Abstract: Concentration of a chemical vapor sterilant, especially, hydrogen peroxide, can be calculated at a point within a lumen based upon physical characteristics of the lumen and process parameters of a sterilization process employing the sterilant.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use in connection with a pneumatically powered tool having a firing mechanism operably supported therein that is movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position. In various embodiments, a drive system operably communicates with the pneumatically powered tool and is configured to selectively apply at least a drive system generated firing motion to the firing mechanism of the pneumatically powered tool to cause the firing mechanism to move from the unactuated position to the actuated position in response to a flow of gas from a source of gas fluidically coupled to said drive system. A retraction member communicates with the drive system to enable a manually generated retraction motion to be applied thereto to manually move the firing mechanism in a distal direction from the actuated position to the unactuated position.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods and devices are provided for manipulating and/or anchoring devices and body parts during surgical procedures. In one embodiment, an anchor member is provided for anchoring a device or body part to tissue, such as an internal wall of a body cavity. The device can be, for example, an endoscopic device, an accessory channel coupled to an endoscopic device, or a support member adapted to support or manipulate an organ. The anchor member can include or form an opening through which the device can be inserted. The anchor member or device can thus be manipulated relative to the tissue to control movement of and/or provide support to the device, tools inserted through the device, and/or organs grasped by the device or tools.

Abstract: A method for forming a needle assembly is provided. A distal portion of the needle can be formed of a first material which does not interfere with MRI imaging of a tissue receiving port disposed in the distal needle portion. A proximal needle portion can be formed of a second, different material, such as a metal. The proximal needle portion can provide strength and stiffness.

Abstract: A surgical tool for deploying an anastomotic ring comprises a handle and a ring deployment mechanism at the distal end of a shaft. The ring deployment mechanism has a distal portion and a proximal portion, and is moveable from an unactuated position to an actuated position to deploy an anastomotic ring. To prevent tissue from becoming trapped in the deployment mechanism during insertion or extraction of the tool, distal and proximal sheaths are configured to cover distal and proximal portions of the ring deployment mechanism, respectively. An actuation mechanism in the handle permits advancement of the distal sheath and actuation of the distal portion of the ring deployment mechanism with a single movement of a first actuator slider. The actuation mechanism also permits retraction of the proximal sheath and actuation of the proximal portion of the ring deployment mechanism with a single movement of a second actuator slider.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with providing antimicrobial compounds and processes for the production thereof. More particularly, the present invention provides antimicrobial polymeric materials comprising a polymer linked to a positively charged moiety via a carboxyl group. The present invention also provides processes for the production of such antimicrobial compounds and uses therefor.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an image-guided, vacuum assisted, percutaneous, coring, cable driven breast biopsy instrument which may be conveniently mounted to an x-ray machine wherein the biopsy instrument incorporates a rotation knob at the proximal end of the instrument to manually rotate the distal end of the probe, thus allowing the clinician to conveniently position the tissue port next to the tissue to be sampled.

Abstract: An endoscope that has an integrated light source and camera mounted at the distal end of the endoscope. The light source is a class of LED devices constructed of high-efficiency LEDs that emit narrow-band blue light coupled with phosphors, which cause a nearly natural “white” light to be emitted. The LEDs are coupled to a waveguide for transmission of the light to the distal end of the endoscope.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a liquid substance comprises a bulb portion, a cannulated shaft in fluid communication with the bulb portion, and a swab portion in fluid communication with the cannulated shaft. The bulb portion comprises a capsule. The capsule comprises a liquid substance. The bulb portion further comprises a valve operable to control the flow of a medium through the bulb portion. The bulb portion is operable to rupture the capsule to release the liquid substance. The cannulated shaft is dimensioned to extend percutaneously into a patient. The swab portion is operable to apply the liquid substance. The apparatus may be used to percutaneously apply adhesives to tissue, such as through a trocar or other cannulated member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a band configured to move a cutting member within an end effector. The instrument can further include a reel, wherein at least a portion of the band can be wound around the reel, and wherein the cutting member can be configured to unwind the band from the reel when the cutting member is advanced within the end effector. The instrument can further include a first actuator selectively engageable with the reel to rotate the reel, wind the band around the reel, and retract the cutting member. The instrument can further include a second actuator engageable with the reel in the event that the first actuator cannot rotate the reel.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use in connection with a pneumatically powered tool having a firing mechanism operably supported therein that is movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position. A pneumatically powered drive system operably communicates with the pneumatically powered tool and is configured to selectively apply at least a firing force to the firing mechanism of the pneumatically powered tool of sufficient magnitude to cause the firing mechanism to move from the unactuated position to the actuated position in response to a flow of gas from a source of gas that is fluidically coupled to the pneumatically powered drive system.

Abstract: An anvil of a surgical stapler including releasable pocket elements that can capture ends of fired staples. In various embodiments, the pocket elements can be released from the anvil such that the pocket elements remain with the staples and stapled tissue after the stapler has been fired. When deployed, the ends of the staples may be turned, or bent, by the pocket elements and then contact a staple-end retaining surface of the pocket element that prevents the ends of the staples from re-puncturing or re-penetrating the tissue. In various embodiments, forces created during the stapling and/or cutting actions of the stapler can overcome a pressure-fit force retaining the pocket elements in the anvil such that the pocket elements are released upon firing. In various embodiments, the staples can have a dissolvable or bioabsorbable crown which can release pressure on the stapled tissue as it is dissolved or absorbed.

Abstract: Various compositions, methods, and devices are provided that use fluorescent nanoparticles, which can function as markers, indicators, and light sources. The fluorescent nanoparticles can be formed from a fluorophore core surrounded by a biocompatible shell, such as a silica shell. In one embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be delivered to tissue to mark the tissue, enable identification and location of the tissue, and/or illuminate an area surrounding the tissue. In another embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be used on a device or implant to locate the device or implant in the body, indicate an orientation of the device or implant, and/or illuminate an area surrounding the device or implant. The fluorescent nanoparticles can also be used to provide a therapeutic effect.

Abstract: A system for examining an area of a patient's anatomy that comprises a probe capable of fluorescing, and a scanning beam assembly that scans the probe with a beam of excitation radiation and detects the probe's fluorescence. The scanning beam assembly including a radiation source capable of emitting one or more wavelengths of radiation that are capable of exciting the probe and causing the probe to fluoresce, a scanning device that directs the radiation onto a field-of-view to create a scan of the field-of-view, a detector to detect radiation returned from the field-of-view, and a controller to convert the detected radiation into a displayable fluorescence image.

Abstract: Various compositions, methods, and devices are provided that use fluorescent nanoparticles, which can function as markers, indicators, and light sources. The fluorescent nanoparticles can be formed from a fluorophore core surrounded by a biocompatible shell, such as a silica shell. In one embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be delivered to tissue to mark the tissue, enable identification and location of the tissue, and/or illuminate an area surrounding the tissue. In another embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be used on a device or implant to locate the device or implant in the body, indicate an orientation of the device or implant, and/or illuminate an area surrounding the device or implant. The fluorescent nanoparticles can also be used to provide a therapeutic effect.

Abstract: Various compositions, methods, and devices are provided that use fluorescent nanoparticles to function as markers, indicators, and light sources. In one embodiment, an endoscopic adaptor is provided for viewing fluorescent nanoparticles. The adaptor can be configured to removably mate to a portion of an endoscope, such as an eyepiece, and it can be adapted to contain a filter for filtering light received through the viewing lumen of the eyepiece. In an exemplary embodiment, the filter is configured to transmit fluorescent light while blocking visible light, to thereby enable a structure containing one or more fluorescent nanoparticles to be viewed through the endoscope.

Abstract: Various compositions, methods, and devices are provided that use fluorescent nanoparticles to function as markers, indicators, and/or light sources. In an exemplary embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles are biocompatible, and more preferably they can be formed from a fluorophore core surrounded by a biocompatible shell, such as a silica shell. In one aspect, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be delivered to tissue to mark the tissue, enable identification and location of the tissue, and/or illuminate an area surrounding the tissue.

Abstract: Various compositions, methods, and devices are provided that use fluorescent nanoparticles, which can function as markers, indicators, and light sources. The fluorescent nanoparticles can be formed from a fluorophore core surrounded by a biocompatible shell, such as a silica shell. In one embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be delivered to tissue to mark the tissue, enable identification and location of the tissue, and/or illuminate an area surrounding the tissue. In another embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be used on a device or implant to locate the device or implant in the body, indicate an orientation of the device or implant, and/or illuminate an area surrounding the device or implant. The fluorescent nanoparticles can also be used to provide a therapeutic effect.

Abstract: Various compositions, methods, and devices are provided that use fluorescent nanoparticles, which can function as markers, indicators, and light sources. The fluorescent nanoparticles can be formed from a fluorophore core surrounded by a biocompatible shell, such as a silica shell. In one embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be delivered to tissue to mark the tissue, enable identification and location of the tissue, and/or illuminate an area surrounding the tissue. In another embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be used on a device or implant to locate the device or implant in the body, indicate an orientation of the device or implant, and/or illuminate an area surrounding the device or implant. The fluorescent nanoparticles can also be used to provide a therapeutic effect.

Abstract: The present invention includes a surgical stapler having a staple cartridge, an anvil, and a cutting member having a cutting surface, wherein the cutting member is relatively movable with respect to the anvil and the staple cartridge. In at least one embodiment, the anvil is movable between an open position and a partially-closed position. When the anvil is in its partially-closed position, the anvil and the staple cartridge can be configured to capture tissue therebetween without fully compressing the tissue. In at least one embodiment, the anvil includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a middle portion intermediate the proximal portion and the distal portion. In these embodiments, the tissue can be captured between the proximal and distal portions of the anvil before the middle portion of the anvil is brought into contact with the tissue.