Abstract: A drill system for forming a curved tunnel in a bone includes a drill bit guidance device. The drill bit guidance device includes an elongated stationary outer tube extending along a first axis and an elongated inner tube. The elongated inner tube is configured to slidably move within the elongated stationary outer tube along the first axis and to exit from a distal end of the elongated outer tube. The elongated inner tube has a partially slotted distal end portion including a plurality of semi-cross-sectional slots extending perpendicular to the first axis. Each slot is configured to collapse inward in the slot direction when exiting the distal end of the elongated outer tube, thereby curving the distal end portion of the elongated inner tube.

Abstract: A flash sterilization container includes a hermetically sealed rigid and impermeable metal bellow valve. Upon pressurization of the external environment with steam the height of the bellow valve is reduced and this opens the valve thereby allowing steam to enter the sterilization container. Reducing the pressure outside of the sterilization container to atmospheric pressure increases the height of the bellow valve and closes the valve, thereby isolating the sterilized objects within the sterilization container.

Abstract: An improved suture cutter for cutting high strength sutures used in arthroscopic surgeries includes a movable handle that moves rotationally around a pivot. This rotational motion is translated through a linkage into near linear movement at the distal end of a moving member. At the distal end, the moving member pushes a cutting blade onto an inclined stationary blade and thereby cuts a suture captured between the moving cutting blade and the inclined stationary blade.

Abstract: An endoscopic medical device system includes an elongated shaft assembly, a cam assembly and an articulating distal end assembly. The elongated shaft assembly extends along a main axis and includes first and second actuator rods arranged parallel to each other and the first actuator rod is longer than the second actuator rod. The cam assembly includes a cam, and the proximal ends of the first and second actuator rods are configured to be slidably attached to first and second locations of the cam, respectively, and the distal ends of the first and second actuator rods are positioned at the same distance from the cam center. The articulating distal end assembly extends along the main axis and is pivotally connected to the distal ends of the first and second actuator rods. Rotation of the cam around an axis perpendicular to the main axis provides angular displacement of the distal end assembly relative to the main axis.

Abstract: An articulating shaft system includes an elongated shaft and first and second articulating components. The elongated shaft extends along a main axis and has a distal end surface that is not perpendicular to the main axis. The first articulating component is co-axial with the main axis and is positioned adjacent to the distal end surface of the elongated shaft and has a proximal end surface and a distal end surface that are not perpendicular to the main axis. The second articulating component is co-axial with the main axis and is positioned adjacent to the distal end surface of the first articulating component and has a proximal end surface that is not perpendicular to the main axis. Rotating the first articulating component around the main axis positions the first and second articulating components at an angle relative to the main axis.

Abstract: An endoscopic medical device system includes an elongated shaft assembly and an articulating distal end assembly. The elongated shaft assembly extends along a main axis and includes an outer tube, an inner tube, and an actuator rod. The outer tube is slidably disposed around the inner tube and the actuator rod is slidably disposed within the inner tube. The articulating distal end assembly extends from the inner tube and is configured to be oriented longitudinally along the main axis when disposed within the outer tube and angularly from the main axis as it slides out of the outer tube. The articulating distal end assembly includes a tubular body having equally spaced apart slots separated by solid segments and terminates in a distal segment. Each slot is configured to collapse individually and to form a known angle relative to the main axis as it slides out of the outer tube.

Abstract: A method for fastening a tool handle to a tool shaft includes the following steps. First, providing a tool shaft comprising an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end. Next, providing a tool handle comprising a distal end, a proximal end and a socket formed at the distal end. Next, inserting the proximal end of the tool shaft into the socket of the tool handle, and then staking the proximal end of the tool shaft to the tool handle from two opposite directions.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument is used in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery for inserting a gastric band into a patient's abdomen through a laparoscopic port. The gastric band insertion instrument includes a handle, an elongated shaft and a distal end assembly. The elongated shaft includes an actuator rod that opens and closes a movable jaw at the distal end. A pin at the distal end assembly engages a hole in the front of the gastric band, and the movable jaw is closed thereby securely capturing the front end of the gastric band. The shaft and the captured gastric band are inserted through a laparoscopic port into the patient's abdomen.

Abstract: An endoscopic suturing device having an interlocking trigger assembly for preventing premature needle deployment. The suturing device comprises a handle assembly that includes a movable handle interlocking with a trigger. The suturing device further comprises an end effector having an upper jaw, a lower jaw and a needle/suture mechanism. The motion of the movable handle causes the upper jaw to move relative to the lower jaw. The activation of the trigger causes deployment of the needle/suture mechanism. The interlocking mechanism ensures that the needle/suture is deployed only when the upper jaw is below a maximum allowable distance from the lower jaw.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument is used in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery for inserting a gastric band into a patient's abdomen through a laparoscopic port. The gastric band insertion instrument includes a handle, an elongated shaft and a distal end assembly. The elongated shaft includes an actuator rod that opens and closes a movable jaw at the distal end. A pin at the distal end assembly engages a hole in the front of the gastric band, and the movable jaw is closed thereby securely capturing the front end of the gastric band. The shaft and the captured gastric band are inserted through a laparoscopic port into the patient's abdomen.

Abstract: Improved end effector mechanisms for a surgical instrument used in minimally invasive surgical instruments as well as instruments for general surgery or as part of robotically controlled end effectors. These end effector mechanisms include multiple grasping elements paired with drive links. Each grasping element also serves as a stabilizing link for the next most distal grasping element, forcing it to maintain its relative angle with respect to the opposing grasping elements.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument is used in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery for inserting a gastric band into a patient's abdomen through a laparoscopic port. The gastric band insertion instrument includes a handle, an elongated shaft and a distal end assembly. The elongated shaft includes an actuator rod that opens and closes a movable jaw at the distal end. A pin at the distal end assembly engages a hole in the front of the gastric band, and the movable jaw is closed thereby securely capturing the front end of the gastric band. The shaft and the captured gastric band are inserted through a laparoscopic port into the patient's abdomen.