Abstract: A suture retainer for use with a surgical instrument comprises a slot defined in the surgical instrument, the slot having a bottom and lateral slot ends. A retainer block comprises a bottom and lateral block ends. The lateral block ends and the lateral slot ends are configured to matingly engage to define a v-shaped gap adjacent a lateral slot end near a mouth of the slot.

Abstract: A device for assisting in a vascular procedure is provided that includes a handle and one or more legs that are operable to move in response to a force being applied to the handle. The legs are operable to extend and to contract in order to manipulate a conduit. In a more particular embodiment, the device can be used in conjunction with a stand operable to receive the conduit such that the conduit can be removed from the stand by the device. The stand may include one or more graduations that indicate the size of the conduit once it is positioned on the stand.

Abstract: A device to be used in a cardiovascular environment, comprising an expandable element that is coupled to a rod and that includes a compressed state and an expanded state. The expandable element is operable to be positioned within a wall of an organ while the expandable element is in the compressed state. The expandable element is further operable to be deployed once it is within the organ such that it is in the expanded state. The device further includes a cutter element operable to make a circular incision at the wall of the organ. The expandable element creates a resistive force when it is pulled against the wall while in the expanded state such that an interface is created for making the incision. The device includes a stop-grip mechanism that maintains the resistive force at the interface. One embodiment features the expandable element being umbrella shaped.