Abstract: The disclosed invention provides apparatus and methods for delivering a payload to a target location inside the body. A finger board is retained on the finger of a user, having a proximal end and a distal end. A payload holder is included at the distal end of the finger board for holding a payload during positioning and prior to delivery. An ejector is included for the purpose of ejecting the payload from the payload holder when actuated by a user.

Abstract: A pacing apparatus has a housing formed of laminar material less than about 1" in thickness. Visual indicia are applied to the housing and provide instructions for the administration of the rescue procedure. A pacing signal generator is carried by the housing for providing the pacing signal to a user. The pacing signal generator provides visual and/or audible indications to a user for pacing the administration of the rescue procedure. The usual indicators may be LEDs and the audible indicator may be one or more tones.

Abstract: An improved trocar sleeve (10) is disclosed for use in laparoscopic surgery. The sleeve (10) is provided with an expanded mushroom hinge (20) at the first end (14) of the sleeve inserted into the abdominal cavity. The mushroom hinge (20) can be expanded within the abdominal cavity to abut against the inner surface of the abdominal wall (18) to hold the sleeve in place. A split seal (52) having a concave shape facing the first end (14) of the trocar sleeve (10) is provided to prevent loss of pressurized gas from within the abdominal cavity through the sleeve (10) as the pressure of the gas itself urges the first and second seal lips (78, 80) on opposite sides of the slit in the seal into sealing engagement. In a second embodiment, a member (138) is rotated relative to an end member (150) to actuate the mushroom hinge.

Abstract: An improved trocar sleeve (10) is disclosed for use in laparoscopic surgery. The sleeve (10) is provided with an expanded mushroom hinge (20) at the first end (14) of the sleeve inserted into the abdominal cavity. The mushroom hinge (20) can be expanded within the abdominal cavity to abut against the inner surface of the abdominal wall (18) to hold the sleeve in place. A split seal (52) having a concave shape facing the first end (14) of the trocar sleeve (10) is provided to prevent loss of pressurized gas from within the abdominal cavity through the sleeve (10) as the pressure of the gas itself urges the first and second seal lips (78, 80) on opposite sides of the slit in the seal into sealing engagement. In a second embodiment, a member (138) is rotated relative to an end member (150) to actuate the mushroom hinge.

Abstract: The invention provides a combination surgical trocar housing and selective reducer sleeve assembly in which the sleeve assembly members may be telescopically received within the trocar housing to reduce the diameter therethrough. The sleeve members provide a seal to prevent transmission of fluid within the annular area between internal and external diameters of respective members and may be latchingly secured relative to one another to resist telescopic expansive movement to stabilize the sleeve assembly relative to the trocar housing. The sleeve assembly permits acceptance through a single trocar housing of a number of auxiliary surgical instruments having serially smaller diameters, thus enabling performance of the surgical operation using each such instrument, without removal from the body wall of the original trocar housing.

Abstract: An improved trocar sleeve (10) is disclosed for use in laparoscopic surgery. The sleeve (10) is provided with an expanded mushroom hinge (20) at the first end (14) of the sleeve inserted into the abdominal cavity. The mushroom hinge (20) can be expanded within the abdominal cavity to abut against the inner surface of the abdominal wall (18) to hold the sleeve in place. A split seal (52) having a concave shape facing the first end (14) of the trocar sleeve (10) is provided to prevent loss of pressurized gas from within the abdominal cavity through the sleeve (10) as the pressure of the gas itself urges the first and second seal lips (78, 80) on opposite sides of the slit in the seal into sealing engagement.

Abstract: The invention discloses a syringe construction which permits use of standard hypodermic needles and allows the hypodermic needle to be retracted into the body of the syringe after use to minimize accidental pricking from the needle by withdrawing the needle into the syringe body such that it is not exposed. The invention provides for a syringe body having an engaging thread on the distal end for receiving a hypodermic needle, adjacent to the engaging thread is a positioning groove and locking surfaces for engaging a needle carrier, a needle carrier is removably engaged to the body which has a distal end which will mate with the needle and a proximal end providing an engaging means for engaging the syringe plunger. The plunger has a engaging means for engaging the needle carrier such that the needle carrier can be rotated and retracted into the syringe body.

Abstract: A pistol-shaped frame (26) houses a fluid distribution assembly (58), including a plunger (46) operated by a trigger (30) for discharging fluid from a reservoir (60) through an outlet check valve (68). On return of the spring-loaded trigger (30), an inlet check valve (80) allows fluid to be drawn into the reservoir (60). A thumb-operated valve assembly (96) provides a fluid passage between an output (12) of the device and the outlet check valve (68) in one position, and in another position provides a vacuum passage between a vacuum inlet port (104) and the output (12). Trigger graduations (136 ) provide a visual indication of measured amounts of fluid dispensed by the device (10).

Abstract: This invention provides an automatic irrigation and evacuation device for use in laparoscopic procedures and surgery. The device comprises a means for directing a flow of liquid and, alternatively, applying a vacuum, through a single line. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the device provides two different positive controls for alternatively directing a flow of sterile irrigating solution and applying a vacuum through a single line passed through a laparoscope housing into a patient. The two different controls prevent confusion by the operator of the device, increasing the safety of the patient during medical procedures. The invention also optionally includes an external "T" valve attachable to the exterior of the valve body of the present invention to provide convenient connections for a source of carbon dioxide to the laparoscope, surgical laser or both simultaneously.