Abstract: The present invention relates to suture spacers and methods for their use. More particularly, the present invention relates to devices which permit a surgeon to create a consistent amount of suture slack in a suture line when tying sutures under very tight space constraints including procedures such as bladder neck stabilization and treatment of hypermobility or intrinsic sphincter deficiency. Further, the present invention relates to methods of tying sutures using the disclosed devices in such procedures.

Abstract: Manual bone anchor placement devices include a lever, a force translator and a rotary force mechanism. The devices are substantially gun- or pistol-shaped and are actuated when a user squeezes the lever to the gripping portion of a handle. Manual, linear force on the lever is mechanically translated through the force translator to the rotary force mechanism which transmits a rotary force to a securing element, or coupler, which mates with a bone anchor screw. The rotation of the securing element or coupler applies a torque on the bone anchor screw thereby placing the screw into bone. Kits comprising any of: a molded flexible sleeve for enclosing a suture, a retaining clip for preventing the suture from slipping out of the sleeve, a buttress-shaped bone anchor screw comprising a micropolished eyelet for receiving a suture, and a suture which may, or may not be pre-attached to the bone anchor screw, are disclosed. A collapsible, protective cover for a bone anchor screw is also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for applying sutures to tissue includes a needle deployment mechanism and a catch mechanism. In some embodiments, the needle deployment mechanism employs a linear path. Alternatively, it can employ a curved needle. The surgical instrument may include a rotatable head, a bend, and/or a malleable elongated body member formable into various shapes.

Abstract: Medical vascular catheters adapted to be inserted into a blood vessel from an incision through the skin of a patient for introducing other devices or fluids for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes into the patient's vasculature and manufacturing methods are disclosed. The catheters have a unitary catheter hub and strain relief formed at the proximal end of the catheter body for attachment to other apparatus and for inhibiting kinking of the catheter body. The unitary catheter hub and strain relief is formed of a proximal hub portion and a distal strain relief coil surrounding the catheter body in a catheter hub/body junction. The distal strain relief coil is shaped as a distally tapered, single coil to provide distally increasing flexibility and uniform bending characteristics in 36.degree. around the circumference of the catheter body received within the within the strain relief coil lumen.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for performing surgical tasks during laparoscopic procedures which includes an elongated body, a mechanical hand operatively associated with a distal portion of the elongated body and including a plurality of articulated fingers, and an actuation assembly operatively associated with the proximal portion of the elongated body for controlling the operation of the mechanical hand.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for performing surgical tasks during laparoscopic procedures which includes an elongated body, a mechanical hand operatively associated with a distal portion of the elongated body and including a plurality of articulated fingers, and an actuation assembly operatively associated with the proximal portion of the elongated body for controlling the operation of the mechanical hand.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for endoscopic application of surgical staples for fastening body tissue, especially vascular tissue. The apparatus includes a frame and an elongated endoscopic section connected to the frame and extending distally therefrom. A staple storage cartridge cooperates with the distal end of the endoscopic section and is selectively pivotal by the user. A staple firing mechanism advances an individual staple against an anvil for staple closure. Means are provided to prevent incomplete staple firing. Relative motion between the staple cartridge and the anvil clamps tissue to be stapled therebetween.The endoscopic section may be adapted for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the apparatus. Gaseous seal means located in the endoscopic section prevent escape of insufflating gas through the apparatus.

Abstract: An umbilical cord clip and applicator is disclosed for clamping a maternal side of an umbilical cord, applying an umbilical cord clip to a fetal side of the umbilical cord and severing the cord intermediate the clamped maternal and fetal sides of the umbilical cord. The applicator includes a first arm having a first clamping surface, a second arm movably affixed to the first arm and having a second clamping surface and structure associated with at least one the first and second arms for mounting an umbilical cord clip thereon. The applicator also includes a recessed severing mechanism operatively associated with the first and second arms and disposed intermediate the first and second clamping surfaces and the mounting structure. The severing mechanism is automatically actuable upon closure of the first and second arms about an umbilical cord to sever the cord at a location between the first and second clamping surfaces and the clip.

Abstract: Slide decelerator for a firearm has a cylindrical cavity formed in the metallic receiver of the firearm and a deformable mass of elastomeric material is disposed within the cavity. A piston is slidably fitted into the cavity and a rod extends outwardly from the piston for engagement with a depending portion of the slide. The elastomer consists of a cylindrical plug which has a diameter substantially smaller than the inner diameter of the cavity and an axial length approximately equal to that to the length of the cavity. Upon firing, the slide, being moved rearwardly by blow-back of combustion gases, will impact against the rod and elastomeric material will be deformed to thereby absorb the kinetic energy of the slide. As a result, the slide is stopped before impacting against the receiver of the firearm.