Abstract: Endoscope or camera cleaning device having a jaw extending away from a tube. Sheath extends away from the tube. Sheath has sidewalls corresponding to another portion of the circumference of the tube and the sidewalls of the sheath and the sidewalls of the jaw being biased towards each other through at least one elastic member. Slider is coupled to the jaw and operable to translate with respect to the jaw. Wiper blade is coupled to the slider. Wiper blade has a lower edge that extends away from the jaw and extends beyond a centerline with respect to the tube. Wiper blade is operable to be engaged by a camera traversing through the attachment tube. Wiper blade crosses the centerline and allows the camera to pass beyond the wiper, which is operable to remove fluids and/or substances from the endoscope or camera.

Abstract: Fascial wound closure device that includes an applicator releasably attacked to an implant main body having a plurality of connecting members configured to extend from the implant main body. A plurality of tissue engagement hooks mounted within a respective one of the plurality of connecting members configured to penetratingly engage at least one layer of body tissue so as to securely close a fascial wound. Method of producing a secure closure of a laparoscopic puncture site is provided.

Abstract: A tip assembly is presented herein. The tip assembly can have a member having a first end and a second end. The first end of the member can be open. The first end also can allows an implement to be inserted. The tip assembly also includes a jaw hingedly coupled to the second end of the member.

Abstract: A trocar assembly is presented herein. The trocar assembly can include a tip assembly comprising an adapter sleeve and a jaw assembly component. The jaw assembly component can be hingeably coupled to the adapter sleeve such that it has a first position, such as a rest position, and a second position, such as an expanded position. The adapter sleeve can be configured to couple the jaw assembly to a trocar of the trocar assembly component. Additionally, the trocar assembly can have a trocar having a hollow elongate member that includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the hollow elongate member can be open. The first end can allow an implement to be inserted therein. The insertion of the implement can transition the jaw assembly component from the rest position to the expanded position.

Abstract: A tip assembly is presented herein. The tip assembly can have a member having a first end and a second end. The first end of the member can be open. The first end also can allows an implement to be inserted. The tip assembly also includes a jaw hingedly coupled to the second end of the member.

Abstract: A trocar assembly is presented herein. The trocar assembly can have a hollow elongate member having a first end and a second end. The first end of the hollow elongate member can be open. The first end also can allows an implement to be inserted. The trocar assembly also includes a jaw hingedly coupled to the second end of the hollow elongate member.

Abstract: A trocar assembly is presented herein. The trocar assembly can have a hollow elongate member having a first end and a second end. The first end of the hollow elongate member can be open. The first end also can allows an implement to be inserted. The trocar assembly also includes a jaw hingedly coupled to the second end of the hollow elongate member.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for cervical manipulation includes an inner tubular member manufactured from a bendable, semi-rigid material having an inflatable balloon disposed at the distal end and a flexible wire coupled to the wall of a lumen within the inner tubular member, and also includes an outer tubular member within which the inner tubular member reciprocates and which carries at the distal end an applicator member shaped to engage the external os of a cervix.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a cervical dilator includes a tubular member having a rounded cap disposed at the distal end, a balloon disposed on the distal portion, a lumen extending longitudinally within the tubular member, and a flexible wire attached to the wall of the lumen. The cervical dilator may be extended inside the uterus of a patient for sounding, and the tubular member will bend but not snap if excessive pressure is applied against a uterine wall, sliding away from the point of contact. The balloon is then properly positioned inside the cervical canal and gradually inflated. In other embodiments, a plurality of tubular members may be included, each reciprocating within another, and one or two applicator members may also be provided, to retain the cervix in position before and after dilation.

Abstract: A cervical tenaculum is provided having an applicator member with a longitudinal lumen and a tubular member dimensioned to reciprocate within the lumen. The applicator and tubular members are first connected one to the other by engaging protrusions extending from the distal end of the tubular member with matching grooves inside the lumen. After positioning the applicator member in the cervical os of a patient, the protrusions are disengaged from the grooves, and the tubular member is disconnected from the applicator member and removed from the patient. The applicator member instead remains positioned in the cervical os and provides access to the uterine cavity by a clinician. In different embodiments, the applicator member is frustoconical in shape and has one or more ridges disposed on its outer surface, and a control arm is connected to the applicator member for accurate positioning into the cervical os.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring cervical dilation are provided that include two biocompatible fasteners affixed to opposing cervical or vaginal walls, and a biocompatible string coupled to the fasteners, yet free to slide between the fasteners. The string has ends extending outside the vaginal opening of the patient, so that changes in cervical dilation can be measured by monitoring the relative movements of the string ends. The heads of the screws are preferably concave, with a loop attached thereon, so that the string can be coupled to the screws by running the string therethrough. Further, the tips of the screws are preferably blunt, to minimize loss of blood and the possible risk of HIV infections.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an apparatus for uterine anesthesia that comprises an outer tube and an inner tube positioned within the outer tube. The apparatus is positioned in the cervical os of a patient and an anesthetic is dispensed through the inner tube. A stopper surrounding the inner tube prevents a drainage of the anesthetic through the interstice between the two tubes, while an applicator surrounding the outer tube prevents a loss of the anesthetic along the cervical walls and into the vaginal canal. The applicator also maintains the cervical os in a dilated position, operating as a tenaculum and providing access to the uterus by a clinician. Methods for providing uterine anesthesia are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for endometrial biopsies, wherein an applicator is disposed on the distal end of an outer tube and an injection device is connected to the proximal end of the same tube. The applicator comprises one or more ridges on its outer surface that anchor the applicator in the cervical os, and that cause the applicator to remain securely positioned and maintain the os in a dilated position during the entire procedure. The ridges may be shaped like protrusions, scalloped edges or grooves, and may be disposed in a helical or circular pattern. A method for performing endometrial biopsies is also provided. The apparatus and methods according to the present invention are configured to minimize discomfort to the patient while facilitating the operation of the clinician.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for applying anesthetic or other medication to a desired location within a patient's uterus and for collecting cells, wherein an inner tube is configured to reciprocate through the lumen of an outer tube. The outer tube includes a foam applicator that facilitates delivery of anesthetic to the uterus prior to the cell collection procedure.

Abstract: A cervical tissue sampling system is provided that includes a tissue cutting device and a snare. The tissue cutting device features a conical tip coupled to an elongated body and having a tapered helical cutting edge that defines a tissue receiving channel. The snare includes an elongated body, an adjustable wire loop and a stopper, the stopper arranged to lock the wire loop with a desired degree of tension around the cervix to assist in positioning the tissue cutting device.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for accessing a body cavity comprising kit containing an annular member having a deflated insertion configuration and an inflated expanded configuration and an expandable support assembly including an upper lever coupled to a handle, wherein the expandable support assembly may be deployed within the inflatable body to enhance the radial strength of the inflatable body and provide an unobstructed view.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for accessing a body cavity comprising a tubular member having a deflated insertion configuration and an inflated expanded configuration that facilitates viewing within the body cavity. The apparatus is formed by everting a length of material upon itself to form a tube having a single circumference seam at the distal end, and includes an inflation tube that is sufficiently rigid to assist in inserting the tubular member into a body cavity in the deflated insertion configuration. The tubular member further includes a pattern of staggered contact areas that configured so as to avoid the creation of longitudinal features that preferentially bend when loaded, thereby ensuring that tubular member provides a substantially circular central lumen.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for accessing a body cavity comprising a tubular member formed by everting a length of material upon itself to form a tubular annulus. The tubular member has a deflated insertion configuration and an inflated expanded configuration that facilitates viewing within the body cavity. The tubular member may include proximal and distal cuffs that facilitate placement of the apparatus within a body cavity or organ, and an inflation lumen that enhances rigidity of the device in the deflated configuration, thereby assisting insertion into the body cavity.

Abstract: Systems useful for analyzing data related to clinical pathways and performing actions based upon the analyses. A self-analyzing system for suggesting default clinical pathways for various procedures. A self-analyzing system for suggesting deviation from a current clinical pathway and entry into an alternative clinical pathway based upon historical information about the results of actions. Statistical analysis systems based on clinical pathways. A rating system for care providers or proposed pathways based on historical information. Systems for gathering clinical pathway information. Systems for tracking clinical pathway outcomes based on data collected post-treatment. A system for prequalification for appropriate discharge and post-discharge handling of and communication with a new class of patient, those requiring stable acute care. A questionnaire computer language and subsystem are used in various stages of the systems of the invention. Corresponding methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems useful for analyzing data related to clinical pathways and performing actions based upon the analyses. A self-analyzing system for suggesting default clinical pathways for various procedures. A self-analyzing system for suggesting deviation from a current clinical pathway and entry into an alternative clinical pathway based upon historical information about the results of actions. Statistical analysis systems based on clinical pathways. A rating system for care providers or proposed pathways based on historical information. Systems for gathering clinical pathway information. Systems for tracking clinical pathway outcomes based on data collected post-treatment. A system for prequalification for appropriate discharge and post-discharge handling of and communication with a new class of patient, those requiring stable acute care. A questionnaire computer language and subsystem are used in various stages of the systems of the invention. Corresponding methods are also disclosed.