Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a mechanical morcellator which includes a rotatable and relatively retractable cutting head. User manipulation varies the amount the cutting head extends out of a sheath, the amount of suction communicated to the cutting head, and the operation of a motor which rotatably drives the cutting head. Suction is communicated to the cutting head to aspirate the tissue fragmented by the cutting head. The morcellator is adapted to be inserted through a laparoscopic port site and directly fragment and aspirate tissue from within a patient's body. Alternate embodiments of the present invention provide different cutting head extension and retraction devices. The morcellator of the present invention allows removal of tissue without the need for large entry incisions.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical system which includes an instrument for carrying out a step in the procedure. The instrument is power operated and the system includes sensing elements to control the operation of the instrument.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical system which includes an instrument for carrying out a step in the procedure. The instrument is power operated and the system includes sensing elements to control the operation of the instrument.

Abstract: An endoscopic gripper consists of a guide tube with an operating device arranged at the proximal end and a pair of gripper jaws located at the distal end, which pair of gripper jaws are connected to each other by joint means in such a way that an opening and closing of the gripper jaws via tension or pressure means is made possible. Each of the gripper jaws is formed from segments and the segments are linked together by joints in such a way that a swivelling of the individual segments among each other between an unfolded position guaranteeing the operability of the gripper and a folded-together position is made possible. The segments are unfoldable by another tension means or by a pressure means after the positioning of the gripper at the surgical object.

Abstract: A surgical staple means for the induction of wound sutures which consists of a base and a top layer connected to the suture base via stems, the tissue layers being pressed together between the base and the top layer, is designed in one part. The strip-shaped base comprises a plurality of prong-shaped staple elements which are arranged perpendicular to the plane of the base at a defined distance one behind the other in a row or in several parallel rows. Each staple element comprises a stem which is rigid relative to the base and a piercer pivotally connected to the stem, the piercers being equidirectionally foldable for the formation of the top layer of the staple means after the penetration of the tissue layers, the piercers also comprising locking elements which provide a form-locking connection of neighboring piercers. A device for the induction of the staple means is also described.

Abstract: A jaw assembly is provided with a pair of jaws which are closed with a flexible, tension member that is pulled by the operator of the instrument. In a preferred embodiment, one of the jaws is pivotally mounted in a slot to the other jaw. A cord, having a loop configuration, is attached to the pivoting jaw and can be pulled to pivot the jaw closed. A second cord can be provided to initially hold the proximal end of the pivoting jaw away from the other jaw until the distal ends of the jaws are closer together. In another embodiment, jaws can be closed in a parallel orientation by rotating two pulleys with threaded shafts engaged with the jaws.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for routing and handling a plurality of in-coming telephone calls initiated by a plurality of anonymous callers, each of the anonymous callers having previously provided a specimen for evaluation to a medical testing laboratory. A telephone call initiated by an anonymous caller is received by the call routing and handling system. The anonymous caller is prompted by the call routing and handling system to transmit a personal identification code corresponding to a specimen previously provided to the medical testing laboratory by the anonymous caller. The personal identification code transmitted by the anonymous caller is received by the call routing and handling system, and test result information associated with the specimen previously provided to the medical testing laboratory by the anonymous caller is retrieved based on the personal identification code previously received. A call handler for processing the telephone call is selected in response to the test result information.

Abstract: A device for display of a container which comprises a display frame attached to the grocery store shelf. This frame extends from the edge of the shelf to which it is attached. This frame is generally rectangular in configuration. Attached to the frame are container holding means, which container holding means are capable of fixedly holding an attached container thereon. These container holding means are fixedly held against the frame. Similarly, there is a container fixedly held against the frame, generally by such means as rivets, adhesive or screws. Attached to the container is a cap, also fixedly attached, either to the frame or to the container itself. Therefore, the user is able to attempt to operate the analgesic container cap, and the display device is able to attract customers, and yet neither container or the cap is taken by a potential customer, therefore depriving other customers of use of this sample.

Abstract: The invention described herein is a device for tying knots intracorporeally during laparoscopic surgery. It is intended to simplify the process of tying intracorporeal knots to the point that the average laparoscopist can quickly learn to suture laparoscopically with confidence. The unique features of this invention include: a driven shuttle; integral grasper; the system is reloadable; and the system may have a detachable end effector. The system also may have a multi function handle.

Abstract: Applicant has invented a container for the tablets which contains a plurality of slots arranged in a radial fashion around the center of the container. Each of the slots are configured to accept at least one such frangible tablet. Each tablet is held within the slot and the tablet is constrained within the slot to move solely within the slot. The container contains a bottom and a lid. The bottom and the lid form constraining ends of the slots. The lid contains an opening which may be aligned with any one of the plurality of slots to provide an opening to the container and the ability to remove the tablet from the slot.

Abstract: A flexible endoscopic surgical port comprises a trocar tube or cannula made partially or entirely of flexible material which can be inserted into a body wall at an intercostal location to allow the insertion and manipulation of endoscopic surgical instruments within the thoracic cavity. The surgical port includes a hollow tubular body which is inserted through an intercostal opening in the body wall extending into the thoracic cavity with an annular flange at one end of the tubular body projecting radially outward and engaging the body wall adjacent to the opening. The flange is able to flex relative to the tubular body whereby the surgical instrument inserted in the tubular body can be manipulated over a wide range of motion inside the thoracic cavity. A retainer ring can be installed at the end of the tubular body opposite to the flange to secure the surgical port in the body wall. Improved obturators are provided for installation of the flexible surgical port.

Abstract: A surgical stapler instrument is provided for applying lateral lines of staples to tissue while cutting the tissue between those staple lines. The instrument includes a handle portion, an implement portion, a reciprocating section, a drive member and a movable actuator. The implement portion includes a staple cartridge and an anvil. The reciprocating section is adapted to move back and forth along an axis of the implement portion. The movable actuator is associated with the handle portion and is engaged with the drive member such that motion of the actuator causes the drive member to move back and forth between first and second drive positions separated by a first distance. Mechanisms are provided to position only a correct amount of tissue (a predetermined range) between the anvil and cartridge.

Abstract: A stapler mechanism is described which contains a stapling assembly, and anvil assembly, firing means and knife means. These means are activated by a firing trigger. The anvil assembly is closed upon the stapling assembly by means of a closure trigger. The firing trigger is inoperable until the closure trigger has been activated. Another mechanism in the stapler is capable of locking the closure trigger after use so it does not spring open inadvertently before use of the firing trigger. Additionally, the stapler mechanism allows forward motion of both triggers and also is capable of allowing reverse motion of the closure trigger to open the mechanism.

Abstract: A surgical staple for securing a purse string suture to human tissue comprises a staple body of deformable material formed into a loop through which the purse string suture is threaded. The staple body includes a pair of legs which are deformable into an overlapping configuration upon insertion into the tissue to secure the staple body and the purse string suture to the tissue. Alternatively, the staple body includes two or more legs including barbed ends for anchoring the legs to the tissue. To secure the purse string suture, a plurality of staples is positioned about the periphery of the tubular section of tissue, the purse string suture is threaded through the loops in the staples, and the staples are driven into the tissue to secure the purse string suture thereto. In addition, surgical instruments for open surgery and endoscopic surgery are provided for applying the staples and the purse string suture to the tissue.

Abstract: The invention described herein is a attachment mechanism for attaching a string to a musical instrument. The mechanism is composed of two quick attachment cylinders. One cylinder fits matedly within the other cylinder. The first cylinder contains an outer diameter which has a frictional means to engage the bridge of the guitar. It also has a hollow center portion to matedly accept the second cylinder, as well as, of course, the guitar string. The second cylinder similarly has a hollow cylindrical center which accepts the guitar string. The second cylinder also has an external dimension so that it fits easily within the first hollow central portion of the first cylinder. The second cylinder contains a detent, such as a knob or notch, which locks on the first cylinder. An alternate, one piece form is also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to a graft for placement in a body passageway. The graft comprises a longitudinally extending thin walled cylinder having first and second open ends. The graft is divided into first and second axially extending end portions adjacent such open ends and an axially extending central portion therebetween. The walls of the central portion are provided with circumferential crimps and the wall of the end portions are provided with axially extending crimps whereby the central portion can be extended longitudinally to vary the distance between the end portions and the end portions may be expanded radially to vary the diameter of the end portions. In preferred embodiment the end portions have a greater diameter than the central portion imparting to the graft a somewhat dumbbell like shape preferable in employing the graft in the reduced diameter lumen of a diseased blood vessel.

Abstract: A unique hernia repair stapler is described which allows the forming of staples to attach prosthetics to tissue, or to approximate herniated tissue. The staple is useful in endoscopic operations and may be rotatable or stationary. The stapler has a unique forming and ejecting mechanism; as well, there is the availability of a loading mechanism useful for both cartridges and magazines of staples. An improved staple shape allows for better staple alignment, especially in a multiple load device.

Abstract: Described herein is an endoscopic instrument such as a dissector, scissor or grasper in which there is provided a shaft which defines a longitudinal axis of the instrument. This shaft is able to rotate about the handle portion of the instrument. This mechanism also provides for articulation of the end effectors with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. This articulation is accomplished by causing angulation of the end effector with respect to the shaft. Because driving the cable is accomplished around any such angle, the end effectors continue to be able to operate. There is disclosed herein a locking mechanism which allows the rotational aspect of the device to operate to rotate the entire articulating mechanism. Also, a unique handle is disclosed.

Abstract: An improved surgical instrument is provided for applying surgical fasteners, such as staples, to human tissue which is particularly suited for applying one or more rows of fasteners across a tissue lumen. The surgical instrument can be used in thoracic and abdominal surgical procedures where access to the surgical site is restricted. The surgical instrument includes an articulated fastener applying assembly mounted on a rotatable and flexible support shaft assembly to provide more convenient access to restricted surgical sites. The fastener applying assembly has a compact construction including a fixed jaw which supports a fastener cartridge and a movable jaw which supports an anvil for clamping the tissue therebetween. The fastener applying assembly includes a pin placement mechanism which is actuated by the movable jaw to control the movement of a tissue retaining pin on the fixed jaw.

Abstract: A ligature and/or suture system for endoscopic surgery, comprising, in combination: a tie for ligature or for suture, slidably mounted in the longitudinal channel of a separate tubular endpiece; and a rigid support including a handle secured to an elongate rod which is provided at its proximal end remote from the handle with a reception cradle suitable for removably receiving the tubular endpiece, and with a through lateral window whereby said cradle opens out to the outside of the support to enable the tie to pass therethrough such that traction exerted on the distal end of the tie relative to the support serves to tighten the ligature or the suture.