Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a frame structure defining proximal and distal portions. The proximal portion has an articulating arm for repositionably mounting to a base and the distal portion supporting a stabilizing member. An attachment mounts on the stabilizing member, the attachment being configured and dimensioned such that upon contact with the heart the engaged heart tissue bulges outward. A method of surgery using the attachment includes providing a frame structure defining proximal and distal portions, the proximal portion being repositionably mountable to a base, supporting an attachment on the stabilizing member and engaging heart tissue with the attachment such that the tissue bulges outward to better present the tissue for surgery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical obturator which includes a sleeve having a longitudinal bore between a proximal end and a distal end. The longitudinal bore of the sleeve is configured to receive at least a portion of an endoscope or like image transferring system. An image passing member, such as an optical window is positioned at the distal end of the sleeve and is provided to permit optical images to pass into the longitudinal bore of the sleeve and to permit illumination light to pass to the surgical site. An automatically retracting blade is positioned distal to the image passing member to facilitate penetration of body tissue.

Abstract: An ultrasonic dissection and coagulation system for surgical use is provided. The system includes an ultrasonic instrument, a control module, and a remote actuator. The ultrasonic instrument has a housing and an elongated body portion extending from the housing. An ultrasonic transducer supported within the housing is operatively connected to a cutting jaw by a vibration coupler. The vibration coupler conducts high frequency vibration from the ultrasonic transducer to the cutting jaw. The cutting jaw has a blade surface which is curved downwardly and outwardly in the distal direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body portion along its length such that an angle defined by a line drawn tangent to the blade surface and the longitudinal axis of the elongated body portion varies between 5 degrees and 75 degrees.

Abstract: A surgical stapler is disclosed which includes a first body portion supporting an anvil plate defining a fastener forming surface, and a second body portion configured to releasably mate with the first body portion. A disposable loading unit is removably supported in the second body portion and includes a cartridge defining a plurality of slots, a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in the slots, a plurality of ejectors positioned adjacent the surgical fasteners, and a wedged actuator configured to enter into and translate through the cartridge to sequentially interact with the ejectors. An elongated actuation member is mounted for longitudinal movement within the second body portion and is releasably engagable with the wedged actuator, whereby longitudinal movement of the actuation member causes the wedged actuator to interact with the ejectors, driving the surgical fasteners from the cartridge to be formed against the anvil plate.

Abstract: Methods of promoting angiogenesis are provided which include administering to a suitable locus a cross-linked polysaccharide having a positive charge. Preferred cross-linked polysaccharides are biodegradable beads. A positive charge may be provided by diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) groups associated with the polysaccharide.

Abstract: Methods of forming crosslinked hyaluronic acid anti-adhesion barriers, crosslinked hyaluronic acid anti-adhesions barriers, methods for preventing or inhibiting adhesions, and methods of promoting healing of a wound are provided. The method of forming the crosslinked hyaluronic acid anti-adhesion barrier includes freeze-drying a solution including hyaluronic acid to form a hyaluronic acid foam, which is then reacted with a crosslinking agent to form a crosslinked hyaluronic acid foam. The crosslinked hyaluronic acid foam is mixed with a solution containing hyaluronic acid to form an anti-adhesion barrier.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device particularly suited for endoscopic procedures is described. The device includes a handle assembly and an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly. The distal end of the elongated body is adapted to engage a disposable loading unit. A control rod having a proximal end operatively connected to the handle assembly includes a distal end extending through the elongated body. A control rod locking member is provided to prevent movement of the control rod until the disposable loading unit is fully secured to the elongated body of the stapling device.

Abstract: Methods of forming crosslinked hyaluronic acid anti-adhesion barriers, crosslinked hyaluronic acid anti-adhesions barriers, methods for preventing or inhibiting adhesions, and methods of promoting healing of a wound are provided. The method of forming the crosslinked hyaluronic acid anti-adhesion barrier includes freeze-drying a solution including hyaluronic acid to form a hyaluronic acid foam, which is then reacted with a crosslinking agent to form a crosslinked hyaluronic acid foam. The crosslinked hyaluronic acid foam is mixed with a solution containing hyaluronic acid to form an anti-adhesion barrier.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical apparatus is provided for placing lateral lines of surgical fasteners into body tissue. The apparatus includes a frame portion, an elongated portion extending from the frame portion, and an articulating fastener applying assembly associated with a distal end of the elongated portion. The fastener applying assembly includes a base portion, a staple cartridge housing, and an anvil member which has a forming surface thereon against which surgical fasteners are driven as they are ejected from the cartridge housing. A first mechanism is provided for effectuating the rotation of the fastener applying assembly about an axis defined by the body portion, a second mechanism is provided for effectuating the articulation of the fastener applying assembly, and a third mechanism is provided for independently rotating the cartridge housing and anvil member relative to a longitudinal axis defined by the base position to increase the range of operability of the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a surgical instrument relative to a base is provided having a mounting portion configured and dimensioned to engage a portion of a base, a jaw assembly including first and second jaw members which define a retaining area therebetween configured and dimensioned to retain the shaft of a surgical instrument therein and thereby fix the length of the instrument shaft relative to the base and an operative site, and an instrument position adjustment mechanism which includes an adjustment member rotatably disposed in relative to the mounting portion to facilitate selective position adjustment of the jaw assembly with respect to the mounting portion.

Abstract: A valve assembly for the sealed reception of an elongated object is provided. The assembly includes a valve body defining at least one opening configured and dimensioned to permit entry of an elongated object and defining a central longitudinal axis, and an elongated seal member having a resilient sealing structure and defining an aperture in general alignment with the opening of the valve body whereby the aperture is configured and dimensioned such that upon insertion of the object into the aperture, the resilient sealing structure resiliently engages the outer surface of the object in a tight manner. The sealing structure includes a plurality of elongated bristle members attached to the seal member. The bristle members are positioned to engage the elongated object upon at least partial insertion of the elongated object into the valve body.

Abstract: An endo-vascular fastener applicator is provided for endo-luminal fastening of a prosthetic to a vessel with a fastener. The applicator includes a tubular body that is configured for positioning within a vessel, an expandable portion disposed adjacent the distal end of the tubular body and deployed to support a prosthetic in contact with an inner surface of a vessel, and a drive assembly for advancing a fastener into the prosthetic. A delivery tube may be included that is disposed for movement within the tubular body, and which defines a channel for movement of the drive assembly there within. The delivery tube may include an applicator head. The applicator head may include an injection mount that is disposed for movement relative to a prosthetic.

Abstract: A valve assembly is provided for permitting the introduction of a surgical instrument into a patient's body while providing a substantial seal about the instrument. The valve assembly includes a sealing gasket assembly providing a fluid tight seal before instrument insertion, and is configured and dimensioned for accommodating an instrument and providing a substantial fluid tight seal after insertion of an instrument. The valve assembly may further include a deformable sealing member having a substantially central aperture for accommodating the instrument. The sealing member provides a substantial seal about the instrument when the instrument is passed therethrough impeding the egress of fluids and gasses through the valve assembly.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting a surgical instrument to a base, which facilitates positioning a surgical instrument relative to the surgical site so that only the minimum portion of the instrument is positioned in the free space available around the surgical site. A surgical instrument is also provided which includes a handle, a tool member, and a segmented flexible articulating arm which operatively connects the handle and the tool member. Also provided is an instrumentation kit having a surgical instrument which includes an end effector connecting assembly disposed at the distal end portion of an articulating arm to facilitate the removal or attachment of and end effector from the distal end of the articulating arm. The surgical instrumentation kit also includes a number of interchangeable surgical tool end effectors each having a uniform connector portion for interchangeable engagement with the end effector connecting assembly of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A driver apparatus is provided for use with a biopsy instrument, the driver apparatus including a housing and an insertion mechanism including a carriage movably associated with the housing and adapted to support the biopsy instrument to affect longitudinal movement of at least a portion of the biopsy instrument. A linear motion control mechanism is also included that is adapted to move a tissue cutting element of the biopsy instrument from a first position to a second position relative to a tissue receiving portion of the biopsy instrument. Further, a tissue retract mechanism is included which facilitates removal of a tissue specimen from the biopsy instrument without removing the entire biopsy instrument from a surgical site.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for surgery is disclosed which includes a retractor having a substantially planar base defining an opening for overlying an operative site on a patient, and at least one retractor blade slidably mounted to the base. The base is positioned on the patient such that the opening therein overlies the operative site. The operative site is percutaneously accessed, and obstructing tissue is retracted by engaging the tissue with the retractor blade. A surgical instrument is provided which is engageable with the base and operable at the operative site through the opening in the base. A surgical procedure is carried out through the opening in the base with the surgical instrument.

Abstract: Fibrin sealant applicator systems are provided for dispensing a first and a second protein solution to form a biological adhesive which overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. The first and second protein solutions are preferably fibrinogen and thrombin solutions which may intermix on an application site or within the applicator to form a fibrin sealant. The fibrin sealant applicator systems according to the present disclosure include two piston-type sub-assemblies coupled to two vials storing the fibrinogen and thrombin via a coupling unit. The piston-type sub-assemblies store sterilized water within reservoirs which are in fluid communication with the vials via the coupling unit. The water is forced into the vials to form the fibrinogen and thrombin solutions.

Abstract: A radiation detection apparatus includes a scintillation counter, a download control device for outputting a scintillation count to a utilization device, and a hand-held probe including a scintillation detector. The apparatus also includes a connector for connecting the probe to the counter, and a switch assembly removably mounted to the probe. The switch assembly has a first trigger for causing the counter to accumulate a first scintillation count over a first period, the counter to accumulate a second scintillation count over a second period, and the detection apparatus to display the second scintillation count. The switch assembly has a second trigger for causing, upon activation, the download control device to manifest an accumulated scintillation count from the counter. A lack of activation of the second trigger during the display of the second scintillation count causes the counter to resume accumulating scintillation counts over the first period.

Abstract: An applicator is provided for dispensing a first and a second protein solution to form a biological adhesive where the solutions can be deflected by a deflection assembly during dispensing for the adhesive to cover a broad or limited area. The applicator includes a housing having a housing head for enclosing therein a first reservoir containing a first component, and a second reservoir containing a second component. The first and second components are preferably fibrinogen and thrombin which intermix with water to form the first and second protein solutions, respectively. The housing further includes an elongated body portion defining a longitudinal axis for enclosing therein a conduit assembly having a first and a second conduit in communication with the first and second reservoir, respectively. The solutions intermix on an application site to form a fibrin sealant. In an alternate embodiment, the applicator includes two valves.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermal treatment of tissue, includes an outer member having a frame dimensioned for engagement with the hand of a surgeon and an elongated portion connected to the frame and extending distally therefrom. The elongated portion defines a longitudinal axis and has an axial opening. An electromagnetic probe assembly is releasably mounted to the outer member. The electromagnetic probe assembly includes a handle and an electromagnetic probe connected to the handle. The electromagnetic probe is at least partially positionable within the axial opening of the elongated portion and is adapted for reciprocal longitudinal movement therewithin between a non-deployed position and a deployed positions. A manually operable release member releasably mounts the electromagnetic probe assembly to the outer member.