Abstract: A combined mechanical cutter and laser function surgical instrument, constructed with; a handle housing and a disposable tip assembly removably mounted to the handle housing. The disposable tip assembly has a hollow tube with a proximal and a distal end, a stationary jaw mounted to the distal end of the hollow tube, a movable jaw which pivots relative to the stationary jaw and a actuating mechanism coupled to the movable jaw for moving the movable jaw, the actuating mechanism being driven from linkage in the handle housing mounted to the proximal end of the hollow tube. Quick disconnects are mounted on the proximate end of the hollow tube to engage the handle housing and a laser energy conductive optic fiber extends through the hollow tube and mounted to the stationary jaw. A laser energy dispensing tip member is mounted on and insulated from the stationary jaw and is connected to the optic fiber to transport laser energy from a remote laser energy generator.

Abstract: A surgical device constructed of a polyvinyl acetal having a body constructed with an average pore diameter ranging from about 0.02 to about 1.2 mm and a fused surface layer of about 0.25 min. The fused surface layer is substantially closed and has a pore diameter ranging from about 0.01 to about 0.45 mm allowing absorption of fluid into the body of the device.

Abstract: A device for cleaning and defogging an endoscope. A sponge is impregnated with a composition of water, a glycol and a water soluble wetting agent. The impregnated sponge is packaged in a container designed to facilitate cleaning and defogging of the endoscope. In one embodiment, the impregnated sponge is provided in an open container, and the endoscope is wiped against the impregnated sponge. In another embodiment, the impregnated sponge is provided in a tubular container, into which the endoscope is inserted. In yet another embodiment, the impregnated sponge is provided in a device designed to be attached onto an endoscopic trocar cannula. In yet another embodiment, the impregnated sponge is attached to the surface of a flapper valve in an endoscopic trocar cannula, such that the sponge in contacted by the endoscope when the endoscope is inserted in the cannula.