Abstract: A walking stick can include a handle (50) including a head (52). The head (52) can include at least one internal reinforcement member (90). The at least one internal reinforcement member (90) can have a shape that is substantially the same as a shape of the head (52). The bathing wand can include a neck (54) and a shaft (20). The bathing wand can also include a foot (150, 180) for engaging the ground. The foot (150, 180) can be coupled to the shaft (20). In some aspects, the foot (180) can include at least two arms (186) extending from a top portion (190) towards a bottom portion (194) of the foot (180). Each of the at least two arms (186) can be coupled together through a base (188) of the of the bottom portion (194). In some aspects, at least one arm (186) can form a loop (193).

Abstract: A walking stick can include a handle (50) including a head (52). The head (52) can include at least one internal reinforcement member (90). The at least one internal reinforcement member (90) can have a shape that is substantially the same as a shape of the head (52). The bathing wand can include a neck (54) and a shaft (20). The bathing wand can also include a foot (150, 180) for engaging the ground. The foot (150, 180) can be coupled to the shaft (20). In some aspects, the foot (180) can include at least two arms (186) extending from a top portion (190) towards a bottom portion (194) of the foot (180). Each of the at least two arms (186) can be coupled together through a base (188) of the of the bottom portion (194). In some aspects, at least one arm (186) can form a loop (193).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for the stabilization and fastening of two pieces of tissue. A single device may be used to both stabilize and fasten the two pieces of tissue, or a separate stabilizing device may be used in conjunction with a fastening device. After the pieces of tissue are stabilized, they are fastened together using sutures or clips. One exemplary embodiment of a suture-based fastener comprises a needle connected to a suture. The needle enters the blind side of the tissue and exits the front side. The suture is then tied in a knot to secure the pieces of tissue. One example of a clip-based fastener comprises a spring-loaded clip having two arms with tapered distal ends and barbs. The probe includes a deployment mechanism which causes the clip to pierce and lockingly secure the two pieces of tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for the stabilization and fastening of two pieces of tissue. A single device may be used to both stabilize and fasten the two pieces of tissue, or a separate stabilizing device may be used in conjunction with a fastening device. The stabilizing device may comprise a probe with vacuum ports and/or mechanical clamps disposed at the distal end to approximate the two pieces of tissue. After the pieces of tissue are stabilized, they are fastened together using sutures or clips. One exemplary embodiment of a suture-based fastener comprises a toggle and suture arrangement deployed by a needle, wherein the needle enters the front side of the tissue and exits the blind side. In a second exemplary embodiment, the suture-based fastener comprises a needle connected to a suture. The needle enters the blind side of the tissue and exits the front side. The suture is then tied in a knot to secure the pieces of tissue.

Abstract: A surgical portal and introducer assembly includes an introducer and a portal member positionable within a longitudinal passageway of the introducer. The portal member is adapted for positioning within a tissue tract and has at least one longitudinal port for passage of a surgical object. The portal member comprises a compressible material and is adapted to transition between a first expanded condition and a second compressed condition. The assembly may include an expandable restraining member that may be disposed within the longitudinal passageway. The restraining member is adapted to expand and compress the portal member to cause the portal member to transition to the compressed condition.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices for introducing a port within a body cavity. The system includes a compressible port that collapses radially for positioning into an introducer that is inserted into an incision. Methods for using the devices are also described.

Abstract: A surgical portal and introducer assembly includes an introducer dimensioned for at least partial positioning within a tissue tract, and having a longitudinal introducer channel extending therethrough and a portal positionable within the longitudinal channel of the introducer. The introducer defines leading and trailing ends, and further has a frangible segment adapted to separate to expose the introducer channel. The portal has at least one longitudinal port for passage of a surgical object. The portal comprises a compressible material and is adapted to transition from a first expanded condition to a second compressed condition upon advancement through the longitudinal channel of the introducer to facilitate passage through the introducer whereby, upon separating of the frangible segment, the portal is released from the longitudinal channel to transition toward the first expanded condition to be generally secured within the tissue tract.

Abstract: A surgical portal and introducer assembly includes an introducer defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal passageway and a portal member positionable within the longitudinal passageway of the introducer. The portal member is adapted for positioning within a tissue tract and has at least one longitudinal port for passage of a surgical object. The portal member comprises a compressible material and is adapted to transition between a first expanded condition to facilitate securing of the portal member within the tissue tract and in substantial sealed relation with tissue surfaces defining the tissue tract and a second compressed condition to facilitate at least partial insertion of the portal member within the tissue tract. The assembly may include an expandable restraining member at least partially disposed within the longitudinal passageway of introducer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for the stabilization and fastening of two pieces of tissue. A single device may be used to both stabilize and fasten the two pieces of tissue, or a separate stabilizing device may be used in conjunction with a fastening device. The stabilizing device may comprise a probe with vacuum ports and/or mechanical clamps disposed at the distal end to approximate the two pieces of tissue. After the pieces of tissue are stabilized, they are fastened together using sutures or clips. One exemplary embodiment of a suture-based fastener comprises a toggle and suture arrangement deployed by a needle, wherein the needle enters the front side of the tissue and exits the blind side. In a second exemplary embodiment, the suture-based fastener comprises a needle connected to a suture. The needle enters the blind side of the tissue and exits the front side. The suture is then tied in a knot to secure the pieces of tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for the stabilization and fastening of two pieces of tissue. A single device may be used to both stabilize and fasten the two pieces of tissue, or a separate stabilizing device may be used in conjunction with a fastening device. The stabilizing device may comprise a probe with vacuum ports and/or mechanical clamps disposed at the distal end to approximate the two pieces of tissue. After the pieces of tissue are stabilized, they are fastened together using sutures or clips. One exemplary embodiment of a suture-based fastener comprises a toggle and suture arrangement deployed by a needle, wherein the needle enters the front side of the tissue and exits the blind side. In a second exemplary embodiment, the suture-based fastener comprises a needle connected to a suture. The needle enters the blind side of the tissue and exits the front side. The suture is then tied in a knot to secure the pieces of tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for the stabilization and fastening of two pieces of tissue. A single device may be used to both stabilize and fasten the two pieces of tissue, or a separate stabilizing device may be used in conjunction with a fastening device. The stabilizing device may comprise a probe with vacuum ports and/or mechanical clamps disposed at the distal end to approximate the two pieces of tissue. After the pieces of tissue are stabilized, they are fastened together using sutures or clips. One exemplary embodiment of a suture-based fastener comprises a toggle and suture arrangement deployed by a needle, wherein the needle enters the front side of the tissue and exits the blind side. In a second exemplary embodiment, the suture-based fastener comprises a needle connected to a suture. The needle enters the blind side of the tissue and exits the front side. The suture is then tied in a knot to secure the pieces of tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for the stabilization and fastening of two pieces of tissue. A single device may be used to both stabilize and fasten the two pieces of tissue, or a separate stabilizing device may be used in conjunction with a fastening device. The stabilizing device may comprise a probe with vacuum ports and/or mechanical clamps disposed at the distal end to approximate the two pieces of tissue. After the pieces of tissue are stabilized, they are fastened together using sutures or clips. One exemplary embodiment of a suture-based fastener comprises a toggle and suture arrangement deployed by a needle, wherein the needle enters the front side of the tissue and exits the blind side. In a second exemplary embodiment, the suture-based fastener comprises a needle connected to a suture. The needle enters the blind side of the tissue and exits the front side. The suture is then tied in a knot to secure the pieces of tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for the stabilization and fastening of two pieces of tissue. A single device may be used to both stabilize and fasten the two pieces of tissue, or a separate stabilizing device may be used in conjunction with a fastening device. The stabilizing device may comprise a probe with vacuum ports and/or mechanical clamps disposed at the distal end to approximate the two pieces of tissue. After the pieces of tissue are stabilized, they are fastened together using sutures or clips. One exemplary embodiment of a suture-based fastener comprises a toggle and suture arrangement deployed by a needle, wherein the needle enters the front side of the tissue and exits the blind side. In a second exemplary embodiment, the suture-based fastener comprises a needle connected to a suture. The needle enters the blind side of the tissue and exits the front side. The suture is then tied in a knot to secure the pieces of tissue.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for providing sealable access to a viscus region or hollow organ and performing surgical procedures therein. The present invention is particularly useful in providing access to a patients heart without arresting the heart. The access system comprises a tissue stabilizer to provide a stable work area in a dynamic environment. A puncture device is inserted into the tissue stabilizer, which forms a puncture hole within the heart tissue. Thereafter, a sealing device, for example a sealing balloon, is inserted through the puncture hole and engages the interior tissue. A sealing cannula may then be advanced into and sealably engages the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for providing sealable access to a viscus region or hollow organ and performing surgical procedures therein. The present invention is particularly useful in providing access to a patients heart without arresting the heart. The access system comprises a tissue stabilizer to provide a stable work area in a dynamic environment. A puncture device is inserted into the tissue stabilizer, which forms a puncture hole within the heart tissue. Thereafter, a sealing device, for example a sealing balloon, is inserted through the puncture hole and engages the interior tissue. A sealing cannula may then be advanced into and sealably engages the tissue.

Abstract: The present system is directed to a method and system to stabilize and repair tissue. At least two opposing devices may be used to stabilize and repair the tissue, with the two devices cooperatively engaging the tissue interposed therebetween. Stabilization may be accomplished by opposing force, vacuum force, or mechanical devices disposed at the distal portion of one or both devices. After the tissue has been stabilized, fasteners may be deployed into the tissue. Fasteners include sutures, clips, and staples. Also disclosed is a minimally invasive method of accessing tissue located within a body and conducting a repair of the area using the system disclosed herein.