Abstract: The invention provides a comprehensive, rapid, unbiased, and accurate method for identifying and/or discovering disease-associated genetic variations, e.g., disease-associated variations. The present invention further provides novel disease-associated genetic variations for use as genetic markers of disease, e.g., cancer. The invention further provides methods for assessing an individual's risk for developing a disease, e.g., cancer, by detecting the presence the novel disease-associated genetic variations of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides a comprehensive, rapid, unbiased, and accurate method for identifying and/or discovering disease-associated genetic variations, e.g., disease-associated variations. The present invention further provides novel disease-associated genetic variations for use as genetic markers of disease, e.g., cancer. The invention further provides methods for assessing an individual's risk for developing a disease, e.g., cancer, by detecting the presence the novel disease-associated genetic variations of the invention.

Abstract: A tissue grasping device is disclosed having a distal end and a proximal end and a central axis extending from end to end. Three tissue engaging tines are located at the distal end, two of which are rotatable, and one of which is spaced from the other two and slidable lengthwise of the plicator. The tines are parallel to one another and to the main axis of the plicator. Actuating mechanism in the form of rack and pinion mechanisms rotate the rotatable tines relative to one another, to grip a portion of the tissue. The non-rotatable times space the portion of the tissue being operated on from the rotatable tine. A push-pull knob mechanism or a thumb-operated lever is employed at the proximal end of the plicator to slide the non-rotatable tine lengthwise of the device to position it in and out of its operating position.

Abstract: An expanding polygonal surgical compressor has a first planar frame with at least three articulated frame members extendable from a compressed configuration to an extended configuration forming a polygon. A second planar frame has frame members corresponding to the frame members of the first frame. The first and second frames are pivoted relative to each other for movement from an open to a closed or tissue compressing position.

Abstract: A mechanism for guiding an instrument to and locating it at a surgical site comprising a flexible, movable, elongated guide having a proximal end constructed to receive a projecting portion of a surgical instrument and a distal end constructed to receive a flexible leader. There is at least one dilating portion located between the proximal and distal ends to dilate an area at the site to which the surgical instrument is being guided before the instrument reaches the site and while the guide is pulled in the direction of the distal end to facilitate locating the instrument in the area without injuring adjacent tissue.

Abstract: A tissue grasping device is disclosed having a distal end and a proximal end and a central axis extending from end to end. Three tissue engaging tines are located at the distal end, two of which are rotatable, and one of which is spaced from the other two and slidable lengthwise of the plicator. The tines are parallel to one another and to the main axis of the plicator. An actuating mechanism in the form of a rack and pinion mechanism rotate the rotatable tines relative to one another, to grip a portion of the tissue. The non-rotatable tines space the portion of the tissue being operated on from the rotatable tine. A knob mechanism is employed at the proximal end of the plicator to slide the non-rotatable tine lengthwise of the device to position it in and out of its operating position.

Abstract: An expanding polygonal surgical compressor has a first planar frame with at least three articulated frame members extendable from a compressed configuration to an extended configuration forming a polygon. A second planar frame has frame members corresponding to the frame members of the first frame. The first and second frames are pivoted relative to each other for movement from an open to a closed or tissue compressing position.

Abstract: An expanding polygonal surgical compressor has a first planar frame with at least three articulated frame members extendable from a compressed configuration to an extended configuration forming a polygon. A second planar frame has frame members corresponding to the frame members of the first frame. The second frame is pivoted to the first frame for movement from an open to a closed or tissue compressing position.

Abstract: A medical dilator for stretching an incision having a smooth convex tip and wherein the rod has at least one cross sectional area which is oval to induce more stretching in a first direction than in a direction normal to the first direction.

Abstract: A device for use during endoscopic surgery for temporarily maintaining an open passageway through a body wall into a body cavity having a main hollow tube, a pair of extendable flukes pivotably mounted on the tube, a second hollow tube for camming the flukes open and clamping means for engagement with the skin of a patient and a third hollow tube for compressing the flukes in order that the device may be inserted into and removed from the incision.