Abstract: A cannula for providing a pathway for surgical instruments in a minimally invasive procedure having a flexible body portion having a flexible flange extending radially outwardly from the distal region of the flexible body portion. A first seal is positioned within the body portion to prevent egress of fluids from the body of the patient. A rigid ring is positioned at the distal region of the body portion, the ring having an opening dimensioned to receive at least a distal portion of an obturator tip therethrough and a surface surrounding the opening in the ring onto which at least a portion of the obturator contacts to prevent further passage of the obturator.

Abstract: A device is disclosed that can load a suture and/or a shuttle into a device. The device can have a suture and/or a shuttle that can be moved (e.g., via a loader control) from a non-loaded configuration to a loaded configuration without damaging the suture or the shuttle.

Abstract: A device is disclosed that can pierce and hold tissue and then pass suture through tissue. The device can have a shuttle that can removably attach to a suture and jaws that can be opened and closed. A method for using the device to repeatedly pass the suture through the tissue with or without removing the suture or device from the target site is disclosed.

Abstract: A cannula for providing a pathway for surgical instruments in a minimally invasive procedure including a flexible body portion having a lumen extending from the proximal region to the distal region, a proximal opening, a distal opening and a flange extending radially outwardly from the distal region and being flexible for insertion through an incision in a body of a patient. A rigid body portion extends proximally of the flexible body portion which is more flexible than the rigid body portion. A first seal is positioned within the rigid body portion and spaced proximally of a region of the flexible body portion distal of the rigid body portion, the seal preventing egress of fluids from the body of the patient.

Abstract: Vaso-occlusive devices are provided for occluding an aneurysm within the human vasculature. The vaso-occlusive device also includes a stretch-resisting member that extends through at least a portion of a lumen of the primary coil and is directly or indirectly attached to the primary coil at two locations axially separated from each other to prevent or minimize axial stretching of the primary coil. At one location, the stretch-resisting member is coupled to the primary coil via a flexible anchor assembly disposed within the lumen. In one embodiment, the anchor assembly may comprise an anchor coil and a link directly or indirectly coupled between the anchor coil and the stretch-resisting member. Alternatively, the anchor assembly may comprise a chain of twisted links.

Abstract: Vaso-occlusive devices are provided for occluding an aneurysm within the human vasculature. The vaso-occlusive device also includes a stretch-resisting member that extends through at least a portion of a lumen of the primary coil and is directly or indirectly attached to the primary coil at two locations axially separated from each other to prevent or minimize axial stretching of the primary coil. At one location, the stretch-resisting member is coupled to the primary coil via a flexible anchor assembly disposed within the lumen. In one embodiment, the anchor assembly may comprise an anchor coil and a link directly or indirectly coupled between the anchor coil and the stretch-resisting member. Alternatively, the anchor assembly may comprise a chain of twisted links.

Abstract: Vaso-occlusive devices are provided for occluding an aneurysm within the human vasculature. The vaso-occlusive device also includes a stretch-resisting member that extends through at least a portion of a lumen of the primary coil and is directly or indirectly attached to the primary coil at two locations axially separated from each other to prevent or minimize axial stretching of the primary coil. At one location, the stretch-resisting member is coupled to the primary coil via a flexible anchor assembly disposed within the lumen. In one embodiment, the anchor assembly may comprise an anchor coil and a link directly or indirectly coupled between the anchor coil and the stretch-resisting member. Alternatively, the anchor assembly may comprise a chain of twisted links.

Abstract: Surgical staplers for use during open and/or laparoscopic surgical procedures are disclosed. Novel firing device trapping assemblies, pushers, staple lines and firing handles are described. Many of the novel devices reduce the overall firing force experienced by the surgeon.

Abstract: Surgical staplers for use during open and/or laparoscopic surgical procedures are disclosed. Novel firing device trapping assemblies, pushers, staple lines and firing handles are described. Many of the novel devices reduce the overall firing force experienced by the surgeon.

Abstract: Surgical staplers for use during open and/or laparoscopic surgical procedures are disclosed. Novel firing device trapping assemblies, pushers, staple lines and firing handles are described. Many of the novel devices reduce the overall firing force experienced by the surgeon.

Abstract: Surgical staplers for use during open and/or laparoscopic surgical procedures are disclosed. Novel firing device trapping assemblies, pushers, staple lines and firing handles are described. Many of the novel devices reduce the overall firing force experienced by the surgeon.