Abstract: A Veress needle is modified to receive a forward-looking miniature videoscope through the lumen of an insufflation tube of the Veress needle. The modified instrument enables direct viewing of progress of the instrument through tissue to the peritoneal cavity of a patient, for proper location of the needle and insufflation of the cavity via the needle. The videoscope has an elongated shaft of smaller diameter than the lumen of the insufflation tube for passage of insufflation gas with the scope in place. In another embodiment a needle is fitted with a miniature videoscope to provide the same function, with the needle's lumen serving as an insufflation tube.

Abstract: A Veress needle is modified to receive a forward-looking miniature videoscope through the cannula of an insufflation tube of the Veress needle. The modified instrument enables direct viewing of progress of the instrument through tissue to the peritoneal cavity of a patient, for proper location of the needle and insufflation of the cavity via the needle. The videoscope has an elongated shaft of smaller diameter than the cannula of the insufflation tube for passage of insufflation gas with the scope in place. In another embodiment a needle is fitted with a miniature videoscope to provide the same function, with the needle's cannula serving as an insufflation tube.

Abstract: A Veress needle is modified to receive a forward-looking miniature videoscope through the cannula of an insufflation tube of the Veress needle. The modified instrument enables direct viewing of progress of the instrument through tissue to the peritoneal cavity of a patient, for proper location of the needle and insufflation of the cavity via the needle. The videoscope has an elongated shaft of smaller diameter than the cannula of the insufflation tube for passage of insufflation gas with the scope in place. In another embodiment a needle is fitted with a miniature videoscope to provide the same function, with the needle's cannula serving as an insufflation tube.

Abstract: A speech-based method of searching for network content is disclosed. The method includes receiving, at a portable communication device, speech input containing a keyword. Data representative of the speech input is then sent by the portable communication device to a server. The method further includes receiving, at the portable communication device, information relating to a plurality of candidate results corresponding to the keyword. A list of selectable links through which network-based content associated with the plurality of candidate results may be accessed is then displayed through an interface of the portable communication device.

Abstract: A walking cane includes function enhancing elements, the cane including a sing of a substantially vertical elongated support member having an upper end, a lower end and a longitudinal axis. A handle is complementally positioned about the support member's upper end for selectable radial rotation relative to the longitudinal axis thereof. Forward and rear and downwardly integrally dependent legs rigidly extend from the support member's lower end, the legs each having a body portion and foot portions. The wheels are rotatably secured to each of the foot portions of the forward legs of a base, and friction-enhancing tips are integrally associated with each of the foot portions of the rearward legs of the base.