Abstract: A suturing device includes an elongated body having an outer wall defining an interior space of the body, a shaft located in the interior space, and a needle mounted on a distal end of the shaft. The needle has a distal section transverse to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The distal section of the needle terminates in a first jaw and a second jaw forming a forceps defining a piercing tip. The first jaw and second jaw have a grasping position wherein the first jaw and second jaw grasp a suturing material, and a release position wherein the first jaw and second jaw release the suturing material. After grasping the suturing material with the needle, the shaft rotates the needle to advance the needle and suturing material through tissue and mesh placed on the tissue. Spaced apart portions of the suturing material are then fused to create a suture.

Abstract: A uterine manipulator can include a shaft including a first end, a second end, and a channel along an axis of the shaft, a handle coupled to the first end of the shaft, and a triangular balloon coupled to the second end of the shaft. The triangular balloon can be configured to inflate upon insertion into a vagina via a fluid injected into the channel of the shaft.

Abstract: A uterine manipulator can include a shaft including a first end, a second end, and a channel along an axis of the shaft, a handle coupled to the first end of the shaft, and a triangular balloon coupled to the second end of the shaft. The triangular balloon can be configured to inflate upon insertion into a vagina via a fluid injected into the channel of the shaft.

Abstract: A suturing device includes an elongated body having an outer wall defining an interior space of the body, a shaft located in the interior space, and a needle mounted on a distal end of the shaft. The needle has a distal section transverse to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The distal section of the needle terminates in a first jaw and a second jaw forming a forceps defining a piercing tip. The first jaw and second jaw have a grasping position wherein the first jaw and second jaw grasp a suturing material, and a release position wherein the first jaw and second jaw release the suturing material. After grasping the suturing material with the needle, the shaft rotates the needle to advance the needle and suturing material through tissue and mesh placed on the tissue. Spaced apart portions of the suturing material are then fused to create a suture.

Abstract: Implementations of a uterine manipulator operable to detach the uterus and cervix from the vagina are presented. The uterine manipulator can include a shaft, a handle, a tip assembly, and a cutting assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a retrieval device and method for retrieving tissue from a body cavity. The retrieval device includes a pouch having an aperture and a pouch wall defining an interior space. An inflatable rim is coupled to the pouch and facilitates retrieval of the tissue into the interior space of the pouch. The retrieval device further includes a closure device coupled to the pouch wall for enclosing the tissue within the interior space of the pouch. A portion of the pouch wall includes a self-sealing characteristic that allows an instrument to pierce the pouch wall and the pouch wall is resealable after withdrawal of the instrument. The pouch can move from a retracted position to a expanded position upon inflation of the inflatable rim, which can then be separated by application of a separation force at an area of material weakness in the pouch wall.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a laparoscopic morcellating device and method for removing tissue from a body cavity. The morcellating device includes a containment mechanism having an aperture, a cutting mechanism designed to fit into an interior space of the containment mechanism and a retractor mechanism that is coupled to the cutting mechanism. The containment mechanism and cutting mechanism combination surrounds the tissue and the aperture of the containment mechanism is closed around the tissue. The morcellating device further includes a motor for actuating the retractor such that the cutting mechanism constricts and morcellates the tissue. The laparoscopic morcellating device further allows for torque balancing of the retractor mechanism, gas flow regulation of the body cavity, and safety feedback mechanisms that can alert the surgeon.

Abstract: A uterine manipulator can include a shaft including a first end, a second end, and a channel along an axis of the shaft, a handle coupled to the first end of the shaft, and a triangular balloon coupled to the second end of the shaft. The triangular balloon can be configured to inflate upon insertion into a vagina via a fluid injected into the channel of the shaft.

Abstract: A suturing device includes an elongated body having an outer wall defining an interior space of the body, a shaft located in the interior space, and a needle mounted on a distal end of the shaft. The needle has a distal section transverse to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The distal section of the needle terminates in a first jaw and a second jaw forming a forceps defining a piercing tip. The first jaw and second jaw have a grasping position wherein the first jaw and second jaw grasp a suturing material, and a release position wherein the first jaw and second jaw release the suturing material. After grasping the suturing material with the needle, the shaft rotates the needle to advance the needle and suturing material through tissue and mesh placed on the tissue. Spaced apart portions of the suturing material are then fused to create a suture.

Abstract: A uterine manipulator can include a shaft including a first end, a second end, and a channel along an axis of the shaft, a handle coupled to the first end of the shaft, and a triangular balloon coupled to the second end of the shaft. The triangular balloon can be configured to inflate upon insertion into a vagina via a fluid injected into the channel of the shaft.

Abstract: A suturing device includes an elongated body having an outer wall defining an interior space of the body, a shaft located in the interior space, and a needle mounted on a distal end of the shaft. The needle has a distal section transverse to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The distal section of the needle terminates in a first jaw and a second jaw forming a forceps defining a piercing tip. The first jaw and second jaw have a grasping position wherein the first jaw and second jaw grasp a suturing material, and a release position wherein the first jaw and second jaw release the suturing material. After grasping the suturing material with the needle, the shaft rotates the needle to advance the needle and suturing material through tissue and mesh placed on the tissue. Spaced apart portions of the suturing material are then fused to create a suture.

Abstract: A uterine manipulator operable to detach the uterus and cervix from the vagina. The uterine manipulator includes a shaft, a handle, a tip assembly, and a cutting assembly. The shaft includes a first end and a second end, and the handle is coupled to the first end and pivotable relative to the first end about a first axis. The tip assembly is coupled to the second end and pivotable relative to the second end along a second axis parallel to the first axis, and is adapted for insertion into the uterus. The cutting assembly is coupled around the shaft and adapted to receive the cervix when the tip assembly is inserted into the uterus.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a laparoscopic morcellating device and method for removing tissue from a body cavity. The morcellating device includes a containment mechanism having an aperture, a cutting mechanism designed to fit into an interior space of the containment mechanism and a retractor mechanism that is coupled to the cutting mechanism. The containment mechanism and cutting mechanism combination surrounds the tissue and the aperture of the containment mechanism is closed around the tissue. The morcellating device further includes a motor for actuating the retractor such that the cutting mechanism constricts and morcellates the tissue. The laparoscopic morcellating device further allows for torque balancing of the retractor mechanism, gas flow regulation of the body cavity, and safety feedback mechanisms that can alert the surgeon.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a laparoscopic morcellating device and method for removing tissue from a body cavity. The morcellating device includes a containment mechanism having an aperture, a cutting mechanism designed to fit into an interior space of the containment mechanism and a retractor mechanism that is coupled to the cutting mechanism. The containment mechanism and cutting mechanism combination surrounds the tissue and the aperture of the containment mechanism is closed around the tissue. The morcellating device further includes a motor for actuating the retractor such that the cutting mechanism constricts and morcellates the tissue. The laparoscopic morcellating device further allows for torque balancing of the retractor mechanism, gas flow regulation of the body cavity, and safety feedback mechanisms that can alert the surgeon.

Abstract: A suturing device includes an elongated body having an outer wall defining an interior space of the body, a shaft located in the interior space, and a needle mounted on a distal end of the shaft. The needle has a distal section transverse to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The distal section of the needle terminates in a first jaw and a second jaw forming a forceps defining a piercing tip. The first jaw and second jaw have a grasping position wherein the first jaw and second jaw grasp a suturing material, and a release position wherein the first jaw and second jaw release the suturing material. After grasping the suturing material with the needle, the shaft rotates the needle to advance the needle and suturing material through tissue and mesh placed on the tissue. Spaced apart portions of the suturing material are then fused to create a suture.

Abstract: A uterine manipulator operable to detach the uterus and cervix from the vagina. The uterine manipulator includes an umbrella-like tip that creates a secure connection between the uterine manipulator and the uterus and cervix. The uterine manipulator also includes a pneumooccluder that enables rotation of the manipulator shaft while maintaining pneumoperitoneum. The uterine manipulator further includes a cutter that travels in a circle at the junction of the cervix and the vagina, permitting detachment of the uterus and cervix from the top of the vagina.

Abstract: A uterine manipulator operable to detach the uterus and cervix from the vagina. The uterine manipulator includes a shaft, a handle, a tip assembly, and a cutting assembly. The shaft includes a first end and a second end, and the handle is coupled to the first end and pivotable relative to the first end about a first axis. The tip assembly is coupled to the second end and pivotable relative to the second end along a second axis parallel to the first axis, and is adapted for insertion into the uterus. The cutting assembly is coupled around the shaft and adapted to receive the cervix when the tip assembly is inserted into the uterus.

Abstract: A uterine manipulator operable to detach the uterus and cervix from the vagina. The uterine manipulator includes a shaft with a first end and a second end, a handle coupled to the first end, and a tip assembly coupled to the second end and adapted for insertion into the uterus. The uterine manipulator also includes a cutting assembly coupled around the shaft and adapted to receive the cervix when the tip assembly is inserted into the uterus. The cutting assembly includes a cup portion and a cutter wire. The cup portion is configured to be positioned at a juncture between the cervix and the vagina and includes with two grooves around its circumference. The cutter wire is configured to be positioned between the two grooves when in a stored position, and then pulled from between the two grooves through tissue at the juncture to cut the tissue.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a retrieval device and method for retrieving tissue from a body cavity. The retrieval device includes a pouch having an aperture and a pouch wall defining an interior space. An inflatable rim is coupled to the pouch and facilitates retrieval of the tissue into the interior space of the pouch. The retrieval device further includes a closure device coupled to the pouch wall for enclosing the tissue within the interior space of the pouch. A portion of the pouch wall includes a self-sealing characteristic that allows an instrument to pierce the pouch wall and the pouch wall is resealable after withdrawal of the instrument. The pouch can move from a retracted position to a expanded position upon inflation of the inflatable rim, which can then be separated by application of a separation force at an area of material weakness in the pouch wall.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a laparoscopic morcellating device and method for removing tissue from a body cavity. The morcellating device includes a containment mechanism having an aperture, a cutting mechanism designed to fit into an interior space of the containment mechanism and a retractor mechanism that is coupled to the cutting mechanism. The containment mechanism and cutting mechanism combination surrounds the tissue and the aperture of the containment mechanism is closed around the tissue. The morcellating device further includes a motor for actuating the retractor such that the cutting mechanism constricts and morcellates the tissue. The laparoscopic morcellating device further allows for torque balancing of the retractor mechanism, gas flow regulation of the body cavity, and safety feedback mechanisms that can alert the surgeon.