Abstract: A medical assembly includes a platform which is securely mountable to an operating room fixture, and a plurality of arms or arm modules coupled to the platform and each with a grasper for holding a surgical instrument or port. The medical assembly is particularly applicable for laparoscopic surgery although it is not limited thereto.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical assembly broadly includes an outer hollow needle which has an outer diameter of 3.0 mm or smaller, and a coaxial surgical instrument having a shaft which extends through the outer hollow needle. The coaxial surgical instrument includes end effectors at the end of the shaft which are biased to an open position such that when the end effectors of the surgical intstrument extended out of the needle they open, and they are closed by relative movement of the needle over them. The assembly preferably includes a first fixing element which is used to fix the relative location of the surgical instrument and the needle. The assembly also preferably includes a second fixing element which moves relative to the needle and is located on the outside thereof and which is used to fix the relative location of the needle to the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for applying compression therapy to an extremity of the human body, such as a portion of the human leg. The device includes a flexible member and an air bladder chamber. The flexible member is adapted to wrap around the extremity to secure the air bladder chamber to the extremity. An air pumping mechanism is operated to inflate the air bladder chamber to a pressurized state. One or more fluid-filled pressurized members are provided, each separate and distinct from the flexible member and the air bladder chamber and thus readily moveable relative to the flexible member and the air bladder chamber. The pressurized member(s) is operably disposed between the extremity and the flexible member whereby it applies increased localized pressure to the extremity during use.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical assembly includes an outer hollow needle which may be used in puncturing skin to insert and advance the surgical instrument into the body, and a coaxial surgical instrument having a shaft which extends through the outer hollow needle. The outer diameter of the needle may be dimensioned such that a wound formed from the hollow needle puncturing the skin is capable of being closed independent of stitching, and may be approximately 2 mm or smaller. The coaxial surgical instrument includes end effectors at the end of the shaft which are biased to an open position such that when the end effectors of the surgical instrument extend out of the needle they open, and they are closed by relative movement of the needle over them. The assembly preferably includes a first fixing element which is used to fix the relative location of the surgical instrument and the needle.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical assembly broadly includes an outer hollow needle which has an outer diameter of approximately 2 mm or smaller, and a coaxial surgical instrument having a shaft which extends through the outer hollow needle. The coaxial surgical instrument includes end effectors at the end of the shaft which are biased to an open position such that when the end effectors of the surgical instrument extend out of the needle they open, and they are closed by relative movement of the needle over them. The assembly preferably includes a first fixing element which is used to fix the relative location of the surgical instrument and the needle. The assembly also preferably includes a second fixing element which moves relative to the needle and is located on the outside thereof and which is used to fix the relative location of the needle to the patient.

Abstract: A rake retractor for use in minimally invasive medical procedures such as laparoscopic surgery includes a handle shaft, rake prongs, and end configurations that can be used to move elements within a body cavity. The prongs of the rake retractor are biased to an open position such that when the rake prongs extend out of the needle they open, and they are closed by relative movement of the needle over them. The end configurations are offset so that they may be compactly brought together within the narrow space of a needle having a diameter typically not greater than 2.5 mm.

Abstract: A garment that includes at least one inflatable chamber for applying compression to a limb for assisting venous return, and an elevation member to elevate the limb. The elevation member may comprise an inflatable chamber, and the garment may be configured for compressive therapy of the leg while elevating the heel, eliminating or otherwise reducing or mitigating pressure on an individual's heel while the leg is in an extended position and undergoing compressive therapy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for eliminating or otherwise reducing or mitigating pressure on an individual's heel while the leg is in an extended position, while allowing for ambulation without completely removing the device. An apparatus comprises a support member configured to be attached to a lower leg portion of an individual between the calf and heel region, the support member having an inner surface portion to be disposed facing the leg when attached thereto, and having an opposite outer surface; and a reconfigurable elevation member configured (i) to be disposed at the outer surface of the support member such that when the support member is attached to the lower leg portion of the individual the elevation member is selectively capable of providing elevation of the heel from an underlying surface in the event that the lower leg portion is extended above the underlying surface, and (ii) to be reconfigured for ambulation without removing said support member from the lower leg.

Abstract: An improved surgical retraction apparatus (and corresponding method of operation) includes a plurality of rigid retraction members disposed about a central axis that move radially with respect to the central axis between a closed state and an open state. In the closed state, the retraction members form a central opening that is adapted to closely fit around the tubular section of a surgical port device. In the illustrative embodiments, a planetary gear train, cable assemblies and lever arms may be used to control radial movement of the retraction members with respect to the central axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying compression therapy to a portion of the human body includes a flexible member and an air bladder chamber. The flexible member is adapted to wrap around the body portion to secure the air bladder chamber thereto. An air pump inflates the air bladder chamber to a pressurized state. An adjustable pressure regulator is fluidly coupled to the bladder chamber and automatically limits the pressure to a selected amount. The pressure regulator preferably includes a plurality of check valves, each being operable at a different pressure and a selector element. The check valves are fluidly coupled to the selector and the selector is fluidly coupled to the bladder chamber. Operation of the selector fluidly couples one of the check valves to the bladder chamber. According to the presently preferred embodiment, three check valves are provided, operable at 20 mmHg, 30 mmHg, and 40 mmHg.

Abstract: An improved therapeutic bandage that covers a wound (e.g., ulcer) in the heel region of the human foot includes at least one skin contacting region disposed about the periphery of the bandage. The skin-contact region has adhesive material for removably affixing the bandage to the skin. A central portion supports a hydrophilic foam sponge that is operably disposed adjacent the wound and absorbs bodily fluids that emanate from the wound. An integral air bladder is reduces pressure applied to the wound. Preferably, the foam sponge can be inserted and removed from at least one pocket defined by the central portion. The foam sponge may be loaded with a therapeutic drug.

Abstract: An improved catheter device includes an elongate shaft having a distal portion adapted to be disposed with the abdominal aorta and a plurality of expandable members disposed thereon. One expandable member is dimensioned and configured so that it rests within the iliac bifurcation when expanded. At least two expandable members are spaced apart from the one expandable member and configured to selectively occlude blood flow to different abdominal/pelvic arteries when expanded. Preferably, the distal-most and the proximal-most expandable members are spaced apart at a distance more than 20 cm and less than 40 cm (and most preferably on the order of 30 cm). The expandable members are preferably realized by four inflatable balloons controlled by fluidic pressure supplied thereto via corresponding inflation lumens in the shaft. The catheter device can be fixated within the abdominal aorta and manipulated in order to quickly and efficiently identify and isolate a hemorrhage flowing from an abdominal artery.

Abstract: An improved surgical retraction apparatus (and corresponding method of operation) includes a plurality of rigid retraction members disposed about a central axis that move radially with respect to the central axis between a closed state and an open state. In the closed state, the retraction members form a central opening that is adapted to closely fit around the tubular section of a surgical port device. In the illustrative embodiment, a planetary gear train, cable assemblies, lever arms or two annular slotted plates used to control radial movement of the retraction members with respect to the central axis.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for applying compression therapy to an extremity of the human body, such as a portion of the human leg. The device includes a flexible member and an air bladder. The flexible member is adapted to wrap around the extremity to secure the air bladder chamber to the extremity. An air pumping mechanism is operated to inflate the air bladder chamber to a pressurized state. One or more fluid-filled pressurized members are provided, each separate and distinct from the flexible member and the air bladder chamber and thus readily moveable relative to the flexible member and the air bladder chamber. The pressurized member(s) preferably includes a sponge on its underside and is operably disposed between the extremity and the flexible member whereby it applies increased localized pressure to the extremity during use.

Abstract: A vehicle umbrella holder has a substantially flat elongate base plate and a cover removably attached to the base plate to form a cavity therebetween for holding and supporting an umbrella. Preferably, the cover has a curved wall with one end open and the other end closed by an end wall. The base plate comprises a plurality of mounting interfaces that are adapted to mount the base plate to a wide variety of interior surfaces of a vehicle. Preferably, the base plate and cover are made of hard plastic material. A foam or sponge may be operably disposed in the cavity. According to preferred aspects of the invention, the mechanisms for mounting the base plate to the interior surface of the vehicle comprise adhesive-based mounting brackets, holes that are adapted to engage stretchable cord-like material (e.g., bungee cords), screw holes that are adapted to receive mounting screws therethrough, and possibly one or more hook and loop fastener elements.

Abstract: An improved surgical retraction apparatus (and corresponding method of operation) includes a plurality of rigid retraction members disposed about a central axis that move radially with respect to the central axis between a closed state and an open state. In the closed state, the retraction members form a central opening that is adapted to closely fit around the tubular section of a surgical port device. In the illustrative embodiments, a planetary gear train, cable assemblies and lever arms may be used to control radial movement of the retraction members with respect to the central axis.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for applying compression therapy to an extremity of the human body, such as a portion of the human leg. The device includes a flexible member and an air bladder chamber. The flexible member is adapted to wrap around the extremity to secure the air bladder chamber to the extremity. An air pumping mechanism is operated to inflate the air bladder chamber to a pressurized state. One or more fluid-filled pressurized members are provided, each separate and distinct from the flexible member and the air bladder chamber and thus readily moveable relative to the flexible member and the air bladder chamber. The pressurized member(s) is operably disposed between the extremity and the flexible member whereby it applies increased localized pressure to the extremity during use.

Abstract: A suturing device for surgical applications includes first and second elements that are rotatable with respect to one another about a central axis. Each element has a cutout into its exterior surface. The cutouts extend along a direction substantially parallel to the central axis and are sized to accept suture thread material therein. A central member is disposed along the central axis between the first and second elements to define space therebetween. When the first element is rotated with respect to the second element, the suture thread material wraps around the central member in the space between the first and second elements to thereby grasp and hold suture thread material therein. Preferably, the second element is realized from deformable material such that its cutout collapses and grasps suture material thread disposed therein.

Abstract: Various blood vessel occlusion devices including plugs (102, 500, 600, 700), or at least portions thereof, are made of silicone or other biocompatible material and each including a pilot hole (210, 516, 624, 716) which permits an insertion device (300) to be used to insert the plugs into the blood vessel. The plugs allow blood vessels to be rapidly occluded. Certain embodiments of the plug may be used to permanently seal the blood vessel, while other embodiments of the plug are designed to temporarily occlude a blood vessel. The plugs are designed to be effective even in cases of deposits in the artery.

Abstract: A ski caddy includes a telescoping shaft coupled to a pair of wheels at one end and a handle at the other. The wheels are preferably dish shaped. A generally U-shaped cup resides between the wheels for holding the butt end of a pair of skis. A generally W-shaped member is provided beneath the handle to support the skis in the space the skis in the space between the front and rear boot bindings. Two cutouts, adapted to receive the upper portion of a pair of ski poles, are provided on each opposite side of the W-shaped member and allow the poles to be rotated and crossed into a tripod-like configuration with the shaft. A pair of pole receiving sleeves are provided on opposite sides of the U-shaped cup for receiving the sharp ends of the ski poles. The ski caddy moves easily through snow and on hard surfaces, and can be maintained in an upright position on virtually any surface.