Abstract: A surgical instrument for dispensing a fluid includes a housing and a dispensing shaft, which is elongate and which has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the dispensing shaft is received in the housing and the distal end defines a dispensing opening for dispensing the fluid. The dispensing shaft includes a through bore which extends along the dispensing shaft from the proximal end to the dispensing opening at the distal end. The instrument further includes a dispensing assembly and a priming assembly connected to the housing which is operable to move an amount of the fluid into the through bore of the dispensing shaft to prime the through bore with the fluid before the dispensing assembly is operated.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for dispensing a fluid includes a housing and a dispensing shaft. The surgical instrument further includes a dispensing assembly connected to the housing, which includes a dispensing chamber for holding the fluid before it is dispensed. A container is included in which the fluid is stored before the surgical instrument is used. A transfer assembly is included and is connected to the housing which is operable to open the container and transfer the fluid from the opened container to the dispensing chamber before the dispensing assembly is operated.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for dispensing a fluid includes a housing and a dispensing shaft. The surgical instrument further includes a dispensing assembly connected to the housing, which includes a dispensing chamber for holding the fluid before it is dispensed. A container is included in which the fluid is stored before the surgical instrument is used. A transfer assembly is included and is connected to the housing which is operable to open the container and transfer the fluid from the opened container to the dispensing chamber before the dispensing assembly is operated.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for dispensing a fluid includes a housing and a dispensing shaft, which is elongate and which has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the dispensing shaft is received in the housing and the distal end defines a dispensing opening for dispensing the fluid. The dispensing shaft includes a through bore which extends along the dispensing shaft from the proximal end to the dispensing opening at the distal end. The instrument further includes a dispensing assembly and a priming assembly connected to the housing which is operable to move an amount of the fluid into the through bore of the dispensing shaft to prime the through bore with the fluid before the dispensing assembly is operated.

Abstract: A cannula top for enclosing a surgical seal which comprises a base member having a through bore which defines a receptacle for the surgical seal and a lid member having a through bore. The lid member is movable between a first position in which the surgical seal can be inserted into and removed from the receptacle, and a second position in which the surgical seal is engaged by the lid member and retained in the receptacle by the lid member. The cannula top further comprises a connecting member which connects the lid member to the base member in both the first position and the second position.

Abstract: An optical trocar assembly has an elongated tubular member for receiving an endoscope which defines a longitudinal axis and has an open proximal end and a closed, optically clear distal end which is adapted for penetrating body tissue. The optical trocar assembly has a handle releasably connected to the elongated tubular member and which defines a passage which is coaxial with the longitudinal axis and which has a distal portion and proximal portion. The distal portion receives the open proximal end and the proximal portion defines a tapering opening. A locking collet is positioned within the tapering opening having a through bore which is coaxial with the longitudinal axis and the tapering external surface.

Abstract: A series of integrally formed segments 24 are allowed to move relative to each other by flexure of hinges 26 that are also integrally formed with the sections.

Abstract: A series of integrally formed segments (24) are allowed to move relative to each other by flexure of hinges (26) that are also integrally formed with the sections.