Abstract: In an embodiment a semiconductor emitter includes a semiconductor layer sequence having a plurality of active zones, each active zone including at least one quantum well layer and at least two barrier layers between which the at least one quantum well layer is embedded, and at least one tunnel diode located along a growth direction of the semiconductor layer sequence between adjacent active zones, wherein a thickness of the at least one tunnel diode is at most 40 nm, and wherein a distance between adjacent barrier layers of adjacent active zones, facing the at least one tunnel diode, is at most 50 nm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sterilized packaging kit having surgical components used in a combined laparoscopic port closure procedure and targeted nerve block delivery that can both be performed by a surgeon. The specialized kit allows the surgeon to perform both a pre-op or post op nerve block and port closure.

Abstract: An ergonomic medical device handle which allows for multiple type grip styles and reduces operator fatigue by balancing the weight of the device about a fulcrum point. More particularly a laparoscopic suction irrigation device having its tubing centrally located to allow the handle to rest comfortably and balanced on the hand in any of the commonly used grips. This dramatically reduces the fatigue associated with holding devices for long periods of time.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a local anesthetic delivery device for delivering anesthetic to a nerve block site comprising a surgical mechanism for establishing a reference plane for identifying the nerve block site, wherein the surgical mechanism establishes the reference plane at the peritoneum and uses a known fixed distance to the nerve plane above to accurately locate the nerve block site and deliver anesthesia.

Abstract: A knot pusher device for surgical port closure includes a head portion having at least one suture guide inlet and at least one suture retainer, the head portion being configured to contact a suture knot inside an incision to close a portion of a surgical port made by the incision, and a coupling member operatively connected to the head portion, the coupling member enabling releasable connection of the knot pusher device to a suturing device.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a computer implemented method for processing structured data, wherein the method is based on an artificial neural network at least comprising a neural unit with a receptive field that combines the input values in a non-linear manner. The method is a specific machine learning method wherein the structured data may be for instance sound streams or images. The method, according to specific embodiments may be applied to multi-channel structured data.

Abstract: A rear-viewable port closure device is provided having a cannular housing, a suture placement assembly, a scope channel defined through the cannular housing for receiving a lens end of a surgical scope, a reflector at a tip region of the of a distal portion of the cannular housing, and an obscured light source, which, when an illumination portion of the light source is activated, provides a reflected rear view to the lens end that is viewable by the surgical scope. The device can be arranged for percutaneous insertion through a defect to an interior cavity of a body, and the reflector can be longitudinally translatable within the interior cavity for adjusting a span of the rear view and a breath of a scope view. A method for rear-viewable, in vivo, suture placement and port closure using the device can include evaluating suture placement via the surgical scope.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a local anesthetic delivery device for delivering anesthetic to a nerve block site comprising a surgical mechanism for establishing a reference plane for identifying the nerve block site, wherein the surgical mechanism establishes the reference plane at the peritoneum and uses a known fixed distance to the nerve plane above to accurately locate the nerve block site and deliver anesthesia.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an instrument shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and an interior passageway extending from the proximal end to the distal end, a first conduit fluidly coupled to the instrument shaft and being configured for selective connection to an irrigation source, and a second conduit fluidly coupled to the instrument shaft and being configured for selective connection to a vacuum source, wherein the instrument shaft is configured for percutaneous insertion without use of a trocar.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a specialized laparoscopic device and method used for attachment of instrument heads to thin shafts in the abdomen of a patient. The device allows quick attachment of oversized instrument heads minimizing the scaring and recovery time of the patient. A specialized instrument head having a tether and a grabbing device are used to perform this process.

Abstract: A laparoscopic anti-clogging device suitable for abdominal surgeries whose main function is to overcome the deficiencies caused by the clogging of a suction tool used in suction irrigation. More specifically an improved suction unclogging means used in Laparoscopic Suction Irrigator Systems (LSIS) that is used in the removal of bodily fluids, exudate and or bodily materials from the abdomen of a patient, allowing suction of a high-volume fluid in deep cavities and prevents interrupting fluid flow due to tissues clogging the device, and having the ability of being modified intra-abdominally to then focus all of its vacuum force on the distal opening, thereby facilitating blood clot busting and suction of solidified fluids as well as directed irrigation.

Abstract: A drive-enhanceable handheld advancer is provided for advancing an elongate device through a pathway defined in an advancer body that includes a rotatable manual thumbwheel partially embedded in the body for receiving a user-exerted manual control movement from a thumb, and a manual drive having a nip, a transmission, and a reverse clutch. The transmission operatively connects the thumbwheel to the nip for driving advancement, and the reverse clutch maintains a first interference grip connection between the nip and the elongate device. The manual control thumbwheel can move inward responsive to user-applied grip movements to increase grip with the elongate device. The reverse clutch applies augmented force from grip movements to the nip for increasing the grip drive connection, which can be applied at a different angle from the inward movements. The reverse clutch can include slotted pivot supports for the thumbwheel and drive rollers on the advancer body.

Abstract: A Laparoscopic Visualization System comprising a sterile, self-contained, disposable apparatus used in medical procedures for heating and applying an anti-fog solution to the distal end of laparoscopes or surgical devices is presented. It additionally serves as an endoscopic lens protector and cleaner. An efficient heating and narrow range temperature control mechanism is used in combination with an anti-fog solution to provide clear visualization through a distal lens of the surgical device inserted into the system. The configuration prevents the anti-fog solution from spilling out of the system and is designed to also be used as a holder for the surgical scope, protecting the distal lens from impact with a shock absorbent outer shell, prior to, during, and after a medical procedure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward devices and methods for use in minimally invasive needlescopic procedures whereby an improved bowel grasper incorporates a means for measuring the pressure applied to a body part is translated to a visual representation. In addition, in an embodiment a rubberized bowel grasper device having a chevron style surface which is used to facilitate grabbing and manipulating body parts is provided. In another embodiment of the present invention and system a device and method for measuring distances inside the abdomen is provided. Further embodiments include bowel graspers with a combination of the above features and functions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an assembly used in minimally invasive procedures whereby laparoscopic instrument heads, prepositioned in the abdomen of a patient are securely doubly attached and detached internally while under direct laparoscopic visualization. The present invention permits surgeons to utilize full sized laparoscopic instrument heads on needlescopic instrument shafts. Multiple locking structures are employed to securely attach the laparoscopic instrument heads to a needlescopic instrument.

Abstract: A networking system for transmitting a data message from one or more remote client devices to a central processing hub is provided. The system includes a plurality of communications networks each connecting the central processing hub with the one or more remote client devices. The plurality of communications networks includes at least two separate communications networks. The system also includes at least one interface processor and a communication routing (CR) computing device connected to each of the communications networks. The CR computing device is configured to receive a data message from the one or more remote client devices, and direct the data message to one of the communications networks for transmission to the central processing hub. The data message is a payment transaction data message.

Abstract: A knot pusher device for surgical port closure includes a head portion having at least one suture guide inlet and at least one suture retainer, the head portion being configured to contact a suture knot inside an incision to close a portion of a surgical port made by the incision, and a coupling member operatively connected to the head portion, the coupling member enabling releasable connection of the knot pusher device to a suturing device.

Abstract: A Laparoscopic Visualization System comprising a sterile, self-contained, disposable apparatus used in medical procedures for heating and applying an anti-fog solution to the distal end of laparoscopes or surgical devices is presented. It additionally serves as an endoscopic lens protector and cleaner. An efficient heating and narrow range temperature control mechanism is used in combination with an anti-fog solution to provide clear visualization through a distal lens of the surgical device inserted into the system. The configuration prevents the anti-fog solution from spilling out of the system and is designed to also be used as a holder for the surgical scope, protecting the distal lens from impact with a shock absorbent outer shell, prior to, during, and after a medical procedure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for use in minimally invasive procedures whereby at least one, and preferably a plurality of laparoscopic instrument heads can be delivered through a single trocar and made accessible for attachment within a body cavity to the distal end of a needlescopic instrument under direct visualization via a laparoscope. The system and procedure will produce less scarring, less pain, and a reduced risk of infection at the surgical site. An addition benefit is that, because only 1 trocar is used instead of 3-5 trocars, there is a significant cost saving in each case and the surgeon is freer to move instrument locations and add/remove instruments since a new trocar does not need to be inserted every time.

Abstract: A laparoscopic anti-clogging device suitable for abdominal surgeries whose main function is to overcome the deficiencies caused by the clogging of a suction tool used in suction irrigation. More specifically an improved suction unclogging means used in. Laparoscopic Suction Irrigator Systems (LSIS) that is used in the removal of bodily fluids, exudate and or bodily materials from the abdomen of a patient, allowing suction of a high-volume fluid in deep cavities and prevents interrupting fluid flow due to tissues clogging the device, and having the ability of being modified intra-abdominally to then focus all of its vacuum force on the distal opening, thereby facilitating blood clot busting and suction of solidified fluids as well as directed irrigation.