Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for use in minimally invasive procedures whereby at least one, and preferably a plurality of laparoscopic instrument heads can be delivered through a single trocar and made accessible for attachment within a body cavity to the distal end of a needlescopic instrument under direct visualization via a laparoscope. The system and procedure will produce less scarring, less pain, and a reduced risk of infection at the surgical site. An addition benefit is that, because only 1 trocar is used instead of 3-5 trocars, there is a significant cost saving in each case and the surgeon is freer to move instrument locations and add/remove instruments since a new trocar does not need to be inserted every time.

Abstract: An ergonomic medical device handle which allows for multiple type grip styles and reduces operator fatigue by balancing the weight of the device about a fulcrum point. More particularly a laparoscopic suction irrigation device having its tubing centrally located to allow the handle to rest comfortably and balanced on the hand in any of the commonly used grips. This dramatically reduces the fatigue associated with holding devices for long periods of time.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards surgical devices and a method used in minimally invasive surgery whereby a device is incorporated into or onto an instrument to strengthen its shaft and improve its functionality in minimally invasive surgery. The primary goal of the invention is to increase the strength and rigidity of an instrument by using a specially designed sleeve that strengthens the instrument, thereby reducing its ability to bend and increasing its load carrying capacity. The invention will provide a system that gives extra strength and rigidity to small instrument shafts, so that surgeons can still safely and reliably perform their procedures, but can also use incisions that are as small as possible.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an instrument shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and an interior passageway extending from the proximal end to the distal end, a first conduit fluidly coupled to the instrument shaft and being configured for selective connection to an irrigation source, and a second conduit fluidly coupled to the instrument shaft and being configured for selective connection to a vacuum source, wherein the instrument shaft is configured for percutaneous insertion without use of a trocar.

Abstract: A single instrument head loading device for use in needlescopic surgery comprises a shaft having maneuverable structure on a proximal end for use in correctly positioning an instrument head at a distal end thereof through manipulation of at least one wire engaged to a distal end loader within which the instrument head is held by maneuvering the maneuverable structure at the proximal end, to which a proximal end of the at least one wire is attached, the at least one wire traversing the length of the shaft and the distal end loader being positioned in a suitable position allowing engagement of the instrument head under continuous direct visualization to a distal end of a cooperating shaft of a surgical instrument as well as allowing for disengagement of the instrument head back into the distal end loader under continuous direct visualization, the engagement and disengagement taking place within a body cavity.

Abstract: A single instrument head loading device for use in needlescopic surgery comprises a shaft having maneuverable structure on a proximal end for use in correctly positioning an instrument head at a distal end thereof through manipulation of at least one wire engaged to a distal end loader within which the instrument head is held by maneuvering the maneuverable structure at the proximal end, to which a proximal end of the at least one wire is attached, the at least one wire traversing the length of the shaft and the distal end loader being positioned in a suitable position allowing engagement of the instrument head under continuous direct visualization to a distal end of a cooperating shaft of a surgical instrument as well as allowing for disengagement of the instrument head back into the distal end loader under continuous direct visualization, the engagement and disengagement taking place within a body cavity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards surgical devices and a method used in minimally invasive surgery whereby a device is incorporated into or onto an instrument to strengthen its shaft and improve its functionality in minimally invasive surgery. The primary goal of the invention is to increase the strength and rigidity of an instrument by using a specially designed sleeve that strengthens the instrument, thereby reducing its ability to bend and increasing its load carrying capacity. The invention will provide a system that gives extra strength and rigidity to small instrument shafts, so that surgeons can still safely and reliably perform their procedures, but can also use incisions that are as small as possible.