Abstract: An intracorporeal grasping device includes a tubular member for entering a lumen of a human body and the tubular member having a distal end portion. An elongated core member is disposed within the interior cavity of the tubular member for rotational or slidable movement within the tubular member and the elongated core member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The elongated core member includes a grasping configuration for capturing an object (e.g., clot or debris) therein.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes first and second mating connectors that can be joined to make a fluid connection. The connectors are constructed to discriminate improper connectors so that no fluid tight connection can be formed with improper connectors. The connector assembly can be used with a system for compression therapy to prevent deep vein thrombosis.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for use with a surgical instrument includes a rotatable drive member, a crank operatively coupled to the drive member; a clutch operatively coupled to the crank, wherein rotational motion of the drive member causes oscillating movement of the clutch; and a gear rotatably coupled to the clutch, wherein the oscillating movement of the clutch causes rotation of the gear. The drive mechanism may further include a gear configured to engage a linear member. The crank may include a pin extending distally therefrom. The clutch may include a slot dimensioned and configured to receive a pin of the crank.

Abstract: A gastrostomy tube extension device which can facilitate insertion or removal of a gastrostomy tube by making the degree of extension of the gastrostomy tube constant. A gastrostomy tube extension device used for inserting and taking out a gastrostomy tube into/from a hole formed on a patient's abdomen, the gastrostomy tube including an outer fixing member to be installed on the skin surface side, an inner fixing member installed on the inner surface side of the stomach wall, and a tube member for connecting the outer fixing member and the inner fixing member and the gastrostomy tube extension device comprising a rod and an engaging member. The rod has a rod-shaped member which can push the center of the distal end of the inner fixing member with its distal portion toward the distal end, and with a plurality of engaging step portions formed on the proximal portion.

Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed which includes a handle portion, a central body portion and a Simple Use Loading Unit (“SULU”) [SULU]. The SULU includes a proximal body portion, an intermediate pivot member and a tool assembly. The intermediate pivot member is pivotally secured to the proximal body portion about a first pivot axis and the tool assembly is pivotally secured to the intermediate pivot member about a second pivot axis which is orthogonal to the first pivot axis. The SULU includes a plurality of articulation links which are operably connected to the tool assembly by non-rigid links. The articulation links are adapted to releasably engage articulation links positioned in the central body portion. The body portion articulation links are connected to an articulation actuator which is supported for omni-directional movement to effect articulation of the tool assembly about the first and second axes.