Abstract: An apparatus and system are disclosed for indicating relative positions of elements in a surgical apparatus. The indicating elements can include electrical circuitry that provides means for activating visual, audible or tactile indicators, thereby alerting the user that an event has occured with respect to the instrument.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a perfusion stent and method for implanting the same in a TMR channel for perfusing blood to ischemic areas of the head. The stent includes a head and a stem extending perpendicular to the head. The stem includes a cylinder having a plurality of holes. The method comprises the steps of creating the TMR channel, and implanting the perfusion stent within the TMR channel in order for blood within a ventricle to enter the stem and be perfused to the heart muscle.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for forming curved and rectangular bodied needle blanks from a length of needle stock which includes a generally cylindrical inner mandrel having a plurality of longitudinal channels formed in an outer surface thereof, the mandrel being dimensioned and configured for insertion within the length of needle stock. The apparatus also includes a plurality of broaches insertable into the longitudinal channels such that an edge of each broach projects radially outwardly of the mandrel to form a plurality of inner grooves on an inner surface of the length of needle stock.

Abstract: A port includes a body having a hollow portion defining an axial bore, a flange circumferentially disposed around a proximal end of the hollow portion and two spaced apart legs extending distally from the hollow portion, each leg having a distal end with a wing portion extending laterally therefrom. The thoracic port is inserted into the intercostal space between two ribs and turned to a locking position wherein the legs may advantageously bias the ribs to a more spaced apart configuration and the wings abut the distal surface of the ribs to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of the port.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for forming curved and rectangular bodied needle blanks from a length of needle stock which includes a generally cylindrical inner mandrel having a plurality of longitudinal channels formed in an outer surface thereof, the mandrel being dimensioned and configured for insertion within the length of needle stock. The apparatus also includes a plurality of broaches insertable into the longitudinal channels such that an edge of each broach projects radially outwardly of the mandrel to form a plurality of inner grooves on an inner surface of the length of needle stock.

Abstract: An adapter seal is provided which is adapted to be mounted to a cannula assembly. The adapter seal preferably defines a channel which is adapted to cooperate with walls extending upward from a cannula housing. In a second embodiment, a button is provided that may be repositioned such that its aperture aligns with an aperture formed in the body member of the adapter seal. The button is preferably joined to the body member by a flexible strap.

Abstract: A surgical instrumentation kit for preliminary diagnostic endoscopic examination includes a trocar assembly, a self-contained insufflation unit having a supply of insufflation media and a self-contained illuminating unit for supplying illuminating light. The surgical kit is disposable and is intended for use with an endoscope of the type including an optical system and an illumination system. A method for utilizing the kit of the present disclosure is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and system are disclosed for indicating relative positions of elements in a surgical apparatus. The indicating elements can include electrical circuitry for activating visual, audible or tactile indicators, thereby alerting the user that an event has occurred with respect to the instrument.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided for performing a variety of endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures including the electrocauterization of tissue. The instrument includes a handle assembly, a tubular body extending from the handle assembly therein defining a longitudinal axis, a tool assembly associated with a distal end of the tubular body including a tool base and tool members, an electrical connector electrically associated with the tool members, electrical insulation being provided in association with electrical conducting components, a first mechanism for effectuating remote articulation of the tool assembly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body, and a second mechanism for effectuating remote rotation of the tool assembly about the longitudinal axis of the tubular body.

Abstract: A surgical device for use in a ligating procedure in which a looped suture is slidably secured by a securement member. In a preferred embodiment a loop is formed in a suture and the end of the suture is slidably secured relative to the suture body portion by a shrinkable tubing. One or more slip knots are contemplated within or adjacent the shrinkable tubing. The second suture end may be secured to a shaft member in a traditional manner.

Abstract: A cannula assembly for use in conjunction with endoscopic surgical techniques includes a cannula, a housing mounted on one end of the cannula, and a variable interior dimension cannula valve assembly in the housing. The variable interior dimension cannula valve assembly includes a flexible tubular member having a distal portion affixed to the housing, an intermediate portion capable of changing interior dimension and a proximate portion including a rigid rotating means and a locking means. The interior dimension of the cannula valve assembly may be set to a desired size to fit a surgical instrument inserted into the cannula passage while maintaining a substantially air-tight seal.

Abstract: A safety trocar is provided in which the cutting tip is withdrawn into the cannula in response to counterforce being removed from the cutting tip, e.g., by the tip entering a body cavity. The cutting tip is maintained in the exposed positioned by a mechanism associated with the obturator shaft, and is automatically withdrawn into the cannula under the force of a spring when the first mechanism is released by a second mechanism associated with the obturator. Penetration force is maintained at a minimum and safe and efficacious trocar entry is facilitated.