Abstract: A replaceable pad or insert for attachment to the jaw of a jaw-type occlusion device. The insert includes an elastomeric cushion with a deflecting element embedded in the cushion, providing for improved gripping of a clamped vessel while minimizing trauma to the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention is provided with a treatment section provided at the distal end of an insertion section insertable into a body cavity, and being openable/closable and rotatable from side to side and up and down, an operation section provided at the proximal end of the insertion section and being openable/closable and rotatable from side to side and upward or downward, and first to third driving rods which connect the treatment section and the operation section together and which can be advanced or retracted. The present invention is characterized in that the opening/closing operation of the first and second handles causes the advancing/retracting movement of the driving rod, thereby opening or closing the jaws of the treatment section, and in that the rotation of the operation section causes the advancing/retracting movement of the driving rod, thereby rotating the treatment section relative to the axis of the insertion section.

Abstract: A surgical clamp for occluding a body conduit includes first and second jaws moveable relative to each other in a generally parallel relationship. A handle assembly is operable to move the jaws relative to each other between a space position and proximate position. The first jaw has an elongate configuration characterized by a length and a width. First portions of the first jaw have in cross section a first shape which remains generally constant in area along the first jaw, while second portions have in cross section a second shape which varies in area along the length of the first jaw. The resulting clamp has a low profile jaw design which dimensional-shaped cross section which provide increased stiffness and reduced flexibility.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an infusion clamp including a first clamping member having a first side surface, a second side surface, a first mating surface, and an aperture disposed between the first side surface and the second side surface thereby forming a passageway there between; a second clamping member having a third side surface, a fourth side surface, and a second mating surface; a hinge member disposed along and in communication with first clamping member and second clamping member, thereby facilitating the movement of the infusion device from the closed position of the infusion clamp to the plurality of opened positions of the infusion clamp, and from the plurality of opened positions to the closed position; and an infusion device support member disposed above the passageway thereby permitting an infusion device to be disposed within the infusion device support member and through the passageway. The infusion clamp permits quick and easy attachment of an infusion device, e.g.

Abstract: An instrument for performing surgical cholangiography during either conventional colecistectomy or video-laparoscopic cholecistectomy included a tube slidably mounted into another having a rotative bidigital control. The control allows sliding such that the outer tube ending to acts on a forceps at the inner tube ending, making the forceps jaws move away or come near each other, causing the jaws to respectively move away or approach a needle, which also belongs to the inner tube, is centered between the jaws, and is used for cannulating the cystic duct. The jaws, in closed function when the needle is in the duct, press the duct and needle together, avoiding both sliding of the needle and escape of the contrast liquid which is injected from the other end of the inner tube. During the video-laparoscopic cholecistectomy, the design and size of the instrument allow it to enter the abdominal cavity through a cannula with a diameter less than others commonly used in this type of surgery.

Abstract: The present invention, discloses an anastomosis clip applicator device for applying a surgical clip, formed at least partly of a shape memory alloy, to press together adjacent wall portions of adjacent hollow organ portions so as to effect anastomosis therebetween. The applicator device includes: gripping apparatus for gripping a surgical clip, a release mechanism, associated with the gripping apparatus, and tissue cutting apparatus, operatively associated with the gripping apparatus. There is also apparatus for activating the gripping apparatus, the release mechanism and the cutting apparatus, so as to introduce and apply the surgical clip into adjacent hollow organ portions, such that the surgical clip compresses together the adjacent walls of the hollow organ portions, and thereafter causes the cutting apparatus to perforate the adjacent pressed together organ walls to provide patency through the joined portions of the hollow organ.

Abstract: A forceps for clamping, grasping, manipulating, coagulating/desiccating and cutting tissue includes a shaft portion having a proximal end, a distal end and first and second jaw members pivotally attached to the distal end of the shaft by a pivot assembly. Each of the jaw members including an opposing inner facing surface having a plurality of wave forms disposed thereon for engaging tissue therebetween. The wave forms disposed on the inner facing surface of the second jaw member being complimentary to the wave forms on the inner facing surface of first jaw member. A handle portion having an actuating assembly is attached to the proximal end of the shaft for imparting movement of the first and second jaw members from a first open position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second clamping position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween.

Abstract: Two pairs of forceps, each pair having an inner leg and an outer leg, are connected together so that a surgeon can insert a forefinger between the inner legs of the two pairs and operate both pairs of forceps with one hand.

Abstract: A clasping tool for controlling an elongate tubular member comprising a tip constructed to support and limit lateral movement of the tubular member relative to the tip, and to permit longitudinal movement of the tubular member relative to the tip and an opposing tip constructed to retain the tubular member between the tips when the tips are brought together. Tips may have a flat region, half-tube region, forked region, looped region, or V-shaped region for grasping, holding, supporting and releasing the elongated tubular member. Each tip may have a similar region.

Abstract: An instrument for holding an intervertebral spacer, the instrument including: a shaft having a proximal end forming a handle, and a distal end forming a claw subassembly for holding said spacer; said claw subassembly including a first pincer which is fixed at the distal end of the shaft and a second pincer which is selectively rotateable into and out of spacer holding association with said first pincer to hold and release, respectively, the spacer; and an actuation mechanism for selectively rotating the second pincer.

Abstract: An effector comprises a pair of opposing jaws directly mounted on a keeper so that the jaws are pivotable about the keeper. The jaws are connected to an actuating member within the keeper, so that translational movement of the actuating member causes the jaws between an open and closed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrument with a hollow shaft A, a handle A, and a tool A, where at least one jaw member of the tool can be rotated in relation to the at least one other jaw member of the tool for purposes of opening and closing by means of one rotatably configured gripping member of the handle, and the rotatable jaw member and the gripping member By of the handle that serves to rotate are connected to one another by means of a push pin t installed in the hollow shaft. To create a simple construction ensuring he best possible power transmission along with a good cutting sensation for the operator, a rigid casing can be inserted into the push pin, at least partly in form-locking connection, which casing in turn can be inserted, at least partly in form-locking connection, into the hollow shaft and the push pin is mounted in the casing so that it is at least partly rotation-resistant.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for insertion into a body lumen (16) includes an elongate member (30) having a proximal end (32) and a distal end (34) insertable into the body lumen (16). At least one clamping arm (100) includes a first end (102) having a pivotal connection with the distal end (34) of the elongate member (30). The pivotal connection provides pivotal movement of the at least one clamping arm (100) relative to the elongate member (30). The at least one clamping arm (100) extends away from the pivotal connection toward the proximal end (32) of the elongate member (30). The apparatus (10) also includes a control mechanism (40) for controlling the pivotal movement of the at least one clamping arm (100) relative to the elongate member (30). The apparatus (10) may also include an assembly (150) for controlling advancement of the member (30) in the body lumen (16).

Abstract: An ultrasonic treatment appliance consists of: an ultrasonic transducer unit having an ultrasonic transducer, which produces ultrasonic waves, incorporated in a hand-held piece; a probe connected to a horn for amplifying ultrasonic waves produced by the ultrasonic transducer, and serving as a vibration transmission member; a treatment member located at the distal end of the probe, having an ultrasonic treatment surface that is parallel to the longitudinal axial direction of the probe and is flat, exhibiting a larger section modulus at the proximal end thereof than at the distal end thereof, and having ultrasonic waves transmitted thereto; a clamping member, opposed to the treatment member, for clamping a living tissue in cooperation with the treatment member; and a clamping manipulation member for use in moving at least one of the treatment member and clamping member so as to clamp a living tissue between them.

Abstract: The invention relates to a targeting aid for the spatial fixing of a target device relative to spinal vertebrae of a patient, comprising a clamping tool which is formed as a pair of forceps and which has at least two clamping jaws with which the clamping tool can be fixedly clamped to the spinal vertebrae while bridging at least two adjacent spinal vertebrae, and comprising at least one target base which is fixedly connected to the clamping tool and which is formed for coupling to a separate target device.

Abstract: A lip implant and lip instrument. The lip implant is formed of solid silicone and is shaped to be received in the lip of a patient. The lip instrument includes a pair of arms coupled together having clamping members to grasp and retain the lip implant. A method for insertion of the lip implant into the patient is further described.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a grasper arrangement having a pair of opposed, elongated, movable jaw members at a distal end of the grasper arrangement pinchably actuatable from a handle portion at a proximal end of the grasper arrangement. The jaw members each have a toothed insert attachably secured thereon. Each tooth insert has an array of teeth disposed thereon on a first side thereof. Each tooth insert has a securement arrangement on a second side thereof to securely engage the jaw member thereto. Each of the jaw members are of decreasing tapered thickness from a distal end thereof to a proximal end thereof.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided having a shaft with a handpiece at a proximal end and a grasping device at the distal end. The grasping device has a first jaw element and a second jaw element pivotably coupled thereto and selectively pivotable between open and closed positions. The instrument also includes a cutting device having a first cutting element and a second cutting element pivotably coupled to the first cutting element. The cutting device is movable between a retracted position wherein it is positioned within the shaft and an extended position wherein it is disposed at the distal end of the shaft. When in the extended position, the cutting elements are coupled to the respective jaw elements for movement therewith between open and closed positions. Also provided is a method for surgically manipulating tissue using such a device.

Abstract: A replaceable handle for side loading the proximal end of a medical device therein, which is typically inserted with the operating lumen of an endoscope. The replaceable handle can side-load the proximal end of the device into the handle for added manipulation of the distal end such as in removing a stone from the kidney or ureter leading therefrom. An inner housing is rotatable within an outer housing of the handle to secure the medical device in the housing passageway, and is spring biased to then move proximally with respect to the outer housing, moving the inner control rod of the medical device proximally to withdraw the stone basket mostly into the outer cannula and capture the stone for removal from the patient. A push button in the proximal end portion of the inner housing is depressible to permit insertion or withdrawal of the proximal end of the inner control rod of the stone retriever within the inner housing, and is releasable to secure the inner control rod in the handle.

Abstract: Apparatus to achieve percutaneous entry to a blood vessel includes several coacting combinations of coacting instruments, some capable of independent action, as well as enabling clear visualisation of the operative area, precise location of the operative site, capture and immobilization of the vessel, and guidance in the positioning and insertion of the puncturing needle Additionally, apparatus is provided for the placement of a sponge directly on the entry wound in the vessel to reduce bleeding. The present invention also sets forth a method for vascular puncture and more particularly for the arterial puncture procedure. The line of maximal pulsation is ascertained, and a small incision in the skin is made. A dissecting-retracting tool (100) is then employed to create a skin-to-vessel channel. The vessel is inspected through the spread fingers. A tubular access conduit (300), mounted on an obturator-carrier (400), is inserted until it rest upon the vessel.

Abstract: A method and implantation tools for placing a transventricular splint including a tension member. The method includes gaining access to the patient's hearts and identifying entry or exit points for the tension member, marking those locations and delivering the tension member. Anchors for the tension member are also delivered. The length of the tensions member is measured and the walls of the heart drawn together. The pads are secured to the tension member and the tension member is trimmed to length. The pads are secured to the heart surface.

Abstract: In order to reduce the risk of damage on external objects, material articles or persons during the operation of a robot, particularly a miniature robot, the invention provides a method for limiting the force action of a robot part, such as a robot arm, on such an external object during a collision in such a way that as a result of a maximum permitted force, maximum force Fmax, acting on the object in the case of a collision, a corresponding, maximum permitted kinetic energy, maximum energy Ekin,max of the robot part is determined, continuously and at adequately short time intervals the actual kinetic energy, actual energy Ekin, of the robot part is determined and on exceeding the maximum permitted energy Ekin,max, the actual operating speed V of the robot is reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical forceps with a forceps shank and with a forceps jaw which comprises at least one movable jaw part, wherein the jaw part at its proximal end comprises a curved linkage arm. The linkage arm is movably guided in a curved guide path of an insert which is inserted into at least one receiver at the distal end of the forceps shank.

Abstract: An umbilical cord clamp cutter includes first and second handle portions including a grasping end and a cutting end. The cutting end includes a notch having a beveled cutting edge disposed proximate the terminus of the cutting end. A connector pivotably connects the handle portions between the grasping and cutting ends whereby the notches oppose one another. Movement of the grasping ends toward one another causes the cutting end notches to slide past one another capturing an umbilical cord clamp allowing the umbilical cord clamp to be cut.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical gripping instrument, especially for use in microlaryngoscopy, comprising a longitudinal shaft on whose distal end a pincer part is arranged, which can be moved between a closed and an opened position. A handle consisting of a fixed handle part and of a handle part that can pivot in relation to the fixed handle part is arranged on the proximal end of said shaft. The pincer part is moved via a push/pull rod, which is mounted in the shaft and which is connected to a pivotal handle part. The gripping instrument also comprises a spreading part, which can be tilted from the shaft. The aim of the invention is to create a gripping instrument of the aforementioned embodiment, which is not only simple in its structure and easy to be manipulated, but also ensures a protection of the tissue to be preserved.

Abstract: A probe tip having a surgical tool manufactured from a light transmissive material. Such a construction eliminates the need for a separate fiberoptic and surgical tool. If desired, the probe tip may be used in combination with a surgical probe having an actuation handle made from springy material having a memory. Squeezing the handle causing the actuation device to elongate, thereby causing movement in the probe tip. The probe handle of the present invention may be held and actuated in any position.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter system for the treatment of occluded blood vessels that includes tissue displacement or hinged expansion members that are movable from a closed to an open position. An actuating assembly may be provided for moving the tissue expansion members between an open and closed position to exert a substantially lateral distal end force upon the region surrounding an occluded blood vessel. The tissue expansion members may stretch apart, tear or otherwise disrupt a vascular occlusion sufficiently to create a pathway that may support the passage or placement of a guidewire or an interventional vascular device across the occlusion or obstruction. Methods of crossing or displacing a vascular occlusion are further provided that include the positioning of a vascular catheter having at least one hinged spreading member positioned at the distal region of the catheter that is responsive to directed force along the longitudinal axis of the catheter.

Abstract: A forceps serves in particular for excising myomas located intramurally in the uterus and including a forceps jaw having two branches which are pivotable about a common axis in a working plane for opening and closing the forceps jaw and which bear against one another with structured gripping surfaces with a closed, empty forceps jaw. The branches are each provided over a part of their length with a tooth-shaped back profile and a longitudinal cutting blade on their outer back sides lying opposite the gripping surfaces.

Abstract: A surgical clamp having an elongate cavity or channel to receive a replaceable pad. The pad is formed with a flexible attachment member engageable in the elongate cavity or channel of the jaw. The pad can include a tab, draw cord, pull string or pull strap to draw the pad into place on the jaw.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided for use in performing endoscopic procedures having a handle and an elongate tubular member having a proximal end coupled with the handle for being disposed externally of the anatomical cavity and a distal end for being disposed within the anatomical cavity. The distal end further includes a pair of opposed, relatively movable jaws that form a grasping portion operable by manipulation of the handle to releasably grasp a releasable trocar. The releasable trocar has a complementarily shaped shank, a relatively sharp tip and may include a pair of blunt-edge tissue separators that project outwardly from the outer surface of the trocar. In an alternative embodiment, the relatively movable jaws define (i) a grasping portion operable by manipulation of the handle to grasp or cut objects; and (ii) a pair of blunt-edge tissue separators that project outwardly from the outer surface of the jaws so that when the jaws are in a closed position they may be used as a trocar.

Abstract: A medical instrument with a hollow shaft having at its proximal end a handle consisting of at least two gripping members and at its distal end a tool consisting of at lest two jaw members, where at least one jaw member of the tool is adjustable in relation to the at least one other jaw member of the tool for purposes of opening and closing by means of one rotatably shaped gripping member of the handle, and the at least one adjustable jaw member and the corresponding gripping member of the handle that serves to adjust the jaw member are connected to one another by means of two push-pull rods.

Abstract: A endoscopic bipolar forceps for clamping and sealing tissue includes first and second jaw members pivotally attached in opposing relation relative to one another which are movable from a first open position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second clamping position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. A drive rod assembly connects each of the jaw members to a source of electrical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting bipolar energy through the tissue held therebetween. A handle attached to the drive rod assembly imparts movement of the first and second jaw members from the first and second positions. At least one stop member is attached to the jaw members for controlling the distance between the jaw members. The forceps may also include a yoke member for insulating the jaw members from one another to prevent short circuiting of the forceps.

Abstract: A medical forceps is provided with two independently moveable jaw parts at the distal end. The forceps comprise a shaft with two rods extending axially therein, the rods being arranged adjacent to one another and being axially displaceable independently of one another. The first rod is joined to the first jaw part and the second rod to the second jaw part. The forceps further comprise a handle at the proximal end with two actuator elements, wherein the first actuator element is joined to the first rod and the second actuator element to the second rod. The first rod and the second rod each comprise a coupling element at their proximal ends.

Abstract: A surgical instrument (10) is adapted to contact tissue of a patient, and to provide traction with the tissue in order to inhibit migration of the instrument relative to the tissue. The instrument may include a pair of opposing jaws (16, 18) with at least one of the jaws (16, 18) comprising a substrate having a particular surface facing the tissue, and a plurality of discrete elements (26, 28) disposed on the particular surface for increasing the traction of the instrument relative to the tissue. These discrete elements (26, 28) may include a multiplicity of granules, bristles, or projections, and may be formed of materials having various properties such as hydrophilic characteristics. The discrete elements in the form of bristles can be oriented too so that the column strength of each bristle provides increased traction in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A microsurgical instrument is constructed to an extremely small scale with serrations formed on opposed operative microsurgical surfaces of the instrument by electric discharge machining.

Abstract: An endoscopic needle device includes a handle and a catheter sheath connected to the handle, wherein the catheter sheath has at least one lumen, for example a needle lumen and a stabilization lumen, extending therethrough. A needle is selectively movable within the needle lumen between a needle retracted position and a needle extended position and a stabilization element is selectively movable within the stabilization lumen between a stabilizer retracted position and a stabilizer extended position. A linking mechanism may operatively connect the needle and the stabilization element so that when the needle is in the needle retracted position the stabilization element is in the stabilizer extended position and when the needle is in the needle extended position the stabilization element is in the stabilizer retracted position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical device having a tissue engaging portion, a shaft member, and a handle assembly. The tissue engaging portion includes first and second opposed jaws for grasping, securing, and occluding body tissue and conduits. The shaft member is operatively coupled to the tissue engaging portion and is capable of being placed in different curvatures. The handle assembly is operatively coupled to both the shaft member and to the tissue engaging portion. The shaft member of the present invention allows the surgeon to bend and adjust the shape of the surgical device to minimize its intrusion and to allow for proper positioning in predetermined body locations. In a preferred embodiment, a portion of the device is disposable.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is adapted to contact tissue of a patient and to provide traction with the tissue in order to inhibit migration of the instrument relative to the tissue. The instrument may include a pair of opposing jaws with at least one of the jaws comprising a substrate having a particular surface facing the tissue, and a plurality of discrete elements disposed on the particular surface for increasing the traction of the instrument relative to the tissue. These discrete elements may include a multiplicity of granules, bristles, or projections and may be formed of materials having various properties such as hydrophilic characteristics. The discrete elements in the form of bristles can be oriented too so that the column strength of each bristle provides increased traction in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A ratchet release mechanism for a medical device. The release mechanism permits both a smooth and a stepped actuation of a grasper on a distal end of the medial device. The medical device has a fixed handle and a movable handle. The release mechanism comprises an elongated toothed plate arrangement supported in a release housing and an elongated smooth plate arranged adjacent the toothed plate arrangement in the release housing. The release housing is pivotably supported between the handles to permit the handles to move in a stepped or a smooth manner to effect actuation of the grasper.

Abstract: Miniature surgical forceps are formed from a one-piece tubular member by opposed longitudinal channels machined in a distal end thereof so as to establish a radially opposed pair of unitary forceps jaws. Most preferably, the opposed channels are formed in the distal end of the rigid tubular member by means of electron discharge machining (EDM) techniques. The resulting opposed cross-sectionally arcuate jaw sections may be bent and/or further shaped to achieve the desired final jaw configuration. The inner surfaces of the forceps jaws thereby established may have a filler material deposited in such a manner so as to change the overall shape and/or geometric configuration of the jaws and thereby engineer them to a specific surgical purpose.

Abstract: A gripping apparatus is disclosed. The gripping apparatus includes a first finger including a plurality of first sawteeth along a first longitudinal end and a receiving area being located between adjacent sawteeth and a second finger including a plurality of complementary sawteeth juxtaposed from the first sawteeth. One of the first and second fingers is movable relative toward the other of the first and second fingers such that an object to be gripped is positioned in the receiving area by one of the plurality of complementary sawteeth. The object is releasably retained against the receiving area by the second finger. A method of gripping an object is also disclosed.

Abstract: A grasping forceps for an endoscope according to the present invention comprises a flexible insertion section, an operating wire passing through said insertion section and adapted to be advanced and retreated in accordance with an operation of an operating section connected to a hand side end of the operating wire, and an elastic grasping section arranged in the leading end portion of said operating wire and composed of at least four elastic grasping members different in length having a habit of so flexing that leading end grasping portions formed at the leading ends of said elastic grasping members spread outwards from a center axis of said insertion section, wherein the leading end grasping portions formed at the leading ends of the plurality of elastic grasping members different in length are spread in a spiral arrangement at the time of spreading of the elastic grasping section.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument having an end effector assembly at a distal end, a flexible member connected to and extending from the end effector assembly and a handle assembly connected to the flexible member. The handle assembly includes a handle member, a nose member and a biasing element. The handle member has an inner bore. The hollow nose member has a shank configured for insertion into the inner bore. The biasing element is located within the inner bore and biases the flexible member relative to the handle member. The handle member may have a keyway or a projection configured for insertion into a keyway, and the nose member may have the other of the keyway or the projection. The flexible member has a retaining element affixed to its proximal end. The flexible member is inserted through the nose member with the retaining element located proximate the proximal end of the nose member and thereby retained between the handle member and the nose member.

Abstract: An access platform having a first and a second blade interconnected to a spreader member that laterally drives the blades apart or together and a sternal pad interconnected to a blade. The superior blade is preferably pivotally coupled to the spreader member such that it naturally rises as the blades are separated. Alternatively, a vertical displacement member is operably interconnected to a blade and the spreader member and is used to vertically displace the interconnected superior blade and, thus, increase a surgeon's working space and visual access for the dissection of an internal mammary artery. A tissue retractor is interconnected to the blades to draw the soft tissue around an incision away from the surgeon's working area.

Abstract: An instrument for positioning an intracorneal optical lens within an intracorneal pocket is disclosed. The instrument generally includes a handle and a cannula associated with and having a distal portion extending from the handle. The cannula is for fluidly coupling to a vacuum source in a first mode of operation and to a reservoir of surgical fluid in a second mode of operation. The distal portion of the cannula is for receiving the lens in a folded position around the distal portion. The distal portion has an aperture for providing vacuum to hold the lens in the folded position in the first mode of operation and for ejecting surgical fluid in an outward direction from the distal portion to help unfold the lens in the second mode of operation. Methods of using the instrument for positioning of an intracorneal optical lens are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical clamp allows for mobilization of an organ or hollow viscus of a patient during a surgical procedure with minimization of trauma to the organ or hollow viscus. The surgical clamp includes at least one handle adapted to be gripped by the user for manipulation of the surgical clamp and the engaged organ or hollow viscus, and at least on jaw attached to the handle, wherein the jaw is adapted to substantially encircle the engaged organ or hollow viscus of the patient. The clamp may be sized to fit through a conventional trocar such that the surgical procedure may be a laparoscopic procedure for operating on the organ or hollow viscus, such as the bowel.

Abstract: A micro-surgical forceps having a handle and integral spring arms that are interconnected at the end of the forceps remote from said blades in a tongue and groove arrangement that allows for operation of the forceps with a minimum of finger pressure. Plastic covers for the handle for securing the forceps blades is a further embodiment of the invention. The forceps are fabricated of a non-heat treatable metal and the gripping platforms are manually adjustable. A scissors having sharpened curved blades that form an arc across one another and are fabricated of non-heated metal that is flexible.

Abstract: A bone clamp having a ratchet mechanism including ratchet teeth having rounded peaks with curved valleys therebetween and a curved pawl having a curvature similar to the valleys spanning the peaks of the ratchet teeth. The ratchet mechanism of the current invention distributes the interaction forces between the ratchet teeth and the pawl and therefore is resistive to shear stresses which could otherwise compromise the structural integrity of the ratchet mechanism.

Abstract: A endoscopic bipolar forceps for clamping and sealing tissue includes first and second jaw members pivotally attached in opposing relation relative to one another which are movable from a first open position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second clamping position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. A drive rod assembly connects each of the jaw members to a source of electrical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting bipolar energy through the tissue held therebetween. A handle attached to the drive rod assembly imparts movement of the first and second jaw members from the first and second positions. At least one stop member is attached to the jaw members for controlling the distance between the jaw members. The forceps may also include a yoke member for insulating the jaw members from one another to prevent short circuiting of the forceps.

Abstract: A surgical instrument suitable for use in an implant procedure is disclosed. A surgical instrument of the invention can be particularly advantageous for use in grasping, holding and placement of implants in an intervertebral disc space. In a typical embodiment, the surgical instrument has a grasping region to hold the implant, and an impact head for receiving a force in order to insert the implant.