Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing the seeding of cancerous cells during morcellation of a tissue specimen inside a patient's body and removal of the tissue specimen from inside the patient through a minimally-invasive body opening to outside the patient are provided. One system includes a cut-resistant tissue guard removably insertable into a containment bag. The tissue specimen is isolated and contained within the containment bag and the guard is configured to protect the containment bag and surrounding tissue from incidental contact with sharp instrumentation used during morcellation and extraction of the tissue specimen. The guard is adjustable for easy insertion and removal and configured to securely anchor to the body opening. Protection-focused and containment-based systems for tissue removal are provided that enable minimally invasive procedures to be performed safely and efficiently.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing the seeding of cancerous cells during morcellation of a tissue specimen inside a patient's body and removal of the tissue specimen from inside the patient through a minimally-invasive body opening to outside the patient are provided. One system includes a cut-resistant tissue guard removably insertable into a containment bag. The tissue specimen is isolated and contained within the containment bag and the guard is configured to protect the containment bag and surrounding tissue from incidental contact with sharp instrumentation used during morcellation and extraction of the tissue specimen. The guard is adjustable for easy insertion and removal and configured to securely anchor to the body opening. Protection-focused and containment-based systems for tissue removal are provided that enable minimally invasive procedures to be performed safely and efficiently.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing the seeding of cancerous cells during morcellation of a tissue specimen inside a patient's body and removal of the tissue specimen from inside the patient through a minimally-invasive body opening to outside the patient are provided. One system includes a cut-resistant tissue guard removably insertable into a containment bag. The tissue specimen is isolated and contained within the containment bag and the guard is configured to protect the containment bag and surrounding tissue from incidental contact with sharp instrumentation used during morcellation and extraction of the tissue specimen. The guard is adjustable for easy insertion and removal and configured to securely anchor to the body opening. Protection-focused and containment-based systems for tissue removal are provided that enable minimally invasive procedures to be performed safely and efficiently.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing the seeding of cancerous cells during morcellation of a tissue specimen inside a patient's body and removal of the tissue specimen from inside the patient through a minimally-invasive body opening to outside the patient are provided. One system includes a cut-resistant tissue guard removably insertable into a containment bag. The tissue specimen is isolated and contained within the containment bag and the guard is configured to protect the containment bag and surrounding tissue from incidental contact with sharp instrumentation used during morcellation and extraction of the tissue specimen. The guard is adjustable for easy insertion and removal and configured to securely anchor to the body opening. Protection-focused and containment-based systems for tissue removal are provided that enable minimally invasive procedures to be performed safely and efficiently.

Abstract: A surgical training model that includes a simulated tissue having a tubular shape that is connected to a tissue holder is provided. A portion of the simulated tissue overhangs the distal end of the tissue holder to simulate a cuff-like entry to the vaginal vault or resected intestine suitable for practicing laparoscopic closure of the vaginal vault, intestine or other organ via suturing or stapling. Two concentric tubular structures are also arranged over the same tissue holder. A second model includes two portions of simulated tissue that are held by two holders such that the simulated tissues are adjacent making the model suitable for practicing different types of anastomosis procedures. A third model includes two holders with a single or double tubular simulated tissue structure connected to and spanning a gap between the holders. The model isolates the step of closing a cylindrical opening for the purpose of repeated practice.

Abstract: A simulated tissue structure for practicing surgical techniques is provided. In particular, a realistic organ model or tissue portion for practicing the removal of a tumor or other undesired tissue followed by suturing a remnant defect as part of the same surgical procedure is provided. The simulated tissue structure includes an artificial tumor disposed between layers of elastomeric material and mounted on a simulated organ wall or tissue portion. The simulated tissue structure is modular and interchangeable. At least one of the layers includes a mesh reinforcement. A defect comprising two juxtapositioned surfaces defining a gap between the surfaces is created in the simulated tissue structure and the trainee practices tumor removal and closure of the gap by suturing in a laparoscopic environment.

Abstract: Embodiments of a surgical access port system that comprises a retractor that is adapted for being coupled to a cap and that is particularly useful in natural orifice surgery are described.

Abstract: A simulated tissue structure for practicing surgical techniques is provided. In particular, a realistic organ model or tissue portion for practicing the removal of a tumor or other undesired tissue followed by suturing a remnant defect as part of the same surgical procedure is provided. The simulated tissue structure includes an artificial tumor disposed between layers of elastomeric material and mounted on a simulated organ wall or tissue portion. The simulated tissue structure is modular and interchangeable. At least one of the layers includes a mesh reinforcement. A defect comprising two juxtapositioned surfaces defining a gap between the surfaces is created in the simulated tissue structure and the trainee practices tumor removal and closure of the gap by suturing in a laparoscopic environment.

Abstract: Embodiments of a surgical access port system that comprises a retractor that is adapted for being coupled to a cap and that is particularly useful in natural orifice surgery are described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing the seeding of cancerous cells during morcellation of a tissue specimen inside a patient's body and removal of the tissue specimen from inside the patient through a minimally-invasive body opening to outside the patient are provided. One system includes a cut-resistant tissue guard removably insertable into a containment bag. The tissue specimen is isolated and contained within the containment bag and the guard is configured to protect the containment bag and surrounding tissue from incidental contact with sharp instrumentation used during morcellation and extraction of the tissue specimen. The guard is adjustable for easy insertion and removal and configured to securely anchor to the body opening. Protection-focused and containment-based systems for tissue removal are provided that enable minimally invasive procedures to be performed safely and efficiently.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing the seeding of cancerous cells during morcellation of a tissue specimen inside a patient's body and removal of the tissue specimen from inside the patient through a minimally-invasive body opening to outside the patient are provided. One system includes a cut-resistant tissue guard removably insertable into a containment bag. The tissue specimen is isolated and contained within the containment bag and the guard is configured to protect the containment bag and surrounding tissue from incidental contact with sharp instrumentation used during morcellation and extraction of the tissue specimen. The guard is adjustable for easy insertion and removal and configured to securely anchor to the body opening. Protection-focused and containment-based systems for tissue removal are provided that enable minimally invasive procedures to be performed safely and efficiently.

Abstract: A portable surgical training device is provided. The trainer includes a top cover spaced apart from a base to form a simulated body cavity for locating model organs that are substantially obscured from the field of view of the user. The top cover includes a video display, fixed insertion ports and interchangeable inserts containing simulated tissue layers. The training device has open sides for demonstrating and training lateral surgical techniques including a simulated or live tissue colon attached to a support leg for simulating transanal minimally invasive surgery. A training endoscope with an adjustable focal length for use with the trainer and, in particular, with optical trocars is disclosed. The surgical trainer can be angled and is well suited for training laparoscopic surgery techniques and demonstrating surgical instruments.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing the seeding of cancerous cells during morcellation of a tissue specimen inside a patient's body and removal of the tissue specimen from inside the patient through a minimally-invasive body opening to outside the patient are provided. One system includes a cut-resistant tissue guard removably insertable into a containment bag. The tissue specimen is isolated and contained within the containment bag and the guard is configured to protect the containment bag and surrounding tissue from incidental contact with sharp instrumentation used during morcellation and extraction of the tissue specimen. The guard is adjustable for easy insertion and removal and configured to securely anchor to the body opening. Protection-focused and containment-based systems for tissue removal are provided that enable minimally invasive procedures to be performed safely and efficiently.

Abstract: A portable surgical training device is provided. The trainer includes a top cover spaced apart from a base to form a simulated body cavity for locating model organs that are substantially obscured from the field of view of the user. The top cover includes a video display, fixed insertion ports and interchangeable inserts containing simulated tissue layers. The training device has open sides for demonstrating and training lateral surgical techniques including a simulated or live tissue colon attached to a support leg for simulating transanal minimally invasive surgery. A training endoscope with an adjustable focal length for use with the trainer and, in particular, with optical trocars is disclosed. The surgical trainer can be angled and is well suited for training laparoscopic surgery techniques and demonstrating surgical instruments.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing the seeding of cancerous cells during morcellation of a tissue specimen inside a patient's body and removal of the tissue specimen from inside the patient through a minimally-invasive body opening to outside the patient are provided. One system includes a cut-resistant tissue guard removably insertable into a containment bag. The tissue specimen is isolated and contained within the containment bag and the guard is configured to protect the containment bag and surrounding tissue from incidental contact with sharp instrumentation used during morcellation and extraction of the tissue specimen. The guard is adjustable for easy insertion and removal and configured to securely anchor to the body opening. Protection-focused and containment-based systems for tissue removal are provided that enable minimally invasive procedures to be performed safely and efficiently.

Abstract: A surgical training model that includes a simulated tissue having a tubular shape that is connected to a tissue holder is provided. A portion of the simulated tissue overhangs the distal end of the tissue holder to simulate a cuff-like entry to the vaginal vault or resected intestine suitable for practicing laparoscopic closure of the vaginal vault, intestine or other organ via suturing or stapling. Two concentric tubular structures are also arranged over the same tissue holder. A second model includes two portions of simulated tissue that are held by two holders such that the simulated tissues are adjacent making the model suitable for practicing different types of anastomosis procedures. A third model includes two holders with a single or double tubular simulated tissue structure connected to and spanning a gap between the holders. The model isolates the step of closing a cylindrical opening for the purpose of repeated practice.

Abstract: A surgical training model that includes a simulated tissue having a tubular shape that is connected to a tissue holder is provided. A portion of the simulated tissue overhangs the distal end of the tissue holder to simulate a cuff-like entry to the vaginal vault or resected intestine suitable for practicing laparoscopic closure of the vaginal vault, intestine or other organ via suturing or stapling. Two concentric tubular structures are also arranged over the same tissue holder. A second model includes two portions of simulated tissue that are held by two holders such that the simulated tissues are adjacent making the model suitable for practicing different types of anastomosis procedures. A third model includes two holders with a single or double tubular simulated tissue structure connected to and spanning a gap between the holders. The model isolates the step of closing a cylindrical opening for the purpose of repeated practice.

Abstract: Embodiments of a surgical access port system that comprises a retractor that is adapted for being coupled to a cap and that is particularly useful in natural orifice surgery are described. The retractor comprises an outer ring, wherein the outer ring is configured to be disposed proximate the natural orifice of the patient and substantially surround the orifice; a tubular body; and a funnel segment extending between and coupling the outer ring and the tubular body, wherein the funnel segment provides a diametric reduction between the relatively large diameter of the outer ring and the relatively smaller diameter of the tubular body, which is sized to fit within a natural orifice with minimal distention of the orifice.

Abstract: Embodiments of a surgical access port system that comprises a retractor that is adapted for being coupled to a cap and that is particularly useful in natural orifice surgery are described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing the seeding of cancerous cells during morcellation of a tissue specimen inside a patient's body and removal of the tissue specimen from inside the patient through a minimally-invasive body opening to outside the patient are provided. One system includes a cut-resistant tissue guard removably insertable into a containment bag. The tissue specimen is isolated and contained within the containment bag and the guard is configured to protect the containment bag and surrounding tissue from incidental contact with sharp instrumentation used during morcellation and extraction of the tissue specimen. The guard is adjustable for easy insertion and removal and configured to securely anchor to the body opening. Protection-focused and containment-based systems for tissue removal are provided that enable minimally invasive procedures to be performed safely and efficiently.