Abstract: A septum valve in a trocar assembly has a variable orifice that is responsive to a cross-sectional dimension of the surgical instrument being inserted into the trocar channel, thereby minimizing leakage of inflation gas from the body cavity, such as the abdomen, being operated on. An elastomeric septum is disposed in the channel and includes portions which define an orifice having in a relaxed state a first cross-sectional area. An actuation assembly provided with levers which pivot radially outwardly to expand the seal and thereby expand the orifice to the second cross-sectional area in response to entry of the instrument into the channel. The actuation assembly is free to float in an annular recess to accommodate an instrument which is misaligned with the trocar channel.

Abstract: An improved embolectomy catheter, includes a catheter body, an elastomeric foam catheter tip attached at one end of the catheter body, and actuator means for elastically deforming the catheter tip. The catheter tip deforms longitudinally and radially in response to activation of the actuation means. The catheter tip may be formed of any type of sterile elastomeric foam, which may be easily compressed and restored to its original shape upon decompression.

Abstract: An endoscope is provided through which diagnostic, therapeutic or surgical apparatus can be inserted. The endoscope includes a tubular body having an eyepiece at its proximal end portion of a catheter structure and fiber optics extending from its distal end portion. An image at a distal end of the fiber optics is viewable through the eyepiece. A side tube has its distal end portion attached to the tubular body and has its proximal end portion extending towards that of the tubular body.The lumen of the side tube serves for inserting surgical apparatus via said catheter structure into a body cavity, opening or conduit. The side tube and the tubular body define a bisecting plane which substantially bisects the tubular body. A reference plane is perpendicular to the bisecting plane and passes through a longitudinal axis of the tubular body. A handle extends generally on an opposite side of the reference plane from the side tube.