Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a lifting apparatus for pivoting a surgical retractor with respect to a patient it is being used on. The lifting apparatus has a bridge for engaging at least one arm of a surgical retractor. The bridge has a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The bridge further includes a distal coupling attached to the distal end of the bridge for releaseably attaching the bridge to the surgical retractor. The lifting apparatus further comprises an elevator. The elevator is for applying an upward force to the proximal end of the bridge, so that when the apparatus is attached to a surgical retractor, the elevator pivots the retractor upward about the distal coupling. The elevator includes a bridge coupling for attaching to the proximal end of the bridge. A resilient pad is releaseably attached to the base of the lifting assembly and is positioned between the base and the chest of the patient.

Abstract: A vacuum-actuated tissue-lifting device and method for performing a surgical procedure in an operative space of a patient are disclosed. The preferred device has a shell with a profile configured to surround a tissue surface of the patient, a vacuum port located on the shell for applying a vacuum between the shell and the tissue surface, and an air conduit extending through the shell to permit air to pass into the operative space of the patient when vacuum is applied. In a preferred embodiment, the device has an entry port located on the shell and a perforable membrane located on the entry port to provide a seal when a surgical instrument is inserted through the membrane during the procedure. The device and method of the invention eliminate the need for carbon dioxide insufflation, mechanical lifting devices which create obstructions and high stress zones on tissues within the operative space created, and unwanted displacement of internal organs when the targeted tissue surface is lifted.

Abstract: A method is described for stabilizing moving tissue within the body. The method comprises creating a first opening for primary surgical access into the body, and a second opening spaced apart from the first opening in the body. An elongated stem having a proximal end and a distal end is inserted into the second opening. A foot having an upper and a lower surface is inserted into the first opening. The lower surface of the foot is engaged with the moving tissue within the body. The distal end of the stem is releaseably attached to the foot. The proximal end of the stem may be held so as to stabilize the moving tissue within the body.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a device for stabilizing moving tissue, such as a beating heart, so as to facilitate surgical procedures on such tissue. The device includes a tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending therebetween. The tube has a flexible hose extending through the lumen of the tube between its distal and proximal ends. The hose having a proximal end connected to a suction source so as to draw air through the tube from its distal end to its proximal end. The tube is made up of a plurality of segments which are detachable from one another. The device further includes at least one foot connected to the distal end of the tube. The foot extends laterally from the tube. In a preferred embodiment the device includes a pair of feet which are spaced apart laterally from each other. Each foot has a proximal surface, and a distal surface for making contact with the tissue.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a device for stabilizing moving tissue, such as a beating heart, so as to facilitate surgical procedures on such tissue. The device includes a tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending therebetween. The tube is connected to a suction source so as to draw air through the tube from the distal end to the proximal end. The device further includes at least one foot connected to the distal end of the tube. The foot extends laterally from the tube. In a preferred embodiment the device includes a pair of feet which are spaced apart laterally from each other. Each foot has a proximal surface, and a distal surface for making contact with the tissue. In one preferred embodiment the device includes a filter on said distal surface of each foot whereby particulate material is substantially prevented from entering said lumen of said tube.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for pivoting a surgical retractor having two arms. The apparatus has a bridge for engaging at least one arm of the surgical retractor. The bridge has a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The bridge further includes a distal coupling attached to the distal end of the bridge for attaching the bridge to the surgical retractor. An arm extender comprising a bridge coupling and a blade is attached to the bridge and engages with the tissue of the surgical patient. The apparatus also has a lifting assembly comprising an elevator. The lifting assembly is for applying an upward force to the proximal end of the bridge, so that when the apparatus is attached to the arm of the surgical retractor, the lifting assembly pivots the retractor with respect to the surgical patient.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a device for pivoting a surgical retractor with respect to a patient it is being used on. The device includes a bridge having distal and proximal ends wherein a distal coupling is attached to the distal end of the bridge and a proximal coupling is slidably attached to the bridge proximal to the distal coupling. The proximal and distal couplings include a means for releasably attaching itself to a surgical retractor. The device further includes a lifting assembly attached to the bridge proximal to the proximal coupling. The lifting assembly comprises a means for applying an upward force to the proximal coupling, whereby when the device is attached to a surgical retractor, the lifting assembly pivots the retractor upward about the distal coupling.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument is provided for cauterization and/or welding of tissue of varying impedance, thickness, compressibility, density, vascularity, etc., especially in the performance of endoscopic procedures. The instrument provides two electrodes of different electrical potentials. One electrode is moveable with respect to the other electrode to vary the distances between the electrodes and thus the impedance of the tissue as presented to the generator. The electrode distances may be varied by an automated or user controlled device.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a device for stabilizing and/or manipulating moving tissue, such as a beating heart, so as to facilitate surgical procedures on such tissues. The device includes a tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending therebetween. The tube is operatively connected to a suction source so as to draw air through the tube from the distal end to the proximal end. The device further includes at least one foot operatively connected to the distal end of the tube. The foot extends laterally from the tube. In a preferred embodiment the device includes a pair of feet which are spaced apart laterally from each other. Each foot has a proximal surface, and a distal surface for making contact with the tissue. Each foot is attached to the tube by a ball and socket connector. The ball and socket connector is operatively connected to an actuator which can release and re-engage the ball from the socket.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for pivoting a surgical retractor with respect to a patient it is being used on. The apparatus has a bridge for engaging at least one arm of a surgical retractor. The bridge has a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The bridge further includes a distal coupling attached to the distal end of the bridge for releasably attaching the bridge to the surgical retractor. The apparatus also has a lifting assembly comprising an elevator. The lifting assembly is for applying an upward force to the proximal end of the bridge, so that when the apparatus is attached to a surgical retractor the lifting assembly pivots the retractor upward about the distal coupling. The elevator includes a bridge coupling for attaching the lifting assembly to the proximal end of the bridge. The bridge coupling has a rotatable connection for allowing the bridge to rotate about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for performing endoscopic surgical procedures. In one embodiment, the instrument includes a knife that remains unexposed until initiation of a cutting sequence, and returns to an unexposed position at the conclusion of the cutting sequence, minimizing the risk of injury to the person handling the instrument. In another embodiment, the instrument includes a flexible neck for articulating a surgical head assembly with respect to the shaft of the instrument. In another embodiment, a device for locking the articulated head at an angle of articulation is provided. In yet another embodiment, a mechanism for opening and closing an anvil assembly is disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided for clamping and cutting during surgical procedures, particularly for use with tissues of varying thicknesses. The instrument in a preferred embodiment compresses tissue between electrodes associated with jaws of the clamping device and applies electrosurgical energy to the tissue. The invention provides an expandable cutting element which is adapted to compensate for various thicknesses in tissue and contractible by providing a knife which can be contained within the jaws and expand as needed for thicker tissues. The cutting element is preferably actuated as or after the electrosurgical energy has been applied, to cut tissue engaged and treated by the jaw members.

Abstract: An electrosurgical hemostatic instrument is provided in which the coagulation status of tissue engaged by two elements delivering electrosurgical energy to tissue may be observed. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a bipolar endoscopic clamping, coagulation and cutting device. The end effector of the device includes interleaved winged electrodes which act to support the tissue and to provide visual access to the tissue as it is being treated. The winged electrodes are interspersed along the outside of the end effector.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for performing endoscopic surgical procedures. In one embodiment, the instrument includes a knife that remains unexposed until initiation of a cutting sequence, and returns to an unexposed position at the conclusion of the cutting sequence, minimizing the risk of injury to the person handling the instrument. In another embodiment, the instrument includes a flexible neck for articulating a surgical head assembly with respect to the shaft of the instrument. In another embodiment, a device for locking the articulated head at an angle of articulation is provided. In yet another embodiment, a mechanism for opening and closing an anvil assembly is disclosed.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument is provided for cauterization and/or welding of tissue of varying impedance, thickness, compressibility, density, vascularity, etc., especially in the performance of endoscopic procedures. The instrument provides two electrodes of different electrical potentials. One electrode is moveable with respect to the other electrode to vary the distances between the electrodes and thus the impedance of the tissue as presented to the generator. The electrode distances may be varied by an automated or user controlled device.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for performing endoscopic surgical procedures. In one embodiment, the instrument includes a knife that remains unexposed until initiation of a cutting sequence, and returns to an unexposed position at the conclusion of the cutting sequence, minimizing the risk of injury to the person handling the instrument. In another embodiment, the instrument includes a flexible neck for articulating a surgical head assembly with respect to the shaft of the instrument. In another embodiment, a device for locking the articulated head at an angle of articulation is provided. In yet another embodiment, a mechanism for opening and closing an anvil assembly is disclosed.

Abstract: An electrosurgical hemostatic instrument is provided in which the coagulation status of tissue engaged by two elements delivering an electrosurgical energy to tissue may be observed, and in which damage from thermal spread may be minimized. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a bipolar endoscopic clamping, coagulation and cutting device. In this device, the outer conductive surface of the tissue engaging elements includes openings therethrough. The openings are adapted to allow an observer to see the tissue as it is being treated, coagulation may be observed by watching the region through the openings. In addition, the inclusion of openings in the end effector enhances coagulation from speed by reducing the thermal mass of the end effector without substantially reducing the structural strength of the end effector jaws. Finally, the openings may be used to observe the motion of the knife as it moves through the end effector.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for performing endoscopic surgical procedures. In one embodiment, the instrument includes a knife that remains unexposed until initiation of a cutting sequence, and returns to an unexposed position at the conclusion of the cutting sequence, minimizing the risk of injury to the person handling the instrument. In another embodiment, the instrument includes a flexible neck for articulating a surgical head assembly with respect to the shaft of the instrument. In another embodiment, a device for locking the articulated head at an angle of articulation is provided. In yet another embodiment, a mechanism for opening and closing an anvil assembly is disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for performing endoscopic surgical procedures. In one embodiment, the instrument includes a knife that remains unexposed until initiation of a cutting sequence, and returns to an unexposed position at the conclusion of the cutting sequence, minimizing the risk of injury to the person handling the instrument. In another embodiment, the instrument includes a flexible neck for articulating a surgical head assembly with respect to the shaft of the instrument. In another embodiment, a device for locking the articulated head at an angle of articulation is provided. In yet another embodiment, a mechanism for opening and closing an anvil assembly is disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for performing endoscopic surgical procedures. In one embodiment, the instrument includes a knife that remains unexposed until initiation of a cutting sequence, and returns to an unexposed position at the conclusion of the cutting sequence, minimizing the risk of injury to the person handling the instrument. In another embodiment, the instrument includes a flexible neck for articulating a surgical head assembly with respect to the shaft of the instrument. In another embodiment, a device for locking the articulated head at an angle of articulation is provided. In yet another embodiment, a mechanism for opening and closing an anvil assembly is disclosed.