Abstract: An x-ray calibration apparatus includes a radiolucent knee alignment jig configured to receive a knee of a patient and a radiolucent cushion configured to hold a patient's knee at a fixed angle of flexion. The x-ray calibration apparatus also includes a number of radio-opaque fiducial markers positioned within the radiolucent knee alignment jig.

Abstract: An x-ray calibration apparatus includes a radiolucent knee alignment jig configured to receive a knee of a patient and a radiolucent cushion configured to hold a patient's knee at a fixed angle of flexion. The x-ray calibration apparatus also includes a number of radio-opaque fiducial markers positioned within the radiolucent knee alignment jig.

Abstract: An x-ray calibration apparatus includes a radiolucent knee alignment jig configured to receive a knee of a patient and a radiolucent cushion configured to hold a patient's knee at a fixed angle of flexion. The x-ray calibration apparatus also includes a number of radio-opaque fiducial markers positioned within the radiolucent knee alignment jig.

Abstract: An x-ray calibration apparatus includes a radiolucent knee alignment jig configured to receive a knee of a patient and a radiolucent cushion configured to hold a patient's knee at a fixed angle of flexion. The x-ray calibration apparatus also includes a number of radio-opaque fiducial markers positioned within the radiolucent knee alignment jig.

Abstract: A fluid jet surgical cutting instrument having a pressure generating mechanism disposed within the housing of the instrument. The pressure generating mechanism includes a piston member which is reciprocatingly movable within the housing by alternately supplying gas to the distal end of the piston and the proximal end of the piston. The gas is supplied in an alternating manner through the provision of a novel actuator mechanism which includes a plurality of passageways which permits charging of gas to the pressure amplifying mechanism as well as venting of gas from the pressure amplifying mechanism to permit reciprocating movement.

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: 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 surgical instrument for applying sutures through body tissue including a handle assembly, an elongated housing removably mounted to said handle assembly and having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, at least one needle carrier operatively mounted in the distal end portion and movable between a retracted position and a deployed position, and a needle releasably retained in the needle carrier member. The instrument may also include a retaining mechanism adapted to retain the at least one needle carrier in the partially deployed position.

Abstract: A novel surgical instrument for applying sutures through body tissue including an elongated body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, at least one needle carrier member operatively mounted in the distal end portion and movable between at least a retracted position and a deployed position, a needle releasably retained in the at least one needle carrier member, a predetermined length of suture material having one end affixed to the needle, and a suture material tensioning member disposed within the elongated body for maintaining the suture material in tension during movement of the at least one needle carrier member from the retracted position to the deployed position the suture material. The instrument may also include a retaining mechanism adapted to retain the at least one needle carrier in the partially deployed position, and a needle skewing mechanism operatively associated with an actuator member to change the alignment thereof relative to the retaining member.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for removing fasteners from the body includes an endoscopic portion for insertion through an endoscopic tube and a fastener removing assembly positioned at the distal end of the endoscopic portion. By engaging a fastener with the fastener removing assembly, a surgeon can actuate the assembly and cause the fastener to distort to a configuration suitable for removal from the body.

Abstract: A height gage is disclosed including a vertical column of circular cross section with a carriage that rides up and down the column. The carriage is maintained in fixed radial position relative to the column by a longitudinal groove in the column into which a longitudinal surface is formed that extends accurately on a radius of the column throughout the length of the column. A shoe which is mounted on the carriage engages this vertical surface and maintains the carriage always in proper alignment. Means are also provided on the column and the carriage to measure the position of the carriage on the column.