Abstract: Surgical forceps are disclosed which consist of first and second legs attached at one end in a tweezer-like configuration. One of the legs includes a small conduit which terminates in one or more inlets disposed on the inner and outer surface of the tweezers. The opposite end of the conduit is adapted for connection to a source of vacuum to permit fluid to be drawn away from a surgical area. In an alternative embodiment, a similar conduit is formed in the other forceps leg which is adapted for connection to liquid under pressure, terminating in one or more openings on the inner and outer surface of the tweezer legs to permit cleansing of the surgical area. In either embodiment, the conduits are selectively extendable beyond the tip of the forcep leg by movable tubes which allow the suction of fluid supply to reach into areas removed from the forcep leg. Fluid control means are provided on the tweezers for both the vacuum conduit and the liquid supply conduit.

Abstract: A surgical instrument of scissors configuration having one or more suction and spraying openings disposed at the functional end thereof, the openings communicating with a fluid conduit which is carried by and movable with one or both of the instrument handles or manipulating means. Movable conduit extensions selectively locate the suction and spraying openings in areas adjacent the scissors functional ends.

Abstract: Pumps wherein smooth surfaced rotators cause propulsion of a delicate fluid without significant damage to the fluid. The pumps may be used as heart pumps, blood pumps, and pumps for all types of fluids in connection with the maintenance of life or biological functions in a human or animal subject in many in vivo, ex vivo, or in vitro applications, or for any other application requiring gentle fluid handling. The pumps may be actuated by internal or external electric motors, and the rotators may be configured to converge mutually as an inverse function of distance from the axis of the rotators. The rotators may be connected together, by pins passing through the fluid passages, for mounting and driving as a unit, or may be mounted and driven independently to further eliminate the possibility of damage to the fluid by rotator-connection members.

Abstract: For use with surgical suture bridges, a protective cover of generally flexible resilient material having smooth outer surfaces and disposed to cover sutures engaged and supported by a suture bridge, for protecting a suture from catching or rubbing on objects adjacent a surgical incision. Fastener devices on the cover are disposed to releasably hold the cover in enclosing relationship to an otherwise exposed portion of a suture.

Abstract: A surgical instrument of scissors configuration having one or more suction and spraying openings disposed at the functional end thereof, the openings communicating with a fluid conduit which is carried by and movable with one or both of the instrument handles or manipulating means. Movable conduit extensions selectively locate the suction and spraying openings in areas adjacent the scissors functional ends.

Abstract: Pumps wherein smooth surfaced rotators cause propulsion of a delicate fluid without significant damage to the fluid. The pumps may be used as heart pumps, blood pumps, and pumps for all types of fluids in connection with the maintenance of life or biological functions in a human or animal subject in many in vivo, ex vivo, or in vitro applications, or for any other application requiring gentle fluid handling. The pumps may be actuated by internal or external electric motors, and the rotators may be configured to converge mutually as an inverse function of distance from the axis of the rotators. The rotators may be connected together, by pins passing through the fluid passages, for mounting and driving as a unit, or may be mounted and driven independently to further eliminate the possibility of damage to the fluid by rotator-connection members.

Abstract: Pumps wherein smooth surfaced rotators cause propulsion of a delicate fluid without significant damage to the fluid. The pumps may be used as heart pumps, blood pumps, and pumps for all types of fluids in connection with the maintenance of life or biological functions in a human or animal subject in many in vivo, ex vivo, or in vitro applications, or for any other application requiring gentle handling. The pumps may be actuated by internal or external electric motors, and the rotators may be configured to converge mutually as an inverse function of distance from the axis of the rotators. The rotators may be connected together, by pins passing through the fluid passages, for mounting and driving as a unit, or may be mounted and driven independently to further eliminate the possibility of damage to the fluid by rotator-connection members.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a surgical bridge for supporting incision sutures under continuous tension. The bridge is elongated in shape, including two feet which engage the surface of a patient's skin on opposite sides of an incision, and which are connected by a bridge portion that overlies the incision. The bridge further includes a pair of resiliently flexible cantilevered arms each of which defines a suture support point elevated from the skin surface to preclude cutting or slicing of the patient's skin by the suture. In one embodiment, the suture bridge is made from two interlocking pieces, which enables the advantageous usage of two materials having different resilience, and also simplifies manufacture of the device. Improved structure is also disclosed in conjunction with the suture bridge for effecting tying or securing of a suture end to the bridge quickly and easily.

Abstract: The disclosure is of pumps which are capable of use as heart pumps, that is, for pumping blood in connection with the maintenance of the life function in a human or animal body to replace one or more pumping functions of the heart.