Abstract: The present invention relates to an irrigation system for use with surgical retractors and devices for stabilizing a predetermined area of the body during a surgical procedure and more particularly to an irrigation system for use with medical devices that are used in connection with minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting surgical procedures, and more specifically to an irrigation system for use with surgical retractors and stabilizing devices configured for use with each other for such surgical procedures wherein the irrigation system provides a controlled flow of fluid to a desired surface of the medical device to maintain a clear surgical site.

Abstract: A illuminated surgical retractor for illuminating a subcutaneous surgical field in the space between a vessel, such as the saphenous vein, and the subcutaneous tissue when the illuminated retractor is used to retract the subcutaneous tissue away from the superior surface of the vessel, the illuminated surgical retractor having a handle connected at an acute angle to a distal end of a first blade section, a second blade section that is connected, and substantially co-planer, to the first blade section, a distal end of the second blade section defining an illumination input end, a connector coupled to the illumination input end so that a source of illumination can be optically coupled, via the connector, to the illumination input end so that the second blade section is substantially illuminated, and, alternatively, a bent tip extending from the proximal end of the first blade section to aid in the required dissection of the intervening tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical retractors and devices for stabilizing a predetermined area of the body during a surgical procedure, more particularly to surgical retractors and stabilizing devices used in connection with minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting surgical procedures, and more specifically to surgical retractors and stabilizing devices especially configured for use with each other for such surgical procedures wherein the retractor includes an external rail system which enables the surgeon to position a stabilization arm on either of the arms or the rack segment of the retractor and also includes a connector which releasably controls the rotation of the connector with respect to the retractor and the rotation of the stabilization arm with respect to the retractor as well as the rotational and sliding movement of the stabilization arm with respect to the connector upon actuation of a single knob or actuator.

Abstract: Featured is a device for draining fluids and/or gas from body cavities, including at least a pressure control chamber and a collection chamber being fluidly coupled by a one-way valve thereby establishing a waterless seal between the collection chamber, including the patient, and the suction source. The pressure control chamber also includes a waterless suction pressure control regulator that controls and maintains the suction pressure at or about a selected value. Preferably, the regulator includes a spring operated valve. The device also includes a vent path arrangement having an intermediate chamber and at least two passages that are perpendicular to two adjacent surfaces within the intermediate chamber. The two passages and intermediate chamber are arranged so liquid in the collection chamber does not flow and contaminate the upstream portions of the device when the device is resting on its front side or backside.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new surgical fasteners and methods of using the surgical fasteners. The surgical fasteners of the invention are in the form of tacks and comprise generally an elongate rod, a sharp conical head, a tail, and a transverse locking member extending from the tail above the plane of the rod. The fasteners are inserted into a bodily cavity for tissue and membrane fixation and approximation by the use of tack applicators. The tack applicators of the invention generally comprise an elongate handle, a loading tip and a carrier assembly that is removably inserted into the loading tip. The tacks are inserted and locked into the carrier assembly from which they may be disengaged.

Abstract: An illuminated surgical retractor for illuminating a subcutaneous surgical field in the space between a vessel, such as the saphenous vein, and the subcutaneous tissue when the illuminated retractor is used to retract the subcutaneous tissue away from the superior surface of the vessel, the illuminated surgical retractor having a handle member pivotally connected at an acute angle to a first elongate section and a second elongate section that is releasably connected to the first elongate section and a portion of the second elongate section defining an illumination input end portion which is optically coupled to a light source so that the second elongate section is substantially illuminated, and, a shroud member is positioned on the proximal end portion of the first elongate section to aid in the dissection of the intervening tissue.

Abstract: Biocompatible compositions comprising polyanionic polysaccharides such as Hyaluronic Acid combined with hydrophobic bioabsorbable polymers as well as methods for making and using the compositions are described.

Abstract: IL-6 is produced via recombinant DNA techniques. The peptide is useful in the treatment of disorders characterized by deficiencies in hematopoietic cells and in combination with other hematopoietins in cancer therapies.

Abstract: The present invention provides a suture package and packaging method which ensures rapid access to sutures, one at a time, from a suture package which is easy to handle and store. Each suture is readily located in an advantageous position in the package, to be grasped by a needle holder, without the possibility of pulling unwanted sutures from the package, or the need to fumble through a bunch of needles to ensure that a single suture is obtained. This is done by providing a suture package, comprising a panel or panels having an open window to expose the needles, and a plurality of raised support elements on at least one side of the panel, which elements support a suture in conjunction with the panel, the support elements being arranged to permit withdrawal of a suture from the package by pulling one end of the suture in a direction parallel to the plane of the panel.

Abstract: A surgical knot pusher and method for use thereof to facilitate the tying of surgical sutures at remote sites within the body during endoscopic surgery and other minimally invasive surgical procedures, the knot pusher having a tubular, elongated housing having a passage defining a rod axis therethrough, a suture receiving tip forming a J-shaped hook defining a gap, a drive rod slidably disposed within the passage of the housing and extending substantially co-axial to the rod axis of the housing, wherein the drive rod is connected to the tip so that said tip is selectively operable between an open position, wherein axial movement of the drive rod relative to the housing causes a portion of the tip to extend beyond the distal end of the housing so that a length of suture may be inserted therein the gap of the hook of the tip, and a closed position, wherein axial movement of the drive rod relative to the housing causes the tip to be received within the passage of the housing proximate the distal end of the housi

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a predetermined area on a heart or other organ of a patient to enable a surgical procedure, the apparatus comprising a bifurcated member having two elongated prongs and an elongated handle segment pivotally and rotatably attached to the bifurcated member. The handle segment can be movably attached to a rib retractor or other surgical device so that a person is not required to hold the handle segment. The preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention further comprises a device to lock or frictionally hold the bifurcated member in a desired position both on the organ and relative to the handle segment during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A illuminated surgical retractor for illuminating a subcutaneous surgical field in the space between a vessel, such as the saphenous vein, and the subcutaneous tissue when the illuminated retractor is used to retract the subcutaneous tissue away from the superior surface of the vessel, the illuminated surgical retractor having a handle connected at an acute angle to a distal end of a first blade section, a second blade section that is connected, and substantially co-planer, to the first blade section, a distal end of the second blade section defining an illumination input end, a connector coupled to the illumination input end so that a source of illumination can be optically coupled, via the connector, to the illumination input end so that the second blade section is substantially illuminated, and, alternatively, a bent tip extending from the proximal end of the first blade section to aid in the required dissection of the intervening tissue.

Abstract: Featured is a rapid transfer autotransfusion device and a system using such a device. Also featured are methods related to the collection and/or the re-infusion of collected blood to a patient. The autotransfusion device includes an actuator handle assembly having two arms, a top plate, a bottom plate and a flexible container secured to and between opposing surfaces of the top and bottom plates. The bottom plate includes a projection from two opposing sides thereof, that each rotatably engage a lower portion of an actuator handle arm. The actuator handle rotates about the bottom plate projections between a first position and a second position. The actuator handle further includes a follower member, having a first and second portion, and a displacing mechanism that is disposed in at least one actuator handle arm, more particularly, disposed in each actuator handle arm.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided for use in endoscopic and open surgical procedures, e.g., prosthetic implant replacement surgery. The instrument includes a handle portion, an endoscopic tube section extending from the handle portion, an articulating section pivotally connected to a distal end of the tube section, and an implant adaptor operatively associated with the articulating section. Structure is provided for progressively manipulating the articulating section of the instrument relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion within an angular range of motion. Structure is further provided for rotationally manipulating the implant adaptor relative to the extended longitudinal axis of the distal end of the articulating portion.

Abstract: A retractor comprising a rack having a first section and a second section, a first blade fixedly attached to the rack, and a second blade movably attached to the rack. The first and second blades engage two adjacent ribs in a patient. The first section and the second section of the rack form a nonlinear angle therebetween so that when the first section is horizontally disposed, the second section is disposed at an angle relative to a horizontal plane. The present invention also uses an external lifting device disposed above the retractor and that creates an upwardly-directed force on the second blade. The retractor increases the field of vision for the surgeon based on the design of the rack and the use of the external lifting device.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a predetermined area on a heart of a patient to enable a surgical procedure, the apparatus comprising a bifurcated member having two elongated prongs which can be adjustable as to width and an elongated handle segment attached to the bifurcated member. The handle segment can be either fixably or pivotably attached to the bifurcated member. The apparatus may further comprise an attachment or inlay to prevent lateral movement thereof when being used in the surgical procedure. The apparatus may also include a cleat for securing a portion of the surgical thread used during the surgical process. At least a portion of the prongs (or feet) of the bifurcated member may further be independently rotatable for self-alignment with the surface of the predetermined area of the heart.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a predetermined area on a heart or other organ of a patient to enable a surgical procedure, the apparatus comprising a bifurcated member having two elongated prongs and an elongated handle segment pivotally attached to the bifurcated member. The handle segment can be movably attached to a rib retractor or other surgical device so that a person is not required to hold the handle segment. The apparatus may further comprise an attachment or inlay to prevent lateral movement thereof when being used in the surgical procedure.

Abstract: Polynucleotides encoding human CTLA-8 related proteins are disclosed. Human CTLA-8 proteins and methods for their production are also disclosed. Methods of treatment using human CTLA-8 proteins, rat CTLA-8 proteins and herpesvirus herpes CTLA-8 proteins are also provided.