Abstract: A threading machine performs a method for creating a continuous loop of twine. A plate has a first face, a second face opposite the first face, and a hole therethrough. A ring gear is disposed on the first face and rotates about a central axis aligned with the hole. A drive pulley unwinds the thread from a spool on the ring gear and through the central axis of the ring gear in a threading direction. The drive pulley directs the thread through the ring gear a plurality of times. The ring gear is held stationary as the drive pulley unwinds the thread during a first manufacturing step to form a core of the continuous loop and rotates as the drive pulley unwinds the thread during a second manufacturing step to wrap the thread around the core to form an outer wrap around the core.

Abstract: The present invention is a device having a rigidly linked jaw that is decoupled from an articulating wrist. The device provides for articulating motion as well as actuation that may be used in grasping, cutting, suturing or the like.

Abstract: The present invention is a device having a rigidly linked jaw that is decoupled from an articulating wrist. The device provides for articulating motion as well as actuation that may be used in grasping, cutting, suturing or the like.

Abstract: The present invention is a device having a rigidly linked jaw that is decoupled from an articulating wrist. The device provides for articulating motion as well as actuation that may be used in grasping, cutting, suturing or the like.

Abstract: The present invention is a device having a rigidly linked jaw that is decoupled from an articulating wrist. The device provides for articulating motion as well as actuation that may be used in grasping, cutting, suturing or the like.

Abstract: The present invention is a device having a rigidly linked jaw that is decoupled from an articulating wrist. The device provides for articulating motion as well as actuation that may be used in grasping, cutting, suturing or the like.

Abstract: The present invention is a device having a rigidly linked jaw that is decoupled from an articulating wrist. The device provides for articulating motion as well as actuation that may be used in grasping, cutting, suturing or the like.

Abstract: The present invention is a device having a rigidly linked jaw that is decoupled from an articulating wrist. The device provides for articulating motion as well as actuation that may be used in grasping, cutting, suturing or the like.

Abstract: The present invention is a device having a rigidly linked jaw that is decoupled from an articulating wrist. The device provides for articulating motion as well as actuation that may be used in grasping, cutting, suturing or the like.

Abstract: The present invention is a device having a rigidly linked jaw that is decoupled from an articulating wrist. The device provides for articulating motion as well as actuation that may be used in grasping, cutting, suturing or the like.

Abstract: The present invention is a device having a rigidly linked jaw that is decoupled from an articulating wrist. The device provides for articulating motion as well as actuation that may be used in grasping, cutting, suturing or the like.

Abstract: A retractor tool has a hollow shaft with a proximal end and a distal end. The shaft has an internal bore sized to slidable receive an elongated tool of predetermined dimensions with a distal end of said tool exposed through a distal end of the bore. Such tool may be a visualization tool or other tool used in surgery. A first pivoting jaw and a second jaw are both secured to the distal end of the shaft to pivot about first and second pivot axes perpendicular to an axis of the shaft. The jaws pivot between open and closed positions. In the closed positions, opposing surfaces of the jaws define a distal end of the bore extending completely between the jaws.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a body tissue in situ (e.g., an atrial tissue of a heart to treat atrial fibrillation) include a lesion formation tool is positioned against the heart surface. The apparatus includes a guide member having a tissue-opposing surface for placement against a heart surface. The guide member also has interior surfaces and a longitudinal axis. A guide carriage is sized to be received with the guide member and moveable therein along the longitudinal axis. An optical fiber is positioned within the guide carriage with the carriage retaining the fiber. The carriage receives the fiber with an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and bends the fiber to a distal tip with an axis of said fiber at said distal tip at least 45 degrees to the longitudinal axis and aligned for discharge of laser energy through the tissue opposing surface.

Abstract: The present invention is a device having a rigidly linked jaw that is decoupled from an articulating wrist. The device provides for articulating motion as well as actuation that may be used in grasping, cutting, suturing or the like.

Abstract: A system for maintaining a substantially fixed distance between a localized surface of the heart and the distal end of a surgical device for use in endoscopic surgical procedures. The system comprises a stabilizer for minimizing localized motion of the heart in attached communication with a sensor for sensing localized motion of the heart in a region proximal the stabilizer and a controller in electrical communication with the sensor for processing data indicative of the localized motion of the heart in a region proximal the stabilizer. The processor is in electrical communication with a controller for a robotic arm that holds an instrument for use in an endoscopic surgical procedure, said instrument having a proximal and distal end, and said robotic arm in electrical communication with the controller.

Abstract: The present invention is a device having a rigidly linked jaw that is decoupled from an articulating wrist. The device provides for articulating motion as well as actuation that may be used in grasping, cutting, suturing or the like.