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing the seeding of cancerous cells during morcellation of a tissue specimen inside a patient's body and removal of the tissue specimen from inside the patient through a minimally-invasive body opening to outside the patient are provided. One system includes a cut-resistant tissue guard removably insertable into a containment bag. The tissue specimen is isolated and contained within the containment bag and the guard is configured to protect the containment bag and surrounding tissue from incidental contact with sharp instrumentation used during morcellation and extraction of the tissue specimen. The guard is adjustable for easy insertion and removal and configured to securely anchor to the body opening. Protection-focused and containment-based systems for tissue removal are provided that enable minimally invasive procedures to be performed safely and efficiently.

Abstract: An anatomical model for surgical training is provided. The model includes a first layer simulating a liver and a second layer including a simulated gallbladder. A third layer having an inner surface and an outer surface is provided between the first and second layer. The outer surface of the third layer is adhered to the first layer at location around the simulated gallbladder and the simulated gallbladder is adhered to the inner surface of the third layer. A fourth layer is provided that overlays both the second layer and the simulated gallbladder. A frame is embedded within the first layer and is connectable to a support. The model provides a substantially upright projection of a simulated gallbladder and liver in a retracted orientation ideally suited for practicing laparoscopic cholecystectomy when inserted inside a simulated insufflated cavity of laparoscopic trainer.