Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided for use in endoscopic or laparoscopic surgery. The instrument includes a handle portion and an endoscopic portion. The endoscopic portion has an elongated tubular section having opposed proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of which extends from the handle portion, and an articulating section which is pivotally connected to the tubular section adjacent the distal end thereof. Tool means depend from the articulating section and a linkage mechanism is associated with the endoscopic portion for pivoting the articulating section relative to the longitudinal axis of the tubular section, within a 90.degree. sector of rotation. In addition, the instrument includes means for rotating the endoscopic portion about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for applying surgical clips which includes provisions for applying a partially closed clip to ducts or shunts during a surgical procedure such as cholecystectomy procedures. The apparatus includes means for effecting a partial closing stroke of the handle mechanism to correspond to a partial closure of the jaw members, and permits a partial opening stroke to release the partially closed clip in the jaw mechanism. Other features of the invention include means for preventing over advancement of a clip to the jaw mechanism, means for cradling the clip as it is advanced from the clip supply to the jaw mechanism, means for preventing splaying of the jaws in the event of a clip-over-clip application, and a novel rotation collar. The instrument of the present invention provides the surgeon with visual, audible, and tactile indication of the positioning of the jaw members to effect the application of a partially closed clip.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for performing procedures such as carpal tunnel release. The instrument consists of an elongated member having a spring or cam plate positioned therein. The spring or cam plate is movable from a retracted position within the elongated member to an extended position protruding through an aperture in the elongated member. Movement of the spring or cam plate to the extended position stretches a flexible membrane positioned over at least a portion of the elongated member to stretch the carpal tunnel ligament.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a surgical apparatus for manipulating a surgical incision member and an associated loading mechanism for replacing the surgical incision member. The surgical apparatus comprises an elongated body portion, first and second jaw elements extending from the body portion, securing a needle for securing the surgical incision member, releasing jaw cooperating with the securing a needle for releasing the surgical incision member and locking jaw cooperating with the securing a needle for preventing at least one of the jaw elements from moving.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating a surgical needle is disclosed, comprising a body portion, a first needle receiving jaw mounted for movement on a distal end of the body portion and having a first needle engaging member, a second needle receiving jaw mounted for movement on the distal end of the body portion and having a second needle engaging member, the second needle engaging member being operatively interconnected to the first needle engaging member for relative reciprocal movement therewith, wherein each of the first and second needle receiving jaws has a recess for receipt of a portion of a surgical needle therein. The first and second needle engaging members are mounted for alternate reciprocal movement into and out of locking engagement with the surgical needle.

Abstract: A specimen removal pouch and applicator includes a pouch fabricated from a flexible membrane, a drawstring thread forming a running noose disposed circumferentially round the end of the pouch, an endoscopic tubular portion, and a pusher rod having an aperture for permitting the passage therethrough of a single thread. When the drawstring thread is pulled, the knot is stopped at the aperture and the noose is closed, thereby closing the mouth of the pouch. The pouch is detached from the apparatus.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided for performing a variety of endoscopic or laproscopic procures. The instrument includes a handle assembly, a tubular body extending from the handle assembly and defining a longitudinal axis, a tool assembly associated with a distal end of the tubular body including a tool base and tool members, a first mechanism for effectuating remote articulation of the tool assembly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body, a second mechanism for effectuating remote rotation of the tool assembly about the longitudinal axis of the tubular body, and a third mechanism for effectuating remote rotation of the tool members relative to the tool base.

Abstract: A conductive cannula assembly is disclosed to dissipate possible, accumulated electrical charges through body tissue. The cannula assembly includes cannula housing means and cannula means formed of a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver. The invention also includes cannula assembly accessories formed of a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver. The invention further provides a method for guiding endoscopic instruments into body tissue utilizing the cannula assembly and the cannula assembly accessories of the present invention.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for applying surgical clips which includes provisions for applying a partially closed clip to ducts or shunts during a surgical procedure such as cholecystectomy procedures. The apparatus includes means for effecting a partial closing stroke of the handle mechanism to correspond to a partial closure of the jaw members, and permits a partial opening stroke to release the partially closed clip in the jaw mechanism. Other features of the invention include means for preventing over advancement of a clip to the jaw mechanism, means for cradling the clip as it is advanced from the clip supply to the jaw mechanism, means for preventing splaying of the jaws in the event of a clip-over-clip application, and a novel rotation collar. The instrument of the present invention provides the surgeon with visual, audible, and tactile indication of the positioning of the jaw members to effect the application of a partially closed clip.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument for aspiration and irrigation of a surgical site is disclosed. Connection ports for irrigation fluid and a suction source are provided which communicate with a single lumen cannula which transports both the irrigation fluid and the suction pressure to the surgical site. A valve mechanism having a novel valve stem and valve arrangement is also disclosed for providing higher pressure capabilities for the instrument. In one embodiment, the single lumen cannula is provided with a sliding sleeve to vary the pressure of the irrigation fluid to provide for high pressure application of the irrigation fluid to perform hydrodissection. The aspiration-irrigation instrument may also include electrocautery capabilities and a detachable cannula assembly for interchanging cannulas having different working tool members. In one embodiment, a sliding outer sleeve is also provided for selectively exposing the working tool members.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided for use in endoscopic or laparoscopic surgery. The instrument includes a handle portion and an endoscopic portion. The endoscopic portion has an elongated tubular section having opposed proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of which extends from the handle portion, and an articulating section which is pivotally connected to the tubular section adjacent the distal end thereof. Tool means depend from the articulating section and a linkage mechanism is associated with the endoscopic portion for pivoting the articulating section relative to the longitudinal axis of the tubular section, within a 90.degree. sector of rotation. In addition, the instrument includes means for rotating the endoscopic portion about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument for aspiration and irrigation of a surgical site. The device includes at least one rotatable trumpet valve to provide for variable orientation of the device during use. Connection ports for irrigation fluid and a suction means are provided which communicate with a single lumen cannula which transports both the irrigation fluid and the suction pressure to the surgical site. The single lumen cannula is provided with a sleeve means to vary the pressure of the irrigation fluid to provide for high pressure application of the irrigation fluid to perform hydrodissection. A plurality of dissector tips and a novel means of securing the tips to the single lumen cannula are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cutting and suctioning instrument is disclosed for use in surgery which is adapted for coupling to an external high pressure fluid source and an external vacuum source, which comprises an irrigation tube configured for coupling to the external high pressure fluid source. The distal end of the irrigation tube forms a nozzle to direct the high pressure fluid in the form of a high pressure fluid stream. A suction tube is provided for coupling to the external vacuum source. The distal end is positioned opposite the nozzle of the irrigation tube and is configured to receive and suction away waste fluid and separated tissue. A method for cutting tissue is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bipolar surgical instrument is disclosed comprising a handle and a tool for applying electrical energy to body tissue. In a preferred embodiment, the tool is forceps having jaws movable between open and closed positions in response to movement of the handle. A pair of electrical connection receptacles in the handle respectively connect to a pair of electrically isolated conducting paths. Each path contacts a forceps jaw for transmitting electrical energy to body tissue. The instrument has particular application to endoscopic and laparoscopic surgical procedures.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for performing procedures such as carpal tunnel release. The instrument consists of an elongated member having a spring or cam plate positioned therein. The spring or cam plate is movable from a retracted position within the elongated member to an extended position protruding through an aperture in the elongated member. Movement of the spring or cam plate to the extended position stretches a flexible membrane positioned over at least a portion of the elongated member to stretch the carpal tunnel ligament.

Abstract: An endoscopic swab device comprising an elongated housing, a swab operatively associated with a distal end of the elongated housing and a connection member for connecting the swab relative to the housing and extending through the housing. A rotatable member is positioned on the housing to engage the connection member and further prevents separation of the swab from the housing. The tautness of the swab may be adjusted by rotating the rotatable member which positions the swab longitudinally relative to the elongated housing.

Abstract: A percutaneous surgical retractor is provided for performing examinations or surgical procedures through the skin. The retractor has an outer sleeve structure with a proximal and an open beveled distal end. A blade is slidable within the outer sleeve and moveable between at least a deployed position and a retracted position. The retracting blade substantially closes the open beveled distal end of the outer sleeve when the blade is in the retracted position to inhibit the coring of tissue by the outer sleeve during percutaneous insertion. The retractor has structure for deploying the retracting blade relative to the outer sleeve.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument having a handle assembly, a body portion, and a tool mechanism in which a pivoting handle pivots about a stationary handle to open and close the tool mechanism. In one embodiment, the tool mechanism including a pair of tissue gripping members having a plurality of rib members extending in a lengthwise direction, and at least one indentation having a longitudinal dimension at least greater than a transverse dimension between the rib members. The instrument includes a rotatable body portion, in which a rotation knob is provided on the instrument at the stationary handle so that the user may rotate the body portion, and consequently the tool mechanism, using a single hand. Furthermore, an electrocautery connection is provided which is positioned out of the line of sight of the surgeon, so that the surgeon may have an unobstructed view to the surgical site.

Abstract: The disclosure contemplates a method for using an endoscopic suturing apparatus to conveniently place various knots in suture such as a square knot, a modified fisherman's knot, a securing knot, an alternative square knot and a surgeon's knot. The knots are formed variously by placing the suture between the jaws or around one jaw and passing the needle from one jaw to the other to be able to draw the suture through loops formed in the suture.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing trocar wounds and a method for using such apparatus. The apparatus includes a fastener having three or more legs attached to a base. The fastener is placed over a wound and its legs are embedded in tissue about the wound. In other embodiments a fastener is placed under the wound to engage fascia and skin tissue.