Abstract: A gynecologic instrument or uterine mobilizer having a tube with one end attached to a journal pivotally mounted and maintained within a channel in the head of the instrument via a pin engaging a groove in the head. The head includes structure, such as an attachment or collar, for manipulating a desired place of a vaginal wall when the instrument is inserted in the vagina. In one embodiment, the structure includes a collar having a concave surface lying over a surface of the head that is substantially crescent-shaped. In another embodiment, the structure includes a substantially disc-shaped element. In one of two related embodiments, the substantially disc-shaped element may be provided with an indentation or notch in a peripheral surface.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided for the morcellation of bodily tissue or bodily organ parts during an endoscopic surgical procedure. The instrument includes a handle assembly and a tubular body portion extending from the handle assembly and defining a longitudinal axis. A tool assembly is associated with a distal end of the tubular body including cooperating jaw members and a cutting member. A first mechanism is for effectuating remote actuation of the cooperating jaw members and a second mechanism is for effectuating remote reciprocal movement of the cutting member with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting the performance of laparoscopic pelvic procedures. The apparatus has a first structure for engaging a uterus to effect stabilization thereof and a second structure for holding a spacing material such as a resilient moisture absorbent material into the vaginal fornix. The first and second structures are cooperatively engaged to allow the resilient moisture absorbent material held by the second structure to be selectively movably positioned relative to a uterus which is engaged by the first structure.

Abstract: For achieving, e.g., an improved electrophysiology catheter for examination of the heart, or a catheter accessing the brain, the invention, in one aspect, features an elongated wound wire coil extending through the hollow catheter body of a steerable catheter, the coil constructed and arranged to enable the catheter body to withstand reactive compressive load without distortion during application of tension on the pull wire and to transmit torque from the proximal to the distal tip portion of the catheter to enhance fidelity of rotational positioning of the distal tip in response to rotational orientation of the proximal portion of the catheter. The coil is shown in frictional torque-transmitting relationship with the interior of the hollow shaft substantially along the common length of the catheter body when the catheter is bent. Steerable catheters with augmented throw for one-handed operation and important improvements in construction features are also shown.

Abstract: A surgical needle including a cannula, hook-wire and reinforcement member for use in the manual location and marking of a lesion in a mass of soft tissue. The cannula rigidly supports the hook-wire during insertion into the soft tissue, and has a substantially cylindrical, hollow shaft and a cutting point located at an insertion end. The surgical needle further includes an anchor for restrainably locating the hook-wire proximate the lesion which is capable of springedly assuming a substantially acute angle relative to the remainder of the hook-wire. Reinforcement minimizes the potential for breakage of the hook-wire within the mass of soft tissue, after extension of the hook-wire beyond the insertion end of the cannula; in which the hook-wire is substantially D-shaped and closely approximates the diameter of the substantially cylindrical, hollow shaft; maximizing the structural size and integrity of the hook-wire to minimize the occurrence of breakage.

Abstract: A specimen retrieval tube for use in minimally invasive diagnostic and/or surgical procedures includes an elongated fluid impervious and, preferably, transparent tube; a first end cap positioned at the proximal end of the tube and having a main body portion with an aperture therethrough, and a capping tab flexibly attached to the main body portion, the capping tab having a plug projecting therefrom for engaging the aperture and forming a fluid tight seal therewith; and a second end cap for engagement with the distal end of said tube. The specimen retrieval container is adapted for use with a trocar cannula. During use, the tube is inserted through the cannula. A grasper may be disposed through the specimen retrieval container and used to grasp the tissue sample and move it into the bore of the tube. The tube is then withdrawn from the cannula and sealed.

Abstract: Apparatus for and methods of preparing and inserting flexible intraocular lenses, through incisions in ocular tissue made during phacoemulsification cataract surgery. The incisions are preferably no longer than 3 mm. The intraocular lens is placed on a template which facilitates multiple folding of the intraocular lens. Multiple folds in the lens are then accomplished with the template providing necessary and proper orientation, stabilization, and positioning of the lens. The intraocular lens folded using the template is held with a lens-insertion forceps and is inserted and released inside the eye, whereupon the lens unfolds in its proper position and configuration inside the eye. An intraocular lens having both plate haptics and J-style or C-style haptics is provided.

Abstract: A stereotactic fixation apparatus provides for accurate and reproducible positioning of a patient's skull during medical diagnostic and treatment procedures. The stereotactic fixation apparatus includes a mouthpiece having an acrylic impression formed as an impression of the patient's upper teeth and hard palate. The mouthpiece is connected to a stereotactic frame, which in turn is releasable connected to an adaptor board on which the patient rests. Vacuum pressure is used to draw the acrylic impression firmly against the patient's hard palate. Vacuum pressure is also used to hold the stereotactic frame on the adaptor board. The stereotactic fixation apparatus additionally includes a patient-activated safety release mechanism which allows the patient to disconnect the vacuum pressure and to dislodge the restraints of the mouthpiece and frame, as well as to disable the medical equipment used with the medical diagnostic or treatment procedure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing cap for guide tubes or reducing sleeves for inserting surgical instruments containing an all-round skirt extending down from the end wall of the sealing cap. The internal diameter corresponds to the external diameter of the tubular headpiece of the guide tube or reducing sleeve or is somewhat smaller. Below the end wall is provided a circular groove for receiving an all-round circular flange on the headpiece of the guide tube or reducing sleeve. In the center of the end wall is provided a circular insertion opening for the surgical instrument to be inserted in the guide tube or reducing sleeve. The sealing cap is made from a flexible, natural or synthetic rubber-like material, characterized in that on the lower edge of the skirt is shaped a gripping tongue whose outer boundary edges pass tangentially from two virtually diametrically facing areas of the skirt and pass into one another in a rounded portion on the outer gripping tongue end.

Abstract: This invention is a vasoocclusive device. It is placed in the vasculature of an animal to form thrombus in a selected site such as an aneurysm or AVM. The device uses a central coil having thrombogenic fibers placed on the coil in a specified fashion. The coil will pass through the lumen of a vascular catheter and form a convolution when ejected from the catheter's distal end. The fibers are attached to the coil and cooperate with the coil so that upon ejection from the catheter, the convoluted coil forms a shape in which the central region contains the majority of these fibers.

Abstract: A delivery device (10) is used to deliver solid objects into the intra-abdominal cavity (12) of a patient through a previously inserted access port (16) while substantially preventing the escape of gases therefrom while using the device (10). The device includes a magazine (40) to substantially contain the object (42) prior to introduction into the intra-abdominal cavity (12). The magazine (40) is connected to a fitting (36) that connects the magazine to the access port (16). The object (42) is then introduced into the intra-abdominal cavity (12) through the fitting (36).

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for simultaneously deploying a first instrument while retrieving a second instrument from the distal end of a sheath and vice versa with a single stroke actuator. The actuator includes an elongated support having a provision for grasping at one end thereof, a first sliding member having provisions for grasping and which is movable in first and second directions relative to the support, and a second sliding member operably coupled to the first sliding member such that translation of the first and second sliding members is in opposite directions relative to the support. The first sliding member is connected to the first instrument and the second sliding member is connected to the second instrument.

Abstract: A shock wave lithotrite has a soft iron mass body (33), which is accelerated by the magnetic field produced by a coil (19) and, on impact against a shock receiver (26), abruptly transmits as a shock impulse the kinetic energy thereby accumulated. The shock impulse is transmitted by the shock receiver (26) to an impulse conducting wire (13), passes through the latter in the form of a shock wave propagated between the molecules and passes out at the other end of the wire. The coil (19) can be connected to one of the usual high-voltage pulse generators (11) used for electrohydraulic lithotrites.

Abstract: A uterine manipulator and associated tip are provided for laparoscopic examinations. The manipulator hereof includes a handle pivotally connected to one end of an elongated frame and a drum positioned at the other end of the frame. The handle is connected to the drum to provide movement of the drum in a plane substantially parallel to the pivot axis of the handle. The handle may be locked relative to the frame in a plurality of desired positions by engagement of a pawl shiftable with the handle in one of a plurality of notches on the frame. The frame is provided with ports along the sides to facilitate cleaning and sterilization. The tip is mounted exclusively remotely to the frame of the uterine manipulator and includes a unique mounting system which maintains the proper orientation of the tip on the drum.

Abstract: Apparatus for creating an anatomic space in tissue in a body of a patient using a cannula with proximal and distal extremities and a bore extending therethrough to provide an open end. A balloon having an inflated space is provided. The balloon is capable of assuming collapsed and inflated conditions. A retainer is carried by the balloon for forming the balloon when in a collapsed condition into a generally cylindrical roll to aid in inserting the balloon into the tissue. An obturator shaft having a rounded distal end is sized so that it extends through the cannula and into the roll. A laparoscope can be introduced into the obturator shaft to permit viewing through the obturator shaft and the balloon. An inflation tube is provided for inflating the balloon after it is disposed in the tissue to cause the balloon to progressively expand to create separation forces in the tissue to create the anatomic space.

Abstract: A support for a surgical instrument which support has a first sleeve with a through bore to allow passage of the instrument through the sleeve bore and tissue into a cavity in which a surgical procedure is to be performed and defining an outer surface to be pressed against the tissue, and structure for stabilizing the position of the sleeve relative to tissue through which the instrument is directed. There is connecting structure acting between the stabilizing structure and sleeve.

Abstract: A phaco-shield for placement over an eye prior to surgery to prevent contact between the leading edge of a surgical probe and the posterior capsule of the eye. The phaco-shield includes a base with a central aperture and two flexible flaps on either side of the aperture.

Abstract: A teething aid and toy includes upper and lower sheets of a transparent plastic material sealed together along their edges to form an internal cavity between the upper and lower sheets. The internal cavity is in the form of a number of cells each having its long axis in the same plane as the plane of the teething aid. The cells are connected by narrow necks set inwardly from the edge seals which define a single flow path. The cells are filled with a transparent liquid. Decorative drawings and/or paintings are affixed to both sheets that form the teething aid. The illustration on the lower sheet faces the inner liquid-filled cavity, so as to create the impression of a three-dimensional drawing to a viewer who views the upper sheet of the teething aid.

Abstract: A night light and pacifier holding system for holding a plurality of decorative pacifiers therein in aligned positions. A hollow base in the form of elliptical dish shaped upper and lower portions are secured together with a light source having a diffuser therein. A substantially flat base of the system is capable of supporting the system on a flat surface. The upper surface of the upper portion of the system includes a plurality of openings formed therein with guiding and securing pins formed adjacent each of the openings in order that pacifiers having decorative shaped heads may be inserted in the openings and held in aligned positions by holes formed in each of the pacifiers captured in the pins. The pacifiers are formed from a luminescent material which may be recharged from the light source within the hollow base when held in the openings.

Abstract: A spongestick for .Iadd.retraction, and tissue manipulation in .Iaddend.endoscopic procedures including a hollow stem of substantially cylindrical cross-section with a longitudinal groove along its outer surface and having a handle at one end and a balloon receptor portion at the other end. The stem is surrounded by a retractable sheath having a handle at the end adjacent the stem handle. A balloon system comprises a Leur lock tip at its upper end for coupling to inflation means and an elongated tube portion which extends within the longitudinal groove in the stem to a tubular balloon which fits over the receptor portion. Circumferential grooves are provided on the upper and lower sections of the receptor portion to accommodate rubber bands which secure a tubular gauze member over the balloon. The gauze member is expanded by inflation of the balloon .Iadd.during use.Iaddend.. The hollow interior of the stem provides a passage for endoscopic instruments such as forceps, dissectors, etc.