Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical system configured for cooperation with a trocar is described. In one configuration, the system is configured to expand to accommodate trocars of varying dimensions. In another configuration, which is not necessarily exclusive of the first configuration, the system may function to provide an anchoring and closure system for use in laparoscopic surgery.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical system configured for cooperation with a trocar is described. In one configuration, the system is configured to expand to accommodate trocars of varying dimensions. In another configuration, which is not necessarily exclusive of the first configuration, the system may function to provide an anchoring and closure system for use in laparoscopic surgery.

Abstract: A laparoscopic port closure device is described. The device allows for the deployment of a suture internally into an abdominal wall and the subsequent use of that deployed suture to effect a closing of the wound that was used for the port. The deployed suture may be used during the surgical procedure to effect a securing or anchoring of the device.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical device comprising an anchor element comprising a pair of jaws defining a mouth within which at least a portion of an organ or tissue may be grasped is described. The jaws are biased towards one another so as to normally adopt a closed configuration. The anchor element is coupled to a support member, the support member being moveable about the anchor element. The device is dimensioned to be operably passed fully through a trocar into the abdominal cavity wherein it may be manipulated by a surgeon or other operator to grasp the desired target organ or tissue.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical device comprising a pair of jaws (115, 116) defining a mouth within which at least a portion of an organ or tissue may be grasped is described. The jaws are biased towards one another so as to normally adopt a closed configuration, the device being dimensioned to be operably passed fully through a trocar into the abdominal cavity wherein it may be manipulated by a surgeon or other operator to grasp the desired target organ or tissue.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical retraction device is described. The device has an insertion configuration and an operational configuration. In the insertion configuration the device is collapsible such that the dimensions of the device can be reduced so as to allow the complete insertion of the device through a trocar or cannula into the internal abdominal cavity wherein it may be expanded to adopt the operational configuration.

Abstract: Methods and devices for reducing emboli formation during medical procedures. In accordance with the present invention a first medical device is passed through a stenosed area and activated to block fluid flow through the lumen, a second medical device including a filter is passed through the stenosed area and deployed. The first medical device is then deactivated to restore fluid flow through the lumen.

Abstract: A device and method for liberating plaque from a lumen after a medical procedure has been formed. The device includes a catheter having a first expandable member and a second expandable member.

Abstract: A support 103 for an embolic protection device comprises round wires 116 which may form one or more support hoops for a filter body. The circumferential hoop formed by the wires 116 ensures that in the expanded position, the filter body 102 will be supported by the support frame 103 in circumferential apposition with the interior wall of the vasculature. The wires 116 may have a strain distributing linkage element in the form of a loop 120. The loop 120 acts as a diameter or circumference adjuster allowing an embolic protection device to adapt to different Bessel contours and sizes whilst maintaining apposition with the vessel wall. The strain relieving geometry of the loops enhances the compliance of the bend points without creating a weakened hinge point, thus ensuring that there is no discontinuity in the circumferential seal against the vessel wall.

Abstract: Methods and devices for reducing emboli formation during medical procedures. In accordance with the present invention a first medical device is passed through a stenosed area and activated to block fluid flow through the lumen, a second medical device including a filter is passed through the stenosed area and deployed. The first medical device is then deactivated to restore fluid flow through the lumen.

Abstract: A device and method for liberating plaque from a lumen after a medical procedure has been formed. The device includes a catheter having a first expandable member and a second expandable member.

Abstract: A device for removing a filter element from a retrieval catheter is provided. The device includes a core member which has a diameter corresponding to a filter element; a handle at a proximal end of the core member; and an engagement portion, formed at a distal end of the core member, for engaging the filter element. Alternatively, the device includes a first member including a core wire, a core wire handle; and an engagement portion, and a second member including a hypotube; and a hypotube handle, wherein the core wire is moveably disposed coaxially inside of the hypotube, such that when a distal end of the core wire handle is pressed against a proximal end of the hypotube handle, the engagement portion of the first member extends beyond a distal end of the hypotube. Alternatively, the device includes a partially cylindrical member, a handle; and at least one blade.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a guidewire torquing device configured to be readily attachable and detachable from a guidewire.