Abstract: An apparatus for applying a tissue fastener for fastening soft tissue to bone includes elongated members, one of which holds a loading unit having a tissue fastener mounted therein, and another of which is moved to expel the tissue fastener from the loading unit and expand legs of the tissue fastener to secure it within a predrilled hole in bone. The tissue fastener is preferably a two piece fastener including a body portion with legs flexibly expandable by a setting pin. The loading unit engages both the body and the setting pin.

Abstract: A surgical hand support apparatus includes a support member having a supporting surface for supporting at least the hand of a patient, a finger restraining member moveable relative to the supporting surface to be positioned to engage the fingers of the patient and a thumb restraining member moveable relative to the supporting surface to be positioned to engage the thumb of the patient. A quick release mechanism is associated with the finger restraining member and the thumb restraining member to lock the respective members at predetermined positions relative to the supporting surface. The apparatus may also include a wrist restraining member to engage the patient's wrist. An instrument support member is associated with the wrist restraining member and is configured to support a surgical instrument.

Abstract: A surgical hand support apparatus includes a support member having a supporting surface for supporting at least the hand of a patient, a finger restraining member moveable relative to the supporting surface to be positioned to engage the fingers of the patient and a thumb restraining member moveable relative to the supporting surface to be positioned to engage the thumb of the patient. A quick release mechanism is associated with the finger restraining member and the thumb restraining member to lock the respective members at predetermined positions relative to the supporting surface. The apparatus may also include a wrist restraining member to engage the patient's wrist. An instrument support member is associated with the wrist restraining member and is configured to support a surgical instrument.

Abstract: An endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical instrument having an internally disposed ratchet mechanism located within a barrel portion of a handle assembly. The instrument includes a handle assembly having a pivoting handle and a stationary handle, a barrel portion to which an elongated body assembly is secured, and a ratchet mechanism for releasably positioning a tool mechanism located at the distal end of the body assembly at various increments. The ratchet mechanism comprises a pawl member and a rack member which are disposed within the handle assembly. A rotational knob and locking member may also be provided to lock the body assembly at various orientations to the longitudinal axis. The tool assembly includes novel atraumatic jaw mechanisms incorporating flexural characteristics to better gauge the force being applied to the captured tissue.