Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument is provided which includes a handle assembly, a body extending distally from the handle assembly and an end effector configured to effect cutting, dissection, coagulation and/or ligation of tissue. The end effector includes an ultrasonic member. A transducer is supported adjacent, on or within the ultrasonic member and is connected to a power source. Upon actuation of the power source, the transducer effects vibration of the ultrasonic member. In one preferred embodiment, the end effector is mounted for articulation about the distal end of the instrument.

Abstract: A valve assembly is provided for permitting the introduction of a surgical instrument into a patient's body while providing a substantial seal about the instrument. The valve assembly includes a sealing gasket assembly providing a fluid tight seal before instrument insertion, and is configured and dimensioned for accommodating an instrument and providing a substantial fluid tight seal after insertion of an instrument. The valve assembly may further include a deformable sealing member having a substantially central aperture for accommodating the instrument. The sealing member provides a substantial seal about the instrument when the instrument is passed therethrough impeding the egress of fluids and gasses through the valve assembly.

Abstract: A valve assembly is provided for permitting the introduction of a surgical instrument into a patient's body while providing a substantial seal about the instrument. The valve assembly includes a sealing gasket assembly providing a fluid tight seal before instrument insertion, and is configured and dimensioned for accommodating an instrument and providing a substantial fluid tight seal after insertion of an instrument. The valve assembly may further include a deformable sealing member having a substantially central aperture for accommodating the instrument. The sealing member provides a substantial seal about the instrument when the instrument is passed therethrough impeding the egress of fluids and gasses through the valve assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue is disclosed having a handle assembly and an elongated body portion extending distally from the handle assembly. A jaw assembly is mounted at a distal end portion of the elongated body portion and includes first and second jaws movable between an open position and a closed position. An actuator is disclosed which is slidable within the elongated body portion in response to actuation of the handle assembly. The actuator has camming structure at a distal portion thereof for moving the first and second jaws between the open position and the closed position. A loading unit is releasably mounted to the elongated body portion and stores a plurality of surgical clips therein. The loading unit includes a clip advancer having a portion engageable with the actuator and movable therewith for advancing a distalmost surgical clip and a ratchet assembly associated with the clip advancer to index progressive movement thereof.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier includes a housing, a pair of handles pivotably connected to opposite sides of the housing, a channel assembly which is anchored to the housing and a jaw assembly which is anchored to the channel assembly. The jaws are opened and closed by a cam plate which is slidably positioned in the channel assembly and is provided with cam slots at its distal end to engage drive rivets positioned on the jaw members. A pusher bar assembly is also provided to feed clips from a series of clips to the jaw mechanism, and the instrument operates such that all moving components move in the same direction during the closing stroke of the handle, and then move in the same direction opposite to the closing direction when the handles are in the opening stroke. A novel lockout mechanism is also provided to render the instrument inoperable after all the clips have been utilized from the instrument.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for applying surgical clips which includes provisions for applying a partially closed clip to ducts or shunts during a surgical procedure. The apparatus includes a ratchet mechanism for permitting incremental closure of a pair of jaw members. A slide member is associated with the ratchet mechanism to prevent a movable handle from opening during a closing stroke until the closing stroke is completed.

Abstract: An apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue is disclosed having a handle assembly and an elongated body portion extending distally from the handle assembly. A jaw assembly is mounted at a distal end portion of the elongated body portion and includes first and second jaws movable between an open position and a closed position. An actuator is disclosed which is slidable within the elongated body portion in response to actuation of the handle assembly. The actuator has camming structure at a distal portion thereof for moving the first and second jaws between the open position and the closed position. A loading unit is releasably mounted to the elongated body portion and stores a plurality of surgical clips therein. The loading unit includes a clip advancer having a portion engageable with the actuator and movable therewith for advancing a distalmost surgical clip and a ratchet assembly associated with the clip advancer to index progressive movement thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for applying surgical clips which includes provisions for applying a partially closed clip to ducts or shunts during a surgical procedure such as cholecystectomy procedures. The apparatus includes means for effecting a partial closing stroke of the handle mechanism to correspond to a partial closure of the jaw members, and permits a partial opening stroke to release the partially closed clip in the jaw mechanism. Other features of the invention include means for preventing over advancement of a clip to the jaw mechanism, means for cradling the clip as it is advanced from the clip supply to the jaw mechanism, means for preventing splaying of the jaws in the event of a clip-over-clip application, and a novel rotation collar. The instrument of the present invention provides the surgeon with visual, audible, and tactile indication of the positioning of the jaw members to effect the application of a partially closed clip.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier includes a housing, a pair of handles pivotably connected to opposite sides of the housing, a channel assembly which is anchored to the housing and a jaw assembly which is anchored to the channel assembly. The jaws are opened and closed by a cam plate which is slidably positioned in the channel assembly and is provided with cam slots at its distal end to engage drive rivets positioned on the jaw members. A pusher bar assembly is also provided to feed clips from a series of clips to the jaw mechanism, and the instrument operates such that all moving components move in the same direction during the closing stroke of the handle, and then move in the same direction opposite to the closing direction when the handles are in the opening stroke. A novel lockout mechanism is also provided to render the instrument inoperable after all the clips have been utilized from the instrument.

Abstract: An endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical instrument is disclosed having a handle assembly including a barrel portion, stationary handle and a pivoting handle. A body assembly includes a pair of coaxial members attached at one end to the handle assembly, and an inner rod member slidable within an outer tube member in response to movement of the pivoting handle of the handle assembly. The body assembly terminates at an end remote from the handle assembly in a reciprocatingly movable tool mechanism. A first toothed ratchet mechanism is associated with the pivoting handle, and a second toothed mating ratchet mechanism is operatively associated with the first toothed ratchet mechanism for selectively locking the first toothed ratchet mechanism and the pivoting handle in one of a plurality of selectable positions to thereby position the inner rod member and the movable tool mechanism in predetermined selectable positions.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for applying surgical clips which includes provisions for applying a partially closed clip to ducts or shunts during a surgical procedure such as cholecystectomy procedures. The apparatus includes means for effecting a partial closing stroke of the handle mechanism to correspond to a partial closure of the jaw members, and permits a partial opening stroke to release the partially closed clip in the jaw mechanism. Other features of the invention include means for preventing over advancement of a clip to the jaw mechanism, means for cradling the clip as it is advanced from the clip supply to the jaw mechanism, means for preventing splaying of the jaws in the event of a clip-over-clip application, and a novel rotation collar. The instrument of the present invention provides the surgeon with visual, audible, and tactile indication of the positioning of the jaw members to effect the application of a partially closed clip.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus is disclosed which includes a handle assembly having a barrel portion, a stationary handle depending from the barrel portion, and an actuating handle pivotally associated with the barrel portion. An elongate body assembly having opposed proximal and distal end portions and an interior bore extending therethrough is releasably engaged within the barrel portion of the handle assembly. An actuation assembly is provided and includes an elongate control shaft dimensioned to extend through the interior bore of the body assembly. A jaw housing is attached to a distal end portion of the control shaft, and a pair of jaw members are supported in the housing. The jaw housing is releasably engaged to the body assembly within the interior bore thereof, and a proximal end of the control shaft is releasably engaged to the actuation handle.

Abstract: A suture retainer includes a plug portion having a first portion with a suture contacting surface and a prong extending distally therefrom. The prong has at least one aperture for receiving one or more suture threads. The aperture is at least partially defined by a crossbar with a proximal stop surface. The crossbar preferably includes a beveled distal edge. The suture retainer also includes a receptacle portion having a slot for receiving a prong. The receptacle portion has a resilient latch positioned inside the slot for preventing proximal withdrawal of the first portion. The latch being a resilient member projecting from the inner wall of the receptacle slot and including an inclined proximal surface and a distal blocking surface for engaging the proximal stop surface of the crossbar. The suture retainer may optionally be fabricated from a bioabsorbable synthetic resin.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides a surgical apparatus for use in endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures having a tubular body portion with a first substantially tractable section and a second substantially firm section, and a rod member disposed at least partially within the tractable section of the tubular body portion and movable between a deformed position and a preformed position wherein the first section defines structure which is dimensioned and configured for effectuating retraction.

Abstract: A method for using an endoscopic apparatus for measuring the size of a hernia defect comprising a handle which is pivotally attached to a measuring rod. The hernia defect is measured by a plurality of calibrations positioned along the measuring rod. The measuring rod includes a blunt tip at its distal end and further is adaptable for 180' positioning relative to the handle.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides a surgical apparatus for use in endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures having a tubular body which includes a first substantially tractable section having a preformed configuration and a second substantially firm section defining a longitudinal axis, and a reciprocable rod member disposed within the tubular body and movable between a retracted position and a protracted position for progressively deforming the first section of the tubular body.