Abstract: Described herein is a threading device that includes an elongated tube having first and second open ends and a suture tie-off location disposed approximately halfway between the first and second ends, a light guide extending through the elongated tube, and a suture received in an tied around the suture tie-off location. The light guide has first and second ends that are substantially flush with the first and second ends of the tube.

Abstract: Provided herein is a braided suture that includes at least three strands. At least one of the strands is comprised of a fiberoptic material. In a preferred embodiment, more than one of the strands is comprised of a fiberoptic material. Also provided is a method of suturing. The method includes the steps of providing a braided suture comprising at least three strands, wherein at least one of the strands is comprised of a fiberoptic material, connecting the suture to a threading device, placing the suture at a predetermined location on a patient's body, and using a light source to illuminate the fiberoptic strand.

Abstract: A knot positioning implement that includes an elongated tube that has an interior and first and second opposite ends that each have an opening therein. The first end of the elongated tube is forked and the second end includes a threaded connector. The implement further includes a fiberoptic core that includes at least one fiberoptic strand extending through the interior of the elongated tube. Light is transmitted through the opening in the first end of the elongated tube when the at least one fiberoptic strand is energized.

Abstract: A method of marking a patient's skin before surgery. The method includes the step of providing a first tape member having first and second layers. The first and second layers each have a plurality of perforations defined therethrough. The second layer overlies the first layer. At least one of the perforations of the second layer at least partially overlaps with at least one of the perforations of the first layer, thereby forming at least one double perforation. The method further includes placing the first tape member on a portion of the patient's skin, marking the skin through at least one of the double perforations, removing the second layer from the first layer, marking the skin through at least one of the perforations of the first layer that has not previously been marked, and removing the first layer from the patient's skin.

Abstract: In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided A surgical instrument docking handset that includes a generally tubular shaped main body portion that has first and second opposite ends and defines a longitudinal axis. The article of manufacture further includes an instrument dock extending from the first end of the main body portion, and a light port extending from the second end of the main body portion. The instrument dock is generally tubular in shape and includes a threaded interior female connector.

Abstract: A skin port that includes a flange defining a longitudinal axis, and a tube extending downwardly from the flange. The flange is axially aligned with the tube, the flange and tube cooperate to define a tunnel therethrough, the tube is rotatable within the flange, and the tube includes a folding mechanism and threads defined on an outside surface thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the folding mechanism includes a pair of folding members that each have a fold crease defined therein, and the folding members can be disposed in an unfolded position and a folded position. In another preferred embodiment, the tube includes at least one tooth projecting from a proximal end thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of marking the skin before surgery. The method includes the steps of providing first and second tape members each having a plurality of perforations defined therethrough, placing the first tape member on a portion of the skin overlying the right submandibular border, placing the second tape member on a portion of the skin overlying the left submandibular border, marking the skin through at least one of the perforations in the first tape member, marking the skin through at least one of the perforations in the second tape member, and removing the first and second tape members from the skin. In a preferred embodiment, the markings made using the first tape member are symmetrical with the markings made with the second tape member.

Abstract: Described herein is a surgical clearing device that includes a neck that defines a longitudinal axis and a clearing portion extending from the neck. The clearing portion extends in a curved path that defines a plane that is approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the neck. In a preferred embodiment, the neck includes a cone-shaped portion. A portion of the neck extends downwardly from the bottom of the cone-shaped portion and a portion of the neck extends upwardly from the top of the cone-shaped portion.

Abstract: A method for threading a suture in a patient's body. The method includes the steps of providing a suture, providing a threading device comprising an elongated rod having a suture tie-off location and first and second ends, tying the suture to the suture tie-off location, inserting the first end of the elongated rod through a first opening in the patient's skin, passing the first end of the elongated rod subcutaneously to a second opening in the patient's skin, pulling the first end of the elongated rod and a portion of the suture through the second opening, without turning the elongated rod around, and passing the second end of the elongated rod subcutaneously to an opening in the patient's skin. At least one point during the performance of the method the first end of the elongated rod extends out of the first opening and the second end of the elongated rod extends through the second opening.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of performing surgery and the associated instruments therefor. The method includes the steps of placing a tape template onto a portion of a patient's skin, marking a plurality of access sites, making an opening to form a mid-line access site, performing liposuction, forming a plurality of openings in the skin at the access sites, inserting a skin port into each of the openings, inserting a skin port into the mid-line access site, providing a threading device having a suture tied thereto, inserting the threading device and suture through at least one skin port to form a suture matrix under the skin, pulling the ends of the suture through the skin port in the mid-line access site, tying the ends of the suture into a knot, pushing the knot through the skin port in the mid-line access site and under the skin, and removing the skin ports from the openings at the access sites.