Abstract: A valve component 1 of the invention comprises a main valve 2 which is located on a centre line and at least one auxiliary valve 3 which is located radially outwardly of the main valve 2. The main valve may be used for sealing engagement with a cannula. In some cases the cannula may be used for introduction of a number of robotically controlled surgical instruments generally, including a camera. The auxiliary valves 3 may be utilised to introduce another instrument through the valve component. The valve component is mounted in a manner which ensures that the valve component 1 is rotatable about a centre line through the axis of the valve component 1. This ensures that the valve component 1 can be rotated relative to a cannula inserted through the main valve 2 and consequently that the auxiliary valves 3 are rotatable relative to the cannula allowing the auxiliary valves 3 to be positioned to facilitate optimum access and manipulation for an auxiliary instrument(s) inserted through the auxiliary valve(s) 2.

Abstract: An introducer guide includes a guiding assembly to guide insertion an instrument, such as a biopsy needle, through a selected insertion point on a patient's body and along a selected insertion path. An imaging system, such as a CT scanner, is used to visualize portions of the guiding assembly in relation to the patient's tissues as the insertion path is adjusted. The guiding assembly includes a semicircular arch connected with a base plate by sliding hinges with a center of curvature of the arch centered on the insertion point. A guide body is slidably connected with the arch. Rotation of the arch about the hinges adjusts a first angle of the insertion path. Motion of the guide body along the arch adjusts a second angle of the insertion path. Linkages, such as linear actuation cables, rotary cables, or pneumatic or hydraulic actuators, connect the arch and guide body with remote operators. A practitioner aligns the guide assembly with the insertion point and fixes the base to the patient's skin.

Abstract: A valve component 1 of the invention comprises a main valve 2 which is located on a centre line and at least one auxiliary valve 3 which is located radially outwardly of the main valve 2. The main valve may be used for sealing engagement with a cannula. In some cases the cannula may be used for introduction of a number of robotically controlled surgical instruments generally, including a camera. The auxiliary valves 3 may be utilised to introduce another instrument through the valve component. The valve component is mounted in a manner which ensures that the valve component 1 is rotatable about a centre line through the axis of the valve component 1. This ensures that the valve component 1 can be rotated relative to a cannula inserted through the main valve 2 and consequently that the auxiliary valves 3 are rotatable relative to the cannula allowing the auxiliary valves 3 to be positioned to facilitate optimum access and manipulation for an auxiliary instrument(s) inserted through the auxiliary valve(s) 2.

Abstract: A medical device to protect a body opening, such as a vagina. The medical device may include a lumen and anchoring structure(s) for securing the device in the body opening. In some embodiments, the medical device includes a sleeve, a proximal ring attached to a proximal end of the sleeve, and a distal ring attached to a distal end of the sleeve.

Abstract: Apparatus for placement in an incision of a natural body opening comprises a retractor having a sleeve (655, 656, 657) and a guard device comprising overlapping petals (662) depending from a mounting ring (661). The guard device is movable by the retractor from an insertion configuration to a deployed configuration as the retractor sleeve is moved to the retracting configuration.

Abstract: Apparatus for placement in an incision or a natural body opening comprises a retractor having a sleeve (655, 656, 657) and a guard device comprising overlapping petals (662) depending from a mounting ring (661). The guard device is movable by the retractor from an insertion configuration to a deployed configuration as the retractor sleeve is moved to the retracting configuration.

Abstract: An echogenic curette for carrying out a suction dilation and curettage allows the physician to view the curette and the pathology they want to remove, and use that to guide the procedure. The echogenic curette is visible using ultrasound imaging.

Abstract: A valve component 1 of the invention comprises a main valve 2 which is located on a centre line and at least one auxiliary valve 3 which is located radially outwardly of the main valve 2. The main valve may be used for sealing engagement with a cannula. In some cases the cannula may be used for introduction of a number of robotically controlled surgical instruments generally, including a camera. The auxiliary valves 3 may be utilised to introduce another instrument through the valve component. The valve component is mounted in a manner which ensures that the valve component 1 is rotatable about a centre line through the axis of the valve component 1. This ensures that the valve component 1 can be rotated relative to a cannula inserted through the main valve 2 and consequently that the auxiliary valves 3 are rotatable relative to the cannula allowing the auxiliary valves 3 to be positioned to facilitate optimum access and manipulation for an auxiliary instrument(s) inserted through the auxiliary valve(s) 2.

Abstract: A valve component (1) of the invention comprises a main valve (2) which is located on a centre line and at least one auxiliary valve (3) which is located radially outwardly of the main valve (2). The main valve may be used for sealing engagement with a cannula. In some cases the cannula may be used for introduction of a number of robotically controlled surgical instruments generally, including a camera. The auxiliary valves (3) may be utilised to introduce another instrument through the valve component. The valve component is mounted in a manner which ensures that the valve component (1) is rotatable about a centre line through the axis of the valve component (1).

Abstract: An instrument such as a tenaculum comprises a pair of jaws (202, 203) which are pivotal from an open configuration in which the jaws (202, 203) are splayed apart to a closed low profile delivery configuration. The jaws (202, 203) each have tissue engagement features (201). A protector loop (200) for each jaw which may be of a shape memory material such as Nitinol provides a safety protective distal tip which is distal of the tissue engaging features (201). The atraumatic tip does not harm tissue and does not compromise the integrity of a bag which may be used as a containment device in a procedure such as a hysterectomy.

Abstract: A method for performing a laparoscopic procedure may include inserting a bag through an opening. The method may also include delivering tissue into the bag, sealing the bag, and inflating the bag to create an artificial pneumoperitoneum that extends the abdomen and provides additional working and viewing space. Further, the method may include carrying out a procedure on the tissue located in the inflated bag.

Abstract: A suture device comprises a needle (5) which is movable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration and a drive for rotating the needle between the retracted and extended configurations. The drive comprises an axle (18) which is rotated by a rack (12) and pinion (10) system.

Abstract: Apparatus for placement in an incision or a natural body opening comprises a retractor having a sleeve (655, 656, 657) and a guard device comprising overlapping petals (662) depending from a mounting ring (661). The guard device is movable by the retractor from an insertion configuration to a deployed configuration as the retractor sleeve is moved to the retracting configuration.

Abstract: A surgical access sealing device comprises expansile chambers 306, 307, 308, 309 which define inflation spaces. An upper layer 304 in one case comprises two chambers 306, 307 which are overlapped when uninflated. A lower layer 305 comprises two chambers 308, 309 which are also overlapped, when uninflated. The region of overlap between the chambers 306, 307 of the first layer is offset from the region of overlap between the chambers 308, 309 of the second layer. The walls of the inflated chambers are movable for passage of an object such as a surgeon's arm/hand whilst maintaining a seal.

Abstract: An artificial pneumoperitoneum bag device may include an inflatable bag having an opening at an end of the bag. The bag device may also include an indicator including at least one repeating pattern on a wall of the bag. The pattern may extend across at least one side of the bag.

Abstract: An artificial pneumoperitoneum bag device may include an inflatable bag having an opening at an end of the bag. The bag device may also include an indicator including at least one repeating pattern on a wall of the bag. The pattern may extend across at least one side of the bag.

Abstract: A suture device comprises a shaft and a needle which creates a curved pathway for delivery of a suture. The curved needle is rotatably movable from a retracted to an extended configuration. The suture is housed in a feed channel within the shaft. The shaft also houses a suture receiving channel with an open distal end. A suture cutter is located adjacent to the suture feed channel distal end for cutting the suture, when required. The device also comprises a rotatable twisting element having a rotating shaft and a pair of radially extending arms, having through suture-receiving through holes. A heating rod in the form of a heating element is also provided to heat meld a twist when formed in the suture.

Abstract: A method for performing a laparoscopic procedure may include inserting a bag through an opening. The method may also include delivering tissue into the bag, sealing the bag, and inflating the bag to create an artificial pneumoperitoneum that extends the abdomen and provides additional working and viewing space. Further, the method may include carrying out a procedure on the tissue located in the inflated bag.

Abstract: A surgical access system comprises a first access device and a second access device. The first access device comprises expansile chambers which define inflation spaces. A region of overlap between the chambers of a first layer is offset from a region of overlap between the chambers of a second layer. The walls of the inflated chambers are movable for passage of an object such as a surgeon's arm/hand whilst maintaining a seal. The second access device comprises a housing, at least one valve mounted to the housing and a flexible film to which the housing is mounted.

Abstract: A method for performing a laparoscopic procedure may include inserting a bag through an opening. The method may also include delivering tissue into the bag, sealing the bag, and inflating the bag to create an artificial pneumoperitoneum that extends the abdomen and provides additional working and viewing space. Further, the method may include carrying out a procedure on the tissue located in the inflated bag.