Abstract: Various embodiments of a laparoscopic trocar assembly are disclosed. The port assemblies include inserted parts that protect the patient's tissues at the point of deployment. The port assemblies include seals for maintaining pneumoperitoneum both when instrument are being used and when instruments are not inserted.

Abstract: A suture anchor system for repairing torn or damaged tissue is provided and generally includes a first suture anchor having at least one length of suture attached thereto, and a second suture anchor having at least one length of suture attached thereto. Each length of suture is coupled to one another such that a distance between the first and second suture anchors with respect to each other can be selectively adjustable. The suture anchor system also preferably includes at least one slip knot that allows the first and second suture anchors to be maintained in a fixed position with respect to one another. In use, the suture anchors can be deployed through tissue to be repaired and into the anchoring tissue at a position spaced apart from one another by a selected distance. The suture length(s) can then be tensioned to re-approximate the tom or damaged tissue toward the anchoring tissue, thereby securely attached the torn tissue to the anchoring tissue.

Abstract: The medical puncturing device includes a housing (12), a shield (13), and a skin puncturing assembly disposed within the housing. The shield is axially movable in the housing. The skin puncturing assembly includes a movable carrier and a skin puncturing element mounted to the carrier. A distal end of the skin puncturing element is adapted for puncturing the skin of a patient. The carrier is movable from a retracted position wherein the skin puncturing element is disposed within the shield to a puncturing position wherein the distal end of the skin puncturing element is exposed. The carrier is maintained in the retracted position by engagement of flexure members or a retaining tab with the carrier. A drive spring is provided to move the carrier from the retracted position to the puncturing position. A retraction spring is provided to return the carrier and skin puncturing element into the housing.

Abstract: A suture anchor system for repairing torn or damaged tissue is provided and generally includes a first suture anchor having at least one length of suture attached thereto, and a second suture anchor having at least one length of suture attached thereto. Each length of suture is coupled to one another such that a distance between the first and second suture anchors with respect to each other can be selectively adjustable. The suture anchor system also preferably includes at least one slip knot that allows the first and second suture anchors to be maintained in a fixed position with respect to one another. In use, the suture anchors can be deployed through tissue to be repaired and into the anchoring tissue at a position spaced apart from one another by a selected distance. The suture length(s) can then be tensioned to re-approximate the torn or damaged tissue toward the anchoring tissue, thereby securely attached the torn tissue to the anchoring tissue.

Abstract: An endoscope tool coupling that facilitates the placement and positioning of a surgical tool within an endoscope. The tool coupling may be configured to accommodate differences in lengths between the surgical tool and the endoscope, which may allow a user to precisely position and maintain the distal end of a surgical tool in a desired location relative to the distal end of the endoscope despite differences and variations in lengths. The tool coupling may have an adjustable configuration to accommodate variations in tool and/or endoscope lengths. The tool coupling employ an arrangement that allows a user to easily increase or decrease the length of the coupling, such as by using a telescoping arrangement. A locking arrangement or mechanism may be provided to secure the coupling in a selected configuration for maintaining the surgical tool in a desired location relative to the endoscope.

Abstract: A stitching device useful for implanting suture in tissue, for example, cartilaginous tissue. The device has a frame and an elongated tubular member mounted thereto. A suture capture needle having a suture capture opening extends from a distal end of the tube. A needle cannula having a lumen is slidably mounted in a passage of the tubular member. Actuation of a trigger member pivotally mounted to the frame moves a distal end of the cannula needle and a section of suture contained in a lumen in the cannula needle through the suture capture opening causing the suture section to be retained in the opening.

Abstract: A suture anchor system for repairing torn or damaged tissue is provided and generally includes a first suture anchor having at least one length of suture attached thereto, and a second suture anchor having at least one length of suture attached thereto. Each length of suture is coupled to one another such that a distance between the first and second suture anchors with respect to each other can be selectively adjustable. The suture anchor system also preferably includes at least one slip knot that allows the first and second suture anchors to be maintained in a fixed position with respect to one another. In use, the suture anchors can be deployed through tissue to be repaired and into the anchoring tissue at a position spaced apart from one another by a selected distance. The suture length(s) can then be tensioned to re-approximate the torn or damaged tissue toward the anchoring tissue, thereby securely attached the torn tissue to the anchoring tissue.

Abstract: A collection device and a method for collecting a biological sample, particularly whole blood, includes a separating member to separate the whole blood into its components, and at least reagent positioned to selectively interact with a component of the separated sample. The reagent is able to selectively interact with the plasma/serum, and is prevented from contacting or interacting with the whole blood.

Abstract: Provided is an endoscopic suturing system for joining internal body tissues in a variety of procedures. The system comprises a suturing capsule releasably mountable to the distal end of an endoscope and capable of forming multiple stitches in tissue at a plurality of locations without requiring withdrawal of the capsule from the patient between stitches. Also enclosed is a suture lock to secure the placed stitch that is delivered by a device introduced through the working channel of the indwelling endoscope. Suitable control handles for the suturing capsule and for the suture lock delivery device positioned at the proximal end of the endoscope are provided to facilitate operation by the user.

Abstract: A bone cement mixing device has a canister which is modular in design and constructed from a transparent material. The mixing device further has a mixing head assembly having a crank which is operatively coupled to a mixing blade via a gear train. The gear train is configured to drive the mixing blade in a reciprocating manner including the varying of the angular velocity, direction of travel, and angular distance of travel of the blade while the crank is rotated at a constant velocity and direction. The mixing blade has a fluid passage defined therein which allows the liquid cement component to be delivered at various locations within the mixing chamber of the canister. A method of mixing bone cement is also disclosed.

Abstract: Bottle cap removal device with an opening therein to receive a bottle cap, including a top and a base which combine to provide an envelope for the bottle cap removal device and including an annular member and a surface opposed to the annular member operative to apply increased gripping forces on the bottle cap upon relative rotation between the annular member and bottle cap, thereby efficiently removing the bottle cap.

Abstract: Bottle cap removal device with an opening therein to receive a bottle cap, including a top and a base which combine to provide an envelope for the bottle cap removal device and including an annular member and a surface opposed to the annular member operative to apply increased gripping forces on the bottle cap upon relative rotation between the annular member and bottle cap, thereby efficiently removing the bottle cap.

Abstract: A bone cement mixing device has a canister which is modular in design and constructed from a transparent material. The mixing device further has a mixing head assembly having a crank which is operatively coupled to a mixing blade via a gear train. The gear train is configured to drive the mixing blade in a reciprocating manner including the varying of the angular velocity, direction of travel, and angular distance of travel of the blade while the crank is rotated at a constant velocity and direction. The mixing blade has a fluid passage defined therein which allows the liquid cement component to be delivered at various locations within the mixing chamber of the canister. A method of mixing bone cement is also disclosed.