Abstract: A surgical knot setter includes an elongated shaft having a long axis and proximal and distal portions. A tip is provided at the distal end of the shaft. The tip has a loop with an interior loop opening and a gate opening for permitting ingress and egress of a suture into the loop opening. The loop is laterally offset from the long axis and distal to the distal end of the shaft, such that the loop is laterally and longitudinally offset from the distal end of the shaft. A closure is provided for selectively opening and closing the gate opening between open and closed positions to selectively permit or prevent the suture from passing through the gate opening. An actuator moves the closure between the open and closed positions. A method for tying suture knots is also disclosed.

Abstract: An aortic cross clamp includes an elongated handle and a clamp head. The clamp head has opposing jaws having open and closed positions. At least one of the jaws is pivotally mounted to a jaw actuator so as to be pivotal relative to the opposing jaw and about an axis distanced from the opposing jaw. A locking mechanism is provided for locking the jaws in the closed position. A jaw drive mechanism is operable through the elongated handle for moving the jaws between the open and closed positions. A method of clamping the aorta is also disclosed.

Abstract: A retractor includes a retractor support and an elongated retractor blade. The retractor blade has a first, closed position in which ends of the blade are positioned proximal to the support and a second, open position in which ends of the blade are positioned distal to the support. The retractor support has structure for engaging the retractor blade. A handle extends from the retractor support. A method of retracting tissue is also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical knot setter includes an elongated shaft having a long axis and proximal and distal portions. A tip is provided at the distal end of the shaft. The tip has a loop with an interior loop opening and a gate opening for permitting ingress and egress of a suture into the loop opening. The loop is laterally offset from the long axis and distal to the distal end of the shaft, such that the loop is laterally and longitudinally offset from the distal end of the shaft. A closure is provided for selectively opening and closing the gate opening between open and closed positions to selectively permit or prevent the suture from passing through the gate opening. An actuator moves the closure between the open and closed positions. A method for tying suture knots is also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical knot setter includes an elongated shaft having a long axis and proximal and distal portions. A tip is provided at the distal end of the shaft. The tip has a loop with an interior loop opening and a gate opening for permitting ingress and egress of a suture into the loop opening. The loop is laterally offset from the long axis and distal to the distal end of the shaft, such that the loop is laterally and longitudinally offset from the distal end of the shaft. A closure is provided for selectively opening and closing the gate opening between open and closed positions to selectively permit or prevent the suture from passing through the gate opening. An actuator moves the closure between the open and closed positions. A method for tying suture knots is also disclosed.