Abstract: A surgical bag adapted for electrical coupling to a tissue morcellator. The bag comprises a first layer comprising an electrically non-conductive material and a second layer comprising an electrically conductive material. Electrical communication between the second layer and the morcellator completes an electrical circuit and prevents movement of the morcellator or otherwise alerts the operator that contact between the morcellator and bag has occurred.

Abstract: A suture thread having a textured exposed surface, wherein the texture of the exposed surface enables the suture thread to easily move in a first longitudinal direction, but resist movement in a second longitudinal direction. The texture of the exposed surface being formed by imprinting or by cutting microscopic, angled incisions.

Abstract: A multiple tool laparoscopic surgical instrument that includes a hand piece, an outer conduit connected to the hand piece, four inner conduits within the outer conduit, an interior channel within the outer conduit, a hypodermic needle housed at least partially within a first one of the inner conduits, an electrocautery cutting tool housed at least partially within a second one of the inner conduit, and a needle electrode housed at least partially within a third one of the inner conduits. In operation, the interior channel of the outer conduit, which is connected to an external source of irrigating fluid and a suction device, is used to provide gentle irrigation as well as suction. A fourth one of the inner conduits, which preferably has a cross sectional area smaller than that of the interior channel of the outer conduit, is also connected to an external source of irrigating fluid to provide more vigorous irrigation.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a reclosable pouch device and methods for using the device in surgery are shown and described. The reclosable pouch has a wand and a rod attached to the wand near the front and extending back generally parallel to the wand. A part of the rod is flexible for bowing out from the wand when the rod handle is pushed forward and for straightening to come close to the wand when the rod handle is pulled backward. The handle is a part of the rod near the back, which may be rigid, rigid and slidably connected to the wand, or flexible and slidably connected to the wand. A bag may be attached to the rod and wand for receiving a mass during surgery. When the rod bows out, the bag is opened. When the rod straightens, the bag is closed to form a seal. A preferred embodiment includes a slot system having a channel with the rod received in the channel, held in the channel for part of its length, and capable of bowing out of the channel for part of its length.