Abstract: A minimally invasive device for cleaning surgical instruments includes a rod having first and second ends. The rod includes a primary section with a primary outer diameter, and an adjacent, reduced section having a reduced outer diameter, the reduced outer diameter being smaller than the primary outer diameter. A shoulder is defined where the primary section and the reduced section abut one another. A sponge assembly is fitted about the first end of the rod distally from the shoulder. A sheath extends over at least a portion of the sponge assembly and at least a portion of the reduced section and terminates at the shoulder, the sheath having an installed outer diameter substantially the same as the primary outer diameter.

Abstract: A minimally invasive device for cleaning surgical instruments includes a rod having first and second ends. A first sponge assembly is fitted about the first end of the rod, the first sponge assembly including a first conical trailing surface, a first cleaning surface and a first leading surface. A first sheath extends over a portion of the first conical trailing surface and terminates on the first conical trailing surface. A second sponge assembly fits about the second end of the rod, the second sponge assembly including a second conical trailing surface, a second cleaning surface and a second leading surface. A second sheath extends over a portion of the second conical trailing surface and terminates on the second conical trailing surface.

Abstract: A minimally invasive device for cleaning surgical instruments includes a rod having first and second ends with a first sponge assembly fitted about the first end of the rod and a second sponge assembly fitted about the second end of the rod. At least one of the first and second sponge assemblies is removably secured to one of the respective first and second ends of the rod. Each of the first and second sponge assemblies is rotationally retained about the first or second ends of the rod such that the sponge assemblies are restrained from rotating relative to the rod.

Abstract: A method is provided of cleaning trocars or cannulas and a lens of a scope by using a minimally invasive device including a rod having at least one sponge attached to an end thereof. The method includes inserting one end of the device through a trocar such that the at least one sponge is in contact with an inner surface of the trocar to thereby clean the inner surface of the trocar. The device is extended through the trocar such that the sponge is positioned within a body cavity. The sponge is used to clean the lens of the scope while the scope and the sponge are within the body cavity.

Abstract: A disposable insert for warming a medical device includes: a base having a canister compartment formed therein; a canister held within the canister compartment and having a chamber formed therein which defines a chamber opening; a resistive heater thermally bridged with the canister; a controller electrically coupled to the resistive heater and configured to provide electric current to the resistive heater; and an insert mating feature connected to the base and configured to releasably engage a corresponding mating feature of a housing, the insert mating feature including at least one beveled surface. A warmer for a medical device includes the insert with the insert mating feature releasable engaging a housing mating feature of a housing.

Abstract: A minimally invasive device that concurrently cleans trocars or cannulas and the lens of the scope and a method of using the same is disclosed. The disclosed device may include a rod having at least one end and at least one sponge attached to at least one end of the rod. There is also disclosed a method of cleaning trocars or cannulas and the lens of a minimally invasive scope concurrently with the device. The method may include the steps of attaching a first sponge to the rod and inserting one end of the device through a trocar such that at least one sponge is in contact with the inner surface of the trocar. The device may be removed from the trocar after sufficient cleaning is performed. If the device is inserted through a different trocar, the sponge end may be used to concurrently clean a scope lens while the scope is within a body cavity.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical system includes a surgical instrument having an elongate body portion and an oversleeve, through which the elongate body portion of the surgical instrument is extendable. A valve assembly is associated with one of the oversleeve or the surgical instrument. Mating structure is associated with two or more of the oversleeve, the surgical instrument and the valve assembly, the mating structure is operable to limit or prevent relative movement between the oversleeve and the surgical instrument.

Abstract: The present application relates to minimally invasive instruments including laparoscopic instruments. The instruments include an improved handle with an ergonomic shape, better hand control, and a more pleasing appearance. The instruments can include a connector for applications such as electrocautery that allows better manipulation and flexibility of movement.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical system includes a surgical instrument having an elongate body portion and an oversleeve, through which the elongate body portion of the surgical instrument is extendable. A valve assembly is associated with one of the oversleeve or the surgical instrument. Mating structure is associated with two or more of the oversleeve, the surgical instrument and the valve assembly, the mating structure is operable to limit or prevent relative movement between the oversleeve and the surgical instrument.