Abstract: The invention provides devices and method for performing extremely small-scale, minimally-invasive microsurgery such as thoracoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting. The instruments of the invention utilize a symmetrical, forcep-like actuator which provides extremely precise actuator and control of the instrument and which mimics the feel of instruments used in conventional open surgical procedures. The instruments generally include a pair of coaxially arranged shafts, an end-effector at the distal ends of the shafts, and an actuator at the proximal ends of the shafts. The actuator includes a pair of arms pivotally coupled to one of either the outer or inner shalt, and a pair of links pivotally coupled at one end to the arms, and at a second end to the other of the shafts. The links are coupled to a proximal portion of the arms to maximize mechanical advantage and reduce interference.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for thoracoscopically arresting the heart and establishing cardiopulmonary bypass, thus facilitating a variety of less-invasive surgical procedures on and within the heart and great vessels of the thorax. In one embodiment, the invention provides a thoracoscopic system for arresting a patient's heart including a clamp configured for introduction into the patient's thoracic cavity through a percutaneous intercostal penetration in the patient's chest. The clamp is positionable about the patient's ascending aorta between the coronary arteries and the brachiocephalic artery. The clamp is coupled to the distal end of an elongated handle means for manipulating the clamp from a location outside of the patient's thoracic cavity. A means for actuating the clamp is coupled to the proximal end of the handle means. When actuated, the clamp blocks blood flow through the ascending aorta.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and method for performing extremely small-scale, minimally-invasive microsurgery such as thoracoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting. The instruments of the invention utilize a symmetrical, forcep-like actuator which provides extremely precise actuation and control of the instrument and which mimics the feel of instruments used in conventional open surgical procedures. The instruments generally include a pair of coaxially arranged shafts, an end-effector at the distal ends of the shafts, and an actuator at the proximal ends of the shafts. The actuator includes a pair of arms pivotally coupled to one of either the outer or inner shaft, and a pair of links pivotally coupled at one end to the arms, and at a second end to the other of the shafts. The links are coupled to a proximal portion of the arms to maximize mechanical advantage and reduce interference.

Abstract: A retracting tip trocar assembly including a trocar tube and a shaft having a piercing tip at one end thereof. The device includes a retracting mechanism which allows the piercing tip to be held in a cutting position upon application of an insertion force such as when the piercing tip is pressed against a wall of a human body cavity. Upon release of the insertion force, such as when the piercing tip passes through the wall, the retracting mechanism causes the piercing tip to be retracted into the trocar tube.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for thoracoscopically arresting the heart and establishing cardiopulmonary bypass, thus facilitating a variety of less-invasive surgical procedures on and within the heart and great vessels of the thorax. In one embodiment, the invention provides a thoracoscopic system for arresting a patient's heart including a clamp configured for introduction into the patient's thoracic cavity through a percutaneous intercostal penetration in the patient's chest. The clamp is positionable about the patient's ascending aorta between the coronary arteries and the brachiocephalic artery. The clamp is coupled to the distal end of an elongated handle means for manipulating the clamp from a location outside of the patient's thoracic cavity. A means for actuating the clamp is coupled to the proximal end of the handle means. When actuated, the clamp blocks blood flow through the ascending aorta.

Abstract: An electrophoretic system is provided which allows for carrying out electrophoresis while monitoring and regulating the temperature and the electrical field gradient in the gel. In addition, photometric monitoring is provided so as to monitor the progress of the electrophoretic separation and vary conditions to change the progress as desired. A computer is employed which receives the signals from the electrophoretic and photometric apparatuses and regulates temperature and voltage to either maintain conditions, or change the conditions to vary the progress of the electrophoresis. Gel molds are provided for forming the lanes in a gel plate, as well as a light module, for reading the bands present in the gel lanes with the photometer.

Abstract: An electrophoretic system is provided which allows for carrying out electrophoresis while monitoring and regulating the temperature and the electrical field gradient in the gel. In addition, photometric monitoring, including use of an optical stage, is provided so as to monitor the progress of the electrophoretic separation and vary conditions to change the progress as desired. A computer is employed which receives the signals from the electrophoretic and photometric apparatuses and regulates temperature and voltage to either maintain conditions, or change the conditions to vary the progress of the electrophoresis and to store the separation results. A sample applicator and a sample retriever are also provided, to provide even and consistent application of sample to the gel and to allow recovery of portions of the sample without destroying or removing pieces from the gel.

Abstract: A method is provided for obtaining cervical cell culture specimens. The method makes use of a test device which may be used in conjunction with the manual cervical examination prior to delivery. The device includes an elastically resilient sheath adapted to grip a finger and a sterile pad of absorbent material on one end adapted to collect and retain the cell culture specimen. A kit is provided as well, the kit including a support member for maintaining the device in an unrolled, elongated, unrolled configuration and is designed so as to maintain sterile conditions and minimize contamination during storage and transport.

Abstract: A trocar assembly consisting of a trocar tube subassembly and a separable, interfitting trocar subassembly is described. The trocar tube assembly includes a hollow body having a first front opening in which a trocar tube is mounted, a second rear opening for receiving the trocar subassembly, and a manually pivotable flap valve mechanism mounted within the body. The trocar subassembly includes a head having a central bore in which are mounted the (1) rear ends of an elongated obturator having a pyramidal-shaped piercing head with a triangular-shaped base, and a concentric tubular shield having a triangular shaped front opening for the piercing head that is formed by bevels in its leading edge that have approximately the same slope as the surfaces that define the three sides of the piercing head, and (2) a coil spring backing the shield for biasing the shield between retracted and extended positions.