Abstract: A handle assembly for operating a surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing; a trigger operatively supported on the housing; and at least one actuation cable operatively associated with the trigger and extending from the housing in such a manner that an actuation of the trigger imparts both an axial translation of the actuation cable and a rotation to the actuation cable. Each of the axial translation and rotation of the actuation cable performs a separate function.

Abstract: An endoscopic stitching device including a tool assembly having a pair of juxtaposed jaws; a rotatably supported camming hub defining a groove formed in an inner surface of a central lumen thereof; and a center rod slidably and rotatably disposed within the lumen of the camming hub. The center rod is operatively engaged with the groove formed in the camming hub and engaged with the pair of jaws. The inner groove of the camming hub is configured such that, in at least one position, axial translation of the center rod relative to the camming hub results in rotation of the camming hub and at least one of opening and closing of the pair of jaws. The inner groove of the camming hub is configured such that, in at least one other position, rotation of the canter rod results in rotation of the tool assembly.

Abstract: An endoscopic stitching device is provided including a handle assembly and an end effector operatively connected to the handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a housing; a trigger operatively supported on the housing; and an actuation cable operatively connected to the trigger and extending from the housing in such a manner that an actuation of the trigger imparts axial translation and rotation to the actuation cable. The end effector includes a tool assembly configured and adapted to perform at least a pair of operations. The actuation cable is operatively connected to the tool assembly in such a manner that the actuation cable is capable of effecting a first operation of the pair of operations of the end effector upon the axial translation thereof and/or effecting a second operation of the pair of operations of the end effector upon the rotation thereof.

Abstract: An endoscopic stitching device is provided including an end effector configured and adapted to perform at least a pair of functions; and a single actuation cable operatively connected to the end effector, wherein the actuation cable is capable of effecting operation of at least the pair of functions. The actuation cable is capable of effecting a first operation of the pair of functions upon an axial translation thereof, and a second operation of the pair of functions upon a rotation thereof.

Abstract: A suture deployment system is disclosed including a surgical needle having a flexible suture fixedly attached thereto and a target suture releasably secured to the flexible suture. A collar is positioned between the flexible suture and the target suture and is fixedly secured to the flexible suture. The target suture is releasably secured to the collar is such that the target suture may detach from the collar once a surgical procedure has been completed. The surgical needle is a double pointed surgical needle specifically configured to be manipulated by a surgical suturing apparatus.

Abstract: A duel lumen catheter is provided for use in minimally invasive surgery. The catheter generally includes a first tube defining an operative lumen and a second tube terminating proximally of the first tube and defining an inflation lumen. In one embodiment, the first and second tubes are concentric. In an alternative embodiment, the first and second tubes are separate and extend parallel to each other. The first and second tubes are provided with inflation ports adjacent their respective distal ends. There is also provided a method for performing minimally invasive surgery by inserting the catheter through the esophagus of a patient, insufflating the stomach and performing a surgical operation through the catheter and external to the stomach.

Abstract: A guidewire for use in the placement of a catheter includes an elongate flexible core wire and a helical coil wrapped about the core wire. The pitch of the turns of the coil is relatively wide over most of the length of the guidewire with a distal segment having coil turns that are closely adjacent each other. The coil is formed from a radiopaque material. The wide pitch of the coil presented reduced contact area between the guidewire and the catheter, thereby reducing frictional drag between the two. The distal dip defines a relatively dark radiopaque image while the more proximal portions of the guidewire present a less radiopaque relatively gray image. The black/gray fluoroscopic images enable clear determination of the precise position and contour of the guidewire but without obstructing fluoroscopic visualization of radiopaque contrast liquid injected into the body lumen containing the guidewire and catheter.