Abstract: Two part laparoscopic tools and surgical methods using such tools are presented. The tools and methods enable use of multiple surgical tools each having wide tool heads to be used in a body cavity using a single wide trocar and one or more narrow incisions, thereby reducing surgical risk and enhancing patient comfort and shortening recovery time. Additional instruments for facilitating laparoscopic surgery are also presented.

Abstract: Novel catheter systems including those having guidewire lumens that can convert from an Over-the-Wire mode to a Rapid Exchange mode are useful and effective when crafted such that this conversion happens without adjusting the position of the guidewire in a body lumen.

Abstract: A device is provided to assist in closing an incision through body tissue that comprises a tubular body sized for introduction through the incision and carrying a plurality of stabilizer elements at the distal end thereof. The stabilizer elements are configured to be deployed within the body cavity to engage the lowermost tissue layer. In one method, the device is pulled with the stabilizer elements deployed to retract the body tissue away from adjacent body structure. In another method, a plurality of needle tips carrying sutures are guided through the body tissue to a retention device at the ends of the stabilizer elements. With the needle tips captured in the retention devices, the device is withdrawn from the incision so that the sutures form ligatures that can be tied off to close the incision.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical assembly broadly includes an outer hollow needle which has an outer diameter, a longitudinal axis, and a sharp distal end. An insulating member extends through the hollow needle and is movable relative to the hollow needle. An elongated member extends through the insulating member and is movable relative to both the insulating member and the hollow needle. A resilient wire projects from the elongated member and is retractable within and extendable outside of the insulating member and the hollow needle. The insulating member, elongated member, and resilient wire are movable relative to the needle using first and second moving means whereby the surgical assembly assumes various configurations having different operational functions.

Abstract: A catheter lock solution includes a hydrochloric acid solution having a concentration of 0.3 Molar to 1.0 Molar. This hydrochloric acid solution may be used to lock a catheter and/or salvage an infected catheter.

Abstract: A hand held hub sterilization and data acquisition device includes a housing having an opening for receiving a medical device, a sterilization chamber formed in the housing, a source of UV radiation disposed within the sterilization chamber for uniform emission of UV-C radiation into the sterilization chamber, and an RFID scanner configured into the housing. A patient care system includes a hand held hub sterilization and data acquisition device and an RFID enabled medical device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating a tissue opening, for example a trocar opening used in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. In a tissue closure device, a finger guard or shield can be used, handle or holding area or areas can be used, and positioning indicators can be used. A resiliently flexible target material can also be used for reliably holding a suture during the procedure. Introducers can be used having a suture holder, an alignment indicator and insertion limits.

Abstract: A medical device for delivering a reagent, such as a pharmaceutical agent, a diagnostic agent, a nutrient, or another type of reagent, to an intravascular or intralumenal location, is disclosed. The medical device has a coating, where exposing the coating to light severs a photosensitive bond that releases the reagent into the immediate vicinity of the location.

Abstract: A seal assembly establishes sealing engagement with a plurality of differently dimensioned instruments passing through a trocar. The seal assembly is a caged seal assembly movably disposed within the trocar and includes at least two seal segments disposable into and out of a sealing orientation relative to the instrument. A cage structure of the seal assembly includes at least two cage segments each connected to a seal segment, a biasing assembly connected to the cage structure and disposed and structured to normally bias the seal segments into sealing orientation.

Abstract: A counter mechanism includes: a counter housing including a shaft and a hole; a first set of cam teeth located in the hole; a striker located in the hole and configured to move axially with respect to the hole having a second set of cam teeth; a counter wheel hub having a third set of cam teeth configured to communicate with both the first and second set of cam teeth, the counter wheel hub also having an actuator; and a counter wheel having an actuation feature configured to communicate with the actuator to cause the counter wheel to rotate when the counter wheel hub rotates. A method for counting dispensed items may also be described.

Abstract: Laparoscopic tool shafts and devices and methods for enhancing their rigidity in general or in specific directions are provided. Laparoscopic tool shafts having rigid external shafts and relatively rigid rods and laparoscopic tool shafts having flexible external shafts and relatively rigid rods are also provided.

Abstract: A catheter lock composition for preventing bacterial infection having an effective amount of glycerol and sodium chloride solution. The effective amount of glycerol is between about 35-60% and sodium chloride is in a concentration range between 0.5-0.9%. The composition further includes an anticoagulant and/or an antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: A composition for dissolving or reducing the viscosity of sputum on a surface of a device includes an effective amount of glycerol and an effective amount of dextran sulfate in a saline solution. The effective amount of glycerol is between about 30-50% and the effective amount of dextran sulfate is between about 10-30%. The composition may further include an antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: A surgical suture is made of an elongate, hollow braid of high strength fibers. The braid defines an elongate, longitudinally-extending, central chamber that is open and without any core material extending therein so that, when a surgeon's knot is tied with the suture, the cross-sectional shape of the braid collapses upon itself and is reduced in size in response to pressures experienced when the knot is tightened thereby producing a low profile knot that resists slippage. Preferably, the braid is of a size corresponding to a USP size 5-0 to USP size 7 suture and has one or more, preferably a pair, of color contrasting monofilaments woven therein to enhance suture visibility. Methods of making a flattened suture and of utilizing the high strength suture to maintain body tissues in an engaged position to promote healing are also provided.

Abstract: A medical device includes a base material having an immobilized enzyme and dextran sulfate. The dextran sulfate has a molecular weight that is less than 40 kilo dalton (kDa). The medical device is formed from at least a base material. An enzyme is immobilized on the base material. The enzyme is stabilized with a dextran sulfate having a molecular weight of less than 40 (kDa).

Abstract: A colored suture includes an elongate woven braid of filaments including one or more ends made of an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The suture also includes second and third ends which can be colorable or dyeable before or after incorporation into the elongate woven braid. This invention provides surgeons with improved recognition of suture ends in surgery by construction of a hi-colored co-braid with at least two ends of different color schemes or patterns braided into a UHMWPE construction. One of the colored ends runs continuously from one end of the suture to the other end. The other colored end can be colored only on one half of the end. This provides a suture with two distinguishable ends, while still maintaining a continuous line of color along the length of the suture.

Abstract: A colored suture includes an elongate woven braid of filaments including one or more ends made of an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The suture also includes second and third ends which can be colorable or dyeable before or after incorporation into the elongate woven braid. This invention provides surgeons with improved recognition of suture ends in surgery by construction of a bi-colored co-braid with at least two ends of different color schemes or patterns braided into a UHMWPE construction. One of the colored ends runs continuously from one end of the suture to the other end. The other colored end can be colored only on one half of the end. This provides a suture with two distinguishable ends, while still maintaining a continuous line of color along the length of the suture.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube assembly is disclosed. The endotracheal tube assembly includes an elongate tube having an outer wall, and a first connector disposed on the outer wall. The outer wall defines a generally cylindrical elongate central lumen therein, an elongate suction lumen therein, and a first suction lumen aperture therethrough, the first suction lumen aperture being in fluid communication with the elongate suction lumen. The first connector includes a first annular wall disposed within a second annular wall, where the first annular wall and the second annular wall extend away from a longitudinal axis of the elongate tube in a radial direction. An internal surface of the first annular wall defines a first flow passage, and a rim of the first annular wall defines a first connection aperture. The first connection aperture is in fluid communication with the elongate suction lumen through the first flow passage.

Abstract: A ligation clip applier is provided. The clip applier includes: a pair of jaws; a distal clevis tube to which the jaws are pivotally mounted; a proximal clevis tube located behind the distal clevis tube, wherein the distal clevis tube and the proximal clevis tubes move axially with respect to each other; a clip lock actuator fixed to one of the proximal and distal clevis tubes; and a distal pushrod extending through the distal and proximal clevis tubes and forming a camming connection with the jaws configured to close and move the jaws toward a proximal direction toward the clip lock actuator when the distal pushrod is moved in the proximal direction. A method for applying a clip on a vessel is disclosed.