Abstract: An instrument for endoscopic surgery includes a shaft having active and inactive portions, the active portion being reciprocable relative to the inactive portion. First and second operative elements are pivoted to the inactive portion of the shaft along substantially the same longitudinal plane. A handpiece includes an active and inactive branch hinged together, movement of the active and inactive branches of the handpiece together or apart shifting the active portion of the shaft relative to the inactive portion of the shaft.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument having a handpiece supporting an operating shaft. Said shaft having a knee enabling its distal end to bend away from the shaft axis, with its operative elements at the distal end. The handpiece has a stationary rest for the web of the thumb, and a four link engagement for the fingers, enabling actuation of the instrument without off-axis whipping motion.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument readily made of one-use disposable plastic material with improved operative elements, and improved fatigue-reducing handgrip.

Abstract: A surgical device having a pair of slidably interlocking spring biased upper and lower shaft members. A grasping handle is associated with one end of the interlocking shaft members for grasping the same and sliding the upper shaft member forwardly along the lower shaft member. A grasping jaw member is pivotally connected to the other end of the shaft members, the jaw members being in meshing engagement thereby effecting a double jaw opening and closing when the upper shaft member is actuated with respect to the lower shaft member.

Abstract: Forceps for grasping tissue material comprising a stationary stylet telescopingly disposed within a cannula. Jaws are mounted to one end of the stylet and the other end of the stylet is fixedly mounted in a handle. The cannula is mounted to the handle for sliding movement over the jaws to selectively compress and release the same to grasp and release tissue material or the like engaged by the jaws.

Abstract: A transition layer for an implant to be placed in the human body. The implant has a core, and the transition surface surrounds the core. The transition layer is an open celled foam with cut surfaces. An adhesive adheres one surface to the core, and penetrates the transition layer a limited distance so as to leave over the entire surface, microstructures of cell fragments providing for tissue attachment without formation of a firm encapsulation.