Abstract: A system, method, apparatus, means, and computer program code for selecting an agent to handle a call are provided. According to some embodiments, multiple agents may take or handle calls. Each agent's off process time may be measured or determined. When an incoming call arrives, the available agent having the highest off process time may be selected to handle to the call. In other embodiments, each of the agents may be assigned a priority. When an incoming call arrives, the available agent having the highest priority may be selected to handle the call. In both of the previous embodiments, conditions or rules may be established that allow an agent to be skipped even though the agent normally would be selected to handle a call.

Abstract: A system, method, apparatus, means, and computer program code for selecting an agent to handle a call are provided. According to some embodiments, multiple agents may take or handle calls. Each agent's off process time may be measured or determined. When an incoming call arrives, the available agent having the highest off process time may be selected to handle to the call. In other embodiments, each of the agents may be assigned a priority. When an incoming call arrives, the available agent having the highest priority may be selected to handle the call. In both of the previous embodiments, conditions or rules may be established that allow an agent to be skipped even though the agent normally would be selected to handle a call.

Abstract: A surgical retractor system including: a surgical retractor for retracting tissue surrounding an opening; and an attachment member having a linear or non-linear edge along a length; and an accessory device for use with the surgical retractor, the accessory device having a channel in sliding engagement with the edge along the length, the channel being the other of linear and non-linear along a width thereof such that the accessory device is movable along the length of the edge into a desired position upon the application of a moving force and locked in the desired position in the absence of the moving force. Also provided are various mounts for disposing the edge in the channel and a pseudoelastic arm for supporting the accessory device from the attachment member, the arm being capable of articulation into a desired position yet also maintaining the desired position during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A suction device having a vacuum inlet portion having an inlet for attachment to a vacuum source; and a suction cup portion connected to the vacuum inlet portion, the suction cup portion having a wall defining a cavity in fluid communication with the inlet and an engagement surface for engaging the tissue surface; the suction cup being configured to minimize injury to the tissue surface caused by the applied vacuum. The configuration of the suction cup having at least one of: a plurality of channels formed in the cavity on an inner surface of the wall for allowing the applied vacuum to be distributed over the tissue surface and thereby minimizing injury thereof; an elastic mesh disposed in the cavity such that it engages the tissue surface; and a closed cell foam member disposed on the suction cup portion such that it engages the tissue surface.

Abstract: A surgical retractor system including: a surgical retractor for retracting tissue surrounding an opening; and an attachment member having a linear or non-linear edge along a length; and an accessory device for use with the surgical retractor, the accessory device having a channel in sliding engagement with the edge along the length, the channel being the other of linear and non-linear along a width thereof such that the accessory device is movable along the length of the edge into a desired position upon the application of a moving force and locked in the desired position in the absence of the moving force. Also provided are various mounts for disposing the edge in the channel and a pseudoelastic arm for supporting the accessory device from the attachment member, the arm being capable of articulation into a desired position yet also maintaining the desired position during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A suction device includes a suction cup having a vacuum inlet for connection to a vacuum source. The suction cup has a wall defining a cavity that is in fluid communication with the vacuum inlet and an engagement surface for engaging a tissue surface. The suction cup is formed of a material that minimizes injury to the tissue surface contacted by the engagement surface and tissue captured when the vacuum is applied and permits the captured tissue to be perfused during use of the suction device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses polymers of poly(p-dioxanone having an inherent viscosity in the range of from 2.3 dL/g to about 8 dL/g, as determined at a concentration of 0.1 g/dL in hexafluoroisopropanol at 25.degree. C. This invention also describes improved surgical devices and filaments made from poly(p-dioxanone) with an inherent viscosity in the range of from 2.3 dL/g to about 8 dL/g, determined at a concentration of 0.1 g/dL in hexafluoroisopropanol at 25.degree. C. Additionally, disclosed are processes for manufacturing poly(p-dioxanone) with an inherent viscosity in the range of from 2.3 dL/g to about 8 dL/g, as determined at a concentration of 0.1 g/dL in hexafluoroisopropanol at 25.degree. C., as well as, processes for molding surgical articles and extruding surgical filaments from these polymers.