Abstract: A knotted suture device is disclosed. The device may have a surgical needle attached to one or both ends of the suture. The device has a plurality of loops formed by knots. An anchor member is attached to the device. The device when used in a surgical procedure can be secured without the need to tie a knot.

Abstract: A knotted suture device is disclosed. The device may have a surgical needle attached to one or both ends of the suture. The device has a plurality of loops formed by knots. An anchor member is attached to the device. The device when used in a surgical procedure can be secured without the need to tie a knot.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for providing endoscopic access into an interior of a hollow organ. The method and devices secure a distal end of an access device to seal and secure the distal end to a wall of the hollow organ and secure a proximal end to a skin of the patient. Alternatively, the distal end of the access device is sealed to the wall of the heart and a column of blood from the heart is maintained in at least a portion of the access device to reduce the possibility of introducing an embolism into the heart. In another alternative, the distal end of the access device is disposed on a wall of the hollow organ and vacuum-sealed thereto with a suction cup disposed at the distal end of the access device to secure and seal the distal end to the wall of the hollow organ.

Abstract: A suction device includes a suction cup having a vacuum inlet for connection to a vacuum source. The suction cup has a wall defining a cavity that is in fluid communication with the vacuum inlet and an engagement surface for engaging a tissue surface. The suction cup is formed of a material that minimizes injury to the tissue surface contacted by the engagement surface and tissue captured when the vacuum is applied and permits the captured tissue to be perfused during use of the suction device.

Abstract: A system and method for improving the design of medical products or developing new medical products by way of customer submission of unmet needs. A web site if provided that allows medical professionals that having an access to a medical products data base to submit a description of unmet needs, i.e., medical needs that are not currently addressed by available medical products. After collecting the unmet needs submissions, the unmet needs can be analyzed over a number of submissions to identify unmet needs that have been recognized by a predetermined number of medical professionals.

Abstract: A portable enclosure for simulating surgical conditions using endoscopic instruments. The enclosure contains a pump and fluid reservoir and a canister in which an animal or synthetic tissue sample is placed within an adjustable cavity. The pump circulates fluid to an endoscopic instrument external to the enclosure enabling an individual to practice either monopolar or bipolar instrument techniques within the cavity and under conditions that simulate real life operating conditions.