Abstract: An improved surgical dilator extractor is introduced into the abdominal cavity through a trocar cannula and expanded, forming a tissue receiving space, at the distal end. The tissue receiving space is enlarged by passing a grasper through a lumen of the dilator extractor to interact with a guide surface on the interior of dilator extractor to expand a dilator portion having a single leaf beyond the natural resiliency of the leaf. The tissue being extracted is then manipulated into the space with the grasper. The tissue is then removed from the cavity by the surgeon applying a force onto the dilator extractor that insures the elongation of the tissue and temporarily dilates the entry wound to the extent necessary for the tissue to be removed. Alternative embodiments of the surgical dilator extractor and related instrument tool sets and methods for the use thereof also are disclosed.

Abstract: The ligation clip applicator and ligation clip design are provided which are particularly applicable to placement of a surgical ligation clip during a laparoscopic surgical procedure. The clip includes a support member and a clamping arm having enlarged portions thereon. The applicator device has a magazine including first and second longitudinally extending partially closed channels within which the enlarged portions of the support member and the clamping arm are received with the clip held in an open position. First and second articulated jaws are attached to the magazine and have first and second channel extensions therein aligned with the first and second channels of the magazine, so that a clip can be received from the magazine in the jaws with the first and second enlarged portions of the support member and the clamping arm being received in the first and second channel extensions of the jaws. The channel extensions include first and second releasing openings.

Abstract: The clip applier of the current invention solves the problems of prior art tools by incorporating a pre-clamp mechanism, the function of which is to pre-clamp the vessel to be ligated to a dimension such that the center leg of the spring of the ligation clip need be lifted only slightly. In this manner the spring clip can be slid over the smaller pre-clamped dimension. This insures that the clip spring material will remain within its elastic limit while allowing the tool to maintain a low profile for use in endoscopic surgery, even on large diameter vessels.

Abstract: The ligation clip applicator and ligation clip design are provided which are particularly applicable to placement of a surgical ligation clip during a laparoscopic surgical procedure. The clip includes a support member and a clamping arm having enlarged portions thereon. The applicator device has a magazine including first and second longitudinally extending partially closed channels within which the enlarged portions of the support member and the clamping arm are received with the clip held in an open position. First and second articulated jaws are attached to the magazine and have first and second channel extensions therein aligned with the first and second channels of the magazine, so that a clip can be received from the magazine in the jaws with the first and second enlarged portions of the support member and the clamping arm being received in the first and second channel extensions of the jaws. The channel extensions include first and second releasing openings.

Abstract: The ligation clip applicator and ligation clip design are provided which are particularly applicable to placement of a surgical ligation clip during a laparoscopic surgical procedure. The clip includes a support member and a clamping arm having enlarged portions thereon. The applicator device has a magazine including first and second longitudinally extending partially closed channels within which the enlarged portions of the support member and the clamping arm are received with the clip held in an open position. First and second articulated jaws are attached to the magazine and have first and second channel extensions therein aligned with the first and second channels of the magazine, so that a clip can be received from the magazine in the jaws with the first and second enlarged portions of the support member and the clamping arm being received in the first and second channel extensions of the jaws. The channel extensions include first and second releasing openings.

Abstract: A surgical irrigation apparatus includes a disposable assembly and a reusable assembly. The disposable assembly includes an irrigation fluid pump and a hand piece having a supply passage for delivery of irrigation fluid to the surgical site. The reusable assembly includes a motor, a power source, and a pressure detector. The pressure detector assists in changing the power being supplied to the motor. The power is transferred from the motor to the pump with a magnetic coupler or other suitable device. The reusable assembly may alternatively include a sound receiver for picking up voice commands or other sounds to change the power being supplied to the motor. The reusable assembly may also alternatively include a controller that is operatively connected to a switch on the hand piece to permit a user to manually change the power being supplied to the motor. Related methods for surgical irrigation are also described.

Abstract: The clip applier of the current invention solves the problems of prior art tools by incorporating a pre-clamp mechanism, the function of which is to pre-clamp the vessel to be ligated to a dimension such that the center leg of the spring of the ligation clip need be lifted only slightly. In this manner the spring clip can be slid over the smaller pre-clamped dimension. This insures that the clip spring material will remain within its elastic limit while allowing the tool to maintain a low profile for use in endoscopic surgery, even on large diameter vessels.

Abstract: An illumination system for an endoscopic camera has a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted to a substrate. The substrate is adapted for attachment at the distal end of the endoscope. Each LED is contained within a reflector cup which directs the angular dispersion of emitted light toward the object to be viewed.

Abstract: A surgical irrigation apparatus includes a disposable assembly and a reusable assembly. The disposable assembly includes an irrigation fluid pump and a hand piece having a supply passage for delivery of irrigation fluid to the surgical site. The reusable assembly includes a motor, a power source, and a pressure detector. The pressure detector assists in changing the power being supplied to the motor. The power is transferred from the motor to the pump with a magnetic coupler or other suitable device. The reusable assembly may alternatively include a sound receiver for picking up voice commands or other sounds to change the power being supplied to the motor. The reusable assembly may also alternatively include a controller that is operatively connected to a switch on the hand piece to permit a user to manually change the power being supplied to the motor. Related methods for surgical irrigation are also described.