Abstract: An enterprise inventory management system, and methods of use thereof, utilizing novel functionalities. The system includes a centralized global inventory database subsystem for cataloging a plurality of inventory items from a plurality of remote physical locations, each of the items identified by at least a unique identification code; and, a plurality of localized radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogator subsystems associated with a corresponding plurality of remote physical locations, wherein each of the localized RF interrogator subsystems is operative to read RFID tags associated with ones of the plurality of inventory items located at its associated physical location, wherein each of the RFID tags is programmed with at least a unique identification code for its associated item.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a surgical device comprising a rod having a deformable sleeve at its distal end surrounding the rod, the control element being longitudinally movable for moving the proximal end of the sleeve between a rest position, in which the deformable sleeve has a tubular shape, and an active position, in which the sleeve is deformed by bringing together its distal and proximal ends. The rod is made up of an internal hollow tubular element surrounded by a sheath that can move in translation and rotation relative to the internal hollow tubular element. The distal end of the sleeve is fixed onto a peripheral strip of the internal hollow tubular element and the proximal end of the sleeve is fixed onto a peripheral strip of the sheath.

Abstract: The balloon includes a pouch formed of a sealed wall delimiting an internal space, and a valve for filling the internal space with a fluid, capable of being occluded after filling the internal space. The pouch delimits a fluid-draining orifice opening into the internal space. The balloon further includes an occluding ball that occludes the draining orifice. The occluding ball can be spherical or polyhedral, and be capable of releasing the draining orifice under the effect of a magnetic field, so as to enable the at least partial drainage of the fluid contained in the internal space. The occluding ball is movable along at least two distinct axes in relation to the pouch.

Abstract: The balloon includes a pouch formed of a sealed wall delimiting an internal space, and a valve for filling the internal space with a fluid, capable of being occluded after filling the internal space. The pouch delimits a fluid-draining orifice opening into the internal space. The balloon further includes an occluding ball that occludes the draining orifice. The occluding ball can be spherical or polyhedral, and be capable of releasing the draining orifice under the effect of a magnetic field, so as to enable the at least partial drainage of the fluid contained in the internal space. The occluding ball is movable along at least two distinct axes in relation to the pouch.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgery apparatus is provided, including a tubular member, a handle located on a proximal end of the tubular member, and one or more pivotable arms detachably connected to a distal end of the tubular member. The tubular member has channels along its longitudinal axis, wherein at least one of the channels is an optical channel and at least one other channel is an illumination channel. The arms have guiding channels adapted to receive surgical tools, which direct the surgical tools. The arms are interchangeable with other arms of different configurations. Also, said arms have an open and a closed position, such that when the arms are in the closed position an opening is defined allowing viewing of a surgical site via the optical channel.

Abstract: A method of transluminal surgery is provided, which utilizes an endoscopic surgery apparatus having pivotable arms attached by hinges on its distal end. The arms are interchangeable with arms of various configurations. The method includes the steps of inserting an endoscopic surgery apparatus into a body cavity of a patient, making an incision in the body cavity wall to allow access to the patient's abdominal cavity, and further inserting the apparatus through the incision. Surgery is performed at the desired surgical site and the apparatus is withdrawn into the body cavity where the incision is closed. Finally, the apparatus is withdrawn from the patient's body.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument is provided that includes a handle portion, an elongated middle portion, an articulating portion and a tool portion. The tool portion is steerable by control mechanisms disposed on the handle portion which are accessible to a single hand of a user of the endoscopic surgical instrument. The endoscopic surgical instrument is advantageously employed in a variety of endoscopic surgical techniques, including transgastric or transluminal surgery.