Abstract: A lifting device for laparoscopic procedures is provided with joints to enable an instrument carried by the device to be rotated to selectively adjust its pitch, roll and yaw. The adjustment provides a mechanism whereby the instrument may be connected to the arm in a variety of rotational orientations and accommodate different conditions to provide operating space within the body of a patient. Various mechanisms are provided to selectively lock the joints.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mechanically lifting the abdominal wall away from underlying abdominal organs for laparoscopic surgery without insufflation. In the method an expansible device is inserted in the abdominal cavity through a small incision in a collapsed state and then expanded into engagement with an extensive area of the abdominal wall. Lifting force is then applied to the device for peritoneal retraction. The device takes the form of mechanical rods or arms and/or balloons. In the balloon embodiments lifting force may be applied externally of the abdominal cavity, or internally of the cavity by balloon inflation. Certain of the balloon embodiments are of an annular or U-shaped configuration and include a membrane for draping the internal organs and/or a centrally located balloon for lateral expansion. The balloons may be provided with an internal endoscope for viewing. The method also provides for laparoscopic gallbladder removal, either to the interior or exterior of the balloons.

Abstract: An improved endoscopic ligature provided with a loop support means for stabilizing the shape, position and orientation of a suture loop. The stabilized loop is impervious to surface tension forces created by body fluids and will not close on itself or stick to moist surfaces. When the loop is cinched closed it dislodges from the support. The loop support is made of a flexible material with shape memory and has an unstressed width greater than that of the trocar cannula. The loop support is collapsible to allow the instrument to be inserted and withdrawn through the cannula.

Abstract: A device for mounting a tubular sleeve for an obturator of a trocar to a patient's body includes a sleeve-holding part for attaching to the sleeve and a skin-fixation part for attaching to the patient's skin surface. The sleeve-holding part may be formed by an annular washer made of an elastic material which permits a user to move it longitudinally with respect to the sleeve so as to adjust their relative positions. The skin-fixation part may be a crossbar and a cord attached to the washer at one end and to the crossbar at the other. The cord is stapled to the patient's body for fixation.

Abstract: An improved electrocautery method and instrument includes interlock features which enable the instrument to be safely operated under convenient manual controls including a slide element and control buttons and interlock switch positioned on the instrument.

Abstract: Apparatus for warming a sterile liquid includes a basin with a heater assembly, a base surrounding the basin, and an electronic temperature controller. The shape of the basin bottom includes an plateau-like elevated central region and a depressed surrounding rim. The heater assembly is of a thin-film type, and provides relatively greater heating in the central region than in the outer region. Both the heater geometry and the shape of the basin bottom promote a natural and uniform convective flow of the liquid to promote mixing of the warmer and cooler portions of the liquid. The temperature controller allows the user to select the temperature that the liquid is to be warmed to, and provides visual and aural indications of liquid or basin temperatures which exceed reasonable pre-set limits. The controller also halts the flow of electrical current to the heater assembly when an overtemperature problem in the liquid or the basin is detected. A disposable cable connects the temperature controller to the basin.

Abstract: An improved electrocautery method and instrument is configured to accept attachable extension units for effectively extending the utility of the instrument into deep surgical sites. Interlock features enable the instrument to be safely configured to any desired length for use as a vacuum probe and as a self-cleanable electrocautery or electro-surgical instrument under convenient manual controls including a slide element and control buttons and interlock switch positioned on the instrument.